Monday, December 30, 2019: Focus on Israel
"Standing United Together . . . Under the Cross of Christ"
1. Netanyahu sends Christmas greeting to Christians: 'We have no better friends' - Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday extended Christmas greetings to Christians in Israel and around the globe celebrating the holiday.
In a video released by his office on Christmas Eve, Netanyahu said: "Merry Christmas to all our Christian friends in Israel and around the world.
"The State of Israel is the culmination of so many prophecies and our deepest held values. We share the common civilization, the Judeo-Christian civilization, that has given the world the values of freedom, individual liberty, the sanctity of life and the belief in one God. We are proud of our traditions. We are proud of our Christian friends," he said.
"The State of Israel would not have come into being if it weren't for the avid support of Christians in the 19th century, in the 20th century as well and in the 21st century," Netanyahu continued. "We know that we have no better friends around the world than our Christian friends. So thank you. Thank you all for standing up with Israel, standing up for the truth. Merry Christmas." (Read more)
- Father God, we thank You for these words of blessing from the Prime Minister of Israel and we receive them with gratitude. How very kind of our friend to recognize this very special holiday on our calendar, and to honor the friendship we enjoy between us. We ask You to please bless the Prime Minister in return. Amen.
2. Netanyahu wins Likud leadership race by landslide, defeating Sa'ar 72%-27% - Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu trounced his rival Gideon Sa'ar in the Likud leadership race early Friday, winning some 72.5% of the party vote in a landslide victory for the longtime Likud leader.
Netanyahu declared victory soon after midnight Thursday-Friday, as the count was underway, while Sa'ar conceded an hour later.
"This is a huge victory! Thank you Likud members for your trust, support and love," Netanyahu said in a message to supporters, vowing to "lead Likud to a great victory in the upcoming [national] elections and continue to lead the State of Israel to unprecedented achievements." (Read more)
- Thank You, Lord, for this victory. Amen.
3. Netanyahu calls bid for legal immunity 'a cornerstone of democracy' - YNET News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called his bid for legal immunity from prosecution in his three graft cases a "cornerstone of democracy."
"I'll let you know what's my decision [whether or not to request immunity in Knesset] within two days," said Netanyahu to supporters at a Likud event in Tel Aviv. "But let me tell you one thing: immunity doesn't go against democracy, it's a cornerstone of democracy."
Netanyahu also spoke about his landslide victory in last week's vote for Likud leadership, where he trounced opponent Gideon Sa'ar, and took a jibe at main political rivals Blue & White.
"There was a sweeping, clear, unequivocal democratic decision here," said Netanyahu. "I say to our distinguished opponents Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, why don't you conduct your own primaries? What are you afraid of?"
The incumbent also spoke about the High Court of Justice's upcoming Tuesday hearing on whether a candidate with pending indictments should be allowed to form and lead a government. (Read more)
4. Bennett's proposal approved: Israel to fine Palestinian Authority 149 million shekels over terrorist funding - Israel National News
Israel's Security Cabinet approved Defense Minister Naftali Bennett's proposal to cut NIS 149 million ($43 million) from the tax funds that Israel transfers to the Palestinian Authority, due to the NIS 149 million that the PA paid to terrorist families last year.
Deputy Defense Minister Avi Dichter who initiated the "Pay to Slay" law deducting terrorist salaries from the funds transferred to the PA, responded: "I congratulate Minister Bennett on bringing the report for Cabinet approval following a law I passed in the Knesset with [Yesh Atid] MK Elazar Stern. For too long we have allowed the Palestinian Authority to pay salaries to terrorists.
The party is over with the law we passed in the Knesset."
"As long as the Palestinian Authority continues to pay salaries to terrorists, it will be deducted from their tax money until the last shekel," Dichter promised. "There will be no compromises in the war of protecting Israel's citizens." (Read more)
5. Netanyahu condemns 'cruel' anti-Semitic attack in Monsey, New York - World Israel News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to news of the stabbing attack in Monsey, New York during the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday.
