TUESDAY. 60 Days of SWORDS OF IRON WAR.

 

Sunrise on Carmel Mountain. Today. 

Oy. 60 days! Seems like forever.

I'm very tired and not sure how much is the lack of sleep or medical tests or just the stress of the war at the home front.

The weather turned today. It was cloudy all day and now at 16:00 there is a heaviness of black clouds and feelings. The shots on the border are continually sounding louder and louder. We are notified every few hours that these are the IDF returning fire, but it just sounds closer and more often than before. For the first time since the war began, I was awakened by the loud sound of artillery, it had never woken me before with such a startle.

It will be colder for the soldiers from now on. All that heavy clothing and equipment they need to carry while being alert and able to fight... I think it is way too hard on them.

Our 'chosen elected officials' are at it again, disagreeing. I'm not sure about what. A few items were mentioned but all I can think of is Netanyahu insists that “no politics during the war” and that they should all stick to it. Instead, there are now talks about an election during the war.

My list of soldiers' names to pray for is getting long. So many grandkids on the fronts of the borders, some are friends some are cousins and other extended family members. I had another grandma calling me last night. Her boy is with the parachuters in Gaza. He had not even completed his full army service yet. So young! God, please keep them well and bring them home alive.

Horror stories are being told by those who returned after being abducted by Hamas, especially the children who are unable to get their voices back and still whisper. There are yet others there with the Hamas that need to come back home before any more damage is done, or before they return in body bags. There are more than 40 who are not with the Hamas but maybe with the Islamic Jihad or another terrorist group. IDF spokesman had said, more than once, that the well-being of all the hostages is the responsibility of the Hamas, and he will not elaborate. I cannot imagine what the families of the hostages feel.

We keep praying for the safety of them all. We keep trusting that God is very aware of everything and everyone and the future outcome. On the home front, we need to wait, to trust and to be strong. I found myself weak in all areas.

Believe in the impossible, believe in miracles, Hannuka is two days away and it is the most miraculous time of the year. With God … with God … all is possible.

(Joshua 3:9-11) So Joshua said to the children of Israel, “Come here, and hear the words of the Lord your God.” And Joshua said, “By this, you shall know that the living God is among you and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites: Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan.

By Faith, the nation of Israel is getting its feet wet.

MONDAY. December 4, 2023. 59 Days of SWORDS OF IRON WAR.

 Here is a forwarded summary of requests from believing soldiers in the IDF:

• missing congregation for a long time, pray for motivation in spiritual discipline.

• strength to pray for the salvation of the enemies.

• wisdom to share the Gospel in the unit.

• shine the light and do the right things for the Lord.

• lacking peace of mind and soul.

• for families and children at home without parents for a long time.

• very intense, exhausting and busy.

• concentration and wisdom.

• Healing and comfort as some may deal with grief( losing friends in the battle, having friends who are kidnapped or severely injured in the war).

• special help to fight in the winter.

Our soldiers are sensitive people and know that during these almost two months they are fighting on their and our home. Many are praying while they fight.  They would rather be home with their loved ones.  They fight because they have no choice. They are not in the IDF to attack and kill innocent people but to protect the innocents and to bring the ones who were abducted from their own homes. It is the only country we have and as Jews, we have no other place to go. These prayer requests above only knit our hearts together stronger.

For by You, I can run against a troop;

 By God, I can leap over a wall.

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust Him. (2 Sam 22:30)

Preparing for Hanukkah - Street decorations.

SUNDAY. December 3, 2023. 58 Days. SWORDS OF IRON WAR.

SUNDAY. December 3, 2023. 58 Days. SWORDS OF IRON WAR.

NORTH BORDER IS PROTECTED

Busy today with personal appointments that increase with age. Stopped for falafel afterwards, one of the local comfort foods. Shopped for Christmas cake – cannot find the real one with candied fruits. Came home and talked to my boys who are busy with interesting life.

