by Israel Pochtar, Voice of Judah Ministries
This VIDEO is so healing to me. It touches that controversial breach between the Jewish body of Messiah and the international Church that is re-visited at this time every year. It is always arguments over which holiday tradition is the true one, smiled on by God. The believers insulting one another over which is spiritually superior, Hanukkah or Christmas? So thank you, Israel Pochtar, for expressing the beautiful unity of the faith that is embodied in the reconciliation of these two holidays together. -DDiorio
This VIDEO is so healing to me. It touches that controversial breach between the Jewish body of Messiah and the international Church that is re-visited at this time every year. It is always arguments over which holiday tradition is the true one, smiled on by God. The believers insulting one another over which is spiritually superior, Hanukkah or Christmas? So thank you, Israel Pochtar, for expressing the beautiful unity of the faith that is embodied in the reconciliation of these two holidays together. -DDiorio
Bringing true meaning of Christmas back to the Land | First ever Christmas was celebrated in Israel… and hasn’t been celebrated here since | Sadly enough, in Israel, the land where our Savior was born, the land that had celebrated very first Christmas in history, this special time of the year goes by unnoticed now days. Life continues as always, without any acknowledgement of what had happened over 2000 years ago: Yeshua choosing precisely this land to come into this world and bring salvation to all.
We want to reignite this knowledge and remind people why this season in
the year is so important, beautiful and worthy of celebration. The meaning
of true Christmas is too profound to just ignore it, or not share it with the
very nation that experienced the very first Christmas in history just a few
miles away from where we're writing these lines, in Bethlehem.
We want to bless families, and especially small children by bringing them
to Yeshua and showing them His heart behind the real significance of Christmas.
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
Hanukkah & Christmas celebrated on the
same dates - Coincidence? | John 10:22-23, "Then came the Festival of Dedication
(in Hebrew: Hanukkah) at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple
courts walking in Solomon's Colonnade."
It's not a coincidence that Hanukkah is celebrated the same dates
as Christmas. In fact Hanukkah came to prepare us for Christmas (the birth of
our Messiah). It is called a Festival of Lights or Festival of Dedication for a
reason, because Yeshua came to be our light, to cleanse us and dedicate us to
our Heavenly Father. It celebrates the miracle of oil that was meant to last
only one day, lasted 8 days, which was as long as it took for the Temple to be
rededicated to God.
The nation of Israel cleansed and rededicated the Temple during Hanukkah,
preparing it for the coming of their Messiah! The same way as we celebrate
Hannukah right before Christmas, as a prophetic symbol of us rededicating
ourselves to welcome Yeshua's coming.
Hanukkah as a Festival of Lights is just as relevant for us today as
followers of Yeshua, because He told us that we are to be a Light to the World,
and we are His temples, so we need to cleanse and rededicate ourselves to Him,
so we can be His light to the world. Which is why Hanukkah is such a prophetic
and important preparation for Christmas that we celebrate as a symbol of
Yeshua's coming into this world as our Savior. That is what we want to offer
those who have never experienced true Christmas - live its fullness and
profound significance. Would you join us in making
it happen?
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Many of the
ministry letters we received are about "Giving Tuesday" which was
yesterday, but don't let that stop you from responding. The truth is that there
has been such a major downturn in Christian donations to Israel that it would
be hard to overstate it. For whatever reasons - re-allocations to reaching other people groups, a
generation of older, Israel-supporting Christians unable to donate as we have
done in the past combined with a younger generation that has be turned against
Israel by Palestinian false narratives - God knows what the reasons are.
