SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 132

Jerusalem, Israel

DECEMBER 2018 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

A retired Israeli military general recently said that Hamas in Gaza uses every weapon it can to destroy Israel. 

It’s different in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). The Palestinian Authority there has ruled out using explosives to destroy Israel. But, they still approve of car ramming’s, knifings, and shootings.

When Israel is hunting down Hamas terrorist cells in the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority (PA) will cooperate with Israel, sometimes. Other times, the PA will not cooperate when terrorists using car ramming’s, knifings, and shootings to kill Israelis. Why would anyone think that the Palestinian Authority is more moderate than Hamas?

Israel is experiencing one of the deadliest conflicts that it has seen in the West Bank in years. Israeli soldiers are getting killed trying to protect citizens on the roads, at bus stops, at guard posts, and in their villages. The motive for the Palestinian surge in violence may be two-fold… 

First of all, there is the fact that Hamas in Gaza has entered into a cease-fire with Israel. Perhaps, this has led to Hamas using the West Bank to continue its violent attacks on Israelis, as a way of still appearing relevant as a terrorist government that is intent on Israel’s destruction. 

The Palestinian Authority is not stopping these violent attacks either, which is also Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas’ attempt to appear relevant, especially when his popularity is waning on Palestinian streets in the West Bank.

Today, Israel is doing business directly with Arab countries, unheard of years ago. There is less and less of a need on Israel’s part to negotiate directly with the Palestinians, especially when Arab nations seem willing to find a road to peace, separately, with Israel. 

The delay on the part of U.S. President Trump’s administration to roll out its long-awaited Middle East peace plan may be causing the Palestinian population to see no hope for the future. But, Israelis are not sad about the delay in the plan, as it seems that Israel would, once again, be required to give up more land for peace, and make more concessions. In the meantime, Israeli officials continue to meet more frequently with leaders from Arab nations, such as Oman and the UAE.

PRAYER POINTS:

Palestinians both in Gaza and the West Bank need a change of government. If they want true freedom they need to find a way out of the oppressive regimes that rule over them. 

Pray for violence to cease in the name of Yeshua. Intercede for God-given revelation that helps Palestinians begin to have a sense of righteousness and justice in the lands they are stewarding. Pray for a reversal of the brain-washing they have grown-up with that trains them to hate and take up arms against Jews. Ask the Lord to give Palestinians a way of peace towards their Israeli neighbors. Pray for dreams and visions that lead them to a reverent fear of the God of Israel. Ask the Lord to reveal His truths in their hearts. (James 5:16; John 9:31; Hebrews 12:13; Romans 5:19).

The Australian government has announced that “West’ Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. The Russians did this years ago. While some in Israel are ecstatic for any recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over its declared capital, others see this as a limp measure of support. It opens the way for Australia, and Russia, to one day declare “East” Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state. Ask the Lord to reveal the true intentions of the Australian government!

Currently, the Australian government has also declared that it will open a Trade and Defense office in Jerusalem. Australia is taking a tougher stand on Iran, aligning itself closer with Israel’s foreign policy position regarding the Persian state. Australia is also supporting a pro-Israel position at the UN against anti-Semitism.

PRAYER POINTS:

Thank the Lord for Australia’s desire to stand by Israel in a stronger alliance. Intercede that the intentions of the Australian government regarding Jerusalem’s status will be revealed. Pray that Australia will back Israel in its sovereign right to Jerusalem, as the undivided eternal capital of the state of Israel. Declare that Australia will “bless Israel and be blessed”, as the nation’s government officials take a stronger stand with the Jewish State. (Genesis 12:3).

As you declare blessings over Israel, remind Australia, in prayer, that whoever touches Israel, touches the apple of His eye. (Zechariah 2:8; Psalm 17:8). Pray for Australia to become a strong ally of Israel, diplomatically.

