Jerusalem, Israel
FEBRUARY 2016 PRAYER UPDATE
Israel and the
Nations
·
A initial report regarding a University of Haifa
study indicates that it is probable that pregnant women exposed to pollution
from petrochemicals in certain areas of Haifa resulted in their babies being
born with heads that are 20-30% smaller than average. This shocking report has
caused a huge public outcry. The investigative health report is still not
completed or approved, but there is acknowledgement that the Haifa pollution
problem has been going on for years, subjecting families to high disease rates
in the area.
Pray for the cleaning up of the
environment in Haifa. Pray that families will not panic; and, that whoever has
been exposed to these deadly chemicals will be supernaturally healed by the
Lord. Declare Deuteronomy 7:15 over Israelis living in Haifa: “And
the Lord will protect you from all sickness. He will not let you suffer from
the terrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but He will inflict them on all your
enemies!”
Recently, several Gaza tunnels collapsed killing and injuring Hamas
members. These incidents stirred up Israelis who were already suspicious that
Hamas was re-building tunnels that were destroyed during the last Gaza war.
Israelis in the south are fearful that Hamas is, again, trying to build tunnels
under their communities for an eventual surprise attack. The residents claim
that they hear tunnel construction going on, while Israeli Minister of Defense
Moshe Ya’alon denies such activity is happening.
Reportedly, 240 Shiite villages in Lebanon have been turned into military
and rocket posts for Hezbollah to target Israel in a future conflict.
Also, there is great fear among Israelis that there may be an escalation
in the current Palestinian Uprising. Recently, a Palestinian Authority security
officer opened fire on Israeli soldiers at a check-point. This could lead to
imitations on the Palestinian side by other security officers, which would
result in a serious deterioration in security cooperation between Israel and
the Palestinians.
Pray that Israel continues to
build up deterrence both in the south and in the north, to keep its enemies at
bay! Take authority over the spirit of
fear operating in the lives of Israelis, especially those living in border and
seam-line communities, as well as Jerusalem. Proclaim that they will put their
trust in the Lord God Almighty who is their Commander in Chief. Declare Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not
anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I
will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” And, Romans 8:31: “What, then, shall we say in response to
these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Yes, if the Lord is
with Israel, who can be against her? He is Israel’s shield and reward. Pray
that the enemy will continually be confused and unable to operate against God’s
Chosen People. Intercede that all the wicked plans of the evil one will cease
and desist, in Yeshua’s name! Another good scripture to proclaim over Israel at
this time as citizens worry about Hamas infiltrating their communities is Deuteronomy
31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do
not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with
you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."
·
The IDF, in conjunction with Israel’s Air Force,
is watching every border and engaged in daily efforts to keep war from breaking
out. There is continued instability in
the Middle East (the collapse of nation states and the rise of terrorist
militant sub-states), as well as advanced arms being delivered to Israel’s
enemies in surrounding countries. This has resulted in an Israeli military
assessment that, in the future, defense forces may experience a decrease in the
ability to fight effectively against Israel’s enemies. Iran’s dominance in the
region is also increasing. With the money Iran gets from the lifting of
sanctions regarding the nuclear deal, they can supply more advanced weapons to
terrorist groups on Israel’s borders. Israel has also been lagging behind in
space research, with inadequate investments made in the space industry. This
could cause Israel to be vulnerable to those who are advancing in space, like
Iran.
Thank God for His continued
protection over the Jewish State. When Israel is weak, the Lord shows His
strength. When Israel lacks funds to defend the nation, properly, resources
come from another place. The God of Israel can supply all Israel’s needs
according to His riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19). Proclaim Psalm
60:11-12 over Israel: “O give us help
against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain. Through
our God we shall do valiantly. And, it is He who will tread down our
adversaries.”
·
IMPORTANT
INTERCESSION NEEDED NOW! There is a court case pending against Shas
leader Arye Deri’s appointment as Interior Minister. The Israeli Supreme Court
will hear the case on February 9.
This needs prayer! Deri was indicted on corruption charges the
last time he held the same post at the Ministry of Interior, and eventually
went to prison. In the past, he and his staff have hurt chances for believers
to make Aliyah. Pray that the Supreme
Court obstructs Deri’s ability to enter into this position and does not allow
it to go through, in Yeshua’s name!
·
About 43%, or 200,000 French Jews, are
considering a move to Israel. In 2014, 50,000 French Jews asked for information
about immigration. While French Jews supposedly have state protection over
their communities, French citizens blame the Jews living among them for stirring
up anti-Semitism. French Jews no longer wear Jewish symbols in public, for fear
that they will be attacked on the streets.
We hear much more French on the streets of Jerusalem. The Jews need to
“come home”.
Declare what the Lord plans to do
with His people in the Diaspora! Ezekiel
36:24: “For I will take you out of the
nations; I will gather you from all the countries, and bring you back into your
own land.”
(This is now having greater importance for the Jews of North America)
Ezekiel 34:13: I will bring them out from the nations and
gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I
will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements
in the land.”
Stand with the settlers who are holding
God’s land and being persecuted and murdered for it! Lord have mercy and heal families that are
mourning the deaths of their loved ones due to terrorist attacks, especially
those in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) including the Gush Etzion block;
Hebron, Jerusalem’s Old City, etc. Weep with those who weep during this violent
time in the land! And, pray that the light of Yeshua shines on them and draws
them to Him!
Thank you for sacrificing your time to pray and be on the walls of
Jerusalem. Your prayers make a difference for Israel and the Jewish
People. You are appreciated for standing
strong in intercession for the land!