In the evening, I read some articles and saw some videos from this past week. One caught my attention but like most things on the net, what I read once disappeared so I cannot read it again. It talked about the attack from the North.

It is now a known fact that there was an agreement between the terrorist groups to attack Israel from all sides, on November 8. The Hezbollah, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad planned to slaughter civilians in the various settlements around the borders' areas. Hamas breached the agreement by attacking a day early and Hezbollah had to withdraw from attacking Israel.

I read tonight that they meant to attack from Metula in the east to Rosh-Hanikra in the west. These settlements are now evacuated. Their citizens were moved into various hotels and other rooming places deeper in Israel.

Being 9.6 km from the border, that attack would have included us.

(Jeremiah 1:13-19) And the word of the Lord came to me the second time, saying, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a boiling pot, and it is facing away from the north.” Then the Lord said to me: “Out of the north calamity shall break forth On all the inhabitants of the land. For behold, I am calling All the families of the kingdoms of the north,” says the Lord; “They shall come and each one set his throne At the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, Against all its walls all around, And against all the cities of Judah. I will utter My judgments Against them concerning all their wickedness, Because they have forsaken Me, Burned incense to other gods, And worshiped the works of their own hands. “Therefore prepare yourself and arise, And speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, Lest I dismay you before them.
For behold, I have made you this day A fortified city and an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land— Against the kings of Judah, Against its princes, Against its priests,
And against the people of the land. They will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you.”

Over time, and I am not sure for how long only God knows, prayers went up for the safety of the Northern Border. Willie and I meeting with others monthly for over 10 years praying for the Northern Border. Friends here and around the globe. Long before Zoom, we called; wrote emails; visited and used web media to pray. We kept in touch and we prayed.

Israelis evacuated on time and were kept away from the area. IDF took charge, their number increased, and the evacuees were still away so they could not be slaughtered. God answered prayers.

It stands to reason that it will not end there. The Hezbollah will try to attack again. But we are positive that God is working on that. He knew about it over 15 years ago, He has all the soldiers and ammunition in their right spots. He also has us in our spot as well.

SHABBAT - 2. 12. 2023. Day 57. Fighting resumed.

 At War ...

The 2 babies and their mother are still in the hands of Hamas. They were expected to be released on the first exchange, but Hamas still holding them back. 4 more girls are “missing” and Hamas says that they cannot find them. 2 women hostages were pronounced dead. Their Kibbutz is now in mourning for them.

All of these above broke the agreement, and thus IDF attacked again. The War Resumed its course.

Meanwhile, I got a message this morning:

Christmas has been cancelled in Bethlehem this year.

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, an interdenominational council of bishops and pastors responsible for churches in Israel, announced the decision in a joint letter. Fox News.

I checked on the web, and sure enough, it is official. As Israeli Jews, we are not allowed to step in Bethlehem anyway, even on a regular day, all year around. Just like we cannot walk into Jericho, it is not allowed. So now the question is – would other places where the Arab population is a majority like Nazareth, or Arab Christian villages celebrate the birth of Christ?

16 Nov 2023 - The churches and municipality of Ramallah in the central West Bank announced on Thursday the cancellation of all annual Christmas celebrations...

6 Nov 2023 - Jordan’s churches cancel Christmas celebrations in solidarity with Gaza...Ahram Online, 

Please note – the heads of churches in Jordan, Jerusalem and All the Pastors responsible for churches in Israel made that decision!! Not the Israeli government and not the Israeli Arab Christians.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:20-21)

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:12)

My friends are checking with their Arab neighbours.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! (Psalm 111:10)

Willie & I will continue to celebrate the birth of our Jewish Savior, Yeshua – daily.

On the 7^th of December, we will light the first candle of Hanukkah, The festival of lights, with the rest of the Jews worldwide.

Even in Gaza!

https://www.jewishpress.com/multimedia/photos/chabad-hanukah-menorah-erected-in-gaza/2023/11/30/

December 1st 2023. 56 Days. SWORDS OF IRON WAR.

