SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 219

 

Jerusalem, Israel

February 23, 2024 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

GPW News and Prayer Update

 

CLARION CALL FOR GLOBAL WATCHMEN: A Convergence is coming. Will it be peaceful or not?

(Read about the Convergence in the previous blog entry, February 14, 2024).

*We should pay attention, now, to signs and times (Signs OF the Times), with watchful eyes.

Examples:

*Former Israeli Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, who is in the current government War Cabinet, recently stated: “The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know, if our hostages are not home by Ramadan, the fighting will continue and expand to Rafah.”

This is a signal from the War Cabinet about a time and place. We should pay attention to these signals in the natural, but especially in the spiritual realm, when the Lord, Himself, signals that something is coming.  Many of us get dreams and visions. As you test these, perhaps it is the Lord speaking to you to prepare for what is coming.

*The current Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, recently said: “The clock is ticking. It is not a matter of years, but weeks, before Israel will be forced to implement UN Resolution 1701 ourselves.”

This is a threat by Israel, to the international community, at the UN, that the time for diplomacy will end in a few weeks, and then the military option will come.

This message is meant to be understood by the league of nations.  But, those in the prophetic and public arena should look for certain phrases, from government leaders, that represent a shift in action… in this case, under a ticking clock of time. We should be looking at the ticking clocks in this hour!

The DEFINITION of a Ticking Clock: “The time (for something to be done) is passing quickly; hurry up!”

*You may have used the expression:  in the eleventh hour (meaning, that God finally came through at almost midnight for you!)  Often breakthroughs come through at the eleventh hour!

A ticking clock can correspond to the pressure that comes, as we are getting closer to a definitive action in time!

How close are we to the time when a major transition will happen? Knowing the exact timing is challenging! But, the Lord gives us signs.

*Journalists can recognize a crisis in a “5 banner headline” across the front page of a newspaper. When it reaches that expanse, there is a significant and dramatic shift.  It’s no longer “business as usual.”  Something has shifted dramatically, which has changed the course of history in our nation, our region, and/or globally. That happened on October 7, 2023.

In Israel, we are often prepared by the Lord in advance for “something about to happen; a change that is coming.”

*The massacre on October 7, in the south of Israel, was not expected, but there was great concern by northern residents on the Israeli-Lebanese border that something terrible was going to happen to them. The media was brought to the border in May 2023 and heard the testimonies.

Though what happened in the south took most of Israel and the world by surprise, watchmen in Israel were already sensing a war coming. The prayers were for the north, not the south.

In the future, we need to ask the Lord for more clarity in terms of specific geographical unrest, with our maps in hand!

At the same time that watchmen were praying about war coming to Israel, a well-known Middle East expert had been hearing on the streets of Iraq, about an Iranian plot to be unleashed against Israel. It was very specific and included major attacks on multi-fronts. He published it in the Israeli media.  It seemed to be so “doomsday” that the proverbial optimists in Israel did not believe him and dismissed his scenario.

Reportedly, when IDF commanders in the south were told by soldiers at their posts in October 2023, that there was unusual activity going on in the border area, that information was also dismissed.

This happened, as well, when the intel was given to the Israeli prime minister before the Yom Kippur war of 1973.

A LESSON LEARNED!

*As watchman, we must look for the signs, look at the times, and notice the ticking clock.

WHAT WILL GET US OFF TRACK: What will cause us to lose focus as a watchman at our post?

MODERN DAY MEDIA OUTLETS:

The best reporters find credible primary sources. This means they gather the news, go to briefings, meet with leaders, and get expert information from political, diplomatic, and military sources. Then, they present information in a print article or in a broadcast video. Sometimes it includes interviews with their sources. Sometimes, the reporter becomes the source to the public.

When the public receives the information, it is obtaining news information from a secondary source – the media.

As watchmen, our first Primary Source is always the Lord and His word!  Then, if we can develop primary sources in our community, state, nation, region, and globally, we are functioning as information gatherers. It is often difficult to get to nation state leaders. But, it is not as difficult to speak to people who have been through experiences, that have testimonies that are front line information.

Watchmen in Israel, who are not with the media, have found sources among friends who have boots on the ground in the south and in the north.  They are getting testimonies from Israelis who have been through hard times since October 7, 2024. This is primary source information.

Too often, watchmen rely on secondary sources that they think are credible. They do not dig deeper to see what other media outlets are reporting. Watchmen tend to want to be the first to “post” and “publish” information. Sometimes that information is not fact, but full of theories and inferences. It is more opinion and commentary with indirect references, and often containing man’s analysis. This is not the same as facts on the ground.

