SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 56

Jerusalem, Israel

NOVEMBER 2012 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

·        The sins of Israeli society provide an opening for the enemy.  One example of this is Israel’s abortion rate.  Reports indicate that nearly 20,000 applications for a legal abortion in 2010 were approved by public abortion committees in Israeli hospitals. In 2011, that number was 19,000, which showed some decrease in legal abortions. But, if you consider all abortions taking place in Israel, the number for 2012 is expected to be 40,000. The abortion rate is 10.8 per thousand among fertile Israeli women.  

At a recent city-wide prayer gathering of believers in Jerusalem; and, at a nation-wide prayer gathering in the north; believers have been repenting for the sins of this nation according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, asking God’s forgiveness.  This is especially true regarding abortion.

Pray for the unborn child in Israel to be protected according to Psalm 139:13-16. Pray that Israeli women repent for ending the life of their babies in the womb. Pray that the Lord will change the laws in Israel and make it difficult for Israelis to get an abortion. Women in Israel are currently entitled to one free abortion during their army service. Pray that all funding for government approved abortions will cease immediately.

·        Because elections have been called in Israel, there has been less public discourse on Iran within the country. Israeli leaders are still speaking loudly in international forums that red lines must be set to stop Iran from building a nuclear bomb. But, inside Israel, the focus is on election campaigning.  Meanwhile, Iran is increasing the speed of installing centrifuges at its underground nuclear facility, bringing it closer to being able to make weapons-grade uranium. Iran is enriching uranium up to 20% now, and as it produces more, this will shorten the time it will take Iran to “break out” and begin building a bomb. Nuclear experts fear that Iran could accumulate significant quantities of weapons-grade uranium for one bomb in as little as nine months.

Intercede for Israel, remembering Psalm 50:15. Pray that the citizens of this nation will call upon the Lord in their day of trouble when Iran is aiming to destroy the Jewish State. As God rescues His people by stopping Iran from becoming a nuclear power, pray that Israelis will honor the Lord and give Him glory for the things He has done on their behalf. 

·        In early October, Iran directed Hezbollah to send a drone into Israeli airspace.  The Iranians claimed that the drone was not only able to cross into southern Israel, but to stay there gathering intelligence information for several hours regarding Israel’s secret military installations. The drone was finally shot down by Israel’s Air Force and landed in a forest so that no one was killed and no property was destroyed. Israel has the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system in place, but it is not designed to shoot down drones. It only has the capacity to shoot down short-range missiles aimed at Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli southern communities were subjected to increased missile fire from Gaza terrorists in October, only partially protected by the Iron Dome. 

Ask the Lord to protect Israeli air space where the drone violation occurred. The drone intrusion exposed how vulnerable Israel’s skies are. Pray that the Lord will seal shut every opening in Israel’s defenses that would be susceptible to an evil incursion.  Pray, according to Ephesians 6:11 that Israel’s air force fighters would put on the full armor of God in their battle with hostile forces, so they can stand, with His authority, against the wiles of the enemy. Declare Psalm 91:7 over Israel, praying that the Jewish people will be protected from the on-going missile war in the south of the country.

·        Israeli leaders continue to observe the strengthening of the Moslem Brotherhood in the Middle East. The first country for this Sunni Islamic group to gain power was Egypt. Now, its increased influence has extended into Syria and Jordan. It has close ties with Hamas in Gaza, as well.  A recent report indicates that the Moslem Brotherhood does not believe in the sovereignty of nation states. Gulf Arab countries are trying to work together to stop the Brotherhood from taking over their governments in the region.  The aim of the Brotherhood is to use its increased power throughout the Middle East to establish one big Islamic state under Sharia Law.  The Brotherhood is becoming a formidable enemy of Israel, and of moderate Arab nations. 

Pray according to Psalm 9:3, that Israel’s enemies will turn back, stumble and perish in the Lord’s Presence. Pray that as God’s people call for help, He will answer them, and they will know that He is with them in their struggle (Psalm 56:9). Pray that God will thwart every wicked scheme that the devil is using to cause havoc and instability in the Middle East!