"Israel strongly condemns the latest expressions of anti-Semitism and the cruel attack in the middle of Hanukkah at the home of the rabbi in Monsey," Netanyahu said.
"We send wishes for recovery to those injured. We will cooperate in any way with local authorities to help wipe out this phenomenon. We offer this help to all countries."
New York has faced a wave of anti-Semitic attacks in recent months, with eight attacks occurring in rapid succession in the last week, not counting Saturday night's stabbing attack. (Read more)
6. IDF preparing for confrontation with Iran - Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi - Jerusalem Post
The IDF is preparing for a limited confrontation with the Islamic Republic as Israel continues to act against Iranian entrenchment, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi warned on Wednesday.
"There is a possibility that we will face a limited confrontation with Iran and we are preparing for it," Kochavi said at a conference in honor of former IDF chief of staff Lt.-Gen. Amnon Lipkin-Shahak at the IDC Interdisciplinary Center in Herzilya.
"We will continue to act and responsibly," Israel's top military officer said, adding it would have been better had Israel not been the only one engaged in the effort to stop Iran.
The IDF, he said, is carrying out operations both publicly and below-the-radar to prevent the enemy from obtaining precision missiles, even if those operations bring about a confrontation. (Read more)
7. Israel Prayer Update - Bridges for Peace
To read this week's update, please go here.
8. Friday Prayer Points - Intercessors for Israel
To read this week's bulletin, please go here.
The Daily Brief
1. The Hill: NK 'Christmas Gift' Threat Looms Through New Year - Newsmax
An ominous threat from North Korea about a "Christmas gift" will keep the world on edge through New Year's Day - and beyond, The Hill reported Thursday.
With no delivery of a missile from the increasingly nuclear-armed nation, anxiety has only ramped up for what, where and when North Korea might make good on its warning.
For now, the original veiled warning from Pyongyang looms.
The top U.S. Air Force general in the Pacific region told reporters last week he expected the gift to be a long-range missile test, The Hill reported.
"What I would expect is some type of long-range ballistic missile would be the gift. It's just a matter of does it come on Christmas Eve, does it come on Christmas Day, does it come after the New Year," Gen. Charles Brown, commander of Pacific Air Forces and air component commander for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said Dec. 17, The Hill reported. (Read more)
- Father God, even as the Pentagon remains on high alert, watching the actions of North Korea, so we, too, as Your watchmen on the wall, do the same. Help us to be quick to hear an alarm in our spirits and to alert others to pray if, and when, a missile is launched. In Your name, amen.
- "This is what the Lord says to me: 'Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.'" (Isaiah 21:6)
2. Republicans fume over Dem threat of new impeachment articles: 'Time to cut them off' - Fox News
Republicans ratcheted up their accusations that Democrats are overplaying their impeachment hand after court filings from the House Judiciary Committee indicated the two articles of impeachment adopted last week may only be the beginning.
GOP lawmakers already were fuming at Speaker Nancy Pelosi over her surprise decision to delay transmitting the articles to the Senate in a bid to extract favorable terms for President Trump's trial. But in the latest twist, the Democrat-led Judiciary panel referenced the possibility of yet additional impeachment articles in briefs filed Monday related to their quest for testimony from former White House Counsel Don McGahn and secret grand jury material from former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. (Read more)
- Father God, we agree with the Republican statements in this report, that enough is enough, and there is no more need for any more articles of impeachment to be brought to the Senate chamber. We say "enough!" to this manipulative, controlling spirit that is trying to attack our president, our nation, and our biblical values. in Jesus' name, amen.
- "Peace, be still!" (Mark 4:39)
3. McConnell calls Pelosi's impeachment delay 'absurd,' predicts she'll back down 'sooner or later' - Fox News
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Monday that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's delay in sending articles of impeachment to the Senate is an "absurd" position to take, predicting she'll back down "sooner or later."