נרות שבת

FRIDAY – 1.12.2023

My day started with a call for help.

(Psalm 28:1-2)

To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock,
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

During the day, I felt that God was right beside me. When we walked downtown and did our shopping; when again we visited the health clinic; when we checked the mail, when we bought Challa for Shabbat, and when we stopped for coffee and a cinnamon bun.

The routine makes one feels at home and at peace. It helps to feel that God is walking with you.

But my country is not allowed that peace. During the 'Pause', yesterday, Hamas sent two terrorists from East Jerusalem to the city, (some say they were among the ones that were exchanged for the children in captivity), to shoot civilians. Four died, among them a young woman with first pregnancy, the child died with the mother.

This morning 2 rockets went between Hamas and Israel and I don't know who was first but I know that Israel did not employed the iron dome as per agreement. There are 137 hostages still in Hamas hands, most are men.

Revenge is very close to the surface. But Israel has a different spirit. I have to confess that I am not able to pray for our enemies, no matter how hard or how often I try. Each new murder takes a tole on my breathing. Each time my heart stops and I feel a huge fist hitting my middle, right under the rib cage. At time I cries out from the pain, other times I just stands there in a shock. But praying? Many prayers, only not for the killers.

Why are there any hostages at all? Innocent people of all ages, just grabbed from their homes?

As I light the Sabbath candles artileries exchanges sound from the border. It just started after a few days quiet. The agreement applies only to Gaza. So they hit in Jerusalem and now there are shots on the Northern border.

But Israel has a different spirit.

On October 6 the country was on a verge of dividing. When twins were born to Eber, (Genesis 10:25), he called one of them Peleg (division) to commemorate the division of the earth. The division, I was taught, was when the earth-plates moved and Jordan River came into being. However, some say that there was also a spiritual division. A rebellion against God was the cause and God mixed up their languges and dispersed them across the earth. (Genesis 11). On October 6 there was a build up of “pilug” (division) in the nation. It started with the government, over some judicial reform, but it continued inside the nation itself. It disappeared on October 7, 2023.

Unity and a sense of family is what backs up the IDF right now. Trying to free the hostages is a priority but also protecting Israelis and clearing Gaza without hurting its civilians. Hard task, even impossible.

But that is what Israel is made of.

Our people are thinkers, lovers, peace-wanting and farmers at heart. Those who are not in the army – and only 40 years old and younger can be in the reserve – are in the home front divisions; others volunteer in all the kibbutzim and farm areas for the harvests; others help with the families who evacuated their homes on the north and south borders, and more are volunteering in medical facilities and with the refugees after the slaughters.

Of course there is also the prayer army that seems to grow by leaps and bounds through the social media channels and by word of mouth.

It is very easy to seek revenge and to hit in the same hatred and force that they hit us. But this will only bring us down to the terrorists level and we refuse to become murderers. It is just not Israeli.

We do pray for the return of our people from exile. It is time for all Jews to make aliyah. Not because of the rising antisemitism everywhere, but because Israel is their / our home. And it is time to announce it and to accept it as it is – Israel is the land of the Jewish people given to them by God who promised and deeded to them over 4,000 years ago. We need to become united nation under God in one promised land.

It is time to come home.

SWORDS OF IRON WAR - 55 Days

THURSDAY - 30.11.2023

IDF spokesman answered a reporter regarding the little red-haired boys, “The safety and health of all the people who were taken, children – women – men – aged, are the responsibility of the Hamas, we are talking to their families”.

Since they warned us against psychological warfare, from the start of the war, I have to believe that the announcement of the death of a mother and two sons, was part of that psychological war. I, like everyone I talked to, continue to pray for them. It is Thursday night, and I don't know the outcome of any of the negotiations.

When I arrived at the hospital today to volunteer, the first thing I was told was, “Jerusalem had a terrorist attack”. Two terrorists shot civilians at a bus stop, 6 wounded. Later, I was told three died.

