The Bible is very clear about Judea and Samaria, the area which world media calls the West Bank and which the Palestinians claims for their Islamic state. Ezekiel 36 also calls this area “the mountains of Israel” and “my land.” God specifically says about this area,
“this is what the Sovereign LORD says: In my burning zeal I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom, for with glee and with malice in their hearts they made my land their own possession so that they might plunder its pastureland.’ Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel and say to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I speak in my jealous wrath because you have suffered the scorn of the nations. Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I swear with uplifted hand that the nations around you will also suffer scorn.
“‘But you, mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home. I am concerned for you and will look on you with favor; you will be plowed and sown, and I will cause many people to live on you—yes, all of Israel. The towns will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. I will increase the number of people and animals living on you, and they will be fruitful and become numerous. I will settle people on you as in the past and will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am the LORD. I will cause people, my people Israel, to live on you. They will possess you, and you will be their inheritance; you will never again deprive them of their children.” (Ez 36:5-12)
Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister, Danny Ayalon, has produced a new YouTube video in which he presents the historical, political facts regarding Judea and Samaria.
The PA put out an official press release claiming that the video was a "cynical and falsified account of history and international law". Chief Palestinian negotiator Dr. Saeb Erakat demanded an official explanation for the video.
Deputy Minister Ayalon said that the video is clearly worrying the Palestinians as it challenges their narrative.
"For too long the Palestinian narrative of international law and rights has gone unchallenged and this over the top reaction to a public diplomacy video proves that they are acting like spoiled children who have had their way for too long," Ayalon said. "They are unable to challenge a single fact in the video and have completely avoided a legitimate and honest discussion on the issues."
In the PA press release, Erekat claims that Israel was accepted to the United Nations on the basis of UN General Assembly Resolution 181.
Ayalon fired back: "This false claim shows that Erekat misconstrues international law and its system proving exactly how misguided the Palestinian attempt to have their unilaterally declared state recognized at the United Nations really is. Israel was admitted as a full United Nations member in 1949 by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 273, after a recommendation by the Security Council, because it met all the criteria of statehood, something the Palestinians should bear in mind before they further their confrontational and damaging plan towards September.
"I challenge any of the Palestinian Authority political leadership to a debate on all the issues ahead of September."
The video itself has now reached more than 100,000 views worldwide, including in the Arab world, and has been featured on Al Jazeera. There are plans to translate the video into more languages, including Persian. Ayalon said that the reaction to the video has been extremely positive.
"I now realize that there has been such a thirst for the truth, not just amongst Israel supporters but also amongst the undecided, and its success has prompted me to think of doing a lot more in this area," Ayalon said.
In September the Palestinians plan to take their case to the UN for the nations of the world to make a vote about the future of God’s own land including His city Jerusalem. It will be a crucial test for every nation, where they will be forced to make a decision.
On July 8, 2011, European Coalition for Israel issued a press release, stating,
Pushing back Israel to 1967 lines is illegal under International Law
“London, July 8th, 2011 – The Balfour Declaration, issued by the British Government in 1917, in which the Jewish people were promised a national home did not qualify as international law. However, the San Remo Resolution of 1920, which incorporated the Balfour Declaration, made the pledge binding under International Law. The San Remo Declaration, together with Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations and Article 80 in the Charter of the United Nations, are still applicable today. Pressurising Israel to go back to 1967 lines and dividing Jerusalem would thus be a serious breach of International Law.
“These were the words of international human rights lawyer Jacques Gauthier who spoke at a consultation in the House of Commons in London on Thursday. …Dr Gauthier explained how the Old City of Jerusalem was promised to the Jews and how the Jewish claim to its capital is valid under International Law.”
All of the facts above are ignored by the international community in their endorsement of the Palestinians claim to a sovereign state of their own based on the borders of June 4, 1967. We are certainly involved in a battle for the truth.
The Bible lists three specific land purchases by the national ancestors of the Jewish people in the very area the Palestinians are claiming for their state: Abraham bought, the Cave of Machpelah (Hebron) for four hundred shekels of silver in Genesis 23. In Genesis 33 Jacob bought Shechem (Nablus) for four hundred pieces of silver and in 2 Samuel 24 David bought the Temple Mount in Jerusalem for fifty shekels of silver. The title deeds to these areas are written in the Holy Scriptures.
PLEASE PRAY
Video (highlight and right click to open link): http://youtu.be/XGYxLWUKwWo
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD
Letter from Eagles Wings:
On September 21st, 2011, one of the most evil gatherings of international leaders, Durban III, is going to take place at the United Nations in New York City.
