Thursday, August 26, 2021

Crisis in the Book of Revelation | Arrows from Zion | 8 26 2021

 

In many ways the Exodus from Egypt is a close, though not exact, parallel to the ‘plagues’ of Revelation, especially in how there is protection for God’s people in the Land of Goshen (Goshen means “drawing near”). In drawing near to God in these days we will stand in the perfect will of God no matter what.

Crisis in the Book of Revelation
by Asher Intrater, Tikkun Global/Revive Israel

These past few weeks we have reported on several urgent situations. Rekindled fires in the hills around Jerusalem continue to require firefighters’ attention. A surge in COVID 19 cases continues to put pressure on Israeli citizens.

   On the world-wide scene, the takeover of the Afghanistan government by the Taliban has created a crisis emboldening terrorist extremists in the Middle East. Chaos and fear are swirling throughout the region. Believers are in real danger of persecution and in need of much prayer.

     Revelation 8:7 – The first angel sounded: hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown to the earth. A third of the trees were burned up…

     Obviously, we haven't reached the level of disasters as noted even in the first trumpet. However, we are moving in that direction. World disasters will become increasingly more intense. One day there will be a war that will kill one third of the world population. Revelation 9:15-16 - …were released to kill a third of mankind. Now the number of the army of the horsemen was 200,000,000. I heard the number.

    A third of mankind would be approximately two billion people. An army of two hundred million will attack. Numbers for an army that size and the numbers killed of that size could potentially be fulfilled by an Islamic Jihad war against India-China-South East Asia. (Interestingly, the passage speaks of the origin of the army in the Euphrates area – verse 14.)

     Revelation 3:10 - … I will protect you from the hour of trial which will come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth.

     This verse does not mean that God will remove us from the planet, but that He will protect us during trials and tribulations. There is a specific time coming of worldwide disaster. The word "hour" does not mean 60 minutes; it does mean that the time will be relatively short, and it will be controlled and limited. Worldwide disaster is coming; it will be limited in time; God will protect us.

     God does not call crises "disaster," but "testing." Despite the hardship and suffering, there will be a hidden purpose of God. There is one purpose toward "non-believers" and another for "believers." Although most unbelievers will not respond correctly, God's purpose is to convince them to repent of wickedness. | Revelation 9:20 - …the rest of mankind did not repent …  | Revelation 9:21 - … they did not repent …  |  Revelation 16:9 - … they did not repent …

     God's purpose for the faithful believers is to forge them and refine them for their special destiny. Revelation – 5:9-10 – You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation; and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.

     The scroll of God contains His plan. The seals mean that this plan is hidden to most people. Yeshua, who opens the seals, brings God's plan to come to pass. He reveals that plan to those who serve Him. This verse explains several key elements:

                * God has a plan. Things are not "going out of control." God's plan is not a spontaneous reaction to circumstances, but one that is prepared beforehand. The plan is so concrete that it is written down.

                * Yeshua is the victor. He opens the seals. He conquers sin and Satan; death and hell. He is the leader of the kingdom. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (verse 5).

                * We have a destiny. God is using the end times difficulties to purify and strengthen the heart of the righteous to be a special people, as priests and kings (spiritual and government leaders). We will reign with Him. Our destiny is to rule in the world to come together with Yeshua. It is difficult now, but it will be worth it in the end. Our destiny as a special chosen people to rule in the world to come together with Yeshua is repeated: Revelation 20:4 - … They lived and reigned with Messiah for a thousand years.

     We face times of increasing tribulation in the end times. Those tribulations are a judgment against the world; a purification of the Church; a preparation of a special people for God; and a warning for people of every nation to repent. The tribulations of the end times culminate in a massive world war in which all the nations attack Israel (Zechariah 14). At that time Yeshua will return as the head of the Church, the king of Israel, and the commander of Heaven's army.

     At that time the dead will be raised; the devil will be incarcerated; and the kingdom of God set up on earth for a thousand years, with its capital in Jerusalem. After that there will come an even better world, the New Creation and New Jerusalem.  Revelation 21:3-4 – The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them… God will wipe away every tear… There will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.

