SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 109

Jerusalem, Israel

MID-SEPTEMBER 2016 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

Pray regarding the on-going disputes between Israel and the Palestinians; and, Israel and the nations, regarding the peace process. 

There is the Arab Initiative and the French Initiative… neither of which is good for Israel. Moscow is taking the place of the U.S. as the new peace broker in the Middle East. The U.S. continues to withdraw from the region, and its influence is waning.

There could be a future summit between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas in Moscow, the first such meeting in 6 years if it takes place.

There is a UN General Assembly meeting this month and Abbas wants to push a resolution through the Security Council that condemns Israeli settlement construction.

The continued false narrative being exploited by the Palestinians is spreading confusion in the nations. The truth will set the nations free, and the Palestinians. 

Pray for divine revelation of the truth to also come through to the media; in dreams and visions; of who the Messiah is, and what God’s plans and purposes are for Israel and the nations.

James 3:13-18:  

Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let him show it by his good conduct; by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But, if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But, the wisdom from above is, first of all, pure, then peaceable; gentle, accommodating; full of mercy and good fruit; impartial; and sincere.

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness…

Matthew 5:9… True peacemakers should be appointed. We must pray for this!

Luke 6:36… Pray for God’s mercy!

Romans 12:9… Sincere love; detest evil; cling to good!

Titus 3:2… Peaceful, gentle, showing consideration to others.

James 1:5… Wisdom is needed in negotiations; and, to get strategy that puts Israel ahead of everyone else’s game.

1 Corinthians 2:6… Not relying on the wisdom of this age.

1 Corinthians 3:19… God detests the wisdom of this world!

1 Corinthians 2:14… The natural mind does not understand. (Therefore, God brings prophets into their lives!)

James 1:17… Pray against all “shifting shadows” that might try to interfere in these diplomatic talks.

Jude 1:19… Pray against all those who are devoid in the spirit and who offer wrong or corrupt solutions!

2 Corinthians 1:12… As believers, let us conduct ourselves rightly when facing those in the world. Let’s pray for this in the Body of Messiah, as we become greater “influencers” to those who are in government.

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Jerusalem, Israel

AUGUST 2016 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

• PRAYER FOR PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU:

There are jealousies among MK’s who want him to resign because he has been in office so long. There are accusations against him for supposedly mishandling campaign funds; and, misusing office funds for personal luxuries. Are the accusations false or not? Questioning under caution by police may be coming soon both to Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. There could be a possible indictment. There’s a conflict of interest with the Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit. This all detracts from Netanyahu’s ability to effectively run the nation. There are often major disagreements between coalition members of his government.

Scriptures to declare for Netanyahu (If he is innocent, then he needs to cry out to God. And, quickly be vindicated!):  

Psalm 26:1; Psalm 26:11; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 28:8; Psalm 7:8; Psalm 9:9; Psalm 17:3; Psalm 18:2; Psalm 18:28; Psalm 19:14; Psalm 28:1; Psalm 30:10; Psalm 31:2; Psalm 35:19; Psalm 37:17; Psalm 37:31; Psalm 43:2; Psalm 54:4; Psalm 118:6.

If he is not innocent, then this case needs to be dealt with quickly. And, Netanyahu needs to repent:

Psalm 35:24; Job 20:5. Job 34:30.

• PRAYER FOR THE IDF:

There have been too many mishaps that have caused the death of soldiers by “friendly fire”. Pray for the families of Shlomo Rindenow and Husam Tafish. Intercede for Rabbi Mordechai Rindenow… that he will not turn away from God. (Just two days before his son’s death, he said to his son: “May God watch over you.”

This is a call for the Body of Messiah to mourn for those who mourn; and, comfort those who need comfort in Israel:

Isaiah 61:1-3; Psalm 40:1; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Isaiah 30:18; Isaiah 49:13; Isaiah 66:13;

• PRAY, ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL, FOR THE BILL THAT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED BY THE KNESSET TO ANNEX MA’ALE ADUMIM (a city in the territories). THIS IS AN ACT OF ISRAELI SOVEREIGNTY. PRAY THAT ALL OPPOSITION WILL BE SILENCED IN YESHUA’S NAME!

