Kairoskingdomwomen's Weblog

April 29, 2008

Remember National Day of Prayer – May 1, 2008

Filed under: 1 — kairoskingdomwomen @ 12:25 am

May 1, 2008 – A day to unite across the United States!  

 Go to the official website:

http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org

 

You can find a local prayer event across the United States with locations for prayer breakfasts, prayer gatherings, etc.

 

You will also find prayer lists, prayer tips, radio message, live webcasts, (speakers include James Dobson).

 

I urge you to go and explore this site! Blessings…Alma

 

 

 

 

April 27, 2008

Dayenu: It Would Have Been Enough

Filed under: 1, Jesus, Life, Devotional, Family, Prayer, Hope, Purpose — kairoskingdomwomen @ 10:00 pm

At the end of the 22 word journey in March 2008 (found here at this blog) – it was impressed upon me that I would have eight words for Passover.

At our last Heart-to-Heart I shared with Liz that the Lord had given me eight words while we were praying with the women who had gathered. As I prayed over the words not knowing what they meant, the words were confirmed and that these were the words of the Passover Word journey, but they were more actually 8 terms. In studying these words, I was again Amazed.

I shared these with my sisters with whom I share accountability. I want to do the right thing, and not of me, but of the Lord.

From preliminary study, I gather that all these Words are used in prayers. The first words are:
1 Ruach Ha-Kodesh (holy spirit)
2 Bo, Ruach Elohim(Come, Spirit of God)
3 Dvar Chochmah (a word of wisdom)
The following words are part of actual prayers:
4 Modah, 5 Melech Chai V’Kayam, 6 Be Nishmati B’Chemla 7 Rabah Emuna, 8 Ado-nai, Rofeh Chol

I am perplexed as to this calling to do this. Some Christians are “weirded out” by all this. It is impressed upon my spirit that why is this so? Do you not have the hunger to know the Historical Jesus? There is so much more to understanding the nuances of the Hebrew language in reading the Bible.

I was invited to a Passover Seder by a dear sister-in-the Lord, Rachel G. Mary and Melinda from our Heart-to-Heart Group were there also. It was amazing to learn that from the 250 or so people gathered there, that as (Rachel pointed out) about ¾ of them were non jewish by blood and were from Calvary Chapels, Assemblies of God, etc., before they became Messianic Believers and now attend the Messianic Congregation. The Holy Spirit had led me to some insight previous to attending the Seder. I will share it with you all as a point of learning a little more as I did.

The story of the exodus from Egypt and as the Messianic Jewish congregation celebrates the Passover with Jesus is such an intimate experience. I was blessed indeed as I pondered how Jesus had become the Passover Lamb. As I was sitting at our table, I was given two Words:
Ovid – Roman family name – Ovidius meaning “sheep”.
Rachel – a sheep, one fondly tended
Thank you to Rachel and Phil. Blessings to all at our table.

I prayed and thanked God for this experience, I heard in my Spirit: “The Marriage Feast”. I saw the table set for Supper of the Lamb (Luke 22:18; Luke 22:29 & 30; Revelation 19:5-21). It is vital that I share that in the 40 word journey and this 8 term journey, I am led to end both with the Marriage Feast, The Supper of the Lamb. As I inquired of the Holy Spirit, and whispered: ”what dos this mean?” I heard: “I am coming back, BE READY! I write this with tears of joy in my eyes and his Spirit invading my every sense. I also cry with tears of anguish for those I love who are not READY! HE is coming back, I tell you this with such urgency. Listen to his Word, seek him for yourself. All you have to do is ask.

“Sound the Shofar in Zion and sound the alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the Land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, it is nigh at hand” (Joel 2:1)

 

Here are videos I was led to share:

The Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb From: Ahav

 

The Crossover: “The Shofar” From: crossoverproductions

 

I end with these songs which can be applied to our lives today:
Dayenu – (It would have been enough)
Bo, Ruach Elohim(Come, Spirit of God)

Dayenu – Passover Song From: pastorjoshmw

 

Bo, Ruach Elohim(Come, Spirit of God) From: bethproverbs31

April 14, 2008

Update on Ami and video clip

Filed under: Jesus, Life, Devotional, Family, Prayer, Hope, Purpose — kairoskingdomwomen @ 4:30 pm

Thank you to Batya L. for this email with the following video clip on the father of Ami Ortiz (Jerusalem).  If you have been following on the blog regarding Ami, you will be blessed to hear from the David Ortiz regarding his son Ami.