"She apparently believes she can tell us how to run the trial," McConnell told "Fox & Friends," arguing that transmitting articles of impeachment once adopted is mandated by the Constitution.
As he's said in recent days, McConnell described the current state of affairs on Capitol Hill as an "impasse."
"We can't do anything until the speaker sends the papers over, so everybody enjoy the holidays," he quipped. (Read more)
- Father God, we trust You to back down all the forces of evil that have pushed for President Trump's impeachment. Ream out every negative act or word levied against President Trump and reverse these words and acts to return to the sender with double impact. Destroy all the articles of impeachment and turn them into sawdust. We pray in the Name of Jesus.
- "Wherefore thus says the Lord God of hosts, Because you speak this word, behold I will make my words in your mouth fire and this people wood, and it shall devour them."(Jeremiah 5:14)
4. Republican Attacks Nancy Pelosi For Sitting On Secret Impeachment Deposition Transcripts in Violation of House Rules - AmericanTruthToday
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is obstructing the process of the impeachment trial for President Donald Trump, claiming she's concerned about "fairness" and being able to hear from witnesses she claims are important. Of course, she could have waiting for proper process and called those witnesses in the House had she not been so rushed to impeach without evidence. But she couldn't be bothered.
As Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) is pointing out, part of the reason is she really has nothing so she knows it would go down in flames in the Senate. But here's another thing that Burgess is pointing out. If Pelosi were really concerned about Americans or the Senators hearing evidence, why then are she and the Democrats still sitting on secret deposition transcripts and not releasing them? (Read more)
- If these transcripts do exist, this must be revealed. Once again, we see the same manipulation, as Ms. Pelosi bluffs her way through the impeachement process. Once again, she is ignoring the requirements of the Constitution, manipulating this process for her own ends. We decree that this behavior must stop.
- "'Thus far you shall come, but no farther; And here shall your proud waves stop'?" (Job 38:11)
5. Schiff goes for total coup, now targeting Pence in impeachment effort - WND
It's beginning to look like Rep. Adam Schiff isn't content with simply ousting the president, instead hinting that he's going for a total sweep of the White House by involving the vice president as well. The move would seemingly put his ally and fellow California Democrat, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in charge of the United States.
The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee hinted at the bombshell turn in a Dec. 18 talk with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow. Maddow asked Schiff about his continuing role in the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
"You seem to still be pulling on some threads here, including some potentially provocative and consequential ones," she said. "I'm thinking specifically about a letter that you sent to the vice president's office this week in which you raise questions as to what the vice president knew about the president's behavior, the president's scheme in Ukraine, and thereby essentially his potential involvement in any coverup of that behavior by the president.
"Are you actively looking at Vice President Mike Pence and his role in this scandal, and should we expect further revelations either related to the vice president or related to the other core parts of these allegations that have resulted in this impeachment tonight?"
Schiff, in his usual habit of claiming to have overwhelming and damning evidence against his political enemies, said he now has something on Vice President Mike Pence. "We have acquired a piece of evidence," he said, "a classified submission by [Pence aide] Jennifer Williams, something that she alluded to in her open testimony that, in going back and looking through her records, she found other information that was pertinent to that phone call that we had asked her about and made that submission. ... "That submission does shed light on the vice president's knowledge." (Read more)
- We thank You, Lord, that Vice President Pence has refused to testify in the Senate trial. We ask You to turn the enemy against himself, and reveal to the public what they are doing to subvert the Constitution. We now cancel this new "fishing expedition" by the Blood of Christ, in Your name, Amen.
- "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered, And let those who hate Him flee before Him." (Psalm 68:1)
6. BREAKING NEWS! Here's When Kelly Loeffler Will Be Sworn In As A US Senator - Daily Caller
A date has been announced for the swearing-in of businesswoman Kelly Loeffler, who is set to become the newest Republican in the Senate.
