JUNE-JULY
2015 PRAYER UPDATE
Israel and the
Nations
PAVING THE WAY TO A NUCLEAR IRAN
The
agreement reached Tuesday, July 14, 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 nations,
reportedly, slows Iran down but does not prevent it from reaching nuclear
capability. The deal is weak, dangerous, undermines American security, and
poses a credible threat to Israel.
Iran’s
uranium enrichment capability was acquired by deception, evasion and
concealment, and Iranian officials seem bent on continuing this pattern. It
allows Iran to become a nuclear threshold state, unless the U.S. Congress acts
and prevents this bad deal from moving forward.
This
agreement does not require the dismantling of Iran's nuclear enrichment
infrastructure. While it allows IAEA inspectors on some sites of Iran’s
military facilities, there are great restrictions, and these inspectors have
only limited ways of enforcing compliance, or of increasing pressure on Iran
when it acts illegally.
Operations
at Iran’s fortified bunker at a secret military base under a mountain will
continue with the enrichment of uranium, enabling nuclear scientists to
increase Iran’s ability to create more advanced centrifuges towards nuclear
“breakout”.
The
agreement also gives Iran billions of dollars in cash and sanctions relief to
fuel its terror proxies abroad, especially those in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and
Lebanon. Iran has a terrorist presence on five continents including about 30
countries.
The
U.S. Congress now has 60 days to review and consider acting against this
agreement. According to Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, “Congress must do
our due diligence to examine this deal before the (U.S.) President can take it
to the UN for a binding vote.”
She
took note that, under the agreement, the White House has agreed to the lifting
of UN Security Council sanctions against Iran having to do with its ballistic
missile technology, and with the UN arms embargo. This means that Iran will
have access to the most advanced conventional weapons in the world, which it
can then sell to terrorists.
Reportedly,
Iran is building space-lift capable rockets that would eventually give it
intercontinental ballistic military capability.
Nothing
in the agreement addresses Iran’s continual violation of human rights.
Israel’s
government is opposed to this nuclear deal. The IDF will set aside defense
allocations to continue to build its long-range strike capability in the event
that the Israeli government wants to take military action against Iran.
Expect
that Israel will do everything in its power to convince Congress to stop the
deal from going through.
SOLUTION:
*There is a revival going on in Iran, with
an estimated 1 million believers now embracing the Christian faith. There are
signs of a possible student revolt against the Iranian government.
*Pray
for a bloodless coup, regime change; and, that the spiritual awakening in Iran
would continue.
*In
Daniel 10:13, we read: “But, the
prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me 21 days. Then, Michael, one of the
chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of
Persia.”
*The
P5+1 nations were detained by the “kings” (ayatollahs) of Persia. These leaders
are resisting God and His plans for Israel and the nations.
*The
angel of the living God, Michael the archangel, had to leave Daniel to go fight
the Prince of Persia (Daniel 10:20). Today, it seems like that principality of
the air is still oppressing the world!
*A
spirit of deception has been poured out on the P5+1 nations, which is causing
world leaders to align themselves with Iran’s demands. Pray that the Lord’s
discernment would be released in greater measure, so that U.S. Congressional
leaders will be in unity on how to stop this bad agreement. Pray that the Lord
will show them what the enemy did to undermine the process to stop Iran from
becoming a nuclear threshold state in the Middle East.
*Believers
who are united in intercessory prayer with others should come together and seek
the Lord for a breakthrough in the heavenlies that stops the work of this Persian
principality. (See Ephesians 6:12 to understand what the fight is all about,
and ask the Lord for His strategies. See 2 Corinthians 11:14 to discern why the
nations are in deception).
*THE
BDS MOVEMENT (BOYCOTTS, DIVESTMENTS, SANCTIONS):
Anti-Semitism has increased 45% worldwide
since last year. There is open anti-Semitism right now in Europe, and in
Eastern Ukraine, especially on social media.
There is a campaign effort, especially in
the U.S. on college campuses, to isolate Israel economically. Jewish leaders
see it as a form of anti-Semitism.