 

Video clip of David Ortiz sharing about Ami (Miracles and Forgiveness). Take 15 to 20 minutes and hear from David himself about what happened to his son Ami and how Ami is doing. This link is from the Epicenter Conference 2008, organized by Joel Rosenberg in Jerusalem. Skip Heitzig is also in the video praying over David. Listen to this inspiring video. Many of the blog visitors worship at Calvary Chapels, and Chuck Smith is introduced at the end of the clip, but the clip ends. If you would like to hear more of what he has to say then do a search at the top of that page, and it will give you options on the Epicenter Conference 2008 in Jerusalem.

Video link:

 

Thank you to Batya, Trish and Hannah!

 

The following is an excerpt from Hannah (Restorers of Zion on-line network: http://www.restorersofzion.org) for the whole communication you are welcome to visit the Restorers of Zion site:

 

Greetings to the Lord’s people everywhere! (and that covers a lot of ground). 

 

Apologies for my long silence, email-wise.  I had a computer meltdown just one day after my last update, and the problem took several days to untangle (the cause was never determined).  Since then I have been catching up with my work and other obligations, until tonight.  Thank you for all those emails checking to see if you had been dropped from the mailing list… far from being a bother, it was great to see how many are taking these updates seriously!

 

Meanwhile, many of you were getting some details from our brother and co-updater Tommy Waller.  For those who were not getting those, or who are new to the update list –

 

Ami has been making steady progress, which is actually an understatement.  Just one week after the long night when his very survival was in doubt, he was moved out of ICU.  In spite of the shrapnel in his eye, which required a delicate operation, he can now see out of both eyes just fine.  Right around the time they stopped worrying about his collapsed lung (I lost track of the progress on that), he started sitting up in a chair, out of bed, and he is now being encouraged to walk.  Not only are the skin grafts working well, but one leg is unexpectedly healing without grafts.  

 

I kind of feel for the medical team, who has been caught flat-footed by Ami’s fast, unpredictable recovery… they’re not used to having to use the word “ness” (Heb. for miracle) so many times with regard to one patient – especially one who they knew was at death’s door and in danger of losing all his limbs only 3-1/2 weeks ago.

 

Your prayers, letters, gifts, and especially the postcards addressed to Ami, have been giving him and his family encouragement beyond what you would imagine.  And the meals have continued to come in faithfully, 3-1/2 weeks without a break, often providing more than they could eat.  May the Lord bless the local cooks – from the responses of the family, it’s clear that you are feeding them with both food and love. 

 

All this gives them strength to meet the new challenges that Ami’s progress is bringing. 

 

He is experiencing a lot of pain from muscles that have ‘frozen up’ from disuse, from healing scabs that are pulling on sensitive skin, and from half-healed wounds (pray against infection, which is currently a danger in some of the deeper injuries).  He needs several operations to recover the use of his hands (the blood vessels and nerves are mangled).  The medical staff is trying to reduce the sedatives, which sometimes results in more sensitivity to pain and sleepless nights.  The physical therapy is as painful as it is necessary. Fighting to get back to something called “normal” for his new body may take up to a year.  An intimidating thought, as you can imagine.  Can you also imagine the hard questions that must inevitably come to a 15-year-old, whose normal everyday life has suddenly spun out of control? 

 

Struggle for a minute with the thoughts that are probably going through Ami’s mind (easy for me to imagine, having a boy nearly the same age). The loss of “only” 2 toes seems trivial in comparison with what he might have lost, and in light of all the tremendous miracles God has done for him.  It’s obvious the Lord has preserved him.  And yet, who can explain to Ami why God allowed anything AT ALL to happen to him – and why only to him?  

 

We don’t dare resort to cheap, easy answers, like ”believers sometimes pay a price for their faith”, or “his parents are on the frontlines of ministry, and spiritual attacks can be expected” or “it’s okay, because all things work together for good”.  None of these honestly address the question of why HE was the one injured, while all his believing friends and the rest of his family are walking around untouched (as are many other families ”on the frontlines of ministry” here).  These thoughts bring dilemmas that are scary enough for an adult, let alone a teenager who is right at that precarious age when you begin questioning everything you have been told as a child.  

