Israel’s young men are deep inside the Gaza Strip, making their way through a hellish labyrinth where terrorists feel securely at home, and where they hide behind civilian men, women and children, waiting in anticipation to kill – or capture and torture - the hated IDF troops.
It is hard to know how it must feel – moving into what many have warned could so easily become a quagmire it will be very hard for Israel to leave.
In the words of Hamas and its chief sponsor, Iran, Gaza could become a grave for many of these men.
One man has already been killed. Twenty-two-year-old Dvir Emmanueloff fell on the first day of the ground operation.
Yet Israel believes it has no choice. After years of absorbing rocket and mortar fire from the Arabs in Gaza, rockets that have killed some, wounded many, and emotionally-scarred tens of thousands of people, including children, it has finally chosen to respond.
Cynics argue that the “triumvirate” of Israeli leaders Ehud Olmert, Tzipi Livni and Ehud Barak have launched the attack on Gaza at this time to boost their poll popularity in the run-up to the February 10 general election in Israel.
Realists put the timing down to the imminent inauguration of US President-elect Barack Obama who, they believe, will create a political pressure environment in which it will be far more difficult for Israel to carry out an operation of this kind.
Whether or not either of these assessments are accurate, there is no question about the criminal and terrorist activity of which Israel accuses Hamas and it is clear the IDF had to go into Gaza and deal as hard and effective a blow as possible to the “Palestinian” killers.
The terrorizing of nearly a million Israelis has to end.
So I pray for courage, protection and enhanced fighting ability for the Israeli soldiers. I pray for their safe return to their families. And I pray for wisdom and divine guidance for the military and political leaders in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Regarding Hamas, I pray for failure, for repeated frustration of their efforts and the efforts of the other terrorist groups in Gaza.
What I am NOT able to pray for is the successful crushing of Hamas right now. For I do not believe that any answer lies in the return of Gaza to the PLO under Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas (or his successor).
On the contrary – for Israel, such a development would be like going out of the frying pan and into the fire.
In this sense, more than the “quagmire” Israel fears, Gaza is a real snare for the Jewish state.
Let me paint a scenario that will hopefully explain why:
The international community fails to secure and enforce a ceasefire in time to stop Israel from devastating Hamas, killing and imprisoning the leadership and severely degrading its weapons. In reality the half-hearted condemnations of Israel have hardly pressured Jerusalem up to now.
Gaza is handed back to the PLO-run Palestinian Authority – the movement that has been portrayed as “moderate” alongside Hamas.
Immediately the world – including those western powers that are now tempering their criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, and headed by a new American administration whose president is being swept into office on an enormous wave of popularity that will render him extremely powerful and influential - insists that the climate is finally ripe for the peace process to resume.
The Israeli electorate, thankful to the Kadima Party for effectively dealing with Hamas, makes Tzipi Livni – who is fully committed to the US-pushed two-state vision – their new prime minister.
What little resistance there still is among the rest of Israel’s politicians to the creation of a State of Palestine on the Jews’ historic homeland is washed aside by this overwhelming flood of support for it and with the “new reality on the ground.”
Even if the Likud’s Benjamin Netanyahu is elected prime minister, the “new Middle East order” that will exist with Gaza back in the PA’s hands, and the “new world order” that will be our reality with Obama in the White House, will be pretty well impossible to resist.
Let me stress this: It is absolutely essential that we keep our eyes and our prayers focused on the core issue: Israel’s homeland and the efforts to wrest it from the Jews.
Satan is not deflected. While sowing terror, murder and mayhem, his aim has for decades been steadily on one target – one goal: the Land of Israel with Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.
It’s easy enough for us to forget. The story has been on top of the headlines every day for over a week. TV screens and Internet news sites rivet us with the latest scenes: rocket-damaged buildings; chaotic Gaza hospitals; restless IDF tanks prowling just one mile away from Gaza population centers; aerial footage of the Israeli strike; screaming, blood-spattered children and frightened, furious adults.
But this goal – where we are potentially headed – takes some keeping track of.
