Worthy Brief - 5/5/2016
Friend, feeling itchy?
1 Thes. 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
As we enter into Holocaust Remember Day in Israel, and many in the United States are praying as it enters its 65th annual National Day of prayer, I'm reminded of a story by Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian survivor who protected Jews during World War 2.
In her book “The Hiding Place” Corrie ten Boom relates an incident that taught her always to be thankful. She and her sister Betsy had just been transferred to the worst German prison camp they had seen yet, called Ravensbruck. The barracks were extremely overcrowded and horribly flea-infested.
After their scripture reading in 1st Thessalonians that morning, where the Lord reminded them to rejoice always, pray constantly, and give thanks in all circumstances.
Betsy suggested they stop and thank the Lord for every detail of their new living quarters. At first, Corrie was appalled by the idea. She flatly refused to give thanks for that smelly, dirty, flea-ridden place. But Betsy persisted -- and Corrie finally succumbed to her pleadings.
It was by a miracle of God that Corrie and Betsy were able to smuggle their Bible into the camp. If the guards found out that the women were holding nightly Bible studies in their barracks, they surely would have been punished harshly, maybe even killed. During the months they spent at that camp, however, no guard ever said one word.
It was not until several months later that they learned the reason why the guards would hardly ever come into their barracks. They wouldn't enter the barracks because of the fleas!!
Friend, perhaps you're dealing with some difficult circumstances today. But who knows? There may be a purpose beyond our understanding! Let's choose trust the Lord and maintain an attitude of thankfulness in every situation, no matter how hard it may be!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Negev Desert, Israel
Editor's Note: Watch George's message: Which voice will you listen to in the last days?
Around the World
U.S., Russia announce ceasefire in Aleppo
A partial ceasefire in the Syrian province of Aleppa was reached Wednesday by the United States and Russia, in hopes it will reduce violence that has flared up after a two-month lull.
Russia warns of retaliation as NATO plans more deployments in Eastern Europe
Russia will reinforce its western and southern flanks with three new divisions by the year-end, officials said on Wednesday, threatening retaliation to NATO's plans to boost its military presence in eastern members Poland and the Baltic States.
China and Russia to hold anti-missile drill after U.S., South Korea talk defense
China and Russia will hold their first joint computer-assisted anti-missile drill, state media said on Thursday, after the United States and South Korea discussed an anti-missile defense system for the South to counter threats from North Korea.
Iran Religious Persecution Increasing Despite Nuclear Deal, USCIRF Reports
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has found that religious minorities in Iran, including Christians, continue experiencing severe human rights abuses, closing in on one year on the historical nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and Western nations.
Advance In Human Embryo Research Rekindles Ethical Debate
Scientists have been able to make and study human embryos in their labs for decades. But they have never been able to keep them alive outside a woman's womb for more than about a week.
Iranian commander threatens to close Strait of Hormuz to US
The deputy commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard said Iranian forces will close the strategic Strait of Hormuz to the United States and its allies if they 'threaten' the Islamic Republic, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel pauses to remember millions murdered in Holocaust
Israelis across the country paused for two minutes Thursday morning in memory of the six million Jews who perished in Europe under Nazi rule as an air raid siren pierced the clear blue sky in an annual marking of Holocaust Remembrance Day.
IAF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza in response to mortar fire
The Israel Air Force struck four Hamas targets in the northern Gaza Strip early Thursday morning, for the second time over the past 24 hours.
Manufacturers: Obama aid package will be 'mortal blow' to Israeli industry
Shraga Brosh, the head of the Manufacturer's Association of Israel, urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to reject a defense aid package deal reportedly proposed by US President Barack Obama, saying it would kill Israeli jobs and be a 'mortal blow' to its defense industry.
Surprise! Cause of Mideast violence is 'Tom & Jerry'
The head of Egypt's State Information Service isn't pointing the finger for Mideast violence at his own repressive government, ISIS, al-Qaida, Sunnis, Shiites or - heaven forbid - Islam itself. No, the waves of beheadings, bombings and beligerance can be laid at the feet of two American cartoon characters, Tom and Jerry.
Inside the United States
Illegal immigrant numbers skyrocket at Mexican border
The number of families and unaccompanied children apprehended on the southern border has skyrocketed this year, according to new figures from the Obama administration.
North Carolina Bathroom Law Illegal, Justice Department Says
A North Carolina measure intended to limit which public restrooms can be used by transgender people violates federal law, the U.S. Justice Department told the state's Republican governor.
April Marks 12th Straight Month of Record Gun Sales
This April saw the most gun-related background checks of any April on record, making it the 12th month in a row to achieve a high water mark for gun sales.
Navy SEALS Unload on ISIS in What White House Says is Not Combat
A new video purportedly shows Navy SEALS engaged in a firefight with ISIS forces in Iraq despite Obama administration officials insisting American forces are only serving in a non-combat role.
Romanian hacker Guccifer: I breached Clinton server, 'it was easy'
The infamous Romanian hacker known as 'Guccifer,' speaking exclusively with Fox News, claimed he easily - and repeatedly - breached former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's personal email server in early 2013.
President Fox Apologizes, Invites Trump to Mexico
During an exclusive interview with Breitbart News, former Mexican President Vicente Fox apologized Wednesday for the vulgar language he has used regarding GOP frontrunner Donald Trump's proposal to build a wall along the southern border and invited the likely Republican nominee to Mexico to see the border from the other side.
U.S. Politics
Hillary Clinton may need to testify about emails, federal judge says
A federal judge suggested Wednesday that Hillary Clinton may need to be deposed regarding her use of a private email server, while secretary of state, when setting rules for discovery of evidence in a lawsuit related to her top aide.
Kasich cites faith in announcing departure from 2016 presidential race
Republican presidential candidate John Kasich on Wednesday became the last of his party's contenders to drop out of the 2016 presidential race -- locking in Donald Trump as November's GOP nominee.
Christian News
Church's cross too high for Communist China
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National Day of Prayer a Time for Americans to 'Shout it Aloud'
Thursday May 5 marks the 65th annual National Day of Prayer and organizers are calling upon Americans across the country to humbly come before God's throne.
UK: Christian 'Extremists' Opposing Gay Marriage May Be Criminalised By Radical Islam Bill
A Christian group has warned that people opposing gay marriage could be criminalised as the government moves to redefine 'non-violent Extremism' in a forthcoming bill.