 

And I personally feel that no one should be allowed to say, “Halleluyah – he’s been counted worthy to suffer for the Lord’s sake,” unless the speaker has shown they had the ability to say that when an equally horrific honor was thrust, unasked and unforeseen, upon themselves….   

 

Pray that Ami will get his answers straight from the Lord.  He is the only One who can really understand the heart-cry of a 15-year-old Israeli believer whose life has irreversibly changed without him having any say in the matter. 

 

In short, we can’t give Ami or his family any neat answers.  What we can say is simply, “We love you, we are praying for you, we are standing with you.”  That’s plenty, and it means plenty.

 

blessings from the Land, 

Hannah

 

 

 

 

April 10, 2008

Balm of Gilead for Ami

Filed under: Jesus, Life, Devotional, Family, Prayer, Hope, Purpose — kairoskingdomwomen @ 6:47 am

Please continue to pray for Ami Ortiz that the healing balm of Gilead (Jeremiah 8:22) flow through Ami’s body. 

This update on Ami Ortiz comes via Batya L. through Linda S. , Clyde and Tommy W.  

It is as follows:

Yesterday Ami began sitting up and today he walked!  He had a little help, but he walked!  Each day he shows miraculous improvement.  To see where he was and where he is now is nothing less than a miracle.

I wish I could tell you everything is wonderful. Realistically Ami has a high mountain to climb to reach full recovery.  The Doctor told David that it may be a year before Ami is really moving again.  In many cases our spiritual understanding is limited to believing that God only makes things good …..what ever our definition of good is.  Leah, Ami’s mother, made a statement that God spared Ami’s life, but, like Job, has allowed Ami to suffer to a certain point. 

Many of the Palestinians whom David, Ami’s dad, has shared the Gospel with know this all to well.  Salvation does not bring to them a “well to do” life and it does not guarantee them good health.  Many have been beaten severely.  Many have spent long time periods in run down prisons for no reason or justification.  Several have been murdered.  In the 10/40 window this is a common occurrence.  Eternity is their only hope.  Death is a beautiful reward.  Worth every struggle ….worth all the pain.

Ami’s pain is intense.  Along with the pain he is beginning to experience severe itching.  It has been hard to keep his hands away from the scabs forming on many parts of his body.  The doctors are limiting his pain medicine mainly because they want his body to get stronger and to also prevent addiction.  The writhing pain keeps sleep to a minimum.  His helpless screams through most of the night are taking their toll on Ami as well as David and Leah.  Please pray. 

 

Brayden and Zac were able to see Ami tonight.  Again, to look back at where he started a few short weeks ago is amazing, but Brayden said it shook him to see him.  He remembered Joni Erickson Tada making the statement in her book that she appreciated those who could be with her and be themselves.  Treating her the same now as they did before her accident.  For Brayden the lights were brighter this time in the hospital room.  The bandages that hid most of the wounds in his first visit were still covering a lot, but not covering as much and a few horrific scabs were visible.  He struggled to stay focused.

Even though we give glory for what God has done ….for Ami, who remains in the fire, along with his family night and day, it is okay to lament in the way David did in Psalms 10:1, “Why do You stand afar off, O LORD?  Why do you hide in times of trouble?” and then later declare in verse 16, “The LORD is King forever and ever.”

Except for his mom and dad, his brothers and sister, Ami is having a difficult time being around anyone else.  The one thing he really loves though is hearing his mother read postcards to him.  Yesterday a huge stack arrived in the mail and Leah read most of them out loud non-stop until midnight.  At one point thinking Ami had finally fallen asleep she laid the last ones down only to hear Ami say, “mom keep reading!”.  Please, lets continue to send encouraging postcards to Ami.  He’s enjoying seeing all the places they’re coming from and your words are actually bringing emotional, physical, and spiritual healing to him.  His address is: (Please no packages or envelopes)

Ami Ortiz
P.O. Box 1903
Ariel   40700
Israel

 

With mixed emotions Brayden, Zac, and I will be leaving Israel tomorrow morning .  Sad to leave our struggling family …..the Ortiz’s and our Ariel fellowship, but longing to be with Sherri and children again and all the rest of our family and friends in Tennessee and the US.  Through all of this I sense a spiritual maturity within the congregation here in Ariel.  Please continue to pray for the Ariel fellowship and all of Israel.