Recently, there was a meeting that took place during Hanukkah between Evangelical Christians and Modern Orthodox Jews. While they have met at least 18 times in the past on various issues, this time it was an historic “first of a kind” meeting. A conference took place at the Menachem Begin Center that united both groups around the issue that a Third Temple will be built in Jerusalem. A Member of the Knesset who spoke briefly at the event, Yehuda Glick, stated that preparations for the building of the Third Temple used to be considered “fringe” thinking, but is now considered “mainstream”.  Conference speakers addressed some of the common myths about where the Temple could be built, like in the City of David. Both groups at the conference said there are facts that indicate there are steps that have been uncovered in one of the archaeology digs at the City of David, leading up to the Temple Mount where both the First and Second Temples were built. And, there was a unanimous agreement that the Third Temple will, somehow, be able to also be built on the Mount.

PRAYER POINTS:

Declare Psalm 48:9 over Jerusalem, “Within Your Temple, O God, we mediate on Your unfailing love.”  Pray that the unity which is increasing among Christians and Jews will continue as Messiah is increasingly revealed in and through His people! Declare Jerusalem as “the city of the Lord of Hosts, the city of our God.” Agree that the Lord will establish her forever. Acknowledge His power and His glory that was seen in His sanctuary, and will be seen again. (Psalm 63:2).

 

Remember Psalm 27:4 in your prayers for Jews and Gentiles in the Lord’s land:  “One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I desire: to dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of my life; to gaze on the beauty of the Lord; and seek Him in His Temple.”  Declare that all Israel will see His procession, the march of our God and King into His sanctuary (Psalm 68:24).

Sing to the Lord a new song and proclaim, “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord!” (Psalm 134:2).

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 131

Jerusalem, Israel

PRAYER UPDATE NOVEMBER 2018

Israel and the Nations

STRIKES IN GAZA:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, have been under growing pressure to respond to Hamas provocations for months from the Gaza Strip. Israelis have endured rocket launchings by terrorist groups against Israeli cities; confrontations at the border by thousands of Gazans who want to break down the military fence protecting Israeli communities; explosive balloons and fire kites sent over the border by Gaza terrorists that have burned thousands of acres of Israeli land; and, most recently, a Palestinian breaching the border and setting a greenhouse on fire in an Israeli community. Now, there are reports of Israel retaliating with airstrikes in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, including strikes against a senior Hamas military commander. 

Prayer Points:

For many months, Israelis have been in favor of the Israeli government taking a harder line on Hamas. Despite Egypt’s attempt at a cease fire, the constant attacks on Israel have been harder and harder to take, and calls for dealing a strong blow to Hamas have increased. 

Intercede for the protection of Israel’s Defense Forces (the IDF) as they are given new orders to confront Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza. 

Pray that Gazan civilians are not used as human shields by these terrorists; and, that God protects those Gazans who are not participating in any kind of terrorist acts. 

Pray for this current military operation and others to be successful. 

Declare over Israel:

“…. Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war, and gives my fingers skill for battle.”  (from Psalm 144:1)

“He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (2 Samuel 22:35)

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation; my stronghold.”  (Psalm 18:2)

“With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.” (Psalm 60:12)

THREATS FROM IRAN:

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran has threatened Israel, stating that the Islamic Republic has forces throughout the Middle East that will continue to confront Israel and Americans in the region. An IRGC commander said that “The ‘Zionists’ know that today any war they start will lead to their being erased. We have bases of the Islamic Revolution from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.” He also claimed that Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria had become a “nightmare” to Israel. And, he threatened to confront the U.S., economically, and defeat the sanctions against Iran which were re-imposed on November 5, 2018.

Prayer Points:

Thank the Lord for the strong Israel-U.S. alliance today. Thank Him that He is a shield over Israel and America. According to scripture, as long as a nation continues to bless Israel, it will be blessed. (see Genesis 12:3). Bless the U.S. for its current support of Israel!

Declare the destiny of Israel as a nation; one that will not be erased by demonic forces, but instead, be at peace and prosper. 

“They gave her this blessing as she parted:  ‘Our sister, may you become the mother of many millions! May our descendants be strong and conquer the cities of their enemies.” (Genesis 24:60).

“David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’ ” (Luke 20:42-43).

“I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky, and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies.” (Genesis 22:17)

“But, You have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, too numerous to count.” (Genesis 32:12)

Declare that the Lord will gather His sheep from the four corners of the earth; bring them back to their land; and protect them as he resettles them. This is the reality of what God will do!

“Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over His flock like a shepherd.’ ” (Jeremiah 31:10)

INCREASE IN ANTI-SEMITISM:

Polish leaders are scheduled to join a reportedly anti-Semitic nationalist Independence Day march, including the president and prime minister of Poland. Anti-Semitism is increasing throughout Europe and the United States. It is happening on a community level, but also in the elections of anti-Semitic government leaders. 

In Europe, it’s France that tops the list of enduring the highest number of attacks on Jewish people during the past nine months. Many of these attacks are happening in low-income French suburbs where a majority of Muslims are living. France has the largest Muslim population in Europe… 5.7 million people. And, the biggest Jewish community in Europe with 400,000 people. 

The recent shooting of Jews by a lone gunman during a Shabbat service in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was indicative of the increasingly hostile environment in America for Jewish communities. A friend, and president of a synagogue in the Carolina’s said that there were bomb threats last year. The synagogue increased their security measures, and they are doing so again, as are other Jewish community institutions after the Pittsburgh shooting. 

Prayer Points:

Pray that God would crush the spirit of Haman in the western world that is harassing the Jewish People. Intercede that the Lord will change the hearts of government leaders that are allowing this anti-Semitic spirit to rule and reign in their nations. 

“Then Haman informed King Xerxes:  ‘There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom… If the king approves, let a decree be issued to destroy them…’ ” (from Esther 3:8-9). 

Ask the Lord to raise up Esther’s who will harken to the call of God, and pray and fast for Jewish communities throughout the world. Thank the Lord that He will deliver His Chosen People, regardless!

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And, who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for ‘such a time as this.’ ” (Esther 4:14).

Declare a time for the Jews in the Diaspora of “light and gladness, of joy and honor.” Also a time of “feasting and celebrating” as the Jewish People are delivered from their adversaries in the nations. (from Esther 8:16-17). 

ALIYAH:

Of all the Diaspora Jews around the globe, 75-80% live in North America (the United States and Canada). Many of these Jews visit Israel, but do not stay or immigrate. There are still more Jews living in North America than there are living in Israel.  

In Israel, some Jewish Ethiopians who are believers and new immigrants, are being forced into conversion to Judaism. Those who will not cooperate with the government are told they will not be able to stay in Israel. Also, many Falasha Mora’s (Jews who converted to Christianity under pressure in Ethiopia), are currently not being allowed to leave Ethiopia for the Promised Land. The Israeli government is letting in just a trickle this year. 

All Jews in the Diaspora, whether from the east, west, north or south, need to be able to follow God’s commands and return to Israel to inherit His covenant promises.

Prayer Points:

Declare that the Jews will come back to their homeland, Israel; that they will obey the Lord and return to the land of their forefathers; and, do so during this time of grace, as God intended them to do, in Yeshua’s name!

“Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up’, and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring My sons from afar. And, My daughters from the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 43:5-6).

“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.” (Ezekiel 36:24).

Ask the Lord to put a hedge of protection around His faithful Jewish believers, and plant them in the land, not to be uprooted again. Proclaim their obedience to God and their return to the land according to scripture.

“Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads. They shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.”  (Isaiah 51:11). 

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 130

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Jerusalem, Israel

PRAYER UPDATE JULY 2018

Israel and the Nations

·        Dozens of earthquakes and tremors have been felt in northern Israel the past few days, especially in the area around the Sea of Galilee. The Israeli government has issued a statement that at least 80,000 buildings in Israel could collapse in a serious earthquake. The government is considering a plan that would require a 250 million NIS annual budget, every year, for the next five years to re-inforce homes in earthquake zones. However, it would only cover reinforcements of homes that are located on the Great Rift Valley, which is the highest risk zone for earthquakes. All buildings constructed before 1984 are not earthquake proof in Israel.  An emergency meeting of the Defense Ministry, the National Emergency Authority, the Home Front Command, the police, firefighters, the MDA, and heads of all local authorities will meet on Thursday, July 10, 2018 to discuss the current and future threat of earthquakes in Israel.