Spiritually we should know what the reason is too: Satan's schemes to thwart
the Christian giving into the Gospel going forth in Israel. Why? Because when Israel
says, "Blessed is he that comes in the name of the LORD" it is OVER
for holding back the plan of God for the lost - in Israel and worldwide; among
the Jews and all peoples in the nations. Please, let's keep our prayer priority
on the release of Christian understanding that it is "expedient" for
us to press in to help the Israeli ministries in outreach until "all
Israel is saved." It will be as "life from the dead" not only in
Israel, but reverberating throughout the world. - DD
Arrows from Zion
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com
Israel Pochtar, who sent the exceptional video above, also is raising
funds to do the Christmas outreach he described. If you agree with his heart on
this, I'm sure donations of any amount would be welcomed. Also he sent this: Why Just Tour Israel When
You Can Minister To God's Chosen People? | Did you
know that Voice of Judah Israel has a tour company located in Ashdod? These
tours are far more than your typical tour of biblical sites. You would most
definitely be blessed and tour the wonderful biblical sites, but you would also
have an opportunity to encounter and bless the living stones with two-days of
your tour dedicated to missions. Click above to learn more
Arni and Yonit Klein in the Galilee write about life in the Tiberias area
where they have been hosting many foreign groups for worship and prayer as part
of their Galilee Worship Gatherings. These gatherings have kept them busy over
the past year, and many others scheduled for 2020. They are also involved at
their congregation, Morningstar Fellowship, which also hosts worship and prayer
events. One development is the need of their landlady to sell the house they
are in, altho she doesn't want to put them out. They write, "Having a
place to accommodate the people within walking distance to our home and meeting
place is an essential element of the logistical picture.... A possible solution
is for someone to buy it as an investment and continue to rent to us."
They also write about their “Israel Revealed” course which has groups in the UK, Germany, the US, and Australia. It has been translated into Dutch and is waiting for the right person or ministry to oversee the printing and distribution in Holland. A Chinese translation is complete and should soon be available. We have updated the web site, www.israelrevealed.org, and added a personal video introduction to the course. (We are working on a German translation of the site). Please pray with us for connections to be made with ministries, groups, organizations and congregations that would take their people through the material as a “family” project.
They also write about their “Israel Revealed” course which has groups in the UK, Germany, the US, and Australia. It has been translated into Dutch and is waiting for the right person or ministry to oversee the printing and distribution in Holland. A Chinese translation is complete and should soon be available. We have updated the web site, www.israelrevealed.org, and added a personal video introduction to the course. (We are working on a German translation of the site). Please pray with us for connections to be made with ministries, groups, organizations and congregations that would take their people through the material as a “family” project.
Ron Cantor writes for the Tikkun ministries in a monthly spotlight on
different projects of the congregations. This month is featuring the Nesher
Project (Eagle Project) out of the Return to Zion/Haifa congregation which they
are now taking beyond a ministry for tikkun congregations, to one that is for
all the body in Israel. The focus is on renewing the faith of young believers
after their military service, on discipleship, on fellowship among
congregations, on service, and on bearing fruit – both individually and
collectively. The meet once a week and once a year take a month long trip to
Norway. Re-focusing young people after military service to deeper spiritual
emphasis in their lives is strongly needed. You can help with your donation to
"Nesher Project"
From Revive Israel in Jerusalem, Asher Intrater's VIDEO Holy Spirit: 5 Stages of Dwelling (how the Holy
Spirit has worked from Genesis to our day). Also Cody Archer has an
announcement in this video New Season For Revive Live. Plus Dan
Switzer's article Entering Jerusalem on a Donkey. And all about Beit Netanel a ministry
center that hosts dinners, festivals and cultural events to teach on the
Jewishness of Yeshua, the
Messiah.
Chuck
Cohen Intercessors for Israel in Jerusalem sends the Friday Prayer Points 11/9/2019 which you can read in full
by clicking the link. One point: "Without
specific directions from God – and "yes, Bibi" or "no,
Bibi" are not specific directions – we continued to ask Him for the type
of government and leaders He has promised to Israel when it is regathered from
exile" - Isa. 1:26
Guy Cohen of the Harvest of Asher congregation in Akko writes about
Abraham as an example of living faith and Isaac who came close to being sacrificed.
