SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 82

Jerusalem, Israel

JULY 2014 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

The nation of Israel is in heavy grief, mourning the deaths of three modern Orthodox teenagers in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) that were kidnapped on June 2, and subsequently killed by Hamas terrorists. Not knowing they had died, the nation came together in great unity of prayer and purpose. Israelis sought the Lord, calling out to Him in psalms, songs, and spiritual prayers, hoping He would bring the boys back home.  It was an unprecedented outpouring of intercession by Orthodox and secular Jews, with rallies taking place at the Western Wall (30,000 people attending); and Rabin Square in Tel Aviv (tens of thousands attending).  The parents of the three boys publicly stood in faith, hope and love, with dignity, thankfulness and gratefulness before the nation and before God. The prayers of their Jewish brethren helped them to believe that the Lord would come through with answers. While sin is rampant in the land, we sought the Lord for His mercy (rahamim). Around this particular issue, we prayed that the IDF would find the boys.  They did, the afternoon of June 30, but, the teenagers were not alive.  We mourn with those who are mourning in Zion and all over Israel. We pray for the healing of hearts in His beloved country. We call upon You Lord, that Your people will repent, be restored, and that revival will come soon. 

·         Please stand with us, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, for the nation to continue to come together in prayer (including the Body of Messiah) -- in humbleness; seeking His face; turning from evil ways, and turning to God. Pray that He will hear from heaven, and answer the prayers of His people, forgiving the sins of the nation, and healing this land.  Pray, that we can minister to the Israeli people who are experiencing such a great loss, according to Isaiah 61:1-3:  “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captive and release from darkness for the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy, instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of His splendor.”

When we write, here, of rampant sin, one of the most ungodly cities in Israel is Tel Aviv. It has become known as the gay capital of the world with more than 100,000 people attending a recent Gay Pride Parade, along with many celebrations throughout the city, including an event for children. One journalist reported that this is now becoming part of the national identity of the nation! We say, “NOT!”

·         Declare, with us, that the abomination of homosexuality in Israel will be revealed for what it is. And, that Israelis will turn from their wickedness, including those who support the political homosexual agenda in the nation. As in the U.S. and elsewhere throughout the world, gays in Israel are finding ways to get married; adopt children; and raise families, expecting to be woven into the normal fabric of society. Pray that they will stop walking in unrighteous deception. May God bring them all into deep repentance; may they receive the truth; and may they come to salvation through Yeshua! Romans 13:12:  ^“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

There is a shifting of historical proportions in the geography of the Middle East which is causing global concern. As before, we see forces coming together that are mentioned in Psalm Chapter 83.  Extreme Islamic elements are taking over major parts of Iraq and Syria, threatening Jordan, Lebanon and Israel. We believe that, currently, Israel is adopting a good foreign policy. Top Israeli leaders are traveling throughout Europe with a plan that would help defend Israeli and Western interests. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said that Israel can no longer rely on local forces, trained by the West, to curb and stop the Islamic penetration. (He was referring to the soldiers that the U.S. trained in Iraq that were not able to stand when radical Islamic forces decided to take over). The new Israeli plan calls for a regional policy that would bring Israel together with moderate Arab states, to defend each other’s borders, seeking the help of Western powers.

·         Thank the Lord for His strategies for Israel according to Proverbs 20:18: “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.”

·         Pray for clarity and for a clear sound that prepares Israel and surrounding nations, according to  1 Corinthians 14:8:  “For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle?”

·         Do spiritual warfare over Israel’s borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Gaza, according to Jeremiah 46:3-4: “Prepare your shields, both large and small, and march out for battle! Harness the horses, mount the steeds! Take your positions with helmets on. Polish your spears, put on your armor”

·         Intercede for the Body of Messiah in Israel to take their rightful position in prayer, intercession, and worship before the Lord for this nation’s survival, according to Luke 21:36: “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Reportedly, Germany’s government reneged on its commitment to Israel to deliver vital patrol ships for a discounted price. Germany has denied that it was planning to contribute finances on a ship deal that would have safeguarded Israel’s energy supplies in the Mediterranean Sea. The decision behind this has to do with Germany’s disapproval in the way Israel has handled the peace process, especially the continued building in the settlements. This disappointment to Israel comes after German Chancellor Angela Merkel claimed in early Spring 2014 that Germany would work “shoulder to shoulder” with the Jewish State, seeking to secure the future of the State of Israel.

·         The linkage of the diplomatic peace process with Israel’s military and security needs establishes a dangerous precedent. Pray that other Western nations do not follow Germany’s example. This kind of leveraging sets a bad example and could hurt Israel’s defense needs in the future. Declare, unto the Lord, that this kind of wickedness would cease:  “Woe to the superior powers that devise and decree unrighteous decrees! And woe to the inferior officers that draw them up, and enter them on record!” (Isaiah 10:1).