PRAYER POINTS:

GOD PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE IN TIMES OF CRISIS!

·        Pray that all systems in Israel will function at the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in regard to earthquake-preparedness. Intercede that the people of Israel will be ready if and when an earthquake comes to their area. Pray that citizens will be educated, nationwide, on what to do in the event of an earthquake. Ask the Lord to hold back any destructive earthquakes from occurring in Israel.

·        Declare Psalm 28:6-9: “Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I will thank Him with my song. The LORD is the strength of His people, a stronghold of salvation for His anointed. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them forever.”

·        Proclaim Isaiah 40:11: “He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.”

·        Pray Psalm 16:9 for the Israeli people:  “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will dwell securely.”

·        Declare Psalm 59:17: “To You, O my strength, I sing praises, for You, O God, are my fortress, my God of loving devotion.”

·        Intercede according to Psalm 144:2a: “He is my loving devotion and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge…”

GAZA:

·        The Israeli government is taking strong measures to stop Hamas and Islamic Jihad from operating against the Jewish State. Israeli officials want to stop Gaza terrorists from using explosive devices put in kites, balloons, and other projectiles that threaten the State of Israel.  A reported 7,000 acres have been destroyed in Israeli communities bordering Gaza because of these explosives igniting crops and burning fields. Israel recently closed the Kerem-Shalom crossing, which is the main crossing that brings humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Emergency aid (medical and food supplies) will continue through the crossing. The closing of the Kerem-Shalom crossing has resulted in Islamic Jihad proclaiming that this is a “declaration of war.” 

The Gaza fishing area off the coast will also be restricted from 9 to 6 nautical miles as the fishing season comes to an end.

PRAYER POINTS:

·        Pray that every measure Israel takes against enemy forces is done in the right timing and for the right purposes. Pray that it causes the enemy to shrink back and not respond with force. Ask the Lord to hold back the enemy from pursuing war against Israel. Pray that all wicked plans from Gaza terrorists will be made null and void by the Lord.

·        Pray that the Lord arises from His resting place, and that He scatters the wicked who want to harm the righteous! Psalm 68:1-3: “For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A Song. God arises. His enemies are scattered, and those who hate Him flee His presence. As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God. But the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God; they will celebrate with joy.”

·        Declare Numbers 10:35:  “Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, “Rise up, O LORD! May Your enemies be scattered; may those who hate You flee before You.”

·        Proclaim Psalm 37:20: “But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away.”

·        Proclaim Psalm 9:3 over the people of Israel: “When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You!”

·        Pray Psalm 27:1 over Israel: “Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?”

ISRAEL’S WORLD RANKING:

·        Israel has been ranked the 8^th most powerful country in the world!  This is the same ranking it got last year by U.S. News and World Report. The other countries (in descending order) are: the U.S., Russia, China, Germany, the UK, France and Japan. After Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were ranked 9 and 10 on the list. The magazine looked at the countries that “consistently dominate the news headlines, pre-occupy police makers, and shape global patterns. Their foreign policies and military budgets are tracked religiously. When they make a pledge, at least some in the international community trust they will keep it.” The magazine also looked for political and economic influence that these countries have on the world, including the strength of international and military alliances. Israel is perceived to be the country that is the “most religious in the world.” Israel is also considered very highly developed in terms of life expectancy, education, per capita income, and human development.

PRAISE AND PRAYER POINTS:

·        Thank the Lord for Israel’s strategic importance worldwide. She is becoming a “light to the nations”, and fulfilling her Kingdom purpose, according to Isaiah Chapter 49:6: “He says, ‘It is not enough for you to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, that you may bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

·        Declare Luke 2:30-32 over Israel concerning the birth of Messiah Jesus: “For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”

·        Proclaim Isaiah 11:10: “On that day the root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.”

·        Intercede according to Isaiah 42:6: “I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations…”

·        Pray according to Acts 13:47: “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles (nations), to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

·        Declare Isaiah 60:1 over Israel:  “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”

·        Look to the Lord to shine forth His glory!  Psalm 80:1: “For the choirmaster. To the tune of ‘The Lilies of the Covenant.’ A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth!”