Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Lebanon Tragedy Arrows from Zion 8/5/2020



Pictured: Blast 1, Blast 2, and finally blast 3 that exploded like a mushroom cloud sending a
shock wave out that flattened the surrounding area and was heard 150 miles away in Cyprus.
How to help Lebanese Christians at the end of the Lebanon Tragedy article. God prepared a means five days ago.


Lebanon Tragedy

by Donna Diorio

While preparing the Weekly Summary earlier this week, I was struck by a particular prayer request from Chuck Cohen of Intercessors for Israel. He was bringing the troubling developments among Hezbollah chief Nasrallah who "threatened revenge against Israel over a Hizbullah officer whom Israel accidently [?] killed in Syria." Cohen wrote that  "Lebanon is under Hizbullah's mafia-style control and is in deep distress. Recently, many Lebanese have rightly pointed fingers at Hizbullah as the main reason for their nation's horrid situation."

Then as Cohen began to get into his prayer points he wrote,  "God please help the Lebanese to overthrow their wicked Hizbullah tyrants (Zech. 11:1). Move Lebanon into a position of being able to live in peace with Israel (1 Kin. 5:1-12). Pour out the fear of Israel's God on all Hizbullah's leaders – especially Nasrallah (Isa. 2:19). Save many Hizbullah members but destroy that wicked organization (Matt. 5:44; Isa. 14:30)."

Then came the zinger that struck me at the time so much that I put that prayer point in bold: Let Hizbullah fall into the trap it constantly tries to set for Israel (Psa. 9:5-6, 15, 19-20).

Hours later my Twitter feed began to be filled with news out of Beirut and horrifying pictures that I thought must be doctored because in the third great blast was a clear mushroom cloud with a massive shock wave emanating out from it over the city. It was very real though and the mushroom cloud came not from being nuked - which Israel would surely have been blamed for - but it was from ammonia tanks being stored in a Hezbollah weapons warehouse. This was same substance that was used in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

The blast, which struck with the force of a 3.5 magnitude earthquake, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences. The blast damaged half the city, destroying windows and entire homes, with damage estimated at $3-5 Billion and has left up to 300,000 people temporarily homeless. The death toll from the explosion has risen to at least 100 with at least 4,000 wounded. Many are still missing, including people thrown into the sea by the blast. Families went to the port looking for relatives, and workers are still looking for people under the rubble. The tragedy comes as Lebanon suffers a major economic crisis, with poverty levels nearing 50%.

Many on Twitter pointed out that the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah threatened in the past to destroy Israel by causing a massive explosion in the port of Haifa using ammonia tanks that he said would be like a “nuclear” explosion. Now the disastrous explosion that Nasrallah mean for Israel, has instead befallen Lebanon, and as I also read yesterday from Twitter reports, many Christian families, pastors, charitable workers and other NGO's who lived and worked in the immediate area that was flattened by the blast. This is nothing new for Islamist terrorists organizations to situate weapons caches in heavily civilian populations, knowing that Israel would refrain from bombing anything that would create massive civilian casualties.

As great as this tragedy, it is also an opportunity for Lebanon to finally throw off the rule of Hezballah over its country. The Lebanese will need much prayer and much help from the world community to recover from this blow. It is an opportunity for people of the faith of the LORD Yeshua to make a powerful expression of God's love for the Lebanese.

As Chuck Cohen continued in his prayer points, "Give wisdom to the believers in Israel's north and in Lebanon on how to pray (Col. 1:9). Remove all anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist influences from the true Lebanese Church (Num. 24:9b). We bless You for the angelic protection You have placed on all of Israel's borders (Psa. 34:7).

As part of the Isaiah Highway 19 Global broadcast five days ago, a commitment was made to raise 1 million dollars to help suffering Arab Christians in the nations surrounding Israel as a demonstration of the covenant between them and the Israeli Messianics. Today Asher Intrater has confirmed they will be helping the Christian Arabs in Lebanon as this tragedy so warrants. To sow into this effort, Watchmen for the Nations is responsible for  collecting the donations.

Arrows from Zion
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com  

Chuck Cohen's Friday Prayer Points  31 July 2020 concerning Hezballah in Lebanon were so on point, as you read above. He also covered many other topics which you can read in full at the link, including the lack of stability in Israeli society that has erupted in demonstrations and unrest.