Drop our eyes for a moment, and we risk being swept up in the chain of events that is forming and already gathering momentum as Israel’s leaders – especially its liberal ones – publicize their strategy and discuss how Israel may best benefit from this war.
“We need to change the equation,” Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni reiterated in France on the first day of the New Year.
And in a January 2, 2009 Washington Post column, former Israeli Deputy-Minister of Defense Ephraim Sneh called for “a comprehensive solution” to the Gaza crisis that would see the Hamas terror group of Khaled Meshaal replaced by the PLO terror group of Mahmoud Abbas.
“If we aren’t able to control Gaza we will never be able to persuade the majority of our countrymen to withdraw from the West Bank,” said another left winger.
This is the issue. This the bottom line. This is the real and great danger.
The world insists that Israel repeat its 2005 “disengagement” from Gaza with a much larger “disengagement” from Samaria and Judea.
The Gaza withdrawal – which saw 9000 Jews driven from their homes in the Strip, led directly to Gaza being turned into a massive terrorist camp from which thousands more rockets were fired on the Negev; leading to the current crisis.
Nearly half-a-million Jews live in Samaria and Judea. That’s nearly 15 percent of the Israeli population. The world demands their uprooting – the ethnic cleansing of Jews from the cradle of their nationhood.
The Arab state that would – God forbid – be established in that Jew-free land, would be a large replica of Gaza, with the Arabs on the mountains overlooking Israelis in the coastal plain – and Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ben Gurion International Airport and many other places in easy rocket range from those places.
This is the frightening future that looms ahead for Israel if it effectively crushes Hamas in Gaza.
No – wiping that group out and handing the reins back to Mahmoud Abbas would not be a positive development in the long run. Ultimately it could lead to even worse terrorism and war than Israel has experienced in the south – hard as that may be to believe.
So it is hard for me to pray for a full Israeli victory in Gaza right now.
What I will pray is harder to believe for: It would require a miracle and an at-this-moment politically impossible development: the return of Israel to Gaza and of Gaza to Israel – this time to stay.
If, however, the Almighty will use the IDF to smash Hamas, then we need to already be massively bombarding policy makers with all the solid and proven reasons why establishing an Arab state in Judea, Samaria and Gaza remains a non-starter; that the demise of Hamas in no way justifies or should be seen as opening the way for the creation of Palestine.
What is certain is that Israel will not find peace, and the Arabs will not be appeased, by the surrender of more land to the “Palestinians.”
In fact, the land-for-peace formula must be totally revised and reversed. For Israel does not have land to give; and the Palestinians do not have peace to give.
But more about this soon.
Stan, I have to commend you for insight that can only come from the Father’s gift of wisdom. Thei is exactly what needs to be said now, loudly and clearly. You are so right when you say that it’s easy to forget the central battle when the one we can see fills our eyes and ears. But we need to be reminded of the enemy’s focus, so that we don’t lose ours. I’ll be joining my prayers to yours.
Thankyou for the timely red light.
The bible says those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse her shall be cursed (paraphrased). I wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of these people who are bringing so much devastation to God’s people, for Vengence is mine saith the Lord, I will repay. BEWARE…God is fed up with the destruction of His people and I pray come Lord Jesus come quickly.
God Bless Israel & Jerusalem and I pray for protection and deliverance of His people!
Soldier in Christ,
Debbie
The same thought occurred to me too - whether it’s even thinkable that Israel could take back Gaza. But I think it’s too far-fetched a pipe-dream.
People talk about whether Ezekiel 38 could happen now. Incredibly that passage mentions the very nations that are on our tv screens daily. But they fail to take note of the fact that that passage takes place when Israel is at peace.
I heard lately that there’s a passage in one of the Psalms that seems to indicate there might be a war PRIOR to Ezekiel 38, in which God takes out the “Palestinians.” Because notice that the nations named in Ezekiel 38 do not include any of Israel’s immediate neighbors.
So between now and Ezekiel 38, it just might be that the “Palestinians” be removed from the scene, leaving Israel in some sort of “peace,” and THAT could happen now.
