WEEKLY Arrows from Zion 2/11/2015

Arrows from Zion
May be copied for use in Prayer Gatherings

Priority Prayer Focus Feb 11, 2015

Let’s pray that we get better discerning Friend from Foe. Here is a good word study:  There is a way that Yeshua gave us to divide asunder friend from foe, and it is in the polarity between two seemingly opposing statements:  (1) He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathers not with me scatters abroad. Mathew 12:30 and (2) Forbid him not:  For he who is not against us is on our side. Luke 9:50

Contact info for all the ministries included inside the subscription-only Weekly Summary.
Arrows from Zion Strategically Aimed for the Lord’s Harvest in Israel

Inside the attached Weekly Summary is an outstanding report on the newly launched FIRM – Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries in Loveland, Colorado last week.  The organization, which is headquartered in Jerusalem is “a global fellowship of biblically grounded believers committed to cultivating Messiah-centered relationships to bless the inhabitants of Israel (Jew and non-Jew) and the Jewish community worldwide.”   Israelprayer is excited about this organization because of the recognition that we cannot only support Israel, but we must also support the Body of Messiah within Israel.  To learn more read Martin Sarvis’ report  inside the attached PDF Weekly Summary.  You will also find prayer points on how you can pray for the organization.

The news from the Beit Asaph congregation of Evan Thomas comes from Maala, Evan’s lovely wife.  She says Evan has been earning new respect from her as he continues to balance a full Master’s study program, the congregation, and all the things on his plate at this time.  Evan will fly to New York in a few weeks for a couple of ministry dates and the congregation continues to flow with blessing on those coming and going – many transitions she notes are going smoothly.

Maala notes the tensions over the past week for Israel’s northern border after the Hezballah attack on IDF vehicles near the border.  It appears there is not going to be an escalation at this time but there is still plenty going on to increase tensions all around., as Isis cells are engaging Egyptian forces in the Sinai, and of course the Isis burning alive of the Jordanian pilot.

Maala ends by writing, “On the ‘earthly’ level, we had great hopes for an extended wet winter as it started out so well; we now have overt signs of spring with wild flowers blooming everywhere. While we all enjoy the weather we presently have, with temperatures in the twenties Celsius, we desperately need more rain to fill the aquifers and keep us from a summer drought. Please join us in praying for some strong latter rains.”

From Asher Intrater’s Revive Israel are several articles you can read online, plus a video which is featured below in the Teaching section.  Articles: The Kingdom in Every Sphere by Dan Juster and Job and The Fear of God by Asher Intrater.  Plus information on the upcoming Baruch HaBa Tour: The registration deadline for this unique tour is coming soon (Feb 20th). We at Revive Israel invite you to visit us (April 28 – May 7, 2015) and our ministry partners here in the land, build relationships with local believers, tour our beloved nation and hear life changing teachings from local leaders. For more info and to sign up, please click HERE!   

From Maoz Ministries of Ari & Shira Sorko-Ram is a request for continued prayer for two families who lost loved ones as two IDF soldiers were killed in the border incident last week.  Also PRAY for the Lord to protect Israel's borders, our civilians and soldiers, giving wisdom to our leaders on how to keep Israelis safe.

Israeli elections are always intense and nasty, but Maoz writes, “This year the campaign seems to be especially unpleasant - to say the least, and almost every day we get more "dirt" on this candidate or the other in the media. Many Israelis are tired, annoyed and confused, trying to make up their mind about who to vote for, considering even foregoing this right and duty. Nevertheless, we know that every leader is chosen and appointed by God, and that we need to pray for our leaders and future leaders.  Please join us and PRAY for the Lord to give us leaders who are honest, courageous, pure in heart and who want the best for the State of Israel and her people.”

Martin Sarvis’ prayer letter was overflowing this week – too hard to edit out much – so we also have two other reports from him, (1) on the Israeli National Flower called Kalaniot, which is currently in bloom. It is a scarlet anemone that blooms at the dawning of Spring around the same time as the awakening of the almond trees.  (Now if that does get your prophetic juices flowing, I don’t know what will!). 

The (2) report from Martin is a news report I also took note of which seemed to have a spiritual implication:  The African migration of eagles on their way to western Asia are much earlier than usual, and it is abnormal in the sense that their Asian destination will not begin to thaw for another few weeks.  The bird experts are perplexed, and spiritually, as Sarvis writes, “We do not at this time have a clear picture as to what this represents—yet, a natural phenomenon involving eagles certainly alerts our attention!  Please pray that if the Lord is trying to tell His body in Israel, or those who intercede for them, something, we will hear and understand.”

