SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 73

Jerusalem, Israel

NOVEMBER 2013 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

 

* Reportedly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks on the phone every other day with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Two of the most pressing issues on the agenda are Iran and Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Behind the scenes is U.S. President Barack Obama. 

PRAY, according to 1 Timothy 2:1-4: "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings, and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." 

*The latest report is that Iran could achieve nuclear "breakout" within a month's time. After achieving that goal, it would take Iranian scientists only weeks to build a bomb. Therefore, there is the risk that it wouldn't be detected by intelligence agents in time. The Iranian program is so advanced, there is no time for negotiations. But, the U.S. is insisting on diplomacy with Iran, and this is causing another rift between the U.S. and Israel. 

Additionally, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is a master deceiver. He is using a high level of deception in his meetings with American and European leaders. 

In 2 Timothy 3:13, we read "that evil men and imposers will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."

PRAY for greater discernment during these international meetings regarding Iran's request to become a nuclear superpower. 

*The Shiite Crescent extends from Lebanon, to Iraq, to Syria, to Iran, and also includes Gaza (because of Hamas). Turkey is now trying to make friends with Iran. Russia is getting politically closer to Iran, and continues to sell advanced weapons systems to the Iranian mullahs, as well as to Syrian President Bashar Assad. 

Meanwhile, Iran's proxies (Hezbollah and Hamas) have 200,000 rockets which can be used against Israel. Every place in the Jewish State is vulnerable to rocket attacks. 

In Lebanon, 1 out of every 10 homes has a rocket launcher weapons storage facility. Homes in Lebanon are planned so the roof opens and closes when the rocket launchers are to be used. This launchers are in civilian areas, so that if Israel needed to respond to a missile attack against the Jewish State, it could mean that the IDF would be striking civilians in order to stop the rocket launchers. 

In a future war, 30% of Israelis would be vulnerable to missiles being launched against the Jewish homeland by Hezbollah terrorists. Israel's population is expected to have to go to bomb shelters for up to 3 weeks or more if there is a war. There are, currently, 650,000 unprotected homes in Israel that need safe rooms during war times. 

Iran could flight test an inter-continental ballistic missile capable of reaching both sides of the Atlantic by 2015. Iran already has he ability of reaching European nations with long-range missiles. Iran, with the help of North Korean technology, has been trying to fit warheads on its long-range missiles, which its leaders hope will one day be nuclear warheads. In the midst of Iran's political maneuvering in negotiations with the West, the U.S. Senate is trying to pass stiffer sanctions in Congress against Iran while the White House is trying to get the current sanctions lifted. 

PRAY that the Obama Administration will act with great wisdom from the Lord in any dealings with Iran. Thank the Lord for the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government... for the men and women in Congress who see the need to keep up the sanctions. 

Pray that they will act forcefully as one united front in the face of the enemy, in order to stop all evil doing on the part of Iran. Pray that the Senate's plans will succeed, according to God's Kingdom purposes, and that all efforts by the devil to try and 

fulfill his wicked plots will fail, in Yeshua's name. No weapon formed against Israel can prosper! (See Psalms Chapter 37). 

 

*The IDF is showing off its military strength. The IAF (Israel's Air Force) has been in the news lately, with Israel's President, the Chief of Staff, and the Air Force Chief praising the jet fighter pilots. But, if Israel could attack Iran without fear of major retaliation, it would have done so already. Israel needs U.S. military help which is conditional on Israel's willingness to concede "land for peace" in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. 

PRAYER POINTS:

*Pray that the Prince of Persia, mentioned in Daniel 10:13 and 10:20, would be brought low by the Lord God Almighty. Iran has called for Israel's annihilation. Entreat the Lord to pursue His enemies. Take up your weapons of warfare. The battle is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers of the air, against spiritual rulers in wicked places. (See Ephesians 6).

*Proverbs 21:22: "He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness, and honor. A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust." Rise up and declare righteousness and partner with the Lord in bringing down this stronghold! 

*Joel 2:11: The LORD utters His voice before His army; Surely, His camp is very great. For strong is he who carries out His Word..." Be one that carries out the Word of the Lord and declares His will among the nations! 

*Pray Psalm 91 over Israel. Intercede that Israelis will find shelter under the shadow of the Almighty; that He will be their refuge and fortress, the God in whom they trust. Thank Him that He covers Israel with His feathers, and under His wings they can take refuge. Pray that Israelis will not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow (rocket) that flies by day; nor of any destruction of the land. A thousand of these rockets may fall at their side. and, ten thousand at their right hand. But, it shall not come near the State of Israel. its citizens will only look and see the just reward of the wicked! 