At Durban III, Libya, Syria, Iran and other human rights offenders will turn a blind eye to the human rights violations happening in their own backyards, while spreading the anti-Israel agenda under the guise of "combating racism." Meanwhile, real issues of racism, discrimination and human rights abuses are being completely ignored by the international community.
The Libyan, Iranian and Syrian governments have been violently suppressing and killing demonstrators who are fighting for freedom. Furthermore, people are still being killed and displaced in Darfur. Persecution and martyrdom are rampant in the Middle East. For instance, on May 7, 2011, an armed group of Islamists attacked and set fire to two churches in Cairo, Egypt. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 12 people and more than 230 wounded.
Durban III exists not to address racism but to manufacture a new statement of unanimous support for the Durban Declaration and Program of Action (DDPA, 2001) which singles out only Israel of the 192 UN member states, and it can be summed up as a declaration of war against Israel and an effort to further demonize and isolate Israel in the international community. Yet, those planning Durban III claim that "the DDPA provides the most comprehensive UN framework for combating racism." The racism issue has been manipulated by world leaders who want to advance their anti-Israel propaganda.
As a nation, we have overcome issues of racism and we must stand up and take back the discussion of racism and human rights abuses today. We must raise our voices against the false pretense, racism and injustice allowed by the United Nations on September 21st, 2011.
Join us as Watchmen on the Wall in prayer and in mobilizing 5,000 Christians to stand in protest to the Durban III conference on September 20-21, 2011, in New York City. Here is how we are praying:
The Presence of God with Eagles' Wings Standing with Israel (Exodus 33:12-17)
1. Psalm 133:1 – That the body of Christ would gather as one body in unity at the prayer rally and at the Durban III protest.
2. 1 Corinthians 2:16 – As logistics are underway, pray that we would have the mind of Christ in our preparations.
3. Isaiah 54:17 – As the nations gather to rise against Israel at the UN, that no weapon formed against Israel shall prosper and that the accusations against Israel would be condemned.
4. Nehemiah 4 – Let God’s people hear the sound of heaven’s trumpet blast as we declare the sound of heaven to the nations through this rally. Pray for everyone who participates in the events or through prayer to be protected physically, emotionally and spiritually, as all those in Eagles’ Wings and those partnering with us powerfully speak out against evil. Pray that the cry for true justice be heard in the nations.
Here are the specifics regarding the upcoming events regarding Durban III:
Prayer Rally: September 20th at 7:00 pm
Crenshaw Christian Center East
1 West 96th Street
New York, NY 10025
Protest at the United Nations in New York City: September 21st at 11:00 am
[Location to be announced]. For the latest updates on the Durban III initiative, visit www.protestdurban3.com.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS EVENT EVEN IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND.
On September 21st, 2011, one of the most evil gatherings of international leaders, Durban III, is going to take place at the United Nations in New York City.
At Durban III, Libya, Syria, Iran and other human rights offenders will turn a blind eye to the human rights violations happening in their own backyards, while spreading the anti-Israel agenda under the guise of "combating racism." Meanwhile, real issues of racism, discrimination and human rights abuses are being completely ignored by the international community.
The Libyan, Iranian and Syrian governments have been violently suppressing and killing demonstrators who are fighting for freedom. Furthermore, people are still being killed and displaced in Darfur. Persecution and martyrdom are rampant in the Middle East. For instance, on May 7, 2011, an armed group of Islamists attacked and set fire to two churches in Cairo, Egypt. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 12 people and more than 230 wounded.
Durban III exists not to address racism but to manufacture a new statement of unanimous support for the Durban Declaration and Program of Action (DDPA, 2001) which singles out only Israel of the 192 UN member states, and it can be summed up as a declaration of war against Israel and an effort to further demonize and isolate Israel in the international community. Yet, those planning Durban III claim that "the DDPA provides the most comprehensive UN framework for combating racism." The racism issue has been manipulated by world leaders who want to advance their anti-Israel propaganda.
As a nation, we have overcome issues of racism and we must stand up and take back the discussion of racism and human rights abuses today. We must raise our voices against the false pretense, racism and injustice allowed by the United Nations on September 21st, 2011.
Join us as Watchmen on the Wall in prayer and in mobilizing 5,000 Christians to stand in protest to the Durban III conference on September 20-21, 2011, in New York City. Here is how we are praying:
The Presence of God with Eagles' Wings Standing with Israel (Exodus 33:12-17)
1. Psalm 133:1 – That the body of Christ would gather as one body in unity at the prayer rally and at the Durban III protest.
