Worthy Brief - 5/26/2016
Friend, do you have the sign for deliverance?
Exodus 12:13 Now the blood shall be a sign (Hebrew word – OHT) for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
As we discussed, the word for "sign" in ancient Hebrew is "oht". It was used in Genesis to designate God’s covenant sign with Noah, (the rainbow). And we see now the same word again, in Exodus, identified with the deliverance of the Jewish people from the tenth plague, when the angel of death passed through all Egypt to strike the firstborn. Anyone under the "sign" of the blood was spared.
This "sign" of deliverance for the ancient Israelites, spelled "aleph"-"vav"-"tav" in ancient Hebrew letters, explicitly, the sign of blood on doorposts and lintel, also clearly spells out, "leader", "nail", and "cross". Just as blood on the doorposts was the only sign of deliverance for Israel, the cross of the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus, the Christ), is the only sign of deliverance from eternal death for all mankind. [Acts 4:12]
Friend, the mystery of salvation was originally revealed in the very letters God used to unfold its story. In the ancient Hebrew He speaks to us from the beginning of time, that the sign of the covenant would be "the leader who was nailed to the cross". Be in awe of the Father’s love for us!
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?
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Japan's Abe points to 2008 crisis as G7 leaders debate global risk
Group of Seven leaders voiced concern about emerging economies on Thursday as their host, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, made a pointed comparison to the global financial crisis eight years ago.
Muslim mob attacks Christian homes in Egyptian province
The Coptic Christian church says a Muslim mob has ransacked and torched seven Christian homes in a province south of Cairo after rumors spread that a Christian man had an affair with a Muslim woman.
11 injured in 3rd night of clashes over squat in Barcelona
Police say 11 people were injured in a third consecutive night of clashes with protesters supporting squatters in Spain's northeastern city of Barcelona.
France: Day of strikes, protests, fuel blockades over labor
Union activists are burning tires and blocking a major bridge on the northern French coast on a day of nationwide strikes and protests over a labor reform.
Obama Admin: U.S. Stopped Sanctioning Iranian Human Rights Abusers After Nuke Deal
The Obama administration has not designated a single Iranian as a human rights abuser since finalizing last summer's comprehensive nuclear agreement, despite rising abuse in the Islamic Republic, including state-sanctioned killings and the imprisonment of opposition figures.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian PM denies report of planned Israel-Egypt-PA summit
Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Tuesday denied reports of a planned tripartite meeting between Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
US: Lieberman appointment raises 'legitimate questions' about Israeli policy
US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the opposition of some Israeli cabinet ministers to a Palestinian state alongside Israel raised 'legitimate questions' about the direction of Israeli policy but he said the United States would judge the new government based on its actions.
Fighting terrorists with technology
Suspect Detections Systems Ltd. (SDS) developed the COGITO System, which incorporates various sensors to detect nervousness by identifying increased salt levels in perspiration, an increase in sweat production, pressure in the veins, and thermal changes in the face.
IAF strikes Hamas targets after rockets launched into Israel
In response to rocket fire launched towards Israel late Wednesday night, the Israeli Air Force attacked two locations that were part of Hamas' terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.
Hezbollah says it is digging tunnels 'to make Israeli enemy lose sleep'
The Lebanese Shi'ite movement Hezbollah said on Wednesday that it was digging tunnels along the border with Israel.
Facial profiling: Israeli start-up says its tech can detect terrorists from just looking at a face
Israeli start-up Faception is claiming it can spot terrorists by simply analyzing their faces and says it is working with 'a leading Homeland Security Agency' to identify potential threats.
Entering Knesset, Temple Mount activist brushes off doomsday predictions
For a man shot point-blank four times in 2014 by a Palestinian gunman who branded him the 'enemy of Al-Aqsa,' incoming Likud MK and Temple Mount activist Yehuda Glick is remarkably dismissive of any connection between his vocal advocacy of Jewish prayer at Judaism's holy site and Palestinian terrorism.
Inside the United States
Microchipping your children could happen 'sooner rather than later,' NBC reports
We don't think twice about having the vet put microchips in our dogs and cats if they can help reunite a missing pet with its family. But how willing would you be to have a microchip embedded in your children in this age of Amber alerts?