*Pray that, as in the time of Esther, God will raise up Mordechai's of good counsel who the kings of nations will listen to; that the bad advisors, the Haman's, will be exposed. 

*Pray that the Obama Administration, though it has different geo-political interests than Israel, will submit to God's Kingdom plans. This is a test for the U.S. and other nations. It is about God's judgement coming, and how these nations will respond to His Covenant people and Covenant land. 

*Pray that Israel will not bend to U.S. pressure to concede "land for peace". Pray that israeli negotiators will come to understand the Lord's peace.

*John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let your hearts not be troubled, neither let them be afraid." 

*Pray that Israel holds firm on defensible borders in peace negotiations with the Palestinians (i.e. the eastern border with Jordan must be protected by the IDF). Pray that the Lord gives Netanyahu biblical insight about His everlasting covenant with Israel and the Jewish People. Pray Netanyahu understands the need to hold on to God's precious land that He has given the Jewish People stewardship over! 

*Pray that Jerusalem remains the undivided eternal capital of Israel. Pray that the nations will listen to the Lord so He does not have to punish them for trying to divide His land and His holy city. 

*Zechariah 12:3: "It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured.." 

*Jerusalem is the burdensome stone that the nations want to move their own way. And, the nations will suffer the consequences. Why? Because they are touching God's Holy Mountain; His Holy Dwelling Place; the place of His mighty Temple; the place of His return! 

*Ezekiel 43:7: "Son of Man, this is the place of My throne and the place for the soles of My feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever." Pray according to the Lord's plans for the Temple site. Pray that both Jews and Christians can pray there with no restraint and no fear. 

*Pray that God covers the heads of His Jewish People during the time of future battles for the survival and security of the State of Israel, according to Psalm 140:7-8. And, that as Israelis confront the plans of the wicked, the devil will flee from them! 

*Stand with Israel as guards around the city. Decree the following: 

"I am reminded Lord that you have set watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem, who are praying day and night. They are not silent. They are pressing in, mentioning Your name, and giving You no rest, Lord. I am pressing in too, remembering Your promises for Jerusalem. I agree in prayer, Lord, with other intercessors who pray for Israel, and will continue to entreat you, as we all wait until You establish.... until You make Jerusalem a praise in the earth! Raise up more intercessors, I pray, who will take their place on the walls of the city, interceding on behalf of your nation, Israel." (Reference; Isaiah 62:6-7). 

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 72

Jerusalem, Israel

OCTOBER 2013 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

John 4:10; John 7:37-38

Israel cannot count on the international community when it comes to Iran – especially not the U.S. or Western powers. Iran’s recent charm offensive is causing nations to be deceived and re-think the use of military action if Iran does not comply with diplomatic demands to stop its nuclear military program. Israeli leaders are trying to convince the global community that stiffer sanctions must be applied and that leaders should not placate the Iranians in their quest for nuclear power.

Israeli leaders must look to the Lord for wisdom, strength, and might in dealing with the Iranian crisis. Pray for Netanyahu to have the kind of wisdom that Solomon had when he needed great help in such earthly matters. (Read 1 Kings 4:29-30).  Intercede for wisdom to come to all Israel’s government leaders, declaring passages in Proverbs Chapter 8.

• There has been an increase in violence in the Old City as Israeli Jews demand more access to the Temple Mount to pray, especially during special feast days. There are new initiatives within the Israeli government, particularly vocalized by the Bayit Yehudi party (a right-wing conservative party in the Knesset) calling for the laws of Israel to be implemented that allow Jews and Christians to pray on the Temple Mount without restrictions. 

To-date, Muslims are allowed to pray at the Al-Aksa Mosque but Jews are forbidden to pray at any time on the Mount. The Mount is controlled by the WAQF (an Islamic Trust that is overseen by Jordan and the Palestinians). Israel has overall jurisdiction of the Mount, but the police placate the Muslims. Israeli leaders fear that the Muslims will cause an international incident if the government changes the status quo. So, Israel does not exercise its authority over the Temple Mount.

The police simply try to keep the area free of violence attempting to provide an atmosphere of calm. This does not work when Jewish worshippers want to seek God on the original Temple site during certain days of the year and they are locked out. The police have also restricted Muslims, according to age, from ascending the Mount, when there is a heightened alert. This stirs up Muslims who unleash their frustration and anger on the police, soldiers, and Jewish worshippers, especially after Friday prayers in the Old City.