UNCONFIRMED SOURCES AND REPORTS:

*As watchmen we should not be posting anything that is unconfirmed. This can lead us and others astray.   

Furthermore, words used like, “a political source stated that….”  gets you wondering more about who the political source is, rather than what they actually said! 

*Trial balloons (see previous blog entry, February 2, 2024), are thoughts, ideas, and new public policy initiatives being tried out on the public. The information is being floated in the public arena. Those who float this information are looking at the response of the population to a half-truth, false report, or leaked information, but it is not, necessarily accurate reporting.

*What we are wanting to discern in all that is posted and published is truth and accuracy.

So, when we read that a so-called political source, with no name given, in an unconfirmed report, is stating that a certain government leader is seriously considering something, it is not necessarily worth our time to examine it, or highlight it, or give our analysis about it. It could be a distraction to us and others.

As a watchman, when you are reading or viewing news reports, consider what to do about an unconfirmed unidentified political source stating their unknown political agenda about a leading power in government.

If you are not “in the room,” when a political or diplomatic leader says something; or, you have not seen a report with a definite quote from that leader’s mouth, then it’s possible you are supposed to let that information be a source for prayer, but not for action.

*Remember that God will reveal to us, in due time, what He, the LORD, is planning.

It’s of utmost important that we pray for greater discernment to not be deceived by winds of doctrine; but, also by winds of news and information.

*Our most reliable source of information is the Lord, Himself and His word!

SCRIPTURES THAT REASSURE US AS WELL AS WARN US:

Matthew 24:1-3: “Then Jesus went out and departed from the Temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the Temple. And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Now, as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’ ”

The disciples were looking ahead to the future. In modern days, that could be seen as believing reporters and watchmen wanting to get the scoop!  The Lord sees our great need to know. But, He requires us to be disciplined and put that desire under His Lordship. It is an issue that requires us to take up our cross daily, until it is dealt with thoroughly!

Jesus chose not to answer the repeated question of the disciples (through the gospels). Instead, He answers them this way:

Matthew 24:4: “And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Take heed that no one deceives you.’ (Don’t let anyone mislead you or lead you astray).

Jesus went on to warn of false Christs and false prophets that will be coming to deceive the believers!

Jesus was concerned that, because of their hunger for future news, and their “need to know,” they could be led-on by misinformation!  He cared more about them, personally, then answering their direct questions right away.

But, then, He did warn them of what was coming…  wars and rumors of war. And, again, caring for them, He said, “don’t be alarmed, because these wars and rumors of war must come.”

Then, Jesus gives a bit of a timetable. It’s very general. He says: “But, the end is still to come.”  (Matthew 24:6).

He then speaks of all that will happen – all the signs off the times – BEFORE the end of the age finally comes! 

Yet, His first words to His disciples are a warning:  Do not be deceived!

Those of us who are prophetically inclined have an even greater responsibility before the Lord. We have to be so careful because it says in Matthew 24:24, that “even the elect will be deceived.”

MORE SCRIPTURES ABOUT THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES; SET TIMES; AND APPOINTED TIMES:

1 Chronicles 12:32: “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

Psalm 102:13: “You will arise and have mercy and compassion on Zion, for it is time to be gracious and show favor to her; Yes, the appointed time [the moment designated], the set-time has come.”

Ephesians 5:15: So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

God encourages us to redeem the time. And, He wants us to know His mysteries!

Mark 4:11: “And He said to them, ‘To you it has been given to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables…’ ”

Amos 3:7: “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”

We have the inside scoop, don’t we?  We just need to know who our Primary Source is?  But, also, we need to be careful to not rely on the sources here on earth that are “hearsay” from “soothsayers.”

There is another scripture that also gives us a sense of what the Lord chooses to reveal, when and to whom. He may share the mysteries and secrets of the Kingdom with us, but maybe not the signs and specific time of some of His plans. There is a difference!

Acts 1:6-7: “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ And, He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.’ ”

You can see from this that the Lord is selective in what He reveals. And, we must adjust our expectations!

In Deuteronomy 29:29 it says: “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever…”

So, what God shares with us is selective. (See also Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32). 

There is a scripture that is challenging for watchmen. It is a scripture that starts out promising, but leads to the Lord’s reprimand:

Habakkuk 2:1: “I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected (when I am reproved).

We must be willing to receive correction from the Lord, before we can move on to what we sense He intends for us to do. 

