Worthy Brief - 5/2/2024
Friend, whatever and where ever!
Ruth 1:16-17 But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me."
When Ruth pledged her allegiance to Naomi and to the God of Israel, it wasn't based on, "What ifs?" or circumstances. It was a faith rooted in her devotion to Naomi and God even to the point of death!
So often, I've received emails from people wondering why? "Why this?" or "Why that?" But honestly, "His ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts" -- and I don't have easy answers for much of the horrendous stuff that happens to us! But what I do know is our faith is not based on "if this" circumstance was changed then I could serve -- or "if this" problem didn't exist then my life would be so much easier!
We tend to look at our circumstances, our problems, our status, our situations -- however, the faith we're called to have is a "whatever and wherever" faith!
Friend, let's stop looking at the "what ifs" and "why that" and start looking to the "Who" of your life! The "who" of your life should be Yeshua (Jesus) -- and when He is the "Who" of your life -- then the rest of your life is "whatever and where ever" for your good and His glory!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka (Jerusalem), Obadiah and Elianna (Dallas, TX)
(Baltimore, Maryland)
Editor's Note: Watch a recently uploaded sermon -- Passover, Marriage & the Kingdom of God
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 summer 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.
Hungary, East Europe Concerned At 20th Anniversary Of EU Big Bang Expansion
With mixed feelings, Central and Eastern Europe marked the 20th anniversary of the European Union’s “Big Bang” expansion with concerns about its future dampening celebrations.
Dozens Detained As Freedom Riots Hit Georgia
The smoke cleared Wednesday in the streets of Georgia’s capital after dozens of people were detained while an opposition leader was seen bandaged and bruised, as security forces cracked down on the latest protest outside Parliament against a bill that demonstrators say threatens press freedom.
Sudan: “A Crisis of Epic Proportions is Brewing,” Warns US Ambassador to UN
The US ambassador to the United Nations warned Monday that “history is repeating itself” as Sudan faces a “crisis of epic proportions” that includes a "large-scale massacre" in El-Fasher in the Darfur region, AFP reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu Vows To Enter Rafah As IDF Ramps Up Preparation for Imminent Operation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to eliminate Hamas in Gaza while the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) 98th and 162nd divisions have been intensively preparing for upcoming operations in the Gaza Strip, focusing on the impending Rafah offensive.
Government Working on Immediate IDF Enlistment of Ultra-Orthodox Men
Amid ongoing legal proceedings to finalize the matter, Israel’s government has told the country’s Supreme Court justices that it is working on the immediate enlistment of army-age ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men into the Israel Defense Forces, i24News reports.
Inside the United States
US University Riots Over Gaza War
Clashes broke out at U.S. universities, injuring several people Wednesday as police struggled to end weeks-long protests against Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Border Bill to Address Immigration Crisis Seems Far Off
President Joe Biden recently signed a $95 billion foreign aid bill and in so doing may have ended any hopes for a bill this Congress to address the southern border crisis.
US to Reclassify Cannabis as Less Dangerous Drug
The United States government is planning to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug, in a move that would bring federal cannabis law closer to individual state laws, Sky News reports. Like heroin and LSD, Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating a high potential for abuse and no recognized medicinal qualities.
Christian News
Nigeria: Evangelical Pastor Murdered in Kaduna State, “We Can No Longer Bear This”
A Christian pastor in Nigeria’s Kaduna state was ambushed and murdered by gunmen as he traveled to visit members of his church last month, Christian Daily reports.
Australia: Church Leader Forgives Teenager Who Stabbed Him In The Eye During Worship Service
An Australian Assyrian church leader who was stabbed in the eye among other parts of his body during a livestream worship service on Apr. 15 has already returned to the pulpit saying he forgives the attacker, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.