Thank you for standing in the gap for Ami.  I will continue to communicate with David and Leah and will update you regularly about Ami’s progression.

B’Shem Yeshua, Tommy W.
There is A Balm In Gilead from beanscot

April 4, 2008

On the Frontline: Christians for Ami

Filed under: Heart, Jesus, Life, Devotional, Family, Prayer, Hope, Purpose — kairoskingdomwomen @ 6:06 pm

Last year during the “internal dialogue for forty day journey” writing (which will be posted on this site soon) I received a Word -Tsaba (Hebrew Word) meaning foot soldiers, an organized host or army.  That indeed is what we are, foot soldiers for God. This is a calling for prayer, for intercession, not only for Ami, but for the Believers everywhere who are being persecuted. Here is the latest communication (Thank You Donna).  I received this from Donna Dioro -  http://www.israelprayer.com 

 

Shalom Alma, Kairoswoman!  I just wanted to thank you for publishing the information about Ami Ortiz who was terror bombed in Israel.  He is still in a lot of pain with 3rd degree burns over his body, along with the various embedded shrapnel shards, bolts and other things the pipe bomb was loaded with.

His parents, David and Leah, are exhausted from their 24/7 vigil over their youngest son during the past two weeks. They are strong in faith, but you know how it is when our children are in jeopardy like this.  They need prayer support, too, as well as Ami’s five siblings. 

I have one report from the Israeli ministries that last week a two page centerfold feature story appeared in one of the largest Israeli newspapers with the bold headline “I forgive them.”  It was the quote of one of Ami’s brothers. 

When the attack first happened and Ami’s dad, David, was in despair at the hospital, God spoke to him and said, “David, I have a plan.”Thank God that even the worst the devil can find to throw at us, God is able to ultimate turn to the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  What the enemy meant to destroy–the witness of the Ortiz family–has become the most mighty witness of the faith of the Messianic Jews of Israel in that nation. 

Some ministry leaders are telling me that there has been so much coverage in the newspapers, radio and television that has been sparked by this attack, that literally everyone in the whole nation now knows who the Messianic Jews are and what they believe!  That is so awesome.  As one Jewish Pastor in Jerusalem said he believes, “God will honor this family and the blood that was shed, and open many hearts.” To this we say, Amen!

Now, the entire Messianic community of Israel is joining in the request of the Ortiz family in asking that the Church worldwide would write letters and emails to the Israeli government asking that justice be pursued fervently for Ami. 

In the past, persecution of the believers has pretty much been swept under the carpet, and believe it or not, if we in Church remain silent, even this attempted murder might just fade into non-pursued investigation.

The MAC, Messianic Action Committee, has asked for Christians everywhere to write a letter urging the Israeli government to urgently pursue justice for Ami.  This will serve notice that persecution of our brothers and sisters in Israel is not going to be tolerated.  We will not turn a blind eye, nor remain silent in this critical hour.

There is a sample letter the MAC has suggested on my web site, as well as the MAC appeal to Christians to speak up now.  This is not getting much traction in the Christian news or circles in the United States, but people like you who are talking about what happened to Ami will just spread the news in your circle of influence, we can like little David with a slingshot, takedown the giant who is bellowing threats at the believers in Israel.

Thank you for making your blog a vehicle to talk about what happened to Ami.  God bless for speaking up on his behalf.- Donna Diorio

Donnie McClurkin - Great Is Your Mercy (live) From: saifei

April 3, 2008

Speaking a Grateful Language

Filed under: Heart — kairoskingdomwomen @ 8:17 am

During meditation today, I stopped and considered what God must hear all day. Today I want heaven to hear a Grateful Language springing forth, even in the midst of the turmoil of the day ahead of me. 

Isaiah 26:3 reads:  You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. 

I share this lovely song with you:   Jesus You’re Beautiful – Cece Winans From: kimberly1x

April 2, 2008

Update on Ami

Filed under: Jesus, Life, Devotional, Family, Prayer, Hope, Purpose — kairoskingdomwomen @ 10:11 pm

The following was sent as a post from Donna Diorio of www.israelprayer.com

And is also posted at that site:  http://www.israelprayer.com 

It is a request for the world-wide Christian community to step up as a witness for the faithful family in Israel (Ami’s family): Please follow the link. 

