Friday, August 16, 2024

Arrows 8/16/24 Not by our courage, but by our trust

 The Cover Story Daniel in the Lion's Den is published separately from these prayer requests from Israeli Ministries this week:

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

Keeping it going with Youval Yanay at Revive Israel which is focused on being a discipleship community, with a farm that is used in the discipling principle of serving, and brings non-believers into its weekly market days for fresh produce & interacting with the Messianic village at Yad Hashmonah.  
     The Revive Team is also focused on strengthening the Body, so members so out to minister in other places – like Naveen did to her church in Tur'an (an Israeli Arab village) ministering to a children’s camp held for 90 children some from non-believing families in the surrounding area. Revive writes, “Part of our vision at Revive Israel is to see all believers in Yeshua strengthened in faith, regardless of their background, whether Jewish, Arab, or Christian. As a One New Man community, Neveen’s service to her church is significant and meaningful, especially during these challenging times we are experiencing as a nation.”
Also others served in various children’s & youth camps: Last week, Tal taught at the camp for 7th and 8th graders while Valerie taught this week at the camp for 1st and 2nd graders. Alona, Youval and Valerie’s eldest daughter also served as a counselor at both of these camps.”  Revive Team member Raphael was in Texas ministering to Messianic soldiers recently released from active duty. It was part of the Eagle Project, of Leon Mazin’s Return to Zion in Haifa. Youval taught last week at the Yad Hashmona congregation and will be teaching this week at Tiferet Yeshua in Tel Aviv.
     READ Embracing Suffering and Sanctification in Yeshua, Part 3 by Youval Yanay

Reuven Doron’s “Words, Words, Word” is yet another insightful, balanced and well laid out piece dealing with “the recent obsession of various “talking heads, experts, and commentators” feverishly discussing and interpreting every bit of current events to support their version of biblical prophecy. Dazzling audiences and sowing fear through alarming rumors and pseudo interpretations of dates and events serves no purpose at all, other than possibly fundraising.” …. How do we position ourselves to stay focused during such times? The Weapon of Rest… The battle plan here is to sit and wait, by faith, UNTIL God reveals and demonstrates our enemies’ defeat…. We must learn to SIT, to TRUST, and to REST under the shadow of the Almighty. While “fight or flight” are often the instinctive response in times of stress; resting in God’s love and trusting in His care are the higher call…. As Israel continues to tread this path of suffering, humility, and ultimate victory, we thank you for upholding our people and our land in your prayers. Whatever is coming in the future, we are confident that our God is faithful to bring to conclusion what He has begun among us. May this blessing of REST and TRUST be yours as well.”
     Then Reuven kicks in with striking clarity of view the current situation as Israelis wait for the threatened Iranian response to the assassinations of 2 of the highest terrorist leaders, 1 in Lebanon & the other right in midst of Iranian ‘inner sanctum’ or so they thought! Reuven writes: “Iran is Trapped Like a cat struggling to find its way down from a treetop, Iran’s Jihadi regime finds itself in the dilemma as to what to do next…. Iran’s leaders have miscalculated Israel’s resolve and willingness to fight as did their proxies Hamas and Hezbollah. … If they attack they will lose, since they know that it will trigger a chain of events that will be the end of Iran’s regional and global ambitions. If they do not attack, it will be considered a surrender to Israel’s regional dominance and a submission to the creation of a formidable American/Israeli/Saudi alliance in the Middle East. These dynamics, plus the prospects of the coming Trump administration, scare the Mullahs who now find themselves cornered and in a tight spot of their own making…. Iran knows that any wrong move can bring it to its total demise. 
You are going to want to read the full article, which you can at Reuven’s Facebook OneNewManCall

ANNIVERSARY! MID-AUGUST 2001 – 23 YEARS AGO I LAUNCHED THE WEEKLY SUMMARY OF PRAYER REQUESTS FROM ISRAELI MINISTRIES.  I have Reuven Doron to thank for opening my eyes to the fact that there were a great many believers in Israel, including congregations and ministries. At first I didn’t realize how significant the discovery was, but I would start realizing they were at the very center of what God was going to do not only in Israel, but throughout the international Church and the Final Harvest of souls on earth. Honor to whom honor is due. Reuven planted a seed in his Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem newsletter and God has worked it mightily in my life ever since.    

The Katzir (Harvest) Summer Youth camp is about to start: August 17-22. Please pray for this important event because it is not just the adults in Israel who have fears and worries over their current situation surrounding by enemies threatening to wipe them out. Think of how children, teens and even young adults are dealing with this. What do they need in prayers? Here’s what Eitan Shishkoff sent:
     WHAT to PRAY? | That the plans of the Enemy to destroy Israel will boomerang. As the above psalm states clearly, it is God who can make wars cease and punishes those seeking our destruction. That wider war will not break out and our “Living Water” youth camp will be unhindered. | That our military and political leaders will turn to the God of Israel in humble prayer to be united in the clearest, wisest, most effective strategy in this multi-front conflict. That our troops and their high-tech support will be supernaturally guided and protected.
         REFRESHING from HEAVEN… The Katzir (harvest) Summer Camp for teens is scheduled for August 17-22. What every young person (and those not so young) needs is the re-invigorating flow of Living Water—the Spirit of God…. For the heart of every young person who will participate in the Katzir camp to be 100% receptive to the activity of God’s Spirit before, during, and after camp. During the worship sessions that the poignant presence of Yeshua will penetrate their hearts with His personal love. For a spirit of tender repentance bringing deep cleansing and renewal | For the Katzir leadership team and all of the young adult counselors. The team is investing hours and hours in preparation for the camp. Daily devotions are written to guide the youth in focused Bible study, helping them to fall in love with God’s word and to instill His transforming truth, building a spiritual habit for life. For each counselor to be overflowing with Yeshua’s love for their group, to have soul-searching conversations, to have fun, and to have wisdom and creativity in guiding their small group discussions. | For the safety and health of every participant: teens, counselors, & leadership team. For excellent relationships with the facility staff and administration. We’ll be working with them from orientation time (Friday evening, August 16) until the teens head home (Thursday, August 22). CAMP BUDGET REACHED!!! By the grace of God and your visionary generosity, we have hit the goal of $45,000 to finance the “Living Water” Camp. We are deeply grateful and encourage you to keep giving toward our winter camp and ongoing expenses. With love and lasting gratitude for each of you.