2. 1 Corinthians 2:16 – As logistics are underway, pray that we would have the mind of Christ in our preparations.
3. Isaiah 54:17 – As the nations gather to rise against Israel at the UN, that no weapon formed against Israel shall prosper and that the accusations against Israel would be condemned.
4. Nehemiah 4 – Let God’s people hear the sound of heaven’s trumpet blast as we declare the sound of heaven to the nations through this rally. Pray for everyone who participates in the events or through prayer to be protected physically, emotionally and spiritually, as all those in Eagles’ Wings and those partnering with us powerfully speak out against evil. Pray that the cry for true justice be heard in the nations.
Here are the specifics regarding the upcoming events regarding Durban III:
Prayer Rally: September 20th at 7:00 pm
Crenshaw Christian Center East
1 West 96th Street
New York, NY 10025
Protest at the United Nations in New York City: September 21st at 11:00 am
[Location to be announced]. For the latest updates on the Durban III initiative, visit www.protestdurban3.com.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS EVENT EVEN IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
RARE GOLD BELL FOUND IN JERUSALEM
"And you shall make on its hem pomegranates of indigo and purple and crimson, on its hem all around, and golden bells within them all around. A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, on the hem of the robe all around. And it shall be upon Aaron when he serves, so that its sound be heard when he comes into the sanctum before the LORD and when he goes out, that he shall not die" (Exodus 28:33-35, Robert Alter, trans.).
"In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, "HOLY TO THE LORD." (Zechariah 14:20).
A tiny golden bell was discovered last Thursday in an ancient drainage channel in the City of David, just south of the Temple Mount. The ditch is thought to have lain alongside the famous road over which priests made passage in Biblical times from the Pool of Shiloah (Siloam) up to the Temple Mount. The bell is very small (only about ½ inch or 1 cent. wide) with a loop for sewing to clothing. Archaeologists date it back 2000 years ago to the 2nd Temple period (515 B.C.-A.D. 70); it is the first such bell ever to be found in Jerusalem. Although there is no certainty, they are saying that it lies not outside the realm of possibility that this could indeed be related to those bells prescribed in the Torah to be worn round the hems of the High Priests' robes. If so, they surmise that it may have fallen off during one of the High Feast days, such as the last day of Succot, when water was drawn from the pool and borne up Mount Moriah to be poured out before the LORD in the Temple.
Might there be something which the Holy Spirit would speak to us, through the finding of such a bell in such a place at this time?
PLEASE PRAY: that God will release in Israel a heart to hear and know His own--"Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart" (Jeremiah 24:7).
The other reference to bells in the Bible is in Zechariah 14:20, "In that day 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' shall be on the bells of the horses. The pots in the LORD's house shall be like the bowls before the altar."
A different Hebrew word is used here metzilot, which relates to the tinkling voice of bells used on horses. While the ringing of the first bells announced the coming and going of the holy High Priest who alone was allowed to enter the Holiest Place, Zechariah prophesied of a time for all people when "not only shall 'Holy to the LORD' be written on their persons, and on all the outward and inward life of the whole community, but on everything they possess.The whole external character of life-that which is exhibited in the streets of a city (represented by the tinkling sound of the bells of the passing horses) shall bear in all its parts, throughout all its detail, the impress of holiness unto the Lord." (Baron, David: Zechariah: A Commentary on his Visions and Prophecies, p531).
PLEASE PRAY THAT EVEN AS THIS GOLDEN SYMBOL OF A SOUND OF HOLINESS AND REDEMPTION HAS BEEN UNEARTHED IN THE CITY OF DAVID, THAT A ROYAL RINGING SOUND OF HOLINESS WILL BE RELEASED THROUGH BELIEVERS THROUGHOUT JERUSALEM AND OVER ALL OF ISRAEL THIS MONTH. THE MUSLIM MONTH OF "RAMADAN" BEGINS ON MONDAY AUGUST 1ST. PRAY THAT DURING THIS SEASON VOICES "LIKE THE SOUND OF A THOUSAND BELLS" WILL RISE AS A TEMPERED AND HEAVENLY WROUGHT WEAPON IN THE HAND OF THE LORD TO DO BATTLE IN THE HEAVENLIES, AN ANCIENT SOUND OF HOLINESS WHICH WILL TRANSCEND THE CALLS TO ANOTHER DIETY WHICH WILL BE RISING DAILY FROM HIS HOLY MOUNTAIN-A GOLDEN SOUND, IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH RINGING OUT LOVE AND SANCTIFYING FREEDOM FOR ALL PEOPLES.
