"Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as
soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer
is now near. "So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize
that the kingdom of God is near." Luke 21:29-31
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree
by Donna Diorio
In the 70th anniversary of
the restoration of the state of Israel, with anti-Semitism growing by leaps and
bounds in all the Western nations and surrounded by enemies on every doorstep
into the Jewish State, yet the promise of God is that the kingdom of God is
coming within Israel. We see this in the parable recorded in Matthew, Mark and
Luke about the time that the fig tree begins to bud with tender new branches
forming, budding with leaves and fruit.
The thing about fig trees is
that it is only on the "new wood" that fruit and leaves can bloom.
The old wood branches from last year will not produce fruit in the coming year,
only the newly forming branches will produce that fruit.
This is one reason we see so
many of the Israeli ministries who have been focusing for many years on pouring
their lives into developing strong, balanced faith among their young people —
not just for the salvation of their own children, but so their children would
be equipped to carry the vision of "all Israel" coming to the
knowledge of Israel's Messiah, Yeshua.
In Yeshua's parable, it is
only in the Luke account that "and all the trees" is added on to
"Learn the lesson of the fig tree". That is interesting to me because
it seems to include a promise: when we see the "fig tree" (Israel)
beginning to put forth tender branches and leaves, we will see a parallel of
new growth on "all the trees. I think that refers to all the nations. As
you can see from the photo, the fig tree blossoms with new branches, leaves and
fruit all at the same time. So the parable from Luke seems to indicate that
when Israel begins to bear the fruit of salvation, so also will there be a
parallel bearing of fruit in the nations.
We can get too focused on
the "headlines" of what will be happening in the world that Jesus was
describing in these accounts of the Fig Tree parable and miss the subtlety of
the spiritual promise He was sharing with us in the lesson. Pray for the
generation who has given itself to bringing forth abundant fruit in this
generation already budding and bringing forth fruit.
The kingdom of God is
drawing near, not only because we see the wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes,
famines, pestilences and persecution coming on the whole earth, but because we
see Israel bringing forth increasing fruit. Even in the midst of the screaming
bad news headlines, God's promises to us prevail.
"The fig tree ripens its figs; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come away, my darling; come with me, my beautiful one." Song of Solomon 2:13 This is yet another prophetic indication that the rapture of the Christians does not occur before the fig tree, Israel's fruit ripens bearing its fruit.
"The fig tree ripens its figs; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come away, my darling; come with me, my beautiful one." Song of Solomon 2:13 This is yet another prophetic indication that the rapture of the Christians does not occur before the fig tree, Israel's fruit ripens bearing its fruit.
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
There has been a super abundance of snow and
rain this winter season which Israel has not experienced in years, reports
Eddie and Jackie Santoro from Jerusalem. In this 70th year of the restoration
of the modern State of Israel, we look for the spiritual parallel this abundant
rain of God's promise of outpouring upon the re-gathered Israelis to the Land
that holds God's greatest promises of restoration. “Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for he
has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you
abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before.” Joel 2:23 “For
I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will
pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.”
Isaiah 44:3
Eddie celebrated his 70th birthday in this 70th birthday year of Israel, "I had thought of this day so much especially in light of all I have walked through." Please keep praying for our beloved brother who learned last week that the brain cancer continues to grow, the treatments are failing —but God! Eddie writes, "Although this was difficult news to hear, we remain strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. We ask for your continuing prayers for a miracle. God is able to do above and beyond what we ask or can imagine. Our heart's desire is to live and to declare the great works of the Lord!"
He also notes, "The Kingdom of God is advancing here in Israel in so many ways and it is exciting to be a part of it." Indeed, the Santoros are a great part of advancing the kingdom of God in Israel, as they have discipled and mentored so many of the young new generation of Israeli ministry leaders for a couple of decades. It has been their call and vision from the beginning.