And, for all those who love to communicate; to write and to release to others:

Habakkuk 2:2-3: “Then the LORD said to me, ‘Write My answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

Here it is in another translation: “This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming…wait patiently… for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”

Our tendency is to want to release the revelation as soon as we get it. Yet, there is that appointed time. We must wait for it, because it is God’s appointed time when we: (1) receive the revelation; (2) write it down; (3) run with that message; (4) release it!

In these last days, perhaps because of pride, we want to be the first to release news and information -- to post it and to publish it. And, we want to let everyone know of our assurance of the timeline of events. Maybe we have the correct appointed times of where we are at in terms of the prophetic timeline. Or, maybe we don’t. Maybe, we are way ahead of God, in our obstinance of being so sure we know His timetable.   

The Lord is saying about His timetable, through His word to wait for it; wait patiently.

He does show us, in the scriptures, of what is to come, but there is a preparation while we are waiting for the time and season of the release of His purposes. And, in that preparation, the Lord is building our character, so we are not deceived.

Therefore, we reign in our need to know ahead; and our need to publish and post ahead. Instead, we seek God, Himself, for His mysteries and the secrets of His Kingdom that He, scripturally, promises to show us.

We know in our hearts, that the things that are on His heart, will surely take place and not be delayed because He has an exact timetable. In all of this, yes, we humanly experience “the wait.”  But, we also redeem the time He has given us, in order to mature and grow, until the vision is confirmed. And, we know the vision is confirmed when it comes to pass!

Source: Global Prayer Watch (GPW) News and Prayer Update

For more information write to:  globalprayerwatch@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SITUATION ANALYSIS: 218

 

Jerusalem, Israel

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Israel and the Nations

GPW NEWS & PRAYER UPDATE

 CONVERGENCE IN MARCH 2024:

*Ramadan begins on the eve of Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the same time that Rosh Chodesh begins.

*Fast of Esther begins Thursday, March 21, and ends Saturday eve, March 23. (During Ramadan)

*Purim begins Saturday eve, March 23, and ends Monday eve March 25. (During Ramadan)

* Shushan Purim (when the holiday is celebrated in walled cities like Akko and Jerusalem), is on Monday, March  25.

WARNING:

*Palm Sunday, Purim, and Ramadan all take place, together, on Sunday, March 24. It is a CONVERGENCE, and there could be VIOLENCE AND CLASHES around this time period. 

This year, it is unusual, because the CONVERGENCE is Ramadan, Purim, and Palm Sunday (not Passover).

*PRAYER POINT:  Throughout the modern history of the Jewish People, there have been              anti-semitic acts, pogroms, terrorist attacks, and calamities against the Jews during Purim -- in the nations and in Israel. PRAY that this year there is peace and tranquility, and that the joy of the Lord descends on the land, with all honor and glory to Him during this holiday season!

CONVERGENCE VIOLENCE IN PREVIOUS YEARS:

*In 2021, Ramadan began April 14 and ended May 12. There were riots on the Temple Mount on May 6, followed by Hamas rockets on May 10.  There was violence and high tensions throughout Israel’s Jerusalem Day, May 9-10. 

*In 2022, Ramadan began April 2 and ended May 1. On April 15, clashes erupted on the Temple Mount. Passover began the evening of April 15. Christian Holy Week was April 10-17.  

*In 2023, Ramadan began March 22 and ended April 20. On April 4, clashes started between Israel and the Palestinians. Passover began the evening of April 5.  Christian Holy Week was April 2-8.

FOCUSED PRAYER TIME DURING ESTHER FAST:

APPLICATION: A governmental Esther Fast is encouraged: Thursday, March 21 through Saturday, March 23, 2024.

The Megillat Esther (scroll of the Book of Esther) should be read Saturday evening, March 23.

PRAYER POINTS:

*Pray for the Lord’s protection, His provision, and His authority over Israel and the nations. A call and a decree should be proclaimed for all Esther’s and Mordechai’s to rise-up in their governmental authority in Israel and the nations during this season.

*The ten countries with the highest Jewish populations in the world are: Israel, the United States, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Russia, Australia, Germany, and Brazil. Declare Aliyah scriptures over those communities!

*Take time to research which nations in the world are blessing Israel and the Jewish People, and which ones are not! Include prayers for the re-alignment of the nations for God’s Kingdom plans to be fulfilled: (Genesis 12:3. Psalm 2:8).

KEY POINTS OF INTERCESSION MENTIONED IN THE ESTHER TEXT:

IDENTIFICATION OF PROVINCES, PRINCES, ROYAL DECREES, LETTERS, & SCRIPTS SENT TO ALL PEOPLES:

*Esther Chapter 1 begins in the days of Ahasuerus, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia (India to Kush to southern Egypt). The king sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in the Shushan citadel (also called Susa). It was a city in Elam. This included the powers of Persia and Media, two state in a unified kingdom.