Loeffler will be sworn in as a United States senator on Jan. 6, a spokesperson confirmed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The soon-to-be junior senator from Georgia is replacing outgoing GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson, who announced earlier this year that he'd be leaving office due to his ailing health.
The financial executive - who was chosen by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp after months of reviewing applications - has pledged to enter office with a fierce conservative agenda.
"I'm a life-long conservative, pro-Second Amendment, pro-Trump, pro-military, and pro-wall," Loeffler said during an event at the state capitol earlier this month, where Kemp formally announced her as his pick for the Senate. "I make no apologies for my conservative values, and I look forward to supporting President Trump's conservative judges." (Read more)
- Father God, we praise You for assigning Ms. Loeffler as the newest Republican in the Senate. We thank You for her statement, and for her unyielding support for President Trump in this time of challenge. Guide her to stand strong in supporting godliness and sound decisions as she fills this position in the Senate. We pray in the Name of Jesus.
- "Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them the love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations." (Deuteronomy 7:9)
7. Rep. Van Drew Credits God, Reagan, and Democrat Threats for His Switch to GOP - CNSNews.com
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a Democrat-turned-Republican from New Jersey, appeared with President Trump on Thursday to announce his party switch.
President Trump made the "very exciting announcement," calling it "a big deal." Trump added that Van Drew is "very smart" because he knows Republicans are "not going to be the minority for long."
Van Drew invoked party bosses, God and Ronald Reagan as he described his political evolution.
"I have been a Democrat for a lot of years," Van Drew said. But at a recent meeting with a "local county chairman in the Democratic Party," Van Drew said he was ordered to vote for Trump's impeachment -- or else.
Van Drew said the official told him, "I will do everything to destroy you." (Read more)
- Almighty God, we thank you for drawing Congressman Drew to join the Republican Party and stand with President Trump. Strengthen him to be a strong supporter and loyal friend of our President. In the Name of Jesus we pray, amen.
- "Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9)
8. Rep. John Lewis battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer - POLITICO
Rep. John Lewis said on Sunday that he is suffering from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and will undergo treatment, though he plans to keep serving his district. Doctors discovered the Georgia Democrat's condition in a routine December medical visit and subsequent tests. The diagnosis has been reconfirmed, Lewis said in a statement.
"I have been in some kind of fight - for freedom, equality, basic human rights - for nearly my entire life," he said. "I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now."
Lewis said that he is "clear-eyed" about the prognosis, but that his doctors believe recent medical advances have made this type of cancer treatable. Lewis said has "a fighting chance," and will return to Congress in the coming days to get back to work - though the Georgia Democrat said he might miss a few votes.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), a longtime colleague and friend, offered praised for Lewis on Twitter, as did dozens of his congressional colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Lewis is seen by many as the "soul" of the House Democratic Caucus, a figure of unquestionable integrity and courage.
"John, know that generations of Americans have you in their thoughts and prayers as you face this fight," Pelosi said. "We are all praying you are comfortable. We know that you will be well."(Read more)
- Father God, even though Rep. Lewis stands for values that many of us oppose, nevertheless, we pray for his healing and for Your will to be done in his life. May Rep. Lewis use this time, too, to consider what may lie ahead for him as he faces a life in eternity. In Your Name, amen.
- "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . ." (Matthew 5:44)
9. BREAKING! U.S. Ambassador Recalled From Zambia for Criticizing Its Anti-Gay Laws - CNSNews.com
The U.S. ambassador to Zambia, Daniel Foote, is being recalled by the State Department because his criticism of Zambia's laws against homosexual behavior and the jailing of a gay couple sparked criticism from the country's president, who has declared that Zambia is saying "no to homosexuality" and that pro-LGBT activists "should go to Hell."