     There will be a perfect world for eternity. The Garden of Eden will be restored. There will be no pain or evil. Tribulation is temporary; while paradise is permanent. Let us be strong in our faith and endure to end.  (Article available on the Revive Israel website)


Arrows from Zion
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries

Starting with the Klein’s personal section of their Emmaus Way prayer letter carried over from last week, they speak about the wild ride that has been Covid restrictions as Israel had planned to open the door to tourists 7/1, later changed to 8/1 and other issues which have affected their ministry helpers, the Winklers from re-entering the country: “unvaccinated tourists were able to qualify with a week of quarantine, clergy applicants could not. They needed the shot or a letter of exemption from a doctor.” Strange that religious reasons not acceptable in Israel…but not really. Arni writes, “God has teamed them with a close and dear friend from here in connecting with Jewish and Christian communities in Europe. They are presently in Sicily, where God has prepared some wonderful things for them.” We have to stay fluid, accepting that our plans are not always God’s plans. 
     They also write about the return to Israel of their son and his family –wife and 4 children –from 15 yrs in Australia. Their 18-yr old grandson is about to enlist in the IDF: “Please pray for him to be placed in the position of God’s choosing. Please pray for our 16-year-old granddaughter as she enters her third year of high school to get all the best help to master Hebrew in record time. Also for Mama and the two younger ones to settle into their new life with much grace and abundant joy. God has done great things for them…and us!”  Lastly, “We continue gathering two mornings a week in our home along with a faithful handful of local worshippers. Regardless of how many or few, as we present ourselves as living sacrifices for His good pleasure His Presence is ever manifest.” 

Ron Cantor writes for Tikkun Global urging prayer for the tragedy taking place in Afghanistan: Tonight 8/26 8:30pm EST GOD TV Facebook will air “Pray for the Afghan Church” with Cantor, Robby Dawkins, Andre Valadao & Troy Brewer also rebroadcast 8/31 9:30pm EST. Catch it if you can, and click here to help a ministry aiding the people of Afghanistan.
     This week in the Global Broadcast of Praise, Prophecy, Prayer, and Preaching from our team in Israel, Ariel Blumenthal ministered a timely message. | Also Revive Israel Tikkun Global (RITG) is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of RITG Worship. A new sound is emerging from Zion and will go to the ends of the Earth. We will offer the Body of Yeshua a new resource, filled with quality worship music videos. Stay tuned and please pray for our production teams. Worship Now 

From Israel Pochtar in Ashdod – Beit Hallel & Voice of Judah ministries – VIDEO Two Sons, One Father: The Unity of Jewish and Arab Pastors in Israel | Galilee - When a Place of Darkness Produces the Greatest Light | 1:30 video Honoring Holocaust Survivors | Covid-19 Restrictions Coming Back in Full Force an imminent lockdown in time for the High Holiday season of biblical feasts | Eilat—Bearing Witness to God's Ability to Produce Life from Death | Fearless Leaders, Fervent Servants—Galilee Youth Discipleship Retreat | Defending the Cause of the Fatherless

Ron Cantor, Shelanu TV, asks: “Do you ever deal with discouragement? Do you ever get depressed? What if God created our brains with the ability to overcome these feelings?” If you answered yes, then please read this: God’s Word + your brain = JOY.  Learn how we are hard-wired with dopamine that can work for good just as much as it can for evil. It brings new meaning to Philippians 4:8

New music alert from Ashira Project’s Eli Ben-Moshe with the release of a new single and music video by Denis Gordishtyan and Lily Bocharnikov called Salvation Belongs to Our God. I watched it and it made me cry because I saw so many familiar faces of Messianic ministers in Israel who were taking part in the music video. It is also a beautiful worship composition. Eli also has a new single from Evan Levine, Gracious and Merciful - is now available on all major streaming platforms.
     Here’s what you need to understand about Eli’s Ashira Project – all of their music is free, but production costs are not free. So please consider supporting this project with a donation that will help cover recording, mixing, mastering, graphics, video and distribution costs. And check out all of Ashira’s discography now streaming on all major platforms.  (If you didn’t know, Eli is the son of Marc Chopinsky, former Israel’s Hope music writer who is now undoubtedly in the ultimate worship band in Heaven). It is so important for the world to see and hear the wonderful praise and worship ministers that are being raised up in Israel. The restoration of the Levitical worshippers is a sign in itself.

