SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 183

 

Jerusalem, Israel

AUGUST 28, 2022 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

 

HIGH ALERT: THREAT OF CLASHES WITH HEZBOLLAH IN LEBANON; FEAR OF IRAN; EXPANDING MILITARY OPERATIONS IN SYRIA:

Hezbollah’s leader Sheik Nasrallah continues to warn Israel that it will attack Israel’s Karish gas rig in territorial waters between Israel and Lebanon, despite the fact that the two countries are close to an agreement about sharing the gas profits on their shared border.

Fear has intensified and come upon the Household of Israel as it seems the United States, along with Europe, wants to finalize a new Iran deal. This new agreement would give Iran the ability to eventually build nuclear weapons, and Israeli leaders are united in their opposition against the deal. At the same time, there seems to be no answer to keeping Iran from enriching uranium, and from increasing the number of centrifuges towards achieving their goal of obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Israel has been bombarding Iranian missile sites and missile factories in Syria, killing Syrians and Iranians. It seems that Russia is distracted by the war with Ukraine, but for how long? How can Israel continue these attacks without major retaliation from its northern enemies in the future?

 

PRAYER POINTS:

*If it is necessary for Israel to take military action -- on its northern borders, and eventually to stop Iran before it’s too late -- then pray that Israel’s Defense Forces will be equipped to face these challenges ahead:

Jeremiah 51:20-21: “You are My war club; My weapon for battle; my battle-ax and sword. With you, I shatter nations; with you I destroy kingdoms. With you, I shatter horse and rider. With you, I shatter chariot and driver. With you, I shatter armies.”

*Pray that God will hold Israel’s enemies at bay:

Psalm 33:10-11: “The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. The counsel of the LORD stands forever; the plans of His heart from generation to generation.”

*Declare that any plan on the part of Iran and its unholy alliances with other nations, will fall into confusion and fail. And, while Israel prepares to ‘defend itself by itself,” that the warriors of the Jewish People will recognize the Commander of the Army of the Lord:

Proverbs 21:30: “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.”

*Proclaim that He is preparing Israeli soldiers by training their hands for war, and their fingers for battle (Psalm 144:1):

Psalm 144:2: “He is my loving God and my fortress; my stronghold and my deliverer; my shield in whom I take refuge; who subdues peoples (nations) under me.”

*Declare to Israel – to all its generals and defense leaders:

Isaiah 41:10-11: “So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. All your enemies lie there, confused, and humiliated. Anyone who opposes you will die and come to nothing.”

Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper. And, every tongue which rises against you in judgement, you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me, says the Lord.”

 

ISRAEL’S POLITICAL ELECTIONS:

On November 1, 2022, Israelis will vote for a new government. While many intercessors like to pray political prayers for the candidate of their choice, we highly recommend that you don’t. Not everyone agrees who should be elected, and we prefer to stay in the “unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace” when praying through this important season.  We strongly advise that you pray regarding issues that are important to the Lord. For example:

(1) A government in place that will walk in integrity, wisdom, understanding, and carry out righteous principles in serving the Lord.

(2) A government of leaders who are servants, and care about the needs of the people, and are not distracted by bribery, corruption, or backdoor deals to appease their coalition partners.

(3) A government that preserves the covenant land of God, and does not intend to divide His land or His Holy City, Jerusalem.

(4) A government that is favorable towards all those who are walking in the faith of Yeshua (Jesus) and will not engage in persecution against the believers in the Body of Messiah.

(5) A government of moral standards that does not encourage the degradation of society through: (a) gender confusion; (b) the murdering of life in the womb; (c) adultery; and (d) every evil behavior that is against the word of God.

Pray for a government that stands on high moral principles and sets an example for the people.

 

PRAYER POINTS:

*Declare Proverbs 19:21 over all political parties and all leaders who would like to become Prime Minister of the State of Israel: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails!”

*Remembering Who is in charge of Israel’s government:

Isaiah 33:22: “For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; It is He who will save us.”

*Pray that the younger politicians will observe good behavior in the older politicians, who will show a Godly example to them; that all men and women in power will walk, humbly, before the LORD.

1 Peter 5:5: “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because, ‘God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.’ ”

Proverbs 3:34: “He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.”

*Pray that Jerusalem, the seat of power and authority in Israel, will be a city that has a stable government and righteous Godly leaders who are put in positions that are suitable to their giftings.

*Pray that the LORD removes all those who are unfaithful to Him, and who will not seek His face.

*Pray that He cleanses the halls of the Knesset and removes all those who want to forsake Him and remain in their transgressions. May the Lord test the hearts of the future leaders of Israel.

Isaiah 1:26-27: “Then, I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning; After that, you will be called the city of righteousness; a faithful city. Zion will be redeemed with justice, and her repentant ones with righteousness.” 