Cohen writes, "
While this is acceptable in a democracy, the many demonstrations leading to riots, trying to unseat Netanyahu as Israel's prime minister could be seen as anti-democratic as while a majority of Israelis voted three times recently to have him lead this nation, these demonstrators are trying to use violence, intimidation and other tactics to remove him. Lord, help the government and police force discern between the legitimate demonstrators and those that are wanting to wipe out the decision of the majority of Israel's citizens (Matt. 13:41; 1 Tim. 1:9)..... Lord God, fight against the spirits of lawlessness and anarchy that run in the streets (Psa. 35:1; 68:1). May the authorities pass a law against all demonstrations in residential areas or in front of ministers' homes – as this is just another form of the spirit of Jezebel – that is, intimidation (1 Sam. 15:23). Lord Yeshua, most of these demonstrators are sheep without a true shepherd. Walk in the midst of them and pluck out a harvest for Your holy name's sake (Matt. 9:36; 1 Pet. 2:25)."

From Chaim Malespin, the directory of the Aliyah Return Center, a link to watch the first worship gathering in their Vertical Galilee House of Prayer. They are opening a special group for those who want to stay updated on the building progress, special guests, and hear personal stories of those who were blessed during their time here. "Visit our site and enter your email to learn more about: The History of Israel | Prophecies in Progress | The Call to Stand with Israel (and how you can be a part of this!) and receive a FREE Prayer Guide". Plus video of Chaim & Deanna's Love Story

Israel Pochtar, pastor in Ashdod and head of Voice of Judah ministries writes a devotional Kingdom of Heaven is for the Poor in Spirit and also an uplifting video on the same in Lessons from the Galilee. It hit home to me:  "The difference between the rich and the poor, is that the rich are satisfied, but the poor acknowledge their dependence on the help of others." In light of that understanding, Pochtar is engaged in many, many projects to help the needy in his area, especially the immigrants who come to Israel with almost nothing. Click to read more about their Cooling Down Summer Project and Back-to-School Project, and also be prepared for a blessing in this link: Powerful testimonies of Changed Lives

In the Maoz Ministries prayer points Shani Ferguson writes about sex change laws that are being considered in Israel to "criminalize any counsel that would attempt to ‘convert’ a child back to their original heterosexual biological gender once they 'decided' they were otherwise" - including parental counsel. This completely usurps parental authority! (We seem the same aggressive laws being attempted here in the USA). Shani writes, "It is one thing for a government to pass laws that permit evil; it is yet another for them to pass laws to forbid righteousness. So we ask for Your hand to halt the passing of this law and all laws that would forbid righteous activities." Amen, amen!

Shani also writes about the downside of having to conduct services via video streaming and how it is significant numbers of congregants tuning is dropping. For whatever reasons, "this is a real time of isolation from spiritual environments in a land where true spiritual fellowship in Yeshua was already scarce to begin with." Pray for "creative ways for members of the Body to fellowship with each other during this time. Provide counsel for those who are having difficulty at home and cannot go seek help like they usually do. Build new and unexpected friendships among believers who may not even realize they live near each other."

Writing about the process of the biblical "refining fire" she asks prayers that "as each of our local circles and national societies are being challenged and stirred up, let us take this opportunity to ask God to purge us from cultural norms that are contrary to His ways. Father, we thank You for providing a way for individuals and whole nations to return to You. As we have asked for the purge of powerful people who have given in to corruption, now we ask for corruption to be purged from the lower levels of society. We know Your eyes run to and fro throughout the earth, and we ask now that You look down and identify the hearts of people all over the world who are open to change.  We intercede on behalf of those who want change but don’t yet know which direction to turn—turn them towards You.....As You start many of Your world events in Israel, we ask that You wash over this land as You said, “The Lord will wash away the filth of Zion's people…with a spirit of judgment and a spirit of burning.” (Isaiah.4:4) And so, wash over the nations as well!"

A new music project from Eli Ben-Moshe (Chopinsky)'s Ashira Project, (Ashira means I will Sing) featuring a talented Israeli worship leader, songwriter and musician. Denis has been writing songs for many years but this is the first time he is being produced. Here is a video sneak peak into the new song.  Eli writes, "As you know, all our music is available for free, but production costs are not free. If you enjoy our ministry and our music, please consider supporting this project with a donation that will help cover mastering, graphics, video and distribution costs."

