Friend, casting lots!

Esther 4:14  For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

The Festival of Purim, which we celebrate on the 14th of Adar—the last month in the Biblical calendar—begins this Thursday evening and continues through Friday evening this year. Although Purim isn't one of the moedim, or appointed feasts, named in the Torah, it arose in the 4th century BCE and has been cherished ever since.

While the dramatic events leading to Purim are vividly detailed in the Book of Esther, the festival of Purim does not appear in the New Testament.

The Book of Esther is set in the ancient city of Susa (Shushan), now part of modern-day western Iran. The story unfolds sometime after the 70-year exile in Babylon, but likely before Ezra the priest and Nehemiah the governor returned to Israel.

In a remarkable series of divinely guided events, a young Jewish woman named Hadassah, better known as Esther, ascends to become queen of Persia. Despite her high status, Esther conceals her Jewish identity on the advice of Mordecai: “Esther had not made known her people or her kindred, for Mordecai had charged her not to make it known” (Esther 2:10, 20).

As the plot thickens, Haman, the king’s advisor, engineers a plan to annihilate all Jews. By casting lots (Esther 3:7; Esther 9:26), known in Hebrew as purim, the 13th of Adar is set for this horrific event (Esther 3:13).  However, the narrative takes a turn when Esther, spurred by Mordecai, discloses her heritage to the king, leading to Haman’s death and the Jews' miraculous deliverance.

While the Book of Esther does not explicitly mention God, His presence is intricately woven throughout the narrative, visible to all who immerse themselves in its pages.

One of the most profound lessons from Purim is that God's rescue plan for the Jewish people would happen with or without Esther's help. Mordecai even tells Esther that if she kept quiet, "relief and deliverance for the Jews would arise from another place." This shows that God’s plans don’t rely on just one person, even though Esther was in the right place at the right time, "for such a time as this." (Esther 4:14)

Likewise, we are alive now "for such a time as this." God’s prophetic plan to redeem the world, as well as the Jewish people, will happen with or without us, however, God has placed us here for "such a time as this" to see God's prophetic plan unfold fully, that we may see the "fulness of the Gentiles" (Romans 11:25) and then "all of Israel be saved" (Romans 11:26) for this Gospel must be preached to the ends of the earth, and then the end will come!  (Matthew 24:14)

Friend, so, take hold of this moment, this special time in your life, and really get that God put you here "for such a time as this." You're meant to do incredible things and participate in His ultimate plan—bringing hope and redemption through His Son to the whole world. And guess what? You might just be the spark that ignites a revival right where you are!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

Friend, learn how to come in, and how to go out!

1 Kings 3:5-9  At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, "Ask! What shall I give you?" 6  And Solomon said: "You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7  Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8  And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9  Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"

Deut. 28:6-7  "Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. 7  "The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. 

In the Book of Kings, when King Solomon began his reign, God asked him, "What shall I give you?" He replied, "I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in" (1 Kings 3:7). Such a phrase seems curious, yet it holds deep significance. It is echoed throughout Scripture, revealing a principle that intimacy with God leads to victory!

When Moses pleaded for a leader to replace him, he asked the Lord for a leader who could lead the Israelites "to go out and come in" so they wouldn't be like sheep without a shepherd (Numbers 27:17). Joshua was chosen. He was one of the two spies, Caleb being the other, who said, "Adonai is with us"- do not fear the giants of the land! (Numbers 14:7-9)

After Joshua was appointed leader, he spoke to Caleb, who, at eighty-five, boldly claimed his strength for battle was as strong as ever, "both for going out and for coming in." (Joshua 14:11)

Again, this expression surfaces regarding David in 1 Samuel 18. Here, amidst the praises of the people who acclaimed, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7), we see that Israel loved David because "he went out and came in before them." (1 Samuel 18:13)

What can we learn from these faithful servants? They all shared a profound intimacy with God. Moses spoke to God face-to-face as one speaks to a friend (Exodus 33:11), Joshua was one with whom the Spirit rested (Numbers 27:18), Caleb followed God wholly with all his heart (Joshua 14:9), and David was known as a man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22; 1 Samuel 13:14)

Each of these faithful leaders understood the critical importance of entering God’s presence and drawing on His strength and power before stepping out to battle. They faced formidable adversities—enemies, even giants and armies—yet they were victorious.