Eleven states sue Obama administration over transgender bathroom guidance
Eleven states filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against the Obama administration to challenge its federal guidance on how schools should accommodate transgender students.
Lawmakers Seek to Strip Religious Freedom Act of Its Protections
Lawmakers in Congress are seeking to gut the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a move that's causing concern over the future of American religious liberties.
Ryan Says House Republicans Aim to End 'Executive Overreach'
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) unveiled what he called the Republicans' 'policy agenda' for 2017 on Wednesday, including a plan to regain the legislative power granted to Congress in Article One of the U.S. Constitution.
S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley signs 20-week abortion ban bill into law
South Carolina became the 17th state to ban abortions after the 20-week mark Wednesday when Gov. Nikki Haley, a Republican, signed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act into law.
Fed: Nearly half in U.S. would have trouble with emergency $400 expense
Nearly half of Americans would have trouble covering an emergency $400 expense, according to a new survey released Wednesday by the Federal Reserve.
Hawaii Might Become First State to Register Gun Owners in FBI Database
Hawaii could begin enrolling gun owners into a federal database that would alert authorities if a resident is arrested in another state, making it the first state to do so.
Approving Food Stamps Costs the Economy $1 Billion
Meeting the federal government's regulatory requirements for approving food stamps will now cost the economy $1 billion annually, according to a new report.
Obama administration officials warn lawmakers over Iran sanctions
Obama administration officials told U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday they would oppose new sanctions on Iran if they interfere with last year's international nuclear agreement, laying the groundwork for a potential fight over any legislation.
U.S. Politics
Clinton broke rules with secret server
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did break her department’s rules by setting up her own secret email server, the inspector general concluded in a report sent to Congress on Wednesday that says she failed to report hacking attempts and waved off warnings that she should switch to a more official email account.
Why the Libertarian Party convention matters
The contested convention that could provide conservatives with someone to vote for in November besides Donald Trump is finally here.
Christian News
Vietnamese pastor's wife mistreated, beaten
Earlier this month, the wife of an imprisoned pastor suffered severe mistreatment at the hands of Vietnamese authorities.
Christian School a Target of Liberal Efforts for LGBT Laws
Due to federal policy changes, private Christian schools may soon have serious decisions to make.
Texas Pastor Dies in Car Crash Hours after Graduating Bible College
A Texas pastor and his three sons were killed in a car crash just hours after he graduated from Bible college. The pastor's wife and daughter also sustained serious injuries.
3 Christians Arrested in India and Accused of 'Forced Conversions'
Three evangelical Christians have been arrested in India and accused of 'forced conversions' and blaspheming against Hinduism.
Around the World
Japan's Abe points to 2008 crisis as G7 leaders debate global risk
Group of Seven leaders voiced concern about emerging economies on Thursday as their host, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, made a pointed comparison to the global financial crisis eight years ago.
Muslim mob attacks Christian homes in Egyptian province
The Coptic Christian church says a Muslim mob has ransacked and torched seven Christian homes in a province south of Cairo after rumors spread that a Christian man had an affair with a Muslim woman.
11 injured in 3rd night of clashes over squat in Barcelona
Police say 11 people were injured in a third consecutive night of clashes with protesters supporting squatters in Spain's northeastern city of Barcelona.
France: Day of strikes, protests, fuel blockades over labor
Union activists are burning tires and blocking a major bridge on the northern French coast on a day of nationwide strikes and protests over a labor reform.
Obama Admin: U.S. Stopped Sanctioning Iranian Human Rights Abusers After Nuke Deal
The Obama administration has not designated a single Iranian as a human rights abuser since finalizing last summer's comprehensive nuclear agreement, despite rising abuse in the Islamic Republic, including state-sanctioned killings and the imprisonment of opposition figures.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian PM denies report of planned Israel-Egypt-PA summit
Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Tuesday denied reports of a planned tripartite meeting between Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
US: Lieberman appointment raises 'legitimate questions' about Israeli policy
US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the opposition of some Israeli cabinet ministers to a Palestinian state alongside Israel raised 'legitimate questions' about the direction of Israeli policy but he said the United States would judge the new government based on its actions.