RING THEM BELLS!!
portions taken from the Israel prayer list
"In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, "HOLY TO THE LORD." (Zechariah 14:20).
A tiny golden bell was discovered last Thursday in an ancient drainage channel in the City of David, just south of the Temple Mount. The ditch is thought to have lain alongside the famous road over which priests made passage in Biblical times from the Pool of Shiloah (Siloam) up to the Temple Mount. The bell is very small (only about ½ inch or 1 cent. wide) with a loop for sewing to clothing. Archaeologists date it back 2000 years ago to the 2nd Temple period (515 B.C.-A.D. 70); it is the first such bell ever to be found in Jerusalem. Although there is no certainty, they are saying that it lies not outside the realm of possibility that this could indeed be related to those bells prescribed in the Torah to be worn round the hems of the High Priests' robes. If so, they surmise that it may have fallen off during one of the High Feast days, such as the last day of Succot, when water was drawn from the pool and borne up Mount Moriah to be poured out before the LORD in the Temple.
Might there be something which the Holy Spirit would speak to us, through the finding of such a bell in such a place at this time?
PLEASE PRAY: that God will release in Israel a heart to hear and know His own--"Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart" (Jeremiah 24:7).
The other reference to bells in the Bible is in Zechariah 14:20, "In that day 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' shall be on the bells of the horses. The pots in the LORD's house shall be like the bowls before the altar."
A different Hebrew word is used here metzilot, which relates to the tinkling voice of bells used on horses. While the ringing of the first bells announced the coming and going of the holy High Priest who alone was allowed to enter the Holiest Place, Zechariah prophesied of a time for all people when "not only shall 'Holy to the LORD' be written on their persons, and on all the outward and inward life of the whole community, but on everything they possess.The whole external character of life-that which is exhibited in the streets of a city (represented by the tinkling sound of the bells of the passing horses) shall bear in all its parts, throughout all its detail, the impress of holiness unto the Lord." (Baron, David: Zechariah: A Commentary on his Visions and Prophecies, p531).
PLEASE PRAY THAT EVEN AS THIS GOLDEN SYMBOL OF A SOUND OF HOLINESS AND REDEMPTION HAS BEEN UNEARTHED IN THE CITY OF DAVID, THAT A ROYAL RINGING SOUND OF HOLINESS WILL BE RELEASED THROUGH BELIEVERS THROUGHOUT JERUSALEM AND OVER ALL OF ISRAEL THIS MONTH. THE MUSLIM MONTH OF "RAMADAN" BEGINS ON MONDAY AUGUST 1ST. PRAY THAT DURING THIS SEASON VOICES "LIKE THE SOUND OF A THOUSAND BELLS" WILL RISE AS A TEMPERED AND HEAVENLY WROUGHT WEAPON IN THE HAND OF THE LORD TO DO BATTLE IN THE HEAVENLIES, AN ANCIENT SOUND OF HOLINESS WHICH WILL TRANSCEND THE CALLS TO ANOTHER DIETY WHICH WILL BE RISING DAILY FROM HIS HOLY MOUNTAIN-A GOLDEN SOUND, IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH RINGING OUT LOVE AND SANCTIFYING FREEDOM FOR ALL PEOPLES.
RING THEM BELLS!!
portions taken from the Israel prayer list
Monday, July 25, 2011
God intervenes once again
Israel Peacefully Intercepts One "Gaza Flotilla" Ship
The planned Gaza Flotilla, which ended up as just a single ship challenging Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, was "peacefully, calmly" intercepted and boarded by Israel on Tuesday [July 19], according to IDF [Israel Defense Forces] spokeswoman Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich.
Leibovich said the crew of the Al-Karame offered "no resistance whatsoever," in contrast to activists aboard the Mavi Marmara ship last year that attacked Israeli soldiers in a conflict that lead to the deaths of nine activists. Israel maintains its naval blockade of Gaza in order to prevent arms smuggling to terrorists.
On Tuesday, prior to boarding the vessel, Israel contacted the Al-Karame and offered them the option of transporting any goods following inspection to the Gaza Strip by land, instead of illegally attempting to enter Gaza by sea in contravention of Israel's blockade. The Al-Karame refused, and so Israel commandeered the vessel to enforce the blockade.