We’ll just have to wait and see.
What you say is so true. I have been telling all that Bush wants to be able to say he made his road map to hell work, but that is why all the nations are saying Israel has the right to fight back. Their goal, just as you say..to give the PLO who is no more moderate than Hamas or Iran. In the meantime, Egypt, Saudi, Jordan and the rest are agreeing as their war planes and armies are all lined up on the border and we know that Bush sells weapons to Russia and other enemies who will and does sale to Iran and Syria. all the nations just let Hamas in and kicked out the Jews in Gaza and plan to make them leave their covenant land. I try to keep my mind on G-d’s Promises..that Gaza will become a waste, and that Israel will be attacked by those around it. Israel will go into Damascus and make rubble of it , never to be built again. they will put the fear of G-d in all of them…For me, G-d is all power in heaven and in earth, and Israel is His Heart as well, His Chosen..always was, aways will be and tho he punishes , will never forget…the rest of the world best heed what He promised to them..destruction…I am so glad that the IDF has a video youtube to watch the truth. We all know terrible times is coming but we have to keep praying and doing all we can for Israel..in the end,,Israel and those who love and suport Her will rejoice forever in that day !! G-d bless Israel and the Jews forever, the are my heart too…
While I on the whole agree with you I believe it is unlikely, hamas being crushed. When they have taken enough they will simply disappear to fight another day.
The thing is that Iran will not accept a Hamas defeat and will probably unleash Nassrallah before that happens, they could even force Syria to make a move even if that would be a more reluctant move from the Syrians.
The Iranian thinking is of cause dependent of how fare they are from producing some bombs, not just a single one. In the short run they will probably stay put and hope for a cease-fire.
Micael
Dear Stan:
I believe your wonderful analysis of this critical situation is absolutely Inspired of God!— It reveals the TRUE MOTIVE of the Kadima’s Political Purpose of this current conflict! (A PALESTINIAN STATE - Plus the Jewish evaculation of the land areas of Judaea, West Bank and Samaria!)
In response to Paula Maillet’s comment, she too has the Prophetic Insight into the Picture. When it is PROPHETICALLY TIME for Ezekiel 38 & 39, Russia with 5 other Nations (Iran, Ethiopa, Libya, Turkey and Armenia) will attack Israel. Please pay particular, attention to Ezekiel 38, Verse 11:
“And thou shalt say, I will go up to the Land of UNWALLED VILLAGES; I will go to them that are AT REST, that DWELL SAFELY, all of them dwelling WITHOUT WALLS, and having NEITHER bars nor gates!”
According to the Scriptures, there will be “another War” where Israel will be TOTALLY VICTORIOUSLY and take back ALL HER LAND. Please read Numbers 24, Micah 7, Zechariah 12, Zephaniah 2, There are more Scriptures — These are only a Few!
This War will take place BEFORE the War of Ezekiel 38 & 39. This Supernatural War is the time when Israel will take back ALL HER LAND! The Whole World will have to witness and see the “Hand of God” in this next War of Numbers 24, etc.
After this War, the Nations of Egypt, Syria and Saudia Arabia will be CONVERTED to the True God Jehovah — The God of Israel!
Remember, these BORDERING NEIGHBORS are the true Descendants of Abraham (through Ishmael) — After this War, they will RECOGNIZE that the God of Israel is the ONE TRUE GOD — and not Mohammad (Islam). They will utterly and absolutely FORSAKE ISLAM, and love their Brother Israel! Praise God! Saudia Arabia, in particular, will provide Great Wealth to Israel for the BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE that needs to be built for Her Soon Coming Messiah - Jesus Christ!
Thank you, Stan, for your tremendous commentaries.
Pray For Israel!
Stan, I truly appreciate your comments! You have great understanding and common sense. I, like many others am often so frustated with the way world pressure causes Israel to do exactly what it should not do. The whole thing really is one great spiritual battle that has gone on for so long! You can not explain the position that most of the governments of the world have taken based on logic. It just never is fair or makes any sense.