Land Scriptures: 

Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:15; Genesis 15:18; Genesis 26:3; Genesis 28:13; Joshua 21:43; Psalm 105:9-11;

•  PRAYER FOR TURKEY:

For Israel’s ties with Turkey, and for U.S.-Turkey relations;

Intercede for God’s will to be accomplished; that all evil will be exposed in the Turkish government. This failed coup has given President Erdogan more power; and the consolidation of power. Pray God will have mercy on the Turkish people and bring down all Islamic strongholds in this nation.

• PRAYER FOR ARGENTINIA’S JEWISH COMMUNITY:

Twenty-two years after major terrorist attacks, Jewish Argentineans are still angry. Pray for forgiveness to come upon them. Pray that the bombings of the Jewish Community Center, the Israeli Embassy, and the death of Prosecutor Alberto Nisman will be resolved; that righteousness and justice will prevail in Argentina.

Scriptures:                                                                                                                                                       

Isaiah 28:17; Isaiah 5:16; Proverbs 21:3; Psalm 56:1; Jeremiah 22:3; Romans 12:18-19; Isaiah 35:4

DECLARE PSALM 94:1: “O Lord, the God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, let your glorious justice shine forth for Argentina’s Jewish Community!”

• DIVISIONS!:

*In the military rank and rule of the Israeli government over the case of the Hebron shooter. The court case is tearing at the social fabric of the nation and dividing the people.

*Among the political parties in America; an increase in Anti-Semitism among Democrats and Republicans. Anti-Semitism is a root that is causing people to use the Jew as a “scapegoat”. It is weakening the political system in the U.K., as well. Those who bless the Jewish People will be blessed. Those who curse the Jewish People will be cursed. Nations are falling under a curse!

*Divisions in the nation of Turkey; possible civil war coming. Erdogan, who has displayed anti-Semitism against Jewish people and Israel in the past, is falling under judgment now. He is the crowned leader of Turkey, but that crown will eventually fall to the ground when God deals with Erdogan with His righteous anger.

A house, city, kingdom, government that is divided; splintered by feuding; cannot stand. Government inspired anti-Semitism is weakening leaders and ruling parties of nations. The Sovereign Lord comes as a victorious warrior. His power establishes His rule. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! Intercede for the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace to be over Israel and the nations.

Matthew 12:25: “Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.’ ”

Mark 3:24-25:  “If a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand.”

Luke 11:17:  “He knew their thoughts, so he said, ‘Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart’ ”.

What is the answer:

Luke 2:14: "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."

Luke 19:38: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Isaiah 40:10: “See, the Lord God comes with strength, and His power establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His gifts accompany Him.”

Isaiah 40:10: “Look, the sovereign Lord comes as a victorious warrior; His military power establishes His rule. Look, His reward is with Him; His prize goes before Him.”

Isaiah 28:2:  “Look, the Sovereign Master sends a strong, powerful one. With the force of a hailstorm or a destructive windstorm, with the might of a driving, torrential rainstorm, He will knock that crown to the ground with His hand.”

Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

See also: Psalm 133:1, Psalm 122:8.

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 107

Jerusalem, Israel

JULY 2016 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

“And, you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And, there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”   Matthew 24:6-8

Today, throughout the world we are hearing of terrorist acts being committed by “lone wolves” and Islamic terror cells, usually with ties to ISIS.  

Here in Israel, there seems to be a resurgence of the Palestinian Uprising that started in October 2015. There was a lull from March-June 2016 until Ramadan started. And, then, the attacks began again. Over the past several days, a 13 year old girl was brutally killed in her bedroom by a terrorist in a knife attack; a man was murdered (a father of 10 children); and others have been wounded in three separate incidences in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), Netanya, and on Route 60 (which is a well-traveled highway that goes north and south).

Hamas has been launching rockets into southern Israel, provoking Israeli Defense Forces to retaliate against Hamas military bases in Gaza. Israeli leaders continue to report that the IDF is preparing the home front for an eventual war with Hezbollah in the north.

These are uprisings and rumors of wars that could lead to full-scale wars. The Middle East remains an unpredictable unstable region in the world.  Incitement on social media has, increasingly, become a major problem as young people take to radical Islam, inspiring one another to kill.