 

The climate in Europe is worsening for the Jewish People. In France, Jews are targeted in 40% of violent hate crimes. In a May 2014 poll, a majority of French Jews said they were considering emigration from their country. Racism has been evident as radical parties have gained seats in European parliaments. It appears that right-wing extremists are trying to develop the political agenda in Europe. In Britain, Muslims have set up more than 80 Sharia courts, using democracy and freedom as a way of infiltrating and organizing an Islamic system of Sharia Law. 

Anti-Semitism has surged, and Israel’s Jewish Agency is making plans for eventual emergency airlifts to get the Jews out of Europe, and out of the Ukraine, if necessary. This Spring, one of the few Jewish members of the Ukrainian Parliament, Oleksandr Feldman, spoke at a press conference in Jerusalem and denied the scope of anti-Semitism in his nation. Then, on June 23, 2014, he was threatened in central Kiev by uniformed men who hurled anti-Semitic insults at him. A majority of Ukrainian Jews continue to deny that there are acts of anti-Semitism in their country, but several recent incidents confirm that Jewish people are being targeted. 

Meanwhile, the annual 30-day Muslim Ramadan holiday has begun, and for Jews in Israel and throughout the world, it is a time to pray for an extra measure of protection. Heightened security measures are in place. Muslims are supposed to fast during the day; abstain from sexual activity; and not engage in evil acts, thoughts, and words. 

·         Pray during Ramadan that all acts of hatred against the Jewish People will be uncovered, exposed, and stopped in Yeshua’s name. Ask the Lord to release His angels to guard His people from the wiles of the enemy. Declare that God’s people will be vigilant to watch for signs of trouble; and, continue to intercede with prayers of protection for all Jewish communities throughout the world. Pray with diligence as Israel may take strong action against Hamas during this period.

·         CRAFTED PRAYER:  God, You are our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should shake and change.  On Israel’s behalf, and for the People of the Book who live throughout the world, we declare that You, Lord, are faithful.  You will strengthen Your people and protect them from the evil one. We call on You Lord, keeping in mind Your promises, as You are worthy of praise, and Your Word says that You save us from our enemies. We declare, over Jewish communities throughout the world, that You, our Sovereign Lord, will guard them from all evil. You will keep them, and always watch their going out and coming in, from this time forth and forever. You will rescue them from every wicked attack and bring them home safely. Though they walk in the midst of troubles, at times, You preserve the lives of Your people, Israel. You stretch out Your hand against the anger of their foes; and, with Your right hand, You save them. We thank You, in Jesus name, for every act of kindness You perform for Your Covenant People. 

Israel has a new President who will be sworn into office sometime in July. His name is Reuven Rivlin and he is a     member of the Likud party, and former Speaker of the Knesset. Rivlin is 74 years old. Despite not getting along with Netanyahu, Rivlin attended his brit mila!  (Netanyahu is now in his early 60’s).  Rivlin is hawkish on the peace process, but quite liberal on principles of democracy. He, and the current Speaker of the Knesset, Yuli Edelstein, have not been willing to enforce laws that would curb Israeli Arab incitement – specifically, among Knesset members. Instead, they both see democratic principles as complete freedom of expression, even if that expression stirs up the Arab minority in Israel to engage in activities against the Jewish State.

·          

The Presidency in Israel is mostly a ceremonial role, but also unites the country in times of crisis. The position can be a nuisance to the Prime Minister if the President chooses to give his unwanted opinion on political or diplomatic matters. Pray that Rivlin will be a Godly father to the nation of Israel, and limit his public opinions to ones that unite the people and support the Prime Minister.  

Declare for all Israel that this Presidency will be one under God’s Divine Order, following the mandate in 1 Timothy 2:1-4: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 81

Jerusalem, Israel

JUNE 2014 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

 Psalm 122:6-9

·         STORM CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON!  At a recent security conference in Tel Aviv, Israeli Maj-Gen. (res.) Amos Gilad, Director of Political-Military affairs at Israel’s Defense Ministry, warned, “Today is a pleasant day. But, there are clouds, and a storm, on the horizon. People don’t believe it until it comes.”  He spoke of Iran’s military nuclear program, declaring it is the greatest threat to Israel’s security. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards now have global command centers for terrorism. Gilad also said that Hezbollah’s firepower threatens all of Israel’s territory. He admitted that Israel has not been successful in preventing a build-up of rockets in Lebanon, except for a few military operations, as has been reported. He spoke of Israel’s need to maintain operational readiness.   (Jerusalem Post, 5/21/2014).

Today, despite this need, Israel’s defense chiefs (Moshe Ya’alon and Benny Gantz) have spoken openly about large cutbacks in Israel’s defense budget. This is causing the IDF to operate in less than ideal conditions. The sense is that there is infighting between the IDF and Israel’s Treasury and Ministry of Finance. The IDF says if something is not done soon about its budget, it will cease many of its key operations in 2015. The IDF has been cancelling defense projects that are vital to Israel’s security because of a lack of funds!