Friend, so cultivate that type of intimacy in your daily walk with the Lord. Begin each day by entering into His presence through worship and prayer before you step out into the world. By doing this, when you go out, you go out with the confidence that the Lord "will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways." (Deut 28:6-7)

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

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Friend, hold on to the freshness of the gospel!

Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me; because LORD has anointed Me to preach the Gospel [basar] to the poor; He has sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to appoint to those who mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the mantle of praise for the spirit of heaviness; so that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.

When Yeshua (Jesus) went into the synagogue in Nazareth and was handed the scroll of Isaiah to read [Luke 4:18], He opened it to the passage we know of as Isaiah 61, a powerful Messianic proclamation filled with hope and promise and fresh with the joyful good news of His arrival. After reading the passage, He immediately declared that it was fulfilled in the hearing of those present. The first response was amazement and wonder that the carpenter's son was so gracious a communicator. But this did not last, as Yeshua immediately challenged his audience with a prophetic expectation...that they would reject Him, which they immediately did...nevertheless...

The Hebrew word for gospel—basar—not only means "to preach the good news," but its root also suggests cheerfulness and freshness or refreshing. The gospel is full of joy! The joy of knowing our sin debt has been paid in full and that through the resurrection we acquire an unfathomably wonderful eternal life; the joy of experiencing every moment of our lives, the reality of "Immanuel," God with us.

Life has its struggles, with disappointment, irritation, persecution, temptations to anger, bitterness, and even despair. Yet, this message and its impact upon us carries the renewing power and resounding cheer of Yeshua's presence. The announcement of the "basar" is fully intended to be refreshed and renewed daily, never to become a dull or half-remembered inspiration. By its very nature, it brings deliverance, healing, vision, righteousness, and praise, a profoundly fresh, revivifying, and transformative message carrying the indefatigable joy of the Holy Spirit.

Friend, the gospel of Messiah is not a message that "gets old"; at least it ought never to be. If we simply reconsider it, we discover an eternally fresh message to be received and reignited in our hearts each day. As we contemplate the entirety of what Yeshua did for us, it will never "get old" but remain ever fresh and invigorating. For He truly did come to bind up the broken-hearted, release those who are captive, free those who are bound, and comfort those who mourn...AND to make us trees of righteousness in this world, living, breathing, refreshing messages of His joy so that He may be glorified!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

Friend, learn to trust the giver!

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

As the financial markets reel from the threat of trade wars and tariffs, shaking economies worldwide, I recall a devotion I wrote a few years ago.

F.B. Meyer once said, “The education of our faith is incomplete [till] we learn that God’s providence works through loss…that there’s a ministry to us through the failure and fading of things. The dwindling brook where Elijah sat is a picture of our lives. ‘Sometime later the brook dried up’ (1 Kings 17:7) is the history of our yesterdays and a prophecy of our tomorrows…learn the difference between trusting in the gift and trusting in the Giver. The gift may last for a season, but the Giver is eternal. If the Lord had led Elijah directly to the widow at Zarephath, he’d have missed something that helped make him a better man – living by faith. Whenever our earthly resources dry up, it’s so we may learn that our hope and help are in God.”

When we first moved to Israel just over 20 years ago, we left the United States with just a few thousand dollars and a few suitcases. We honestly didn’t know how we were going to survive financially. But in those first few months, we saw the faithfulness of God as He provided in the most miraculous ways. And it was during that season that we learned how God indeed provides for His saints. Over the years, we’ve had to take huge steps of faith that seemed impractical and illogical through earthly eyes, but we took those leaps, and God has always provided – often at the very last minute! But something the Lord taught me early on -- if it’s the Lord’s will – it’s the Lord’s bill!

Friend, even though we’re living in this "economy," if you are a saint of God, then you're in His economy—and in His economy, the resources are not limited. Let’s keep our focus on the GIVER instead of the gifts!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

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.

I saw a funny meme about fruit today that made me think of this passage.

Most people reading this passage tend to focus on the fruit that is produced. Sure, that’s important. But if you dig deeper, you’ll see that the Lord is looking at the tree itself. The fruit? It just shows what kind of tree is growing.

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.

Remember, it’s not the fruit that defines the tree -- it’s the tree that defines the fruit. A tree that produces good fruit is firmly rooted in soil that provides adequate water and nourishment. Likewise, those of us whose lives are rooted in and dedicated to Yeshua (Jesus) 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, 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, properly rooted and fully nourished.