Almost everything the Nazi’s said about the
Jews during WWII is being said today by BDS supporters, especially in regard to
Israel.
This is a concrete threat to the future of
Israel’s economy, educational institutions, cultural and sports ties, and
political standing. Faculty members of major universities throughout the world
are rallying support for the BDS movement. University administrators are not protecting Jewish students
who are being harassed, abused, and intimidated by those participating in the
BDS movement.
The diplomatic community is also encouraging
the boycott of Israeli products that are produced in the settlements of Judea
and Samaria. International leaders that do not like the current Israeli
government are looking for ways to cut Israel off from the rest of the world,
and gain support for the Palestinians at the same time.
In 2013, the European Union banned European
institutions from dealing with Israeli businesses that operate in settlement
towns and cities. This includes all land Israel obtained in fighting the Arab
nations that attacked the Jewish state in 1967. It includes the Golan Heights,
the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), and east Jerusalem.
The EU does not recognize Israel’s
sovereignty over any of this territory, irrespective of Israel’s legal status
over the area, which is under domestic Israeli law.
The U.S. Congress is fighting back and
passed a resolution to not engage in trade with European countries that boycott
Israel.
According to Congressman Peter Roskam
(Republican from Illinois): “If
you want free trade with the United States, you cannot boycott Israel.”
A U.S. Federal Law that President Obama
signed opposes boycotts and economic warfare against Israel. It increases legal
and economic risks for the EU and global companies that engage in sanctions
against Israel.
*Pray
according to John 3:19-21: “This
is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the
darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who
does evil hates the Light and does not come to the Light for fear that his
deeds will be exposed. But, he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so
that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”
*Ask
the Lord to shine His light on the evil intent of the BDS movement and expose
the wicked plans of the enemy. Pray that truth is revealed and that men’s
hearts will change so their deeds may be aligned with God’s purposes. Pray that
people will favor Israel instead of speaking negatively about the Jewish people
and the Jewish state.
*Intercede
according to Proverbs 14:8 regarding those who are leading the BDS movement
against Israel: “The wisdom of the
prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.”
*Petition
the Lord for all those who are walking foolishly, and being deceived – that
they will turn their hearts toward the Lord and receive salvation through faith
in Jesus as the Messiah!
THE
ISRAELI GOVERNMENT:
*Continue
to pray for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, that the
narrow government that has been formed will be strong and stand in unity for
the things that matter to the Lord – righteousness and obedience to Him and His
Covenant promises.
Israel still has no Foreign Minister.
Netanyahu is holding the position until he can get someone from the opposition
to join the government and broaden the coalition. This makes it hard for
diplomats within the Israeli Foreign Ministry to get approval of budgets, etc.
The new Deputy Foreign Minister, Tzipi
Hotovely, recently called Israel’s diplomatic corps together and said: “We need to get back to the basic truth
of our right to this land. The land of Israel belongs to the Jewish People, and
their claim to it is as old as the Bible.” She also explained that though security
interests are important to bring up in negotiations, what is more important are
discussions grounded in justice, morality, and deep historical rights.
Hotovely’s declaration to the Israeli
diplomatic corps is an answer to prayer! This government minister is creating
policy that defends Israel’s right to the land based on the biblical
scriptures!
*However,
we need to pray for Israelis to walk in the higher standard Hotovely has
declared, so that the country can defend that higher standard among the nations.
Israel’s abortion rate continues to be one
of the highest in the world. A recent gay pride parade drew more than 180,000
people to Tel Aviv from around the globe. Israeli homosexuals and lesbians are
pushing for equal rights, now, for the transgender community. These are just a
few of the sins of the nation.
*Pray
that Israelis will repent for their wicked ways and come to know the Lord.
Intercede for Israel to fulfill her redemptive purpose to be a light to the
nations according to Acts 13:47.
