SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 63

Jerusalem, Israel

APRIL 2013 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS:  (Jeremiah 23:5-6)

(1)   Pray regarding the rogue nations and terror groups that are stirring up conflicts around the world, specifically those that could be detrimental to Israel, the United States, and Western nations. 

(2)   Intercede, specifically, for the transformation of North Korea from a state run by demonically inspired leaders to a state that is run by God-inspired people. For this to happen would be nothing short of a miracle!  But, the Lord can intervene and cause a change in the current regime. Pray for the safety of U.S. troops within missile range of North Korea. The Word says in Ecclesiastes 9:18 that wisdom is better than weapons of war. But, it just takes one sinner to destroy much good. Pray for North Korea’s leaders not to be foolish in leading the U.S. and Western nations into a war.

 

(3)   Pray that all anti-Semitism in Egypt would cease immediately. Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, an Islamist with close ties to the Moslem Brotherhood, has made hate statements against the Jewish people. He also did not allow this year’s Passover celebrations to take place in one of Egypt’s great synagogues.

(4)   Pray for the protection of Kuneitra, a border town that is in the demilitarized zone between Israel and Syria. Israel has occasionally been targeted in the cross-fighting between forces faithful to Syrian President Bashar Assad; and, rebel forces who are trying to topple his regime. So far, more than 70,000 people have lost their lives in Syria; and, more than a million are dispersed throughout the Middle East. 

Meanwhile, UN peacekeepers have become targets in the Israeli-Syria buffer zone, dealing face to face with radical jihadist elements on the border. Some of these UN forces have opted out of serving in Israel another year.  

Pray that God will raise up new peacekeepers who understand the great need to protect Israel from an onslaught of terrorism. Pray that those who defend the Jewish state day and night will not forget the Apple of His Eye. Intercede, according to Isaiah 49:16 for this special nation that is engraved on the palms of the Lord’s hands; Israel’s walls are continually before Him. 

 

(5)   Since his recent visit to Israel, U.S. President Barack Obama now has more support from the nation’s Jewish population. But, they do not completely trust him. Obama should have agreed to speak to Knesset members in a plenum speech during his 50 hours in the Land. The Knesset is a symbol of Israel’s sovereignty; located in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel

Addressing Israel’s elected leaders should have been on Obama’s agenda. But, he opted out, and spoke, instead, to left-wing college students, asking them to put pressure on Israeli politicians in order to achieve peace in the region. Many Israeli citizens disapproved of Obama’s tactics, despite his desire to win the favor of the Israeli public. 

Intercede for a true change in Obama’s heart towards the Jewish People and Israel. (Proverbs 27:19). Pray that he considers not only the strategic interests of the United States, but also those of Israel. Pray that he will continue to recognize not just Israel’s security needs, but Israel’s sovereignty, both historically and biblically over the Land. 

(6)   The state of Israel is a threat to Iran because Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set “red lines”. If those “red lines” are crossed, he has implied that Israel will attack Iran. At the same time, Obama has stated, publicly, that Israel has the right to defend itself with military action if needed. He has also said that the United States will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear bomb. 

The difference in strategies between the two leaders has to do with timing and tactics. Israel does not want Iran to reach a “break out” period where Iranian leaders will know how to build a bomb; and will have enriched enough uranium that they could build the bomb quickly. Obama, however, is in no hurry. He continues to engage Iranian leaders in diplomacy, hoping that the U.S. will not have to act, militarily, against Iran. He is willing for the “break out” period to occur, and would only act against Iran if its leaders went beyond that period and started building the bomb. Israel thinks that point in the process would be too late. Netanyahu is considering the major threat that Iran is to Israel, as Iran has called for the annihilation of the Jewish State.

Ask the Lord to hold back all evil forces that would try to destroy Israel. Pray that all wicked plans that are being created each day by Iranian leaders would be brought into confusion; and, all spiritual powers working against Israel would be considered null and void. Entreat the Lord and ask that He continue to shield Israel from mass destruction. Pray for there to be greater unity between Israel and the U.S.; that Obama would have a change of heart; and, that American leaders will stand with Israel, shoulder-to-shoulder to counteract this Iranian threat. 