Friend, so, stop trying to produce good works in your 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 through you!

Shabbat Shalom and have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday ...

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

Friend, where's your company card?

James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss [with wrong motives], that you may consume it upon your pleasures.

Recently, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) made headlines by canceling 146,000 U.S. government credit cards, a decisive step toward more effective resource management. This move not only underscores the importance of trust and proper usage in handling responsibilities, but also carries a hint of irony as many of these cards had their credit limits reset to just one dollar, emphasizing the strict controls now being enforced.

Imagine you're an employee at a major corporation, and recognized for your dedication and trustworthiness. One day, you're given a company credit card for work-related expenses, symbolizing your employer’s trust in your judgment for the company's benefit.

Similarly, those of us who follow Yeshua (Jesus) are part of God’s "company." We've been entrusted with a powerful tool—prayer, akin to a company credit card. When we ask for things in Yeshua's name, it’s as if we're making a purchase on behalf of the Kingdom. We receive what we ask for as long as it serves the Kingdom’s interests.

However, why do some prayers seem to go unanswered? James offers a revealing insight: we often ask with wrong motives, aimed at fulfilling our own desires rather than the Kingdom's needs.

Friend, so, the next time you pray, pause to consider if your request aligns with the benefit of the Kingdom. Pray with sincere faith and the right intentions, trusting that God will respond. If you're unsure, seek God’s direction to ensure your prayers match His will, aiming for the ultimate good of His Kingdom. And remember, the great advantage of our "company credit card" in prayer—there’s no spending limit!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

Friend, claim your gifts!

Matthew 7:9-11 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

One of the great preachers whose writings I love to read is John R. Rice. He once shared a powerful illustration:

"I imagined myself in Heaven, walking alongside the Angel Gabriel. I turned to him and asked, ‘Gabe, what is that large building over there?’

‘You may be disappointed,’ he replied. ‘I don’t think you want to see it.’

But I insisted, so he took me inside. As we walked through, I saw floor after floor filled with beautifully wrapped gifts, waiting to be sent.

‘Gabriel, what are all these?’ I asked.

With a sorrowful tone, he answered, ‘These are blessings we prepared—but no one ever asked for them.’”

How often do we miss out on what God has for us simply because we fail to ask? The Word says, “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2). Our Father is generous, full of mercy, and eager to pour out His goodness upon us—but we must come before Him in faith, believing that He is both willing and able!

Friend, let us boldly approach the throne of grace with humility and expectation, knowing that our Father delights in blessing His children. He has prepared so much for us—so simply ask!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

Friend, invest in eternity!

1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

About a week ago, archaeologists uncovered the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh in Luxor, which is situated on the ancient city of Thebes. This marked the first discovery of its kind in the area since the excavation of King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922.

When you think of Egypt, the pyramids are likely the first image that comes to mind. Similarly, when I think of the pyramids, they remind me of a valuable life lesson I'd like to share.

Some folks, especially those into New Age teaching, think these pyramids are full of spiritual mysteries. Some say aliens built them; others suggest they're packed with cosmic energy. But at the end of the day, these giant structures are just fancy graves, gigantic tombstones for the dead with all their earthly treasures that didn't go with them in the afterlife.

The pyramids illustrate a vital lesson: pursuits of self-glorification lead to nothing but waste, destruction, futility, and death. No matter how grand or elaborate our earthly achievements might be, without focusing on the Kingdom, they are merely monuments to our egos, lifeless and hollow—just like the pyramids.

However, by putting our egos and worldly pursuits to rest and turning our focus to the Kingdom—and the everlasting life that awaits us—we avoid boasting of our earthly treasures and concentrate instead on His work, leading us to an eternal reward.

Friend, so, let's continue to invest wisely in those things that endure forever. This world will soon pass away, and only those things that are set up to build His eternal Kingdom will remain. So, let's focus on the investments that never fail with the time left to invest!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

Friend, aoooooo!

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

A friend sent us the following story.

One evening, an old Cherokee man shared a story with his grandson about a battle that takes place in every person. He said, "My child, there are two wolves inside us. One is filled with all things bad—anger, jealousy, regret, greed, pride, lies, and so much more. The other is full of good—joy, love, peace, kindness, humility, and faith."

