Worthy Brief - 8/9/2017
Friend, are you a dead duck?
Psalms 118:17 I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
A farmer and his friend went duck hunting. Eventually, they got to talking about the things of God, as they always would. "You're always talking about these battles you have with the devil," the farmer's friend said to him. "It's so silly – I mean, I'm not even a Christian and I've never experienced anything like that."
"Yes my friend," the wise farmer answered, "but if you shot two ducks -- one was wounded and one was dead -- which would you go after first?"
"Well," he said, "I guess I'd go after the wounded duck – I can always get the dead one later."
"Mmm-hmm," said the farmer, "The devil knows you're a dead duck."
For those of us who are walking with the Lord today, be encouraged! Our enemy knows that we have potential to do great things for God, and out of fear, he'll try anything to take us out. This is so very evident by the constant battle we all face.
Friend, let's stand strong against all the attacks of the enemy! And rise up to the Lord's calling upon our lives! We will fight and we will WIN! Because if God is for us, who can be against us?!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Arad, Israel
Around the World
North Korea considers missile strike on Guam after Trump's 'fire and fury' warning
North Korea said on Wednesday it is considering plans for a missile strike on the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, just hours after President Donald Trump told the North that any threat to the United States would be met with 'fire and fury'.
Defectors Wage War Against North Korea
According to citizens who have fled the country, a growing number of North Koreans are switching on unauthorized radios—devices they’ve rigged or bought on the black market that can pick up signals beyond the country’s darkened borders. They listen to programs tailored to reach them with news about the outside world—and the reality of their own regime. Perhaps the most effective messengers: North Korean defectors.
Trump White House weighs unprecedented plan to privatize much of the war in Afghanistan
The White House is actively considering a bold plan to turn over a big chunk of the U.S. war in Afghanistan to private contractors in an effort to turn the tide in a stalemated war, according to the former head of a security firm pushing the project.
China Earthquake: Death Toll Rises In Sichuan Province, Rescue Operations Continue
At least 13 people died and over 175 were injured late Tuesday after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit a popular tourist area in southwestern China’s Sichuan province, according to state media. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "all-out efforts" to rapidly organize relief work and rescue the injured.
Australian Prime Minister: Same-Sex Marriage Could Be Legalized Before Year’s End
Australia's prime minister said that he supports legalizing same-sex marriage in a possible nationwide vote, and he expects the people to vote with him.
Russia downplays North Korea's saber-rattling, tells US to be 'prudent'
Russia's top diplomat downplayed North Korea's nuclear saber-rattling following a diplomatic summit Tuesday, and said the United States has to take 'prudent' steps to deescalate the crisis.
First Baptist's Robert Jeffress: 'God has given Trump authority to take out Kim Jong Un'
Dallas megachurch pastor Robert Jeffress, one of President Donald Trump's evangelical advisers who preached the morning of his inauguration, has released a statement saying the president has the moral authority to take out North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli jets hit Hamas targets in Gaza following rocket strike
Israeli jets struck two Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip overnight Tuesday, injuring at least three people, hours after a rocket fired from the Palestinian enclave hit an open area in southern Israel.
The corruption scandals plaguing Netanyahu and his family, explained
Netanyahu appeared to be in increasing peril as of last week, when Ari Harow, his American-born former chief of staff, became a state witness. Despite it all, Netanyahu has remained confident. He has accused the Israeli media of peddling “fake news” about the scandals. On Monday, responding to an article predicting his ouster, Netanyahu tweeted two words: 'Won’t happen.'
Inside the United States
Illegal immigration statistics show Trump’s resolve to keep campaign promise
President Trump has overseen huge increases in arresting illegal immigrants inside the U.S., pushing them through the immigration courts toward deportations and stopping newcomers from entering along the southwestern border, according to statistics released Tuesday.
Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Good News Clubs in Indiana Public School District
A federal court in Indiana hands a victory to Good News Clubs in one public school district.
Under Trump, gun sales fall dramatically
Gun sales appear to be slipping yet again after the Obama surge, with federal gun background checks dropping more than 20 percent last month — the biggest monthly percentage decline in more than three years.
Christian News
Fulani Herdsmen Kidnap Pastor in Plateau State, Central Nigeria
Armed Fulani herdsmen on Friday (Aug. 4) kidnapped a pastor as he and his driver were traveling in central Nigeria’s Plateau state, the wounded driver told Morning Star News.
Christian Convert Released from Prison in Iran after 4 Years
A Christian convert from Islam has been released from prison in Iran where she had been held for four years.