Having taken over the vessel, the Israeli soldiers offered the Al-Karame passengers food and drink, which Leibovich said they accepted. "We never have intentions of harming people on board or not on board," said Leibovich. "The first priority, as I said, is for them to return back to their home port, but since they chose to provoke we did everything thing we can in order to deal with the situation in a calm way… The operational part ended and ended successfully on our part."
The ship was then towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod for inspection, while the passengers were set for the process of deportation like anyone attempting to enter Israel illegally.
"I think the bigger picture that we're looking at is actually a provocation, an ongoing effort of delegitimization of Israel," said Leibovich of the activists. "It can be through the sea, it can be through the international airport that we have [with the "Fly-In"], it can be on our borders, but the one thing in common that all these provocative actions have is the attempt to delegitimize Israel."
Israel had previously faced the prospect of a much larger flotilla with hundreds of participants. In the end, only the single-ship "flotilla" made it, in part due to the support given Israel by other nations, especially Greece, which prevented multiple ships from heading to Gaza.
"Listen to the different comments that were made by world leaders before the ship even left, and I heard a lot of condemnation from these leaders [of the flotilla concept]," said Leibovich. "So I think the world understands that we are talking about a cheap provocation and nothing substantial really is behind it. If they really want to help the people of Gaza, wouldn't it be wiser instead of investing [US] $800,000 in buying a ship, to invest that money for the people there?"
Leibovich noted that 200–400 trucks are entering Gaza with aid and supplies every day. She listed the products entering Gaza as ranging from Mercedes cars to hygiene products, from school gear to bonsai trees. She said that Gaza is also receiving approximately 400,000 liters of gas every day and that Israel is providing the Strip with 70% of their electricity. The Israeli blockade is focused on preventing items that can be used for military purposes from entering Gaza, which includes construction supplies.
However, Israel does allow construction products for verified projects that are being sponsored by the Palestinian Authority, with the goal being to not let the construction in Gaza benefit the Hamas terror group. Noting the danger of allowing just any construction materials into Gaza, Leibovich said, "We don't want to find the cement inside the rockets that target Israel."
The same goes for allowing just any ship to reach Gaza, as Israel is seeking to prevent weapons from reaching terrorists—a threat exemplified by the interception earlier this year of a major weapons supply on board the cargo ship Victoria. Said Leibovich, "When you impose a maritime security blockade, then you cannot lift it in the middle just because you think it might be an innocent ship. We cannot take that risk."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 20, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise God for a peaceful resolution to this potentially explosive situation. Pray that additional efforts to delegitimize Israel, through flotillas, fly-ins or other means, will come to an end. Pray that the international community will see the truth about Israel.
Scripture
"In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He heard me. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue" (Psalm 120:1–2)
portions taken from Bridges for Peace newsletter
The planned Gaza Flotilla, which ended up as just a single ship challenging Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, was "peacefully, calmly" intercepted and boarded by Israel on Tuesday [July 19], according to IDF [Israel Defense Forces] spokeswoman Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich.
Leibovich said the crew of the Al-Karame offered "no resistance whatsoever," in contrast to activists aboard the Mavi Marmara ship last year that attacked Israeli soldiers in a conflict that lead to the deaths of nine activists. Israel maintains its naval blockade of Gaza in order to prevent arms smuggling to terrorists.
On Tuesday, prior to boarding the vessel, Israel contacted the Al-Karame and offered them the option of transporting any goods following inspection to the Gaza Strip by land, instead of illegally attempting to enter Gaza by sea in contravention of Israel's blockade. The Al-Karame refused, and so Israel commandeered the vessel to enforce the blockade.
Having taken over the vessel, the Israeli soldiers offered the Al-Karame passengers food and drink, which Leibovich said they accepted. "We never have intentions of harming people on board or not on board," said Leibovich. "The first priority, as I said, is for them to return back to their home port, but since they chose to provoke we did everything thing we can in order to deal with the situation in a calm way… The operational part ended and ended successfully on our part."
The ship was then towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod for inspection, while the passengers were set for the process of deportation like anyone attempting to enter Israel illegally.
"I think the bigger picture that we're looking at is actually a provocation, an ongoing effort of delegitimization of Israel," said Leibovich of the activists. "It can be through the sea, it can be through the international airport that we have [with the "Fly-In"], it can be on our borders, but the one thing in common that all these provocative actions have is the attempt to delegitimize Israel."
Israel had previously faced the prospect of a much larger flotilla with hundreds of participants. In the end, only the single-ship "flotilla" made it, in part due to the support given Israel by other nations, especially Greece, which prevented multiple ships from heading to Gaza.
