Worthy Brief - 8/7/2017
Friend, our crown awaits!
Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
In 490 B.C., the Athenians won a crucial and decisive battle over the forces of King Darius I of Persia, on a plain near the Greek coastal town of Marathon. Upon delivering the important message of their victory, the Greek soldier who came to tell the good news died -- he had completed the 26 mile course running and bearing good news, and did it totally unreserved until the moment he died. Today marathons are run all over the world, commemorating that very event 2500 years ago.
Anyone who has run a marathon can tell you how difficult the race is. No matter how good you are, how well trained, how prepared, there are times in the race you just want to quit. But those who persevere till the end receive a prize. Back in King Darius' day, one would win only a crown made of laurel leaves. Today, athletes compete for trophies and medals. But in God's race, we win something far more precious -- a crown that is incorruptible.
Friend, I bet you're tired today. You are overworked, overstressed, overwhelmed ... DONE! Be encouraged! Just when you think you can’t run any further, you can! C'mon! Press through and press on for the great prize! God is with us, strengthening our feeble knees and moving us in the right direction!!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Arad, Israel
Around the World
UK ready to pay up to 40 billion euros to leave EU
Britain is prepared to pay up to 40 billion euros ($47 billion) as part of a deal to leave the European Union, the Sunday Telegraph newspaper reported, citing three unnamed sources familiar with Britain's negotiating strategy.
United Nations bans key North Korea exports over missile tests
The United Nations Security Council unanimously imposed new sanctions on North Korea on Saturday that could slash by a third the Asian state's $3 billion annual export revenue over its two intercontinental ballistic missile tests in July.
North Korea's 'No. 2' official strengthens ties with Iran as UN hits Pyongyang with new sanctions
Amid new international sanctions, North Korea's "No. 2" official embarked on a 10-day visit to Iran, a move that could result in the two sides expanding their ties.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas said to accept Egyptian plan for Palestinian unity, Fatah holding out
Hamas has agreed to a reconciliation deal with the Palestinian Authority’s ruling Fatah party brokered by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, Arab media reported on Sunday.
Israel says it plans to close Al Jazeera's offices
Israel said on Sunday it planned to close the local offices of Al Jazeera, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Arab satellite news broadcaster of incitement behind deadly terror attacks.
Inside the United States
Planned Parenthood’s Gender Identity Guide For Preschoolers Says Some Girls Have Penises
The nation’s largest abortion provider just released guidelines for parents instructing them how to talk to their preschool-aged children about gender identity.
Comey FBI Lied, Media Collusion According to DOJ Document Dump
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) obtained hundreds of pages of documentation from the Department of Justice (DOJ) through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request detailing former Attorney General Loretta Lynch's tarmac meeting with former President Bill Clinton which unveils a cover-up by government officials and the establishment media.
July jobs report beats expectations, unemployment rate hits 16-year low
In July, the U.S. economy added 209,000 jobs, more than the 180,000 expected by economists. The 222,000 jobs added in June were revised up to 231,000.
New Chief of Staff Reins in White House Aides-and Trump's Tweets
On his fifth day on the job as Donald Trump’s new chief of staff, John Kelly gathered about 200 White House aides for a meeting where he spelled out in blunt terms the way things are going to work in the West Wing he now oversees.
Christian News
Ethiopian Christian attacked with machetes for evangelizing
An Ethiopian Christian suffered deep wounds to the back of his head when he was attacked while alone in his home by a group of local Muslims with machetes.
Sudan demolishes another church, but MPs block school on Sundays
The Sudanese government demolished another church on Wednesday (2 August), the day after Members of the Khartoum state parliament rejected an order by the Minister of Education for all Christian schools in the capital to open on a Sunday.
Police Disingenuous in Hindu Extremist Assault on Pastors in Tamil Nadu, India, Sources Say
Hard-line Hindus used steel rods and a butcher’s knife to attack a father-son pastoral team in Tamil Nadu state, India, injuring the elder clergyman, sources said.