This week, let us make a special effort to pray for others. God calls us to love others just as we love ourselves — and this includes our nation’s leaders, our neighbors, and those with whom we may not always agree. We are blessed that God gives us the gift of prayer to accomplish this!
- This week and next, the U.S. will watch as the Republican and Democratic National Conventions take place. Pray that God grants all of our nation’s leaders wisdom and integrity as they figure out how to best serve those in their charge. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9).
- Ask also that God guides all U.S. citizens to form educated opinions and support for the candidates. Like Solomon, give us wisdom and great insight! “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:29).
- May the Lord replace racism with love. Let us ask God to lead us to correct this injustice wherever it occurs. “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them… Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:33-34).
- The threat of a nuclear Iran becomes more of a reality every day. Pray for God to guide the leaders of Israel and the U.S. to the right decisions for protecting our two countries. “For the Lord your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you” (Deuteronomy 23:14).
- Pray for the helpful and healing projects of The Fellowship all around the world. Over the years our Christian donors have helped hundreds of thousands of Jews escape poverty and anti-Semitism, and we ask that God continue to provide in this amazing way. “So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children” (Genesis 50:21).
Donation: https://secure2.convio.net/ifcj/site/Donation2?df_id=7842&7842.donation=form1&s_src=LRB1&s_subsrc=EA11209XXEFXX&JServSessionIdr004=76avxqyhm8.app245a
God blesses Israel and Shalom!
Apparently
the Almighty accepted her deal. Since its establishment in 2002, Ohr
Meir U’Bracha, Liora’s non-profit Terror Victim’s Fund has distributed
thousands of weekly food baskets to suffering families, providing
psychological and legal aid, winter clothes and school supplies, baby
formula and diapers, electrical appliances, and a kitchen package for
brides. There is a Kids’ Corner providing after-school hot meals and aid
with homework, and a big brother/sister mentoring program. There are
day-trips to the zoo, moonwalks and carnivals. And before heading to the
office each morning, Liora walks her twin daughters, conceived shortly
after losing her first set, with identical long braids and blue school
uniforms to their school.
In
Liora's book of life, altruism calls to those who have suffered. It's
the frayed soul that feels the hole in another. "The victims of terror
are not only the ones who die," says Liora. "Children are orphaned,
parents are disabled and cannot provide for their remaining family.” Her
eyes are weary, but the flower on her trademark black hat bobs up at
the world. There's a steel determination in her stance coupled with a
genuine outpouring of love. As she walks past her neighbors or through a
roomful of orphans, a steady flow of blessings comes forth upon
whomever she meets. "You should have happiness, peace, good children...
but most of all a happy heart."
Hebrew differentiates between the word “hesed,” loosely translated as loving kindness, and “rahamim” which is mercy. “Rahamim”
is a compassion awakened by an external source; the beggar attracts my
attention or makes me uncomfortable, so I give. Were he not sprawled
with a cup in my path, that money would remain in my pocket. “Hesed”
on the other hand, is an expansiveness rooted inside. I give because I
need to be a giving person. This is how I feel whole. If the beggar’s
not here today, I’ll go look for him. Liora is driven by “hesed.” Inaction, or egoism, leaves her bewildered.