Over and over again we have heard a doctrine in Israel which states that the Jewish People cannot, ever again, depend on other powers to defend them. This is a reaction to the Holocaust and the helplessness that Jews felt when confronted by the power of Nazi Germany. Now that Israel is a state, leaders here make sure to let other nations know that Israel will always look to defend itself, even if having to act alone against rogue states and terrorist militias.  

Pray that Israel does not act alone, but trusts in God to defend her as a nation. Declare Psalm 60:12 over Israel: “Through God we shall do valiantly: for it is He that shall tread down our enemies.”  He is the Holy One of Israel!

(7)   Natural gas from an off-shore rig in the Mediterranean Sea has started to flow into Israel. It happened on Saturday, March 30, 2013, which marked the beginning of energy independence for Israel. Pray for wisdom for Israeli leaders, that they would know the best way to handle this blessing that God has given the Jewish State. Pray that this natural gas would boost Israel’s economy and lower gas prices within the country.

(8)   Proclaim a sound economy for Israel. Pray that those who are looking to balance the nation’s budget would be given knowledge, wisdom, and understanding from the Lord. Declare that all schemes to protect politicians in their agenda regarding the budget would be stopped immediately. Pray for Minister of Finance Yair Lapid to walk in greater wisdom when it comes to balancing Israel’s budget; finding a way to help the weaker sectors of Israeli society. (2 Chronicles 1:10).

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 62

Jerusalem, Israel

MARCH 2013 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

(Psalm 61:6-7; Jeremiah 30:17; Jeremiah 33:6)

The biggest impediment in Israel right now is the inability of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new government. This means that new Knesset members can introduce bills but there is no way of furthering legislation. Everyone is in a waiting mode. Netanyahu has been given a two week extension to form a new government by Israeli President Shimon Peres, but after that, if no government is formed, Israel could end up with new elections.

There were past hurts between Netanyahu and Naphtali Bennett which caused un-forgiveness and resentment to enter the hearts of both men. When Bennett’s party (Bayit Yehudi) won 12 seats to become the fourth largest party in the Knesset, Netanyahu ignored him.  In fact, during the election campaign, Netanyahu’s Likud party ridiculed Bennett, even though both parties share the same political ideology. The rift between the two, and Netanyahu’s rejection of Bennett, caused Bennett to form a political pact with another party leader, Yair Lapid (with the Yesh Atid party).  As a result, these two men have blocked Netanyahu’s ability to form a strong and stable government.

·        There has been some reconciliation between Netanyahu and Bennett. Please pray that the Lord will bring these two men into His perfect plans for Israel. Pray that they would surrender their personal motives to the direction of His Holy Spirit; submit their lives to the Lord; and work towards the betterment of Israeli society, rather than focused on their own political agendas. 

·        A majority of Israelis are fed-up with the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community. This is causing a major division in Israeli society, and is the main sticking point in Netanyahu’s ability to form a new government. Secular Israelis feel that the haredi have squandered government money; and also do not share the burden of national military service because they sit and pray in yeshivas. Pray that all ungodly strongholds in the haredim (ultra-Orthodox) community will be broken. It’s time for all evil motives among the leading rabbis to surface and be dealt with in the name of the Messiah!

Pray that all racist attitudes within the secular population will be exposed and there will be repentance for wrong attitudes. Pray that all fears about the haredim will be overcome; and that Israelis will walk in love, forgiveness, and patience in all dealings with the haredi population.

·        Pray for the upcoming visit to Israel of U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry. Pray that their hearts will be softened towards Israel, and that the Lord will implant in them a great love for His land and people. Pray that all plans that are not His will be thwarted. Pray that the Lord will protect and watch over Israel during that time, remembering His covenant with the Jewish People. Intercede for the Lord to put His words in the mouths of these men, and only His plans on their agendas.

