Free at Last

When Moses stood in front of Pharaoh and ordered him to “Let my people go,” it was not Moses’ words but the words of God voiced by Moses and Aaron. Pharaoh looked upon Moses with disrespect and used his magicians to imitate the mighty work of the hand of God through Moses. Pharaoh was mocking Moses in his heart, too blind to see that it was the Spirit of God working through Moses, the same One who had created the world.

We Also Felt as though We were Standing before Pharaoh

Recently we shared about a situation we’ve had for years with the Akko Municipality. While continuing to unfairly demand that our congregation pay property taxes, they at the same time expected us to help the children of Akko.

We acted not according to the old law of “an eye for an eye,” but rather according to the New Covenant which reflects Yeshua’s teaching, example and command, to go the extra mile and to turn the other cheek. This way of responding to negative situations is a mighty key in opening doors and changing not just physical but also spiritual situations.

Last week we received a final notice from the CEO of the Akko Municipality telling us that as a House of Prayer, we are now free at last and exempt from paying property taxes, and that they are sorry for any inconvenience that has been caused. He also said that they are happy the right decision was reached on our behalf.

We have been on this journey since we purchased our building twelve years ago in 2007. Now the Lord has released us, and the victory is His.

I personally struggled with situation in my heart. Throughout this journey, this is verse which has been before me: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Yeshua is the Son of God?” (John 5:4-5)

We, the believers in Yeshua, have the victory.

So even though we felt betrayed in this situation, we continued with hope for God’s intervention. We looked for His deliverance in the situation even as the pressure of “Pharaoh’s hand” was upon us. This gives us a picture for the life of a believer in the end times and prepares us for the struggles ahead. (Matthew 24:21)

We are grateful that by God’s grace we were able to stand and do His will in the face of the assault of the enemy. We were able to help the children of Akko – God’s children – while facing the accusations of the municipality which challenged our legitimacy as a House of Prayer.

Hallelujah, He is victorious!

Please Pray for the Leaders of our People

In conclusion, I would like to ask you to pray for the leadership of the people of Israel in the surreal stalemate and impasse of the recent elections. Even while our enemies rise up against us on the northern border in Lebanon and Syria and the southern border of Gaza; our leaders still refuse to sit with one another to form a new government, and seem only capable of pointing the finger in blame.

Where are the shepherds, the leaders of the flock? May God raise them up!

Enemies stand ready to attack our people – gathered from many nations into the land that was restored from the sword. (Ezekiel 38:8)

Pray also for us as believers living here in the land in the midst of this chaotic political/military situation, knowing the next war may be coming soon.