The grandson thought for a moment and then asked, "Which wolf wins, Grandpa?"

The old man simply replied, "The one you feed."

It’s simple, isn’t it? What we focus on, what we allow into our hearts, shapes us. If we fill ourselves with negativity, that’s what will grow. But if we choose to feed on joy, peace, and love, that’s what will lead us forward.

Friend, let’s make a conscious effort today to feed our minds and spirits with what honors God—things that will help us grow and do His work. When we do, the God of peace will be with us, now and always.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

Friend, take a break -- enjoy your Shabbat rest!

Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Leonardo da Vinci, who excelled at many things -- as a painter, sculptor, poet, architect, engineer, city planner, scientist, inventor, anatomist, military genius, and philosopher said a wise thing:

"Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer, since to remain constantly at work will cause you to lose power of judgment...Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller, and more of it can be taken in at a glance, and lack of harmony or proportion is more readily seen."

Have you found this to be the truth? We have! Any time we step back from a situation or project and take some time away, we undoubtedly gain new perspective and insight about it. Now, I know not all of us can take a week-long vacation at a luxurious resort to take time away from our difficulties, but we can, and must take a retreat with the Lord (which by the way, can be much more restful)! The Word says He makes me to lie down and green pastures -- It doesn't say He'd like us to, if we could try to take some time from our busy schedules -- it says He makes us!

Friend, it's time to take a rest from all the things that make us weary today -- ministry work included. Let's take some time out with the Lord and get quiet before Him. He has so many things He wants to reveal, if we would only give Him a chance to show us! He's has so many ways He wants to refresh us and refill our empty places, if we would only be obedient to His call!

Shabbat Shalom ... we'll see you on Monday!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Dallas, Texas | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

Friend, it's time to light the fire!

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

There's an interesting story about the great English actor, Macready. A respected preacher once asked him, "I wish you would explain something to me."

"Well, what is it? I don't know that I can explain anything to a preacher."

The preacher was puzzled. "What is the reason for the difference between you and me? You are appearing before crowds night after night with fiction, and the crowds follow you wherever you go. I am preaching the essential and unchangeable truth, and I am not getting any crowd at all!"

Macready had a sharp reply: "This is quite simple. I can tell you the difference between us. I present my fiction as though it were truth; you present your truth as though it were fiction."

If you've been following Worthy News, you've noticed God's hand at work among teenagers and college students in America. It's intriguing because while these young people are skeptical of traditional religious and church norms, they are earnestly searching for a authentic and vibrant faith.

It's pretty easy to recognize when something is on fire—it sets everything around it ablaze. Just imagine how rapidly the truth about Yeshua (Jesus) could spread if we were truly passionate about living and sharing it! We who know God must be like a fire, igniting the world with His love!

Friend, let’s lay down our hesitations and fears before the Lord and ask Him to ignite our hearts with a passion for those who are still lost! For truly the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few! (Luke 10:2)

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Dallas, Texas | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

Friend, build wisely!

1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.

An elderly carpenter was looking towards retirement. His boss, who had come to depend on him for quality work, asked for one last favor—a final house to build before he hung up his hammer. The carpenter said yes, but his heart wasn’t really in it. He cut corners, used second-rate materials, and just didn’t put his usual effort into the construction.

When the house was finished, the boss came by and handed the carpenter the keys, saying, “This is your house, my gift to you for years of hard work.” The carpenter was floored. If he’d known he was building his own home, he would've definitely made sure everything was top-notch. Now, he was stuck with a home that wasn’t built to last.

We should think of ourselves as carpenters, and our lives here on earth, as our house. Each day we hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall, we must build with care! It is the only life we will ever build. And what we do here will count for eternity!

Friend, remember, our lives today are shaped by how we thought and what we chose before. And what our lives will look like tomorrow? That depends on how we think and choose today. So, let’s be wise and build something that’ll last, not just for now, but for eternity!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Dallas, Texas | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

Friend, self conscious?

Matthew 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Everywhere we look today, there’s some kind of “self-help” advice—books, podcasts, videos, websites, even world-famous speakers—all telling us how to feel better about ourselves. And yet, so many of us still wrestle with self-doubt, even as believers!

But let’s think about this for a second. Did Yeshua (Jesus) ever say, “Just feel good about yourself”? No, He actually told us to crucify ourselves!

