The year was 2005. The city was Acco,
Israel. We were a group interceding over the "Crusader" port, a
seaside spiritual gate into northern Israel. This is where Guy Cohen leads the
Harvest of Asher congregation in his hometown birthplace. The intercessor in the picture climbed the wall that day to speak prophetic
blessings of salvation on this entry point of Israel.
An Eye for an Eye
Last week I received a phone call from the Acco
Municipality asking for help to provide back to school supplies for 200
children. The same day we once again had an inspection of our building by the
Acco Municipality regarding the building taxes. This to me was a paradox. Why?
According to the recommendation (which is non-negotiable) of the Interior Ministry, we are suppose to be
exempt from building taxes. However, the municipality continues to question
this decision, attempting to charge us as much as possible.
I found myself reading Exodus 21:23-25 and wondering how I should respond according to the Word of God. My interpretation of this scripture was that if the municipality recognizes us as a house of prayer then we will help them with the school supplies. With this I remembered the sentence of Mahatma Gandhi who quoted our Lord Yeshua; "An eye for an eyes leaves the whole world blind." In Matthew 5:38-42 I read Yeshua's words that "... if someone comes to take your shirt give them your coat as well".
With this, I was challenged not only in the case of the municipality but in many areas where we should reflect our Lord with ".... giving to Caesar what is Caesar's". Beyond that I was faced with not taking it out on the needy but once again reflecting Yeshua and doing the Will of God.
So the conclusion to the paradox is that despite the decision of the Acco Municipality regarding our property taxes we will honor their request to help the children of Acco.
These days in Israel people are more and more living and operating or functioning under the influence of the traditional understanding of an eye for an eye. This is why we are seeing more and more situations here in the land where people are responding with a spirit of revenge.
From the killing of a teenager by a policeman to the death of a father over a parking space. These are only two examples symptomatic of a society being drawn toward chaos. Where do we put ourselves as believers? Each of us may daily find ourselves challenged in our response to various situations. Will we respond with anger toward our neighbor, co-workers, etc.?
Are we capable at that moment to remember who it is that dwells in each of us, He who gives us the grace to reflect Him? Only with this understanding can we stand and respond not in revenge but in the grace of our Lord, remembering that freely we have received and freely we must give in return. Matthew 10:8
I found myself reading Exodus 21:23-25 and wondering how I should respond according to the Word of God. My interpretation of this scripture was that if the municipality recognizes us as a house of prayer then we will help them with the school supplies. With this I remembered the sentence of Mahatma Gandhi who quoted our Lord Yeshua; "An eye for an eyes leaves the whole world blind." In Matthew 5:38-42 I read Yeshua's words that "... if someone comes to take your shirt give them your coat as well".
With this, I was challenged not only in the case of the municipality but in many areas where we should reflect our Lord with ".... giving to Caesar what is Caesar's". Beyond that I was faced with not taking it out on the needy but once again reflecting Yeshua and doing the Will of God.
So the conclusion to the paradox is that despite the decision of the Acco Municipality regarding our property taxes we will honor their request to help the children of Acco.
These days in Israel people are more and more living and operating or functioning under the influence of the traditional understanding of an eye for an eye. This is why we are seeing more and more situations here in the land where people are responding with a spirit of revenge.
From the killing of a teenager by a policeman to the death of a father over a parking space. These are only two examples symptomatic of a society being drawn toward chaos. Where do we put ourselves as believers? Each of us may daily find ourselves challenged in our response to various situations. Will we respond with anger toward our neighbor, co-workers, etc.?
Are we capable at that moment to remember who it is that dwells in each of us, He who gives us the grace to reflect Him? Only with this understanding can we stand and respond not in revenge but in the grace of our Lord, remembering that freely we have received and freely we must give in return. Matthew 10:8
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
A prophetic ministry letter from Arni Klein of Emmaus Way touches on several
signposts pointing to the increase in tsuris, troubles and it pointing to
purification through these tribulations. I cannot in a few words relate the
total picture presented in this email, but if you are a subscriber to the Weekly Summary, there are longer
passages there, and you can also write the Kliens directly for the email. One
passage of great pertinence to our purposes in Arrows is this:
" As we are walking through an unprecedented moment in the nation, so the Israeli Body of Messiah is in the midst of a serious time. Although there are many, many positive things going on, the purpose of our communication is to raise prayer and intercession at points of need and relate things going on in the Land that we feel give a prophetic insight into the spiritual realm, foreshadowing things to come. In that light, we share the following. . . . It is normal for brethren to have different opinions, different understandings, and different positions about many things. It is right and godly, where the issues are not foundational, to agree to disagree and affirm our unity in Yeshua. One group in the land has come under intense criticism in the Land ....The issue has to do with their position on congregational government and the dispensation of spiritual authority, in particular concerning the place of apostles in the Body....that a large part of the Body is not in agreement with. The discussion has been going on for some time. Recently, however, one brother took it upon himself to put together a video of clips out of context, putting these brethren in a very negative light and associating them with various excessive practices and people with whom they have no connection. Without contacting those in question, the video was sent out into the nations. This is a highly-charged matter. On the one side there are those primarily concerned with doctrinal purity, while on the other side are those concerned for right Biblical protocol concerning how we interact with one another. This issue has the potential to deeply divide the Body." Let's pray over this, because in essence, it is the classic sharp division over the charismatic versus non-charismatic gifts. To be expected as we move closer into Jacob's troubles.
