Worthy Brief - 8/7/2018
Friend, claim your gifts!
Matthew 7:9-11 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Another great preacher whose writings I love to read is John R. Rice. He wrote, "I once imagined I was in Heaven, walking along with the Angel Gabriel. I said, "Gabe, what is that big building over there?"
"You'll be disappointed," he answered. "I don't think you want to see it." But I insisted, and he proceeded to show me floor after floor of beautiful gifts, all wrapped and ready to be sent.
"Gabriel, what are all of these?"
He said, I thought rather sadly, "We wrapped all these things, but people never called for them."
There are gifts and an abundance of blessings to be received from heaven -- but we need to claim them as our own! We receive not because we've asked not.
Friend, when we ask the Lord in humility and expectation for His goodness, He will answer! Then we'll be better equipped to do the great things He has in store for us.
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Arad, Israel
Editor's Note: We're starting to put together our Winter Tour to the States. If you would like to us minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or host a Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyemail.com for more information.
Once-eased US economic sanctions against Iran back in effect
The first set of U.S. sanctions against Iran that had been eased under the landmark nuclear accord went back into effect early Tuesday under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, targeting financial transactions that involve U.S. dollars, Iran’s automotive sector, the purchase of commercial planes and metals including gold.
Trump reimposes Iran sanctions, says goal is ‘maximum pressure’
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to restore nuclear-related sanctions on Iran, increasing economic pressure on Tehran and renewing his criticism of what he called a 'horrible, one-sided' nuclear deal, the White House announced Monday.
DHS Reversal Reopens Asylum Cases for 87 Iranian Christians and Other Religious Minorities
The Department of Homeland Security has re-opened the asylum applications of a group of 87 Iranian Christians and other religious minorities who have been marooned in Austria for more than a year awaiting a final decision.
EU firms in Iran caught between US and Europe
European businesses that pull out of Iran because of US sanctions may end up being sued by EU states.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Syria Blames Mossad as Top Syrian Rocket Scientist Assassinated
Aziz Azbar, head of the Scientific Research and Studies Center in Masyaf, also known by its French acronym ‘CERS’, was killed in a car bombing incident alongside his driver on Saturday night in an alleged Mossad operation, a senior official from a Middle Eastern intelligence agency told the New York Times on Monday.
Inside the United States
Northern California blazes now largest in state history
Twin Northern California blazes fueled by dry vegetation and hot, windy weather grew Monday to become the largest wildfire in state history.
Lyme Disease Now Found in All 50 States
There's been a sharp spike in Lyme disease cases in the United States, and the tick-borne illness has now spread to all 50 states, a new report shows.
14,000 firefighters battling 18 major California blazes
Some 14,000 firefighters, including inmate volunteers, are battling 18 major blazes burning thousands of square miles throughout California with aircraft, assorted vehicles and picks and shovels.
Facebook in talks with banks to expand customer service
The Wall Street Journal had reported here that Facebook had asked banks to share detailed financial information about their customers, including card transactions and checking-account balances.
Hawaii's Big Island readies as Hurricane Hector approaches
Hawaii emergency officials who have been contending with Kilauea volcano's lava flow were preparing for a hurricane that was expected to pass to the south of the islands this week.
Christian News
Crosses Being Removed, Covered in Scottish Chapels Due to Offended Non-Christians at Funeral Services
A Scottish government report has revealed that Christian crosses are being removed inside chapels during funeral services so as to not be offensive to atheists and non-Christians.