Norma in Jerusalem writes for her blog From this Mountain: “I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all of my life, though I never knew it till now...Come further up, come further in. (The Last Battle, The Chronicles of Narnia. CS Lewis) This quote has been strong on my heart since the Ayatolla in Iran began making very real threats against Israel in the last week. Although this quote is about heaven; on another level it speaks to me now about the very real threats Israel is facing today. I must go 'further up, further in' with the God of Israel and His Word. That Word needs to be louder in my heart than words from news media. That Word must be stronger than any fears arising in me. That Word must be The Truth that I carry with me day in and day out... Continues on Norma's blog

Evan Santoro, son of Messianic leaders, Eddie & Jackie Santoro, who mentored so many of the young people who now stand in leadership roles in various congregations and ministries, is also a product of their wonderful parenting. Evan is the station manager of ShelanuTV., bringing the Gospel 24/7 streaming on the internet. Evan also emphasizes trusting God no matter how overwhelming the situation seems: “ Truly, as we dwell in Him and make Him increasingly the focus of our lives, the deeper our revelation will be of His great love for us. Our faith that He is in control and that He is indeed our refuge and fortress will become a profound reality in our lives. As believers in the Land, we look not only to political peace but to the peace that surpasses understanding that only He can give as we abide in Him….The Lord has chosen the nation of Israel for such a time as this! “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved.” (Romans  11:25-26) There is no doubt that the salvation of Israel is the divine plan of the Lord. The Jewish people will return to Yeshua, their Messiah in these end times. It seems impossible in the natural, but we serve a supernatural God and His promises are “Yes and Amen.”  This is our mission at Shelanu TV- to bring the truth of the Gospel to God’s chosen and beloved nation for a time such as this! We are reaching out 24/7 via the internet with the message of Yeshua the Messiah. We are mailing out New Testaments all over the country upon request. We are in contact via WhatsApp, phone conversations, and personal meetings with Israelis who desire to know more about Yeshua.  The Lord is using Shelanu TV every day to reach the people of Israel with the Salvation message and we are very excited! We believe that this is just the beginning and that the Lord is preparing to shake this nation with a mighty move of His Spirit. Nothing will ever be as it once was! We thank you for your prayers and support and may we continue to work together so that all Israel will be saved!”
     Evan supplied several great testimonies of those who have reached out because of what they saw on Shelanu – wish I had room to share it all.
To make contact and To Donate

Carolyn & Richard Hyde, Heart of G-d Ministries begin with “
An Excellent Question – ‘What brings you hope?’ "  …. Lately as we asked other Israelis "What brings you hope?" most answered either, "Being with my family and friends" or "Nothing - I have no hope." Many Israelis view the nations raging and the enemy surrounding us on all sides with hopeless despair. Most have no idea that Adonai has already made His plans to give us a future and a hope.
     “Recently when Richard picked up his new shoes, he asked a similar question of the shop owner, a young man who's also been serving in Gaza and admitted he's got PTSD. Richard sat with him and after hearing him pour out his broken heart, Richard ministered to him. Praise G-d for many opportunities to share Yeshua's love during this season of war.... During a prayer walk in a mall in Karmiel, I asked a young woman in a shop if she witnessed the murder of the soldier to whom this memorial is dedicated. She saw it all and was traumatized by it. As we spoke, I was able to pray for her in Yeshua's name and bless her boyfriend who's currently in Gaza with a Psalm 91 bandana. Suddenly with gratitude and joy, she grabbed my hands and with joy gave me a huge hug!”
     “Prayer Walking at the Gates of Zion | We've been prayer walking through Zion with a team of Israelis and a growing team of intercessors from abroad to possess the gates of our enemies. On July 30 we had the privilege to open portals of blessings over a highly strategic region in Israel. The next day an arch enemy who'd just boasted of our destruction was eliminated. Prayer works! If this resonates with you, please let me know.”

From Maoz Israel: Making Israel Great Again with Volunteers! “Maoz volunteers have experienced blend of hard work and moments of joy - everything from sirens and rockets to cleaning kindergartens and planting trees to a water balloon fight with soldiers that went viral on social media. Read or listen to the story of several volunteers making a difference near Gaza in this month's Maoz Israel Report.      Can I Volunteer?  | Give to Support Israel.
     Also Maoz Israel is NOW on Daystar TV! | Catch us on Daystar TV or Daystar online:  Monday: 1:30pm (ET) and Thursday: 6:30pm (ET) / Or if you prefer Spanish - Daystar Español: Sunday: 1:30pm and 7:30pm (CT) Watch the Show 

Avi Mizrachi of Dugit writes that “Israel Is Bracing for Impact….In these uncertain times, our spiritual enemy seeks to instill fear. But I know, as you do, that we serve a God that reigns Supreme. We trust Him and His plans. But because there are still so many in Israel who do not know Yeshua as their Lord, my heart is heavily burdened for their souls. With each loss of life, the urgency to reach all of Israel with the Good News grows! From every family that comes to our distribution center looking for physical food and to every person who comes for coffee at HaOgen Outreach Center—we believe that the Lord has sent them because it is an opportunity to share the HOPE that is found in Yeshua! And when the next attack comes, we must be ready to spring into action…. may I ask you to pray about what the Lord might ask you to do at such a time as this? When you give, you are bringing food, supplies, and the love of Yeshua to the many lost and suffering in Israel. Every donation counts. Every gift will make a difference. 