From Ronit Bender in northern Israel, a few of the Divine appointments God set up for her to connect with an immigrant who believed in Yeshua but knew nothing about asking Him to live in her heart. So they were able to pray together for that. Continuing along her way, Ronit then met a young Catholic girl who she asked if she had ever asked Yeshua into her heart. Answering "no" she asked her if she wanted to and the girl answered yes so they prayed. This is how Israel is being saved - by every means. Ronit shares many other of her contacts will people, some are long term that live in her neighborhood and whom she continues to plant seed with. Pray for the fruitful harvest of those seed. She also wrote, "I heard on a prayer watch recently, that in the USA there are homes being prepared for Jewish people as they flee their homes because of Anti-Semitism. There is a huge number of Jewish people who are willing to leave the comfort of their homes in the West to come and live in Israel.  Pray that we, Messianic Believers and Christians around the world, will become a place of refuge to the lost and broken. The answer to it all is Yeshua (Jesus)."

Ronit also wrote extensively about Psalm 68:5 King David describing God as "A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation." She writes, "If you are inclined to help the poor in Israel, widows or the fatherless among Israelis, consider writing me, and making a donation. I will pass it on. There are many serious needs even among believers. Many people remain without jobs, some cannot pay their rent, even some have been evicted. You may be the key that keeps a mother and her children or an elderly Israeli in their home another month. If you have been supporting Israeli or charitable organizations that are not Messianic in nature, please prayerfully consider redirecting that donation."


From Avi-Asher Hyde's Tree of Life Ministries, a VIDEO 5 Israelis Say "Yes" to Jesus during Corona Crisis | Please help us spread the message of what God is doing by liking and sharing this video from our Facebook, Youtube, Instagram and on all social media!  The ministry is also beginning a new 3-month internship program with Michael and Elishua have joined our team. Pray for them as well as the other team members, and for 13 new believers! They also would like prayer for more laborers to do followups as more Israelis are watching their evangelistic videos and coming to faith, and that they may also through their other outreaches.

Claude and Michelle Ezagouri of the MorningStar Fellowship give praise that none of the fellowship have been infected by corona virus and pray it will remain so. Despite the on and off lockdowns, they have two new families interested in becoming a part of the congregation. Much of their usual ministry has been disrupted through the virus restrictions so they brainstormed creative new ways of connecting with each other, including increasing home groups, keeping in better phone contact, informal kabalat Shabbat meals inviting one of two families to eat together and share the word over dinner.

Claude writes, "The present conditions have changed quite significantly and the negative side of this is that we had to reduce the midweek activities.....cancel youth / children Summer camps, excursions and all kinds of other meetings. Consequently, we are losing much of the dynamics of these gatherings. We noticed that the present official restrictions are affecting first the religious and cultural activities, reducing the nourishment of the soul for the population to a minimum and we are aware that this is a global phenomenon. The consequences are already visible and statistics in Israel show a higher rate of despair and a lower rate of patriotism. This is why we need to be aware of the enemy's schemes and not yield to complacency.

From Howard and Randi Bass in Beer Sheva, they are also turning to small group meetings, realizing it as a necessity now, but also likely in the years to come. Another vide event they are adding is walking through the
Statement of Faith of our congregation. In the 2nd of three weddings of their children this year, son Evan married Joyanna. (Tamar was married to Ezra in January, and Tal will marry Eden in Sept. Mazal tov to all the Bass family and wishing marital bliss upon all their children.  

Some great advise from Howard on how to pray for Israel |"please remember that it is a spiritual battle: Israel is the enemy of the gospel, but beloved for the fathers' sake (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob/Israel); do not pray with a guilty conscience, if you know that you are forgiven for any of your sins, or the sins of your people, towards the Jewish people; do not pray pragmatically for Israel just for God to bless you; do not pray because Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East; it may not remain so. Do not pray for Israel because she is a political ally of your country. These are all things that might make it easier for you, but our prayers for Israel must be because it is the will of God, and His name is at stake that He fulfill all of His covenantal promises with His chosen people and land and city of Jerusalem. He is YHVH!  And the resurrection of Jesus confirms the promises made to the fathers, since He is the promised righteous Seed.

Also Howard writes, The current protests and demonstrations in the streets of Israel against the Prime Minister in particular, but also against the government in general, mimic to a degree what is taking place in the streets of the U.S.  Israel often does whatever America does. Many of the protesters are young adults who claim to be neither right or left politically, but simply voices of a generation that has no hope, and the government is unwilling or incapable to change that. There is no doubt that anarchists exploit such a hopelessness, but not all of those disgruntled are against Israel.... The disgruntled during the days of King Saul went out to David. These were not miscreants, but the system was working against the good of the people...The God of Israel is still here, working to save His people."  {Some more of Howard's writing: Daniel 7:1-14 | Daniel 7:15-28 | Replacement Theology In Its Warp and Woof | Anti-Gravity