·        The IDF is concerned that Hamas or other terrorist operatives may try to kidnap an Israeli soldier. The strategy would be to develop a crisis that would force Israel to release Palestinian terrorists who are being held in Israeli prisons.

Declare that God will rescue Israeli soldiers from any kidnapping attempts because they hide themselves in Him. (Psalm 143:9).  Pray that Israelis will see that their times are in God’s hands and He will deliver them from the continual pursuit of their enemies. (Psalm 31:15).

·        Al-Qaida inspired Salafist-Jihadists have infiltrated countries surrounding Israel. They are especially prominent in Syria, Egypt’s Sinai, Jordan, and Gaza. They are also stirring up trouble in Yemen, Tunisia and Libya. They have penetrated Israel, as well.  A court in Nazareth convicted an imam because he founded a Salafist-Jihadist group with Al-Qaeda ideology. 

These terrorist groups, which have been operating among the rebels in Syria, could become a major threat to the Jordanian government. Meanwhile, Israel’s border with Syria is being transformed from a quiet zone to a frontier of global jihadists, especially on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights. Israeli military officials have stated that Israel has to be ready for war on multiple fronts, simultaneously. This could include Syria, Lebanon, the Sinai, Gaza, and possibly Iran. 

Pray that the Lord will foil all the plots of His adversaries and disrupt any coordinated effort that would try to come against His Chosen People, Israel. Pray that He will bring confusion into the ranks of the enemy camps that surround Israel. Pray that Israeli leaders are provided with excellent intelligence information; are prepared for any cross border infiltrations; and will be alert to strike at any terrorists trying to harm the Jewish State. Declare Psalm 27 over all of Israel, as a hope and encouragement to the nation.

·        The Palestinians have threatened to take their statehood bid to the UN General Assembly after the U.S. elections. Their goal is to be seen as a UN member of a non-state entity. They want to change the legal status of the settlements in Judea and Samaria, through international law. Right now, those settlements are legally considered “disputed territory”.  The Palestinians have already convinced diplomats and the media that the land is “occupied territory”. They continue to demand that Israel withdraw from their territory, back to the 1967 Green Line or the 1949 armistice lines.  The Palestinians, along with the rest of the world, have also declared that Jerusalem is not the capital of Israel. The Palestinians proclaim that Jerusalem is their capital.  

Declare, according to God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that Israel has inherited the biblical heartland… Judea and Samaria. Proclaim that Jerusalem belongs to the Lord, Himself. He has given stewardship over the land and His beloved city to the Jewish people. He is a covenant God, and He does not break covenant with Israel. (See Exodus 2:24; Psalm 105:8; Psalm 105:42).

·        There is a concern in Israel that a future missile war could cause widespread wildfires. Israel has not fully examined the threat of damage to the homefront by wildfires. Israel lacks a strategic plan that would enhance the nation’s aerial firefighting capability.  When a major fire broke out on Mount Carmel in December 2010, Israel asked assistance from over 20 countries to contain the fire. Today, Israel has made little progress in the ability to help firefighters in spite of the growing threat of wildfires. 

Pray that God would raise-up capable men and women who can help Israel with aerial firefighting capability.  Ask the Lord for short-term and long-term strategies that will prepare Israel’s Homefront Command to be ready during times of crisis.  

PRAISE REPORT!  The water level of the Sea of Galilee has risen. It is at its highest level in six years!  In 2011, Israel had a wet winter after seven years of drought. This year’s early rains were encouraging. Pray for a wet and rainy 2012 fall and winter season in Israel. 

  

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 55

Jerusalem, Israel

ISRAEL’S BEST FRIENDS

Two dozen members of parliaments from 17 countries traveled to Jerusalem this week as guests of the International Israel Allies Foundation (IIAF).  Speaking at the Feast of Tabernacles celebration, and meeting with reporters at an ICEJ press conference in Jerusalem, these government leaders had much to say about their love and support for Israel. 

