Jerusalem, Israel
FEBRUARY 2012 PRAYER UPDATE
Israel and the Middle East
The latest report from Israel’s Environmental Protection Ministry paints a grim weather picture in the future. Reports indicate that in the next decade, there will be a decrease of rainfall; a steady increase in temperature highs including heat waves; torrential rains and flooding. Extreme weather patterns, from dry spells to floods, are also expected, along with an increase in forest fires. The Dead Sea is evaporating at an unprecedented level, with government agencies leaning towards building industries in the area rather than finding solutions to preserve the Sea. Israel’s water resources are still way below normal levels; yet, the nation is expected to share those resources with Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinians, according to peace treaties and signed interim agreements.
PRAYER POINT:
· What is happening in Israel in the natural is also happening in Israel in the spiritual realm. Pray Isaiah 44:3-5 over the people and the nation. Pray, according to Joel 2:23-24, that the rains will come as a blessing, in their due season, in a way that causes the land to flourish and be productive. Pray that the fields will be full of wheat for a successful spring harvest. Pray that Israel will be ready for the coming of the Lord, declaring James 5:7-8. Pray that Israel will have divine favor with all those who share her natural water resources, and that no battles will be fought over this issue. (James 5:9).
The pressure on Israel has increased, with anti-Israel sentiment turning in to traditional anti-Semitism in countries like Sweden, Norway, Britain, Ireland, France, Chile, Brazil, etc. The European Union has taken some unprecedented steps against Israel, trying to force Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government into conceding to the whims of the Palestinian leadership. Recently, a United Nations representative wrote a scathing report that Israel has not been fair to the Palestinians in regard to water rights – a report that was full of lies. Every day, the global community accuses Israel of doing harm; of occupying and oppressing; of stealing land.
On a military level, the nations surrounding Israel are in an upheaval; but, at the same time, building up their weapons arsenals for a future war with the Jewish state. Israel’s borders are increasingly threatened by enemies that are intent on destroying the country. Israel is already in a war in Cyberspace, as Arab hackers have, successfully, attacked major Web sites in the nation. A new “IDF Team” of expert young Israeli soldiers are battling evil viruses, trying to keep Israel’s computer technologies safe within governmental and business sectors.
On a military level, the nations surrounding Israel are in an upheaval; but, at the same time, building up their weapons arsenals for a future war with the Jewish state. Israel’s borders are increasingly threatened by enemies that are intent on destroying the country. Israel is already in a war in Cyberspace, as Arab hackers have, successfully, attacked major Web sites in the nation. A new “IDF Team” of expert young Israeli soldiers are battling evil viruses, trying to keep Israel’s computer technologies safe within governmental and business sectors.
PRAYER POINT:
· Micah 4:11-13, the theme of a recent prayer conference in Jerusalem, declares, “Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion!” It is time for you to take authority, on Israel’s behalf, over the blatant lies that are being proclaimed about this nation. Stand, in Messiah’s name, and battle for His namesake, and for His beloved nation and covenant people. Pray that Israel’s enemies will be exposed on all levels (political, diplomatic, and military), and all plans of the adversary will be abolished. Pray that God will continue to raise-up a new generation of warriors in Israel who will fight and defeat those who are against the Lord, against His anointed Messiah, and against His Chosen People! Proclaim Jeremiah 50:25 in regard to the threat to Israel coming from surrounding nations: “The Lord has opened His armory; and has brought out the weapons of His indignation; for this is the work of the Lord God of hosts…”
We have been much concerned, in this country, about the effects of the Arab Spring which has turned into an Islamic Winter for Israel. The surrounding nations, especially of Egypt and Syria, are in turmoil. The Moslem Brotherhood, and fundamentalist groups like the radical Salafists, are taking over the Egyptian parliament. No one knows what will happen when the regime of Bashar Assad of Syria is overthrown. Jordan’s King Abdullah is being pressured to give greater freedom to radical Islamic groups to operate on his territory. Evil men, such as Khaled Mashaal, the former head of Hamas, are trying to make unholy alliances. Mashaal recently met with the Jordanian leadership to gain a foothold in that nation.
Within Israel, there are anti-Semitic Moslem clerics, such as Jerusalem’s Mufti Mohammed Hussein, who are declaring well-known texts in the Koran (the Hadith), calling for the killing of Jews to speed up the redemption. Observe this, knowing that God will judge the nations, as well as Israel’s adversaries, because of their evil intent.