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A WATCHMAN ON THE WALLS TO STAND IN THE GAP BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE:

Ezekiel 22:30: “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land, so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”

Isaiah 62:6-7: “I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, do not keep silent; give yourselves no rest, and give Him no rest till He establishes, and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”

 

 

 

 

 

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 182

 

Jerusalem, Israel

AUGUST 8, 2022 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

 

VICTORY FOR ISRAEL

 

After 66 hours, a ceasefire went into place between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which ended the rocket fire from Gaza towards Israel, at around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday night, August 7, 2022.

 

Israel killed the senior terror commanders of the PIJ, including those in the northern and southern commands of Gaza. Though almost 1,000 rockets were fired at Israel, there was minimal damage and few injuries. In a record-breaking measure, Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile defense system intercepted 96% of the rockets that would have fallen on Israeli populated areas.

 

At least 200 of the rockets launched by PIJ fell back into Gaza. There were 16 uninvolved Gazans who were killed by those rockets, including some children. The Palestinians tried to blame at least one of those rocket failures on Israel. But, Israel was quick to show proof in video recordings that it was the PIJ, not Israel, that hit Gaza. Israel was not in the area at that time.

 

When the IDF was in the area, it targeted PIJ weapons caches; observation posts; rocket launching sites; and crippled the terror organization’s chain of command. Israel struck 10 rocket squads, but did not stop the rockets from being launched at Israeli towns and cities. The PIJ still has thousands of rockets in their arsenal, including a few long-range rockets.

 

The Israeli government, including Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, considered Operation Breaking Dawn to be a success, even though they did not accomplish all their goals. Analysts predict that Israel will have to deal with the PIJ in Gaza and in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), again, until the group is damaged enough that they will not continue to try and carry out terror attacks against Israel.

 

DIRE STRAITS -- 9^TH OF AV (TISHA B’AV):

 

Since the days of ancient Israel, the time of Dire Straits (from the 17^th of Tammuz to the 9^th of Av on the Hebrew Calendar) was known as 3 weeks of disaster, chaos, and calamity for Israel and the Jewish People. It culminated in the worst disaster of all on the 9^th of Av (Tisha B’Av) – the day when the 1^st and 2^nd Temples were destroyed!

 

So, as we have prayed and interceded during Israel’s pre-emptive strike against the PIJ terrorists, we had these events in mind. We prayed, especially on Tisha B’Av – that it would not end in a calamity for Israel, as happened so many times in the past.

 

God did something supernatural before and during these 66 hours of fighting. The IDF was ready and prepared to face the enemy with amazing strength and determination; with accurate intelligence; as well as, on-point strategic assessments which involved unity among the top military brass, Home Front Command, and Israeli government leaders. Israel showed tactical superiority during the entire battle; incredible precision; and perfect timing with every target.

 

The IDF was even ready for public condemnation by the media and diplomatic community. For example, Israeli officers had video recordings to prove the lies of their enemies (concerning the fake news regarding the targeting of the Jabalia refugee camp). Israel displayed the truth, in a quick turn-around release of the videos, which no one could deny!

 

Even the political “opposition” (Likud leader, Benjamin Netanyahu), was willing to be briefed on Operation Breaking Dawn, by Prime Minister Yair Lapid, showing a united front in standing with the current interim government. (Psalm 133).

 

Israel has acknowledged the role that Egypt played in negotiating a ceasefire. Israel claims that Israeli-Egyptian ties are now very close. Israel also commended Qatar for bringing millions of dollars into Gaza (a move that, at one time, was controversial in Israel). The Israeli government now sees Qatar’s contribution as helping the economy of Gaza. So, the cessation of hostilities with the PIJ contributed to improving relationships with these two Arab governments in the region.

 

From beginning to end; from the pre-emptive strike until the ceasefire, Israel’s military forces stayed “ahead of the game” … with an unusual advantage over its enemies!

 

Despite rocket attacks in the Jerusalem periphery on the morning of Tish B’av, during that Sunday, thousands of Jews ascended the Temple Mount in an orderly fashion. They were there to pray, fast, mourn, and remember the times past on this solemn holiday. Miraculously, there were no incidents reported of any violence in the city.  

 

It appears to have been an extra-ordinary move of God, that showed His mighty hand in what, otherwise, would have only been future memories of the continued hostilities and curses happening during this time period.

 

It represents, to us, an intervention by the Lord, to show Israel, once again, His power and strength, in protecting the Jewish State and the Jewish People from their adversaries!

 

SCRIPTURES TO PRAY THROUGH:

 

Psalm 44:3: “It was not by their sword that they won the land; nor did their arm bring them victory. It was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them.”

 

Deuteronomy 8:17-18: “He did all this so you would never say to yourself: ‘I have achieved this wealth (victory) with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant He confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.”

 

Psalm 20:6: “Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to His anointed. He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand.”

 

THANK THE LORD FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE TO ANSWER PRAYER FOR THE NATION OF ISRAEL:

Psalm 17:7: “Show me Your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By Your mighty power, You rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.”

 

1 Samuel 12:22: “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.”

 

Psalm 20:5-8: “May we shout for joy at your victory, and raise a banner in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your petitions. Now, I know that the LORD saves his anointed. He answers him from His holy heaven, with the saving power of His right hand. Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”

 

Psalm 121:7: “The LORD will guard you from all evil. He will preserve your soul. The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.”

