Worthy Brief - 5/20/2025
Friend, the freedom that sets us free!
John 8:36 Therefore if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free [eleutheros] indeed.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and do not again be held with the yoke of bondage.
In today’s culture, freedom is often defined as doing whatever you want—living without restrictions, chasing your happiness, and controlling your destiny. But when you dig into the Greek word eleutheros, meaning "free," you discover that real freedom isn’t about cutting all ties—it’s about being connected to the right things. True freedom isn’t found in isolation, but in surrender to God.
Biblical freedom doesn’t come from the absence of rules but through the mastery of them. It’s like a skilled musician who can play freely because they understand the structure of music. In the same way, living within God’s design brings real freedom. It’s not chaos or rebellion—it’s life in step with the Spirit, guided by the wisdom and boundaries God gives. Freedom, in this sense, is not about being unrestrained, but about being rightly aligned.
Think of it like riding a bike. It's frustrating and even painful when you don’t know how to ride. But once you’ve learned, the bike becomes a source of joy and freedom. God’s law works the same way. It never changes, and whether it brings blessing or struggle depends on how well we’ve learned to ride in rhythm with it. Yeshua didn’t toss the bike aside—He showed us how to ride it with grace and purpose. He fulfilled the law by living it perfectly and calling us to follow Him.
But without boundaries, what we call “freedom” can quickly turn into slavery. Someone might think they’re free by doing whatever they want, but if that leads to addiction, brokenness, or emptiness -- it becomes a trap. Real freedom involves the wisdom to make choices that keep us free, not just for a moment, but for the long haul. That’s why discipline matters. Walking with Yeshua doesn’t take away our freedom—He restores it. His way protects it, His strength upholds it, and His presence helps it last.
The world tells us that freedom is about being in control of ourselves, answering to no one. But that kind of freedom is actually another form of bondage. The harder we try to be our own masters, the more burdened we become with the pressure to succeed, prove ourselves, and keep everything together. True freedom comes when we stop striving and surrender to Someone greater—Yeshua, who carries the weight we were never meant to bear.
Friend, that’s why Paul says in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast.” He doesn’t mean to stand on your own strength or independence. He means stay grounded in the freedom Christ gives—the kind of freedom that comes through surrender, not control. In Him, we’re not just freed from something—we’re freed for something. We’re released from the tyranny of self so we can live a life of love, service, and purpose. The law wasn’t given to earn favor, but to show our need for grace. And now, as beloved sons and daughters, we follow not out of duty, but out of love -- because we are free!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George, Baht Rivka & Obi - Baltimore, Maryland | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)
Editor's Note: We’re heading back to Israel leading an incredible 10-day, 10-night journey from October 19–30. As always, we’re keeping the group to just one bus to ensure a more personal and intimate experience — so space is limited! Read More...
Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.
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!
U.K. and EU Open ‘New Chapter’ with Sweeping Post-Brexit Deal
The United Kingdom and European Union have announced a major reset in relations, signing a broad agreement that covers trade, defense, fishing rights, youth mobility, and regulatory cooperation. "We're turning a page," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "We're opening a new chapter."
Khamenei Slams Trump Amid Nuclear Talks, Declares Iran Will Boost Military Power Regardless of U.S. Stance
ran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei launched a blistering attack against U.S. President Donald Trump during a televised address in Tehran, denouncing the American leader as a liar and warmonger, while supporters chanted "death to America," "death to England," and "death to Israel."
Trump Announces Ceasefire Talks Between Russia and Ukraine Following Call with Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday via a Truth Social post that he held a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he claims will lead to immediate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine toward a ceasefire and an end to the war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump: No Frustration with Netanyahu, Blames Biden’s Iran Policy for October 7 Attacks
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday he is not frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite recent speculation of tensions between the two leaders. His remarks came in a Fox News interview following a high-profile diplomatic tour of Gulf nations—a trip that notably excluded Israel.
Protests Erupt Against Hamas in Khan Younis as IDF Declares Combat Zone
For the first time in weeks, anti-Hamas protests erupted in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Monday, with hundreds of residents taking to the streets amid escalating military activity. Protesters could be seen in footage released by local media chanting, "Stop the war and the displacement! Hamas out!"
IDF Expands ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ Operation Across Gaza
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Monday that it is expanding operations across the Gaza Strip under its renewed offensive "Gideon's Chariots," including intensified airstrikes and targeted operations in Khan Younis and beyond. A spokesperson stated, "The IDF is in the midst of Operation 'Gideon's Chariots' and is operating throughout the Gaza Strip."
Netanyahu Defends Humanitarian Aid Amid Political Firestorm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday defended Israel's decision to allow limited humanitarian aid into Gaza, stating that international pressure had reached a "red line." In a video statement, Netanyahu said, "We cannot accept images of hunger, mass hunger. We will not be able to support you."
Inside the United States
Trump Signs Bipartisan ‘Take It Down Act’ into Law to Combat AI-Generated Exploitation
President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan "Take It Down Act" into law Monday during a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, calling the effort "one of the greatest moments of bipartisanship I have seen." The law makes it a federal crime to share or threaten to share nonconsensual intimate images -- including AI-generated deepfakes -- and requires social media platforms to remove such content within 48 hours of notification.
Majority of Fentanyl, Known, Suspected Terrorists Coming Through Northern Border
Because the U.S., working with Mexico, has practically shut down illegal border crossings at the southwest border, fentanyl trafficking and known or suspected terrorists are primarily coming through the northern border from Canada, FBI Director Kash Patel says.
Challenges Remain on GOP Budget Package After Initial Holdouts Allow It to Advance
The Republican multitrillion-dollar budget reconciliation package may undergo significant edits before reaching the House floor after party leaders conceded to holdouts’ demands.
U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Some Alien Enemies Act Deportations
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday extended a previous block on President Donald Trump's plan to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members detained in northern Texas.
Christian News
Scotland’s First Arrest Under Abortion Buffer Zone Law Sparks Outcry Over Free Speech
A 74-year-old grandmother arrested under Scotland's newly enacted abortion "buffer zone" law is pushing back against proposed expansions, warning the legislation is being used to "crack down harshly and unfairly" on peaceful pro-life voices.
Worthy Insights
Revival Sparks Reported in Spartanburg, SC, and There’s a Big Plan to Take It Statewide
An incredible move of God is stirring in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Over the past two years, there has been what locals are calling the beginning of a revival, and they are looking to take it all the way to the capital of the state.
Infant with rare, incurable disease is first to successfully receive personalized gene therapy treatment
A research team has developed and safely delivered a personalized gene editing therapy to treat an infant with a life-threatening, incurable genetic disease. The infant, who was diagnosed with the rare condition carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency shortly after birth, has responded positively to the treatment. The process, from diagnosis to treatment, took only six months and marks the first time the technology has been successfully deployed to treat a human patient.
Khamenei: ‘Liar’ Trump shouldn’t be dignified with response, ‘cancer’ of Israel to be eradicated
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei branded U.S. President Donald Trump a liar and reiterated his description of Israel as a "cancerous tumor" on Saturday.