Priority Prayer Focus
Yeshua's first miracle turning water into wine makes news headlines at the end of August. Always with the discoveries that authenticate Bible passages, I wonder if the timing of the find is not a subtle message from God.
Yeshua's first miracle turning water into wine makes news headlines at the end of August. Always with the discoveries that authenticate Bible passages, I wonder if the timing of the find is not a subtle message from God.
Headlines from many August 30th newspapers read,
"Is this where Jesus turned water into wine? Lost tunnels unearthed in Israel could unlock secrets of 2,000-year-old miracle. Archaeologists dig up an ancient site to uncover compelling clues that could signal the place where Jesus performed his first miracle at Cana."
It is thrilling that yet another passage of the biblical account is being earthed and proven historically accurate, but this particular discovery got me thinking what kind of theological fireworks would break out if Yeshua turned the water into wine in our days! Imagine with me, if you will.
I was raised a Baptist in the Bible Belt of the USA, so I imagine the first thing many of the Protestant Christian denominations would protest is how this could not be an authentic miracle. Why would Jesus turn perfectly good water in wine? After all, water represents the Word of God, so why would Yeshua perform a miracle turning the Word into something that could be abused by some of the wedding guests? Wine at a wedding makes many guests joyful and some guests drunk. Of course, many Christian denominations would say there are no miracles today anyway —at least not obvious, inexplicable miracles like turning water into wine right before the eyes of the servers and His own mom. Where is that in the Bible? Some might say that I'm being silly because Jews have always used wine as part of the ceremonial traditions and daily life.
I'm not relating this new archaeological
discovery simply because it has to do theological differences over the use of
wine. My point is that any miracle that Yeshua or His disciples might
perform TODAY would become the subject of strenuous theological debate,
objection and opposition.
Many don't realize that the diversity of
Gentile church denominations has its mirror image in the Messianic movement who
have their own great diversities like the different denominations of the
Church. Messianics are not all of one mind and do not hold one
"Messianic" conviction about things like miracles, spiritual gifts or
five fold ministry offices. The divisions in these matters are just like the
divisions within Christian denominations. No difference, and no pope that makes
the call for all.
As Gamaliel advisised the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:35-39, “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
As Gamaliel advisised the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:35-39, “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
It must have been good advice for the
ages to come, or it would not have made the cut to be memorialized in the Word
of God. Therefore it seems excellent advice for all of us when it comes to
theological differences. There is no pope among us, and even the one pope that
is among us has in the past week proven that he too is fallible in judgment of
spiritual matters. - Donna Diorio, September 4, 2018
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
Revive Israel writes this week about the Alignment with God’s Biblically defined order, priorities and
direction. A central part of that alignment concerns the relationship between
the remnant of believers in Israel and the ‘ingrafted branch’ – the worldwide
Church. Read much more from Revive Israel inside the Weekly Summary or connect directly with Revive Israel for their ministry
letters which is now being distributed in 14 languages.
Also from Revive an article by Asher Intrater,
Revive and Restore; a video report from
Roni Rejwan on Rehabilitating
Israeli Drug Addicts, and a VIDEO INVITATION | Yom Kippur 2018 to partner with us for our annual Day of Atonement
in the Jerusalem area. Sept 18-19, 2018
Intercede with us for the salvation of Israel. To learn more click here.
The Maoz ministries of Ari and Shira Sorko-Ram
begin with a prayer focus on recent actions taken by Israel to curtail what
Iran military are doing building up in Syria. Iran remains one of the major
sponsors of terrorism in the region and the news this week has underscored that
fact with Iran's nefarious intentions being looked at hard in Syria and
Lebanon. Maoz writes, "So, here we are again in times of uncertainty on
our northern border, with Iran and Hezbollah threatening our annihilation, with
Gaza where riots continue and Hamas is rearming... Many rise up against us,
many say to us there's no salvation for us in our God... yet, as the psalm
says, the Lord of heaven laughs as the wicked scheme... and after all is said
and done, the God of Israel will have the last word! Please stand with us in
faith and lift up your prayers this week for Israel's safety."
Inside the Weekly
Summary are many of the prayer requests shared by Maoz this week, also a
short look at one of the Istandwithisrael.com funding assistance recipients
through Maoz' Advancing Israeli's Messianic Community through Education. This
time it is the Little
Hearts Preschool in Jerusalem.