A teenager and her dog were released as well from Gaza while the parents stayed in Gaza.

That's all I know for today that is not fake news. I have no idea what else took place since I am reporting only after I saw pictures of the people and verified it as a true report.

(Joshua 24:15) “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

This verse had been running through my brain.

I am very aware that we are in His army. I'm very aware that Nahariya, Israel is our post. I know that God himself taught us His strategies for effective prayers and we learned to pray His Word as the requests are coming into our hearts and minds. Yet, I feel each day that passes, more like a soldier that had no break from fighting for a very long time.

Today, I watched the day goes by while I was engaged in the actions I was required to perform. However, I did not join my usual prayer groups. It seems that from a prayer warrior point of view, I took a day to rejuvenate. I feel that I need more time of reading the bible, so I might just do that in the next two days. Israel extended its “cease fire” with Hamas for a few more days. I think I will also rest.

Blessings to all of you, my readers and friends. I trust that your prayers for Israel and for His warriors will continue and will storm heaven.

The Cat Rests

SWORDS OF IRON WAR - 54 Day

WEDNESDAY                             29.11.2023

“What was the partition plan of the United Nations on November 29, 1947?

Why did the UN decide to partition Palestine?

The Jewish population had been attacked during the Arab revolt, leading to the idea that the two populations could not be reconciled. The Commission concluded that the Mandate had become unworkable, and recommended Partition into an Arab state linked to Transjordan, a small Jewish state, and a mandatory zone.

https://israelforever.org/interact/blog/the_story_of_a_vote/

Toldot Yisrael presents the story of the November 29th, 1947 UN vote for the Partition of Palestine. A vote that lasted a mere three minutes changed the course of Jewish History and brought 20 centuries of Jewish homelessness to an end.”

Above are some quotes about Israel's modern history - today, 76 years ago.

Below is the translation of the word most used in Israel today:

“Definitions of BALAGAN: a word for chaos or fiasco borrowed from modern Hebrew (where it is a loan word from Russian) “it was utter and complete balagan!” type of bedlam, chaos, pandemonium, tohubohu, topsy-turvydom, topsy-turvyness. a state of extreme confusion and disorder.”

54 DAYS of war. It does not matter that there is no sound of shooting. As long as we have hostages held by the Hamas, we are at war.

We went to the hospital today, to make a personal appointment. Willie and I volunteer there, so we understand when they tell us that they don't have appointments. The office girls were very helpful, explaining that this particular department does not have a safe space for all the staff and patients on a full day. So they've been spending time on the phone cancelling appointments or postponing them for 6 more months. Some of the medical staff are on IDF reserve duty; others cannot come to full-time work – because they had to evacuate their homes. Some of the staff have small children who are too frightened to be without their parents; others bring their children to work and everyone in the department keeps an eye on them. Schools are open only part-time and only if the number of children and teachers is small enough to be in the Safe Room. Many parents moved out of the city to be solely with their children. Many are serving in the IDF.

The office staff took care of me the best they could. I will be seeing a senior specialist of the department to discuss what can be done, by Sunday. That's a favour of God.

From the hospital, we boarded the bus to the health clinic. The bus driver was so glad to see us, she almost kissed us. “You are well! Be healthy it is good to see you”. We smiled and wished her good health – no, we don't know what that was about. But that was a blessing.

At the health clinic young policemen standing on guard. That's new. They did not stop anyone, checked anyone, just were there to protect if there was a need. At the office, they faxed and typed and arranged an immediate answer to our question. I can come to take a replacement blood test in the morning and it will be ready for the specialist on Sunday. When I called later to verify – all was already in place. Another answer to prayer.

Across the street, some children were playing at the park on various equipment, and a policewoman was walking back and force watching over the children. That is also new. There was no winter ice cream “Crambo” at the Candy Store, the owner said it was too expensive to buy so he is looking for another supplier. Accepted answer during balagan times.