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 181

 

Jerusalem, Israel

AUGUST 5, 2022 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

OPERATION “BREAKING DAWN”

Today, August 5, 2022, Israel launched a pre-emptive strike against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist group, a proxy of Iran, located in the Gaza Strip. The IDF killed the senior commander of the PIJ; at least 15 other terrorists; and several civilians in the area.

 

Israeli intelligence officials had concrete evidence that the PIJ was going to strike at vehicles on Israel’s southern roads with anti-tank missiles, and had plans to strike at Israel’s southern communities, as well.

 

Earlier in the week, Israel captured a senior leader of the PIJ in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). Fearing retaliation from Gaza, Israel told southern residents to stay indoors, and cancel plans for large gatherings.

 

The PIJ is, currently, retaliating with a barrage of rockets launched at Israel’s border communities, as well as towns and cities in central Israel.

 

Israeli officials have made it clear that they do not want this military operation, “Breaking Dawn” to escalate. Israel is waiting to see if Hamas gets involved in helping the PIJ.

 

At least 25,000 reservists are waiting orders from Israel’s Defense Minister, Benny Gantz. He has already been calling up those in the Southern Command, Air Defense units, Homefront Command, and other troops and officers.

 

According to a military spokesman, “We had very accurate intelligence – anti-tank missiles on the ground, waiting for a target to kill Israelis… During the past four days, the IDF has been preparing for this operation, bringing in the Iron Dome, batteries, tanks, artillery, and drones in order to be ready. We are in a very high state of readiness for any operation which would be needed. More forces are going from the north to the south.” 

 

During the next 24 hours, Israel will be even more prepared. Already, the IDF has brought down a PIJ ammunitions factory in Gaza.

 

Israel’s opposition parties stand behind these military operations of the current interim government, led by Prime Minister Yair Lapid.

 

PRAYER POINTS:

*The next few days are critical as to whether this military operation will be expanded, and whether it will lead to a full-scale conflict. If Hamas gets involved in helping the PIJ, Israel will not tolerate it, and the IDF could call in ground forces. This would result in a major escalation.

 

Declare over IDF soldiers, Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’ “

 

Say to Zion that her God is the Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel!

 

Psalm 44:4-8: “You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through You we push back our enemies; through Your name we trample our foes. I put no trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. My sword does not bring me victory. You are the One who gives us victory over our enemies. You have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. O God, we give glory to You all day long, and constantly praise Your name. Selah.”

 

*Israel is in the middle of an election cycle, with politicians trying to show their power and strength to the Israeli public. This military operation, if it goes well, puts current interim government leaders at a major advantage in the upcoming elections. Regardless, they need the Lord as much as other politicians do (all those who think they are the best men who can display Israel’s strength and security to Israel’s population). It’s about the LORD, not them!

 

Malachi 3:3: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then, the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.”

 

Jeremiah 31:7: “Now, this is what the LORD says: ‘Sing with joy for Israel. Shout for the greatest of nations!  Shout out with praise and joy: Save Your people, O LORD, the remnant of Israel.’ ”

 

*This military operation tests the new Memorandum of Understanding – the Air Defense pact – between Israel and the U.S.  So far, statements from the Biden Administration claim that ‘Israel has a right to defend itself, by itself.’

 

LORD, cause the nations to fall in line with Your purposes concerning Israel!

 

Declare over the U.S. Administration, Psalm 4:4-5: “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD.”

 

*The IDF is cleansing Gaza and the West Bank of its enemies. This military operation foils Iran’s plans to use its proxies to hurt Israel and cause turmoil in the land. God is in control!

 

Psalm 33:10-11: “The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. He thwarts all their schemes.  But, the plans of the LORD stand firm forever; the purposes of His heart through all generations.

 

 *The media, and peace envoys were caught off-guard by Israel’s pre-emptive strike. It happened when the PIJ was using Egypt and the United Nations to try and mediate with Israel. But, Israel refused to meet the demands of the PIJ which would have threatened Israel’s security control over the West Bank. 

The diplomats and the media have already started to accuse Israel of launching an attack on the people of Gaza, rather than accept the mediation efforts by Egypt and the United Nations.

 

In the initial strike by Israel, a child was killed in Gaza. This has already stirred things up. Condemnations are coming against Israel in the public arena. Be aware that antisemitism usually rises when Israel gets embroiled in a conflict with her enemies.

 

Declare over the media and the diplomats, Psalm 50:14: “Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. And, pay your vows to the Most High.”

 

Psalm 2:12: “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are those that put their trust in Him.

 

Psalm 99:1: “The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble. He is enthroned above the cherubim. Let the earth quake.”

 

Proclaim to Israel and the Jewish People, that the LORD God Almighty will defend them in times of trouble, when antisemitism rises again:

 

Psalm 55:9: “Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city.”

 

Declare to Israel, that her God reigns!

 

Psalm 31:2: “Turn Your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe.”