The incitement in the Palestinian official media has caused rumors to spread again from the Temple Mount, where Palestinian violence is stirred-up during every major Jewish and Muslim holiday. This then fuels the young Palestinian population, contributing to the lies they have already received from reading their school textbooks. They are conditioned to grow up hating Israeli Jews, looking for a way to strike out when the conditions are ripe.

As nations turn against Israel in the diplomatic arena, trying to force Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to stop settlement building, they are also pushing the Jewish State into an “internationalized” peace process. Signals from U.S. Middle East envoys, who have recently come to speak to journalists and diplomats in Israel, have been directed to Jerusalem government leaders. The indications are that Israel must give up “land for peace” or face international isolation at the UN, where American president Barak Obama could introduce a UN Security Council resolution before the end of the year that would harm Israel’s international standing. Another threat to Israel is a French initiative for an international peace conference, with demands that Israel and the Palestinians come together in this international forum before the end of the year.

These pressures on Israel to conform to the ways of the world are against the Lord, and against His Anointed. (Psalm Chapter 2). The nations are conspiring; they are taking crafty counsel together against the Jewish People. They are consulting together; trying to cut Israel off from being a nation; trying to usurp her sovereignty over the land God has given her; trying to wipe out the name of Israel forever. This is a united confederacy against the Lord, Himself. (Psalm 83:1-5).

We can expect more shakings in the earth; and, an increase in global instability, while the nations try to force Israel into a two-state solution to appease the Palestinians. There will be more violent storms from heaven that rattle kingdoms and bring rulers to their knees.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And, it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.”    Zechariah 12:2-3

“It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.”  

Zechariah 12:9.

Meanwhile, the Brexit vote in Britain has caused the shaking of the United Kingdom. Threats by Scotland to break off from Britain, and talk about Ireland uniting and becoming independent, has caused uncertainty for many in the U.K. The future of the EU “kingdom” that Britain is “divorcing” from has also become uncertain. The stock market has taken a downswing and the Euro is volatile, along with other currencies. This may lead to a possible financial recession in Europe, which will affect other financial markets. These are just the birth pangs!

If ever there was a time to seek the Lord and follow after His ways, it is now! 

“Woe to the many nations that rage-- they rage like the raging sea! Woe to the peoples who roar-- they roar like the roaring of great waters!”   Isaiah 17:12

Declare that Israel will become a light to the nations and fulfill her destiny, serving Him in the true peace of the Messiah, and resting in His covenants. 

Intercede for God’s heavenly hosts (the army of the Lord!) to intervene when nations and terror groups fight Israel in word and deed.

There has been a rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric among government leaders, especially in the U.K.  This has opened the door to a weakening of Britain’s Labor Party. These tongues that curse Israel and the Jewish People need to be silenced!

"No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord. And, their vindication is from Me, declares the Lord.”   Isaiah 54:17

We stand in the gap for Israel as His servants and, therefore, receive this scripture as His truth for His Chosen People!

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Messiah; and He shall reign for ever and ever.’ ”     Revelation 11:15

Proclaim Psalm 82:8:  “Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possesses all the nations.”

Daniel 2:44: "In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”

Entreat the Lord that the kingdoms of this world, which are now being shaken will submit to the Lord and become part of His Messianic Kingdom. Thank the Lord that His Kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom; and all rulers will serve and obey Him!

"And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom; that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.”    Daniel 7:14

“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord. And, all the families of the nations will worship before You.”     
Psalm 22:27

Thank Him that ultimately His hand is upon Israel, and Jesus, the Messiah is looking after her:

“…and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!"  Luke 1:33

"But, as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain."   Psalm 2:6

This is encouraging news during the times we live in when it seems that the battles are fierce and the fear is great. We can rejoice in the final outcome… OUR GOD REIGNS!

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 106

Jerusalem, Israel

JUNE 2016 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

There is a shift in the governmental realm over Israel which is causing changes in the natural and in the spiritual. This is being marked by significant days on the calendar.

The day of June 5 marks the 49^th year of the re-unification of the city of Jerusalem. It means that Jerusalem has entered its 50^th jubilee year! 