Fighting terrorists with technology
Suspect Detections Systems Ltd. (SDS) developed the COGITO System, which incorporates various sensors to detect nervousness by identifying increased salt levels in perspiration, an increase in sweat production, pressure in the veins, and thermal changes in the face.
IAF strikes Hamas targets after rockets launched into Israel
In response to rocket fire launched towards Israel late Wednesday night, the Israeli Air Force attacked two locations that were part of Hamas' terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.
Hezbollah says it is digging tunnels 'to make Israeli enemy lose sleep'
The Lebanese Shi'ite movement Hezbollah said on Wednesday that it was digging tunnels along the border with Israel.
Facial profiling: Israeli start-up says its tech can detect terrorists from just looking at a face
Israeli start-up Faception is claiming it can spot terrorists by simply analyzing their faces and says it is working with 'a leading Homeland Security Agency' to identify potential threats.
Entering Knesset, Temple Mount activist brushes off doomsday predictions
For a man shot point-blank four times in 2014 by a Palestinian gunman who branded him the 'enemy of Al-Aqsa,' incoming Likud MK and Temple Mount activist Yehuda Glick is remarkably dismissive of any connection between his vocal advocacy of Jewish prayer at Judaism's holy site and Palestinian terrorism.
Inside the United States
Microchipping your children could happen 'sooner rather than later,' NBC reports
We don't think twice about having the vet put microchips in our dogs and cats if they can help reunite a missing pet with its family. But how willing would you be to have a microchip embedded in your children in this age of Amber alerts?
Eleven states sue Obama administration over transgender bathroom guidance
Eleven states filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against the Obama administration to challenge its federal guidance on how schools should accommodate transgender students.
Lawmakers Seek to Strip Religious Freedom Act of Its Protections
Lawmakers in Congress are seeking to gut the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a move that's causing concern over the future of American religious liberties.
Ryan Says House Republicans Aim to End 'Executive Overreach'
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) unveiled what he called the Republicans' 'policy agenda' for 2017 on Wednesday, including a plan to regain the legislative power granted to Congress in Article One of the U.S. Constitution.
S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley signs 20-week abortion ban bill into law
South Carolina became the 17th state to ban abortions after the 20-week mark Wednesday when Gov. Nikki Haley, a Republican, signed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act into law.
Fed: Nearly half in U.S. would have trouble with emergency $400 expense
Nearly half of Americans would have trouble covering an emergency $400 expense, according to a new survey released Wednesday by the Federal Reserve.
Hawaii Might Become First State to Register Gun Owners in FBI Database
Hawaii could begin enrolling gun owners into a federal database that would alert authorities if a resident is arrested in another state, making it the first state to do so.
Approving Food Stamps Costs the Economy $1 Billion
Meeting the federal government's regulatory requirements for approving food stamps will now cost the economy $1 billion annually, according to a new report.
Obama administration officials warn lawmakers over Iran sanctions
Obama administration officials told U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday they would oppose new sanctions on Iran if they interfere with last year's international nuclear agreement, laying the groundwork for a potential fight over any legislation.
U.S. Politics
Clinton broke rules with secret server
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did break her department’s rules by setting up her own secret email server, the inspector general concluded in a report sent to Congress on Wednesday that says she failed to report hacking attempts and waved off warnings that she should switch to a more official email account.
Why the Libertarian Party convention matters
The contested convention that could provide conservatives with someone to vote for in November besides Donald Trump is finally here.
Christian News
Vietnamese pastor's wife mistreated, beaten
Earlier this month, the wife of an imprisoned pastor suffered severe mistreatment at the hands of Vietnamese authorities.
Christian School a Target of Liberal Efforts for LGBT Laws
Due to federal policy changes, private Christian schools may soon have serious decisions to make.
Texas Pastor Dies in Car Crash Hours after Graduating Bible College
A Texas pastor and his three sons were killed in a car crash just hours after he graduated from Bible college. The pastor's wife and daughter also sustained serious injuries.
3 Christians Arrested in India and Accused of 'Forced Conversions'
Three evangelical Christians have been arrested in India and accused of 'forced conversions' and blaspheming against Hinduism.