SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 181

 

Jerusalem, Israel

AUGUST 5, 2022 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

OPERATION “BREAKING DAWN”

Today, August 5, 2022, Israel launched a pre-emptive strike against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist group, a proxy of Iran, located in the Gaza Strip. The IDF killed the senior commander of the PIJ; at least 15 other terrorists; and several civilians in the area.

 

Israeli intelligence officials had concrete evidence that the PIJ was going to strike at vehicles on Israel’s southern roads with anti-tank missiles, and had plans to strike at Israel’s southern communities, as well.

 

Earlier in the week, Israel captured a senior leader of the PIJ in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). Fearing retaliation from Gaza, Israel told southern residents to stay indoors, and cancel plans for large gatherings.

 

The PIJ is, currently, retaliating with a barrage of rockets launched at Israel’s border communities, as well as towns and cities in central Israel.

 

Israeli officials have made it clear that they do not want this military operation, “Breaking Dawn” to escalate. Israel is waiting to see if Hamas gets involved in helping the PIJ.

 

At least 25,000 reservists are waiting orders from Israel’s Defense Minister, Benny Gantz. He has already been calling up those in the Southern Command, Air Defense units, Homefront Command, and other troops and officers.

 

According to a military spokesman, “We had very accurate intelligence – anti-tank missiles on the ground, waiting for a target to kill Israelis… During the past four days, the IDF has been preparing for this operation, bringing in the Iron Dome, batteries, tanks, artillery, and drones in order to be ready. We are in a very high state of readiness for any operation which would be needed. More forces are going from the north to the south.” 

 

During the next 24 hours, Israel will be even more prepared. Already, the IDF has brought down a PIJ ammunitions factory in Gaza.

 

Israel’s opposition parties stand behind these military operations of the current interim government, led by Prime Minister Yair Lapid.

 

PRAYER POINTS:

*The next few days are critical as to whether this military operation will be expanded, and whether it will lead to a full-scale conflict. If Hamas gets involved in helping the PIJ, Israel will not tolerate it, and the IDF could call in ground forces. This would result in a major escalation.

 

Declare over IDF soldiers, Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’ “

 

Say to Zion that her God is the Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel!

 

Psalm 44:4-8: “You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through You we push back our enemies; through Your name we trample our foes. I put no trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. My sword does not bring me victory. You are the One who gives us victory over our enemies. You have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. O God, we give glory to You all day long, and constantly praise Your name. Selah.”

 

*Israel is in the middle of an election cycle, with politicians trying to show their power and strength to the Israeli public. This military operation, if it goes well, puts current interim government leaders at a major advantage in the upcoming elections. Regardless, they need the Lord as much as other politicians do (all those who think they are the best men who can display Israel’s strength and security to Israel’s population). It’s about the LORD, not them!

 

Malachi 3:3: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then, the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.”

 

Jeremiah 31:7: “Now, this is what the LORD says: ‘Sing with joy for Israel. Shout for the greatest of nations!  Shout out with praise and joy: Save Your people, O LORD, the remnant of Israel.’ ”

 

*This military operation tests the new Memorandum of Understanding – the Air Defense pact – between Israel and the U.S.  So far, statements from the Biden Administration claim that ‘Israel has a right to defend itself, by itself.’

 

LORD, cause the nations to fall in line with Your purposes concerning Israel!

 

Declare over the U.S. Administration, Psalm 4:4-5: “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD.”

 

*The IDF is cleansing Gaza and the West Bank of its enemies. This military operation foils Iran’s plans to use its proxies to hurt Israel and cause turmoil in the land. God is in control!

 

Psalm 33:10-11: “The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. He thwarts all their schemes.  But, the plans of the LORD stand firm forever; the purposes of His heart through all generations.

 

 *The media, and peace envoys were caught off-guard by Israel’s pre-emptive strike. It happened when the PIJ was using Egypt and the United Nations to try and mediate with Israel. But, Israel refused to meet the demands of the PIJ which would have threatened Israel’s security control over the West Bank. 

The diplomats and the media have already started to accuse Israel of launching an attack on the people of Gaza, rather than accept the mediation efforts by Egypt and the United Nations.

 

In the initial strike by Israel, a child was killed in Gaza. This has already stirred things up. Condemnations are coming against Israel in the public arena. Be aware that antisemitism usually rises when Israel gets embroiled in a conflict with her enemies.

 

Declare over the media and the diplomats, Psalm 50:14: “Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. And, pay your vows to the Most High.”

 

Psalm 2:12: “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are those that put their trust in Him.

 

Psalm 99:1: “The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble. He is enthroned above the cherubim. Let the earth quake.”

 

Proclaim to Israel and the Jewish People, that the LORD God Almighty will defend them in times of trouble, when antisemitism rises again:

 

Psalm 55:9: “Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city.”

 

Declare to Israel, that her God reigns!

 

Psalm 31:2: “Turn Your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe.”

 

 

 

 

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 180

 

Jerusalem, Israel

JULY 23, 2022 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

 

What is playing out on the world stage, right now, is a big shift in government leadership throughout the world, and God is highlighting this. (Japan, the UK, Sri Lanka, Italy, Israel, etc.).