Also, in a really important silver lining prophetic view, Arni writes
about ravaging wildfires in their area of the Sea of Galilee: "Smoke
filled the air and flames came right to the edge of our village. Planes flew
over our house dropping fire retardant material. The scope of the devastation
is really shocking. Trees burned. Poles supporting electrical cables fell to
the ground. However, the mango orchards, the groves of olives trees, and the
fields of date palms were all untouched. Where there was fruit, the fires did
not go. Just the dry grass…the chaff…was burned up. . . . The one encouragement
we find in all of this, and it is not a small thing, is that the fruit trees
were not touched by the fire. Where there was fruit, the trees were not
consumed. We do not think this to be fruit from ministry activity, but rather
the fruit of the Spirit…the character and life of Messiah in us…the abiding
Presence of the Lord."
The weekly Maoz prayer letter (which usually comes out the day after I
email mine) speaks to the ramping up for military defenses that is going on in
Israel as the region continues to ramp up in tensions. They are asking for
prayers over their leaders to keep Israel safe - including the tenuous
situation with their upcoming 3rd shot at electing a new Prime Minister and
coalition government forming. Maoz is also going through the transition of Ari
and Shira Sorko-Ram passing the baton for daughter Shani and Kobi Ferguson to
continue the race as Maoz directors. Even with the closeness of the family, and
the proven leadership of the Ferguson's in their own ministry for many years,
there is need to pray for the smooth passing of the baton, that not a stride
skips in the passing. You can learn more here Meet our
Tel Aviv Team
Katy also wrote about being bless in "a special retreat for single
mothers and widows. Along with a peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding nature,
we had teaching sessions that focused on forgiveness. I have heard so many
teachings on the subject, but this one revolutionized my thinking in that
before going through the process of forgiving, we were to invite Yeshua into
the facts, feelings, emotions, and reactions we had in the situation we were
focusing on." It sounds wonderful and I know that in Israel, there are
several who are ministering to the special needs of "widows and
orphans". I'm not that tuned into what churches are doing, but this seems
groundbreaking area to me.
If you are not following the Daniel C Juster Official Facebook page you
really a missing a LOT of wisdom on current issues and events. Back to his and
Patti's Restoration from Zion
ministry letter, Dan shares that now in a 'grandfatherly' elder role at Tikkun
Global Ministries, they are no longer receiving full-time support there: "
we are still active in ministry and spend four months out of the year
ministering in churches and congregations around the world." One such area
is with "Toward Jerusalem Council II is to see the Church in its various
expressions and streams embrace the restoration of the Messianic Jewish community
and be joined with them in unity." In fact, they could use support to
cover the expenses of $6,380 to minister in Singapore in Sept 15-20 with TJCII. If you follow the Juster's at all, you know
that they are far from being "retired" but are still speaking
globally on Israel’s restoration; writing books on Messianic Judaism and Israel;
ministering in our local congregation, mentoring our upcoming elders and
deacons in preaching, home group leadership, caring for people and discipleship
in their personal lives and marriages. They are "decreasing" so the
younger generation of Tikkun ministers may "increase" - not in terms
of decreased involvement, but in terms of the material support they get. This
would be a great ministry in which to cast your seeds.
Two articles I want to share from Dan Juster Last night
I had a succession of dreams: Reforming American Education
and Enforcing Standards
Chuck Cohen of Intercessors for Israel Jerusalem will be taking on the
leadership role which Eliyahu Ben-Haim left in his passing. In the Friday Prayer Points 8/2/2019 : "Elections:
Balagan is a priceless Hebrew word that describes a total mess, plus confusion,
plus… And balagan seems to best describe Israeli politics – especially today in
the pre-election campaign. But since Israel's God is never confused, we
continue to look to and ask Him to give us a government that is in line with
His will for Israel today.