Eddie celebrated his 70th birthday in this 70th birthday year of Israel, "I had thought of this day so much especially in light of all I have walked through." Please keep praying for our beloved brother who learned last week that the brain cancer continues to grow, the treatments are failing —but God! Eddie writes, "Although this was difficult news to hear, we remain strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. We ask for your continuing prayers for a miracle. God is able to do above and beyond what we ask or can imagine. Our heart's desire is to live and to declare the great works of the Lord!"
He also notes, "The Kingdom of God is advancing here in Israel in so many ways and it is exciting to be a part of it." Indeed, the Santoros are a great part of advancing the kingdom of God in Israel, as they have discipled and mentored so many of the young new generation of Israeli ministry leaders for a couple of decades. It has been their call and vision from the beginning.
Israel Pochtar also sends a ministry letter
that is focused on the next generation: "Our annual youth conference
"Next Level" was born a few years ago when we saw a great need in the
body of Israeli believers for a powerful discipling ministry geared towards the
young people." The vision to raise them to a new level of anointing and
power in the Lord Yeshua. The next 3-day conference is coming up during Purim
and you can help. Watch Video "Next Level
has been producing tremendous fruit throughout the years and we have seen
several new youth ministries being born into Israeli congregations as a result
of this conference. Israeli congregations send their young people to Next Level
to be ignited and equipped anew"
The Sorko-Ram's Maoz Ministry features an
article by Shani Sorko-Ram Ferguson of Yeshua Israel on their enduring history
of helping people get established in the Land. They continue this much needed
help through the wonderful ministry of the Aliyah Return Center up in the
Galilee. Just the photos of the Aliyah village is inspiring! Read more in Rebuilding Israel (Because they are still coming). Also at the end of this issue, read Shira's Praying
against Jew Hatred and Anti-Semitism
KehilaNews.com has many articles & videos, here are just a few: Messianic senior citizen home in Israel looking to
expand by Violet Chemiker| Reconciled Identities – Israeli and Palestinian
Disciples of Jesus Share the Search for Peace by Lisa Loden | A new season for Israeli unity by Eitan
Shishkoff | and Towards unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace by Howard Bass
L♥ve the report from the Mizrachi's of the Dugit
Messianic Outreach. As a result of their connection made with First Nations
representatives of Samoa, last year they were able to meet with the Samoan PM
and pray for visa requirements to Israel to be removed making it much easier
for Samoan's to cover worship the King of Glory in Israel. That prayer has just
come to fruition as headlines indicated: Samoa
PM Tuilaepa’s Jerusalem Visit Highlights Israel-Samoa Ties This is a big
impact from the prayer last year!
Read more in the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries and Learn more here about the Mizrachi's Tel Aviv ministries
Read more in the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries and Learn more here about the Mizrachi's Tel Aviv ministries
A wonderful report from one of Rachel and
Gilad Netanel's Friday Kabbalat Shabbat dinners where people from all walks of
life come for amazing food, hospitality and to hear the sharing of the good
news of Yeshua. Read more by connecting
directly with the ministry, or by subscribing to the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries.
As wonderful as the report is, I want to focus
our prayers on the part that was not so good, which is, in the general trouble
that is stirred up by the Waqf (Muslim religious authority) on the Temple Mount
and the Mercy Gate, the Netanel's are also getting trouble over the road into
their property - "Two sheiks (one from Jordan and the other from the Waqf)
came to the door last week to threaten us.... They want to make the property
between us and the road a Muslim shrine or some such nonsense." We have more in the news section of the
uproar on the Temple Mount, but please be praying over this threat and if you
can help by donating, the Netanel's have had to hire a lawyer at great expense
to defend themselves as they "continue to fight this seemingly un-ending
battle which has been going on for almost 10 years. Lord help!!!"
From Asher Intrater's Revive Israel: If you want to get biblical about it, here is,
Cody Archer's The Real Cause of Climate Change | VIDEO The Isaiah 19 Highway Today with Michael
Karem | and VIDEO Different Kinds of Love with Asher
Intrater. PLUS and invitation: The Fast of Esther | Annual Event Live Streamed from
Jerusalem | A Jewish fast from dawn
until dusk, commemorating the three-day fast observed by the Jewish people in
the story of Purim. Learn more
Avner Boskey writes Speaking light into darkness Speaking favorably or speaking truthfully? ....The pull on God’s spokesmen to ‘speak favorably’ was strong, and it remains strong in our day as well.