On the doorstep of S’derot, Michael and Dina Beener of the City of Life are ministering to city always under the imminent threat of Islamic terrorism. Here are some of the ways they are bringing help to the needy in their city: For The Biblical Autumn Holidays their target of 200 families at $50 per food basket. The Back-to-School project will supply 70-100 kids with a backpack and school supplies at $60 per. Adult and child diapers are distributed Essential Help For The Needy and many other necessities that are beyond the reach of so many living at or under the poverty level.  They write, “Our work would not be possible without the help of partners like you, that is why we ask you to consider in prayer the possibility of a monthly commitment.”

Eric Benson of the Haifa House of Victory rehab (connected to the Carmel Congregation) has sent many good reports on those men they are working with, and have worked with in the past. In such work, it is easy to become disappointed as the addicted often fall despite all the best efforts to set them on the path to freedom, deliverance and salvation. But even so, some return to try again. It was encouraging  to read in this letter as Eric, who has done this ministry for many years, spoke of how the Holy Spirit checked his own heart in one case of a man who left badly, but now wanted to return. It was also encouraging to see how God put a man in his path who had graduated years earlier from the rehab in a “chance” meeting. The man has been stable for many years after a rocky in-and-out history at the rehab. Now the man is serving with his wife in a congregation in the area.  Another man, a gifted violinist who had graduated from the House of Victory, was on hand to participate in the time of worship with Karen Davis and others on one of the high places of Mount Carmel.  Truly the work of restoring the fallen addicts is treasured by God, who also sent His Son to be the kind of Shepherd who would leave the 99 to seek the one who had strayed and was lost.  

From Tiferet Yeshua who are feeding many in Tel Aviv (this is where the addicts, sex workers, down and outs flock to from all over Israel. Associate pastor Moti Cohen leads this outreach of The Gospel of Love and a First Aid Kit. He says the Lord gave him James 2:16 to guide the ministry, but “we have also learned that we need to have a first aid kit with us at all times. Read more online. Help us Feed Tel Aviv with a donation today.
     In their Meet the Team section we are introduced to Kosta a young immigrant who is devoted “solely to evangelism and discipleship.” He is “especially devoted to staying in touch with new seekers so that no one falls through the cracks.” He has “a deep understanding into the Word and a special gift of leading people into study of the Word. He is gentle, patient and devoted to new believers on their journey of giving their lives to the Lord.” A “tremendous blessing”  to the Tiferet Yeshua team.
     Read also about how their prayer team exploded when a family from their congregation was trapped in their village in the Jerusalem hills: When the Fire Rages, God Still Surrounds His People

Rania Sayegh, the Christian Arab prophetic intercessor from House of Prayer & Exploits in Nazareth is preparing for the Jewish New Yer of 5782, “a year of building and establishing God's house.” Among some of the things they are doing are social media campaigns and “a new series of teachings for the youth on Secrets of the Vine."  In July joined in prayer gatherings of Arab and Jewish believer leaders who came together to intercede for reconciliation – see video reports (1 and 2). Also Rania organized a prayer initiative near the Knesset in Jerusalem for the major decisions of govt especially regarding COVID 19 and the vaccine. The Arab Deborahs Conference had to be postponed because of covid restrictions…but they are still raising the funds needed for when they are able to re-schedule. AND they have news coming on the new building for HOPE. If the Lord puts it on your heart to give a Firstfruits gift at this strategic time, please follow this link to give online

