An extraordinary corporate gathering occurred on Sunday night, July 16, 2006, in the assembly of KKCJ and in the Pavilion Prayer Tower, as staff leadership and the Body of Messiah joined together in intercession and worship for the nation of Israel. With God’s wisdom pouring forth in scripture, we received His strategies for war and victory, while He continued to go before this nation, as the Lord of Hosts, the Commander of the Armies of the Lord.

With the weapons of our warfare, and under His glorious banner of corporate unity, we heard and proclaimed His Word on this special occasion, declaring His promises from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. During our worship service in the larger assembly, we declared, together, prayers for the welfare of the State of Israel; prayers for the IDF (Israel’s Defense Forces); and prayers for the captive soldiers.

The Amalek Spirit

Mentioned that evening was that Israel is still contending with the Amalek spirit (Exodus 17:8-16), and the fact that the Lord said Israel would be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation. Moses lifted up his staff, and when his hands were held high, the Israelites were winning, and when he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. We must pray that the IDF will not grow tired, and that the prayers of believers, worldwide, will hold up the hands of these gallant and courageous fighters of Israel, so that our soldiers can overcome the Amalekite spirit with the sword of the Lord!

Protection & Safety For Loved Ones

As a corporate Body of believers, we declared Psalm 91 as we gathered together. Of particular emphasis was the scriptural passage in verse 5, relating to the current rocket war in Israel. “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day.”

For citizens in the north and south of the country, who do not have a personal faith in the God of Israel, there has been fear at night, and terror by day, as hundreds of rockets launched by Hezbollah and Hamas terrorists have hit towns, destroyed property, and killed innocent civilians — including parents, grandparents, and children. Of particular concern is the city of Haifa, hit several times by rockets, with people killed and wounded. Hezbollah would like to knock out oil refineries and other sensitive installations in the area.

Residents in the north are in bomb shelters now, under martial law, so they are not able to spend time outdoors. These shelters are hot, crowded, and uncomfortable. Stockpiles of food and water have left few supplies in grocery stores. Outdoor activities have been cancelled, work schedules restricted, and many families are separated, temporarily. Children have been transported to youth camps in the central part of the country for their own protection from the on-going rocket barrage, especially from the loud traumatic sounds when these rockets crash into buildings and homes. Life as it once was has changed dramatically in recent days.

Psalm 46, read during the corporate meeting, puts in perspective the need of God’s people to seek Him for refuge, knowing His ability to control the events on earth, to deal with nations, to make wars cease to the ends of the earth, and to be a fortress for Israel. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…” “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day.” “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Verses 1, 5, 10, 11).

Going To War

Of particular comfort was the scripture read corporately from Deuteronomy Chapter 20. “When you go to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.”

We must pray for Israel as she is already in battle against her enemies. Pray that she will not be terrified or give way to panic. Verse 4: “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you, against your enemies, to give you victory.”

Later on, in that same chapter, Verse 12 deals with the disobedience of Israel’s enemies. “If they refuse to make peace, and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city.”

This has already occurred in Gaza, where Israel has re-entered the area to stop rocket launchers, to root out terrorists, and to try and find a soldier that was kidnapped over two weeks ago. This verse also brings out the current situation in Lebanon, where Israel has formed a blockade of air, sea and land. The IDF has done this in order to keep Iran and Syria from supplying more rockets to Hezbollah, as well as preventing Hezbollah from trying to transport two more kidnapped soldiers out of the country.

Hezbollah – The Party Of Allah

Mentioned in the wider corporate meeting at KKCJ was the fact that Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah has every intent to destroy Israel. This is part of Hezbollah’s doctrine — as a Shiite terrorist group, and as a Lebanese political party that aligns itself with Iran and extreme Islamic ideology.

The God of Israel is rising up to take His place, sending His angels out to go before Israel’s army, and as a protective rear guard for the IDF. The corporate Body of believers are united in prayer that this current conflict is a just war, because the Lord is defending His Name, which is the Name above all names.

Pray, and stand in faith with the believers in Israel, that the citizens of this nation will acknowledge the God of Israel, who is above all other gods. Pray that the people of this Middle East region will respond according to Philippians 2:10: “That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus, the Messiah is Lord, to the glory of God, the Father.”

The Battle Of Jehoshaphat

During the special corporate gathering, 2 Chronicles Chapter 20 was read concerning the men who came to make war on Jehoshaphat. Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek Him. Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord, and said the following in Verse 5-7: “O Lord, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You. O our God, did You not drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham, Your friend?”