“Eagles in Scripture may be used as symbols of God’s care and protection, of His nurture and training, of His strength available to those who trust in Him; of the necessity of sharp, clear and far-reaching vision; but also of fields of battle. “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself”  (Exodus 19:4; From last week’s Torah Portion).  Also see Deuteronomy 32: 10-13 (“… As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, So YHVH alone led him….”); Job 39:27-30 (“Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makers his nest on high….”); Isaiah 40:31 (“Those who hope in the LORD shall exchange their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”)”

The Jerusalem Institute of Justice makes an appeal for a U.S.-born African-American, now 66, disabled and in poor health, felt a strong connection to Israel as a young man.  At 24 he came to Israel, renounced his citizenship, ultimately became a follower of Yeshua and has been essentially stateless for 40 years.  You can read his full story at told by Michel Decker of the JIJ inside the attached PDF Weekly Summary and perhaps you will be moved to help them in the legal case to grant him status on humanitarian grounds.  We urge you to reach this touching appeal.

Kobi and Shani Ferguson, Yeshua Israel and the Jerusalem Prayer Tower have an article that discusses what we are seeing as European Jews continue to flee from the threats there.  It is The Fishermen and Then the Hunters

They also invite our participation in investing of a young future leader in Israel – one they say “we have known since he was a toddler and is now in high school, is one of those future leaders. He is both a musician and worship leader and has a servant’s heart (not always an easy combination to find). Yeshua Israel would like to send him to a teen leadership camp in the U.S. for worship leaders and for that we need to raise $3,000. Please consider sowing into this young man’s life” Details inside the attached PDF Weekly Summary

Finally we have from Dugit Ministries the February 2015 VIDEO from Avi Mizrachi sharing about the recent women's gathering & the "Putting Down Roots" Building campaign.

Urgent HEALING Needs: Life and Death is in the power of the tongue

Please keep in prayer the Israeli believers who are fighting for their lives or other urgent health needs over Shelly in Israel Pochtar’s leadership team, a young woman “A” from Guy Cohen’s congregation; continued healing for Ronit Bender from HaCarmel and Leah C from Tents of Mercy.  Details on how to pray are inside the PDF subscription only Weekly Summary.

Also Donna’s husband Tony is still due for his back surgery on Feb 18.  He is without pain medications in the run up to the surgery, so if you might pray about the level of pain he is experiencing, I would greatly appreciate it.  Also for his business to continue well.

A Few Links to Important News & A Comment from this IsraelWatcher
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First I will start with this link to news that the Church authorities over Vicar of Christ Church, Dr. Stephen Sizer, in Surrey, have forbidden Sizer from speaking about the Middle East again, or risk losing his job.  The action was prompted by promoting an article that claimed Israel was responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  In a statement by the Bishop over Sizer, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson said, “By associating with, or promoting, subject matter which is either ambiguous in its motivation, or (worse still) openly racist, he has crossed a serious line. I regard these actions as indefensible."  ‘Not anti-Semitic, just stupid’: Stephen Sizer ordered offline to save his job  Source: Church Times UK

My Comment:  It is well understood that what happens among the Church doesn't stay in the Church but is reflected in the society that the Church is among. Do you understand what that principle is? So if our leaders in the Church are out there speaking prejudices, and our membership follows that perversion of God's Word, then the un-churched society around it will also reflect the wickedness of those prejudices to the extreme.   However the Church is in sin, the society will surely reflect it plus some.

I believe that is what we are seeing in great part as the world is becoming more and more anti-semitic, anti-Jew, anti-Israel. Because so much of the Church is steeped in its own prejudices against the Jews - many will say they are only opposed to the "occupation" of Israel and mistreatment of Palestinians - they cannot read and digest the clear word of the LORD in the scripture on this pivotal issue. I know good Christians who read over Romans 9-12:1 like it isn't even there, blinded by a built in prejudice that says God has given up on His plans for Israel and that's that. Jews are no big deal to God and Israel is just blip anomaly in modern history - nothing spiritual about it.

It is sad beyond words that any follower of Christ would believe such a thing, but then add to that the lies about Israel that have been spun by Islamists committing terror acts against Israel, and then it begins to produce a deception so powerful that the whole world comes under the threat posed by radical Islam. Unfortunately, the numbers of those in the church who have turned in opposition to Israel is increasing. Right now Europe is in danger of falling to radical Islam because, as the lady said, you can't put snakes in your backyard and expect them to only bite the neighbors.

Which is why I am extremely glad to see the Anglican Church authorities rein in Stephen Sizer. It is just too bad they do not realize how deeply infected with the deception of prejudice and hatred of Israel - but at least they have barred him from any further comment on the Middle East, or he will lose his position in the Church. That is spiritually the accountability that has been sorely lacking and perhaps others will take notice and follow suit.  It remains to be seen if Sizer will comply.

When the Church repents of its own anti-Semitic prejudices, when it begins to hold its leadership in account for spreading the lies about Israel that are becoming so common today - even in the USA and even among our youthful Christian adults - then we will see that horrible sin turned back in our society. Our campuses won't be breeding grounds of anti-Jew and anti-Israel hatred. But understand that if the Church will not hold people to account for spreading this sin and deception, then society will only get worse.  That Islamist snake will bite us, not just Israel.

