Worthy Brief - 1/25/2017
Friend, have you given your all?
Psalms 54:6 I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.
During his reign, King Frederick William III of Prussia found himself in a bind. Wars had been costly, and in trying to build the nation, he was seriously short of finances. After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia if they would bring their jewelry of gold and silver to be melted down for their country. Each piece of jewelry he received, he would exchange for a decoration of bronze or iron as a symbol of his gratitude. These decorations would be inscribed, 'I gave gold for iron, 18l3'.
The response was overwhelming. But more importantly, the women prized these gifts from the king even more highly than their former jewelry! The reason, of course, is clear. They were proof that they had sacrificed for their king.
When we come to know our King, we, too should want to exchange the flourishes of our former life for Him. The amazing thing about our King is that He not only takes our jewels but He takes our rags too -- and uses them for the good of His Kingdom!
Friend, perhaps there are some things we need to sacrifice to him today. Let's pray and ask for His revelation. There are great things awaiting those who give.
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Editor's Note: Let President-Elect Trump know the Importance of Israel: Sign our Petition!
Editor's Note: We are on a cross-country speaking/music tour this winter and early spring in the United States! If you see that we will be close to your area and you want to hear a timely word from Worthy News Founder and Director, George Whitten and powerful Israeli Worship Music from Baht Rivka Whitten, Lazman Hazeh Music, as well as testimony of life and ministry in the Land, we invite you to join us -- or even invite us to speak/sing at your Congregation, Conference, Church, Midweek Meeting or Israel focused Event, especially if you see a free date on our way! We hope to hug you! Send us an email to george [ @ ] worthyemail.com for more information. Check out our calendar and see if we're speaking near you!
Around the World
UK parliament must give Brexit approval, judges rule
UK prime minister Theresa May will have to obtain the consent of parliament before triggering Article 50, the exit procedure from the European Union, the Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday (24 January).
Iran, Russia, Turkey Say Will Jointly Enforce Syria Ceasefire
Iran, Russia and Turkey will establish a trilateral mechanism to observe and ensure full compliance with the ceasefire in Syria, prevent any provocations and determine exactly how the ceasefire will work, the three nations said in a joint statement.
China Announces Deployment of New Long Range Nuclear Missile
In a rare move, China has publicly announced the deployment of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The Dong Feng ('East Wind') -41 missile, or DF-41, can carry up to a dozen nuclear warheads and China claims it has the longest range of any nuclear missile in the world. The announcement of the missiles is likely a warning to U.S. President Donald Trump, who is known for sharply worded anti-Chinese rhetoric and has announced plans for a new ballistic missile system.
Trump expands anti-abortion ban to all US global health aid
President Donald Trump has massively expanded the ban on providing federal money to international family planning groups that perform abortions or provide abortion information to all organizations receiving U.S. global health assistance.
Russia and Turkey push Syria's warring sides to seal truce
Syria's warring sides met for their first talks in nine months on Monday, with their Russian and Turkish backers pushing to cement a ceasefire that could pave the way for political talks.
Bill introduced to remove US from United Nations
A proposed House Resolution would set the stage for the United States to remove itself from the United Nations.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli defense minister: Next war must be pursued to the end
Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Tuesday said that any future war will need to continue until there is a decisive result, even if Israel needs to take over "a quarter" or more of the Gaza Strip. The military will not stop until the other side "waves a white flag," said Lieberman.
IDF shells Hamas outpost in retaliation for shooting incident
An IDF tank shelled a Hamas outpost in the center of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday in retaliation for two incidents of shooting at IDF forces earlier in the day.
Is the New Star Really a Sign of a Messiah for Israel?
In 2022, approximately five years from now, a new star will appear in the night sky. Scientifically speaking, the appearance of this nova is the product of the collision of two other astral bodies. And for six months this new star will--to the naked eye--be the brightest in the heavens.
Gaza infrastructure nearing collapse
Gaza's infrastructure is on the verge of collapse, the Israeli NGO Gisha said in a detailed report it issued on Tuesday, which painted a bleak picture of the lack of basic utilities in the Hamas-controlled Strip.
Inside the United States
House passes major abortion bill
The House passed a sweeping abortion bill Tuesday that would permanently ban federal funding for abortions and restrict some Obamacare plans that cover elective abortions.
Planned Parenthood: Our Name Is 'Deceptive,' We Don't Help Pregnant Women
Pro-life organization Live Action released an investigative video on Tuesday exposing Planned Parenthood's misleading claim that it provides healthcare services to pregnant women.
White House orders freeze on EPA grants, media blackout
The White House has ordered a temporary halt to all in-progress federal grants and contracts at the Environmental Protection Agency -- holdovers from Barack Obama's government -- until they can be reviewed and approved by President Donald Trump's administration.
Senate votes 96-4 to confirm Haley as UN representative
The Senate easily confirmed President Trump's nominee to represent the United States at the United Nations on Tuesday, and gave his national security team its first diplomat.
Trump Signs Executive Orders Advancing Keystone, Dakota Access Pipelines
President Donald Trump signed executive orders Tuesday giving the go-ahead for the construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines.
Christian News
Atheist Group Sues West Virginia School District Over 'Bible in the Schools' Classes
An atheist organization is suing a West Virginia school district over an optional Bible course that has operated in the school system since 1939.
US Missionary Receives Award for Changing Hearts of a Once Thought Unreachable Group
Russell Stendal has lived in Colombia nearly his entire life. He first stepped foot in the South American country with his parents, who came as missionaries to the indigenous people there. Little did he know, he would one day minister to Colombia's infamous rebel group - the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).