More than that, there is a shift in regions and kingdoms. Matthew 24:7 says it like this:

"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pangs."

While we have seen some of this happen already, we sense there is going to be an increase in regional shifts of power, which will lead to conflicts.

Nations are testing nations, and leaders of nations are exerting their power over one another. There are power struggles over land and supplies. In many cases, we can watch the LEVERAGE going on between world powers over other world powers. 

 

One of the big words for this season is: LEVERAGE!

The dictionary definition: "The power to influence a person or situation; to use something to maximum advantage."

But, it is so much more! We can watch it play out, publicly. The media is being used, with spins and twists, to try to change the thinking of world leaders, with a goal to influencing foreign policy (diplomacy and defense). Reports are being generated to confuse the plans of nations, including Israel.

 

In the midst of this, Israel is making its own mistakes! Because of this interim government, there is confusion going on in the ranks. But, God is also doing miracles! A particular situation seems to have turned out to be a diplomatic victory for Israel and the Jewish world!

 So, God's plans are not men's plans. And, He fixes mistakes that Israel makes.

During this interim government, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister are the same -- Yair Lapid.

 

So, before this interim government, there was a "buffer" between the two offices… between the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister’s offices. 

 

That "buffer" no longer exists. Before… Naftali Bennett, as Prime Minister, showed a "neutral" face in Putin's war with Ukraine. Lapid always sided, fully, with Ukraine.

When Lapid went off-script during the Biden-Lapid press conference in Jerusalem, his strong support of Ukraine was declared. We sensed it would cause Putin to retaliate in some way. He did. He threatened to close down the Jewish Agency in Russia. This is a serious offense, as he is threatening to stop Aliyah, once again, from Russia!

 

Isaiah 43:6: “I will say to the north, ‘Give them up…’ ”

 

This week, Lapid is sending a high delegation of Israeli leaders from Aliyah organizations, to Russia, to try and bring the Aliyah relations back to normal, so that Russian Jews can still immigrate to Israel through regular channels.

How will Putin use LEVERAGE here with Israel? Will it be Jewish Russian immigration allowed, but IDF strikes on Iranian military targets in Syria will have to cease?

 

We can see, publicly, the power struggles between nations, leaders, and people groups. Our prayers, according to Mark 4:22 have come to pass, and are becoming more visible on the world stage:

"For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light."

We can see how God has highlighted shifts in government, in nations, and in regions. And, how the "apple of His eye" is being affected in this current season of vulnerability. Israeli leaders need wisdom how to make righteous and just decisions as these shifts come. And, leaders of nations are being quickly judged by God in how they are dealing with His land and His people.

 

Therefore, praying for world leaders, and for kingdoms that are being brought down, while praying for others that are rising, is vital!

Daniel 2:21: "He controls the course of world events; He changes the times and seasons. He removes kings, and sets up other kings. (He removes presidents and prime ministers and sets in place other presidents and prime ministers!) He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning."

Exercise that gift of discernment! Discern the times and seasons we live in. The Lord is very near and willing to share His plans with us!

PRAYER POINTS:

*PRAY for the current interim government in Israel. PRAY regarding the confusion in the ranks and the mistakes being made. Pray for Godly wisdom to fall on the current leaders, especially Yair Lapid --that they will follow God’s agenda and not his own. 

 

*PRAY for this shift in governments – that God’s Kingdom be built in this change of leadership on the earth.

 

*PRAY for our role as intercessors: To press in; with endurance; rally the troops; build the army; be influencers!

 

HABAKKUK 2:1: “I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There, I will wait to see what the LORD says and how He will answer my complaint.” 

 

So, there are things we do not understand, and we complain about, especially as governmental intercessors. It is imperative that we still come into our watches to pray; to stand at our post; to station ourselves on the ramparts; and to watch and see what He will say to us! Also, to see if we need to be corrected!

 

*PRAY for no more spin, twists, and deception coming from the MEDIA. This happened before the Biden visit, and it is happening now… not just here; but in other parts of the world.

 

Further direction comes from the LORD in this scriptural context, after we have waited on Him, and He has given His correction:

 

HABAKKUK 2:2-3: “Then the LORD answered me: ‘Write down the revelation, the vision; and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others; so that the one who reads it may run!’ ”

“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; this vision is for a future time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. It will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. It hurries toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it delays, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay long.”

  

We know from this that there is vision; revelation; waiting for the appointed time; a delay, but then again, not much of a delay; a corrected message; a runner who takes it to others hurriedly; a goal; a promise that it will not fail, and that what we have “seen”, will certainly come to pass!

 

This is delivering a message, through traditional and social media, with truth and accuracy. These are the guidelines.

 

*PRAY for media reporters, journalists, news analysts, opinion-makers, commentators, presenters, and prophets -- that they will walk in this vial instruction from the Bible, with what they receive -- so Israel and the nations are not fooled!

 

*PRAY that whoever tries to use LEVERAGE against God's sovereign land and people; against the nation of Israel, or against the Jewish People globally -- will not be able to succeed in accomplishing anything! 