The eve of June 5 marks the beginning of Ramadan, potentially a time of violence between Arabs and Jews, with IDF forces on high alert during this month.

June 11 marks the eve of Pentecost:

At this time, intercede and believe God for an outpouring of His Holy Spirit on the land; His Holy City, Jerusalem; and on the people of Israel, according to Joel 2:28 which says: "It will come about after this, that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and, your sons and daughters will prophesy; Your old men will dream dreams; your young men will see visions."

PRAYER:

·        For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who faces legal charges against him and his wife Sara; and, political challenges from his opponents.

·        For Education Minister Naftali Bennett’s whose recent words about PM Netanyahu were not received well. Bennett proclaimed:  “You cannot be in favor of the Land of Israel in Hebrew and form a Palestinian state in English.” 

The latest development:  Netanyahu wants revisions on the Arab Peace Plan of 2002. The Arab League says, “No”. The first meeting on the French Initiative produced a diluted report – good for Israel. But, the French are still pressing for an international conference based on the Arab Peace Plan – not good for Israel!

(1) PEACE is what everyone wants.

Peace is desired within Israel – in the coalition government; among politicians; between Orthodox and secular Jews, etc. Peace is desired between Israel, the Palestinians, and her Arab neighbors. Peace is mentioned over and over again by Israeli and world leaders.

PROCLAIM the PEACE that passes all understanding in Messiah Jesus!

Scriptures:

John 14:27

John 16:33

John 20:21

John 20:26

Philippians 4:7

Ephesians 4:3 – unity of the Spirit; bond of peace

Ephesians 2:14

 (2) TRUE UNITY IN YESHUA: 

For the government, pray, Mark 3:25:  “If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand.”

There has been much talk about the need for unity in the current government; and, the desired formation of a wider Unity Government in the future (made up of right-wing, center, and left-wing politicians). Pray for stability in Israel’s current governing coalition; and that the Lord would intervene in the affairs of men regarding future plans.

The warning of Jesus:  Matthew 12:25: “Every city or household divided against itself cannot stand.” 

Declare “unity” over all the Household of Israel – unity in the Spirit of God; a People that are whole and not divided; a government that is under the lordship of the God of Israel; a city where there is true peace between neighbors.

(3) JERUSALEM: Netanyahu’s words on Jerusalem Day:  “There was no peace until Jerusalem was under our sovereignty, and there will only be peace when we are sovereign.”

In every peace initiative lately there is a desire to divide Jerusalem. Pray God’s sovereignty over Jerusalem, and proclaim the warnings against nations and peoples who try to divide His Holy City. Declare God’s love for Zion and for Jerusalem. Pray that every member of the Knesset, every coalition member of Israel’s current government, and every Opposition member will welcome the Lord’s plan and love for this city!

Scriptures:

Psalm 122 – prayer for Jerusalem; peace and security

Zechariah 12:3 – judgment on nations that try to change the nature of Jerusalem

Psalm 147:2 – building up Jerusalem; the gathering for Aliyah

Psalm 87:2-3 – God’s love for Zion

Psalm 9:14 – the daughter of Zion

Psalm 116:19 – the courts of the Lord’s House in Jerusalem

Psalm 84:7 -- the inhabitants of Jerusalem/Zion

2 Chronicles 6:5-6 -- GOD has chosen Jerusalem

Isaiah 62:1; 62:6-7 – what Zion and Jerusalem will be!

Other issues for intercession:

(1)   Pray about Netanyahu’s current trip to Russia -- that his eyes will be open to Russia’s true intentions regarding Israel. In prayer, break the chain of unholy alliances between Russian and evil nations; as well as between Russian and terrorist groups. Entreat the Lord to stop the flow of advanced weapons from Russia to Iran and from Russia to Syria.

(2)   Pray regarding Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s upcoming visit to Washington where he will discuss the defense aid package between Israel and the U.S. government. Intercede that Israel’s military needs will be met with favor from the Lord, in order for the Jewish State to retain its qualitative edge. Pray that God will preserve Israel’s strength, watch over her, and save her from her enemies. Declare that her dependence will be on the Lord and not on America for Israel’s military needs. Also, for the sake of America, pray that the U.S. will continue to bless Israel in areas of security. (Joel 2:11; Genesis 12:3).