As calamity is coming upon the nation of Israel, we must pray that they will stand before the Lord’s presence and cry out in distress; that He will hear the cry of His people and save them.

God is proving in this current crisis that He is Lord; that the enemies of Israel and the nations of the world, will know that He is the great, “I AM”.

Disarming The Enemy

U.N. Resolution 1559 calls for Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. This proclamation demands that the Lebanese army dismantle the terrorist group which has been allowed to control the southern part of the country. Lebanon has failed to take action. They have refused to even attempt to weaken the stronghold of Hezbollah in the south of Lebanon where the guerilla group has wreaked havoc on the Lebanese people militarily, politically and spiritually, along with continually hurting Israel’s population in border towns. Because the Lebanese government has refused to obey the UN mandate, the IDF is trying to wipe out Hezbollah’s infrastructure, power base, armament depots, and terrorist army, hoping to eliminate this current danger affecting the inhabitants of Lebanon and Israel.

Pray that Israel’s Air Force (IAF) and other defense forces will have the capability, resources, wisdom and timing to finish the job before any intervention from the international community steps in. Right now, diplomatic pressure could cause a cease fire to occur prematurely before Israel has stopped completing the task at hand.

The Judgment Of The Nations

Midway through Sunday services, Senior Pastor Wayne Hilsden called for our corporate gathering to go up to the Pavilion Prayer Tower and intercede before the Lord on Israel’s behalf. As many crowded in together, crying out to the Lord in prayer, scripture came forth from Ezekiel Chapter 36, concerning the prophesy regarding the mountains of Israel. Verse 3 states how Israel is ravaged and hounded on every side; how she becomes a possession of the rest of the nations, as well as the object of malicious talk and slander. Verse 4 speaks of “desolate ruins and deserted towns”. Nahariya today has become a deserted town in northern Israel, as residents leave their homes for bomb shelters or to live, temporarily, in other parts of the country. Several homes and buildings have been destroyed, and reports indicate there are disaster areas caused by Hezbollah rockets.

The Lord declares His anger against the nations for the glee and malice in their hearts, because they have made His land their own possession, so that they might plunder its pastureland. “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘I speak in my jealous wrath, because you have suffered the scorn of the nations. Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘I swear with uplifted hand that the nations around you will also suffer scorn.’ “ (Verse 7).

In recent days, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Fuad Saniora has called for a cease fire because his country is in a state of disaster. At the beginning of Israel’s “Summer Rains” military operation in Gaza, Palestinian leaders there also called for a cease fire, noting that there was much destruction from Israel’s defense measures. Now, in the IDF’s “Operation Change of Direction” military offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, there is more destruction at hand. Is this not God’s judgment on the inhabitants of the region who have declared war on Israel?

Pray for innocent Lebanese and Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire of this escalation in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Pray that the traumatic events that have caused loss of life and home both in Lebanon and Gaza will cause the people suffering to turn to the Lord for His salvation, healing and restoration.

Pray, according to Ezekiel 36:14, that the day will come soon when the Lord will not allow the taunts of the nations to be heard in Israel; when He will no longer allow Israelis to suffer the scorn of the peoples of the earth; that He will keep Israel from falling in war against her enemies. Proclaim Ezekiel 36:8-12, for Israel’s restoration; for her favor with God; for towns to be rebuilt; for fruitfulness in the land; and for the return of Jews to settle here from the four corners of the earth.

God’s War Strategy

Israel’s Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, is a career politician, not as experienced as his predecessor, General Ariel Sharon, in the strategies of war. This has been the most serious escalation against Israel since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Olmert, along with his inexperienced Defense Minister, Amir Peretz, is trying to establish peace and security, and to take vengeance against those who would try to destroy this nation. He has a small inner circle that meets to discuss war strategies.

Declare in the name of the Lord a release over Israel’s Security Cabinet that they will recognize their help is in God alone. Pray that they will seek His wisdom in their decision making.

Pray according to Romans 13:1-5 that citizens here will respect those in authority over them in government. “For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Whoever resists or rebels against the authority resists and rebels against what the Lord has instituted. They who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Pray that God will save His people in spite of themselves, as salvation comes from the hand of the Mighty One of Israel. Declare, according to Colossians 2:13-15, as Israel’s sins are forgiven, they will be reminded that the Lord disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross of Jesus, the Messiah.

During our corporate prayers in the King of Kings Sunday service, Associate Pastor, Seth Ben Haim, who is in an IDF reserve unit, said he heard from soldiers on active duty that the IDF is concerned about sending ground troops into Lebanon. If this happens, it would mean the possibility of an increase in loss of life.