·        As we have mentioned in previous Prayer Updates, anti-Semitism is on the rise, worldwide. This is especially true among leaders of nations. Pray, specifically, for Great Britain and Turkey. Pray that members of these governments that make anti-Semitic statements will be disciplined by the Lord. Pray that He will cause their political power to be diminished with every comment made against Israel and the Jewish People. Pray that Israel will find supernatural favor with leaders of nations, especially during this critical transitional period in government.

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 61

Jerusalem, Israel

FEBRUARY 2013 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

• Pray for God to give wisdom to Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli leaders as they form the next government of Israel. Pray that backdoor deals and political maneuvering among Israel’s political parties will be overshadowed by a strong sense of loyalty and commitment to Israeli citizens by politicians who will lead the next coalition. Pray that the Lord raises-up leaders who have God’s sense of righteousness and justice in their hearts. Intercede for improved relations between the U.S. and Israel, especially between Netanyahu and Barack Obama.   (Psalm 33:5; Jeremiah 9:23-24).  

• Netanyahu has admitted that there has been enormous pressure on him during the past four years, with demands that Israel withdraws to the pre-1967 border; divides Jerusalem and stops building in the eastern part of the city. Most of these demands have come from the Palestinians, the UN, the EU, and the U.S. In America, the great concern among pro-Israel supporters is Obama’s nomination of Chuck Hagel for the position of U.S. Secretary of Defense. Hagel is a known critic of Israel.

• Pray that Israel’s next government will be strong and able to withstand U.S. and international pressure during the next four years. Pray that Israel’s sovereign rights, given to the Jewish People by the Lord, Himself, will be respected and honored, worldwide.  Pray that a greater love for the biblical scriptures, and greater revelation and understanding regarding Israel’s land covenant with God, will pierce men’s hearts who occupy high places in government within the nations. (Isaiah 51:4-6).

•  Israel’s military is on high alert on the border with Lebanon and Syria. On Wednesday, January 30^th, Israeli jet fighters struck at Syrian trucks headed for Hezbollah in Lebanon, containing SA-17 anti-aircraft missiles. The trucks were located near a Syrian military research center, which was also hit.  The research center has been a top national security threat to Israel since 2010 and is known for the development of biological and chemical weapons. Reportedly, several Iranian Revolutionary Guards in the area were killed.  Both Iran and Syria have threatened a surprise retaliation attack on Israel. Since the Israeli Air Force attack, Israeli jet fighters have stepped up their surveillance over Lebanon.

Also in late January, Israel deployed two Iron Dome missile batteries in the Haifa area due to the potential of future cross-border fighting between Israel and Syria. Israel and the United States have been concerned by the possible movements of non-conventional chemical and biological weapons from Syria’s large depots. Both governments have threatened Syria saying they will not tolerate a situation where chemical weapons end up in the hands of Sunni or Shiite radicals.  A Saudi Arabian newspaper reported that non-conventional weapons were already moved from Syria to Hezbollah in February-March 2012.  

• Some Bible scholars think that Isaiah Chapter 17 is on the verge of being fulfilled. We should be praying for the current trauma in Syria where 60,000 people have lost their lives due to the ongoing civil war. Pray, also, that no WMD’s will get into the hands of Islamic radicals that would try to use the weapons against Israel. Pray that He who watches Israel will neither slumber nor sleep, but put His hand of protection on the Jewish State.  No weapon formed against Israel can prosper!  (Isaiah 121:4; Isaiah 54:17).

• Israelis are not the best at long-term planning. They operate best in an immediate crisis, or in coming up with short-term goals. The flawed political system makes it easier for governments to fall, or new elections to be called. In the last 15 years, Israel has had 14 finance ministers, 11 transportation ministers, and 10 housing and construction ministers. This constant turn-over makes it difficult for plans to go through in any logical order.