"Listen to the different comments that were made by world leaders before the ship even left, and I heard a lot of condemnation from these leaders [of the flotilla concept]," said Leibovich. "So I think the world understands that we are talking about a cheap provocation and nothing substantial really is behind it. If they really want to help the people of Gaza, wouldn't it be wiser instead of investing [US] $800,000 in buying a ship, to invest that money for the people there?"
Leibovich noted that 200–400 trucks are entering Gaza with aid and supplies every day. She listed the products entering Gaza as ranging from Mercedes cars to hygiene products, from school gear to bonsai trees. She said that Gaza is also receiving approximately 400,000 liters of gas every day and that Israel is providing the Strip with 70% of their electricity. The Israeli blockade is focused on preventing items that can be used for military purposes from entering Gaza, which includes construction supplies.
However, Israel does allow construction products for verified projects that are being sponsored by the Palestinian Authority, with the goal being to not let the construction in Gaza benefit the Hamas terror group. Noting the danger of allowing just any construction materials into Gaza, Leibovich said, "We don't want to find the cement inside the rockets that target Israel."
The same goes for allowing just any ship to reach Gaza, as Israel is seeking to prevent weapons from reaching terrorists—a threat exemplified by the interception earlier this year of a major weapons supply on board the cargo ship Victoria. Said Leibovich, "When you impose a maritime security blockade, then you cannot lift it in the middle just because you think it might be an innocent ship. We cannot take that risk."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 20, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise God for a peaceful resolution to this potentially explosive situation. Pray that additional efforts to delegitimize Israel, through flotillas, fly-ins or other means, will come to an end. Pray that the international community will see the truth about Israel.
Scripture
"In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He heard me. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue" (Psalm 120:1–2)
portions taken from Bridges for Peace newsletter
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Provocative Ads in Israeli Media
The ad is sponsored by a leading "Anti-Missionary" organization in Israel. It begins, "'Messianic Jews' Are Pulling the Wool Over Our Eyes!'" This is followed by phrases drawn from four public figures, all very dated, and pulled out of context and presented to serve the purpose of the sponsors in presenting Messianic Judaism in a negative light. The add ends, "'Messianic Jews' try to entrap Jews by distributing material in the mail and by sponsoring concerts and street performances. The time has come to pass a law that halts the missionaries' destructive activities. Join the struggle!" - followed by a website and telephone number of the sponsors. The website, reporting on purported responses to its present campaign, claimed that "many callers gladly added their names to a petition.calling on the Knesset to amend the anti-missionary law so that it forbids all missionary activity (and not just that among minors or involving financial inducements to convert)." Ironically, a slogan at the top of its page reads "We don't give up on even a single Jew." The "wool" which this organization and others like it pull over the eyes of Israelis is the falsehood that Jews who believe in Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah and Savior are no longer Jews. No such accusations are leveled on those of Hebrew lineage who follow the teachings of an Eastern religion, of New Age, of the supposed "Messiah" Shneerson (deceased), or who (like millions of Israelis) believe nothing at all. But one who believes in Yeshua, even if born in Israel of Holocaust survivor parents, is automatically no longer a Jew, but a dangerous person, seeking to "steal the souls" of those who are.
We have seen whole-page ads taken out by certain religious sects in the past to promote their beliefs. However, apart from the effect the content of these adds may have on their readers, it is troubling that such a publication as HaAretz, a left-wing paper which prides itself on its stand on behalf of civil rights, would lower itself to permitting within its advertisements such adds, which blatantly vilify, disparage and accuse a particular group of Israelis who serve honorably in the nation's military and are exemplary citizens in its work force . In some ways such ads bear disturbing resemblances to those which began appearing in certain European countries 80 years ago accusing ALL Jews of having ulterior motives, of seeking to "entrap", of "destructive activities".
On a positive note.at least now, the name Messianic Jew (Hebrew: Yehudim Meshikhim), is being used within public media even by such organizations (albeit within quotation marks), as that which purchased the ad. This title has not always been allowed in most of the media. Then, in 2008 a young Messianic Jew in Ariel discovered a "Purim gift" on the landing of his family's apartment. The gift turned out to be a powerful bomb which ignited when he picked it up. Miraculously, this young man has survived. Eventually, it came to light that the perpetrator had been an Orthodox Jewish man, one since alleged to have been associated with one of these same prominent "Anti-Missionary" organizations about which we are writing. Yet, through the many articles which came out as a result of this atrocity, an opening was made in many Israeli papers for articles to appear describing who the Messianic Jews are and what they believe. Today, most of the Israeli secular press has begun to make use of this title (without quotations marks); thus helping more and more citizens to become aware of their presence.