In a Dec. 2 press statement, Ambassador Foote -- appointed to his position in 2017 by President Trump -- harshly denounced Zambia's government for enforcing "discriminatory and homophobic laws, under the false flags of Christianity and culture," and for inaccurately associating HIV/AIDS with homosexuality. The Republic of Zambia, in south central Africa, is a former British colony that is strongly Christian, about 75% Protestant and 20% Catholic.
"I was shocked at the venom and hate directed at me and my country, largely in the name of 'Christian' values, by a small minority of Zambians," said Amb. Foote in his statement. "I thought, perhaps incorrectly, that Christianity meant trying to live like our Lord, Jesus Christ."
"I am not qualified to sermonize, but I cannot imagine Jesus would have used bestiality comparisons or referred to his fellow human beings as 'dogs,' or 'worse than animals," allusions made repeatedly by your countrymen and women about homosexuals," declared Foote. (Read more)
- Righteous Father in heaven, we thank You for calling Mr. Foote back to the States. Thank You, Lord, for keeping Zambia strong in its stand against homosexual behavior. Standing on the truth of the Word of God is the strongest power to help a nation remain stable and healthy for its citizens. Amen.
- "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
10. New York machete stabbings at Hanukkah event in rabbi's home result in 5 wounded: reports - Fox News
Suspect in Hanukkah stabbing at NY rabbi's home pleads not guilty to attempted murder charges
The man accused of entering the home of a New York rabbi and stabbing five people with a machete, in a horrifying Saturday night attack labeled an anti-Semitic act of "domestic terrorism," pleaded not guilty to multiple charges Sunday. Wearing a white jumpsuit, Grafton E. Thomas, 37, of Greenwood Lake, N.Y., appeared at the Ramapo Town Hall in Ramapo, N.Y., Sunday morning, facing five counts of attempted murder and one count of burglary.
Police said Thomas allegedly entered the home of Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg in Monsey, a suburb north of New York City, during a Hanukkah celebration . . . One person was very seriously wounded and remained in critical condition, Gov. Andrew Cuomo told reporters. The rabbi's son was also injured; his status and that of the other victims were not clear. (Read more)
- Father God, we cringe in horror at this news, and we ask the You loose Your ministering angels to stand guard over all Jewish congregations in America in this hour. We turn to You, Holy One, to be our help in time of need, in Your name, amen.
- "Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."
(2 Chronicles 20:12)
11. Gunman kills 2 at White Settlement church before 2 members fatally shoot him - Dallas News
A gunman killed two people during a Sunday-morning service at a church in White Settlement before members of the congregation fatally shot him, authorities say.
Police in White Settlement, about eight miles west of Fort Worth, were called before 11 a.m. to the West Freeway Church of Christ at 1900 South Las Vegas Trail after two members who were part of the church's security team opened fire on the gunman.
"We lost two great men today, but it could have been a lot worse and I am thankful our government has allowed us the opportunity to protect ourselves," said Britt Farmer, the church's senior minister.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, speaking at the evening news conference, highlighted changes in state law that ensured the right to carry concealed weapons in churches. He credited the church's volunteer security team for protecting their fellow members. "The heroism today is unparalleled," Patrick said. "This team responded quickly, and within six seconds the shooting was over." (Read more)
- Lord God, we are living in an evil time. Neither Jew nor Gentile is safe from violence. We thank You for those who have confronted and taken down these murderers, and we ask for continued vigilance for all of us as we go about our daily lives. In Your name, amen.
- "See then that you walk [e]circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15,16)
New Year's Day Sunrise Prayer Relay
New Year's Day Sunrise Prayer Relay 2020
"From the rising of the sun to where it sets the name of the Lord is to be praised" (Psalm 113:3)
We invite you to join us in the New Year's Day Sunrise Prayer Relay.
Pray as a group or as an individual, pray at a lookout or landmark in your area, or in your home.
Wherever you are at sunrise on New Year's Day, pray for souls to be saved, pray for your unsaved friends and family to come to Jesus and pray that your nation shall be saved.