This week Orna Grinman continues in part 8 of
her “Back to Beit Lehem” | The Jordan Journey with Where Were You That Morning, Sarah?,
then files this notice that she will be taking a short break from the ongoing
series as her focus - like all Israel - is now on the high holy days. She
writes in There Ends a Year about her
immediate ministry focus which includes
a conference today with Arab women, and a soon trip to Armenia...plus the fall
holidays.
Claude and Michelle Ezagouri lead the Morning Star Fellowship in
Tiberias. They are offering praise to God for answered prayers on behalf of their
congregational youth which they see as an key to the regional end-times revival
in the Galilee. Please read more of
their vision, prayer concerns and how they are going about preparing for the
future ministry in their region. They
also ask prayers for the body of Messiah in Israel which is going through a
difficult time especially in keeping the unity of the brethren in the bond of
faith and love. "Please pray that God would give us wisdom and
discernment. Pray that we may understand one another's heart aright and not be
quick to judge."
Ron Cantor writes about a scandal that has
reached the highest level in the Catholic Church and horrified Catholics across
the board in the United States when it was revealed the pope was covering for a
huge number of pedophile priests who have been abusing children for decades.
Ron's shock is much like the shockwaves going on here among US Catholics: Pope’s Henchman attacks Whistle Blower
He also writes about Yom Shishi | Friday in Israel and his
5-month campaign to raise $10,000 for his monthly support of the Tel Aviv
congregation: Stand with Tiferet Yeshua. Part of his
campaign to raise funds is tied to the November Israel, the Church and the Coming Revival
Conference in Burleson, TX when they will give away a free trip to
Israel to someone who has commits to a recurring donation for Tiferet Yeshua.
You don't need to be present to win but the speakers will be a great
blessing: with Dr.
Michael Brown, Pastor Troy Brewer, Asher
Intrater and Ron Cantor.
Eric Benson of the House of Victory which
ministers to addicts in the Carmel region (and is connected with HaCarmel
congregation writes about powerful testimonies they enjoyed at a mid-August
Men's Meeing with HaCarmel held at a local kibbutz. He writes, "There is a
release of power when we share together the story of how the Lord reveals
himself to individuals. It was so encouraging to hear the testimony shared by
two members of our ministry." Inside the Weekly Summary, Benson shares
several testimonies of the men in their program also about their participation in
a late August 12-hour worship watch. Also their travel to Netanya for a visit
at the Israel College of the Bible, which some are interested in studying at.
Read more inside the Weekly Summary or connect directly with this ministry
seeking to change the lives of men forever who come from addicted past lives.
Much of witness in Israel is actually being a
witness by your life, then seeing people who are searching for answers in their
own lives drawn to you to learn your secret. Ronit Bender shares several
instances of this in her own life in northern Israel, plus she shares the
wonderful story I have highlighted in the Arrows from Zion email this
week. Sometimes you just don't know
everyone who has set themselves to pray for you. Ronit also shares a brief summary
of the upcoming holidays written by her new Australian daughter-in-law, Jacinta
who has been part of a Messianic congregation down under for many years. Read
it inside the Weekly Summary, or through direct connect with Ronit. ronit will
be coming to the US in October.
Joel Jelski who is now with the Olive Tree
Agricultural and Discipleship program in northern Israel, will also be coming
to the US in Oct and is looking for
small group or dinners to help him widen support for his many ministry avenues
in the north. Joel shares about the
recent Katzir Youth Camp which ministers to kids from all over Israel who are
from like-minded congregations. Joel also speaks about attending the funeral of
Esther Moore in England, "a friend and daughter of Rick Ridings (the
director of the house of prayer I served for 5+ years). It was hard, lots of
tears, but it was special to be there for her husband Will and her family who
have had such a deep impact on my life."
Please also read Eitan Shishkoff's touching tribute on Kehila News: "Memorial for Esther Moore: Touching eternity on a Jerusalem rooftop"
Marianna Gol shares an urgent prayer request
for a 20-yr old young man who has been part of the ministry since he was 12 - a
sweet, timid, kind & quiet boy who has been accused ... He has a court date 9/16 and currently in
jail, his fellow prisoners are not treating him well. This is an unusual
situation and prayer request, but this young man's whole future lies in the
balance. Marianna writes, "Please pray for the best outcome of the Lord to
be the judgment that comes forth. Pray also pray for his physical protection"
From KehilaNews.com, several picks from their online
resources:
Latest
methods used by anti-missionaries in Israel | Carmiyah ministries based in
the Ashkelon region have recently been the target of a well known
anti-missionary organisation in Israel.