*Esther 1:14 names those closest to the king, including seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king’s presence, and who ranked highest in the kingdom.  The first royal decree to go out from the king was recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, and it was the dethroning of Queen Vashti, who had to relinquish her position in the royal household because of disobedience.  (Esther 1:19-21).

*Letters and scripts were sent out to all the king’s provinces to every people in their own language.

PRAYER POINTS:

*Pray for government leaders in Israel, as well as those leaders of nations who are allies of Israel. Declare that their influence will have great impact for God’s purposes and not man’s. (Psalm 2).

*Pray that government leaders will be obedient to the Lord’s call on their lives. Proclaim that they will submit to His perfect government. (Isaiah 9:6-7).

GOD’S FAVOR ON ESTHER:

*In Esther Chapter 2, Esther comes on the scene. She does not reveal her people or her clan/family. (Esther 2:10). The preparations to go into the king’s presence lasts 1 year.  She obtains favor in the sight of all who meet her, and she has favor with the king. (Esther 2:15-17):

APPLICATION:  If we are not well-prepared, we cannot go, successfully, into the next stage of our lives with the blessing of the Lord upon us. It is unlikely that He will extend His favor. However, if we take the time to ready ourselves, and humble ourselves before our King, He will prepare the way of the Lord, and equip us, for the assignment ahead.

ESTHER SERVED AS AN INFORMANT, which saves the king’s life (Esther 2:21-23):

PRAYER POINT:

*Pray that believers will be in the right place at the right time to serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Jeremiah 29:11-12).

THE CHALLENGE TO MORDECHAI, THE JEW, WHO WOULD NOT BOW TO HAMAN:

*First case of antisemitism, Esther 3:4-5. Followed by a plot to annihilate all the Jews throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus (verse 6):

PRAYER POINTS:

*Pray that all evil plots against the Jewish People and Israel will be revealed and exposed. Ask the Lord to keep His people safe, in Israel and the Diaspora.  (Psalm 91).

*Pray that believers will not compromise their faith; that they will choose to be in the courts of the Lord, rather than a thousand elsewhere! (Psalm 84:10-12).

*Pray that God will strengthen all His Chosen People so that no one will bow to the ways of those who are wicked in His eyes. (Job 31:2-4).

 

SIGNIFICANT MEASURES TAKEN AGAINST THE JEWS:

PRAYER POINTS:

*Pray during this time of increased antisemitism, worldwide -- that Jew-hatred would stop, and that God will pour out His glory and blessings upon His people.  

*Ask the Lord for discernment as to how these scriptures in the time of Esther, now apply to today’s schemes against the Jewish People. Pray for His army of watchmen to rise-up and take their authority, in the Lord, requesting that He use His weapons of warfare to defeat Israel’s enemies during this vulnerable season. (Psalm Chapter 35):

*Esther 3:8: First injustice towards the Jews and their Godly ways.

*Esther 3:9: Decree of Annihilation suggested, along with a bribe.

*Esther 3:10: The king gives his signet ring to the enemy of the Jews (Haman), as well as the bribe money, along with the Agreement to Annihilate the Jews.

*Esther 3:12: The Decree of Annihilation written by the scribes, to the king’s satraps, to the governors over each province, and to every people in their own language. Written and sealed with the signet ring.

*Esther 3:13: Letters sent by couriers to all provinces with orders to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews, including young, old, little children and women; and plunder all possessions.  (Modern day application: The Holocaust; as well as, October 7, 2023).

*Esther 3:14: A copy of the document issued as law in every province; published for all people to read on the same day.

*Esther 3:15: The couriers, hastened by the king’s command, proclaim the decree in Shushan. (The people in Shushan are confused by the edict released).

*Esther Chapter 4:1-9:  Jews mourn with fasting, weeping, and wailing, including sackcloth and ashes.

 

CHALLENGE TO ESTHER TO LAY DOWN HER LIFE FOR HER PEOPLE:  Esther 4:10-15:

APPLICATON: Are you an “Esther” who is willing to lay down your life for what God has called you to do?

 INTERCESSORS FAST FOR ESTHER: Esther 4:16-17:

APPLICATION:  Are you isolated in your time of need, or do you have others praying for you?  Raise the level of intercession so that you are not “taken out,” or, “taken off the front lines” due to backlash.

ESTHER TAKES UP THE CHALLENGE -- GOES TO THE KING, BY FAITH: Esther 5:12-8:

APPLICATION:  Have you taken up the challenge in your own life, or shrunk back because of fear, doubt, and unbelief?  It’s a time of self-evaluation. Are you willing to sacrifice and overcome in order to see the deliverance of your people, your nation, your family, your children, etc.?