PROBLEMS
ON THE BORDERS:
*Declare
Israel’s right to her own land… from the Great Sea to the Euphrates, and God’s
covenant promises to her through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and even Joshua. Ask the
Lord to give the IDF the Lord’s eyes going to and fro throughout the earth,
seeing where the enemy is getting ready to encroach. And, pray for Israel’s
military forces to reinforce the border areas to protect defense positions and
the homeland.
ISIS
IN THE SINAI: ISIS affiliated groups recently killed more than 100 Egyptians. Not
only terrorists were involved, but ISIS recruited local Bedouin tribes, as
well. Hamas is helping ISIS in the
Sinai, to smuggle weapons into Gaza. Hamas is also bringing new ISIS members to
Gaza to train them.
ISIS
ON THE GOLAN HEIGHTS: The Syrian Druze on the Syrian side of the Golan
Heights were recently attacked by Al-Nusra Front. Al-Nusra said it was a
mistake, but it has caused an uproar among the Druze people. The Syrian Druze
are ardent supporters of Syrian President Bashar Assad and are considered Israel’s
enemies.
*Pray
for the Syrian Druze people to soften towards the Lord and towards His Chosen
People. Pray that the Lord will be their protection and they will turn to Him
for salvation.
The Druze living on the Israel side of the
border serve in the IDF and are fervent supporters of the Jewish State.
However, they want to defend their relatives living in Syria, as well. They
could attempt to cross the Golan Heights to protect their relatives, by using
arms against Al-Nusra or ISIS. This would cause instability on that front and
open the border to Al Nusra and ISIS coming into Israel from the north. This is
a very sensitive issue at this time.
Israel has recruited Muslim rebels fighting
in Syria on the Golan Height to protect Israel’s borders from ISIS. These
rebels are told to stay away from the Syrian Druze and to stay away from
Israel’s border. They are temporarily keeping ISIS away from Israel.
ISIS is trying to get a foothold on the
Golan Heights in order to attack Israel.
ISIS recently took control of the former
nuclear site that Israel destroyed in 2007.
Syria’s President Bashar Assad is reportedly
hiding 50,000 kg. of natural uranium nuclear equipment, nuclear scientists, and
engineers near this site. There is concern that nuclear material could end up
in the hands of ISIS.
*Declare
Israel’s right to the Golan Heights, the land of Bashan given to the tribe of
Manasseh (Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8).
ISIS
WARNING ERUSALEM:
ISIS is threatening Arab Christians in
Jerusalem. ISIS says it will kill
Christian collaborators and cleanse the Muslim Quarter in the Old City of
Christians.
*Pray
for safety for Christians and Jews in Jerusalem -- that the enemy will be
pushed back by the Lord. Declare Psalm 35:1 -- that the Lord will contend with
those who contend with His people.
ISIS
TRYING TO INFILTRATE JORDAN:
ISIS is threatening to grab territory on
Jordan’s border. There is a military shift in the area. So, Jordan is setting
up a security zone in southern Syria near its border. A safe area will be
created there. Jordan has the best domestic intelligence worldwide. But, the
monarchy is vulnerable, if ISIS can infiltrate Bedouin tribes that are
favorable towards the king. So far, the monarchy has been protected.
*Remember
King Abdullah and his government in your prayers.
ISIS
IN GAZA:
During the past few weeks, terrorist groups
in Gaza launched random missile attacks against Israel, trying to cause
instability there, and another war. Hamas has said they do not want a war now
with Israel. It seems that Islamic jihadist groups, who are at odds with Hamas,
are attempting to create a chaotic situation in order to bring ISIS to the
forefront in Gaza. Support for ISIS in Gaza is now at about 14% of the
population.
Meanwhile, Hamas is re-building underground
tunnels using cement coming in from Israel and Egypt which was meant for the
reconstruction of homes.
Netanyahu recently said: “We see ISIS at the gates….Terrorism is
knocking on our borders. ISIS is not only across from the Golan Heights, but is
in Egypt.”
ISIS recently declared it will uproot the
State of Israel, as well as the Palestinians. It is demanding Sharia Law to be
implemented immediately in Gaza.