 

 (3)   The time that is coming, November 8-January 20, is when U.S. President Barak Obama becomes a “lame duck” president. Pray that any animosity in his heart towards Israel will not be allowed to foment friction between the U.S. and the Jewish State. Entreat the Lord to reign in Obama from being able to sign any Executive Orders that could harm America’s strong alliance with Israel and the Jewish People. Pray that he will not be able to carry out any plan that could hurt Israel diplomatically at the UN, EU, or other international forums. Intercede that Obama will be unable to speak against Israel; that God will upset every negative intent, and thwart every plan that is not of Him. Ask the Lord to take the current chaos out of America and bring His order in! (Numbers 22:21-35).

SETTLEMENTS AND TERRITORY:  

(4)   Pray for Israel’s relations with European leaders and countries, especially regarding settlement activity. Declare that the nations must line up with God’s promises regarding His land. Thank the Lord for the IDF’s recent demolishing of illegal EU-funded structures in the West Bank and the E1 corridor. Proclaim that the E1 corridor belongs to Israel and is part of its connection between Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria. Ask the Lord to give Israel control and oversight over all the territories!

(5)   78% of Israelis support the unilateral annexation of Ma’aleh Adumim. However, there has been a 62% drop in land permits to build in the city! Pray for God’s land covenant with Israel to be fulfilled completely. Proclaim scriptures of the Lord’s land promises to His Chosen People. The Lord deeded this land to Israel, and the Jews are the rightful inheritors of it. (Genesis 15:18; Exodus 23:31; Joshua 1:4).

(6)   Stand in the gap and repent on behalf of the 200,000 tourists who recently visited Israel during Tel Aviv’s Gay Pride Parade. Repent on behalf of the 76% of Jewish Israelis who back same-sex marriages. Repent on behalf of Israel’s Tourism Minister who desires that Tel Aviv be known as the Gay Capital of the World. Proclaim 2 Chronicles 7:14 over the Israeli people. Ask the Lord to cleanse this abomination from the land!

(7)   Pray protection over journalists. Anti-Semitism is on the increase and Jewish journalists have been targeted in hate speeches on social media, especially Twitter.

(8)   Pray for reconciliation between Jerusalem’s Arabs and Jews in the Holy City. Pray for revival so that there is harmony and peace between both these people groups in Messiah Jesus! During Ramadan, pray that the Arabs will have dreams and visions of Yeshua and come to faith in Him!

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 105

Jerusalem, Israel

May 2016 Prayer Update

Israel and the Nations

Diplomatic pressure on Israel is increasing:

• The Palestinians are preparing a UN Security Council resolution, which would condemn Israeli settlements, and try to set the parameters for a two-state solution. They are also looking to invoke a 1994 UN Security Council resolution 904, which called for measures to protect Palestinian civilians living in part of the West Bank. It included a temporary international military presence in Hebron. Now, they would demand this resolution be re-established to include an international military force to protect their interests in all of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). This would compromise Israel’s ability to protect its own sovereign land!

• French leaders want to have a Middle East conference next year. They are putting together a planning committee which is scheduled to meet at the end of this month. The idea is to jump start the Arab Peace Initiative (a bad initiative for Israel). The demand would be for Israel to withdraw to the pre-1967 borders; share Jerusalem as both the capital of Israel and of “Palestine”; provide cities in Israel as a refuge to returning Palestinians (jeopardizing a Jewish majority population); and, negotiate with Syria on returning the Golan Heights (which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said would be in Israel’s hands forever).  French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayault arrives in Israel on May 12 to discuss the future summit, which Netanyahu has stated is not a good idea.

• Reportedly, the German government is reassessing its ties with Israel, not happy with the policies of Netanyahu and his government coalition (especially, Israel’s settlement policy).  This could threaten Israel’s strategic diplomatic and military relationship with Germany.

• Anti-Semitic statements are coming forth from Britain’s Labor Party leadership. There’s been a sharp increase in Anti-Semitism in the UK population this year.

• Israel is uncertain how friendly a future American President will be to the Jewish State. Israel is seeking increased military aid from the U.S., and hoping for America’s support at the UN and other international forums.