PLEASE PRAY:
*That God will bring these accusations to nothing, make these plans of no effect (Psalm 33:10)
* "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Yeshua" (Acts 4:29-30). Pray for Divine direction and strategy for Israeli Jewish believers as persecution from the "religious" sector increases.
* "For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (Romans 10:1). Pray for revelation of the knowledge of Messiah will come into the Orthodox Jewish community, including the ranks of the "anti-missionaries". Pray that Messianic Jews and Gentile believers in the land would be granted a supernatural love for these people, while not being intimidated by them.
* "And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you.Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!" (Zechariah 2:11b, 13). Pray that eyes will be opened to the many places where Yeshua is present in the Hebrew Bible.and that Jews will realize that it is the LORD they seek to serve Who sent Him.
*That a law banning sharing one's Faith in Messiah Yeshua with other Jews will not be passed.
*That the Israeli press will not be intimidated by Orthodox anti-freedom of religion organizations and will not allow in theirk advertising sections large adds vilifying other Jews.
We have seen whole-page ads taken out by certain religious sects in the past to promote their beliefs. However, apart from the effect the content of these adds may have on their readers, it is troubling that such a publication as HaAretz, a left-wing paper which prides itself on its stand on behalf of civil rights, would lower itself to permitting within its advertisements such adds, which blatantly vilify, disparage and accuse a particular group of Israelis who serve honorably in the nation's military and are exemplary citizens in its work force . In some ways such ads bear disturbing resemblances to those which began appearing in certain European countries 80 years ago accusing ALL Jews of having ulterior motives, of seeking to "entrap", of "destructive activities".
On a positive note.at least now, the name Messianic Jew (Hebrew: Yehudim Meshikhim), is being used within public media even by such organizations (albeit within quotation marks), as that which purchased the ad. This title has not always been allowed in most of the media. Then, in 2008 a young Messianic Jew in Ariel discovered a "Purim gift" on the landing of his family's apartment. The gift turned out to be a powerful bomb which ignited when he picked it up. Miraculously, this young man has survived. Eventually, it came to light that the perpetrator had been an Orthodox Jewish man, one since alleged to have been associated with one of these same prominent "Anti-Missionary" organizations about which we are writing. Yet, through the many articles which came out as a result of this atrocity, an opening was made in many Israeli papers for articles to appear describing who the Messianic Jews are and what they believe. Today, most of the Israeli secular press has begun to make use of this title (without quotations marks); thus helping more and more citizens to become aware of their presence.
PLEASE PRAY:
*That God will bring these accusations to nothing, make these plans of no effect (Psalm 33:10)
* "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Yeshua" (Acts 4:29-30). Pray for Divine direction and strategy for Israeli Jewish believers as persecution from the "religious" sector increases.
* "For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (Romans 10:1). Pray for revelation of the knowledge of Messiah will come into the Orthodox Jewish community, including the ranks of the "anti-missionaries". Pray that Messianic Jews and Gentile believers in the land would be granted a supernatural love for these people, while not being intimidated by them.
* "And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you.Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!" (Zechariah 2:11b, 13). Pray that eyes will be opened to the many places where Yeshua is present in the Hebrew Bible.and that Jews will realize that it is the LORD they seek to serve Who sent Him.
*That a law banning sharing one's Faith in Messiah Yeshua with other Jews will not be passed.
*That the Israeli press will not be intimidated by Orthodox anti-freedom of religion organizations and will not allow in theirk advertising sections large adds vilifying other Jews.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The 17th of Tammuz
17th OF TAMMUZ-BEGINNING OF THREE WEEKS "BETWEEN THE STRAITS"
This Tuesday, July 19th, is a "fast day" for observant Jews (the Fast of the Fourth Month in Zechariah 8:19) commemorating the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The period between this day and the 9th of Av when the Temple was destroyed (9 August this year) has come sometimes to be called "Bein haMetzarim" ("Between the straits", found in Lamentations 1:3 "All her persecutors overtake her between the dire straits.") because of many calamities purported to have occurred to Jews through history during this period. Traditionally, there are no Hebrew weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and other celebrations during this period. It is indeed a time calling for especial watchfulness over Israel and Jews in the nations.