Howard Bass of Yeshua’s Inheritance in Beer Sheva also writes about the coming Fall Feasts with this article the Appointed Times of the LORD/YHVH. He writes about Afghanistan and the signs of the times: “we hear of many Afghans who are believers, and also in Iran, and who are being faithful witnesses of the truth of the gospel and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, even in the face of the terrific persecution and brutality that they face.  Their reward is great in the Kingdom of God.”
    Also a great milestone in the congregation: “Thursday evening Yeshua's Inheritance will have a praise, worship, and prayer event.  We now have air conditioning!  After 26 years of sweat and chills. Thanks to God for bringing us thus far.  David and Lisa Loden will be joining us for our services this Shabbat.  This will be their third visit over the last several months.  David, especially, has been helping our music teams, and especially those who lead them, in how to lead praise and worship, and now to work together.  David and Lisa were the first persons that we met in Israel when we came 40 years ago. They were pioneers in writing and composing original Hebrew-language songs for use in the Messianic congregations services.” 

Leon Mazin of Return to Zion in Haifa writes about his recent brush with Covid – and not only his, but a great many of his congregation and family: “Since March 2020, when Covid first came to Israel, God's hand guarded the entire congregation and everyone around the congregation. This was not a matter of our pride, but we clearly saw that the Lord covers and helps. Since we are not only a congregation, but a community center - with a music school, a center for humanitarian aid, a place of various activities in the middle of Haifa, hundreds of people pass through our congregation every week, and it was easy to especially see the grace of God and his protection. But on July 23rd, we gathered only members of the congregation, 60% came of the total, and by some unknown means, Covid broke into the congregation.
     “Everyone was infected in diverse ways.
I was in the hospital for 10 days in intensive care, I was able to understand everything that was passing over my head, I felt lucky. There was no fear of death, but death was there ... There was God's Grace and there were many sincere prayers of friends. A strange feeling happened when the oxygen level dropped, fear did not come. In all probability inside everyone, there is something that removes resistance and opens us up for the moment of meeting with thy God, the Grace of God determined otherwise, and now I am back at home with my family, and we are all recovering together. Everyone has been ill, even our 3-month-old grandson.
     “In Return to Zion Congregation, about eighty people also fell ill. Covid infected those who were vaccinated and the unvaccinated.
August, as a planned month for vacation, turned into a month of illness and recovery! And I just want to say, God is the one who will help us get through all of this, he is faithful!”

Also Cody and LIat Archer write about their brush with Covid: “We have come through the dark valley of COVID and have just been released from three weeks of quarantine (Hallelujah!).  . . . All of us tested positive for COVID except our son Elisha. He was tested three times, but we must not have gone on the right days to test him. It also took me three tests before my results came back positive, despite having most of the COVID symptoms for three days already. All of our kids had at least one day with a minor fever and fatigue, and only Hallel had a cough that remained a few days after. COVID was a breeze for our kids thank God. Liat and I on the other hand were hit much harder. We felt horrible and it took two weeks before we began feeling ourselves again. Having to hit the ground running each morning to serve our kids with meals, clean up, laundry… when all we wanted to do was lie down and rest was a major challenge. We had to do shift work to stay afloat.
     “Police Visits and Community | During our three weeks in quarantine, the police visited our home five times to confirm that we were actually abiding by the law and staying home. This was not a pleasant feeling. BUT We are so thankful for our non-believing community in Had Nes and the families in our home fellowship who stepped up to serve us when we most needed it with meals and delivering special requests. After not meeting for the past month with our home fellowship, we were finally able to host them on the weekend at our home. It was so nice to share updates and pray together again face to face.
        “ Prayer Requests | For our taste and smell to fully return, and Cody's fatigue to disappear. | We are praying about a trip to Canada this fall, and need clear direction that this is the right timing and for the grace to jump through all the bureaucratic hoops connected to COVID. | We have many big decisions to make over the next few months concerning building a home and selling our apartment. Pray for wisdom and peace.”