Dan and Patty Juster's Restoration from Zion
ministry letter features a writing by Patty on Generational Transfer and how "the
expectations of the Kingdom where God wants, even commands, all his children to
take on the family business: the business of extending his kingdom on earth and
living a Kingdom life on earth as it is in heaven. . . . We are interconnected:
who we are is a product of who went before us; what we do affects future
generations." In that respect, Patty writes, "Our
oldest son, Benjamin, whose name means “son of my right hand,” will come on as
an associate apostle in the Tikkun America Network this summer."
Ben Juster, who you may or may not have been
exposed to before, certainly carries a strong anointing of the Lord, in my
eyes. He writes about the 9th Annual Emerging Leaders gathering for the Tikkun
America network they just wrapped up with over 60 leaders participating of
younger leaders to inherit the vision and carry forward the pastoring of these
communities. . Dan
Juster also adds: " like us, Ben is involved both in the Israel work and
in the work in America. We are thrilled
to have his help here and in the United States. More will be said about our
joint ministry in the future."
Martin Sarvis writes about the upcoming Purim
relating it to the "covenant-hating “Amalek” spirit at work behind the
religious system of Islam.... The influence of this spirit extends throughout
Islam—both within the Shia and the Sunni streams." His teaching on this is
excellent, and he offers prayer points for this season.
From Tikkun.TV: The
Discipling Difference by Asher Intrater / The Spirit
and Discipleship by Dan Juster / VIDEO Your
Israel Connection Ron Cantor / Best Wave
of the Day by Eitan Shishkoff / Serving
Holocaust Survivors by Shavei Tzion / Messianic Jews Burned at the Stake by Dan Juster / Bibi Comes
out Fighting by Ron Cantor / Camaraderie Forged in the Crucible by Eitan Shishkoff / Democrats wimp out on anti-Semitism resolution after
Far Left stands with Omar by Ron Cantor /
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
CONTINUED FERVENT PRAYER for EDDIE SANTORO A troubling update does
not stop us from believing for total healing in our brother /see update above;
and Elisheva's good report last week
for Jacob Damkani's rehab | Ronit
Bender is home from the hospital and being watched for more definitive
evidence of the leaking heart valve. Please pray that no weapon formed against
all three of these shall prosper & that miracles of healing will flow.
Ruth Nessim has several health issues, one of
the most critical is her EYES which has sent her to the hospital many times.
Please pray for Ruth in Nahariya| Olga Bikas’s health condition that seems to have become
chronic, with no hope from the doctors for any improvement in the future. This,
no doubt, puts an additional emotional and physical burden on our family.
Please pray for her acute back pain. | Albert a Messianic leader from southern Israel, has had a
successful surgery and an amazing recovery but keep praying for total
restoration | Rania
Sayegh asks for prayer of restoration of strength, energy, and complete
healing. | In the Acco congregation:
Prayer for 5 year old Leon is still very much needed. The bacteria
affecting the head injury has been identified as Streptococcus. Up until now
all treatment, including steroids has not succeeded in stopping this infection.
Pray for his mother and siblings as the past months are taking their toll.
Praying the Headlines | Israeli News You Can Trust
Temple Mount shuttered after firebomb thrown at police post | by Judah Ari Gross, Times of Israel | The longstanding closure of the area near the Gate of Mercy on the compound has ignited tensions between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli police in recent weeks. Worshipers have forced the area open and entered on several occasions. ...Israeli officials believe the work carried out by the Waqf, which refused to allow any Israeli observers, led to the destruction of antiquities from periods of Jewish presence in the area. Last month, the Waqf reopened the site and Palestinian worshipers began to use it as a mosque, despite Israeli attempts to keep the area sealed. The Waqf has repeatedly challenged the closure, convening and staging prayer-protests in the area, which often erupted into clashes with police.