I was so happy to see Israel do what it has done, and that is to defend itself instead of backing down which is so often the case. I understand the realities of this world and the heavy weight of world pressure, but it so refreshing to see Israel do what any other country of the world would have done long ago. I really understand the point you make, and I will pray with you that Israeli leaders will understand that you can never win with people that hate you and who’s ultimate goal is not to live in peace with you, but to find a way to destroy you and take your land! They are a people who are deeply deceived by the enemy of us all. All decisions must be made with that in mind.
I certainly don’t know how this all fits into Bible prophesy, but I also don’t see how things can continue to go the way that they are going. Israel’s enemies are aquiring more and more weapons, and they are so close to the borders. Technology is changing everything.
Except for God that is! And all His plans will come to pass, but as you say, we must pray and pray and then pray some more.
May God lead us as to how to pray! Thank you so much for your insightfulness!
LORD, thank you for our brother Stan’s godly wisdom and unblinded eyes and clear insight. May his wise words lead and guide and help many in this dark day to stay on the path of Your will and Your way for Israel. Lord, give greater amplification to his voice as he speaks Your heart in truth & in love. Let it resonate throughout all the earth. Let the blinded hear and respond to Your wisdom and Your ways, oh Lord thru his voice and words. Keep him and bless him Lord and make his paths straight. Prepare the way before him in safety & blessing. Hold fast, dear brother. Hold fast. Ps. 91
STAN, AGAIN YOU HAVE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD,I PRAY THAT OUR ABBA WILL COME AND FIGHT FOR YOU AND HIS LAND. BECAUSE I LOVE PROPHECY, AND ANYTIME THING;S LIKE THIS HAPPENS THEN I LOOK TO ALL THE PROPHECY, AND IT SEEM THAT ABBA IS PUTTING ALL THE PIECES IN PLACE, SO WE NEED TO PRAY HARD FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM AND ALL ISRAEL. ABBA BLESS YOU AND KEPT YOU SAFE, YOU ARE IN MY PRAYS AS IS ISRAEL AND ALL ABBA;S CHILDRED
Stan- wow that is so insightful. praying for you and your team.
There will be peace in Israel when the Lord our God says so;only then. We Christians do not pray for a one world order; we pray for Jesus to come soon and begin His 1000 year reign upon His throne, in His Kingdom centered in the New Jerusalem.
We do not believe this war has anything to do with the Feb. 10th election - nor does it have anything to do with seating Pres. elect Obama in January.
We pray for your courage and we claim your courage in the name of our Saviour and your protector. We agree this terror needs to end. Satan WILL be defeated in the Lord’s time and only in the Lord’s time. In the meantime, we pray that Jesus will be in the hearts of everyone - especially God’s chosen children - the Jews.
We love you, our brothers and sisters and I ask that you give Jesus a chance.
His name is Peace. He is the only way. He in His Father works mighty miracles!
Shalom
My prayers are with Israel as always. I think that it’s sad to think that so many Americans voted for Obama not even knowing his middle name. He was born of muslim parentage on his father’s side. There is even doubt as to whether he can legally serve as President. All that aside, sad to say, end time prophesies are coming true day by day. 2Tim3:1-7, Acts2:17-21, are just two of many. Acts2:19&20 describe nuclear war. I realize that you don’t recognize the New Testiment, and I mean no disrespect, but I’m sure that you have a copy and I don’t, make any apology for my Lord Jesus Christ.
I don’t believe there will ever be peace for Israel until Messiah returns. The Word of God makes that clear. However, we are mandated to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and all of Israel. Israel has a perfect right to retaliate against those who are attacking her. While I don’t believe there will be peace for her until Jesus returns, I do believe he will help her against her enemies. As he said in his Word - no weapon formed against her will prosper. So I say may God bless and protect you each step of the way. I am sure he will as you are the “apple of his eye”.