We rest in Your sovereign will
to raise up leaders over the nations – especially over Israel (Psa. 75:6-7).... For the sake of the Israeli electorate,
make the politicians campaign on policy and not personality." Also: points
for Israeli PM Bibi Netanyahu, Security: Gaza, Syria & iraq, Hizbullah,
Judea & Samaria, and Iran .
From Revive Israel, article by Asher Hebraic
Roots of the Scriptures (Part 1) " God has a wonderful plan
for the human race. That plan is called “the kingdom of God.” The central
person of that plan is Yeshua the Messiah." Plus Nesher
Project (Eagle Project) which is raising up the next
generation of leaders in Israel (article & video). One way to support
Revive Israel and Tikkun Global is by purchasing Revival
Time Hebrew Watches The One New Man series features 18 beautifully
designed watches - and after operating costs, the monies are donated to support
the Revive/Tikkun ministries.
Ron Cantor writing from his US speaking tour writes about their
fundraising efforts to bring the 14 Nepali village pastors to
Israel - the dream of their leader who heads a home for rescued girls. To help click
Partner
with Ron and choose "Nepal Pastors' Israel Trip." Also Ron will be doing a conference with Paul Wilbur this weekend
in Denver | He is still writing up a storm: Why Joshua
Harris Kissed Jesus Goodbye or, The Curious Case of Joshua Harris
and The Samson
Syndrome: Justifying Sin in the Life of A Believer. Plus VIDEO A Virgin
will Conceive? Really? Is. 7:14
Ron writes yesterday: " What a horrific week. As we
travel the US, we grieve with the nation in the midst of this tragedies in El
Paso and Dayton. May God grant our leaders not only wisdom, but courage to
confront this issue."
From Avner and Rachel Boskey, David's Tent in Beer Sheva, this video of
Rachel speaking at the Glory of Zion prayer house in Jerusalem about her
"life’s message, the reason I am here, the passion of my heart, the vision
I live for: God's heart for Israel
She speaks at the 57:00 mark for 45 minutes. She writes, " Avner and I
began our married life 40 years ago in Jerusalem. Our hearts still beat for the
same purposes of God for Israel as they did in our youth. Only one life ... it
will soon be past; Only what’s done for the Messiah will last. We are pressing
on toward the Goal"
Marianna Gol, one of the women in Israel who are ministering to
"widows and orphans" actually has a prayer list that she sends to
daily during events like the recent camp they held in the desert for youth.
Obviously Arrows can only touch the overview prayer requests, but if this is
your passion, contact Marianna directly for info. She writes, "The
after-camp youth social media frenzy (facebook, instagram etc) is full of msgs
saying that they LOVED IT, and many are saying they can hardly wait for next
year." You can't beat that from teens! She also writes, "The
counsellors are saying that this year was a great experience. Many of them are
'home grown', having originally come to camp age 12 and been friends ever
since. The counsellors themselves are a glorious 'fruit' of the Youth Activity."
From spiritual generation to spiritual generation, the Body is growing in
numbers and strength - from glory to glory - in Israel.
The same holds true in pastor Israel Pochtar's ministry letter this week
which is devoted in large part to the story of a young man who has grown up in
his congregation - from birth to the Combat Engineering Corps of the Israeli
Defense Force. The young man shares his testimony, the childhood dream of being
in the special forces (like American Green Beret) and living it out as a
committed follower of Yeshua. His military partner and best friend even came to
the LORD as the young men soldiered together. It is a great testimony which you
can read in the Weekly Summary, or by direct contact with Pochtar's ministry. "
Please keep praying for Gabriel and all our soldiers who are facing the harsh
reality of military service in Israel. It's not easy, and they truly rely only
on Yeshua to sustain them through this journey of theirs."
Pochtar also shares about the "AWAKE" Youth Conference and
"First-Time-To-School-In-Israel" Project (to donate). Israel asks prayer:
"We also really need your prayers for our ongoing battle to get our final
occupancy permit, we're experiencing severe opposition, we know it's a
spiritual battle and we need all the prayer warriors we can get."
From KehilaNews.AllIsrael.com/ Chava Stein writes [Israel 101] Ever-changing
political alliances in Israeli politicians’ quest for power and the Kehila
News Staff Rabbinate,
MOI making it harder to prove one’s Jewishness
Carolyn and Richard Hyde send this VIDEO The Great Jewish
Leader you've been hearing about, NOW with English subtitles. "Please
feel free to share and also LIKE
the new Facebook page. Thank you all so much for your prayers for our sons
and the other Israelis on the Media Team we
support." They share much news Heart
of the Fathers Richard continues to bless so many young adults with what he
has learned. It's awesome to see the heart of the Father making him into a
father figure to many! Divine
Appointments We daily pray the Luke 10:2b prayer and we're so grateful for
the many divine appointments like these soldiers, so that we can share
Messiah's love in Israel and wherever we're sent!