 

GENESIS 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you; and, all the families of the earth will be blessed through you. DECLARE THIS WITH ME FOR ISRAEL!

  

*PRAY for Aliyah from the north; that nothing will constrain it! That God will deal with Putin in a dream or vision, and he will let God’s people go! Let My people go! 

 

PSALM 106:47: “Save us, LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in Your praise.”

 

 

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 179

 

Jerusalem, Israel

JULY 11, 2022 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

BIDEN’S VISIT:

As the Israeli public awaits the arrival of U.S. President Joseph Biden to the Middle East, July 13-16, 2022, there is both posturing and leveraging taking place by political, diplomatic, and military players in the region and in the international community.

Key Points about this visit that need prayer:

*Biden plans to show support for Israel’s military strength as a priority during this visit, and as a strong sign to Israel’s enemies, especially Iran and its proxies.

*Israel wants the U.S. to agree to snap back sanctions as a mechanism to get Iran to comply with the JCPOA, and stop enriching uranium to 20%. This includes requesting that the U.S. take the lead in a U.N. Security Council resolution to force Iran to comply. Without the sanctions, Iran could reach the nuclear breakout point within weeks.

*That Biden will agree to develop closer regional and global alliances in order to push back Iran’s military aggressiveness, which is affecting international energy supplies, international trade, and the global economy.

*Biden plans to highlight Israel’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, and declare some possible advancement in that relationship towards normalization. But, hopefully, this will be without Israel being pressured to withdraw from any land or adopt any peace plan that would hurt Israel’s sovereignty.  

*Relationships are expected to be cultivated by Biden at the Gulf Summit in Saudi Arabia, towards closer military cooperation with America and Israel. This includes a “Middle East Air Defense Alliance” that Israel initiated, and America is hosting. Some possible countries that could join that pact (along with the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and Jordan): Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq.

*The hope is that American will also help to prevent Iranian proxy, Hezbollah, from operating to destabilize the region.

*The hope is that Biden will refuse these Palestinian demands: (1) for a two-state solution; (2) for a stop of Israeli settlement activity; (3) for the re-opening of the Palestinian consulate in east Jerusalem.

*The hope is that the Palestinians will be satisfied with a boost of $500 million to their economy in renewed U.S. financial support.

*The hope is that there will be no staged street riots, or violent interruptions conducted by radical Palestinians and Hamas members during Biden’s visit to Jerusalem and Bethlehem  

 

PRAYER POINTS:

Importance of continued prayer:

Luke 18:1: “One day Yeshua told His disciples a story, to show that they should always pray and never give up.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.”

Establishing who God is:

Psalm 102:12-13: “But You, O LORD, will sit on Your throne forever. Your fame will endure to every generation. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.

 Psalm 103:19: “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.

 In the Torah portion this week, and the main scriptural passage being spoken among intercessors:

The Balaam story: 

 Numbers Chapters 22 and 23

 In regard to Israel’s enemies trying to cause her harm:

Habakkuk 3:13: “You went forth for the salvation of Your people. For the salvation and rescue of Your anointed (people Israel). You struck the head from the house of the wicked. To lay him open from the thigh to the neck. Selah.”

Psalm 31:15: “My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.”

Deuteronomy 33:29: “Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.”

Isaiah 31:15: “Like birds hovering overhead, the LORD Almighty will shield Jerusalem; He will shield it and deliver it, He will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.”

In regard to the Biden visit, let him come to Israel with a humble servant’s heart, a reverence for You, Lord, and let him experience Your power and majesty:

Psalm 102:15-16: “The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere Your glory. For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in His glory.”

 LORD, we ask that no evil agenda that Biden brings will be able to cause any harm to Israel’s sovereignty as a nation. No evil will befall Israel, nor any diplomatic plague come near her dwelling place.

Psalm 33:10: “The LORD foils and frustrates the plans of the nations. He thwarts the purposes of the peoples and all their schemes.”

Psalm 44:4-5: “You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. Through You, we push back our enemies; through Your name we trample our foes.”

Regarding the possibility of Biden trying to jump start talks between Israel and the Palestinians on the two-state solution, and the former land-for-peace formula, we declare:

Leviticus 25:23: “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is Mine and you reside in My land as foreigners and strangers.”

Psalm 51:18: “In Your good pleasure (LORD), cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.”

 In regard to the future division of the land by nations who pressure Israel to give up its sovereignty:

Joel 3:2:  I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will put them on trial for what they did to My inheritance, My people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations and divided up My land.

Psalm 9:19: “Arise, LORD, do not let mortals triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence.”

Isaiah 8:10: “Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us.”

Regarding: (1) the interim government in Israel that PM Yair Lapid is leading; (2) U.S President Biden’s term in office; (3) the November 2022 elections in Israel; (4) the November mid-term elections in America:

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 to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

2 Samuel 23:3-4: “The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’ “

Isaiah 1:26: “Then I will give you good judges again and wise counselors like you used to have. Then Jerusalem will again be called the Home of Justice and the Faithful City.”

2 Chronicles 1:10:  “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”