Stan…thank you for your inspired insight…I look forward to this update as it gives me clarity for prayer…I pray for you and your loved ones in Israel…may you be protected also. God will not allow any weapon formed against Him to prosper in this day…..
hello stan, first i would like to say that there will never be peace in the middle east until the messiah ( jesus ) returns second advent. Israel had to respond to hamas and its rocket attacks ( if your next door neighbour kept throwing his rubbish into your garden you would have to do something to stop it if reasoning with your neighbour did not work.) one day israel will make peace with the man of sin ( the anti-christ ) but this is future but near if you understand what i mean. Our god and saviour jesus christ will put things right according to his divine will praise the lord for that. In the meantime i will continue praying for the peace of jerusalem. Remember our saviour ( jesus ) is a jew. who has strong bonds with israel. So he will come back and save his nation israel. amen to that.
Hi Stan, Praise God that He has you there to be a spokesperson and guide for us folks here in the US and else where. Praying earnestly for you, your family and the IDF! And, of course, for the State of Israel!
Also, I’m kind of glad Donnie Cobble decided to not move there right now, and his lovely new wife. ( I go to his former church, Kaleo in Woburn, met you about 3 years ago there!) Amen.
Hamas does not need Gaza to control Judea & Samaria, because they already do according to the polls. It’s only the presence of the IDF that keeps them from pushing out Abbas and his cronies.
Re-instating Fatah in Gaza will therefore be short-lived. Remember we have to do with Islam, in which what happens is what the extremists want, that for sure isn’t to live “side by side in peace” with Israel.
Stan,
Israel can’t lose if they follow Gods plan of righteousness that he has set up with His only begotten Son at the beginning of creation, placing the foundational stone at the center of the earth, never to be moved, (not even an earthquake can move it)!!, as the place to set up His Kingdom Forever! All nations will be coming into it on a yearly basis to “Worship before the Lord” !!
It is “2009″ and I believe it is “Judgement time” We all need to examine ourselves to see where we stand with God. If there isn’t anything between us and the Lord then we can ask anything in the name of Jesus and the Father in heaven will do it for us!
2 Corithinatians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) We know that at sometime in the very near future the righteous saints of God will be able to ” Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’s hand double for all her sins”.Isaiah 40:2. I am looking forward to the day when I can hear God say Jeremiah 33:9 ” Israel shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.
Israel trust in the Lord and be of good cheer, that day is almost upon us. This life is only the beginnings of a righteous holy world that God has chosen to bring in with you, Israel as the head of all nations!!!!!!! I say do a quick work Lord!!!! Amen
I, too have been watching and listening with much interest in this invasion of Israel into Gaza. To me, this invasion only makes sense, and any nation in the world would not tolerate rockets being fired into their country and on their people year after year….especially as there was supposed to have been a truce.
That having been said, I cannot understand the criticism of so many ot the world’s nations against Israel. Sure, women and children are being wounded and killed in Gaza. This is the tactic of the enemy, hide in the midst of the people to elicit the world’s sympathy. Show them bloody pictures, never mind what Israel has to endure. Bush’s roadmap to hell, tearing Israel form Gaza, is bearing it’s evil fruit. Now, if the world pressures Israel to remove from the West Bank. the enemy will have Israel where they want her. A Palestenian state. What a disaster!
Praise the Almighty that He is in control and will act according to His plan and will. For this, I pray. The Kingdom of Jesus Christ being ushered in for the benefit of all. There is no other way for peace…only the Prince of Peace coming back to earth to take His rightful place as King of the world.
I pray for your safety, Stan, and for your family and friends. May God protect you, soldier of God.
We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Wisdom and protection for God’s chosen.
Dear Stan, I am a korean brother in Jesus living in Seoul,Korea. To me, current situation in Gaza and Israel seems very confusing in respect of my understanding Scripture. I do not have enought insight to discern this matter in spiritual realm. However, it is shocking to me that Israel seems to be Goalath and Palestine seems to be David throwing stone to him. I know and believe that Israel is the land for Jews, God’s selected people within the everlasting covenants of Him to Abraham, Issac and Jacob. And I believe also that our enemy is trying to break this covenants by making any events and at every costs of losing lots of life. Despite these, it is quite fearful for me to see unilateral attacks and bleeding everywhere. Because I also believe that God is Love and His love is for all human beings, not only for Jews. Within Jesus, we are brothers and we have to show them our peace in Jesus. Within this understanding, I am experiencing confusion how to watch this tragedy in Israel and Gaza Strip and will pray for peace in His timetable and His way. Thanks for your insights and also wish God’s peace be with you and your family.
