Worthy Brief - 3/4/2024

[WorthyNewsBot]

Friend, don't be deceived by riches!

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!" so that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me."

The city of Laodicea was founded nearly three centuries before the birth of Christ. Built on a trade route, Laodicea was quite prosperous. The wealth of the city was legendary, as Jews who lived there sent 9 kilograms (20 lbs) of gold to the Temple in Jerusalem on a yearly basis according to historical records.

By the time John penned the book of Revelation around 90 AD Laodicea had survived an earthquake 30 years earlier. Though partially destroyed the city refused Rome’s offer to help rebuild, insisting it could take care of itself — Laodicea was self-sufficient. Tacitus, the Roman historian, wrote: "Laodicea arose from the ruins by the strength of her own resources, and with no help from us.” The city was so wealthy it minted its own coins!

Yeshua's parable of the seed sown among thorns speaks of the "deceitfulness of riches" which "chokes the Word making the seed unfruitful". Laodicea's history exemplifies this danger, and John's letter to the church is the Holy Spirit's warning to all who fall into the temptation of prosperity: “Because you say, I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.”

Friend, it's not difficult to understand how wealth can deceive us. Luxury, comfort, and prosperity can make life in this world a lot easier, causing us to forget spiritual essentials. The Lord understands this when He says to the Laodiceans, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent." Yeshua wants all of us to store our treasure where it won't rust or corrode, and where thieves can't get at it either. So be careful not to allow your wealth to destroy your spiritual health... or your eternal inheritance!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

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

Editor's Note: We will be co-hosting a 2 day in-depth confernce in Jacksonville, Florida on March 8-9 entitled, "Israel, the Kingdom of God, & You." Tickets are limited.

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!

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
Russia Blames Ukraine for Massive Drone Strike on Crimea (Worthy News Radio)
Moscow claims that Ukraine launched a massive drone strike on the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula on Sunday, prompting Turkey to call for a ceasefire. Sunday's strike came as Ukrainian authorities said the bodies of a mother and baby found in the rubble of an apartment block hit by a Russian attack in the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa brought the death toll from a Russian drone attack to 10.
Russia Leaks Secret German Military Meeting On Ukraine
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged Saturday to investigate a Russian leak of a secret German military meeting where officers discussed giving wartorn Ukraine long-range missiles - and possible targets.
Ghana’s Parliament Hopes Light Stays On After Brief Power Cut Over Unpaid Bills
Ghana’s legislators were hoping the lights would stay on Friday after the state-run Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) briefly cut power supplies to the parliament over a debt of 23 million Ghanaian cedi ($1.8 million).
Canada Mourns Ex-Prime Minister Mulroney
Canada was mourning Friday after its former prime minister Brian Mulroney, seen as a giant of Canadian politics, died at age 84.
Iran Votes In First Elections Since Unrest
Voting was underway Friday in Iran’s first elections since the 2022 anti-government protests threatened its Islamic leadership.
Kremlin-Critic Alexei Navalny Buried In Moscow; Large Crowds Watching
Russia’s late opposition leader Alexei Navalny was buried at a cemetery on the outskirts of Moscow following a funeral service in a church and a love-filled message from his widow.
Germany: ‘British, French Troops In Ukraine’
Germany has come under British criticism for a “flagrant abuse of intelligence” after revealing that British and French soldiers are in Ukraine to support Ukrainian troops launching long-range Storm Shadow missiles.
Hackers Steal Millions From European Retailer
European discount retailer Pepco Group is trying to calm down families in Hungary seeking cheaper products during inflation, saying it will continue operations after computer hackers stole 15 million euros ($16.3 million).

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Carries Out First Aid Airdrop In Gaza; 30,000 Meals Provided
The United States carried out its first airdrop of aid for Gaza in the Israel-Hamas war with more than 30,000 meals parachuted by military aircraft, officials said Saturday.
US Starts Airdropping Aid In Gaza As Hamas Claims Killing Of Hostages
U.S. President Joe Biden says the U.S. will begin airdropping humanitarian aid into Gaza, where Hamas claimed Friday that seven Israeli hostages were among those killed in Israeli bombardments.

Inside the United States
U.S. Began Adding $1 Trillion In Debt Every Three Months Last June
The U.S. began adding $1 trillion worth of debt about every three months beginning last June, a Bank of America investment strategist Michael Hartnett first pointed out in an investment note published last week.
Biden, Trump Compete For Attention At Mexico Border
U.S. President Joe Biden and Donald J. Trump have made competing visits to the troubled U.S. border with Mexico, to each pledge a crackdown on “illegal immigration” after record numbers of desperate men, women and children entered the nation seeking the “American Dream.”
Federal Blocks Texas Immigration Law
A federal judge has temporarily blocked a new Texas law aimed at deporting migrants and making unauthorized border crossing a state crime, ruling it unconstitutional and in violation of the federal government's exclusive authority over immigration matters. The judge described the law as "antithetical to the Constitution," effectively preventing it from being implemented temporarily.

Christian News
170 Villagers ‘Executed’ In Burkina Faso Amid Church and Mosque Attacks
Some 170 people have been "executed" in three villages in northern Burkina Faso on February 25, the same day that dozens were killed in church and mosque attacks, authorities said Sunday.

View the full article