If we go around hating ourselves and even feeling condemnation over our faults and sins, what we are really doing is focusing on our self! My wife said something really wise the other day: Self-consciousness is not God-consciousness. And that’s the truth. God doesn’t want us fixated on ourselves -- He wants our eyes on Him!

When we lay down our flesh and surrender fully, it’s no longer us trying to live this life -- it’s about Him living through us! And if our old self is crucified, there’s no self left to hate, no self left to condemn. That’s real freedom! We’re free to serve the Lord and let Him do amazing things through us.

Friend, so let’s stop looking in the mirror and start looking up—because the more we focus on Him, the more He shines through us!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George & Obi - Phoenix, AZ | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

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Friend, be bold in Him!

Hebrews 10:19-22 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

For 2000 years now, humans all over the world can do what was possible for only one single man, (Israel's high priest) before the death and resurrection of Yeshua (Jesus). We can enter the Holy of Holies, the very Presence of the almighty God, without dying. When we pray, we have direct access to God, our Father, not on our own merit, since our own righteousness is but filthy rags [Isaiah 64:6], but on the merit and perfection of His only Son.

We have a High Priest “who knew no sin, and yet became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him!” [2 Cor 5:21] Through His blood … in His righteousness … we are able to approach God boldly, with all confidence that He desires to answer our prayers!

Friend, enter boldly into His presence by what Yeshua (Jesus) has done, is doing, and will do for you. It is the Father’s will to glorify His Son. Our prayers do that when they conform to His will. So be bold in your prayer life… participate in the very will of God as a new creation. by entering His Holy Presence with the confidence, His own righteousness has provided for you.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Los Angeles, California)

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Friend, find your (His) peace!

Philippians 4:5-7 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“Don’t be anxious”…even though it's a perfectly natural response to mounting threats; sickness, finances, employment, uncertainty, emotional stress, family crises...Nevertheless, it says, "Don't be anxious about anything". Instead, pray!

But does that really work? How many can affirm, even testify, that praying relieves anxiety about real and present threats and dangers? Anxiety is a powerful emotional condition, even expressing in physical symptoms; stomach upsets, cramps, heart palpitations, headaches, ruminations, muscle contractions, indigestion, cold extremities, dilated pupils, numbness, emotional outbursts, fits of anger, etc. etc. And there are all kinds of prescribed and/or self medications, including everything from beer to valium, or simply the internet...

But is prayer really and truly an effective solution for anxiety? If you can honestly answer "Yes", you are not a novice at praying.

Psalm 62:8 ... "Trust in Him at all times, people, pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (which kind of means 'pause for an easy breath')." When you pour out your heart to someone, is time a factor? When you know she's really listening and caring about your situation, and has something to offer, do you expect to feel better after you have emptied your soul? It sounds simple, even perfunctory, but praying out your anxiety implies really trusting the Person you're talking to, and taking the time to empty your heart and soul before Him. That's what God wants you to do.

If and when you do that, and thoroughly, you may find yourself in a peace (a "shalom") which passes comprehension, because you hardly expected it when you started out. What’s amazing about this passage is the hidden mystery of that Shalom, a Hebrew word with such wonderful compound meaning it requires a basketful of English words to be inadequately translated: peace, completeness, prosperity, safety, contentment, health, blessing, and rest, among others.

Friend, see if you can manage to experience this when anxiety strikes. Test it and see for yourself if praying can really alleviate your fears. God’s peace is there for you and it will pass all understanding; and most especially in these times … wouldn’t it be great to constantly walk in that shalom, His shalom?

Shabbat Shalom! Until next week, have a blessed weekend!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Phoenix, Arizona)

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Friend, patience -- oh what a lesson!

2 Peter 1:5-7 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Patience is one of those attributes that you cannot learn by reading about it. It's a quality that can only be acquired by persistent, enduring, practice– and for me, it's a drill that I go over, and over, and over again!

The original Webster's dictionary offers this definition of patience: "the suffering of afflictions, pain, toil, calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm, unruffled temper; endurance without murmuring or fretfulness, from a kind of heroic pride, or from a Christian submission to the divine will."

Reading this definition two things really struck me – first, "endurance without murmuring". I, for instance, get so frustrated sitting in a traffic jam... counting the wasted minutes when I could have been doing something useful! Yet, what an opportunity for me to choose to quench the inner fumes – and use the delay to work on my patience!