Gil & Tamar Afrait of Tiferet Yeshua being an important reminder that is much less emphasized in news outside of Israel and that is, “Israel is also in a de-facto war with Hezbollah on our northern border, with tens of thousands of civilians still evacuated. Daily barrages of missiles and drones are killing civilians and wreaking havoc in our beautiful Northern Galilee and Golan Heights. Hezbollah claims that they will continue this daily bombing in the north as long Israel is engaged in battle against Hamas in the Gaza Strip…. In Israel there is no panic, yet Israelis are on edge with tensions high while people must carry on with their everyday lives in this surreal reality. The army is ready, and the government says it will update us as soon as there is a concrete indication of an attack. As much as we are all trying to be prepared and alert, we know that our help comes from the Lord, and we are trusting in His name and not in our chariots and horses, however high-tech they may be. In light of this extremely tense and dangerous situation, we humbly ask that you dedicate some time to pray for Israel.”
    
Among many prayer requests for leaders, soldiers and all Israel, they ask you declare over Israel this passage from Isaiah 41:8-16: “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you
and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. “See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up, and a gale will blow them away. But you will rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel.”  

Out of Zion’s David Silver sends a news report, but I will skip to their Pray with Thanksgiving section: Thank the LORD for a miracle victory over Hamas, as He did for Israel in the Six Day War of 1967 and in the days of ancient Israel. Thank the LORD for wisdom from above for the Cabinet and military leaders as they plan and direct the war to defeat Hamas, and to somehow bring home the hostages. Thank the LORD that PM Netanyahu and the other leaders will not make decisions based on manipulation or threats by international leaders, or pressure from inside Israel. Thank the LORD for Divine protection over all of the IDF officers, soldiers and pilots operating inside Gaza, at the northern border and those operating in the West Bank. Thank the LORD for the miraculous healing for all of the wounded soldiers and that there will be no more accidents or friendly fire incidents or accidental killing of hostages. Thank the LORD that all of the top level leaders of Hamas and the other Gaza terror organizations who are still alive, will be captured by Israel very soon. Thank the LORD that all of the tunnels and stockpiles of weapons in Gaza, on the northern border and in the West Bank will be exposed and destroyed. Thank the LORD for angelic protection over all the borders with Gaza - Lebanon - Syria - the West Bank and Jordan, that every attempt to infiltrate and attack Israelis will be foiled. Thank the LORD for the physical and emotional health, and the miraculous release of the hostages who are alive, and supernatural healing for the hostages who have been released. Thank the LORD for the Shalom of GOD over all those who have lost loved ones, or whose loved ones are still in Gaza - fate unknown, and for every Israeli affected by this war. Thank the LORD for the many Messianic soldiers who are in the army, that they are fully protected and that they would be salt and light to their comrades. Thank the LORD for supernatural protection over all Israeli civilians, and the same for the truly innocent people in Gaza, the West Bank towns and villages and in Lebanon and Syria. Thank the LORD for a safe and peaceful weekend for all of Israel over the Sabbath and the week ahead.

Tikkun Global’s contribution to biblical understanding in these VIDEO The Full Gospel of Romans with Ariel Blumenthal | Article by Slavik Miller, Tents of Mercy: I Will Lift Up My Eyes | Jonah's Two Prophecies by Asher Intrater | Asher’s BOOK From Iraq to Armageddon
     Also good news about the fundraising for the new Jerusalem Ministry Center which has 60% of the funding commitments needed to purchase and renovate the facility. Now only “$698,270!  Tikkun Global Partners worldwide — individuals and even other ministries — have responded with exuberant, generous joy to the vision of establishing our home in the heart of the Eternal City. This truly feels like a global community project. Yeshua’s One New Man, the family of God. Lord willing, we will fellowship, worship, and pray together there. We are coming together to make a home for Tikkun Global. As the Lord leads and gives you seed to sow, we invite you to join this beautiful project. Let’s finish the funding! Giving here”

We finish with Emmaus Way’s Arni Klein who also reminds us of the exhaustion and discouragement of many in the Israeli military (many suffering from PTSD) but also bearing witness of the truth of Isaiah 40:29-31 – even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD.  Arni writes, “….we are confronted with the need to ask God how things look from His perspective. . . . In the lives of people and nations there come moments of a last call. There is a time known to God, when the cup of iniquity will reach full measure, and what’s been sown will be poured out and reaped. As that day draws nearer, we fully expect that Father will intensify His efforts to awaken and prepare us, His Body, for what lies ahead.” Arni continues, “If it ends up that no major conflict arises at this time, we earnestly pray that the believing community will not revert to our last “normal” but realize that this respite is for a reason and may not be long in duration. You might remember that it was on the Ninth of Av that the 12 spies returned, and the people decided not to enter the Land as the Lord had told them. That instruction was the very heart of why they were created and brought out of Egyptian bondage. Their refusal to enter the Land was a rejection of the very purpose for which they were created.” [There is much more here to consider…write for a subscription, or for this issue)
     On their personal homefront & ministry house all remains unchanged. Our landlady wants to sell, and we are praying for the funds to buy. Since she first shared her intention to sell, we’ve never had a sense from the Lord that He was planning for us to move. …The need we feel is to stay as we are. We remain deeply committed to the weekly local gatherings and periodic 10-day times with brethren from the nations. Especially now with looking to develop the vision for Outposts (webpage in the works). Our ability to host groups and expose them to the dynamic for some days has never been more important. Not to mention the energy and focus needed in launching a global initiative….moving would consume our energies for a minimum of three months. From where we sit, things are so critical and moving so fast, having to move would be a hardship in the spirit even more than the natural. We are not as young as we once were. There is something to we all can pray into….May the Lord bless you from Zion!