HAMAN PLANS HIS WICKED SCHEME WITH HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Esther 5:9-14.

APPLICATION:  Who are your friends? Are you too dependent on those who are giving you ungodly counsel, and are not living fully for the Lord? Or, are you walking with those who are advancing the Kingdom of God? Get priorities straight. Seek Godly counsel. It’s a time of          re-alignment, and focus on what is of eternal value! (See Psalm 1).

THE KING’S REVELATION ABOUT MORDECHAI: Esther 6:1-12.

APPLICATION:  The Lord will divinely fulfill His will. Sometimes, because we don’t listen long enough, He will speak to us in dreams. Pray for divine revelation to come, and that we would receive it with a listening ear. How much are we listening these days to Him? He says His sheep hear His voice. Are we hearing the voice of our shepherd clearly?

REVELATION OF WHO MORDECHAI IS BY HAMAN’S WIFE: Esther 6:13: 

“If Mordechai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him, but will surely fall before him.”

APPLICATION:  Be on God’s side and you will succeed!

IN TIME, ESTHER REVEALS HER IDENTITY AND THE PLIGHT OF HER PEOPLE TO THE KING: Esther 7:3-4:

APPLICATION:  This was another act of faith – vulnerability and risk on Esther’s part. It also involved timing. She is ready to share everything with the king. Are we?  Do we trust that He is the only One that can deliver our nation from the wiles of the enemy?

THE DEMISE OF HAMAN: Esther 7:5-10:

APPLICATION:  Do we shrink back from the complete demise of the enemy?  See Ephesians 6:12. Agree with God for what needs to be done! Get equipped! Fight the good fight of faith! The spiritual warfare is real!

RESTORATION: 

Esther Chapter 8, which includes: The signet ring given to Mordechai; the golden scepter extended to Esther again; favor from the king; a request by Esther to revoke the letters of destruction:

APPLICATION:  Esther does not forget all that is needed to see full victory for her people. She makes her requests to the king. He does not grant everything. (The letters of destruction could not be revoked). But, he makes sure that he has fulfilled as much of Esther and Mordechai’s requests as he can. How far are we willing to go to ask of Him?

THE KING’S ANSWER: Esther 8:8-14, which includes: a new written decree by Esther and Mordechai; sealed with the king’s signet ring; it cannot be revoked; the scribes writing the decree to the entire province; to every person in every language. Letters were sent by couriers, with the king’s permission for the Jews to gather in every city, and protect their lives, by killing the enemy and his clans. A copy of the document issued as a decree in every province; published; so, the Jews would be ready to avenge themselves on their enemies. The decree issued in Shushan:

APPLICATION:  How often do we pay attention to the important facts and details of what is needed to assure we have our offense and defense measures prepared for the spiritual fight?  If we are not the best at administrating, then get help from someone who has that gift!  Finish what you began! Make sure you cross that finish line to victory!

* ROYAL CELEBRATION FOR THE JEWS: Esther 8:15-17.

*A VICTORY FOR THE JEWS: Esther 9:1-16.

*REST, FEASTING, AND A LETTER FROM MORDECHAI TO THE JEWS, TO CELEBRATE YEARLY: Esther 9:17-25.

*COMMITMENT BY THE JEWS TO CELEBRATE & REMEMBER THROUGH ALL GENERATIONS: Esther 9:26-32.

APPLICATION:  Remember your successes. Take time to celebrate! Expect to see the complete triumph over your enemies! Rest, worship in His Presence, write in your journal, and remember the miracles in your life that all come from Him! Commit your time, treasures, and talents to the Lord!

*KING AHASUERUS IMPOSES A TRIBUTE ON THE LAND, AND THE ISLANDS OF THE SEA: Esther Chapter 10.

You will see the fruit of your labors!

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 217

 

Jerusalem, Israel

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Israel and the Nations

GPW News Prayer Update

What are Trial Balloons?

When global leaders cannot agree in private, they tend to air out their differences in public. The media is used to ‘float’ trial balloons. Leaks to journalists increase. Recently, this has been occurring more than usual…

The definition of a trial balloon is:  “A tentative measure taken or statement made to see how a new policy will be received.”

These trial balloons are not necessarily true and accurate information. Often, they float what appears to be new policy initiatives taken by governments. In reality, it’s ideas of policy makers or deep thinkers that are released into the public arena to see what the reaction will be.