• Pray that reforms in Israel’s political system will allow for long-term strategic planning. Pray that Israelis, themselves, will persevere with great organizational ability. Pray that they can take a project through to its end in a way that advances the purposes and goals of God that benefit Israeli society.  (Isaiah 62:2-3; Hebrews 10:35-36; Hebrews 12:1).

• With the presence of Al-Qaeda, Salafists, and jihadists near its borders, especially in Syria, the Sinai, and Gaza, Israel has been building walls and fences to keep infiltrators out.  Netanyahu hopes this will decrease terror attacks originating from Islamic Sunni extremists. An IDF soldier, Brig.-Gen. Eran Ofir, made a recent comment to Netanyahu: “Just as the Iron Dome defends Israel’s skies, the fence is an iron wall defending Israel’s border.”         (J. Post, January 2, 2013).

• Declare Psalm 20:7-8 over Israel, recognizing that it is not walls and fences or the might of the IDF that will help Israel, but God, Himself:  “Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.”

• Nations, people groups, and human rights organizations are increasingly becoming more vocal in their anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist stand against Israel and the Jewish People.It has been reported that last year, leaders in Egypt, Iran, Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Ukraine, Brazil, and Norway, made strong anti-Semitic remarks against the Jews and Israel. Anti-Semitism is now finding a voice among prominent leaders in Arab and European countries, who are more than willing to share their increased hatred towards the Jewish State. Media leaders are also contributors to the recent rise of anti-Semitism in Europe.

Pro-Israel supporters should watch the European Union closely. Leaders in the EU are expected to speak out more vocally against Israel after the next government is formed. European hatred for Israeli settlement building has caused leaders to falsely accuse Jerusalem of setting up obstacles to peace in the region. And, EU leaders have already decided that Jerusalem must be divided.

Meanwhile, the Palestinians have been encouraged by their leaders to start a third Intifada against Israel, perhaps beginning in Hebron.

• Declare Israel’s redemptive purpose which is to be a light to the nations.  (Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 60:3). Proclaim into the heavenlies that those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed. He who touches Israel touches the Apple of God’s Eye! (Genesis 12:3; Zechariah 2:8; Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8). Intercede that nations, people groups, and human rights organizations – those that falsely accuse Israel on a daily basis -- will line up with God’s eternal covenant purposes for Israel. (Genesis 35:12; Leviticus 26:42; Judges 2:1; Isaiah 55:3).  

• Prayer can change the global strategic balance of power that has become shaky since the Arab Revolution that started in 2011. The revolution has swept aside four heads of state. But, the “kings” in the Middle East are surviving, especially the King of Jordan and of Saudi Arabia. However, the Jordanian king (King Abdullah) has been weakened by protests in his nation. The Jordanian elections in January led to the creation of Jordan’s first parliamentary government. Abdullah now must consult the Parliament when appointing members to his government; and, he has conceded to Islamists that his son will not inherit the monarchy. Jordanian opposition forces, mostly headed-up by the Moslem Brotherhood, are demanding that Abdullah relinquish his constitutional powers that allow him to form governments. But, so far, he has refused to do so, and the Brotherhood does not have enough power to successfully overthrow him. Jordan is ruled by a majority of tribal factions from rural areas who are loyal to King Abdullah.

• Pray according to Romans 13:1:  “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Intercede for the King of Jordan and other kings, that they would have a discerning heart in governing their people and distinguishing between right and wrong. (1 Kings 3:9). Pray for royal governments to establish God’s Kingdom work on the earth according to His timetable (Daniel 2:21; Psalm 75:7).

• As Israel faces great challenges this year from enemies on its borders, it is important to remember the IDF (Israel’s Defense Forces) and the IAF (Israel’s Air Force) in our prayers. 

Please intercede for Israeli soldiers according to this prayer that observant Jews say on a daily basis:  “May He who blessed our fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, bless the soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces who keep guard over our country and the cities of our Lord. May the Holy One, blessed be He, preserve our soldiers and save them from all sorrow and peril, from danger and illness.”  And, may He bring them home safely!