Worthy Brief - 12/31/2020
Friend, walk courageously, God is with you!
Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Approaching a new year always seems to carry a sense of adventure and expectation, although that attitude is not normally mixed with the level of trepidation we might be feeling just now. Moses' successor Joshua, one of two faithful spies, seems to have embodied this sense of courageous expectation much of his life, but even he needed an extra dose of Divine encouragement as the Lord commanded him to cross the Jordan and take possession of the promised Land.
Three times YHVH exhorted Joshua, a man with a great deal of natural bravery, to be “strong and (very) courageous". God knew what Joshua would be facing, even a lot better than the general himself, and so in a pivotal and personal message, He spoke to him: "Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” [ Joshua 1:8 ]
It is impossible to overestimate the value of this simple truth, this amazing promise, this unmitigated provision!
God is (and will be) with us. Anyone who has truly experienced this reality knows its inestimable value. We glibly quote this passage from Romans 8 when the dangers are minimal or the challenges are not really too challenging. But what a difference now as we face a New Year which may well threaten our freedom, our well being or our very lives.
But God is with us by His Spirit; and His Spirit is NOT "a spirit of fear, but of love, of power and of a sound mind." [ 2 Timothy 1:7 ]
Therefore, Friend, nothing that happens this coming year can threaten your union with Messiah Yeshua, the Lord Jesus Christ, if indeed, He dwells with you. He is the embodiment of Love, and "there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear;" [ 1 John 4:18 ]. Daniel prophesied of the end days that "those who know their God will display strength and take action;" [ Daniel 11:32 ]. So, whatever the coming days call for, consider yourself equipped! Go out with joy, be led forth with peace....and a very happy and blessed New Year!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Lucas, Texas
Editor's Note: We're starting to schedule our Winter tour of the Southern United States. 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: Be sure to visit Watchman in the Wilderness as George delivers fresh commentary relevant to the times in which we live. Read today's post, "The Collapse of New York City "
U.S. Flies Nuclear-Capable Bombers Over Middle East
Amid rising tensions with Iran, the U.S. military flew two nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to the Middle East Wednesday, the military confirmed. In a statement monitored by Worthy News, the U.S. Central Command overseeing military operations in the region said the flights were "to underscore the U.S. military's commitment to regional security."
Powerful Aftershocks Rock Croatia Amid Prayers and Desperation
Powerful aftershocks added to the misery in central Croatia on Wednesday, a day after the nation’s strongest earthquake on record killed seven people and injured dozens.
UK Ratifies Brexit Deal as Leaders Sign New Chapter
Britain and the EU signed a post-Brexit trade deal Wednesday, sealing their drawn-out divorce in the closing hours before the UK definitively ends its half-century European experiment.
US Warships Sail Taiwan Strait for Second Time This Month
Two U.S. warships sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Thursday, the U.S. Navy said, the second such mission this month and coming almost two weeks after a Chinese aircraft carrier group used the same waterway.
Tech companies developing Covid-19 vaccine “passports”
As proof of COVID-19 vaccination may eventually be required for traveling abroad or for entering many public spaces at home, technology groups are developing smartphone systems for users to upload their vaccine certificate and show them where needed, CNN Business reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF reveals it attacked 50 targets in Syria throughout 2020
The Israel Air Force carried out 50 strikes against targets in Syria throughout 2020, the IDF revealed in its annual statistics report released on Thursday.
Senior doctors call third lockdown a ‘national disaster’ — even a ‘doomsday weapon’
The current lockdown is going to destroy the State of Israel and devastate more lives than COVID-19 itself.
Gabi Ashkenazi quits Blue and White, as party further disintegrates
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi announced on Wednesday that he was taking a break from politics and leaving Blue and White, in the latest high-profile defection from Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s ailing party.
Inside the United States
U.S. Census Bureau Delays Revealing Voters
The U.S. Census Bureau will miss for the first time a year-end deadline for handing in numbers used for divvying up congressional seats, in a setback for President Donald J. Trump.
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley Says He Will Challenge Certification of Electoral College Vote
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) announced on Wednesday that he will oppose the certification of President-elect Joe Biden when Congress meets on Jan. 6 to certify the electoral college results.
Biden, Trump, and Harris head to Georgia in final push for Senate candidates
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will head to Georgia to stump for Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock ahead of Tuesday's Senate runoff elections.
US Congressman-Elect Letlow Dies Of COVID-19
Luke Letlow, the U.S. congressman-elect from Louisiana, died Tuesday of COVID-19 after being hospitalized, state officials confirmed.
Murder Rate Rose by 37% in U.S. Cities in 2020
Murders have skyrocketed this year, as local governments have become softer on crime. In the 57 major cities for which data are available, the murder rate is up an average of 36.7%. Murder went up in 51 cities, and down in only six cities. Murder is up 74.1% in Seattle, 72.3% in Minneapolis, 55.5% in Chicago, 54.1% in Boston, 39.2% in New York, 34.5% in St. Louis, and 30.4% in Los Angeles.
Christian News
Indonesia Bans Islamic Defenders Front
Christians in a movement of former Muslims and other believers welcomed a decision by Indonesia's government to ban an Islamist group that attacked churches and other targets.
India: Christian persecution expected to intensify in 2021
A new report forecasts that Christians in India will be subject to increased persecution in 2021, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.