Let's awaken the dawn together in prayer on New Year's Day 2020 and start the new decade with a declaration that Jesus is Lord.
2020 UPDATE
The registrations have been streaming in since Christmas, we are so thankful for everyone who has helped us get the word out, we especially want to thank International Prayer Connect and the other prayer networks who have promoted the New Year's Day Sunrise Prayer Relay, it is amazing how this simple prayer initiative has spread, we have done what we can do but we know that God has breathed on this to make it wrap around the world and He receives all the glory.
The nations that have been registered already for 2020 are Afghanistan, United States of America, Australia, Belgium, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, England, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, South Africa and Sri Lanka, if you are participating in a nation not listed here please let us know so we can include your nation.
. . . In the United States of America we have received support from the National Day of Prayer and other networks the registrations are streaming in and at present 20 out of the 50 states are covered including AK, CA, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NV, NM, OH, OR, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, if you are participating a state not yet listed please let us know so we can check off your state, we really want to cover all 50 states in 2020.
There have been a few people email us to say they had problems with the registration form, if you have been unable to complete the form we apologize for this inconvenience and ask that you please email us at info@sunriseprayerrelay.org with your information and we will make sure you are registered.
We will be sending out the prayer guide for New Year's Day Sunrise Prayer Relay 2020 very soon so keep a look out for it in your inbox.
Finally we wanted to sharethis song with you by Lindy Conant & The Circuit Riders which is part of YWAM, this song was part of our inspiration to pray for nations in 2020, we pray that this song inspires you as you prepare for 2020.
"Jesus You, You're worth it all, every nation and every soul."
> > > Register now for new year's day sunrise prayer relay 2020 by going here.
"Call to Me" International Watchman Call
Launched from the United States:
"Call to Me" International Watchman Call
Sponsored by: The Global Prayer Watch
"Call to Me"
Heralding in the New Year and Decade
12 Hr International Watchman Call
6pm 31 December - 6am 1 January, Jerusalem Time
(11:00 p.m. December 31st - 11:00 a.m. January 1st in Washington, D.C.)
Mark your calendars!
"Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and might things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3)
Dear friend,
In seeking the Lord for the coming New Year celebration and the unveiling of a new decade, we distinctly heard the Lord say, "Make the call, and I will answer." The decade ahead will prove to be both exhilarating and challenging. Let's enter the gates of this new season with our hearts and minds focused on Jesus through worship/prayer/declarations. We are entering a Jeremiah 33:3 time, "'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."
As we enter this new decade of the '80s (meaning pey or mouth) in the Hebraic calendar, God is highlighting the use of our words. He wants us to pay attention. There is a call for watchmen in the coming decade to declare His promises and build the ramparts that will be necessary for the times ahead. Our words, prayers, and declarations carry enormous weight. Please join us for this interactive prayer call. Hosts from a number of nations from Europe, Middle East, Asia, Latin America, North America, will be facilitating the call.
WHEN: See above
WHY 12 HOURS:
12 is the number for government. We believe there is and will be a significant shifting of governmental structure ahead.
CONFERENCE NUMBER:
669 900 6833 or: 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 588 309 8149
We invite you to take a moment during this twelve hour period and join with others across the nations for this strategic time of prayer. We believe we are headed for a decade when God's redemptive plan will unfold powerfully. The rumblings are already underway. The call will be very interactive speaking forth the promises of God for the coming season in what we believe will be a history changing New Year and decade!
Welcoming in the New Year and Decade for Jesus On behalf of the Global Watch Community
Fred and Sue Rowe
> > > Please note:
You as an individual, your church, prayer ministry/network, prayer group, house of prayer etc. are invited to help build the "Walls of Prayer" in the USA and globally by joining a growing family of watchmen. Joining helps open lines of communication and connection. We invite your participation as God prepares His church to be His awakened, and ready bride.
> > > Join the Global Watch by going here.