Worthy Brief - 10/4/2023

[WorthyNewsBot]

Friend, choose to rejoice!

Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

This week, we entered into the feast of Tabernacles -- in Hebrew -- Sukkot. Sukkot is known as "The Feast" in which God commands us to rejoice. As we entered this feast of rejoicing last Friday night, I think it is only fitting that we commit ourselves to a life of joy. "But how?" you say. We need to make a choice -- a choice to rejoice! Wow, I’m a poet and didn’t know it, lol!

Let's reflect on what the Lord has done for us this year and commit to live above our current circumstances and look ahead toward what He is going to do for us in the future!

As we look to our Lord we recognize that He suffered the agony of the crucifixion -- yet while facing His death -- JOY was set before Him! The author and finisher of our faith looked past the here and now -- and was focused on what was coming! Let's do the same.

Friend, despite today's problems, let’s look toward eternity.  For truly, eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, the things that God has prepared for those of us who love Him!!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Dallas, TX)
(Gainesville, Florida)

Editor's Note: We are planning our Winter Tour so 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.

Around the World
US and Russia to hold nationwide emergency drills on the same day
Amid heightened tensions between the two countries over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US and Russia have each announced they will be holding nationwide emergency alert exercises on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Newsweek reports.
President Zelensky: ‘Ukraine To Start EU Membership Talks’ (Worthy News Radio)
Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has made clear his nation expects to start talks on joining the European Union as early as this year despite divisions within the EU about that issue. Zelensky made the announcement after a surprise EU foreign ministers meeting in Ukraine's capital.
Mexico Church Mourns 10 Killed In Baptism Service
At least 10 people, including three children, died after a church roof collapsed during a Baptism service in northeast Mexico, officials confirmed Monday.
Ukraine hit Russia’s navy base in Crimea so hard that it is likely pulling some missions back to safer waters, UK intel says
A UK intelligence assessment said some of Russia's naval operations in the Black Sea had been relocated following recent Ukraine attacks on its Crimean base.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran can’t stop Israel-Saudi peace, Netanyahu says in message to ayatollah
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday shot down Iran’s attempts at sowing criticism toward Israel’s growing normalized status in the Middle East.
Ancient aqueduct from time of Roman occupation discovered in Jerusalem
Archaeological excavations in the Giv’at Hamatos neighborhood of Jerusalem uncovered an ancient Aqueduct that once carried water throughout Jerusalem’s upper city during the time of Rome’s occupation, the Israel Antiquities Authorities announced on October 2.

Inside the United States
Kevin McCarthy Removed as Speaker Following Historic Vote
The House of Representatives voted 216-210 to oust Congressman Kevin McCarthy as Speaker, marking a historic first and a new chapter in the ongoing conflict between the Republican Party's establishment and its hard right.
SCOTUS starts new term: gun rights, gerrymandering, access to abortion on a full agenda of important cases
The US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) on Monday began a new nine-month term which will be packed with cases on major issues including gun rights, the legality of a GOP-drawn voting map, the power of federal agencies, and access to abortion, Politico reports.
House Republicans investigate reported Chinese targeting of U.S. military bases
House Republicans on the Oversight Committee on Monday announced they had launched a probe into reports of Chinese foreign nationals illicitly entering U.S. military bases.

Christian News
Laos Authorities Ban Christian Worship In Southern Area (Worthy News In-Depth)
Christian villagers in southern Laos have been threatened with detention and “huge fines” if they continue their church services, well-informed Christians told Worthy News.
Nigeria: Islamic terrorists inflict years-long campaign of terror on Pastors, Christians in Kaduna state
One of several northern Nigerian states in which Christians have faced genocidal murder and terror campaigns by Islamic militants determined to impose their version of Sharia law, Kaduna state has seen many Christians murdered, no fewer than 23 pastors killed, and more than 200 churches forcibly shut down since 2019, Barnabas Aid reports.
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
The annual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is set for Sunday, November 5th this year, Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) reports.

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