Worthy Brief - 8/2/2022
Friend, you have staying power!
Proverbs 24:16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
Counselors, encouragers, and people who offer care to others often encounter those whose past failures threaten to define them and hinder their development, healing, and sanctification. Our enemy capitalizes on our failures and regrets, pressing home the current influence of what we could have, would have, or should have done, if only we were wiser, more courageous, honest, or godly.
There is, however, an internal posture that is invincible against the pile of regrets and accusations the devil's crew levels at us. Its basis is the new foundation on which we stand and live: the righteousness of Another, a perfectly righteous and holy Savior, whose righteousness is imparted to us by repentance and faith.
Although the above passage is from the Old Testament, its reference to the "righteous" carries exponential significance in light of the New Covenant. The LORD God clearly defines those who identify with Him as individuals who "keep getting up, keep trying, keep pressing through, seven times over; (7, the perfect number)." It seems that true righteousness inspires perseverance. You may have seen it in your own life...
Imperfection has been infused into our world since the Fall. Our mortal bodies will not in this life cease to be prone to failure, stumbling, and missing the mark, giving plenty of opportunity for regret, dejection, or self-pity. And while genuine mourning, godly sorrow, deep contrition, and pouring out our hearts to Him are blessed and appreciated by our compassionate Lord, He does not leave us to abide in depression or defeat. In fact, He assures us that "All things work together for the good of those who love Him..."
Friend, take note again of the source of your staying power. You are a new creature, whose past or present failures cannot define your identity. God is faithful who will inspire and reward your persistence in pressing through even the most difficult challenges and circumstances, past or present. Only believe and press on...He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory, with exceeding great joy..." [Jude 1:24]
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Knoxville, Tennessee
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.
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Around the World
Biden to send another $550M in security assistance to Ukraine
The United States is greenlighting another military assistance package to Ukraine, sending $550 million in ammunition for advanced rocket systems and other equipment to the country to fight the Russian invasion.
White House: Pelosi has right to visit Taiwan, China need not turn it into a crisis
The White House on Monday warned China against overreacting to a trip by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, saying she would have every right to visit the self-ruled island despite Beijing viewing it as a highly provocative challenge.
Blinken: Best result for US, Iran is return to nuclear deal
Returning to the 2015 nuclear deal remains the best outcome for the United States, Iran and the world, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at the United Nations about global nonproliferation discussions on Monday.
Biden Confirms Al Qaida Leader al-Zawahiri Killed in Afghanistan
American President Joe Biden said late Monday that “justice has been delivered” after a U.S. drone strike killed terror group al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Russia, Ukraine Launch Criminal Investigations Over Mass Killings
Russian and Ukrainian authorities say they have launched criminal investigations into strikes that reportedly killed at least 40 Ukrainian prisoners of war at a pre-trial detention center in eastern Ukraine. The attacks overshadowed attempts by Ukraine to begin exporting grain to hungry nations.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In apparent warning to Iran, PM says Israel has ‘other capabilities’
Prime Minister Yair Lapid sent a subtle warning to Iran on Monday, saying that Israel has the capacity to defend itself and counter threats.
US and Israel begin four-day naval exercise in Red Sea
Israeli and U.S. naval forces began a four-day maritime exercise in the Red Sea on Monday, stated the U.S. Naval Forces Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet.
Inside the United States
White House pushes back on GOP claim that Manchin bill hikes middle-class taxes
The White House said Monday that Republicans are wrong to claim that Democratic legislation would increase taxes for those earning less than $400,000 annually.
Pentagon: ‘We do not support Taiwan independence’
Pentagon press secretary John Kirby on Monday hit back against Chinese accusations that the United States was angling for a change in the Sino-Taiwanese diplomatic status quo in the form of formal Taiwanese independence.
Christian News
Vietnam Christians face severe persecution
Hmong Christians in the Nghe An province of Vietnam are suffering intense persecution as officials work to create “Christian-free zones,” Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Christians make up 8.5% of the population in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, where many identify with animism and with ethnic Vietnamese Folk religion.
Syria: Two killed in terrorist attack on church
Two people were killed, and 12 were wounded in a terrorist rocket attack on the Greek Orthodox Hagia Sophia Church in Al-Suqaylabiyah, Syria last week, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Nepal: Pastor sentenced to a year in jail for alleged forced conversions
A pastor in Nepal has been sentenced by a court of appeals to a year in prison for allegedly forcing Hindus to convert to Christianity, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The population in Nepal is 81.3% Hindu, followed by 9% Buddhist, 4/4% Islamic, and 1.4 % Christian, according to Wikipedia.
Nigeria Terrorists Kill 6 Pastors And Kidnap Dozens of Evangelicals
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) says that suspected Islamic “terrorists,” including Fulani headmen, killed at least six pastors and kidnapped 27 Christians in Nigeria this year.
Worthy Watch
Amazon Cuts 100,000 Employees From Workforce In A Single Quarter
Amazon, one of the largest tech employers in the world, has revealed that it is now hiring at the slowest pace since 2019 and has cut over 100,000 employees globally in the June quarter, likely due to the dramatic economic slowdown since 2021. It is the largest workforce cut in a single quarter in the history of the company.
New Video Shows Drag Queen Performing at NYC Catholic High School Chapel
A new video has been released to social media by a drag queen who was invited to perform at the chapel of a New York City Catholic high school.
Worthy Insights
Israel Moves Closer to Cashless Society Following Latest Legislation
A new Israeli law will go into effect on Monday prohibiting cash payments of over $1,760 (6,000 New Israeli Shekel NIS) in cash or bank checks for transactions between a person and a business. The ceiling for transfers between private individuals will be $4,400 (NIS 15,000) instead of the current amount, almost $14,700.