Jerusalem, Israel
APRIL 17, 2023 PRAYER UPDATE
Israel and the Nations
PREPARATION AND BATTLE STRATEGIES:
Recently, there have been reports by Israel's Defense Minister; military and
intelligence analysts; and strategic thinkers, who are warning that we
must seek peace, but prepare for war. Some are describing a possible conflict coming
to Israel on multiple fronts; while others recognize changes in the Middle East, but do not think it will result in a war unless Iran crosses the threshold towards obtaining a nuclear weapon.
During the recent Convergence Season (Ramadan, Passover, and Resurrection Day), Israel’s enemies tested the Jewish State by launching rockets -- not only from Gaza, but from Lebanon and Syria, as well. Reports indicate that Iran and its proxies are plotting against Israel.
At the same time, Iran is gaining the loyalty of moderate Arab states, contrary to what the Jewish State had expected. Some of Iran's newest allies are part of the Abraham Accords -- countries that have been previously aligned with Israel.
The IDF has advanced capabilities to strike back and destroy Israel’s enemies. It’s not just that wicked plans are being devised. It is the fact that Israel’s enemies are emboldened to think they could cause chaos to Israel’s home front and win.
A breaking news report a few days ago indicated that something serious is about to happen. Israel was warning airlines to not allow their planes to go near the Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza borders.
Israel needs to restore its deterrence capabilities, in order
to humble its enemies and weaken their resolve. Reportedly, Israel is on the highest
state of alert, even deploying more Iron Domes for defense purposes. Israel might engage in a "pre-emptive" strike to head off its enemies.
We need to fervently pray that Israel will be able to stop its enemies from trying to act on their evil plot against the Jewish State. (Psalm 2; Psalm 83).
With the power of God going forth before Israel; as well as re-enforced spiritual protection of the Jewish State from behind, Israel’s enemies will be stopped in their tracks. If they try to retaliate, we pray that they are knocked down, and the conflict is not allowed to escalate, in Yeshua’s (Jesus) name. Amen!
On a spiritual level, one Israeli prophetic intercessor we know recently had a dream that was like a “Star Wars” scenario. Currently, intercessors are seeing signs of a battle in the heavenlies that will try to come, full swing, to the earth, including tsunamis along the coast in Haifa and Tel Aviv. But, God will protect His people.
An international army of millions of intercessors is being raised up. They will be fasting and praying from May 7 through May 27 (21 days), before a Global Day of Prayer comes together for Israel on May 28.
Pray that the word gets out to these intercessors that the Lord is looking for a united army, a multi-front force, applying battle strategies against the warring powers in the heavenlies to stop this coming assault on Israel. This is a big storm; a large whirlwind. It can be diffused through millions interceding. Whenever the Lord allows this heavenly conflict to manifest, we expect to see signs and wonders on the earth – the Commander of the Heavenly Hosts and of the Armies of Israel leading the way! (See Daniel 10:13)
As you take up your positions of intercession, pray
for peace on Israel’s borders, but prepare for war. Take up arms in the Spirit,
corporately, with other intercessors, on Israel’s behalf! Arm yourselves with the
Lord’s battle strategies! Implement these strategies in your times of spiritual
warfare over Israel! "Am Israel Chai" (Israel lives!)
PRAYER STRATEGIES:
We DECLARE Exodus 15:18: “The LORD shall reign forever and ever.”
CRAFTED PRAYER: Lord God Almighty, we praise You in every situation. You are the Head. We are the Body. You endured and overcame. We will endure and overcome. You are exalted in the heavens, and You are exalted on the earth. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. You have the victory over all battles Israel faces!
We DECLARE Psalm 118:19: “Open to me the gates of righteousness. I will go through them. And, I will praise the Lord.”
No matter what unrighteousness is being done, we go through the gates of righteousness. And, we continue to praise the Lord!