At a time when Israel feels more and more isolated on the world stage, it’s rare to find a group of so many pro-Israel government leaders who are outspoken in their admiration for the Jewish State.

The number one issue that has been Israel’s concern is the threat of Iran becoming a nuclear state.  Not only is Iran striving for nuclear military power, it is also bent on terrorizing the world in its quest for hegemony.

U.S. Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ) talked about his concern regarding Iran’s refusal to bend to diplomatic pressure, which has been a frustration for western leaders, despite multiple UN sanctions.  Furthermore, Iran has been behind terrorist attacks on American interests overseas even though western powers have been willing to try and negotiate a nuclear settlement with the Persian State. 

“This is very frightening to me. Because it shows they have no concern for the Obama Administration’s determination or commitment.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand for the international community to set “red lines” as a way of threatening Iran with military action has met Franks’ approval. He would like to see U.S. President Barack Obama set “red lines” as well.  Franks believes America should work with Israel and with the Free World, and, say, unequivocally, that there is a line that Iran must not go past or military intervention will occur.  He thinks it is the safest and best opportunity to prevent conflict, and to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons.

Other friends of Israel spoke at the ICEJ Feast and press conference of how their government has supported the Jewish State.  James Lunney, a Member of the Canadian Parliament since 2000, explained that Canada has taken a strong position against Iran, and considers the Persian State the greatest threat in present times. He recalled how Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper pulled Canadian diplomatic staff out of Tehran on September 7^th and closed its embassy there. Five days later all Iranian diplomats were required to leave Canada. This was a bold move, according to Lunney, but necessary until Iran stops trying to obtain nuclear capability for military purposes.

“We have closed our mission in Iran and we hope other nations will increase sanctions, economically, against Iran. We are encouraging other nations to take this threat seriously…. There is a lot more that could be done. So, we have increased pressure to the maximum, in terms of financial transactions, including any business dealings with Iran.” 

In addition, Canada has listed Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. 

“We have underscored the fact there is Holocaust denial, anti-Semitism, and de-stabilization of governments. We feel this is unacceptable.”

At the UN and in international forums, where Israel is subject to perpetual de-legitimization and denunciation, especially accusations that set a double-standard against the Jewish State, Lunney says Canada has taken a strong stand. In the future, Canada will use its efforts wherever possible to make sure that decrees coming out of these forums will not be a condemnation of Israel.

What Canada cannot do, according to Lunney, is follow Israel’s example and set “red lines” in terms of military conflict. This is mainly due to the fact that Canada has a small army. But, despite not being able to give Iran a military ultimatum, Canada is working behind the scenes to encourage stiffer UN sanctions.

“We are encouraging nations to ramp up pressure to try and prevent military conflict. At the same time we are very aware that the number one responsibility of any nation is the security of its population.”

Lunney mentioned several historical facts including Israel’s bombing of the Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981 that prevented Saddam Hussein from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also spoke about the 39 Scud missiles that Iraq launched against Israel in the 1991 Gulf War.

“They didn’t do a lot of damage, but if just one of them had had a nuclear warhead, this nation (Israel) would not exist. So, we are very cognizant of the threat to this nation. We are doing everything we can to encourage the international community to put pressure on Iran to prevent a conflict because the enemy is not the Iranian people; it’s a rogue regime that is incompatible with the rest of the world.” 

Lunney added that Iran is embracing an ideology that is a jihadist mentality. 

“You can’t threaten to destroy your neighbor; any neighbor of the family of nations. It’s not acceptable.”

Canada wants to avoid a conflict that will potentially harm many Iranians.  But, Lunney and other Canadian leaders have acknowledged that the Iranian regime is intent on destroying Israel. 

