Worthy Brief - Christian Newsletter » Newsletters » 2023 » July » Worthy Brief - 7/21/2023

Worthy Brief - 7/21/2023

Friend, understand the blessing of stewardship!

Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up treasures on earth for yourselves, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up treasures in Heaven for yourselves, where neither moth nor rust corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Shabbat can help us to understand our stewardship of earthly goods as we enter a day of rest. Since everything in and on Earth belongs to the LORD, all we own and all we are responsible for belongs to Him and is under His primary care. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” [Psalm 24:1] A biblical understanding of ownership recognizes this truth which becomes a blessing and a relief for believers who acknowledge it. We are free from the worry and care concerning earthly goods especially as we consecrate all we own to Him. As the saying goes, "You can't take it with you." Or as Job remarked, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. [Job 1:21]

That being said, the blessing of stewardship is a profound reality with daily opportunities which bear eternal consequences. Far from worrying about our stuff, we're far better reminding ourselves that all of our resources can be set apart for good and holy purposes. As stewards, we have both the responsibility and opportunity to manage God’s possessions here, and thus, store treasure "there" in Heaven...

Friend, so this Shabbat, consider your possessions. Don't worry about them; offer them to the LORD, the great steward of Creation, asking Him to give you wisdom and generosity as He delegates your earthly stewardship. Rejoice in His Freedom, His blessings, and His Life, knowing that all you have here in this world will pass away, and only what you have done with it will remain. Realize the only thing you can truly own is your relationship with God, and that you will find your heart where your treasure is. And rest in offering all you are and have to the best Steward of all. Shabbat Shalom!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Dallas, TX)
(Baltimore, MD)

Editor's Note: We are planning our Fall 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.

Around the World
Ukraine’s Neighbors Ban Grain Imports (Worthy News In-Depth)
Ukraine’s European Union neighbors have rejected an EU-imposed September 15 deadline to lift a ban on Ukrainian grain imports, the Hungarian agriculture minister confirmed.
Russia’s Wagner Mercenaries Group In Belarus, Images Show (Worthy News-Focus)
Satellite images and video footage suggest that the founder of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group and fellow soldiers are at their new base in Belarus after they challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin’s authority.
Russia Attacks Ukraine’s Black Sea Coast Destroy Grain Storage; Africa Worried
Kyiv says Russian missile strikes on Ukraine's Black Sea coast have destroyed 60,000 tonnes of grain and damaged storage infrastructure, raising further doubts about the world’s food security.
2 Killed In New Zealand Shooting Ahead Of World Cup
At least two people were killed and six others injured when a gunman opened fire in a building under construction in the center of Auckland, New Zealand, just hours before the city was to open the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu says efforts underway to reach compromise on judicial bill
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that there were talks underway to reach a broad agreement on the final wording of the first bill in his judicial overhaul that is scheduled for a final vote on Monday and would prevent judicial oversight over the executive branch.
Palestinian Authority says it has no intention of disarming terror groups in Jenin
The Palestinian Authority announced Wednesday that it has no intention of disarming the Jenin Battalion terrorist associated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), or other terrorist groups operating in the West Bank city of Jenin, i24News reports. The announcement came after recent high-profile major IDF counter-terrorism operations in Jenin.
Jewish immigration to Israel has decreased from the West but increased from Russia
A new report from the Jewish Agency for Israel shows there has been a substantial decrease in Jewish immigration to Israel from Western countries in the first half of this year while there has been a significant rise in immigration from Russia in the same, the Jerusalem Post reported exclusively.

Inside the United States
US Federal Reserve Launches Instant Payment Despite Concerns
The U.S. central bank launched an “instant payment system” Thursday despite concerns that it will lead to more state control over personal finances.
Official admits FBI told Twitter that Hunter Biden laptop was real as soon as news broke in 2020
A senior FBI official has revealed that the bureau told Twitter that Hunter Biden‘s laptop computer was genuine the same day a newspaper first reported details of President Biden and his son’s foreign business deals based on documents from the laptop.
Democrats try to halt RFK Jr. testimony during censorship hearing
Democrats on a GOP-led House panel created to focus on the "weaponization" of the federal government tried Thursday to stop or at least limit Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from testifying at their hearing, citing his comments on COVID-19 and minority groups.
June home sales drop to the slowest pace in 14 years as short supply chokes the market
Sales of pre-owned homes dropped 3.3% in June compared with May, running at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 4.16 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Christian News
Iran: More than 50 Christians rounded up and detained on unknown charges
In a sudden spike of persecution against Christians in Iran, government authorities arrested and detained more than 50 Christians in five cities across Iran in the last 10 days, Article 18 reports.
Pakistan Christians Fleeing After Blasphemy Allegations
Christian families are fleeing their homes in Pakistan’s Punjab province after Muslims threatened to attack them, and several believers were reportedly detained for alleged blasphemy against Islam, a senior rights official told Worthy News.
Russian Orthodox Church leaders support invasion, religious persecution in Ukraine
The US-based Global Christian Relief organization has warned that leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church support Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, including the persecution of Ukrainian Christians, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.