Proclaim, according to Deuteronomy 33:27, that our eternal God is Israel’s refuge, and underneath, are His everlasting arms. He will drive out Israel’s enemy, saying, “Destroy him!” Therefore, Israel will dwell in safety, in a land of grain and new wine. “Blessed are you, O Israel. Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper, and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places.” (Verse 29).

Mentioned within our corporate gathering on Sunday was the special uniqueness of the Lord as a holy powerful judge and warrior for justice, full of compassion, love and mercy. Believers in our midst cried out for His comfort to be manifested upon the people of Israel. There are those in this land who are mourning for loved ones who have died. There are others wounded and recovering in hospitals. Pray for opportunities for believers to gather and strengthen residents here, even as rockets continue to fall on Israeli towns and cities.

Pray, according to Psalm 121, that the population will realize that their help comes from the Lord, who is the Maker of Heaven and earth. “He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper. The Lord is your shade at your right hand.” “The Lord shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in, from this time forth, and forevermore.”

What Remains Before Us

As our corporate prayer gathering was about to conclude, we asked our heavenly Father to demonstrate His power. A prayer warrior said: “If this is Your time, please do it quickly. Bring peace and security to Israel; let the gospel go forth with power in this war!” Several scriptures were read, including, Luke 4:18-19 and Isaiah 62:1 for salvation and righteousness to be manifested in the land.

Psalm 24 concerns Jacob being the generation of those who seek Him; who seek His face. We must pray for the youth and young adults in the army now, the 18-21 year olds, especially. Lord, open the eyes of Your people that they might see! Protect them, as they serve on the borders of Israel.

As you pray, remember that this is a season of danger in Israel, between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, when historically Israel has mourned concerning the breach of the walls of Jerusalem. There are breaches at the security crossings of Israel’s borders right now. Terrorists continue to try to smuggle in more weapons and ammunition. There are still many rockets in the possession of Israel’s enemies that could eventually hit every city within the land, unless our defense forces are successful in wiping out terror groups who are launching these missiles on a daily basis. There is also an attempt by Hamas and other terrorist suicide bombers to create war on a third front – in the center of the country. Terrorist attacks in Jerusalem have recently been thwarted. Pray for our military and police forces, continually. They need God’s help.

In Psalm 83, David pleads with the Lord: “Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace. And, do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult, and those who hate You have lifted up their head; they have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against your sheltered ones. They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more. For they have consulted together with one consent. They form a confederacy against You.”

Ask the Holy Spirit to comfort and protect His sheltered ones who remain in bomb shelters in the north of the country. Entreat the Lord to deal with Israel’s enemies, making them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind. Declare that God will pursue them with His tempest, and fight them with His storm. Pray that He will fill the hearts of Israel’s enemies with shame; that they will be humbled in order for them to desire to seek His face. Intercede before the Lord that His enemies will be confounded and dismayed forever. Pray that terrorists will come to know Him, for His name alone is God, the Most High over all the earth!

The Root Of The Current Crisis

We also must pray that this war does not escalate into a much greater war, which would include Syria and Iran. The enemies of Israel would like this to happen now.

Already, Iran has managed to use Hezbollah to divert attention away from Iran’s non-compliance on the nuclear issue. On Wednesday, July 12, 2007, world leaders united in their desire to send Iran to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions, saying that the Islamic nation’s leaders had shown no signs of wanting to negotiate over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This was the same day that Hezbollah attacked Israel, capturing 2 soldiers, and killing eight. Iran was successful in distracting leaders at the G8 Summit who were mainly focused on the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Iran’s agenda must be exposed to the world, at large.

Pray for accuracy in truth in Middle East reporting, that the root of this particular regional conflict would be clearly seen; that the enemies of God would be exposed. Psalm Chapter 37 emphasizes how the Lord will take care of wicked nations. “For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.” (Psalm 37: 9).

At the end of our corporate gathering on Sunday, July 16th, 2006, it was emphasized, once again, that most of the spiritual leaders in the Body of Messiah in the land feel that this particular war has been “a just war” as Israel’s defense forces fight against their adversaries who are intent on causing the destruction of God’s land.

As you conclude your prayers for Israel, declare with us, Zechariah 2:8 and Psalm Chapter 2. The Lord watches the actions of the nations. He takes issue with those who not only touch the “apple of His eye”, the Jewish people, but also His land, and His Almighty Sovereignty over it.

Thank you for your continued intercession during this critical time!