Dear Abe Jin… when you look at the facts, things come into focus.
1) Israel’s Jewish population is about 4 and a half million or so.
2) Behind the so called “David” who you see as representing Palestinians throwing rocks stand over 1.2 BILLION Israel-hating Muslims
3) 325 million Arabs directly surround Israel from all sides (most of whom hate Israel and would love to see it wiped of the map and would wish to see all Jews dead.) Hamas is being directly sponsored by Iran (population 66 million, 2008)
3) Israel went into Gaza only after many years of thousands of rocket attacks by the terrorist organization Hamas which runs Gaza.
Do you now see who is really Goliath and who is David? G-d is Love, but He is also a fearsome Judge who destroys His enemies.
Peace,
Gene
Dear Stan,
Will you please see that the next ” Jerusalem News Update” comes to my email, I just now got on to check it and someone has taken it off my computor’s email site!
I look forward to your newsletter information and writing comments to you about it! My email is “figtree12@yahoo.com” which stands for “the figtree is blossoming for the 12 tribes of israel” Looking forward to your next update
One of Gods Troops,
Patty Ann Smith
dear all i truly believe the time of our lord has little to do with the present fighting in gaza or anywhere else in the middle east. i don’t see any one world order coming in our generation.there are to many bullies on the block.the coruptness of all governments will never let the truth be known to citizens in the states or afar. this war just as ALL wars is another conflict of intresst between nonconforming unpeaceful nations. we are the fuel to the fire that will take another one hundred years to die out. there will always be the enemy and the so called peace makers will always be seen as the police of the world. god is watching ,but i believe his feet are propt up on a footstool , till the day the church makes right it’s people, i am not ignoring the fact that people are dieing and worse days are yet to come. look at the new president ! that alone shows where the usa has it’s mindset. our only true chance in the right direction has lost the election. uncertain intensions are to be let loose soon with the new change of office . you want him america you got him. the only hope for israel is much prayer . the one world army will be those who put there faith in the lord, not by there goegraphical location. terorists are abundant in the states as well as the world NO leadership but god’s will protect us from it.
Stan—Thank you for your information. Please keep praying for Israel and Iam also.
I have read the other comments and it seems that everyone has the answer but we know that only My Father knows the exact time all will be fulfilled. Keep the Faith and Trust in Him. He loves His people and will take care of them and we are one of them. I also read your commentary on the evil things that are going on in our own country about the hatred for Israel (in Florida.) That is so hard for me to understand as I thought most of us Love Israel. And don’t give up on Obama. I believeHe will stick with Israel . We don’t need another 4 years of this Road Map to Nowhere. That is what I heard him say and what I believe . Pray for him ,too. He has a BIG job ahead of him. The Lord is my Shepherd— M.J.
Mr. Goodenough:
The greatest enemies of Israel are the its own leaders. They are the true traitors, and I hope that all who read your posts will intensify their prayers to focus on the tranformation of the hearts of Israel’s leaders. Israel must bow to no one, but to the Almighty Himself, who will defend Israel to the end. Unfortunately, they, the leaders, are fools; they gave up Gaza. The world saw the young Jewish people being carried by their own military. Ariel Sharon, Shimon Peres, Ehud Barak, and the whole lot of them, even Natanyahu, caved in, step by step, to pressure from the US and others and let go of the land. They listened to another voice that dominates the UN and the Left. The world, unless transformed by Messiah, will never ever love or even like Israel, and the inhabitants of Israel must know this. Now, like the scenario you painted, the current leaders will do the same with Samaria and Judea. All must pray for the JEWISH PEOPLE…for it is the Jewish people within Israel, the ones who yet believe in God…who must hear to the Voice of the Spirit of the Living God and not be afraid. The unbelieving non religious ones– the secularized ones who embrace the world view that accepts what the west wants for Israel–these have brought this disaster upon Israel and upon themselves. I don’t know what it must be like to be hated to intensely and it truly rips my heart to see the manifestations of hate against Israel. But to know this one thing…that You Israel are the APPLE OF GOD’S EYE…THAT IS INFINITELY MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF.
