Worthy Brief - 12/28/2017
Friend, tutti-fruity!
Matthew 7:16-20 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a corrupt tree bears evil fruit. A good tree cannot bear evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Most people reading this passage tend to focus in on the fruit that is produced. Okay...But a closer look will reveal that the Lord is really focusing on the tree. The fruit merely demonstrates the quality of the tree. We have all encountered this: there are trees whose fruit is healthy and delicious, and there are trees whose fruit is scarcely edible, or even useless.
The fruit doesn't make the tree -- the tree makes the fruit. A tree that produces good fruit is firmly rooted in soil which provides adequate water and nourishment. Likewise, those of us whose lives are rooted in and dedicated to Yeshua produce good fruit. Others who try to produce good works for "religious" reasons, or to prove or approve of themselves, may produce fruit, but it will be much inferior. When our focus is on Yeshua (Jesus), and our lives are centered in Him, the fruit we produce will not be from self-effort, and its quality will be excellent...because it is simply the produce of a good tree.
Friend, so, stop trying to produce good works in your own strength. Just tap into the Source of your life, Yeshua, allowing the sap of His Spirit to flow through you – and then watch what GREAT FRUIT He is continually able to produce!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Baltimore, MD
Editor's Note: We're speaking in Pennsylvania and Kentucky this week! Be sure to see us while we're on the road! Check out our our updated calendar!
Editor's Note: Worthy Ministries was just established as a non-profit corporation. To reflect these changes, we've completely revamped our online donation site, changed our mailing address, and have reorganized the means of how we handle sending out tax-deductible receipts. We're closing out our year in a few weeks, and we'd like to start 2018 on the right foot! Would you consider giving a year-end gift?
Editor's Note: We have our schedule online. Be sure to check it out and see where you can meet us on the road! There are still a few holes we are hoping to fill along the way. 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.
Around the World
Iranian parliament recognizes Jerusalem as 'capital of Palestine'
The Iranian parliament voted to approve a plan on Wednesday that would require the government of Iran to recognize Jerusalem as the permanent capital of the Palestinian people, Iranian news agency Fars reported.
US Imposes Sanctions Against Top North Korean Weapons Makers
The United States has imposed new sanctions on two of North Korea's key figures in its weapons program.
After Islamic State's defeat, a massive bill to rebuild Iraq
The Iraqi government estimates $100 billion is needed nationwide to rebuild cities and towns left in ruins by more than three years of war against the Islamic State group. Local leaders in Mosul, the biggest city held by IS, say that amount is needed to rehabilitate their city alone.
Blast rips through supermarket in Russia's St Petersburg, 10 hurt
A blast ripped through a supermarket in Russia’s St Petersburg on Wednesday evening, injuring at least 10 shoppers, investigators said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hezbollah, Syrian forces advance on rebels 7 miles from Israel
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Israeli security officials warn situation in Gaza may lead to new military conflict
Senior Israeli security officials have told the Security Cabinet that the current situation in Gaza resembles the one that existed just before Operation Protective Edge in 2014, warning that it might lead to a new military conflict with Hamas.
Inside the United States
Brrr! After Record Snow, Bitter Cold Ahead for Northern US
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Christian News
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Atlanta Fire Chief Fired for Christian Beliefs Wins Victory in Court
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