PRAYER POINTS:

Declare Psalm 17:8-9 and Psalm 27:5-14 over Israel. Stand in the gap and declare God’s Authority over the nation and over His Chosen People:

“Wondrously show Your lovingkindness, O Savior, of those who take refuge at Your right hand... from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings… from the wicked who despoil me; my deadly enemies who surround me.…

“For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle. In the secret place of His tent He will hide me. He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me. And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, ‘Seek My face’, my heart said to You, ‘Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.’ Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me up. Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a level path because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries. For false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord. Be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord.”

• The IDF recently discovered a Hamas attack tunnel and Israeli military analysts are reporting here are others to be found. These cross-border tunnels are a threat to Israeli towns that are close to Gaza, and it puts fear in the hearts of civilians. The IDF continues to advance, technologically, finding new measures to discover and destroy tunnels, while Hamas seeks to complete tunnels and recruit terrorists to attack Israel. It is a race against time.

PRAYER POINTS:

With God’s authority, proclaim Isaiah 41:10-13 over Israel:   

“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored. Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them. Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent. For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.’ ”

• There are an estimated 1 million Israelis living in America, many with dual-citizenship. These “Diaspora” Israelis could be strategic in helping with Aliyah during times of crisis in the States. They, themselves, need to be drawn back to their covenant land.

PRAYER POINTS:

Pray for the Lord to draw His people home. Intercede on behalf of those Israelis who have found comfort in America… that they would listen to His still small voice and follow their shepherd back to the land of their forefathers. Sing the song of Zion, referred to in Psalm 137:1-6, and cry out to God for His people to return. Call forth those who do not want to leave the Diaspora: 

 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps; for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land? If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.”

*During these 50 days of counting the Omer, leading up to Shavuot (Pentecost), pray that Jews all over the world will draw close to the Lord their God and follow after His ways!  Pray that they will fall in love with their Creator, remembering all that He has done for them since ancient days; as He continues to bless them now and forevermore!  Remember to thank the Lord, according to Isaiah 62:1 and Isaiah 62:6-7… that Zion’s righteousness will go forth as brightness; and her salvation as a blazing torch. And, that He will establish Jerusalem and make her the praise of the earth!

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 104

Jerusalem, Israel

A CALL FOR IMMEDIATE INTERCESSION – APRIL 12, 2016

After a period of what has appeared to be a waning of terrorism in Israel, especially in Jerusalem, the Palestinians have begun a new campaign of incitement. Palestinian Mufti Mohamed Hussein has just “warned” against plans by Jews to storm Al-Aksa Mosque during the upcoming Jewish holidays. This is a set-up to try and thwart any visits by Jews or Christians to the Temple Mount before and during Passover.

It is also an excuse to repeat the Palestinian violence that began in September 2015, with false accusations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he is trying to change the status quo up on the Mount.

It appears to be part of a grand diplomatic agenda by PA President Mahmoud Abbas who plans to speak at the UN Security Council on April 22 (which will be the eve of Passover in Israel). Though the Palestinians have denied recent media reports, analysts think that Abbas will try and pass a resolution condemning the Jewish State for settlement building. A UN resolution by the Palestinians at this time could also outline the parameters of a Palestinian state, as well as, mark Jerusalem (including the Temple Mount) as part of the Palestinian capital.  American President Barak Obama has not guaranteed that the U.S. will use its veto power to stop a pro-Palestinian resolution that hurts the state of Israel. He could allow such a resolution to pass. This would encourage the French contingency to then call for an international conference to pressure the Netanyahu government into conceding land for peace with a specific timetable imposed on Israel.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Jordanians had originally agreed to install security cameras up on the Temple Mount in negotiations with Israel after the previous violence on the Temple Mount during the 2015 High Holy Days. But, protests by the Palestinian leadership have delayed the Jordanian security initiative until after Passover 2016. This means that any attempt by the Palestinians to smuggle firecrackers, firebombs, Molotov cocktails, and other weapons into the Al Aksa Mosque will not be seen on Jordanian security cameras at this time.