Muslim leaders have used the recent clashes as an opportunity to spread lies that Israel is trying to take over the Al-Aksa Mosque, destroy it, and build a third Temple there. This is causing increased tensions between Palestinian and Jewish worshippers. Rocks have been thrown at Jews trying to tour the Mount, or at those trying to pray at the Western Wall below. 

Tens of thousands of Israeli Arabs recently attended a rally in an Israeli Muslim town that has become increasingly influenced by radical Islam.  At the rally Islamic leader Sheikh Raed Salah stirred up incitement towards violent action against Jews. Salah gave an inflammatory speech at Rosh Hashanah calling for rioting during the feast.

Jewish and Arab Knesset members have been vocal in their hostilities towards one another regarding the Temple Mount issue. The atmosphere in and around the Old City is like a power-keg ready to explode. Our sense is that if the Palestinians want to start a third Intifada, they are already preparing for it. They will look to create an incident on the Temple Mount.   

  

Pray about this volatile issue. Intercede before the Lord for His Presence to be manifested on the Temple Mount day and night. Pray that all those who love Him and worship Him will have access to the Mount and will be able to freely worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! 

Pray that all wicked and evil plots that would try to destroy the works of the Lord on His Holy Mountain would cease immediately in Yeshua’s name!  Pray that all lies would be exposed and all plans to hurt the Jewish People will be rendered null and void.

Pray that the Lord will bring a spirit of confusion into the ranks of those who would try to limit Jewish and Christian prayers on the Mount.

Proclaim Psalm 91 and Ephesians 6, prayers of protection over those who pray at the Western Wall and tour the Temple Mount.

Pray according to Isaiah 54:17 for worshippers near or on the Temple site: “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from Me," declares the LORD.

  

Pray according to 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds!” Pray for the Lord of the Breakthroughs to come!

• One of Israel’s most powerful rabbis, Shas leader Ovadia Yosef, is in serious condition at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital. The rabbi, who is 93 years old, has multiple health problems. An estimated 40,000 people prayed for him at a mass rally at the Western Wall on Sunday, September 29.  The rabbi is known as a powerful political manipulator. The Shas Party uses superstition and amulets to recruit followers.  There is wickedness in high places among the loyal members of Shas.  Pray the Lord will use this illness to purify His people. Intercede that Ovadia Yosef will have a revelation of His Messiah, Yeshua, before the masses. Pray that his followers will come to salvation during these troubled times. Pray that their hope will be in Jesus and not in the rabbi, himself.  Ask the Lord to give Ovadia Yosef dreams and visions that bring him to the knowledge of the Son of God and that he spreads the truth among the Shas leadership before the Lord takes him home!

• Despite wars and rumors of war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took two hours during the Fall Feasts to discuss the Bible with a group of rabbis and scholars.  This was the 4^th meeting of the study circle that the prime minister has hosted.

The passage was from Deuteronomy Chapter 34: “And Moses went up from the plains of Moav to the Mountain of Nebo; And, the Lord showed him all the land of Gilad to Dan, and all Naftali, and the land of Ephraim and Menashe and all the land of Yehuda, as far as the utmost sea… I have caused thee to see it with thy eyes, but thou shall not go over there.” 

The Bible study discussion was about the punishment given to Moses which Netanyahu thought was cruel. Netanyahu said he has always wanted to travel to Mount Nebo, and still hopes to get there someday.

As reported in the Jerusalem Post on 9/18/2013, Netanyahu said:  “Moses could not enter the Promised Land, and we merit that privilege to be here in the land of our forefathers thanks to him and thanks to the struggle of our people. And, we bless every second. It is a great privilege to read this great book and to know that we are fulfilling what God commanded our people. The fact that this is our inheritance and that we are here to stay – in that way we are fulfilling the legacy.”

Thank the Lord for Isaiah 55:11 which states:  “So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Declare Isaiah 2:3 over Netanyahu and his government:  “Many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.’ The law will go forth out of Zion, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 71

Jerusalem, Israel

DIFFERENCES CONTRIBUTING TO REGIONAL UNCERTAINTY: 

The U.S. and Israel

The High Holy season is officially over in Israel but life is not back to normal. Regional events are casting a shadow over the Middle East causing the Israeli government to feel the tension and stress of trying to defend the nation, militarily, from terrorism and war; while also defending it, diplomatically, from regimes that want to destroy the safety and security of Israeli citizens. 

