Worthy Brief - 11/28/2016
Friend, do you want to see the glory of God?
2 Chronicles 5:6,13,14 Also King Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel who were assembled with him before the ark, were sacrificing sheep and oxen that could not be counted or numbered for multitude. 13 indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever," that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
Three thousand years ago, when Solomon dedicated the Temple to God, the priests offered up thousands of sacrifices. After the sacrifices were offered up -- then the glory of God fell! The glory of God was so thick and heavy that the priests could no longer minister! Do you see the connection? First the offerings -- THEN the glory fell!
But this reality is not found only in the Old Covenant; it's also in the New Covenant. After Messiah was sacrificed as the offering for the sins of the world at Calvary -- came the resurrection, the Son of God, risen and glorified! So clearly, there’s an integral relationship between sacrifice and glory!
Friend, can we see this relationship still operating even today? I believe we can. When we offer our bodies as living sacrifices; our future, our plans, our possessions and our lives, to the Lord--His glory begins to be revealed as His Spirit works in and through us. Called by Him to be more and more like Yeshua (Jesus), the people of God should be a people of sacrifice. Do you want to see the glory of God filling every aspect of your life? Then lay your life upon the altar in surrender to His perfect will--you will watch in amazement as He takes your offering and turns it to a beautiful testimony of His glory!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Wilmington, NC
Editor's Note: Let President-Elect Trump know the Importance of Israel: Sign our Petition!
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!
Around the World
Fidel Castro's death brings about mixed reactions from around the world
As American lawmakers by and large reflected on Fidel Castro’s passing Friday by recalling the negative impact of his decades-long dictatorship, internationally his death has prompted mournful reactions from foreign officials who hold drastically different opinions of the longtime Cuban leader.
Islamic State retreat reveals terror plots against Europe
Intelligence of attack plots across Europe is being uncovered as Islamic State’s caliphate is beaten back, the top British officer in the military coalition fighting the extremists has disclosed.
Iran Considers Naval Bases in Yemen, Syria
Iran's chief of staff of the armed forces said Saturday that Tehran may be interested in setting up naval bases in both Syria and Yemen, the semi-official Tasnim reported.
Erdogan threatens Europe with new wave of refugees
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacted fiercely on Friday to what he considers another snub by the European Union, threatening to shred a year-old deal with the EU, open his borders and allow Muslim migrants to flood the continent.
Pope's possible deal with China would 'betray Christ', says Hong Kong cardinal
The most senior Chinese Catholic has slammed a potential rapprochement between the Vatican and Beijing, saying it would be 'betraying Jesus Christ', amid a thaw in more than six decades of bitter relations.
Mexican volcano erupts, sending ash 3 miles into sky
A volcano in Mexico erupted, sending ash three miles into the air and prompting warnings from government officials for tourists and residents to stay away.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli Air Force strikes Islamic State targets in Syria
The Israeli Air Force struck an Islamic State held target in the southern Syrian Golan Heights early Monday morning in response to an attack on Israeli soldiers near the Syrian border on Sunday.
Israelis distrust Netanyahu on submarine affair, but prefer him for PM
Nearly half of Israelis don't believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to purchase three new German-made submarines for the Israeli Navy was made for purely security reasons, a Channel 2 poll revealed.
Post-fire rehabilitation could take 30 years
The rehabilitation of natural reserve parks and infrastructures damaged by the rash of fires which were finally brought under control and extinguished on Sunday is likely to continue for as much as 30 years, according to experts.
Arson suspected in third of past week's fires
A source in the Israel Police said on Sunday night that the approximately 90 fires that have blazed across the country in the past week were believed to be caused by arson.
Israel to face regional instability next year, says military intelligence chief
Military Intelligence chief, Major General Herzl Halevi warned of the consequences of an unstable Palestinian Authority (PA) next year, according to a report by the Israeli publication Haaretz.
Israel to purchase 17 new f-35 stealth fighter jets
Israel's security cabinet on Sunday unanimously agreed to purchase 17 new f-35 stealth fighter jets, bringing the total number of the US-made aircraft in Israel's fleet to fifty.
Inside the United States
Recount set to kick off as critics decry ‘fundraising, notoriety-driven fraud’
Despite no evidence of fraud and a widespread belief that the entire effort will change nothing, Wisconsin election officials this week will begin a statewide recount of the presidential vote, adding yet another chapter to the fight between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
Army Corps: No plans to forcibly remove Dakota Access pipeline protesters
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it has no plans to forcibly remove Dakota Access pipeline protesters if they do not vacate prohibited areas by the deadline it imposed next week.
Hillary Clinton's email woes persist after election: 'Nothing has been settled'
They won't now complicate a Hillary Clinton presidency, but the emails from her time in the State Department will still trickle out over the next months as the administration tries to clean up the mess Mrs. Clinton left.
Donald Trump alleges 'serious voter fraud' in Virginia, New Hampshire, California
President-elect Donald Trump took to Twitter on Sunday to allege, without specific evidence, that there was massive voter fraud in the election he just won.
Christian News
Vietnam New Law Still Limits Freedom of Religion
On 18 November 2016 Vietnam's 14th National Assembly passed the nation's first ever Law on Belief and Religion, amid concerns that multiple drafts of the Bill did not conform to international standards on freedom of religion or belief.
Christian TV Reaches Millions Of Christians Across The Middle East
More than 21 million people now watch Christian television broadcaster SAT-7's channels across the Middle East and North Africa; an increase of 76 per cent in five years.
Fidel Castro's Death: What It Means for the Church, Cuba
Reaction ranges from sorrow to celebration at the news of Cuba's former President Fidel Castro's death at age 90.