Here is a short re-cap and update regarding Ami by Donna Diorio: 

Dear Friends, On Thursday, March 20th, the eve of the feast of Purim here in Israel,  fifteen year-old Ami Ortiz eagerly opened a brightly wrapped Purim basket which had been left anonymously on the family doorstep.  The transparent cellophane wrapping showed a collection of candies within, the traditional contents of such gifts given and received by families throughout Israel at the holiday.  Suddenly, with a deafening blast, the pipe bomb hidden beneath the sweets exploded, throwing Ami backwards into the kitchen and perforating his young body with hundreds of metal shards, nails, and screws which had been imbedded in the bomb for maximum killing power.  Critically injured, Ami’s survival of the  initial explosion was already a miracle, as the main force of the blast (and shrapnel) went up, down and out away from him, wreaking devastation on the ceiling, walls and furniture of the apartment. Alone in the apartment, Ami had stayed home from school while his parents, Messianic Pastor David and Leah Ortiz, traveled to Jerusalem for the day.  A friend who had just left the home after cleaning the apartment rushed back in to find Ami hanging between life and death and heard him murmur, Yeshua, I need your help now. 

Emergency medical personnel arrived quickly and initiated life saving procedures as they rushed him directly to 8 hours of surgery at the closest major hospital.  A team of surgeons took turns caring for massive open wounds on his limbs and torso, serious burns from the blast, a collapsed lung (with several screws and bolts lodged within), and damage to his right eye.  Only after five days of surgeries and intensive care and the medical staff’s repeated exclamations of “it’s a miracle!”  were the doctors able to say that Ami had a good chance of survival.   Just this morning (March 28th), following surgery on Ami’s right eye for the removal of more shrapnel, the Ortiz’ were informed that it looked like Ami  would be able to see out of both eyes.  Praise God!  Nevertheless, Ami  has a very long road ahead of him, including tremendous pain and significant risks due to his wounds and burns and the possibility of infection.  Please pray for Ami and his family (including 5 older siblings),  that the Lord would continue to work miracles of healing, and give them grace and supernatural comfort and strength. 

You can read the rest of this report at their site.  

In summary, Donna requests: “pray that justice, complete and uncompromising justice will be done in this case; that a precedent will be clearly established rejecting totally and unequivocally any violence or incitement against believers in Yeshua simply because of their faith in Him and their obedience to His commands.” There are instructions as how to contact our elected officials and to urge them to contact their Israeli counterparts or the Israeli embassy and how to contact the local Israeli embassy or consulate.  

Let us keep the believers in Israel in prayer.

Keeping the Focus on Blessings

Filed under: Jesus, Life, Devotional, Family, Prayer, Hope, Purpose — kairoskingdomwomen @ 3:34 am

As we start April 2008, I encourage you to keep the focus on our Lord, even in our time to sit back and relax.   

When you find yourself in need of an encouraging word or want to read something uplifting with a Godly focus, and very entertaining, I recommend you visit “Christian Women Online Magazine.” You will find various links to their site on the right hand column.   

I am proud to say that “kairoskingdomwomen” is a member of their blog roll. This online magazine is a treasure, and you can spend hours there!  There are all kinds of treasures to be found-refreshment for the soul through God’s word, bible studies, ministries, everyday experiences, children and parenting, praise, prayer and laughter along the way!  You will find such topics as healthy living, beauty, encouragement, home schooling, and recipes.  Oh, and did I mention monthly contests and monthly drawing for books!  

Here are some other uplifting tips to put a little spring in your April!  The following list kept coming to me though various emails, but the original writer is anonymous. Thanks to all the “emailers”:  Think about them and how they bring a smile to you, one at a time before going on to the next one . . .

  • Laughing so hard your face hurts
  • No lines at the supermarket
  • Getting email
  • Taking a drive on a pretty road
  • Hearing your favorite song on the radio
  • Hot towels fresh out of the dryer
  • A good conversation
  • Friends
  • Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you
  • Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep
  • Homemade cookies
  • Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day
  • Knowing that somebody misses you
  • Knowing people are praying for you

I also encourage yout to take the 30 day-Blessing Way Challenge. You will also find the link on the right side.  

This verse sums up this posting: 

Philippians 4:7-9, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (NIV)

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