Arrows 8/16/2024 Daniel in the Lions' Den

 Not by Our Courage,
but by our trust

Not By Our Courage, 
but By Our Trust in God
by Donna Diorio

On Monday, before the traditional fasting & prayer for the 9th of Av, and the hours before analysts in Israel and the US expected the Iranian retaliation for Israel taking out the top Hamas leader as he attended the funeral of an Iranian terroristic leader, I had no idea how to proceed with the Weekly Summary. Having read through all of the prayer letters, I still sensed no strong indication what the LORD would have me bring forward as the central theme this week.
     Commenting on Facebook to a Times of Israel report, I found the graphic here of the first part of Deuteronomy 28:7 then modified
it to contain the whole verse. I did that because it was the second half of this verse that God brought to mind to search for a graphic to illustrate my short FB comment: 
     LATEST ON IRAN RETALIATION (Times of Israel) "The report said that the issue was divisive within Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian wants to avoid a harsh response, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps wants to launch a larger attack than it did on April 13-14, when hundreds of drones and missile were launched in Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel. Almost all the projectiles and UAVs were intercepted during that attack. One of the sources cited in the report said the situation was “still fluid” due to the disagreements."
     PRAY INTO THE DIVISION IN THE ENEMY CAMP and multiply it with FEAR & CHAOS striking into their hearts over what Israel could do in response. Iran failed in the other massive attack quite miraculously! Let them now fear utter humiliation if they attempt another, even bigger all-out strike against Israel. Shake the Iranian government and let it shake to the ground for the sake of the people of Iran to come into the faith of the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob through Israel's Messiah Yeshua.

     Later in Monday, having read the Israeli ministry leaders responding to the threat that was hanging over the heads of Israelis from the threats from Iran, and combined with a threat I read that scared me for Donald Trump, I was reminded of Daniel in the Lions’ Den. And, of course, the other many great examples like the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego, and also with Esther risking it all. These are bible stories that we look at as people with a great wellspring of courage, but yesterday it occurred to me that is was NOT their great courage, but it was about their great trust in God.
     I’m sure each one entered the circumstances that were before them just as concerned as anyone of us at this present moment could be about everything that is happening. It was not their great courage that saw them through, but their commitment in God – trusting nothing could separate them from His love. Do we imagine that when Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den that he was cool as a cucumber about his safety? It was God who shut the lions’ mouths. Daniel probably stood there amazed that the lions didn’t jump at him ready to tear him to shreds.
     It had to be for Daniel like what Shadrach, Meschach and Adednego thought when they were thrown into the fiery furnace. Instead of being burnt to a crisp they found themselves in God’s protective bubble – just fire walking with Yeshua. It is amazing – unbelievable and really gets your attention that God has protected you even though it was a very real brush with death.  My choice of the next president had a similar brush with death as all of America watched recently. He said immediately and still will tell you it was a miracle of God that he is still alive. It was a real brush with death and a miraculous protection of him too. I believe that because it happened before the eyes of the whole country, that God is speaking to Americans who will listen to trust Him…truly beyond whatever we have trusted Him before. To that “If I perish, I perish” level of trusting God’s love for us continues beyond perishing from our earthly bodies.
     I believe that is where I see the Israeli ministries too. They are praying and fasting, but there is something greater than the disasters that have taken place on the 9th of Av and that is the promises of God to re-gather & restore Israel. God has plans that no men can overthrow.
     When I woke up this Tuesday morning and immediately checked to see it Iran had launched an attack overnight, instead what I found was that news of a Heavenly attack. It came in the form of a 5.5 magnitude earthquake centered near Homs, Syria where Iranian operatives deploy out of the Shayrat Airbase. The quake was felt in Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and as far south in Israel as Beer Sheva. News reports say that especially in Lebanon great fears were that the quake was an attack from Israel. Fears heightened across Lebanon and Syria, causing panic and minor injuries, according to reports.


     Also one of the first things I saw Tuesday was this short video from Youval Yanay of Revive Israel ministries in Yad Hashmona. I thought it was perfect word for our current situations. Youval asks,      “Is it the end of the nation Israel?  Good question.  The axis of evil — big and powerful countries are coming to attack us. Everyone in Israel are anxious, stressed. ‘When is it going to come?’ The economy looks like it’s coming to crumble! But there is no fear. Here in Revive Israel we just go as usual. The Lord said to us in Philippians 4:6 and on, Be anxious for nothing. Present your needs to the Lord in prayer, supplication, thanksgiving and the powerful peace of God will preserve your hearts and thoughts in Yeshua HaMaschiah. Connect to Him. There’s no fear, there’s no anxiety. View also on Instagram where you can watch without subscribing to Instagram.