Meanwhile, a recent report indicates that Netanyahu may have made a series of concessions in past talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah, to limit a Jewish presence up on the Temple Mount. This includes preventing Israeli Members of the Knesset from visiting the area, and allowing all Muslims to go up on the Mount (with no age restrictions), even during Jewish holidays when tensions are high. The problem is that the Jordanian WAQF remains in control of who can ascend the Temple Mount, and the WAQF could report false information to Arab authorities that Israel is changing the status quo.

The Israeli leadership should be putting into place a plan to counter the false accusations coming from the Palestinian mufti. They should already be garnering support from the diplomatic community based on the warning of new incitement to violence by the Palestinian Authority to trap Israel into a web of international condemnation.

In a partial effort to pre-empt such incitement, in early April 2016 Netanyahu did call for the jailing of Islamic extremist Raed Salah, the head of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement. Netanyahu hoped to thwart Salah’s explosive declarations that could foment violence in the Old City as Jews flock to pray on-site at the Western Wall during Passover Week. But, more should be done to stop any attempt by the Muslims to find a reason to riot on the Temple Mount.

While the Palestinian leadership continues to look for ways to divide Jerusalem so that it can claim east Jerusalem (with its holy sites) as its international capital, a majority of Israeli Jews seem to be apathetic about such plans.

A poll in early March 2016, by the Israeli Democracy Institute, shows that 61% of Jewish Israelis think that Jerusalem is already divided into a western and eastern city. Encouragement for the division of Jerusalem is coming from Israeli Opposition leader Isaac Herzog. He believes that Arab neighborhoods in the capital should be under the control of the Palestinian Authority, which he proposes will improve overall security. This plays into the hands of Mahmoud Abbas. If Abbas can convince the international community that Israel is failing to preserve the peace in the Old City, he can then encourage a series of UN resolutions that would place east Jerusalem under international rule, with the Palestinians obtaining control of the Temple Mount.

PRAYER POINTS:

(1)   Establish in the Spirit an inner prayer wall around key spots in the Old City, especially the Western Wall and Temple Mount. Close any gaps in the walls of Jerusalem through intercession. Proclaim God’s protection over His Holy City according to Psalm 48:12-13; Psalm 51:18; Psalm 121:3-4; Psalm 122;  Isaiah 49:16; Isaiah 62:1; Isaiah 62:6-7. 

(2)   Intercede before the Lord that no weapon that is formed against the Jewish State will prosper; And that every tongue that accuses Israel in judgment He will condemn, according to Isaiah 54:17.

(3)   Because of possible compromises that have been implemented due to fear of an international uprising over violence on the Temple Mount, go before the Lord in repentance on behalf of the Israeli government. Ask the Lord to have mercy and forgive the lack of faith, courage and boldness on the part of the Israeli Prime Minister and his coalition. If greater spiritual dominion and oversight has been given over to the Jordanian leadership and Muslim WAQF because of this fear, proclaim God’s overall Kingdom authority over Jerusalem, Zion, and the Old City, declaring the Lord’s future destiny for the New Jerusalem. Speak Ezekiel 43:10-12 over the leadership of Israel, that God would open their eyes and expand their vision to understand His divine plan for the future Temple that will be built in His Holy City.

(4)   Proclaim that the plans of the Palestinian Authority will be thwarted and Abbas will not be allowed to speak anything negative about Israel at the UN. Declare that all evil plots against the state of Israel will become null and void, and that no anti-Israel resolutions will be forthcoming. Petition the Lord for only blessings to come forth out of the mouth of Abbas, the U.S. Administration, and those in the international community regarding Israel. Ask the Angel of the Lord to take His stand and change any curses against Israel into blessings. (See Numbers 22:22-35; Numbers 23:11).

(5)   Declare Isaiah 45:23-25 over the whole Household of Israel and over every nation -- that every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance to the Lord. Proclaim that they will say of Him, 'Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.' Men will come to Him, and all who were angry at Him will be put to shame. Stand in agreement with the scriptural promise that “In the Lord all the offspring of Israel will be justified and will glory."

(6)   Declare the awakening of the Jewish People and their future destiny, according to Romans 11:15; Romans 11:26-27; Isaiah 46:13; and Isaiah 60.