Worthy Brief - 12/27/2019
Friend, how dedicated are you?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have of God, and you are not your own? For you were bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
As we mentioned a couple of days ago, Chanukah commemorates of the desecration of the holy temple of old, (just another attempt of the enemy to wipe out the Jewish people and the things of God), God's great grace and the re-dedication of the temple to Him.
While there is no longer a physical temple today, the Bible declares that we, as believers in Yeshua (Jesus), are living temples of God. But we need to recognize that our enemy is constantly at work, trying to erect idols and desecrate our temple in various ways so that we cannot be used to glorify God. How long has it been since we cleansed and rededicated our temple to the Lord? We should really be doing it daily!
Friend, we want to be more holy -- purer -- more righteous so that we can be found a peculiar people, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, as the scripture says. Let's pull down the strongholds and destroy the idols that pollute us! Let's strive to be a people who shine forth the glory of God today!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Kansas City, Missouri
Editor's Note: We'll be speaking in Kansas City, and Indiana this weekend! Check out our calendar for our upcoming speaking engagements. If you would like us to minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.
Editor's Note: Looking for the best holiday gift EVER for the person who has everything??? How about a LIFE ALTERING trip to ISRAEL?! Join us (George and Baht Rivka Whitten of Worthy Ministries) as we will be your personal hosts through the Holy Land! Together we will experience amazing historical and biblical sites, relax at the Dead Sea Spa, enjoy all the delicious cuisine of the Middle East, join in power packed worship and solid teaching, participate in hands-on ministry, meet Israelis and Holocaust Survivors, an outreach concert, a special Yemenite lunch, tasting at Jerusalem’s outdoor food market, camel rides, Bedouin hospitality, Shabbat dinner at our home, a baptism at the Jordan River, sunset Galilee boat ride, and loads more!! Experience Real Israel with us— you don’t want to miss this!! We have limited spaces available. For more information, visit Worthy Israel Tours or send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com.
Editor's Note: If you have a prayer request, or if you'd be interested in becoming an intercessor, be sure to visit the Worthy Prayer Team!
Around the World
Turkey poised to send troops to Libya, ratcheting up tensions in E. Mediterranean
Turkey is preparing to send troops and advanced weapons to the embattled UN-backed Libyan government. The military muscle-flexing puts it at odds with Russia and several Arab states backing Libya's rival government.
Iraq's President refuses to back Iran-favored candidate for Prime Minister
The Iraqi President has threatened to resign instead of nominating an Iran-backed candidate for Prime Minister against the will of protestors.
Thousands in Asia Marvel at ‘Ring of Fire’ Solar Eclipse
People along a swath of southern Asia gazed at the sky in marvel on Thursday at a 'ring of fire' solar eclipse.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF Chief indicates upcoming "limited confrontation" between Israel and Iran
Israel may carry out a 'limited' war with Iran according to the Chief of the Israel Defense Forces, who spoke openly for the first time about Iranian entrenchment in Iraq as a problem for the Jewish state.
Netanyahu declares ‘huge victory,’ Sa’ar concedes, in Likud leadership contest
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared victory soon after midnight Thursday-Friday in the Likud leadership contest against rival Gideon Sa’ar, as a preliminary ballot count indicated the longtime party leader was headed for a landslide win.
New laser beam system developed to take down drones, burning balloons
Israeli security forces have unveiled a new laser-beam system designed to take down incendiary aerial devices that have burned countless acres of land over the past two years as well as drones infiltrating into Israeli airspace.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court to hear Louisiana abortion case in 2020
A case testing abortion access in Louisiana will come before the Supreme Court early next year, giving President Trump’s two appointees their first chance to leave a mark on the topic.
US cyber officials consider information warfare to counter Russian meddling in 2020
Cyber officials within the U.S. military have started to examine possible methods of information warfare that could be used to counter interference in elections.
Christian News
18 Christians killed by ISIS in Nigeria on Christmas Eve and Christmas
ISIS-affiliated terrorists in Nigeria killed 11 people, many assumed to be Christians, on Christmas day, following the slaying of 7 Christians in Borno State by the organization on Christmas eve.
Russian Christians reach out to Mongolia, where Christianity is resurrecting
Russian Christians are answering the call to take the gospel to Mongolia, one of the most sparsely populated and least-reached countries in the world, 26 years after the fall of communism left only 10 believers in the country.
Despite Intense Persecution and Death Threats, National Bible Translators Remain Committed to Translating the Scriptures
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, continues to receive requests for help from Christians living in highly volatile regions who are committed to bringing the translated Scriptures to their language groups.
Christian mother banished from home by Muslim husband in Uganda
A Christian mother in Uganda had to flee her home when her Muslim husband discovered she had been taking their 7-year-old child to church services after her recent conversion in May.
Boris Johnson Vows to Defend Christians in First Christmas Message Since Becoming PM
Boris Johnson has vowed to defend Christians around the world in his first Christmas message since becoming U.K prime minister.