 




Friday, August 9, 2024

Arrows 2024 Aug 9 War Footing

WAR FOOTING
The
lord  יְהֹוָה  Yᵉhôvâh
   is a man of war:
Yᵉhôvâh is his name.
exodus 15:3

Read my opening cover story on War Footing:
The LORD is a man of War, Yehovah is His Name

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

Howard Bass asks a question I often think about: What must it be like for those who don’t know the LORD? Or, Howard asks, those who have fallen away from faith. The times we live in are frightening, imagine how much worse for those who have no anchor in God’s Salvation.  I loved this confession: “I confess that in my flesh it is frightening, but in my spirit it is exciting; and I pray that the Lord will do what He has to do in me, in my wife, in our children and theirs, in the members of our congregation Yeshua's Inheritance, in the Body of Messiah -- that we will be useful and usable for His honor and glory as things move along.” May that be our desire for all our family members, and for all in the Body of the LORD.
     Howard writes about the choices nations are making regarding Israel vs. her aggressors. “It is a spiritual battle first of all, being played out on the ground through those who choose sides by their own spiritual "bent." He writes about the moral dilemma within Israel as to which is the main priority for Israel: “victory over the enemy as far as humanly possible” or is it obtaining the release of all hostages? He notes there is no unity even among the hostage families or among the soldiers & their families.
     He writes about the death of chief rabbi of Beer Sheva recently who led major organized protests and trespass against their congregation in 1998 and 2005. The rabbi was Deri, brother of the infamous Aryeh Deri, a leader of persecution against Messianic Jews primarily by holding the Interior Ministry which decides which Jews are allowed to live in Israel and which are put out. They are a religious family committed to persecution of the Messianic Remnant of faith in Israel. Now Howard writes, with no normal process or any authority, the deceased rabbi Deri’s son has been appointed to take his father’s place as chief rabbi. Currently the son lives in Ashdod and I do not doubt he is behind much of the persecution going on against the Beit Hallel congregation we have seen over past weeks. Pray about this situation. Pray for Deri the younger to have a Damascus Road encounter with Yeshua, and for the protection of our brothers and sisters in the region.
     Bass also writes about engagements, wedding and summer camps – life continues…and will continue as God has promised to arise on behalf of Israel in these days. But prayers please.

Sally Shiff from the HaMaayan congregation writes about people she has met from Iran while traveling who are pro-Israel and sends these videos that will help you to understand Iran and the Iranian people who are NOT caught up in the Islamic domination vision! CBN VIDEO Report on Iran: "Crown Prince of Iran Says Islamic Regime Weaker Than Ever, and the People Are Ready to Revolt"  |  Also this 3 part VIDEO series:  "Why Christianity is Booming in Iran (Even Under the Islamic Regime)  / Inside the Persecuted Church of Iran / The Gospel is in Iran (But Can Christians Survive)?  She writes, “Jesus calls us to pray for our enemies. In order to fully pray, we need to understand where they are coming from, and get God's heart for them.”
    
She writes on 8/6 about the threats of attack from Iran that is creating fear among Israelis: “Fear is gripping, causes you to go down roads that God never intended. Yeshua promises peace. That I could be at peace in the midst of war…. the best line of defense for me is trusting in God and His promises. Death could happen to any one of us in a moment or a second. The bigger question is how are we living life? Is your trust really in the Lord for even the smallest things? Do you see Him as real, intimate about your life and all that you love?  This is how I am dealing with this Middle East threat. Holding dear to His Word and grateful every morning that the sun rises again. The biggest prayer request is for Israel to trust in God who promises us that He will watch over us!”
    
On 8/7 Sally wrote about the projectiles from Hezballah in the Galilee and Golan Heights, fires started, what the IDF and IFA did about neutralizing the terrorists in the launch spaces.  And on 8/8 she wrote about the 9th of Av, a day of destruction when the first and second temple were destroyed. Many expect Iran to use that date to attack Israel now – August 12-13. She writes, “My hope is that IF Iran chooses to attack us on August 13, instead of catastrophe, God will intervene, and it will be a victory instead!

From Sderot Michael Beener expresses profound gratefulness for “unwavering support and continuous prayers.” These are not lightly felt. They know how blessed they are to have both financial and prayer support helping them to help their people at this critical time. Michael writes, “In Israel, the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear is palpable. Security alerts have intensified, and authorities have called on the population to be prepared for any scenario.” He writes that the government is recommending emergency kits in every household that can make the difference in life and death.  “This is why our ministry has decided to take action and we have launched an initiative to purchase and distribute these emergency kits to the families who need them most. Each set includes a battery-powered radio, two flashlights, a Power Bank, first aid medicines, and other essential items. Each emergency kit costs $100, and our goal is to support 1,000 families in Sderot and the communities on the border. To achieve this, we aim to raise $100,000, which will allow this project to be successfully carried out and ensure that all these families receive the vital resources they need.  WATCH OUR VIDEO FOR FULL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROJECT

From Tikkun Global a Prayer Request List that covers a lot of ground. Read online at TikkunGlobal.org  | Also Watch Dan Juster’s God’s Heart for Israel an in-depth teaching “Israel is an instrument of God’s sovereignty over the nations. The Church has a role to play in these events. Through the intercession and witness of the Church to the Jewish people, Israel will be prepared to receive their Messiah.” |Patty Juster’s book The Cry | “a prophetic intercessory cry that will corporately unite people with one voice-one cry.  God is preparing His intercessors first by teaching them The Cry of faith to release the grace of God in their own lives. Only then will the authority to use the learned knowledge for the sake of setting others free through releasing grace occur.” |  And Leon Mazin’s Jubilee | "Let’s focus on returning to the family and restoration of the family. How relevant and important that here in Leviticus God gives a command to prioritize for family. . . .Yeshua is God’s all-encompassing jubilee proclamation."