LET TRUTH PREVAIL
Stan … I am constantly amazed as the inability of the international community to comprehend tits own language. When Israel was forced out of Gaza, all I read and heard was that this single action would bring “peace to the Middle East”. If “land for peace works”, why are rockets still being fired on Israel? Why did those who took over Gaza not busy themselves with setting up the second of this “two nation solution”, creating infrastructure, etc. If they really wanted a country of their own, why are they not creating this country of their own instead of focusing all of their resources on the annihilation of Israel? We have watched for years as Israel has give over land for peace, and there is still no peace. I am a simple old lady in a tiny town in this vast universe - if I can understand that land for peace is not the solution, why in the world can the international community not understand this? I cry out to God in the words of Psalm 83:1-2, 13-18 because we are watching the events of vs. 3-12 unfold in their attempt to extinguish the people of God from her ancient homeland. Isn’t this the birthing of God’s gathering of all nations to battle against Jerusalem as noted by Zechariah in 14:2 … ALL nations includes the USA … and as of January 21, 2009, Israel may not have a sympathetic ear in Washington … God help us in light of Genesis 12:3.
One Israeli soldier is very important. If Gilad Shalit is still alive and if he is still in Gaza, he surely hears sound of the battle. Surely he is thinking about his IDF mates and wish himself to be set free. I don´t know how it is. But I pray for him.
I continue to pray for Israel’s peace and peace in Jerusalem. More than ever I have had a desire to learn more about the coflicts (past/present) that will eventually shape the future. More than anything, these terrorist groups seek the absolute annilation of the Jewish people so that they may ultimately control the land with their hate religion - Islam - as well as the entire world. It has certainly occurred to me that no matters in my own life are more important than what is happening right now in Israel. My own future and security depend on the peace that we all want the Messiah Yeshua to bring.
Shalom Stan and All - PLEASE NOTE WITH GREAT ATTENTION - The outcome for Israel and what is taking place within Gaza is contained below. What we now see before us is the ‘unfolding’ that will lead to the latter end you will read.
Zephaniah 2:3-10
Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s anger.
For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.
5)Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.
6***)And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.
7***)And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.
I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified [themselves] against their border.
8)Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation:*** the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the *** remnant of my people shall possess them.
9)This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified [themselves] against the people of the LORD of hosts.
The Word ‘forsaken’ defined according to Strong’s Concordance…
1) to leave, loose, forsake (Israel 2005 left Gaza)
a) (Qal) to leave
1) to depart from, leave behind, leave, let alone
2) to leave, abandon, forsake, neglect, apostatise
3) to let loose, set free, let go, free
b) (Niphal)
1) to be left to
2) to be forsaken
c) (Pual) to be deserted
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The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. Isaiah 2:11
http://cdn-friends-icej.ca/witness/witness.html
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Also Please See Addition: http://christianactionforisrael.org/index.html
Click on map on upper right hand of page which reads in bold: Occupation?
Biblical Map Israel - Gaza
Map of region according to the Bible, showing the location of Philistine land and cities of Gaza, Ashdod, and Ashkelon. …
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philistia
See Gaza - think Philistines. See Gaza - think David Slew Goliath..Israel has come full circle to a modern day scenario - area of Gaza is now literally inflamed with Goliath like enemies and though Israel sits in global condemnation, Israel shall prevail!