CRAFTED PRAYER:  Lord, you know Israel’s military needs and the preparations that are necessary for the IDF to defend this nation.  You are Israel’s shield and buckler, a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 35:1-2; Psalm 91:4; Psalm 46:1). You are the life-line that Israel must seek for. So, we ask You to make Yourself known among Your people. For You are the Lord and You change not!  (Malachi 3:6). We pray that the generals in the IDF will lift up their eyes to the mountains and seek where their help comes from. According to Psalm 121, it comes from You, Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth!  Lord, Your Word says that You will not allow our feet to slip; that You who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. We declare that You are the shade at our right hand, and the sun will not harm us by day or the moon by night.  You will keep Israel from all harm. You will watch over the lives of Your Jewish People. You will watch over this special and unique nation – as people come and go – both now and forevermore. 

·         Anti-Semitism is spreading globally. Reportedly, 25% of adults, worldwide, are anti-Semitic. In Greece, 65% of the population holds anti-Semitic views about the Jewish People which is part of their traditional upbringing and the conspiracy theories they believe in. The recent killing of Jews in a Jewish museum in Belgium; the brutal beating of Jews on the streets of France; and the increased danger for Jews living in the Ukraine who are in the cross-fire of a civil war there – all these acts of hatred have been of great concern to the global Jewish Community. Recent elections in the EU resulted in radical anti-Semitic racists being voted into the European Parliament! They now have greater influence on political decisions being made throughout the European community. This is not a good sign for the Jewish People in Europe and they should be making plans to come home to Israel.

Pray the Aliyah scriptures for European Jewry… 

CRAFTED PRAYER:  Lord, according to Ezekiel 36:24, we pray that the Jewish People in Europe will heed Your call to leave their homes and cities, and come to their Promised Land… Israel. We pray they will have the faith of Abraham, according to Hebrews 11:8, and they will obey You and go to the place where they will receive their inheritance. We declare that they will listen for Your voice, and will not hesitate to take the steps necessary towards making Aliyah, even though they may not know exactly where they will settle in the land. We proclaim that they will be bold, strong and courageous, as spoken of in Joshua 1:9 -- that they will not fear; and, that they will heed your commandment, O Lord, knowing You are with them wherever they go. Ezekiel 20:42 says that they will know that You are the Lord when you bring them into the land of Israel, the land You swore with uplifted hand to give to their ancestors. God, we trust that You will give them good pastures on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements in the land. Lord we remind You of Your promise, in Ezekiel 39:27, that when You have brought them back from the nations, and have gathered them from the countries of their enemies, You will be proved holy through them in the sight of many nations. You promise they will know You as the LORD THEIR GOD, and as you gather them to their own land, You will not leave any behind, according to Ezekiel 39:28. Amen, in Yeshua’s name!

·         There has been back-biting, manipulating, and all kinds of deals being made behind the scenes in Israel’s political corridors as the race for the Presidency begins.  In mid-June, the Israeli government will vote on who will be the next President of the State of Israel. It is mainly a ceremonial position, but depending on who is elected, some of Israel’s former presidents used this high office for political and diplomatic gain. The President can also undermine the work of the Prime Minister and stir up trouble. On the other hand, the President can be a father figure who brings Israelis together in times of trouble; comforts the people; and encourages unity when there is strife in the nation. Pray that God’s choice for President will find favor in the eyes of the Israeli government and people. Pray for the Lord to put His Spirit into His Divinely appointed leader, and anoint this Israeli for God’s Kingdom purposes.  As written in Proverbs 21:1, pray that “The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; He guides it wherever He pleases.”

·         Britain, France and the U.S. have intelligence information that proves that Syrian leader Bashar Assad has failed to declare all of the chemical weapons he has in his possession. Meanwhile, he has, reportedly, been using chlorine gas on his people.  (The death toll in Syria is now estimated at about 170,000).

In mid-May, the IDF closed the Quneitra border between Israel and Syria, declaring it a military zone. This is because of the fierce fighting on the Syrian Golan Heights between Assad’s forces and Sunni jihadists. Some of the rebels fighting are with Al-Qaeda and they control major areas of the Syrian side of the border. This is alarming news for Israel!

In Proverbs 12, we read that an honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies. The Lord detests lying lips. Pray that the deeds of the unrighteous Assad government, and the rebellious Sunni jihadists, will be exposed and that all the poisonous chemicals will be brought out of Syria and destroyed.

Pray that Israel’s borders will be safe and that the Lord will root out the enemy and expose his wicked schemes. Psalm 21:8: “Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes.”

Despite wars and rumors of wars, Israelis are patriotic and they love their country. Israel’s current population is 8.18 million; 6.135 million are Jewish residents, which is 75% of the total population. The good news is that Israelis remain optimistic about their lives with a large majority reportedly happy to live in the land!