CRAFTED PRAYER: Lord, we embrace, by faith, that whatever is going on in Israel and the Middle East, we can stay under Your wings. We PROCLAIM that “He who dwells in the Secret Place of the Most High, shall Abide in the Shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1). We commit to preparing for a spiritual battle over Your Holy Land, interceding fervently, as part of Your army!
In Isaiah Chapter 2, there are three times the Lord gives us the same passage of scripture. It’s to emphasize a point. It’s His direction for our lives. It’s about hiding in the Cleft of the Rock. It is also about what to do when the Lord shakes the earth!
We PROCLAIM:
Isaiah 2:10: “Enter into the rock and hide in the dust from the terror of the Lord, and the glory of His majesty.”
Isaiah 2:19: “They shall go into the holes of the rocks. And, into the caves of the earth, from the terror of the Lord, and the glory of His majesty; when He rises to shake the earth!”
Isaiah 2:21: “Go into the crags of the ragged rocks, from the terror of the Lord, and the glory of His majesty; when He arises to shake the earth mightily.”
Elijah’s experience indicates that the Lord speaks in the still small voice during the great storms that come:
1 Kings 19:11-13: “The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, came the fire. But, the LORD was not in the fire. And, after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
The Lord gives us the answers to the chaos and cataclysmic events coming, according to verses in Psalm Chapter 46: God is our refuge and strength; do not fear; dwell in His Holy Place; God is with us; He is our fortress. BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD!
Exodus 15:3: “The LORD is a man of war. The LORD is His name.
CRAFTED PRAYER: We DECLARE who You are in preparation for this battle: The Lord is the Head of the heavenly hosts; The Lord is the Commander of the Armies of Heaven; and of the Armies of Israel!
God’s PROMISE to us:
Malachi 3:6: “For I am the LORD. I do not change. Therefore, you are not consumed O sons of Jacob.”
He is not going to allow us to be consumed, no matter how strong the enemy seems. God is going to protect us!
GOD HAS A SECRET POWER FORCE: His right hand and
His right arm. When the enemy overplays
his wicked hand, the LORD uses HIS own right hand to strike down and devastate
His opponent! (See Psalm 110:1, and Matthew 22:44).
Exodus 15:6: “Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power. Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces!”
Psalm 44:3-4: “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. You are my King and my God. You command victories for Israel.”
We often ask the Lord to choose sides in a battle. Are you for us, Lord, or against us? Are you for our enemies or against our enemies? Are we going forth with your favor? If not, we do not want to go!
Here is the Lord’s answer in the midst of the fiery trials:
Joshua 5:13-15: “Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as Commander of the Army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The Commander of the LORD’s Army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.”
We have an assurance that in the name of the LORD, we will see His victory over our enemies!
Here is the reality of who we are going to war against:
Ephesians 6:12: “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
Here is the reality of who we are partnering with:
Psalm 144:1-2: “Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. He is my Loving Ally and my Fortress, my Tower of Safety, my Rescuer. He is my Shield, and I take Refuge in Him. He makes the nations submit to me.”
Hostile nations are surrounding Israel right now – Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and in the distance – Iran. What should be Israel’s strategy?
Psalm 118:10: “All nations surrounded me. But, in the name of the LORD, I will destroy them. They surrounded me. Yes, they surrounded me. But, in the name of the LORD, I will destroy them.”
And, what is God’s PROMISE to us regarding the surrounding nations:
Psalm 18:47: “He gives me victory over my enemies; He subdues the nations under me.”
We acknowledge how we are to take on the enemy, and in doing so, what the Lord will be doing for us, by faith:
He is our Prayer Shield and He equips us for battle:
Psalm 3:3: “But You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high!”
Psalm 18:39: “For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.”
2 Samuel 22:35: “He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
We are assured of a victory, because of who HE IS!
Psalm 60:12: ”Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.”
Ultimately, whatever we do in preparing for the battle, and entering the battle, it is only “through God” that we can be courageous, fearless, brave, and bold!
One final word from the LORD: Our marching orders:
Joshua 1:9: “ Have I not commanded you? Be
strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD
your God will be with you wherever you go!”