During the past few weeks it has become obvious that the thawing in the personal relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama, which was highlighted in Obama’s visit to Israel in March 2013, has recently frozen over. This is because of differences in opinion regarding key Middle East issues and the way they are being handled.  While, publicly, it appears that the two men are on the same page – privately, they are not.

Netanyahu is currently in the U.S. speaking in Washington, at the U.N., and on major media networks, trying to get Israel’s point-of-view across to Americans as well as the international community.

As disagreements are being discussed behind closed doors, it is clear where the U.S. stands and where Israel stands, based on each country’s geo-political interests. Rifts between Obama and Netanyahu are widening the gap between these two allies. This is unfortunate in a volatile Middle East where U.S.-Israel strategic cooperation needs to be robust and strong.

Contributing to uncertainty in the region is Iran’s quest for nuclear capability, masked by a recent Iranian charm offensive meant to fool Western powers. U.S. President Barack Obama’s historic phone call with new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has seemed to shift American interests away from increased sanctions on Iran. Now it is all about direct diplomacy between Obama and Rouhani supposedly meant to sway Tehran away from its quest for nuclear capability. Yet, the centrifuges are spinning faster and more efficiently than before, and Iran is headed towards enough uranium enrichment for a “breakout” within six months. This is the greatest threat to Israel’s survival and alarms Israel’s government.

Syrian President Bashar Assad’s agreement to allow international inspectors into Syria to destroy his massive piles of WMD’s, considered an impossible feat in a country that is embroiled in a 2.5 year old bloody war, is also contributing to uncertainty in the Middle East.  Yet, when America and Western powers could have intervened, in the beginning of the Syrian civil war, nothing was done. The isolationist attitude of Americans, who are war-weary and have ignored the crisis in Syria, is even more surprising in their decision not to punish Assad for using chemical weapons against his own citizens. More than 1,400 died from sarin gas this summer. Now the death toll in Syria is 110,000; and, millions of Syrians have been displaced who are hungry and living in poverty.

Obama’s appeasement policies, coupled with America’s reluctance to get involved in another conflict that does not directly affect its shores, has contributed to a major shift in the region’s power and influence.  As American diplomacy trumps war in the region, Israel and Arab Gulf States are showing greater concern about the strengthening of the Shiite Crescent -- from Iran, to Iraq, to Syria, and to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The weakening of American resolve to get involved in the region has Russia poised to take over as the leading political power in the Middle East. Russia has effectively blocked UN Security Council resolutions concerning Syria and Iran, while beefing up its own military presence in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin is delighted to take on the new role of “chief security guard”, assuring the world of Assad’s willingness to destroy his chemical stockpiles. Putin has also been very willing to help Iran store its enriched uranium and fuel rods in his country. Russia has hidden its role in assisting Iran’s mullahs in their quest for nuclear military power. In addition, because Russia has continued to supply advanced weapons systems to Iran and Syria, it has aligned itself with the Shiite axis of rogue states, propping up these regional powers.

While war and rumors of war continue to embroil the Middle East, Obama has focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, linking it to regional stability. Leaks from the Palestinians indicate that peace negotiations are at a stalemate and that a third Intifada may be on the horizon. This, linkage is also a major concern for Israel as Obama puts pressure on Netanyahu to offer more concessions to the Palestinians.

These are just some of the indicators of how sensitive a time it is for Israel – especially in its relationship with America. What Bible-believers do not often understand is that Israel’s foreign policy decisions are almost always based on what is good for the security and survival of the Jewish State.   As a small island in the midst of a violent aggressive sea of enemies, Israel has to look after its own. The citizens of this nation trust that their prime minister, his security cabinet, and his military advisors are focused on trying to keep Israelis safe and secure.  If Israel has to fight wars on its own, without American or Western assistance, it will do so. Netanyahu’s foreign policy is simple: Stay out of the way until attacked or threatened with annihilation. Then, go to war.   Israel can no longer rely on others to defend the only Jewish State in the Middle East.

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”

Matthew 24:6

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 70

Jerusalem, Israel

SEPTEMBER 2013 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East 

Psalm 25:22; Psalm 81:13-14; Isaiah 62:6-9

PRAYER POINTS:

(1)   Pray that Israel’s peace will be her governor and that righteousness will be her ruler (Isaiah 60:17b). Ask the Lord to bring confusion to the current peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians if Israeli leaders are secretly negotiating away the Land of Israel. Pray that all evil plans to divide the Land, or to divide Jerusalem, will be exposed to the general public and stopped immediately.

