Worthy Brief - 1/23/2018
Friend, give a good word!
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
A friend writes: "My father did some pretty nasty things to me. But at the end of his life, as I kneeled by his bedside, I told him how thankful I was for every good thing he had done and every way he had blessed me, and there were many. We were good friends when he passed away." One of the greatest regrets you can avoid at the end of your life is the failure to praise others when they deserved it, (and even when they didn't).
But why is it that affirming words are so pitifully rare in our conversations, especially when so many many people are anxious, discouraged, and depressed by all the negativity in this life? We're living in a world that's constantly knocking us down, from cradle to grave. Is it any wonder that anxiety and depression are rampant at every age level?
But notice the advice that Solomon gives -- a good word makes the heart glad. We should take this to heart. A compliment or blessing can be one of the greatest motivators, and can be truly life changing. And every one of us needs this kind of encouragement to run the race of this life.
Friend, let's be people of encouragement, looking for the word which will lift another person up and bring healing and hope to her soul. A good word will also do wonders for our own hearts.
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Denver, Colorado
Editor's Note: You can watch both parts of a message entitled, "The Restoration of All Things" that was given in Delphi, Indiana this past weekend on YouTube. Be sure to watch, and share! Restoration of All Things (Part 1) | Restoration of All Things (Part 2)
Editor's Note: We're speaking in Colorado this week! Be sure to see us while we're on the road! Check out our our updated calendar!
Editor's Note: We have our schedule online. Be sure to check it out and see where you can meet us on the road! There are still a few holes we are hoping to fill along the way. If you would like to us minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or host a Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyemail.com for more information.
Turkey intensifies offensive against US-backed Kurds
Turkey has begun a major new offensive in northwestern Syria, in a bid to oust Kurdish militia from the area.
Iran Threatens U.S. Navy Ships Amid Massive War Drills
Iranian military leaders claimed Monday that they threatened two American-led vessels in international waters amid a series of new war drills being carried out by the Islamic Republic, according to regional reports and U.S. military officials who confirmed to the Washington Free Beacon contact with the Iranian vessels.
Tillerson: US may miss Iran nuclear deal deadline
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Monday said the U.S. may not be able fix the flaws in the Iran nuclear agreement in time to meet a White House deadline, a remark that comes shortly before talks on Iran with three European countries get underway next week.
Philippine volcano spews fountains of lava, big ash plumes
The Philippines' most active volcano has spewed fountains of lava and massive ash plumes overnight after authorities warned a violent eruption may be imminent.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Abbas at EU: Recognizing Palestine will give Palestinians hope for peace
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday called on member states of the European Union to recognize 'the State of Palestine,' saying such a move would encourage Palestinians to maintain hope for peace.
EU promises to back Abbas' demand for Jerusalem
The European Union pledged its support Monday for Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas’ vision of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Could This Newfound Cave Hold More Dead Sea Scrolls?
Archaeologists are excavating a newfound cave in Qumran, with the hope of finding new Dead Sea Scrolls.
Palestinian Christians slam Pence's pro-Israel faith
Palestinian Christians say U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's brand of evangelical Christianity, with its fervent embrace of modern-day Israel as fulfilment of biblical prophecy, lacks their faith's compassion and justice, including for those who have endured half a century of Israeli occupation.
Dead Sea Scrolls manuscript pieced together and deciphered
Israeli scholars have pieced together and deciphered one of two previously unread manuscripts of the Dead Sea Scrolls more than half a century after their discovery, an Israeli university has said.
Inside the United States
Trump signs spending bill ending shutdown, government will reopen Tuesday
The government will reopen on Tuesday after President Trump signed a temporary spending bill that will keep the government open until Feb. 8.
California Democrats want some businesses to fork over half tax-cut savings to state
Calling the Trump administration’s tax reform plan a 'middle-class tax increase,' two California lawmakers introduced a bill that would force large companies to fork over half of their expected savings to the state.
Republicans demand new special counsel over lost FBI text messages
House Republicans are demanding that a second independent special counsel be convened to probe the FBI’s investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email account and server.
Vermont Becomes First State to Legalize Marijuana Through State Legislature
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R.) signed into law a measure allowing the possession of marijuana for recreational use Monday.
Christian News
Over 80 Killed in Benue State, Nigeria in January
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that more than 80 Christians have been killed in Benue State, Nigeria by Fulani militants since January 1. These attacks have mainly taken place in two locations within the state, Logo and Guma Counties. Logo saw more than 50 deaths in just the first week of the new year by Fulani attacks, while Guma suffered more than 30.