“We are very concerned about the state of Israel. Canada is doing everything we can with the tools available to us to prevent the kind of conflict that will cause massive loss of life; and, also to prevent the creation of the kind of weapons in a rogue state that could threaten the very existence of this nation. It is a very serious threat. But, we will stand with Israel. Our Prime Minister said, against the haters of Israel, Canada will stand with Israel no matter what the cost. ”

Lunney also spoke about matters of faith:  “I’m encouraging the people that believe -- the Christians in our faith community -- to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the state of Israel, because the God of Israel has weapons far beyond anything that our military has in Canada to offer the state of Israel.”

Among other dignitaries that were given the opportunity to speak at the Feast of Tabernacles was Kenneth Meshoe. He has served as a member of the South African Parliament for nearly twenty years.  Meshoe is the leader of the African Christian Democratic Party, which is one of the opposition parties in the South African government.  In an interview this reporter conducted with him after the ICEJ press conference, Meshoe shared his heart for his country.

“Please pray for a new South African government because we are hoping to have, and planning to have, a Christian government within the next seven years.”

There are a few things that Meshoe would like to see happen. Firstly, he wants to see South Africa become a friend of Israel, so that in the UN Security Council African countries will stand with Israel.  Secondly, he wants to move the South African Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem which he proclaims is, “the undivided capital of Israel”. Thirdly, he wants his country to invite Netanyahu to address the South African Parliament, and would expect this to happen within the first 12 months of a new government coming into power. Meshoe would also like the President of South Africa to come to Israel to affirm the fact that South Africa should be one of the closest allies of Israel.

“It is a prayer of my heart, and it is my goal, that before I die, to see an alliance between Israel and South Africa that would be as close as many Western nations.”

Meshoe acknowledged Israel has a lot to offer to Africa. He claimed that many African leaders are unwilling to affirm this because they do not care for the African people who are in need and are poor. Instead, they choose political correctness rather than caring for their people.

“I am convinced that any African leader who truly cares for his people is going to say to Israel, come and help us. Let’s form a partnership because you have what we don’t have. You have the knowledge, the skills and the expertise that we don’t have. Israel can help Africa. And, I am looking forward to the day when Israel and Africa will form a very strong partnership.”

According to Meshoe, many countries on the African continent do not have clear drinking water. Israel has the skills of purifying water; preserving water; and converting sea water to drinking water. He also mentioned that though Israel does not have enough water, Israelis are able to irrigate. “Their innovation skills, I believe, would help Africa a lot.”  

Meshoe spoke of South Africa’s current President Jacob Zuma. “He is a tough nut. I don’t think he will change his position. He is surrounded by Moslems. They are promising him oil and money. They are buying their way into every area of government. He will not do anything…..Pray that there should be a change of government, that’s what we want.”

At the Feast this year, several prominent Jewish leaders spoke of their own faith that Israel will survive.

Dan Dyker, Secretary General of the World Jewish Congress said that the danger from the Iranian Persian State meant that the Jewish State faced threats of a biblical proportion.  Dyker got a rousing applause from Feast delegates when he proclaimed that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad should read the Book of Esther!

Rabbi Benny Elon, Chairman of the IIAF delegation, refuted Iran’s rhetoric against Israel when he stated: “They have no chance because they are fighting against the God of Israel. No one can change His Master Plan. No one can break His eternal covenant with the Jewish people; the people of Israel.”

MK Yuli Edelstein, Israeli Minister of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs, spoke boldly of God’s ability to protect His Chosen People and land.

“The Lord will do as He sees fit.  Evil does not only challenge us, but other free peoples, as well.”  He added that Israel did not overcome evil powers in the past to now succumb to Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.

As a prayer from his heart that was felt by some 5,000 Christians from 80 nations attending the Great Feast, Edelstein quoted Psalm 29:11:

“May the LORD give strength to His people! May the LORD bless His people with peace!”

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 54

Jerusalem, Israel

OCTOBER 2012 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

There is a concerted effort by radical Islamists to stir hatred and violence against Christians and Jews; western nations and Israel. There is an evil spirit that is penetrating the international community and causing deeper rifts in societies.