 Chaim Malespin of the Aliyah Return Center puts out A Call for the Jehoshaphat Army to Arise! He writes that the 2 Chronicles situation of the King of Judah Jehoshaphat is similar to what Israel is facing right now. Chaim is calling for people around the world to join with Israel in praying and fasting during the 9th of Av, August 12-13th. When Jehoshaphat called for fast and prayer, God answered, “ ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”  He further revealed the battle plans. In response, all of those gathered together bow down and worship the Lord.”
     So please join us next week starting August 12th at sundown in Israel until sundown on August 13th in fasting, praying, and worshipping with us! You can assemble together with your congregations, small groups, family, and friends, and together let us lift up the Name that is above all Names! The 9th of Av starts sundown on August 12th and ends sundown on Aug 13th. You can join us on the Altar of Prayer for a special gathering at 4 PM - 6 PM Israel time (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST). Afterwards, you are welcome to join the different watches afterwards. We will also send out details soon for an online gathering time during the 9th of Av on the Altar of Prayer | GIVE
     NEW EPISODE of "The Real Israel" Podcast/YouTube Series! It is our goal to bring you the truth about Israel through stories and conversations. We are excited to begin this new venture. Please like, share the video and consider helping support us in making these videos and podcasts by GIVING

From David’s Tent Avner Boskey gives a great explanation of Israel’s strategically targeted assassinations in “Licensed to kill”

 Leon Mazin of the Return to Zion/Shavei Tzion Ministry network that includes three Congregations: the first one in Haifa, another in the Krayot (a suburb of Haifa) and the third in Nof ha-Galil (the Upper Nazareth). Besides that, we run a lot of humanitarian and educational projects that make a BIG IMPACT thanks to you!  Leon writes a teaching about putting on the Armor of God that is needed for balance in how we take authority to cast out demons.  He writes that as a new believer he often heard prayers like, “Devil, you’ve been thrown down, we have a triumph over you.” We are not instructed in the Bible to “fight with the devil.” Instead, he writes, Yeshua provides us with explicit authority to cast out the demons....The Fall of man weakened mankind, and it enabled demons to influence humanity. The New Testament says that we will “cast out demons.”  In the New Testament we see a lot of such cases. Nowadays, sometimes we see the liberation of people during a prayer or a fast, or during the time of worshipping the Lord, although sometimes we see “imitation of deliverance”. 
    This is an excellent teaching – I wish I had room to include it all here. I will be looking for an English version I can give a link to all, but the bottom line is: When we stand in the Truth we understand what the Lord has done for us; when we witness about Him to non-believers, when we confront evil thoughts and attacks of this world or of the evil spirits attack on our mind, when we rely on the truth of God’s Word and live all these things out in our life, then, the Lord allows us to “OCCUPY THE SPIRITUAL NICHE (cleft of the Rock)”, and then, we show a good, pure and righteous way of life – praising the Creator and filling everything and even the skies with the fruit of Messiah’s works. . . . a strong position of faith in God’s righteousness given to us is in the Messiah’s absolute sacrifice.

From HaCarmel congregation, LuAnne Sayag writes, from Jeremiah 33:10-11 “Yet again there will be heard in this place...” She writes, “As happens so often in Israel, a land of many contrasts, alongside the voice of impending doom, can be heard sounds of joy. While our nation prepared for war on Sunday night, we had the very special opportunity to celebrate the marriage of two wonderfully committed Israeli Arab Christians. It was truly a “one new man” event, with hundreds of Arab and Jewish believers in attendance. The one thing we all had in common was our Messiah.” This is most assuredly the witness of unity our Father desires to see from us across the board. 

     Also this beautiful expression after the recent Hezballah rocket fire that took the lives of so many Druze children and teens:  “Kehilat HaCarmel worship center and Or HaCarmel are located in a Druze village, so when 14 children were killed in the Druze village of Madjal Shams, we immediately put out this sign to stand with the community. It reads: "To our Druze brothers, our hearts and our prayers are with you. From the Kehilat HaCarmel family."
     Among their prayer requests: In this time of escalation, more and more Israelis are seeking God. Please pray that as they call out to Him, He will reveal Himself as their Messiah whom they have been waiting for.| The tension in the atmosphere is tangible. Please pray that we in the body of Messiah will also draw ever closer to the Lord, cultivating an unshakable and contagious faith.

Widows and orphans ministry, Afikim BaNegev/Streams in the desert, leader Marianna Gol  writes of their Summer Camp Prayer needs. YES! All the summer camps are aware their ability to put on a camp could be over-turned in a second by war developments, but they know we cannot stop living because a threat is hanging heavy overhead. They know how much the kids and teens need these spiritually refreshing camps so that it the priority – if at all possible, the camp with go on! Marianne writes, “We are keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord, staying flexible and ready to adapt our camp plans to the rapidly changing reality around us. I would like to invite you to pray with us for the upcoming camp.
     One of their challenges is how flights have been cancelled that would have brought in some of their volunteers. “We need to think of how to keep our program running with reduced …. I am sure the Lord will provide, but please pray for wisdom, endurance and creativity for our team. | 2. Many of the teens have been waiting for this camp for many months, if not the whole year. Please pray for all of them to be able to come. | 3. Please pray for our amazing team of young leaders (camp counselors). If military activity intensifies in the Land, some of them may be called to active duty. Please pray for full provision for the camp to run smoothly and effectively. | 4. Pray for Orna, our camp speaker, as she delivers her very important message on forgiveness this year. | 5. Please cover Oxana, Anna and Marianna as they run the camp administration, for Timor and his logistics team, for Sandi and the prayer team, for Doung Koo and his international One New Man worship team, and for Eddi and Liron, who are in charge of all the fun activities that make our camps so special. | If you want to support our youth program financially, please visit our website for details. Giving  

