Worthy Brief - 1/2/2024
Friend, as the ball drops!
Psalms 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
There were thousands of people bundled up in freezing New York weather to witness a few short seconds during which a descending ball of light announces the arrival of a New Year -- 2023. These hardy people endured the freezing air to mark the passage of time, but even more, because they were anticipating a "new beginning!" Saying goodbye to a tumultuous 2023, they were looking forward to making a fresh start in 2024!
One thing given equally to every person, rich or poor -- is time. In 2023, each of us lived 365 days, 8,760 hours and 525,600 minutes. How did you spend it? Reflecting over 2023, I am astounded how quickly the year seemed to pass -- almost like the proverbial blink of an eye. And looking back over it has caused me to ask, am I really carefully managing my time...the one commodity I "spend", that I can never buy back?
Friend, the psalmist expresses a timely request on our behalf..."Teach us to number our days", so that every one of them truly counts for the Lord! We can't change the past, but we can always improve our time management in the year to come. With so much work to be done, let's apply our hearts to wisdom, and use our time wisely!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Dallas, TX)
(Tampa, FL)
Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!
Editor's Note: We are planning our Winter Tour so if you would like us to minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.
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Japan Issues Tsunami Warning After Strong Earthquakes
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Scores Killed As Russia Steps Up Attacks On Ukraine (Worthy News Radio)
Ukraine was preparing for an unhappy New Year on Sunday after coming under massive Russian air strikes that killed scores of people. The attacks come as the president of Ukraine struggles to maintain the gigantic Western support needed to stand up against Russia's military, which invaded his country in February 2022.
Thousands Rally Against Serbia’s ‘Fraudulent Vote’
A tense calm returned Sunday to Serbia’s capital after thousands of people rallied there in the biggest protest yet against hardline President Aleksandar Vucic, who they accuse of orchestrating fraud in this month's parliamentary and municipal elections.
Russia Strikes Ukraine With Missiles and Drones, Killing Many (Worthy News Radio)
Seeking to inflict more death and destruction ahead of the New Year, Russia launched a massive barrage of cruise missiles and drones Friday against Ukraine, killing more than a dozen people, authorities said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Supreme Court Strikes Down Judical Overhaul Legislation
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Israel Air Strikes Kill 19 Pro-Iran Fighters
Israel apparently stepped up air strikes in eastern Syria on Saturday, killing at least 19 pro-Iran fighters as part of efforts to prevent attacks against the Jewish nation, a war monitor said.
Israel Hits Airport, Military Sites In Syria
Syria said Friday that it was hit by Israeli air strikes, with explosions heard overnight in and around the capital of Damascus. Authorities said the country's air defense systems were activated following the strike, but there was no immediate confirmation from Israel.
Inside the United States
Iranian With Terrorist Ties Apprehended at Northern Border
An Iranian with terrorist ties was caught after illegally entering the U.S. near Niagara Falls, New York, as a record number of known, suspected terrorists (KSTs) were apprehended in the first three months of fiscal 2024 at the northern border.
Ohio: Republican Gov. Vetoes Bill That Would Ban Transgender Treatments for Minors
Going against his party’s general stance on sex change treatments for minors, Ohio's Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday that he has vetoed a GOP-introduced bill that would have banned hormonal and surgical sex change medical interventions for minors, saying the government should not take the place of parents in deciding on transgender treatments CBS News reports.
US Military Launches Secretive Robot Spaceplane on Possible Highest-Ever Orbit Mission
Intensifying the US-China space race, the US Space Force on Thursday launched its secretive X-37B robot spaceplane aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket that is capable of taking it farther into space than ever before, Reuters reports.
Massive Migrant Caravan On Way To US
The migration crisis further escalated Friday as members of an 8,000-person migrant caravan were seen clinging to the sides of a train toward the U.S. southern border.
Christian News
Uganda: Islamic-State Affiliates Slaughter 10 Christians in Run-Up to Christmas, “The Christians Will Not Celebrate the Birth of Issa [Jesus]”
As swathes of Africa succumb to Islamic jihadist terrorists intent on slaughtering Christians and other “infidels,” members of the Islamic-State affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) murdered 10 Christians in western Uganda on Dec. 19, Morning Star News reports.
‘Muslim Son Kills Mother In Uganda For Praying To Jesus’
Christians said Saturday that a woman who turned to faith in Christ has been murdered in eastern Uganda by her Muslim son.