During the All Nations Convocation (which took place in Jerusalem between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), believers from around the world spoke of increased persecution and violence in their countries as they struggled with the rise of militant Islam.  This fight for the souls of men is increasing. This needs great intercession.

Psalm 2:1-3: “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”

• Proclaim that God has installed His King in Zion, on His Holy Mountain.  And, He will rebuke the nations and terrify them in His wrath because of their rebellion.  Declare that the Father had given to His Son the nations as His inheritance; the ends of the earth as His possession. The Body of Messiah enters into this blessing. 

The Lord is warning the rulers of nations to be wise; to serve the Lord with reverence and trembling; and, to honor His Son. Pray through for the nations of this region as His wrath is coming!  And, pray for Christians and Jews in the Middle East to find refuge in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Psalm 83:1-5: “O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how Your enemies growl, how Your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against Your people; they plot against those You cherish. “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.” With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You…”

  

•   Pray  that the nations and entities that surround Israel (Jordan; Egypt; Gaza; Saudi Arabia; Syria; Iraq; Lebanon); other Arab countries; and the Persian state of Iran, will be ashamed and dismayed at their national sin. Pray that they repent before they perish in their ways. Declare that they will turn and seek God’s ways before He sends a tempest against them. Declare that many from these nations will know the Lord, the Most High over all the earth, before the brewing storm comes in full force. 

•  King Abdullah of Jordan is the kingpin. His nation is now being threatened by the Moslem Brotherhood and Bedouin terrorists associated with Al Qaeda that are stirring up hatred among Bedouins in Jordan against the Jordanian Monarchy. There are many scriptures associated with Edom and Moab that show judgment on Jordan in the future…a nation created by the British that is sitting on God’s Promised Land for the Jews.

Pray for Jordanians to come to know Jesus before God’s wrath is poured out on their land because of their national sin against Israel and His Chosen People.  Though there is little in the news headlines at this time about Jordan, keep your eye upon this nation.  When violent uprisings begin to happen there, as well as among the Palestinians in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), it may be a sign that a new war in the Middle East is about to begin.  (See Isaiah 11:14; Jeremiah 9:25-26; Obadiah 1-8).

The United States government is involved in a cover-up of what really happened during the recent uprising in the Middle East. There was a lax of security in Cairo and Benghazi, which reflects poorly on the Obama Administration. Though acts of violence were pre-planned in these two cities, the media and U.S. State Department made it look like it was a spontaneous reaction to an anti-Islamic film produced by a Florida pastor. In the film, the character of the prophet Mohammed was portrayed in a negative light. The deception of Islam was revealed which caused a global fury. Moslems do not like it when the true face of Islam is revealed.

Because of the coming U.S. election, and Obama’s appeasement policies towards Moslem nations, the facts of what took place, especially in Libya, have been kept from the public eye. Instead of America being outraged at the premeditated killing of its Ambassador to Libya, the Obama Administration apologized to Arab nations for the anti-Islamic film.

The lack of solid U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East is being seen as a weakening of America’s position in the region. This is due to a policy that compromises America’s values and caters to Islamic extremists. 

• Pray for an awakening in the United States, and righteous anger, that will call to account the Obama Administration’s twisted foreign policy. Pray that Americans will rise up and vote for justice, righteousness, and mercy, seeking the Lord for the return of their nation to Godly and moral principles.

More than 70% of Americans stand by Israel, today, and that blessing has extended God’s favor to the United States.

• Pray that Americans continue to bless Israel so that they will continue to receive the blessing of God on their nation. (See Genesis 12:3).

We have been praying for some time that Israeli leaders will begin to mention the Bible in their defense of Israel as a nation, diplomatically. When leaders like Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prophesy at the United Nations that Israel has no right to the land, and must be destroyed, it is a relief to hear responses from Israel that are biblical.  

Here is the response to Ahmadinejad’s diatribes from Israeli President Shimon Peres: 

 “Around 2,500 years ago King Cyrus, the king of Persia, granted the Jewish people, led by Ezra and Nehemiah, the right to return to Israel and to rebuild their home. The Jews lived on the Land of Israel for thousands of years and there is no lie or leader that can remove chapters of history.”

