Worthy Brief - 5/11/2018
Friend, let's go deeper!
James 4:7-10 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Why is it that some believers seem to go much deeper in their walk with God than others? I believe it has to do with a desire to pursue God and not to stop until they feel His very presence in their lives. These believers decide not to settle for anything less than a growing, vibrant relationship with God, and God honors that desire for those who seek it.
Much of our walk is determined by how we desire Him. In James, the Lord promises that if you draw near to Him -- He will draw near to you. Our enemy, Satan, uses everything in his power to prevent that vibrant relationship from forming – but press through – press on – because God wants this relationship very much.
Friend, as we approach Shavuout (Pentecost), let's set aside this weekend to pray for a break through! Do you want more? I know I want more! God's heart and mind are infinitely deep and there's nothing more precious than knowing Him better and better. So I'm pushing through every obstacle to really show Him how much he means to me. Will you join me? We can do it together -- and together we can change our world around us for His glory! Amen!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Arad, Israel
Around the World
UN takes first step toward landmark global environmental pact
The UN General Assembly on Thursday voted through a resolution establishing a framework for a global pact for the environment, an initiative put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron last September.
White House Examining Plan to Help Iranian People Oppose Regime
The Trump administration is examining a new plan to help Iranians fighting the hardline regime in Iran following America's exit from the landmark nuclear deal and reimposition of harsh economic sanctions that could topple a regime already beset by protests and a crashing economy, according to a copy of the plan obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
US Treasury, UAE sanction Iran money exchange network
The US Treasury on Thursday said it had sanctioned six individuals and three entities accused of funneling 'hundreds of millions' of dollars to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's elite Al Quds Force (IRGC-QF)
Five ISIS Leaders Caught After Three Month Long Intelligence Operation
At least five senior Islamic State officials have been captured in a three-month operation by Iraqi and American intelligence that involved phone apps and the breaking of secret bank accounts and communication codes, according to news reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
‘Operation House of Cards,’ the IAF mission to cripple Iran’s presence in Syria
During two pre-dawn hours, Israeli F-15 and F-16 fighter jets evaded 'dozens of missiles' and dropped 'many dozens' of bombs on over 50 Iranian targets throughout Syria as the Israel air force carried out an extensive campaign, dubbed 'Operation House of Cards,' to try and destroy Iran’s military presence in the country.
Senior official: Iran still has long-range capabilities to strike Israel
Iran still has long-range capabilities to strike Israel, a senior officer in the Israel Air Force said on Thursday, even though 'every target we wanted to hit was struck and destroyed.'
Hamas terror chief hopes to see hundreds of thousands storm Israel-Gaza fence
The Gaza leader of Hamas said Thursday he hopes to see hundreds of thousands of Palestinians breach the border fence from Gaza into Israel at protests to coincide with next week’s US embassy move to Jerusalem.
Israel, Cyprus, Greece push East Med gas pipeline to Europe
The leaders of Israel, Cyprus and Greece said Tuesday they are determined to push ahead with plans for a pipeline that would supply east Mediterranean gas to Europe as the continent seeks to diversify its supplies.
IDF pictures show targeted Iranian intel sites in Syria
The Israeli military published pictures Friday that it said showed Iranian intelligence installations in Syria that it attacked during a massive bombardment a day earlier. The attack was in response to a volley of rockets shot toward northern Israel.
Inside the United States
Congress releases every Russian Facebook ad that ran during election
House lawmakers released the thousands of Facebook ads Russian operatives used to sow division in the U.S. before and after the 2016 election, ranging from blatant political messages to lighthearted memes.
Trump readies crackdown on foreign ‘freeloading’ in bid to lower prescription drug prices
President Trump is set to propose the most comprehensive plan to tackle prescription drug prices in history, the White House boasted Thursday, setting a high bar for an upcoming address in which Mr. Trump plans to put 'American patients first' by cracking down on 'freeloading' by foreign nations and requiring Medicare to give a leg up to seniors.
School District Accused of Punishing LGBT Students By Forcing Them to Read the Bible
An Oregon school district is accused of forcing LGBTQ students to read the Bible for punishment.
Christian News
4 Christians Serving 10-Year Prison Sentence in Iran Lose Appeal
Four Christians found guilty of acting against Iran's national security have lost an appeal against their prison sentence.