Worthy Brief - 3/18/2016
Friend, take a break!
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 this weekend. 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!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Editor's Note: We hope to see you on our travels across the United States. Check out our schedule online.
Editor's Note: Watch George's message: Which voice will you listen to in the last days?
Around the World
Kerry declares ISIS committing genocide against Christians, others
Secretary of State John Kerry declared Thursday that the Islamic State is committing genocide against Christians and other minorities in the Middle East, after facing heavy pressure from lawmakers and rights groups to make the rare designation.
Did Putin once again outfox Obama?
Vladimir Putin's announcement on Monday that Russia will begin pulling out of Syria appeared to take the White House by surprise, and revived concerns that the Russian leader is outmaneuvering Barack Obama.
Putin: Syria Withdrawal Can Be Reversed Within Hours
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his country could again build up its military force in Syria within 'hours' if needed, days after he ordered the main part of his forces to begin withdrawing from the Middle Eastern country.
Scans of King Tut's Tomb Reveal Hidden Rooms, Egypt's Antiquities Ministry Says
Radar scans of King Tut's tomb have revealed two spaces on the north and east chambers of the pharaonic mausoleum that could contain the 'discovery of the century,' Egypt's antiquities ministry said Thursday.
General says Army at high risk in war against China, Russia
The Army's top general says military forces on the ground face a high level of risk if the United States gets into a large-scale conflict against a power such as Russia or China.
North Korea fires ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan
North Korea on Friday fired two medium-range ballistic missiles into the sea, days after its leader Kim Jong Un ordered tests likely aimed at developing technology it needs to acquire to build a missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
Global Government Debt Is Actually Triple What We Thought, Thanks to Pensions
Government debt in 20 industrialized countries stands at $44 trillion. But it's actually a lot more than that, according to a new report. After factoring in public pension and other retirement liabilities, the debt levels nearly triple to a staggering $122 trillion.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Terrorists stab IDF soldier near Ariel
Two attackers stabbed and moderately-to-seriously wounded a female IDF soldier on Thursday morning near Ariel.
Inside the United States
California set to become 5th state in U.S. to permit physician-assisted suicide
Starting this summer, terminally ill people who wish to request life-ending medication from their physician may already be allowed to do so in California.
Laser Weapons Ready for Use Today, Lockheed Executives Say
For years, the Pentagon has pursued the dream of directed energy weaponry -- laser weapons that could defeat a foe for pennies when compared with the expensive kinetic weapons the department relies on. And for years, the technology proved to be elusive.
Senate approves 2 generals to lead fight against ISIS
The Senate confirmed Gen. Joseph Votel and Lt. Gen. Tony Thomas to lead Central Command and Special Operations Command, whose tasks including formulating strategy against the Islamic State, according to reports late Thursday.
Obama’s Supreme Court Pick Has Worked on Multiple Democratic Political Campaigns
President Barack Obama's choice for the vacant seat on the Supreme Court was presented as a moderate that could have bipartisan appeal, but Merrick Garland has previously disclosed in official documents that he has offered his services to numerous Democratic presidential candidates.
U.S. Politics
Hackers release Trump's personal info
International hacking group Anonymous has followed through on repeated threats against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, and announced Thursday it has released personal information for Trump and top executives within his company to give people a way to harass the 'fascist' GOP front-runner.
Cleveland One Step Ahead of Trump's Convention Riots Prediction
Cleveland will be ready should Donald Trump's prediction come true of riots at the Republican National Convention if he's denied the presidential nomination, security officials say.
Christian News
Indonesia: Islamists protest church construction
Hundreds of Indonesian Muslims in Java's North Bekasi District have protested the construction of a church for the district's Catholic community.