• Thank the Lord that the leaders of Israel are recalling biblical stories of Israel’s claim to the Promised Land!  Praise God that the Bible continues to be a source of reference and wisdom for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, especially in the defense of the nation. Pray that the Lord protects Israel from the evil claims of Iran and defends Israel with His mighty right arm!

Netanyahu tried to explain at the United Nations that Iran is close to the “break-out” point… that point where they have enough uranium enriched to quickly build a nuclear bomb. The world looked on as Netanyahu drew a red line on an illustration of a bomb in order to point out Israel’s “red lines”. This is the point that Israel may go to war, and he implied it could be in the spring or summer of 2013.  

Biblically, scripture states that kings go to war in the spring. (See 2 Samuel 11:1; 1 Chronicles 20:1).  We still do not believe that there will be a direct war between Israel and Iran. The U.S. may lead a coalition of nations to war against Iran. 

Despite Obama’s unwillingness to talk about America’s “red lines” (a public dispute between the U.S. and Israel), the American government is discussing these “red lines” with Israel, privately.

• Pray that God will give wisdom and courage to the United States and its allies to know how to stop Iran from developing nuclear capability. Intercede that the enemy will not be able to advance his plans towards the Jewish State, and that the Lord will use the nations to protect and defend Israel from Iranian aggression.

There has been a diplomatic battle between Israel and the Palestinians. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is trying to get approval from over 150 nations at the UN for the formation of a Palestinian state. He is aiming for a UN General Assembly resolution granting a Palestinian state with the status of non-member. If the UN General Assembly votes on this measure, and the Palestinians are granted the status of a non-member state, it levels the playing field with Israel. At that point, the Palestinians will seek to come back to the peace table, but with the goal of state-to-state negotiations with Israel. 

Meanwhile, the Palestinians have already said they will look to bring Israel before the International Criminal Court for policies of oppression. If they achieve their diplomatic goals, they will seek access to many United Nations organizations where they can continually confront Israeli policy. A recent example of this is when Abbas declared that the Israeli territories are no longer disputed but occupied. This false declaration is in opposition to internationally signed treaties from 1967 and beyond. 

• Pray that the Palestinians are pushed back by the Lord from being able to advance their deceptive diplomatic policies. Pray that their plans are brought into confusion; rendered useless; and that there is no advancement of their statehood goals at the United Nations or within the international community. Pray that all plans of the enemy are exposed and that Palestinian society rises up against their own leadership rather than Israel. Pray that the Lord replaces Mahmoud Abbas with a leader who wants to bless rather than curse the nation of Israel.

Syrian President Bashar Assad is on the brink of using chemicals on his own people and on the rebels who have opposed his government rule. With 30,000 Syrians dead, and more than 1.2 million displaced, Assad is losing his grip on major cities such as Aleppo and Damascus. If he tries to transfer chemical weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, or unleashes his wrath on his people or Israel, we could see a major battle in the north.  

On the Golan Heights, Israeli soldiers have already been conducting live exercises, including simulated combat with Hezbollah. 

The shelling and mortar fire in Syria between government and rebel forces has been heard in Israel. 

 

• Some Bible teachers think that we may be on the verge of Isaiah Chapter 17:1.  Pray for repentance, revival, and healing to come to the Syrian people, especially those who live in Damascus.

Iran has been using civilian aircraft to fly over Iraqi airspace to deliver large quantities of weapons to the Syrian government. Iran recently admitted that its Revolutionary Guards were helping Assad in the civil war he is waging against his own people.

• Ask the Lord to stop all aircraft from being able to deliver arms to Assad’s government forces. Pray that the Lord will break the ungodly alliance between Iran and Syria. Pray that the war in Syria will cease and God will repair and restore the land.  Pray for peace on the Golan Heights both in Israel and Syria.