The Prophetic Artists
Journey, a gathering of all types of artists to Israel to operate in their
Zechariah 1:18-21 callings has begun. Let me know if you feel called to come to
Zion! For the summer speaking tours Please click here for details
I love the wisdom that I have seen in Howard Bass' writings over the past
15+ years. This month he is speaking about the incident with the shooting of an
Ethiopian 18-year old boy that set off violent street demonstrations. Their
approach was to invite one of their prominent Ethiopian congregants to share in
their Friday Shabbat service about how the Ethiopian community feels, and also
how, as believers, those among them and the rest of us should respond.
Howard writes, "Those Ethiopian Jews who came in the first waves of
rescue are glad to not be in Ethiopia, knowing what their lives were like
there, and the discrimination that they also suffered as Jews. But their children, born here in Israel, only
know that they live in Israel, and feel that they are discriminated against
simply because they are Ethiopians, meaning black. And they are not going to take it quietly
like their parents and grandparents have.
There is racism in Israel, just like there is everywhere else. People are people, and that includes Jews and
Christians from whatever countries."
Howard continues, "Four years ago a similar violent protest occurred over a similar incident, and it pretty much shocked the country, since the Ethiopians were known for their quiet demeanor, even though they suffer from much domestic violence and poverty. At that time I gave a message in our congregation that racism is a sin, but not all discrimination is racism; otherwise, then YHVH God Himself would be guilty, which He is not. What I said then could have been written again last month. (Tonight, btw, there will be an evening of open discussion and prayer at a congregation in Haifa about these issues.)"
We always say that Yeshua, Jesus is the answer to every problem, but I
think we do not always connect the dots to the fact that we are the ones where
His answer will have to shine through into the darkness. It is not just a
matter of dragging someone to church to hear the Gospel, but it is how we respond
in the midst of other's conflicts.
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
CONTINUE to PRAY for the urgent healing needs of Jacob
Damkani | Ronit Bender sends this
update: My cough is gone mostly, 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, because
of a condition where blood does not flow to his legs as it should, was advised
by a specialist in case of injuries, he could lose his leg because of the blood
flow issues. Shlomy has to wrap his legs daily because of the blood flow
issues. Please pray for Shlomy | Ruth
Nessim has recovered from a strong 2-month bout with Sciatica, but her most
critical prayer need which she says may required an operation. 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. | Rania Sayegh asks for prayer
of restoration of strength, energy, and complete healing. Martin Sarvis writes that he is recovered from the surgery on his
arm and thanks everyone for the prayers
________________
The Curse of Worldwide Violence
As I compose the Weekly Summary
and Arrows from Zion for the week,
our American nation is reeling from back-to-back days mass murders, one in El
Paso, Texas and one in Dayton, Ohio. Despite what the headlines and political
narratives are screaming that is to blame, I believe they are all missing what
is really happening here. It's not what the world is shouting about, it is
about what God said.
The last prophecy of
the Hebrew scriptures Malachi 4:6 speaks about a generation of spiritual
fathers who would come in the spirit and anointing of the prophet Elijah,
"And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the
hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the
land with a curse.”
Can you see the curse
is all around us in violence all over the world? I follow Twitter news enough
to see that it is not just because of the guns in the US because violence is
epidemic everywhere. Surely this is the manifestation of the curse that Malachi
prophesied by the Word of the Lord.
I agree with what
Asher says in this video, the fathers "have to turn our attention, turn
our hearts to listen to what is going on" with this generation. "We
want to make this be a prophetic mandate....Turning the hearts of the fathers
to the children - the Generations mandate - has got to be that important to us
because if not, if we don't do this...if we only get the Messianic Jewish roots
restoration, and the apostolic-prophetic restoration, and the restorationist
view of the end times, and we miss that fourth mandate of turning the hearts of
the fathers to the child, do you know what will happen? A curse is going to hit the whole earth. We
see it already. The curse is already on us. Actually the curse looks like it is
overwhelming at this point. . . .The only solution here is for God to make this
generational reconciliation."
Listen. Your kids and grandkids are worth
it, right? —Donna Diorio
Donna Diorio
donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
THANK YOU to those who have considered this ministry worthy of financial support.
Donations appreciated
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paypal.me/DonnaDiorio
Or look up on paypal: donna@israelprayer.com
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By postal mail make payable to the order of Donna Diorio
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I do not have tax exempt status.
P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006
I do not have tax exempt status.
