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.

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 108

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!