Worthy Brief - 11/10/2016
Friend, press forward!
Phil. 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
A life without a goal is like the captain of a ship without a map and a compass. His ship will just drift aimlessly from day to day hoping to arrive somewhere. The apostle Paul set for himself a goal! He pressed forward in search for his goal -- he pressed toward the mark of the high calling in Messiah! He had a clear direction of where he was going and he was focused on the Lord! How much more should we!
By setting a goal, we are making a decision to act. We are providing ourselves a map and depending on the Lord to be our compass -- to provide the direction He wants us to go! A goal is more than a dream -- it's a dream acted upon. It's not saying "oh, I wish I could" -- it's declaring what we want to do for the Lord-- it's a declaration of faith!
Friend, let's make our lives interesting -- let's set for ourselves a goal! Let's make a clear declaration of faith, saying "This is what I am going to do for the Lord and then press forward!" I can't wait to see where the Lord will take us!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Negev Desert, Israel
Editor's Note: We are coming to the United States on a cross-country speaking/music tour this winter and early spring! If you see that we will be close to your area and you want to hear a timely word from Worthy News Founder and Director, George Whitten and powerful Israeli Worship Music from Baht Rivka Whitten, Lazman Hazeh Music, as well as testimony of life and ministry in the Land, we invite you to join us -- or even invite us to speak/sing at your Congregation, Conference, Church, Midweek Meeting or Israel focused Event, especially if you see a free date on our way! We hope to hug you! Send us an email to george [ @ ] worthyemail.com for more information. Check out our calendar and see if we're speaking near you!
Editor's Note: Watch George's message: Which voice will you listen to in the last days?
Around the World
Iran once again exceeds a nuclear deal limit: IAEA report
Iran has exceeded a soft limit on sensitive material set under its nuclear deal with major powers, the U.N. atomic watchdog said on Wednesday, hours after Donald Trump - who has strongly criticized the agreement - won the U.S. presidential election.
Russia poised to unleash new Syria strikes from the sea, US officials say
Russia is preparing to carry out a new round of strikes targeting Syria from a group of warships that recently arrived in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, two U.S. defense officials told Fox News on Wednesday.
Crucifixions, Vice Patrols Show Islamic State Maintains Mosul Grip
Islamic State militants fighting to hold on to their Mosul stronghold have killed at least 20 people in the last two days for passing information to 'the enemy' and are back on the city streets policing the length of men's beards, residents say.
Russia says its warships drove away Dutch sub shadowing them
Russian warships in the eastern Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday drove away a Dutch submarine shadowing the squadron, the military said.
Paralyzed monkeys regain control of their legs after brain implants
A new form of brain implant could one day help people with paraplegia regain control of their legs, based on a new study proving its potential in paralyzed monkeys.
Putin gives thumbs-up to Trump's win in U.S.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is giving a thumbs-up to president-elect Donald Trump's victory.
Russian leaders, citizens now suddenly pro-U.S. after Trump's stunning win
After years of icy tensions, the United States and Russia might soon enter a new era of allied cooperation -- thanks to voters putting Donald Trump in the White House.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump invites Netanyahu to meet at first opportunity
US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he was welcome to visit at the earliest opportunity as the two spoke on the phone after Trump's astonishing election as 45th US President.
Trump win means no two-state solution in Middle East, Israeli official says
Donald Trump's Election Day win means 'the era of a Palestinian state is over,' a top Israeli official said Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Thousands flood streets to protest Trump in seven cities
Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in seven major U.S. cities on Wednesday night to denounce President-elect Donald Trump. The protests were created by a number of groups, including college campus, socialist and other organizations.
Trump and Pence will meet Ryan on Thursday
President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence will meet with Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday, the latest sign of a rapprochement between Trump and Ryan, according to Republican insiders.
Trump Election 'Market Panic' Ends with All-Time Dow Jones High
So much for the 'panic' that was supposed to engulf the stock market after Donald Trump's surprising victory in the 2016 presidential race. On Wednesday, just a few hours after Hillary Clinton finally offered her public concession, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed with an all-time high.
Anti-Trump Protests: 5 Shot In Downtown Seattle Near Demonstrations Against President-Elect
As people take to the streets to protest Republican nominee Donald Trump's election as the president of the United States, five people were shot outside a convenience store in downtown Seattle, near an anti-Trump rally Wednesday night, police said.
Republicans flip three governors' seats
Republicans built on their gubernatorial and legislative dominance in Tuesday's elections, shrugging off an onslaught of Democratic spending to flip three governors' seats.
Obama to host Trump at White House
President Barack Obama will host Donald Trump in the Oval Office Thursday, hoping to ease a smooth transition of power and steady nerves after an election that has shocked the world.
Congressional GOP prepares to gut Obamacare as they claim Trump 'mandate'
Congressional GOP leaders made it clear on Wednesday that they see Donald Trump has a 'mandate' -- and that they'll use that to try to quickly repeal Obamacare.
Four states vote to increase minimum wage over next decade
Voters in four states gave themselves a raise Tuesday, approving initiatives to raise their minimum wage to at least $12 by 2020 -- an increase of more than $4 per hour for employees in some states.
U.S. Politics
Trump transition battle underway
The stunning upset election of Donald Trump on Tuesday has set off a behind-the-scenes political battle inside the Trump transition team in Washington.
Gingrich: Giuliani, Sessions should have 'major' roles in Trump administration
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich predicted one day after Donald Trump won the presidential election that campaign advisers Rudy Giuliani and Sen. Jeff Sessions will have central roles in the new administration.
US spy agencies to begin top secret Trump briefings within days
US intelligence agencies will soon begin giving President-elect Donald Trump the same top secret national security briefings they give President Barack Obama, current and former intelligence officials said Wednesday.
Signs of divine intervention in Trump victory
Election eve 2016 began without any real sign of a gathering storm. No hint a popular revolt was brewing. In fact, just the opposite.
Christian News
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No justice 2 years after Muslim mob burned Christian couple alive in kiln
Even though last Friday marked the second anniversary of the day that a blasphemy-accused married Pakistani Christian couple was burned alive in a brick kiln by a mob of hundreds of Muslims, no justice has yet been served for those responsible for the senseless lynchings.
Over 200 Iranians, Afghans Baptised as Iranian Church Sees 'Spectacular' Growth
Just recently, more than 200 Iranians and Afghans were baptised in a location just outside Iran, the Elam Ministries reported. The service was attended by people from eight different Persian-speaking churches, the group said.
German Lutheran church rejects efforts to convert Jews
Germany's Lutheran church is rejecting any efforts to convert Jews, a move that is being welcomed by the country's Jewish community.