IN A RELATED Prayer letter from the
Netanel ministry, the Waqf are also challenging access to their home in Ein Kerem is visited by hundreds of people each year who come the
wonderful hospitality fellowship and to listen to the couples' testimony of
Yeshua. Please pray over both
situations.
Palestinians: No Peace or Reconciliation with the 'Infidels' | by Khaled Abu Toameh, Gatestone | The ruling by the Palestinian
Scholars' Association is also aimed at sending a message to the US
administration that the Palestinians and the Muslims will have nothing to do
with the "Deal of the Century." ...even if some Arabs do sign peace
treaties with Israel, there will always be those Muslims who will denounce them
as "traitors" and accuse them of acting against the Koran and the
rulings of Islam.
on Facebook Dr. Michael L. Brown: YouTube
just demonetized our entire channel -
almost 1600 videos! - for no good reason at all. If our videos have been a
blessing to you, please click here to help
us with a one-time donation as we fight back for our rights on
YouTube.
Political Powerlessness Is Expensive | by Lee Smith, Tablet | American Jews have only begun to pay the price demanded by the Democratic Party’s new math
Multicultural Jew-Hatred: Failed Ideologies Bond Over Scapegoating | by Michael Ledeen, PJ Media | This Islamist anti-Semitism fits well
with the secular version long peddled by a significant segment of the Arab,
Iranian, and Western Left.
CAIR's Damaging Influence Evident in Ilhan Omar Controversy | by Benjamin Baird, IPT | Despite presenting itself as an innocuous
Muslim civil rights organization, records show that CAIR was created as part of
a Hamas-support network in America. Hamas is a Muslim Brotherhood legacy group
which openly seeks Israel's destruction. The FBI severed formal relations with
CAIR in 2008, saying the group was not "an appropriate liaison
partner"
AIPAC and the Company that Rashida Tlaib Keeps | by Petra Marquardt-Bigman, Algemeiner | The annual AIPAC Policy
Conference always draws protests by anti-Israel activists who have contempt for
the well-documented fact that a majority of Americans strongly support the
close alliance...
VIDEO Theologians Under Hitler An
enlightening book I (Donna) read in the early 1990's is a documentary that
sheds light on our current rise in anti-Semitism and the divide it creates in
Christian circles as some justify Jew hatred
Time for the U.S. to Recognize Israeli Sovereignty in the Golan Heights | by Zvi Hauser, Tablet | Any Israeli withdrawal to the shores of the
Kinneret guarantees a structural instability which, sooner or later, will
require American military intervention
Peace Can Only Be Achieved ‘Through Strength,’ Israel’s PM Netanyahu Says | by Algemeiner Staff | Peace can only be achieved “through strength,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Tuesday. Speaking at a state memorial ceremony in...
Peace Can Only Be Achieved ‘Through Strength,’ Israel’s PM Netanyahu Says | by Algemeiner Staff | Peace can only be achieved “through strength,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Tuesday. Speaking at a state memorial ceremony in...
Hezbollah added to UK’s list of terrorist groups | by Richard Hall, UK Independent | The British government has
designated Hezbollah’s political wing a terrorist organisation, amid a US push
to isolate Iran and its proxies.
Europe: Trying to Legitimize Iran's Regime | by Giulio Meotti , Gatestone | "The E.U. only seems to care
about the nuclear agreement and trade ties. It pretends that the regime is
legitimate and that Iranians have no alternatives to living under
tyranny". — Alireza Nader of New Iran, reported by Benjamin Weinthal, Fox
News.
Prayer Insight for Current Events Related to Israel
Praying against Jew Hatred and Anti-Semitism | by Shira Sorko-Ram, Maoz Ministries as posted on Facebook | As the
evil ruler of this world continues to take ground over any particular entity,
sooner or later, anti-Semitism becomes a permanent function of that movement. A
couple of years ago, I wrote a book called The Islamic Strategy to Conquer
America (Click to read the intro). The plan
of the American Muslims was spelled out quite clearly. The FBI uncovered a
trove of Islamic plans with projected dates as to how they would take over
America (before Obama muzzled the FBI on that discovery.)