See it on the Harvest of
Asher facebook page
Shlomy and Miriam Abramov of Awake Israel Ministries is an example of a
small ministry that is being forced to downsize because of the dwindling
donations. The humanitarian aid, outreach to elderly, and ministry of the
Gospel will go on, but due to re-allocating of donations to other missions by a
major donation organization, they are being forced to give up their ministry
house to move into a small apartment. Ministers have to be able to live - it's
not all outreach and projects if the ministers cannot afford to take care of
their own living expenses. I follow the Abramovs on Facebook, you can too: Miriam and Shlomy or see their website
Maoz Ministries sent this video
for Giving Tuesday about making a lasting impact in Israel: Since 2002 over $7
million has been given to provide help to Jewish believers, widows &
orphans, needy families, medical emergencies, higher education scholarships,
and victims of terrorism. We're dedicated to reach every Israeli with the
Gospel and provide resources like modern Hebrew books and Bibles, and personal
discipleship for those who choose to follow the Lord!
Also, in the Maoz weekly prayer points, one of those points is for
Messianic believers who attempt to make Aliyah each year. Some go through with
no trouble, others forced into expensive legal battles or even have to leave
the country unable to pay for the legal fight. Please pray for God to clear the
path for Messianic believers who are also exiting their native country because
of rising anti-Semitism.
The Tikkun Match with
GOD TV matching donations up to $50K total donations will end on Dec 31. That
means the various Tikkun Israel
congregations and ministries will get a double portion from any amount you
direct toward their work in the Land.
Chaim Malespin also appeals for donations on Giving Tuesday to finish the renovations work at the Aliyah
Return Center and the soon to be established worship and prayer center. If you want to
come volunteer for a season join the team.
Yariv Goldman, Hands of Mercy, appeals for Giving Tuesday in relation to
a new work they are doing in Jerusalem: Adullam, a place of refuge and healing
for former Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox youth at risk. Watch our video and to
donate please click here for our crowdfunding campaign.
Avi Tekelhaimanot, son-in-law of Eitan Shishkoff and now the
pastor/leader of Ohalai Rachamim, Tents of Mercy in northern Israel, is part of
the Tikkun Match. For
their part, they are raising funds to give out holiday care
packages to Holocaust survivors, single parents and new immigrants. " We
invite you to take an active role in touching these lives through your giving
and support. We need you now more than ever."
KehilaNews.AllIsrael.com/ as their Giving Tuesday extends for one
week, are trying to raise $100K to be distributed to 10 Messianic/Christian
ministries in Israel ranging from the pro life organization to a humanitarian organization,
to online evangelism, a discipleship program, youth ministry and others you can
read
about who and what here.
Finally, from Jackie Santoro, a report about a spirit refreshing trip to
Rome she took with her son and granddaughter. "I began to feel the Holy
Spirit speaking to me- that I would appreciate the immensity of what man is
able to accomplish under the inspiration of God. Really, there are no limits
when God's power and life fills us. We have only to say 'yes' to Him."
Jackie is finding new doors opening to her among widows and other women
in her community, and the congregation she and Eddie pastored, is also enjoying
a re-start of fellowship in women's meetings. "For Eddie and me,
"pastoring" people was one of the greatest joys in our life. I am
happy to report that God continues to use me as I meet with women in the
congregation and I am able to encourage and counsel as there is need and as a
result, I am greatly encouraged and comforted. Pray that I would be bold and
confident as I walk through each new door He is opening."
Lastly Jackie updates on the Israeli election "the ongoing political
saga." She writes, "Sadly, the
nation is being ripped apart by a spirit of division which has not been seen to
this degree in its history.... This is a situation that only God can solve. It
seems as though this division is part of a spirit of division that has been let
loose in the world. This can be clearly seen in the increasing polarization
happening in so many countries. Please pray for God's wisdom to bring forth a
solution. Pray for a supernatural spirit of unity to dissolve the disunity."
She ends with thanks for continuing to stand with her as she continues in
the work of the ministry that she partnering in with Eddie for so many years.
" Thank you for your part in this as we stand and battle for the salvation
of this nation."