Numbers are no longer reliable. I don't know if only 177 hostages left in captivity.

I thought today was the first extended day after the original 4 days of no shooting. It seems that it is the second.

The government's yearly budget is more confusing than ever, still showing that the ministers prefer to look after their own political prestige rather than the security of the nation. 

I don't know how many were freed today and if the 10-month-old red-haired baby that is now in everyone's dream and prayer was set free.

I tried to find out how the mother who gave birth in Hamas captivity is doing and how is her baby – but I cannot find any information on that either.

I tried again and again to sort out the real news from the fake ones in English and in Hebrew -to no avail.

I walked almost 4600 steps today before 10:30. My feet are much better now than they were when I woke up – the walking helped.

Knowing that everyone is coping the best they can during the balagan makes life a bit better to go through.

All I can do to keep my sanity is to pray. My prayers are answered for the things that can cause balagan in my personal life, we are doing “be-seder”. I believe my prayers are answered for the abducted, for our army, and for Israel. But I might have to wait for a bit until the final results become known after the war.

Meanwhile, I pray a lot, rest a lot and cry under the bed covers, because even though I know that God answers prayers, the horrors my nation is suffering are sometimes too much to bear.

Hamas claims that the mother and children are dead.😭

TUESDAY - 28.11.2023

 I heard this song a few times. I also so how it was made. Today, a cousin sent it to me. I'm copying it - it is wonderful. "No No NO you will not have victory over me!" Yheoram Gaon and the IDF singers: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yMw3vG4_kU

Copy and paste the URL. 

I hope you can hear it. 

I heard that 177 are still in Hamas's hands in Gaza.  

Praying for the captive to go free - even today.

SWORDS OF IRON WAR - 52nd Day

MONDAY                         27.11.2023

It is after 5 pm. Last I heard Israel and Hamas are still arguing. Hamas wants different 33 prisoners than the ones Israel agreed to free and Israel wants the children to come with their mothers.

They sent a list of 9 children and 2 old women. Not one mother.

Yesterday, they separated 2 children from family members. One was a girl whose brother was with her until 2 days prior to their release and then we were told that he could not be found. Another was a child without a mother.

80+ years old women that arrived so far, are hospitalized, they need to balance blood pressure and other chronic illnesses. One has a 40 pulse and is on a death door. Children, still dazed meet family members while they are asking about parents and other people they remember. Psychologists and social workers are working on what to tell them and how much to explain about the murdered people they will not see again.

Meanwhile is it almost 6 pm. There is no news regarding the next batch of abductees. People are saying that we can expect dead bodies from now on, it's been too long underground inside cement dark tunnels. They did not receive food every day. No vegetables or fruit at all. In the last two weeks, they lived on dates and rice.

Our government is busy visiting with dignitaries and fighting over the budget. A whole nation became united overnight – our politicians are still fighting each other over their posts and prestige.

God, please intervene.

SWORDS OF IRON WAR - 51st Day

SUNDAY         26.11.2023

13 Arrived last night, just before midnight. No fighting in Gaza at this time.

50,000 citizens returned to South Lebanon – a good sign of peace on the Northern Border.

14 Arrived this evening, including Abigail who saw her parents murdered in front of her and the entire country celebrated her 4^th birthday in anticipation of her return.

An emotional day, like most days since October 7.

Predicted rain that did not come in our area. We rode the train, bussed and had a car ride today to our friends' home where we prayed and had lunch and lived a “normal” day.

Two ideas that stood out to me during the prayer time:

Ezekiel 36: 1,12

1. Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord: ...

12. 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.

Isaiah 45:11

Thus says the LORD, The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; And concerning the work of My hands, you command Me.

So... if the first is a prophecy, and the second is a commanding verse where God shows us how to pray, then the result is – pray a commanding prophecy which will come to pass. When we pray the Word of God the letters themselves command the prophecy to be fulfilled.