The second thing that really hit me was, "a Christian submission to the divine will." How many times are we placed in a difficult position, or forced to deal with an "impossible" situation? Or perhaps, an "impossible" person? These circumstances are always opportunities to grow in patience – or to learn to submit to God's providential will, and often, to minister in some special or unique way.

Friend, is your patience being tested today? Great! Remember, love is (first of all) patient. [1 Cor. 13:4] The Lord is training you toward godliness –- and godliness is moving toward perfect love. With so much work to be done, He is really wanting to work this quality into your character now -– to perfect your love, and with it to transform the world around you for His glory!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Phoenix, Arizona)

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Friend, you have staying power!

Proverbs 24:16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

Counselors, encouragers, and people who offer care to others often encounter those whose past failures threaten to define them and hinder their development, healing, and sanctification. Our enemy capitalizes on our failures and regrets, pressing home the current influence of what we could have, would have, or should have done, if only we were wiser, more courageous, honest, or godly.

There is, however, an internal posture that is invincible against the pile of regrets and accusations the devil's crew levels at us. Its basis is the new foundation on which we stand and live: the righteousness of Another, a perfectly righteous and holy Savior, whose righteousness is imparted to us by repentance and faith.

Although the above passage is from the Old Testament, its reference to the "righteous" carries exponential significance in light of the New Covenant. The LORD God clearly defines those who identify with Him as individuals who "keep getting up, keep trying, keep pressing through, seven times over; (7, the perfect number)." It seems that true righteousness inspires perseverance. You may have seen it in your own life...

Imperfection has been infused into our world since the Fall. Our mortal bodies will not in this life cease to be prone to failure, stumbling, and missing the mark, giving plenty of opportunity for regret, dejection, or self-pity. And while genuine mourning, godly sorrow, deep contrition, and pouring out our hearts to Him are blessed and appreciated by our compassionate Lord, He does not leave us to abide in depression or defeat. In fact, He assures us that "All things work together for the good of those who love Him..."

Friend, take note again of the source of your staying power. You are a new creature whose past or present failures cannot define your identity. God is faithful and will inspire and reward your persistence in pressing through even the most difficult challenges and circumstances, past or present. Only believe and press on...He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory, with exceeding great joy..." [Jude 1:24]

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Phoenix, Arizona)

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Friend, a flower for you!

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

As I was compiling Worthy News today, we reported that the hostages taken by Hamas have now been in captivity for 500 days. One released hostage shared how, while thousands in Israel were advocating for them, their captors fed them lies, saying, “Nobody cares about you, and no one is coming for you.”

This reminded me of a story about a man who was imprisoned during Napoleon's reign. While sulking in his dungeon one day, he etched on the wall the words "Nobody Cares."

A few weeks later, through a crack in the dungeon floor, a little green shoot sprang forth, reaching toward the tiny ray of sunlight that came from his small prison cell window. The prisoner began giving a portion of his daily water to the little shoot and it began to grow. One morning the man awoke to a beautiful flower. A tear rolling down his face, he crossed out the words, "Nobody Cares" and replaced them with "God Cares."

The story goes on to tell that His devotion to the flower was reported to the Empress Josephine. She was so very moved that she convinced Napoleon to set the man free.

How many times do we feel like "Nobody Cares"? God has planted little shoots of hope in each and every one of our difficult circumstances -- do you know that? Perhaps we're stepping on them, not even noticing they exist. Perhaps we're pulling the shoots before they spring forth into beautiful flowers.

But if we take a moment to look around, we may find that God has already planted seeds of hope in our lives, waiting to bloom. Even in the darkest of dungeons, even when the enemy whispers, “Nobody cares,” God is always present, nurturing life where despair once reigned.

Friend, so today, choose to see the small signs of His love, the tiny green shoots breaking through the cracks of your struggles. Water them with faith, nurture them with prayer, and watch as God transforms your sorrow into beauty. No matter how bleak things seem, remember this—God cares, He sees, and He has never stopped working to deliver you of whatever situation you may be going through.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Phoenix, Arizona)

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Friend, you're His masterpiece!

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Millions of dollars are spent worldwide on priceless works of art. I'm always amazed at how much people will pay for one painting—some are considered virtually priceless. But what makes a masterpiece? It's not a what—it's a "who." A master makes a masterpiece!