· Declare Isaiah 37:28-29 over all nations and terrorist groups that are devising evil plans against Israel. Pray that all the works of the enemy to use Syria against Israel will be stopped, immediately, according to Isaiah 37:33-35. See what will happen to Egypt when radical Islamic groups take over that nation in the near future (Isaiah 19:1-4). Pray that the Egyptian people will have dreams and visions of the Lord, and come to faith in record numbers, even thru the time of great judgment coming, according to Isaiah 19:16-22. Declare, over this region, the wonderful restoration that will occur in Syria and Egypt. In Isaiah 19:23-25 that blessing is described, and gives hope and encouragement for future peace and tranquility in this area of the world.
In recent weeks, the threat of Iran closing down the Straits of Hormuz, in the Gulf region, has stirred the U.S. Obama Administration to engage in saber-rattling with the Persian State. At least 40% of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies pass through the Straits each year, which are surrounded by Arab Gulf nations. American President Barack Obama communicated through diplomatic channels to the Iranian leadership that the U.S. would be sending one of its aircraft carriers back into the area. He declared that under no circumstances would America tolerate Iran closing the Straits. Iran allowed the warship into the Straits, without incident, knowing that, if it didn’t, the U.S. would go to war over the issue.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military Chief of Staff, Benny Gantz, has called on Western nations to board and detain vessels suspected of shipping weapons to terrorist groups that are a direct threat to Israel. Israel wants to extend the mandate of NATO forces to share intelligence information with Mediterranean countries, like Israel, regarding sea-based threats. In the past, Israel has stationed its naval officers in Naples, to communicate with NATO and other nations who have military forces actively involved in the region. Israel’s navy needs increased funds to expand its fleet so it can be more effective at cracking down on terror at sea.
PRAYER POINT:
· The assessment is that arms smuggling has increased in the Mediterranean. Terrorist groups are, successfully, expanding their arsenals under the noses of Western and European leaders. Pray that the Lord will give wisdom to all Western nations and naval forces, to be able to detect and take action against illegal ploys at sea. Pray that they will be able to discern which shipments have containers that are carrying weapons that could be used against Israel. Pray that the international community will take a stand against Iran’s threats in the Straits of Hormuz, and act with strength and authority against the Prince of Persia. This is a spiritual war and you should entreat the Lord to finish it. May He raise-up His heavenly armies to do battle against these spiritually destructive forces! (See Daniel 10:13 and Daniel 10:20).
When Israel is not fighting an external war, the nation faces internal wars. On a domestic level, the general population has come to realize that women in Israel are not treated with the same respect as men. Earlier this year, there was an uproar when women were forced to sit in the back of the bus. This is an attempt by Orthodox men to segregate certain bus lines in the country, especially in Jerusalem. Women are also required to dress modestly in Orthodox neighborhoods, and Orthodox men are known to spit on those that they deem are wearing immodest clothes. This caused major protests in the neighborhood of Beit Shemesh in recent months. In Orthodox neighborhoods, women are also required to cross the street and walk on the opposite side to avoid men.
There have been numerous complaints of sexual harassment against women in Israel, the latest accusations targeting Netanyahu’s Chief of Staff. Domestic abuse against women runs high in Israel. Women in every field of business and government are hitting a glass wall in terms of equal pay, honor and respect.
Therefore, we were encouraged when it was reported that an historic prayer meeting took place at the Knesset, recently, that included a mixed service of both men and women without a partition separating the two. The group met in the Knesset synagogue. While the prayer service took on a political nature, we are thankful for this new opportunity that is bringing men and women together in the halls of power, to acknowledge God and His sovereignty over the nation of Israel!
· Pray 1 Peter 3:8-9 over this society -- that Israeli men and women would walk in greater unity, honoring one another in the Lord. 1 Peter 5:5-6 speaks of all believers being submissive to one another; clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Pray that Israeli citizens will come to know the God of their forefathers, submitting themselves under His mighty hand. And, that He may exalt them in due time. Pray this, especially, for the daughters and mothers of Zion!
A recent poll indicates that the Palestinians in Israel and the territories could surpass the number of Jews in these areas by 2020. Scripture indicates otherwise!
PRAYER POINT:
· Declare the Aliyah scriptures over Israel, from the north to the south to the east to the west. Proclaim that all of Israel, including Judea and Samaria, will have a majority population of Jewish people residing there, as promised by God in the Bible. (See Zechariah 8:7-8; Jeremiah 30:3; Jeremiah 31:10; Psalm 107:2-3; Isaiah 11:12; Isaiah 43:5-6; Isaiah 49:12; Hosea 11:10).
As we pray, let’s remember this scripture for encouragement, and to have the right perspective before God, from Habakkuk 2:20: “But, the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” He is all powerful! And, the timing of global events, especially regarding His beloved nation, is in His hands.
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us; but, to Your name give glory; because of Your mercy; because of your truth.” (Psalm 115:1).