As intercessors, we can get caught up in trial balloons, thinking that they represent breaking news, but our focus on this is a waste of time.  We should not be seeing these floating ideas as facts on the ground. Even from what we deem to be credible news sources, there are, sometimes, trial balloons being reported as fact.

As watchmen on the wall, we tend to want to be the first to discover a breakthrough, standing at our guard post, looking to and fro. Yet, it is important that we distinguish what is fact and what is not.

CRAFTED PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE:

Help us Lord to discern what is news and information and what is speculation. Help us to know what the facts are… vs… what is opinion and commentary.  Gaining Your truth, and sharing information with accuracy, remains our goal and purpose, in bearing lasting fruit for Your Kingdom purposes.

2 Timothy 2:7: “Think over the things I am saying [grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you insight and understanding in everything.”

Israel’s Current Relationship with the United States:

Often politicians and diplomats will say there is “no daylight” between Israel and the United States, meaning that the two allies agree on major issues. But, lately, the interests between these two nations have grown wider. So, we are in a season of “daylight,” and this needs prayer.

In the first and second stages of the war in Gaza, regardless of the differences behind the scenes, it appeared, publicly, that the U.S. was supporting Israel’s efforts to defend itself… though, some of us knew better.

We knew better because of the background of relations between U.S. Administrations and Israeli governments.

In previous wars and conflicts between Israel and its enemies, American former presidents have been known to hold back military aid packages, funding, and parts, including munitions and advanced weapons systems. Its been a form of leverage over Israel, if Israel did not comply with U.S. demands based on U.S. interests. So, the interests of these two allies, sometimes, are not the same.

In this third stage of the Gaza War, Israel is also ready to expand the war on its northern border with Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, U.S. President Joe Biden has different interests than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Currently those interests are clashing!

Biden is in an election campaign for a second term in office. He wants to see quiet in the Middle East. Stability. No threat of a regional or global war.

Netanyahu, on the other hand, sees a prolonged war on the horizon. There are still 200,000 Israelis displaced from southern and northern communities in Israel because it is too dangerous for them to return to their homes. The people are suffering. The economy is suffering. Employment is suffering. The hostage situation is bordering on “hopeless,” in the eyes of Israelis. It’s an intolerable situation. The majority of the Israeli population wants to fight its enemies, to see a safer future for their children.

Netanyahu has also been challenged to step down in his position as prime minister because of the security failure leading to October 7, 2023, among other accusations…

Despite the incredible unity seen in Israeli society, especially in the first and second stages of the Gaza war, that unity has been slipping away, recently.  

Some of Netanyahu’s actions are political in his efforts to stay at the helm of the ship, during what he keeps saying will be a long-drawn-out war. Such a scenario keeps him in power.

Yet, an expanded war in Israel, on multi-fronts, is something the world community sees as a scenario of “instability” that could lead to a regional and/or world war.  This threatens America’s interests, especially when U.S. soldiers are serving in the Middle East.

PRAYER:

Israel sees America as the “superpower” of the world, rather than seeing the LORD as the “superpower” over Israel and the nations!  We ask You, the Holy One of Israel, to show Yourself mighty, as the LORD of HOSTS, the Commander of the armies of heaven and of Israel. Let the Jewish State see and receive the angelic hosts that are fighting for Your covenant land, which the Jewish People steward on Your behalf, in Yeshua’s name!

DECLARATIONS:

Matthew 24:6: 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.

Psalm 112:6-7: “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.”

The On-Going Gaza War:

Today, while Israeli leaders have declared that the IDF is still in this third stage of the war, it means the fighting has not yet ended. Confronting Hamas in Rafah; trying to capture thousands of Hamas operatives, including Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif; and attempts to free the hostages that remain captive in Hamas tunnels, proves that Israel is still at war in the south!  Rockets are still being launched from Gaza because there are tens of kilometers of tunnels that Israel has not been able to get to. The rocket launchers remain in those tunnels, along with thousands of Hamas terrorists yet to be eliminated.

Meanwhile, Biden, for political reasons, is already looking at Stage Four, which is the reconstruction of Gaza. In Stage 4, at this point in time, Netanyahu, publicly, has only demanded that Gaza must become a demilitarized zone. This allows Israel overall security control of Gaza, while other countries decide on reconstruction efforts, as well as on who will govern Gaza.

The U.S., which has always been considered the main powerbroker in the Middle East, is looking to control the “sovereignty” issue… but, not just regarding Gaza. Also, Judea and Samaria!

Biden is looking to jumpstart negotiations for a Palestinian State, and in his push to do so, is not showing, publicly, that he cares if Israel is part of that process or not. This is a big change in U.S. policy!