There's a Master at work on you. Your life is a priceless work of art in the Lord’s hand. God's masterful artistry, His perfect "touch," is painting, sculpting your life day by day to create the masterpiece He envisions you to be. Every stroke of the brush, every strike of the chisel, places color, renders shape to your individual identity in Him. You can trust His craftsmanship and rely on His artistry because not only is He the consummate Master Artist, but He loves His works.

"We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works."  So it seems the Master Artist has created you to be an artist, too, to walk in good works that reflect His work in you. You are a beautiful masterpiece in the making, designed to portray a beautiful Master in all you do.

Friend, the Lord's work is beautiful, it's the best, highest quality available, three dimensional, living and breathing...and it's truly "priceless" in terms of this world's reckoning– but wait until you see just how He values you and your good works where it really counts -- in the World to Come. So realize that you are a work of God -- created for good works to be valued, highly valued, in Eternity.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Irvine, California)

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Friend, continue to lift your brother up!

Exodus 17:9-12 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

We've received numerous emails from readers globally who are praying for us and specifically for the ministry in Israel. This outpouring of support has been incredibly encouraging to us.

When Israel was fighting Amalek, Moses stood on top of the hill overlooking the battle with his hands lifted high, and as long as they were lifted, Israel prevailed. When his arms became weary and dropped down, the battle went to Amalek, so Aaron and Hur drew up alongside Moses, and they lifted up his hands, keeping them raised until sundown because Moses didn't have the strength to fight the battle alone.

Friend, do you know a brother or sister going through a rough time? Someone you know who really needs prayer? I'm sure we all do. So be an encouragement this weekend – lift your brother or sister in prayer, stand beside them, and help them through the battle. You never know how your help might affect a far greater spiritual battle they're involved in. And with so much work to be done, remember that he who refreshes will also be refreshed!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Irvine, California)

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Friend, be faithful to the end!

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

A careful reading through the life of the Apostle Paul will yield insight concerning those who surrounded him. In this brief devotion, I want to focus on two of Paul's friends -- Luke and Demas.

Luke was a true and faithful friend to Paul, staying with and supporting him to the very end of his life, even through the worst adversities (2 Timothy 4:11). Then, there was another friend, whose name was Demas, about whom Paul wrote positively at first, (Col. 4:14; Philemon 1:24) but who did not remain faithful to the end. Paul records that Demas forsook him because he "loved this present world." (2 Timothy 4:10)

As the end of the age approaches, we also will be tested as to where our love lies; with the Father, or with the world. The apostle John writes, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15)  I do not believe that Demas lost his salvation, but he did lose his capacity to sense and express the love of the Father, which damaged his testimony, his spiritual relationships, and undoubtedly cost him heavenly rewards. What kind of friend will we be to God? Will we be faithful, or will we allow the love of this world to quench our fire, and compromise our relationships?

Friend, my encouragement to you is to be faithful until the end. Don't forget that Yeshua gave a warning to end-time saints, saying, "because iniquity abounds, the love of many shall grow cold." Become a friend like Luke, and learn from the life of Demas -- do not allow love for the world to quench your love for God.  Don't forget, a true friend loves...at all times!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Phoenix, Arizona)

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Friend, understand the times and know what you ought to do!

1 Chronicles 12:32  And from the sons of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred. And all their brothers were at their command. 

Matthew 24:14  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come.

We are on the brink of something huge this year— it’s REVOLUTIONARY. If you’re following Worthy News, you’ll see we posted an interesting article yesterday about the rise of Artificial Intelligence and the ability to produce the Bible in untranslated languages more quickly because of it. I guess God can use anything to further His Kingdom!

According to the president of Wycliffe, they are aiming to have the Bible translated to EVERY LANGUAGE ON EARTH by 2025. In other words, there are now less than only 900 translations to go for the Gospel to be proclaimed to every nation! This is exciting news! This is prophecy being fulfilled right before our eyes, as the Bible says that when this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and THEN the end will come.

The speed at which biblical events are taking place now is unprecedented. This is not the time to sit back and relax — on the contrary, it’s a time for all of us to push FORWARD! I want to be a part of this, don’t you? I really believe that we are about to witness more souls coming into the Kingdom in our generation than in all previous generations COMBINED!