From Chaim Malespin and the Aliyah Return center: despite 4,400 deadly rocket attacks rained down from Hamas Terror group, missiles by Hezbollah and Syria terrorists shot into the north of Israel…there is an increase of Aliyah (Immigration). An expected 5,000+ are coming from North America in 2021 (42% over the annual average). This is why your help financially and prayerfully are so needed by the Aliyah Return Center. WATCH  this. . . .     Chaim freshly back from Canada, and USA, from the "Boots on the ground charity" the centrality of Gods heart for Israel and simultaneous global redemption, in relation to the unfolding of world events and the global redemption. WATCH  | THERE MAY NEED TO BE A FOLLOW UP TRIP IN NOVEMBER,- contact us immediately if you are interested in him coming to your conference, synagogue or church.  To support the work of the Aliyah Return Center, please click DONATE

     The Fall 2021 trip to Israel has been officially postponed till next YEAR | Join the Fall Feasts Restoration Journey Tour September 2022. Check out what awaits! BUT the ONLINE Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah) is fast approaching, September 6th at 19:00 PM Israel time. Chaim Malespin Chairman of the board, SHARED briefly TODAY from the Sea of Galilee about how this timing of this coming online Aliyah Return Center - "Feast of Trumpets" (Yom Teruah)

 
Urgent HEALING Needs: Life and Death is in the power of the tongue
Please keep in prayer the Israeli believers who are fighting for their lives or other urgent health needs: 

Please Pray for David Friedman in Jerusalem. From his wife, "For all those who know and love my husband, David...now is the time to pray. A doctor looked in on him earlier. The event was a cardiac arrhythmia. At present he is stable, but obviously quite serious. He is in a medically induced coma - intubated." |  Report in for Dan Juster who has a mild case of Covid and is in quarantine.  Eitan Shishkoff and Leon Mazin have improved and are out of quarantine, as have the young men of the Katzir camp leadership. Have not received direct  updates on Cody & Liat Archer & family, several in the Acco youth,  Joel Jelski (Fields of Wheat),  and OrEl, married daughter of Avi and Chaya Mizrachi, but I am assuming the report I got covered them also. Pray for each to recover fully and quickly with no harm and no spreading to families and others.  | Claude Ezagouri of the Morning Star Fellowship who has started a treatment that is due to last at least 6 months for a medical problem he has been suffering from.  Believe in prayer with them as they look to the Lord for complete healing and for  prompt recovery from some other ailments.  Hallel Goldman, daughter of Yariv Goldman, Hallel ministers to young people coming out of an Orthodox life. Hallel appears to have some kind of heart infection. Pray for her healing. Also pray for her dad, Yariv, unspoken prayer. | Ronit Bender finally has seen a new cardiologist she likes because he is caring, she’s taking new meds, feels better but still asks for our prayers | Pray for Carolyn Hyde whose left hand is so pained she can no longer play guitar and it is also sometimes painful to play piano | Silvers: David's knees and Josie's back pain | Rachel Netanel  is still recovering from a broken ankle. She asks for healing & for the pain to subside. Her ankles were weak already, so the process is slow and painful| A prayer request for Naomi, for a dear family that is a part of Israel Pochtar's pastoral team, who was diagnosed with colon cancer. "Despite what this battle entails, we are confident in God’s unfailing Word and promises." Read in her own words| Please continue to pray for Jacob Damkani for the LORD's mercies over Jacob and his dear wife, Elisheva | Dov Bikas – I have been very tired these days: probably as a result of a combination of factors: my age, stress of the days of running to the bomb shelter, work load in the ministry, etc. Olga Bikas: We are grateful that Olga is feeling better these days! Though the doctors never found the cause of the dizziness that put her in hospital a month ago, they did rule out major issues like brain tumors, heart problems, etc., so this is already comforting. Olga’s back also keeps improving and she is able to walk more outside now than she did before.



Thank you for donating to my ministry if it is a blessing to you.

PayPalMe/DonnaDiorio  or search PayPal for:  donna@israelprayer.com 
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. 



 

 

 



No comments:

Post a Comment