In the past, the U.S. and other nations were intent on solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. It seems that, currently, that option is not on the table. Instead, a new doctrine is in place, most likely created by Biden and his predecessors, which they believe gives them the right to form a Palestinian State now, by-passing peace negotiations. If so, then Hamas leadership is being rewarded for its massacre of Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023!

The Biden Administration (and its partners) has made a definitive decision that the vacuum in Gaza will be filled with new Palestinian leadership and the formation of a Palestinian State. This was stated in a recent zoom call hosted by the U.S. State Department, for Middle East journalists. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf, spoke on that call, and is supposedly, in Israel now, in what appears to be secret meetings.

Could the Biden Administration be pushing for a land grab, to build a Palestinian State, with a vision of also including Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) into the plans?

It’s a new year and there are new tactics by outside political and diplomatic forces. American leaders have pushed, for years, for the establishment of a contiguous Palestinian State in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. It is no secret. The extra “caveat,” since 2023, has been a push by the White House for a peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which Biden believes will bring “regional stability.”

Recent Attempt at Changing the Status-Quo:

Reports indicate that Biden signed an executive order on Thursday, February 1, 2024, sanctioning settlers, named as Jewish extremists, who he claimed used high levels of violence, forcing the displacement of Palestinian people and villages, and causing property destruction. Biden stated that these actions had reached intolerable levels and constituted a serious threat to peace, security, and stability in the West Bank and Gaza, a well as Israel and the Middle East. Biden plans to impose financial sanctions and visa restrictions against those who have attacked or intimidated Palestinians or have “seized” property.  He said this undermines the viability of a two-state solution.

What it does is undermine Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria!  There are a handful of settlers that have engaged in this behavior, and they are being dealt with through the Israeli justice system.

Here is Netanyahu’s public reaction to Biden’s public accusations:

“The overwhelming majority of residents in Judea and Samaria are law-abiding citizens, many of whom are currently fighting – as conscripts and reservists to defend Israel.

Israel acts against all Israelis who break the law, everywhere; therefore, exceptional measures are unnecessary.”

Judea and Samaria are considered “disputed territory” by the international community. The question remains: Is this an attempt, by the United States, to interfere in Israel’s law and order established in Judea and Samaria, as a challenge to Israel’s sovereignty over the biblical heartland of this nation?

 

DECLARATIONS:

God’s land covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel):

Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 15:28: “So the LORD made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River.”

Genesis 26:2-4: “The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Live here as a foreigner in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. I hereby confirm that I will give all these lands to you and your descendants, just as I solemnly promised Abraham, your father. I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed.”

Genesis 28:12-14: “And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. At the top of the stairway stood the LORD, and he said, “I am the LORD, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants.  Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants.”

Current Negotiations to set the Captives Free:

A hostage deal is on the table. Netanyahu said recently that the more public the deal is, the less likely that particular deal will come to pass. There have been extensive trial balloons floating in the media, with awful scenarios. The current deal on the table would be a bad deal for Israel.  

Whatever deal is accepted, the current push by America, Egypt, and Qatar is for a long ceasefire based on releasing the hostages, one day by one day. Israeli officials see a long ceasefire as an attempt at ending the war before Israel’s stated purposes are accomplished.

Since Biden is interested in ending the war, this fits in perfectly with his plans. However, it is against the goals of Netanyahu and the IDF, and it weakens Israel’s resolve. (We hope and pray the goals of the Israeli government are not suddenly modified, publicly, by Netanyahu, to accommodate a signed hostage deal).

Meanwhile, Hamas is demanding that hundreds of Hamas and Palestinian prisoners be released, including those with blood on their hands. We must pray that Netanyahu stands strong against this demand!

You are probably familiar with the Israeli prisoner of war, Gilad Shalit, who was in Hamas captivity for 5 years. In October 2011, he was released in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released, including some that were convicted of multiple murders and attacks carried out against Israeli civilians. Sinwar was among those Hamas prisoners released at that time. He is the current head of Hamas in Gaza, responsible for the massacre and the war.

The families of the hostages are pressuring Netanyahu. The media is pressuring the government. And, the result is that, reportedly, Sinwar is digging in his heels, demanding more and more concessions. He wants to stay in power, and will try and continue to use the hostages as bargaining chips. It’s an impossible situation… but GOD!

 

 

CRAFTED PRAYER:

Father, we ask You, according to examples in Your word (Joel 3:1-3), that you will bring back the captives who were taken hostage in Gaza. We entreat You to deal with Hamas terrorists, as well as nations that support them, with Your judgement.