Friend, let’s aim to be like the sons of Issachar, who understood the times and knew exactly what to do! We have marching orders from the Lord: to spread this gospel to the far corners of the earth and make disciples, teaching them to observe all that He taught us. We are essential instruments in the Lord's hand, proclaiming the good news—that Yeshua (Jesus) came, sacrificed His life for our redemption, and is soon returning to establish His Kingdom! Maranatha!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Phoenix, Arizona)

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Friend, don't let your circumstances dictate you!

Ephesians 6:19-20 and pray for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

For over 25 years we've been covering Christian Persecution, and whenever I come across an amazing story of how a saint endured such hardships, it encourages me. I remember reading about Watchman Nee and his imprisonment. The Chinese government would change the guards at his cell daily for fear that Nee would lead them to the Lord. Their fears were justified -- many of those guards did come to faith! Apparently Watchman Nee had learned a powerful lesson from the Apostle Paul.

In Paul's letter to the Church in Ephesus, observe how he describes himself -- an ambassador in chains. Locked away in a prison, Paul adamantly refuses to allow his circumstances to dictate or alter his identity. He may be in chains, but he remains the Lord's ambassador.

Can you imagine Paul chained up in that dungeon, throwing up his hands saying, "That's it; it's over; I'm finished!?

Not on your life! Instead, the apostle grows bolder as an ambassador; not intimidated or ashamed, because Paul isn't chained in his Spirit, he's only bound in the flesh. Remember how he concludes his letter to the Philippian Church declaring, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Friend, don't allow yourself to be defined by your past, or "chained" by your current circumstances. God has also called you to be an ambassador for Him. With so much work to be done, we ought to be growing even bolder, right in the midst of our trials and tribulations!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Phoenix, Arizona)

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Friend, take the leap!

John 11:40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"

One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee flames by jumping to the ground from the roof. His father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, "Jump! I'll catch you." But the boy was afraid -- he couldn't see his father -- all he could see was flame, smoke, and blackness. He was afraid. Still, his father kept yelling: "Jump son! I will catch you!" But the boy refused, crying, "Daddy, I can't see you!" His father replied, "It's ok son -- I can see you -- and that's all that matters!"

Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of the fiery trials of life and all we can see is the smoke and the flames. But faith is knowing who will catch us when taking that leap. In Hebrew, the word 'truth' in this verse, is em-oo-nah, which is also translated as faith. God delights in responding to our faith. He wants us to jump into His arms --- especially when we can't see Him.

George Mueller said, "Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends."

Friend, let's practice some faith today. Our Father's arms are the biggest and strongest they come!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Nevada)

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Friend, don't be silent!

Luke 17:28-30 So also as it was in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but the day Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from the heaven and destroyed them all. Even so it shall be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

Yeshua (Jesus) gave us some signs and indications of what society would look like just before His return. One sign was the sign of Lot.

In Genesis, we read that Lot decided to reside in Sodom, where society had become so detestable before God that He destroyed that city and the cities of the plain with fire and brimstone. While Lot was ‘vexed daily’ [2 Peter 2:7-8] because of the evil that surrounded him, there is another aspect of this passage that I’d like to expound upon.

When God revealed to Abraham his intention to destroy the cities [Genesis 18:22-33], Abraham interceded with the Lord such that if merely ten righteous souls were found there, God would relent from his terrible judgment.

Just ten souls … and the cities would have been spared. Did Lot allow his community to silence him? This is the question I’d like to explore. While the Scriptures do not allude to it, I can only wonder that if Lot had preached the righteousness which burned in him, he might have preempted the wrath which Sodom's sins were piling up.

Is one of the signs of this age that we who walk in the righteousness of Yeshua will be silenced by a society growing in evil and iniquity day by day? Apparently, it doesn’t take much these days to be "silenced", at least not in the vast world of social networking.

We are called to be a light on a hill … not to hide our light under a bushel. It is not a time to be silent, but rather to be ever more resolved to share the good news of the gospel, even as never before, in the spirit of grace and truth!

Friend, don't be discouraged with the rapid decay of society around you, but realize this is merely a sign of the times. May the Lord continue to speak through you to reach this world around us … for we are not called to be silent!

Shabbat Shalom ... we'll see you first thing on Monday morning! Have a great weekend resting in Him!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Nevada)

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