Israel praises US decision to cut aid to Palestinian refugee organisation and US signals new pro-Israel shift in policy
Finally, we note the news today that US
Ambassador Nikki Haley, will serve as President of the UN Security Council in
September. She has been shaking things up at the UN, so who could have
guessed this would be in the making?
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
Keep praying for CONTINUED URGENT PRAYER FOR JACOB DAMKANI and
prayer for continued decreasing cancer in
EDDIE
SANTORO's brain | Albert a Messianic leader from southern Israel, has had a successful surgery
and an amazing recovery details in Howard Bass' ministry letter | Rania
Sayegh asks for prayer of restoration of strength, energy, and complete
healing.| Rachel Netanel took a fall
and has broken her leg. Pray for quick healing. In April she learned she had a polyp on her vocal cords. Please
pray for complete healing for this evangelist in Israel. | Olga
Bikas continues to suffer from chronic, acute back pain. She is getting
medication and physiotherapeutic treatments but without any substantial
improvement | Ruth Nessim appears to be on the repair and
currently out of the country with her son after suffering from severe Gastro-Enteritis which she had 5 attacks of
within a 2-month period. Con't prayers |
Sensitive Information I cannot share names of several who have asked for prayers for the last several months for certain of their grandchildren who are afflicted, even tormented. The enemy not only strikes at us through our children, but also our through our grandchildren. Please pray for these Israeli grandmothers crying out to God silently for their grandchildren.
Sensitive Information I cannot share names of several who have asked for prayers for the last several months for certain of their grandchildren who are afflicted, even tormented. The enemy not only strikes at us through our children, but also our through our grandchildren. Please pray for these Israeli grandmothers crying out to God silently for their grandchildren.
Pray also for Israel intercessors/supporters in
other nations with urgent health needs: Jeurgen at ICEJ, Karen
and Yonit in Israel. Also for Israel
intercessors: Cecelia Toth, Arlene
Stucki, Una Gere, Mo Murray, also from our friend Steve in the UK for his wife
Elizabeth. A special appeal for prayers
for Israel intercessor Debra Koen Abernethy
(see last week Summary for Debra's urgent prayer need)
Teaching Articles
David Lazarus of Beit Immanuel writes, "If you have never heard the sound of the Shofar, it is not easy to describe. Raw, primal, unsettling only begin to describe the stirrings in a Jewish soul contemplating its crackle. This year as we listen, its shout from realms beyond demand our attention, for as in the days of old, it is an alarm, a call to arms, alerting us to imminent dangers. In synagogues and Messianic congregations around the world, the Shofar will solemnly declare: "Arise, for there are shakings in the earth. Shall the Shofar be blown in a city and the people not tremble?" (Amos 3:6)
Reserved for sacred assemblies, the Shofar will once again stir memories
of Sinai where the people trembled and the mountains shook at His word. With
its cry the Shofar stirs us to consider the judgments of God so evident in all
the earth. As the walls of Jericho shook
at her blast, so we are shaken to lift up our voices in supplication, "O
Lord, let Grace and Truth be known once again in our land."
We fashion the Shofar from the horns of an animal fit for sacrifice. It
calls forth the sprinkled Mercy Seat at the conclusion of the Day of Atonement.
Its beastly sound awakens our repentance, calling us back to God. And when we
have passed from this small earth, we shall once more hear the sound of the
Shofar at our resurrection (1 Thess. 4:16, 1 Cor. 15:52). This is to say,
"Awake from your slumber, you who have fallen asleep in life, and reflect
on your deeds. Remember your creator. Be not of those who miss reality in the
pursuit of shadows, and waste their lives in seeking after vain things which
neither profit nor save. Look well to your souls and improve your character.
Forsake each of you his evil ways and return unto the Lord." (Maimonides)
This year the Shofar will be heard on Sunday evening at sundown,
September 9, the beginning of the Hebrew New Year 5779. May its cry call forth
the beginning of a season of renewal for the people
The Israeli Messianic Marketplace Feature of the Week:
Evan &
Elisa Glasser Levine Jerusalem HaTikva (The Hope)
Helping the
poor while advancing the kingdom
evan@hatikvaproject.org www.hatikvaproject.org HaTikva on Facebook
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donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
Please pray about making a financial gift donation.
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