We pray that you will gather hostile nations, that are working against Your covenant land, down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There, according to Your word, put them on trial for what they did to Your inheritance; Your possession; because they scattered Your people in Gaza (and, maybe elsewhere), and are encroaching on Your land, ready to divide it up.

The Northern Border of Israel with Lebanon:

Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has given Hezbollah limited time to accept UN resolution 1701, issued after the 2^nd Lebanon war of 2006, demanding that Hezbollah retreat its forces to the Litani River. It’s been almost 18 years, and nothing has been done. In fact (as reported in the previous blog entry), Hezbollah is deeply entrenched in hundreds of homes, with families, and rocket launchers in place, on the Lebanese border with Israel. Now, there are preparations on Israel’s part to militarily push Hezbollah back, so that a demilitarized zone can be re-established in the north, and the residents can safely return there.

Israel has indicated it needs munitions from its ally, America, to re-supply its arsenals. And, some military experts say that Israel needs an international force of strength in place, to help Israel to defeat Hezbollah.

Hezbollah may be in possession of biological and chemical weapons. They have already used white phosphorous in a mortar fired against Israel, which melted a road in Metula, on the Israeli side of the border. This strongly indicates the dangers Israel faces in an expanded war.

Beyond this, Iran is killing and threatening U.S. forces in the region, unless America complies with Iranian demands.

Again, the instability in the region is a nightmare for the Biden Administration and other nations, that want to limit any war on Israel’s northern border, which could overflow into a regional, and possibly a world war.

Here is a comment from Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf:

“We have been working closely with the Israeli government – in close discussions with them over these last several months; to provide an understanding of what we are seeing in terms of activity on the border; and, that the Israeli military knows what is, and what is not happening. The two parties may not intend to go into conflict, but may misunderstand the picture. Hezbollah is on a slippery slope with missile and rocket attacks on the civilian community… We are first and foremost looking for a diplomatic solution. Hope to find one soon.”

DECLARATIONS:

Excerpts from Psalm Chapter 2:

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… The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. He rebukes them in His anger and terrifies them in His wrath, saying, “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to Me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession…

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate His rule with trembling. Kiss His Son, or He will be angry, and your way will lead to your destruction, for His wrath can flare up in a moment…   

 

Psalm 105:8-11: “He remembers His covenant forever, the promise He made, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit.”

 

 

PRAYER REGARDING TROUBLES AHEAD: 

Note: It has been documented that every time America interferes with God’s sovereignty over Israel, storms and calamities develop in the United States.  A whirlwind has already been developing that is threatening America’s sovereignty on its southern border!  This has caused division between the states and the U.S. government.

Pray for President Biden, the U.S., and for Americans who get caught in the crosshairs of politics. Pray for God’s mercy, as you stand in the gap for this great nation! 

Pray that God’s will be done in the south, and in the north of Israel, and in the hostage situation. If some of these pressures and measures of interference are to delay events for God’s purposes, then we agree. However, if these delays are tactics which strengthen the plans of leaders in nations that have their own agendas, and are also plans that help Israel’s enemies, then we do not agree.

DECLARATIONS:

(Taken from several translations), excerpts from Zechariah 9:9-14: “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt… Your King will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth. Because of the covenant I made with you, sealed with blood, I will free your prisoners from death in a waterless dungeon. Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles…. Then the LORD will be seen over them, And His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord GOD will blow the trumpet. And go with whirlwinds from the south.”

(Taken from several translations): Psalm 137:1-6:

By the rivers of Babylon, there we [captives] sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion [the city God imprinted on our hearts]. We put away our harps, hanging them on the branches of poplar trees. For there they who took us captive demanded of us a song with words, And our tormentors [who made a mockery of us demanded] amusement, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.” But how can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a pagan land?  If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget how to play the harp. May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I fail to remember you, if I don’t make Jerusalem my greatest joy.”

The emphasis in the Psalm is the weeping and travail. Have we done enough to travail for the release of the hostages in captivity?

The emphasis in Zechariah is that the captives are going to be repaid two blessings for each of their troubles.

We can also see the power of the Lord when He is like an arrow that goes forth with lightning and the sound of the trumpet; like a whirlwind from the south!

 

CRAFTED PRAYER:

We declare that the LORD’S rule and reign, His dominion, stretches from Sea to Sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth! Israel will not only get back the land ransacked by the enemy in the south, and stolen by the enemy from Israel in the north, God also promises the Jewish People that they will inherit His land, based on His covenant with them.

May His people return to Him, and return to their Promised Land, to receive their inheritance. We can rejoice in knowing these promises will come true!

(Source for this report:  GPW News Prayer Update)