From Israel Pochtar of Beit Hallel/Voice of Judah comes A Call to Support in Times of War. “the Israeli government has issued a warning to the Israeli population, urging us all to be prepared and ready for any upcoming major attacks. Which means having sufficient bottled water, dry/canned food, generators and medical supplies near our shelters. The threat is real and imminent. We need to be prepared and help others in our communities to be prepared” Read more & watch the VIDEO
     READ Praise Report: Blessing Jewish Immigrant Families in Israel | ALSO READ & WATCH The New Wave of Aliyah: Why Are Jewish People Immigrating to Israel? The reason is biblical. God promised a day will come when He will restore His nation and bring them back to their ancient homeland....| Also:   Ashkelon Air Conditioner Praise Report: Refreshed with Gratitude

The Arad Hebrew congregation writes about their interactions with seekers like the man they first started writing about last August. They call him “Yosef” to protect his identity and keep him safe. He emailed them wanting to speak with someone with some of the questions he had. He found found traditional Judaism too judgmental so he had started reading the Bible – both Old and New Testaments. One of their teachers contacted him and kept in touch, until he finally started attending the congregation even bringing his wife with him. Lately he has begun to attend prayer meetings and has committed to begin discipleship lessons. They don’t believe he has committed yet to salvation, so be praying for this man and his wife to take the leap of our Faith.  Another person, a women also contacted by email to speak with someone who could answer her questions. She is expected to attend services in the next few weeks. Pray for her also.
     I loved this application of scripture as they wrote, “We know the day will come when all Israel will be saved! Although we haven’t yet reached the promised day of massive Jewish revival, the prophet Isaiah described the times in which we are now living: “And you will be gathered one by one, O you children of Israel” Isaiah 27:12

     DD: Personally I don’t believe “all Israel” will be saved in one day, as some interpret “can a nation be born in a day.” I believe that refers to the birth of the State of Israel that came forth in one day, but as for the salvation of Israel, seeing for the last 23 years how the Messianic Remnant of faith in Israel is leading Israelis to Yeshua “one by one” that is also how I believe “all Israel shall be saved” – happening NOW, not in one gigantic crowd recognizing Yeshua at one time. This is why I think so many Christians overlook the significance of the body of Messiah in Israel, thinking their efforts are inconsequential to when God (they think) gives “all Israel” recognition of Jesus in one fell swoop. Is that a really a choice if individuals do not have to wrestle over their own salvation? My 2¢

Ronit Bender gives an account of her past month of encounters with people as a witness of Yeshua’s love. As I read it I thought about asking you all, Do you live your life like this? I know I don’t. I so admire the personal witness that Ronit is in her regular life. Whether it is at the pool she goes to get her exercise, or the coffee shop, or the hair salon, or the cab ride or the neighbor upstairs – everyone is going to catch sight of a little of Yeshua’s love through Ronit. It doesn’t matter if they are Jewish, Druze, Arab, international, Ronit is all about being sensitive to the nudge of God to make the encounter one that will let that person know they have encountered someone who is different in the way only a person full of the Spirit of Yeshua can be. This is something of a challenge to most of us, I think – or at least for me – being wrapped up in the commonness of life while out in the world doing our chores. It takes eyes to see what God sees in the people we come across. It takes a bit of guts to step out and be an unexpected blessing to a total stranger. Ronit shows me each month how worth it is to walk in the world like that. Email her and ask her to send you her latest prayer letter.

Jennifer Guetta of Plant Hope Israel has really stepped up her outreach in the nations to draw Christians into live prayer times, live videos in updates from various parts of the country. She is even promising to have 24/7 prayer from her bomb shelter in the Galilee when the war breaks out – and as long as the electricity is still on! She writes, “It feels like a battle of Biblical proportions is about to take place.” And that “The situation looks almost impossible. But we put our trust in God. For God is our Defense (Psalm 71:10). He is “God of the Impossible”.
     “
PRAY With us DURING the attack online Live from the Galilee at all hours! Join us LIVE every day from the Galilee between 7-9PM Israel time on Zoom. In case of an attack on Israel, and an emergency, then you can join 24/7! You will also have personal contact with Jennifer and a wonderful team of intercessors. ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3293756307?pwd=y3gc4C28N93bGtbaPMHKZt0IDixcaW.1&omn=84345554377   Zoom Meeting ID: 3293756307   Passcode: 283902
     . Subscribe HERE to her Live Israel Updates on her YouTube channel.  |  ALSO “If you are interested to help support prayer in Zion, the City of David, please click here. Make sure to mention it is for Zion. Or if you have questions, please send us an email. 
     "You will arise and have compassion on Zion; For it is Time to be gracious to her, For the appointed time has come. Surely Your servants find pleasure in her stones. And feel pity for her dust. So the nations will fear the name of the Lord. And all the kings of the earth Your glory. When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory." Psalm 102:13-16




The LORD is a Man of War: Yehovah is His Name

 WAR FOOTING
The lord  יְהֹוָה  Yᵉhôvâh
   is a man of war:
Yᵉhôvâh is his name.
exodus 15:3


On War Footing
by Donna Diorio

There are two sides to war. One is the physical warfare and the other side is spiritual warfare. As God’s people we sometimes must fight in a physical war, but also as God’s people we cannot afford to fight physically without spiritual warfare to undergird the physical battles. Spiritual warfare is more than just praying or praising God before we go into physical battle. Real spiritual warfare, I believe, requires that we know God’s heart and seek Him for what He wants to accomplish. It is one thing for His enemies and another thing for those within them who are being called into His Kingdom.