* Click here to obtain a copy of the book
* Click here to obtain a copy of the book
Muslim strategists were focusing on universities and
elected offices as ways to gain influence. Now with just three Muslim
representatives in Congress, the chaos and hatred coming from the two newly
elected Muslim women are only a hint of what is to come. Just think if there
were 10 Muslim representatives? Or 20? Their hatred for Jewish people and the
nation of Israel comes from a hatred of the God of Israel who gave the Jewish
people their inheritance.
The two Muslim women have now dragged the Democratic
party (not altogether unwillingly) to accept a torrent of serious anti-Semitic
rage. Ilhan Omar, born in Sudan and Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian are leading
the Democrats by the nose.
The Democratic party, is now getting marked as the
anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, anti-God, anti-Israel, pro-abortion,
pro-infanticidal, pro-LGBT party.
Jewish Americans, are mostly Democrats for certain
exact reasons. They tend to be afraid of Christians because they perceive that
the Nazis were Christians. Germany was a “Christian” nation in WWII. In fact,
“Christian Europe” has been anti-Semitic for many many centuries, as a result
of replacement theology. Jewish people thereby also mistakenly believe that the
more freedom to live whatever lifestyle you want, gives the Jewish people a
better chance of being Jews without too much hassle.
What our Jewish people do not understand is that the
more anti-God and sinful a society becomes, the more they will hate the Jewish
people. Hating God ultimately brings hatred to His chosen people. You can’t
really explain this to the typical non-believer because, of course, the
phenomenon is spiritual. Before WWII, Germany was a very secular, enlightened
society. The Jews of Germany were thoroughly satisfied with the open-minded,
sophisticated and elitist culture of Western Europe.
Even today, Western Europe is one of the most
anti-Semitic areas in the world. America has mostly escaped this evil – until
now.
Israelis are very concerned about the new Islamic push
of these congresswomen against Israel and the Jews in general. And the masses
who are following them, especially of this latest generation, the likes of what
has never been seen before in America. So
here are some prayer points:
First of all, I pray that America will not
turn its back on the Jewish people, because God will bless those who bless the
Jewish people and curse those who curse them. I pray for America to continue to
be blessed, and continue to spread the Good News around the world. Incredibly
important.
Secondly, I
pray for many Jewish people to see the truth that will set them free!!
Thirdly, I
pray that both Israelis and American Jews will realize more and more that the
only faithful friends they will find themselves left with are the Evangelical,
born-again Christians.
Dear
Heavenly Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, We pray for our Jewish
brothers and sisters, especially in America, who have lost their way. We
understand that they have no clue that satan hates them and will never give up
his plans to destroy them once and for all. Because we understand that the
devil especially hates them because they are Your living example that You
exist, that You keep Your Word for thousands of years… That You are bringing
Your exiled people home as You promised.
We pray
that You will hear our prayers and reveal Yourself to hungry Jews who are
looking for truth, but don’t know where to find it.
We pray for
the work of all the Messianic Jewish ministries – both in the abroad and here
in Israel. That You will bless us and prosper us and anoint us to reach
multitudes of the hungry.
We pray
that You will open up many opportunities for our Christian brothers and sisters
to receive opportunity from You to witness truth, hope and eternal life to our
Jewish people.
We pray
that every evil thing that satan plans for the Jewish people will be turned
around by Your great power, love and pity for Your people. That Your divine
strategies to save Israel will send satan packing.
We pray
that President Trump will not try to divide up the Land of Israel and give it
to the followers of Allah.
For Your
Great Name! For Your Glory! And for the Precious Souls of all that Your Son
Yeshua, died to save. Amen.
Donna Diorio
donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
Please note change in PayPal donations:
paypal.me/DonnaDiorio
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.