On this day (Tuesday 19 July this year), observant Jews read a special passage from the Torah, Exodus 31:11-14; 34:1-10 (related to God's mercies after, according to a Hebrew tradition, Moses, on this date came down Mount Sinai, saw the revelry round the Golden Calf and in a fury broke the first tablets of stone). There is also a special Haftarah : Isaiah 55:6-56:8, which begins, "Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
PLEASE PRAY:
*Pray that Israel be protected from evil seeking occasion to be released against her during these three weeks. Pray for believers to have discernment to divide between the necessary, sober awareness and watchfulness of God, and false superstitions which influence and govern many Israelis during this time: "Guide me in Your truth and teach me for you are my Salvation-God and in You I have hoped all day long" (Psalm 25:5).
*Psalm 118:5: "Out of the strait (metzar) I called to Yah (the LORD). Yah answered me in a wide-open place."
*For Israel-the People: to be brought into the wideness, the fullness that God has for them-and to survive the narrows she must traverse until then. "Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life" (Matthew 7:14). Yeshua came that His people might come into fullness of joy (John 15:11; 16:24).
*For Israel-the Land: to come into the wideness which God has ordained. At present it is too narrow to adequately nurture the Jews God has brought from the nations thus far; yet she is under constant pressure from the nations to become narrower still. "Enlarge the place of your tent; stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your pegs. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left" (Isaiah 54:2-3).
portions taken from Israel prayer list
This Tuesday, July 19th, is a "fast day" for observant Jews (the Fast of the Fourth Month in Zechariah 8:19) commemorating the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The period between this day and the 9th of Av when the Temple was destroyed (9 August this year) has come sometimes to be called "Bein haMetzarim" ("Between the straits", found in Lamentations 1:3 "All her persecutors overtake her between the dire straits.") because of many calamities purported to have occurred to Jews through history during this period. Traditionally, there are no Hebrew weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and other celebrations during this period. It is indeed a time calling for especial watchfulness over Israel and Jews in the nations.
On this day (Tuesday 19 July this year), observant Jews read a special passage from the Torah, Exodus 31:11-14; 34:1-10 (related to God's mercies after, according to a Hebrew tradition, Moses, on this date came down Mount Sinai, saw the revelry round the Golden Calf and in a fury broke the first tablets of stone). There is also a special Haftarah : Isaiah 55:6-56:8, which begins, "Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
PLEASE PRAY:
*Pray that Israel be protected from evil seeking occasion to be released against her during these three weeks. Pray for believers to have discernment to divide between the necessary, sober awareness and watchfulness of God, and false superstitions which influence and govern many Israelis during this time: "Guide me in Your truth and teach me for you are my Salvation-God and in You I have hoped all day long" (Psalm 25:5).
*Psalm 118:5: "Out of the strait (metzar) I called to Yah (the LORD). Yah answered me in a wide-open place."
*For Israel-the People: to be brought into the wideness, the fullness that God has for them-and to survive the narrows she must traverse until then. "Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life" (Matthew 7:14). Yeshua came that His people might come into fullness of joy (John 15:11; 16:24).
*For Israel-the Land: to come into the wideness which God has ordained. At present it is too narrow to adequately nurture the Jews God has brought from the nations thus far; yet she is under constant pressure from the nations to become narrower still. "Enlarge the place of your tent; stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your pegs. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left" (Isaiah 54:2-3).
portions taken from Israel prayer list
Monday, July 18, 2011
Maritime Borders
This week saw the Hezbollah-controlled Lebanese government presenting to the UN maps which it claims portray legitimate maritime borders which Israel is violating by drilling for petroleum in fields she discovered over the past two years. Lebanon also sent a warning to Israel, that she is "playing with fire" if she continues to pursue claims on the gas fields. Israel of course sees the borders differently, and notes that they were never contested until she began discovering the fields.
PLEASE PRAY:
*That God will protect that which He has appointed for supply for Israel-and for Lebanon. That He will clarify what His borders are between the two countries.
*That where necessary, He will make Asher's sandals to be "iron and bronze" (Deuteronomy 33:24)
*That God grant revelation and release instruction as to Israel's part in knowing how adequately to protect the area of extraction and processing of the oil.
PLEASE PRAY:
*That God will protect that which He has appointed for supply for Israel-and for Lebanon. That He will clarify what His borders are between the two countries.
*That where necessary, He will make Asher's sandals to be "iron and bronze" (Deuteronomy 33:24)
*That God grant revelation and release instruction as to Israel's part in knowing how adequately to protect the area of extraction and processing of the oil.
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