     In every nation there are people who love God and, like us, are called according to His purposes. He has a plan for them as well as for us. When we are in war with a nation whose leaders are in full opposition to God, as ALL those nations who war against Israel, we cannot be naïve about the need to fight physical warfare. In John 2:18, the apostle wrote, “…as you have heard, "Antichrist is coming," even now many antichrists have come. We know from this that it is the last hour.”

     Some individuals in terrorist organizations and citizens of terror-sponsoring nations can have their spiritual eyes opened, but praying that the Holy Spirit sweep through and the entire Hamas camp, or IsIs camp, or Ayatollah’s government so that they all get saved and quit trying to annhilate Israel – that is not going to happen. The Satan has his souls and God has His. This is the battle that will be fought to the finish – the finish of satanic power, not the finish of Israel upon whom God has placed His Name.

     In the days that the children of Israel were entering into the Promised Land, God told them they were to remove ALL of the Canaanite tribes, not to spare any. The reason is God knew they hated righteousness and truth, loving evil  – they were the worst of the worst of humanity. God assessed them as un-redeemable. It was not that God was more “vengeful” in ancient times like some ridiculously think! God has not changed and does not change. What is different in our day, is that God is not calling on us to wipe out every living person in a nation making war on us. He has good reason and that is because He knows there are many citizens embedded in evil nations who are redeemed or will be redeemed before the end  His Word says that every tribe, tongue and nation will stand before His throne praising Him and before the Lamb. We must still meet the warfare of evil-led nations, but not indiscriminately destroying a nation in much the way Russia has been destroying all of Ukraine. Evil fights to destroy everything.

     Even though most Israelis are not yet saved, Israel does not return warfare of its enemies  attempting to annhilate Israel.  Israel wages war against these enemies with greater moral and ethical character than any warring force on the earth. This is a fact, even though much noise has been made about the massive destruction of Gaza. The reality is that much destruction has more to do with how Hamas operates using civilians as a shields. They purposely install terrorist weapons and leaders in civilian places like hospitals, schools, UN facilities – the places that if Israel hits the source of rocket fire or terrorist order being issued from they can make the Israel look bad to hitting. Because that is enough for most people who have been fed a steady stream or false narratives about who the real evil party is in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Somehow, for all the explaining Israel and we who know better do, people are content to believe the terrorist lies about Israel. It defies rational logic, because it’s spiritual.

     When the time comes that Israel must take out a civilian-use space because Hamas terrorists are using it for cover,  or even most of a city as it now is in wartime,  Israel makes every attempt to warn non-combatant civilians to get out to a designated safe place. In Gaza, where Hamas has indoctrinated the people so thoroughly on the Islamist fundamentalist hatred of Israel and Jews, The Palestinian Center for Policy Survey and Research reports "Almost three in four Palestinians believe the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel was correct, and the ensuing Gaza war has lifted support for the Islamist group both there and in the West Bank." Only 22% said they “believed the Hamas decision to launch the cross-border rampage in southern Israel” was “incorrect.”

     If Israel does not destroy weapons arsenals or target terrorist leaders for assassination, it just means more innocent Israelis will die in the future for their failure to do so. There comes a time that evil must be put down…but not without as much compassion as possible towards the 22% of Gaza civilians who just want to live in peace, as Israelis do. As for how Israel strategically targets terrorist leadership, and strategic targeting of Iran’s nuclear warhead capacities, some people cry out about “assassination!” but it is a far more compassionate targeting of evil than indiscriminate bombing of civilians. Israel has warned that if Iran indiscrimantly targets civilians they will have crossed a line Israel will not abide. They will let loose with all they have. This is the same reason that the October 7th brutal attack on civilians in southern Israel had to be answered  with a determined purpose to end Hamas rule in Gaza.

     It is the same for nations like Iran, ruled by Islamist visions of granduer for a return to Islam’s former world conquering domination glory days. Even so, the civilian population increasingly are citizens who would love overthrow their oppressive leaders world-conquering dreams.  Many are already Christians in Iran as one report from Sally Shiff provides below. The same is true throughout the Middle East where the Gospel is changing lives. This is God’s doing and the Israeli Messianic Ministries featured here recognize that. Not only recognize it, but support the Gospel going forth throughout the Middle East.

     That is what I what you to notice about the prayer points of the Israeli ministries.

     While they recognize Israel is fighting is just and necessary war for Israel’s survival,
there is also an acute understanding that God is moving by His Spirit among the enemy nations, bringing people to Israel’s Messiah Yeshua. They know God’s heart is for those who will enter the Salvation of His Son, even as they know they must fight that nation’s governing powers.
But even Israelis who do not know Yeshua are not in favor of indiscriminate carpet bombing of Iranian cities. This is where the strategic prayer points from Israeli Ministries becomes of such great value to Christians throughout the world. They have wrestled with God to find His heart for their people Israel, and also Iran, Lebanon, and all the nations of the Middle East. It is what we are called to as “one new man” people.

     In the past, many international Christians have discounted pro-Israel Christians because pro-Israel Christians did not carry God’s heart for the salvation of other Middle Eastern tribes. (They also barely had an understanding that “all Israel” shall be saved BY FAITH in Yeshua/Jesus!)  There was a hard-heartedness toward Arabs that could not see God intends to save people from ever nation and tribe.

     Personally I believe Israeli Messianic believers are the ones who have had the greatest impact on expressing to international Christians what God’s heart on that matter about all that really is. There is no reason we should not acknowledge with them that are walking the narrow path of warring against the enemies of Israel, but welcoming every person in those nations who are spiritual brothers in the LORD who are sharing the Gospel among their people. It is the heart of God that we war against evil but also that we seek mutual blessing and brotherhood with all who come in the name of the LORD. Baruch Haba B’Shem Adonai.