*Read and study PSALM 83 and intercede for prayer strategies regarding
this war. Thank God that He is patient and kind and slow to anger. Declare
Psalm 2 over the nations, and come into agreement with the Lord that the
nations will have to answer to Him in the way they treat Israel and His
Anointed King Messiah!
*Declare
the last part of Isaiah 59:19 over the northern and southern borders of
Israel: “When the enemy
shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard
against him!”
AMERICA:
Netanyahu proclaimed during
celebrations of America’s independence: “The history of our two countries is
intertwined. The Founding Fathers of America were inspired by the Bible, and
spoke from the Book of Exodus, about the dream of building freedom in the
Promised Land. Since the establishment of the U.S., the vision of justice and
peace espoused and the prophets of Israel served as a guiding light for
Americans.”
Analysts speak of Global Disorder
increasing, and America’s advantages eroding on the international front.
*America needs revival!
Declare 2 Chronicles 7:14 over every town and city; that God would pour
out His Spirit on mankind, using His mighty prayer warriors to accomplish His
purposes through intercession. Pray that He would bring each U.S. state into
supplication before Him so that real change can happen.
SILVER
LINING IN THE MIDST OF FAILED U.S. POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST:
Though a majority of Israelis do not
understand U.S. President Barack Obama’s policy in the Middle East region; and,
pro-Israel American supporters are confused, as well, there is a silver lining
in the clouds. The Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the Gulf
countries, fear Iran and what will happen if Iranian leaders are able to
produce nuclear bombs. These Arab leaders do not trust that the U.S. will protect
them, and think the Obama Administration is looking to form a new alliance with
Iran. So, these Arab states have turned to Israel for protection! Recently, the Saudi’s admitted,
publicly, in the presence of Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dore Gold,
that they have met five times, secretly, with the Israelis over the past year.
And, it is a known fact, but seldom mentioned publicly, that the Gulf States
are doing the same.
The Arab countries are also calling on
Israel to accept the Saudi Peace Initiative of 2002. This initiative is
out-of-date and needs revision before it can be used in peace negotiations.
Israel would also not have defensible borders if it accepted this particular
initiative. There is pressure on Israel to offer concessions to the Arab States
and enter into a peace agreement with them that would by-pass negotiations with
the Palestinians.
*Pray
for Israeli leaders to have great wisdom and favor before the Lord in dealing
with these Arab nations. Ask the Lord to reveal the true intentions of Saudi
Arabia and the Gulf States, so that Israel is not deceived by their extended
hand.
*Pray
that any negotiations, with the Arab States, and/or with the Palestinians, that
would cause Israel to give up strategic areas of defense (like the Jordan River
Valley area), would not be successful.
Recent Quote from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu:
"In the international proposals being made to
us, which - in effect - they are trying to force on us, there is no reference
to the security needs of the State of Israel and our other national interests.
They are simply trying to push us into accepting indefensible borders while
completely ignoring what will be on the other side of the border."
"The way to reach agreements is only through bilateral negotiations, and
we strongly reject attempts to force international diktat on us in
regard to both security and peace. Peace will be achieved only through direct
negotiations between the parties that will take into account our national
interests, especially security."
*Jesus
said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world
gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be
afraid.” (John 14:27)
*Israel
needs a strong backbone and a measured response and cannot be rushed or
pressured into signing any peace treaties with the Palestinians or Arab States.
*Ask
the Lord to reveal all plans for the future that would bring the Arab Peace
Initiative to the forefront in a way that could hurt Israel’s right to her own
land. Israeli government leaders should prepare for the schemes of the enemy
and not be surprised.
*Pray
that the Lord will prevent the nations from pushing Israel into accepting an
internationally recognized plan that would be detrimental to the Jewish State.
*Pray,
according to Psalm 55:8, that Israelis will hasten to their place of refuge in
the Lord, far from the storm wind and tempest of the nations surrounding the
Holy Land.