(2)   There is a big gap in the interests of Americans and the interests of Israelis in regard to Syria. Some people in the Obama Administration and in Congress, as well as a majority of the American people do not want to confront Syrian President Bashar Assad with Western military action. However, Israelis want to see immediate military action against Assad because he, reportedly, launched a chemical attack that killed 1,400 of his own citizens, and injured thousands. It’s the worst poison gas attack against a civilian population in 25 years.

There is a warning about this in Ecclesiastes 8:11:  “When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.” 

If Assad is not dealt with quickly and swiftly, it is expected he will continue to poison his own population with WMD’s.

Israelis want to see the weakening of Assad and his regime. This is because it will also weaken the alliance between Syria, Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Shiite axis in the region. 

For Israel, the main threat to its existence is Iran and the possibility of Iranian leaders being able to build a nuclear bomb that would be used against the Jewish State.

For Americans, the greatest evil that they have faced is 9/11 attacks by Al-Qaida. They are afraid that if Obama launches military attacks against Assad, and Assad is weakened, then Al-Qaida extremists will be strengthened as they fight side-by-side Sunni opposition forces in Syria. 

Meanwhile, the current military in-action by the United States is causing Middle East nations to mistrust the true intentions of American President Barack Obama. Israelis are worried that Obama will not keep his word. He has drawn a red line in the sand concerning Assad’s use of chemical weapons. And, he has repeated over and over again that the U.S. will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear capability. But, the delay in military action against Syria is proving to Israeli leaders that they cannot trust Obama’s promises to stop Assad or Iran. 

Please pray for greater understanding and clarity of purpose between Israel and the United States in regard to Syria. Pray that every issue is coordinated between both governments with strategic cooperation in mind. Pray that Israeli interests in regard to hostile neighbors in the region will be understood and considered seriously by the American people. Pray that the United States stands by Israel in all its critical foreign policy decisions. 

Intercede for America, as part of the hesitation in sending armed forces to Syria is a lack of U.S. military funds; and, not enough fighting troops that are ready and able to serve in another Middle East conflict.

The point of view in the Middle East is that America’s superpower status has weakened. This means that U.S. leverage against Israel’s enemies has been less effective. This is contributing to regional turmoil.  It is not good for the U.S. and not good for Israel. 

Pray for the Lord to intervene to prevent a tip in the balance of power in the Middle East. Declare that God will bring His peace to this turbulent part of the world.  (John 14:27).

(3)   Israel has called up a small number of reservists; the IDF has employed air defenses throughout the state; and thousands of citizens have updated their gas masks.  The Goliath's in the Middle East, including Iran and Hezbollah, have threatened that if the U.S. strikes Syria, then Israel will be destroyed.  

Declare that God will raise-up David’s in Israel’s fighting forces that will have the courage, wisdom and insight to know how to defend the nation and defeat the enemy. Proclaim 1 Samuel 17:25 over Israel:  “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’ ”

(4)   “Operational Sandstorm” is Israel’s home front preparedness operations for war, including a war that would involve an unconventional attack against the Jewish State. Currently, Israel’s Home Front Command has admitted it is somewhat prepared for a war in 2013; but, not for a war in 2014. This is apparently due to a disagreement in funding between Israel’s Defense Ministry and the Home Front Defense Ministry, and it also involves an overlap in areas of authority.  

Pray that the Lord will intervene and bring unity in Israel between the various war departments. Pray for the funding that is needed to protect Israel’s home front. Pray that all chain of command is clearly understood and that there are no overlaps in authority over critical branches of government.

(5)   Hamas and Israeli Arabs planned a bomb attack against shoppers at Jerusalem’s Mamilla mall during the High Holy Days. It was thwarted by Israel’s security forces. However, it reveals the constant threat of terrorism against Israelis, even from within the state of Israel.  

Please continue to thank God for His supernatural intervention and protection over the citizens of Israel, and over tourists, especially during the Fall Feasts. Pray for a double measure of protection during this critical time period.

(6)   Americans have begun to get international news from a new start-up of Al-Jazeera’s television network that is broadcasting “live” in English to U.S. outlets. However, few Americans realize the extreme bias that Al-Jazeera portrays in its coverage of the Middle East. 

 

Pray that all attempts to influence American opinion through biased broadcast communications will be rendered null and void. Pray that God will intervene and stop Al-Jazeera from obtaining licensing permits to show their subjective programming on local U.S. television stations.  Pray that its current coverage will be extremely limited and not have any negative influence on American public opinion, especially concerning Israeli and U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East.