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The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. Isaiah 2:11
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its very disheartening to see the way the Arab nations meeting to discuss about the criss going on between these two sons of Father Abraham.In this case not discussing how to broker peace but to find way of encouraging the conflict by way of funding it.
when will these people, the Arabs learn that their satanic dream of sweeping israel into the sea will never ever materialize.God will protect Israel like the Apple of His eye.. I bless Israel of God and i pray for the prosperity of Jerusalem.
Shalom Stan,
I am sure your insight is exactly correct. I pray that Israel will not only crush Hamas but also crush the PLO and drive every single Muslim terrorist, who hates Israel and who hates the God of Israel, out of Israel. I pray that Israel will turn with all its heart to the God of Israel. When Israel does turn and trust God and therefore drives out these criminals ,God will fight for Israel. They need to act in faith and destroy the abominations on Mt. Zion and drive out the terrorists. I know that this sounds very simplistic and harsh, but this is exactly what Israel must do. In fact this is exactly what Israel will do eventually according to the prophets. We already know that the whole world is and will be against Israel so they should thumb thier nose at Obama and the world and trust God. We know that Israel will prevail. Land for peace will never work as we well know. I truly believe what the Bible says , that if Israel acts in total faith to God, and steps out in bold defiance to the world , that God will pave the way , and save the day. I also want you to know that I pray for you and your family’s safety every day and congratulations on the newest Goodenough addition. Keep up the good work .
Shalom, Jeremy
The hearts and prayers of our entire church family go out to the people and nation of Israel! We strongly believe that we are living in the end times and that God’s prophetic plan for Israel will soon be fulfilled. We gather to pray weekly that the veil will be lifted from the eyes of many Jews and that they will come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Messiah before it is too late!
http://www.texascornersbiblechurch.org
Stan you hit the nail on the proverbial head. I’ve been hoping and praying since this incursion by Israel started that they would be fighting to retake the Gaza strip and incorporate it fully back into Israel. Of course, politically this does not appear to be the goal but we can pray that God intervenes and brings this thought into the minds of those in charge. TAKE GAZA BACK! TAKE GAZA BACK!
Shalom
Hi Stan
Good to read from you again since you are right in the middle of it.
It is also good to read from all the other folks around here supporting Israel.
Now, right now I live in Germany planning on going back to the US with a worried eye on Obama and his attempts to “talk” to everybody.
However, the current situation in Europe is interesting as well, since the winter right now is pretty tough and the Russians show their power. Europe is not a supporter of Israel and it is going down the hill as well, and honestly I grow weary to explain the current situation with Israel and the Pals since no one seems to care about the facts at all. It is crazy when you see how blind the people are of the growing danger of Islam, the hate against his people the Jews, and the growing hate of Christianity in general.
Now, for some here which are concerned about all the blood flowing around they should remember the following: When Peter was in jail and the angel came to get him out, about 16 guards paid for the escape with their life.
It is true, God is good and God is love, but it is impossible to mock him.
People, especially Islam, is waging a war against the people of God/Jesus and they will not win. But God will on occasion show them who is Boss.
God bless
Hamas: In Their Own Voices
http://www.memritv.org/video.html
Time to watch MORE CLOSELY; time to pay MUCH ATTENTION.
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The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - The Children Of Hamas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTGbP55HGi8
I agree this looks grim for Israel, a no-win situation. Abbas and his PA cronies must be rubbing their hands with glee as they watch Israel do the work for them (if Israel perseveres) of weakening their political rivals in Gaza. Thank goodness that however relentlessly the enemy hones in, how much more powerfully is God ‘on the job’:
Obadiah 17 ‘But upon Mt Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. (ie the land that is theirs by right) 18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the House of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it. 19 And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. 20 And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath (Sidon?); and the captivity of Jerusalem…shall possess the cities of the south. 21 And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.’
As a believer in Messiah Jesus Christ I have a great burden in my heart for all of Israel and the innocents in the Gaza Strip, they are both surrounded by unspeakable evil (Iran’s president, ayatollahs, Hamas, Hezbollah etc.) . Praying Psalm 83, I ask the LORD for His help for His people. I bless Israel and speak Comfort to them. I am with them. Amen