Islamists thrive in a society that is willing to go along with the lies that are hung on Israel for defending itself against Islamist terror. As we judge Israel, so shall we be judged. We will increasingly find ourselves in the same battle - as we are today with a president who will not even acknowledge the aggression and evil threat of Islamic terrorism.

Repentance and correction begins in the Church with our own deceivers, prejudice and lies about what is going on in Israel. Those in positions of authority over leaders like Stephen Sizer, must follow this lead and hold him to account. We should be praying for that exact thing as the battle for the soul is going on in many nations, and in many organizations, bible schools and pulpits.  – Donna Diorio 2-10-2015

In other important news this week:

The Lausanne Movement answers critics on the opinions expressed by one of its leaders, Steve Haas of World Vision, in the January 2015 Lausanne Global Analysis.  Michael Oh, the Executive Director/CEO of the Lausanne Movement responded to critical articles in a Letter to the Editor which is published in Israel Today.  Jim Melick, the Coordinator of the Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism describes his take of Michael Oh’s response and the stand of the Lausanne Movement here.  You can also read about the upcoming events LCJE is doing in Jerusalem and Canada.

Europe’s Jewish Population Continues to Plummet
(as Jews flee nations becoming increasingly dangerous to the health of Jews)
Source: The Weekly Standard

Henry Kissinger on Iran in Congressional testimony last week
Has the U.S. already conceded a new era of nuclear proliferation?

It has never been more important to understand how media manipulation works.  We are seeing continual examples of it day after day.  After writing a couple of short takes of my own about it on Facebook (see one such post below) and at my IsraelWatcher blog, I ran across the Tweets of one of the most serious investigative journalists in the USA, Sharyl Attkinson.    You can watch her short video for a taste of message here:  Astroturf and manipulation of media messages  Then when you see how important this message is, here is the article Propaganda and Astroturf: Recognize it.

Facebook  |  Donna Diorio

The other day I was talking with a former US intelligence analyst whose job specialized on the analysis of a specific foreign nation. Part of the job of such intel analysis is separating the wheat from the chaff - having enough expertise to be able to discern between what is real and the false that is put out to muddy the waters.

We live in a time where every candidate that runs for office is subjected to what is known as "opposition research". The higher the office the candidate is in for, the more resources are poured into sifting through the person's life in search for something that they can de-legitimized for, thus destroying their candidacy.

There are many forms of how opposition research is used, and it is even a dark art form on how to deliver such information in a way that those behind the information - like the opposition candidate - are never linked to the smear campaign. We not only see this in our U.S. elections but these techniques have been perfected in spy vs. spy operations among the nations.

What do we have to do with that? As believers we shouldn't be having anything to do with that, but we better be wise to the shadow campaigns that seek to smear others. We are to be wise as serpents, yet harmless as doves. Those that use serpentine techniques are practicing the dark arts. As the saying goes, Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Beware of anonymous smears. If they have to hide from you, your best interests are not their primary concern.

Inside the subscription only Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries
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Teaching Articles

Addressing Islam  |  VIDEO  |  In this video, Asher Intrater addresses recent attacks from radical Muslims and stresses the need for unity between Messianic Jews and Bible believing Christians in order to confront the lies of Islam.   

Please pray for the nation of Jordan.  There are great shock waves in response to the vicious and despicable burning alive of their captured pilot by ISIS.  Many are calling for firm military response; while others are actually calling for submission to ISIS. 

Praying the Headlines

The GOAL of the MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD in AMERICA By Shira Sorko-Ram

Researching the Muslim Brotherhood in America is a difficult mission. It’s not that the objectives of the Brotherhood are hard to find. Countless Islamic websites loudly proclaim their goal to create and rule a world-wide Islamic empire.  Read the article online here.

Mr. President, Who is ‘Really’ on a High Horse? “The President appears more interested in rebuking his constituents, than protecting them.”  |  Ron Cantor also has a comment on President Obama’s outrageous comparison to ISIS to the Christian sins in the Crusades.  “But here is the main difference. Those masquerading Christians were doing things contrary to the teachings of Jesus for political gain. ISIS, on the other hand, is doing exactly what is taught in the Koran.”   Read more here

Israeli Ministries on Tours  |  BOOKING meetings now (See open dates)  Inside the attached Weekly Summary are itineraries and open dates for  Kobi Ferguson of Yeshua Israel Ministries;  Carolyn & Richard Hyde of Heart of God Ministries; Joel and Teresa Jelski, & Melad of Succat Hallel; and David and Karen Davis, Peter Tsukahira of Kehilat HaCarmel  

The Israeli Messianic Marketplace Feature of the Week:

Donna Diorio 
 
arrowsfromzion@gmail.com or donna@d10r10.com
 
Online each Wednesday at Israel Prayer Dot Com  |  Israel Watcher – A Second Opinion   Mostly political or current events commentary | Fruit of the Fig Tree   Spiritual insights 

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Make donations payable to the order of Donna Diorio and mail to: Israel Prayer  P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006 Or click on the PayPal account:  donna@israelprayer.com I do not have tax exempt status.