Urgent HEALING Needs: Life and Death is
in the power of the tongue
Please keep in prayer these Israeli ministry leaders
and believers with urgent health needs
Ruth Nessim Critical prayer need
she is losing sight! Prayers for a miracle for Ruth.| Continue to pray for Jacob Damkani | Olga Bikas
has longstanding severe back pain. please keep praying for Olga. Sadly, she is not getting better and
recently she has even felt worse for a period of time. | Rania Sayegh
asks for prayer of restoration of strength, energy, and complete healing. | Ronit Bender says my heart valve
is still leaking but my lungs are fine. I totally have peace about my health,
although it is far from great. I still appreciate prayer, as I need it. I
am very grateful they let me travel in October and November both to Australia
and Holland. Please continue to pray for Ronit | Shlomy Abramov of Awake Israel, for a condition where blood does
not flow to his legs as it should. Please pray.
Important Article
The Sad Situation of the American Church | by
Daniel Juster | I am only speaking here of profound failures of the church
streams and independent churches that claim to believe the Bible as fully true
and confess the classic biblical confessions.
I ask one question. How is it that the United States counts so many
Evangelicals (all stripes), has been key in electing the present President and
yet the culture is in step decline to very destructive directions? This culture decline is noted by very
profound commentators like Dennis Prager, Victor David Hanson, Jordan Peterson.
I could name so many others.
The universities, entertainment media, the pre-university educational
establishment, and the news media all embrace the most destructive causes. I won’t describe them. My readers can well describe
them. Why is the Church quiescent as a minority fosters discrimination against
believers, undercutting religious liberty, and requiring believers to endorse
sinful lifestyles? Those who speak out are banned from social media! And why is
the Church losing its next generation massively? I note three among many reasons all based in
spiritual dullness and lack of discernment.
The first major indication
of the bankrupt condition of most Christians is that most send their
children to the public schools and to secular colleges. In such schools they will be indoctrinated to
the LGBTQ etc. agenda and the rejection of the traditional binary ideas of the
sexes and the centrality of marriage.
Inclusiveness excludes those with traditional morals. 40 years ago, we
started a school and realized that we needed to take our children out. Children
will be taught naturalistic evolution and prepared for unbelief. Jonny will become Joan. Parents are
responsible to see their children see all through a Biblical world view. This
cannot be done today in the secular schools. A few years ago, I read the
biography of Rabbi Schneerson, the late leader of the Orthodox Chabad Jewish
movement. I don’t agree with many of
their views, but through his leadership they disciple their children and lose
almost none! We simply do not disciple our children with depth and in a
biblical world view. This is a profound manifestation of taking the easy way
out among believers.
The second failure is the
lack of mass mobilization to push back.
The gays bring out masses to promote their agendas. We bring out none or
almost none. Where are those protesting
the removal of Christian organizations form our universities because they do
not allow members who reject their beliefs?
Where is the massive protest against those promoting the legality of
abortion to the ninth month of pregnancy. We are glad for 30,000 in the annual
protest in Washington and there should be a million every year. Where is the massive protest against
requiring Christians to give themselves to promote through their businesses
lifestyles that they consider sinful? Where is the protest against the attempt
of marginalization? We are largely with few exceptions quiescent.
The third failure is
to address systematic poverty. The
emphasis of the New Covenant Scripture is on first preaching the Good News to
the poor. The key to the poor is not
just financial support, enterprise zones and other government programs. The real answer to the poor, restoring
marriage and family among the poor and more is the Gospel which is the most
powerful answer to poverty. Where is the
Church members that should be walking on-masse in the ghettos of drug dealing
and murder and making it impossible? Some could be martyred, but the price should
be paid. Winning the masses of poor to
the Lord and then discipling them is the one program that can really work. Yes,
some are involved, but it is too few. The failure of the Church to be involved
and effectively deal with systematic poverty is one of the greatest blots on
the credibility of the American Church.
Donna Diorio
donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
Donations appreciated | paypal.me/DonnaDiorio
Or look up on paypal: donna@israelprayer.com
Or by postal mail make
donations payable to the order of Donna Diorio
P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006
I do not have tax exempt status.
P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006
I do not have tax exempt status.
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