Worthy Brief - 3/7/2017
Friend, are you trapped?
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Charles Swindoll wrote about these men who bring in animals from Africa for American zoos. They say that one of the hardest animals to catch there is the ringtailed monkey. For the Zulus of that continent, however, it's simple. They've been catching this agile little animal with ease for years.
The method the Zulus use is based on knowledge of the animal. Their trap is nothing more than a melon growing on a vine. The seeds of this melon are a favorite of the monkey. Knowing this, the Zulus simply cut a hole in the melon, just large enough for the monkey to insert his hand to reach the seeds inside. The monkey will stick his hand in, grab as many seeds as he can, then start to withdraw it. This he cannot do. His fist is now larger than the hole. The monkey will pull and tug, screech and fight the melon for hours. But he can't get free of the trap unless he gives up the seeds, which he refuses to do. Meanwhile, the Zulus sneak up and nab him.
There's a pretty clear moral to this story, wouldn't you say? If we really want to be free, we must let go of the things we love. The more we hold on to our earthly possessions, the more frustrated we will get and eventually, we will be entrapped.
Friend, let's let go of the worldly things we've been holding on to. God has much greater things for us to be doing than sitting here with our fists in a melon!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Gilbert, Arizona
Editor's Note: Join us, along with thousands of others in sending a strong, encouraging message to President Trump concerning the importance of the nation of Israel in relation to God’s Word, and encourage him to FOLLOW THROUGH on his affirmations concerning Jerusalem and the Promised Land! Our goal is to deliver a petition of 1,000,000 signatures! Sign and share on your pages and email lists! Sign our Petition!
Editor's Note: We are on a cross-country speaking/music tour this winter and early spring in the United States! If you see that we will be close to your area and you want to hear a timely word from Worthy News Founder and Director, George Whitten and powerful Israeli Worship Music from Baht Rivka Whitten, Lazman Hazeh Music, as well as testimony of life and ministry in the Land, we invite you to join us -- or even invite us to speak/sing at your Congregation, Conference, Church, Midweek Meeting or Israel focused Event, especially if you see a free date on our way! We hope to hug you! Send us an email to george [ @ ] worthyemail.com for more information. Check out our calendar and see if we're speaking near you!
Around the World
U.S. starts deploying anti-missile system in South Korea after defiant North's latest test
The United States started to deploy the first elements of its advanced anti-missile defense system in South Korea on Tuesday after North Korea's test of four ballistic missiles, U.S. Pacific Command said, despite angry opposition from China.
North Korea Says It Was Trying To Hit US Military Bases In Japan With Missiles
The four missiles North Korea launched on Monday were likely practice for targeting U.S. military bases in Japan.
Iran launched 2 ballistic missiles, US officials say
Continuing a pattern of provocative actions, Iran this weekend test-fired a pair of ballistic missiles and sent fast-attack vessels close to a U.S. Navy ship in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. officials confirmed to Fox News.
Herzog heads to Moscow to discuss Syria, Hezbollah
Opposition leader MK Isaac Herzog left Sunday evening for a visit to Russia, in which he planned to address developments in Syria and how to counter Hezbollah's military presence in the war-torn country.
Commission threatens to sue countries that don't take refugees
The EU warned today (8 February) that it will consider punishing member states next month if they fail to share the burden of asylum seekers stranded in Greece and Italy.
Seoul: North Korea fires 4 ballistic missiles into ocean
North Korea on Monday fired four banned ballistic missiles that flew about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), with three of them landing in Japan's exclusive economic zone, South Korean and Japanese officials said, in an apparent reaction to huge military drills by Washington and Seoul that Pyongyang insists are an invasion rehearsal.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu: 80% of security threats against Israel emanate from Iran
Iran is the source of the vast majority of Israel's security concerns, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday at an event commemorating the victims of a 1992 Iranian-sponsored terror attack against Israel in Argentina.
Israel Eyeing Iran's Test of Advanced Russian-Made Missile System
A day after Iran test its S-300 advanced missile defense system, Israel is cautiously monitoring the situation.
Floridian Congressman Touts U.S. Embassy Move to Jerusalem, Tours Potential Sites
According to Congressman Ron DeSantis (R-Florida)--the chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security who led a two-day delegation to Israel over the weekend--President Trump is likely to announce in June that the U.S. Embassy in Israel will relocate to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. DeSantis said he expected the move will be announced within months and stressed that it will signal to the world that the U.S. stands by its allies.
Inside the United States
House unveils Obamacare replacement
House Republicans on Monday announced their long-awaited legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare, but they can't say how many people would get or lose coverage compared to the Affordable Care Act.
Obamacare Repeal Update: Planned Parenthood Defunded Under Republicans' American Healthcare Act
House Republicans unveiled the replace part of their effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, lifting penalties against those who don't buy health insurance, replacing subsidies with tax credits and defunding Planned Parenthood.
Gun rights advocates see chance in Congress for concealed carry reciprocity
Gun rights activists, after an early victory getting an Obama-era Social Security rule axed, are now setting more ambitious sights on getting a national concealed carry reciprocity bill to President Trump's desk.
Supreme Court won't say if trans teen can pick bathroom
The Supreme Court is leaving the issue of transgender rights in schools to lower courts for now after backing out of a high-profile case Monday of a Virginia high school student who sued to be able to use the boys' bathroom.
Trump's revised travel ban aims to erase 'Muslim' label
President Trump's revised order Monday to hit the pause button on refugees and visitors from terrorist hotbeds was aimed at erasing the perception that it was a 'Muslim ban,' but a new round of court challenges appeared unavoidable.
House Republican plan would create Obamacare cliff for 2020 presidential election
House Republicans on Monday released their long-awaited healthcare bill, but the plan would only repeal major parts of Obamacare starting in 2020 -- when the political world will be engulfed in the next presidential election.
Christian News
Syrian Muslim Refugees Converting to Christianity After Fleeing War Zone: 'Jesus Saved Us'
Abu Radwan enters a church on the outskirts of Beirut with his wife and two kids. His wife removes the black headscarf covering her hair. It was here, a year and a half ago, that they converted to Christianity.