Ron Cantor of Messiah's Mandate writes that the Sea of Galilee is at a 27-year-high for August! Water has always been a sign of God's blessing as well as a sign of God's Spirit being poured out as well as a sign of God's Spirit being poured out. Also
South African chief justice under fire for citing pro-Israel scriptures and New elections again?! Would be the fourth in 18 months

Tomorrow, Thursday 8/6 LuAnne Sayag of the Carmel congregation will be holding an online ZOOM Women's Bible Study from Israel on Psalm 37 which begins, "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong."  (Not giving the info on how to connect except in my e-mailings). But you can also Pastor Dani and LuAnne for their "Kabbalat Shabbat" Welcoming of the Shabbat, Friday evening via Facebook live, Friday, August 7  We will start at 18:00 (6pm) Israel time. Check out the
Kehilat HaCarmel FaceBook page.

Guy Cohen, who pastors the Acco Harvest of Asher congregation writes of a "Cycle" in history that he sees repeating in our day and the first being in the Jewish-Roman war, sometimes called the Great Revolt, took place between 66 – 73 AD. (Read in full on Guy's Facebook page). "What I find most disturbing is the parallel between the way the nation operated during events which took place then and are taking place now. They began with a unified effort against the Romans which resulted in a miraculous victory. Later, there was division as groups or factions with varying agendas formed. These groups ranged from those who felt they should surrender; to moderate Jewish leaders and even zealots who were of an all or nothing mentality. Chaos, division and civil war in the camp. When I look at Israel today, I see the same chaos in the camp. Different groups with different agendas; leadership not acting together or working toward the same goal which should be for the good of the people, the nation. My experience is that when bad times come, we Israelis are unified, we come together. The same fight we had then we have today. Interestingly, before Titus there was discord in the Israeli camp. Only when they discovered Titus at the gate did they unify. Sadly; COVID19 is at the gates and we have not yet managed to come together. We must seek God’s direction in this time of chaos even in how we should pray. May God help us all."

An Israeli worship leader at Succat Hallel, a songwriter & speaker, Shilo Ben Hod has a new worship video on YouTube. He wrote on his Facebook page how excited he was to announce the new video and invited every one watch (and please share it). It is sung in Hebrew with subtitles available in 4 languages!  I have received many emails from those in ministry in Israel who know and love Shilo Ben Hod, who is also a husband and father to a young son. If you read his Facebook page, you will see many who love this young man who praises the LORD from Jerusalem.

From Tikkun, Ron Cantor writes about his upcoming book, Birth pangs and the rise of anti-Semitism in the mainstream.... but it is a harbinger for what will come. The antichrist will hate Israel and attack Jerusalem. Be on your guard because the enemy will target believers to turn on Israel. When He returns, He will ask, "How do you treat My brothers?" (Matt. 25:31-46)  Also articles from Tikkun ministries: Selective Empathy And Biblical Compassion by Dan Juster | Why Tribulation?! by Asher Intrater | Let Endurance have its Perfect Work! by Leon Mazin | How Can We Help Grow God’s Kingdom? by Tents of Mercy

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

A prayer request for Naomi, for a dear family that is a part of Israel Pochtar's pastoral team, who was diagnosed recently with colon cancer. "Despite what this battle entails, we are confident in God’s unfailing Word and promises." Read in her own words, as she has been prepared for chemotherapy which will begin next Monday. | Ronit Bender whose cardiologist told her that her irregular heartbeat is SEVERE, and is suggesting further tests. Please intercede for Ronit: No weapon formed against her shall prosper! | Olga Bikas severe back pain has kept her in "quarantine" for the past 4 years or so! Please pray for God to do a miracle of healing for Olga. | Please pray for Rachel Netanel's brother who is recovering | Please continue to pray for Jacob Damkani for the LORD's mercies over Jacob and his dear wife, Elisheva  | Continue please to pray for Ruth Nessim Critical prayer need she is losing sight! Prayers for a miracle for Ruth.|


Thanks Giving

Thank you to my subscribers who wonderfully answered my request for donation help last week. Two scriptures come to mind, "The LORD is for me among those who help me" Psalms 118:7 NAS. This is certainly true, those who help us in time of need are expressing that God is FOR us. The second is like the first, Psalm 54:4  KJV: "Behold, God is mine helper: the LORD is with them that uphold my soul." When any of us give to those in need, the LORD is with us because we are upholding souls precious to Him. Let us give and receive with thanksgiving, knowing that God is speaking His love to us and through us. Thank you again, Donna Diorio



Donna Diorio  donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
THANK YOU to those who support this ministry with donations.
Donations appreciated | 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. 








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