Worthy Brief - 7/23/2024
Friend, let there be light!
Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.
2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.
For several years now I've been focusing on the Kingdom of God, a central theme of Yeshua's preaching [Luke 4:43], and will be offering a series of devotions on this topic with particular emphasis on our present season which I believe portends the birthing of this Kingdom. A study of the gestation process from conception to birth yields insight as a natural parallel into the historical process we're witnessing and taking part in. This theme will be developed in the coming days.
Our personal spiritual journey is an essential part of our participation in the birthing of God's Kingdom and it carries close parallels to the creation account. When God spoke in Genesis [Genesis 1:1-5], He began with the simple words, “Let there be light!”, because "..darkness was on the face of the deep". Our natural birth from the maternal womb involves the movement from a place of darkness into the natural light of this world. So the birth of this universe is mirrored in our natural birth. But it also is powerfully exemplified in our spiritual birth, as we move from the darkness of sin and death into the light and life of the Son of God.
Similarly, our natural birth involves moving from what feels like experiential chaos and uncertain transition into an intimate relationship of mother to infant child. Likewise, our spiritual birth transitions us from a life without ultimate meaning or purpose, a life of "chaos" as it were, into an intimate relationship filled with God's light as He reveals His love and His purpose through the regeneration and resurrection life He gives.
These parallels exemplify fundamental ways of God. He is the Light of the world. Having separated the light from the darkness and called us to be children of light, we have a relentless hope and a magnificent destiny, especially right now in these birth pangs of His Kingdom. His prediction that the darkness would grow much deeper just before His glorious appearing, is upon us, and sets a context into which we must shine all the more brightly. As the word says, "His glory shall be seen upon you."
Friend, this empowerment to shine has never been more relevant and critical than it is now. The darkness of our world, the chaos of our age, will either drive us to despair or fuel us to burn with the light of His Holy Spirit. We can see the division of darkness from light is well underway. And there will be less and less gray. Therefore, more than ever, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven"; [Matthew 5:16].
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Missouri)
(Orlando, FL)
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!
Editor's Note: We are planning our summer 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.
Nearly $300 Million in US Aid May Be in Taliban Control
According to a recent audit, the Biden Administration states it cannot determine whether $293 million in aid to Afghanistan has ended up in the hands of the Taliban.
Russia May Start Arming Houthi Jihadist Terrorists, Report
Russia may start supplying Yemen’s jihadist Houthi terror group with anti-ship missiles to punish the United States for helping Ukraine resist the ongoing Russian invasion, the Wall Street Journal reported exclusively on Friday (July 19).
World Leaders Prepare For Turbulent Post-Biden Era
World leaders have started to react to U.S. President Joe Biden's decision not to seek reelection, with some praising him for his courage while others are happy he is leaving office.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu Arrives in DC Amid Presidential Chaos, Asserts Israel Will Remain a ‘Strong’ US Ally Regardless of Whoever Is in White House
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu begins his three-day visit to Washington D.C. on Monday amid turmoil following President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the White House race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris. During his visit, Netanyahu is slated to meet with President Biden and deliver a speech to Congress later this week.
Inside the United States
Pro-Life Group Appeals Asks SCOTUS to Ban Buffer Zones Around Abortion Clinic
A group of pro-life sidewalk counselors has filed suit asking the US Supreme Court to review and reverse a ruling it made in 2000 which allows abortion clinics to implement buffer zones preventing pro-life activists from operating within 100 feet of the facilities, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
House Speaker, Republican Senator Call for Biden’s Immediate Resignation
The U.S. House speaker, a Tennessee U.S. senator and other Republicans called for President Joe Biden to resign immediately after the 81-year-old dropped out of the presidential race early Sunday afternoon.
Democrats In Unchartered Territory Biden Drops Out Of Race
The U.S. Democratic Party moved into unchartered territory on Monday after frail President Joe Biden officially dropped out of the presidential race.
Christian News
Uzbekistan’s Christian Parents Facing Jail, Fines Over Teaching Children
Uzbekistan’s draft legislation to “further strengthen the rights of children” will lead to government persecution of Christian parents in the former Soviet nation, well-informed sources told Worthy News.
Nigeria Christians Fear More Deaths ‘In World’s Most Violent Place’
Christians in Nigeria say their nation has become one of the most dangerous places in the world, with, on average, one believer being killed every two hours by extremists.
Indonesia Church Threatened With Eviction
Lutheran Christians on the outskirts of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, faced eviction from their church on Sunday, but their supporters told Worthy News they have appealed for prayers as they want to maintain a presence in this area of the world’s most populous Muslim nation.
Worthy Insights
Rape surges 11% in NYC — as bail reform, vulnerable migrants, depleted NYPD create perfect crime storm
The Big Apple has seen an alarming 11% jump in rapes this year — with some sections of the city seeing their numbers more than double.
Secret Service Denied Trump Requests for More Security, Shooter Seen 20 Minutes Before Attack
Three investigations are currently underway into the Secret Service following last Saturday's assassination attempt on Donald Trump. On Monday, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testified on Capitol Hill as calls mount for her resignation.
Iran Hangs 8 In 2 Days Amid Concerns Over Rise In Executions After Election
Rights groups say Iranian authorities executed eight people over the weekend, bolstering concerns that the regime may accelerate the carrying out of death sentences after a lull ahead a snap presidential election held earlier this month.
Historic Dallas Chapel Connected to Pastor Robert Jeffress Burns in 4-Alarm Fire
First Baptist Church of Dallas, where Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor, was forced to hold its Sunday services at the Dallas Convention Center after a four-alarm fire tore through the 134-year-old Historic Sanctuary of the church on Friday.