“The LORD is great in Zion, and he is high above all the people. Let them praise thy great and terrible name for it is holy. The king’s strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executed judgment and righteousness in Jacob (Ps. 99:2-5).
“Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people His doings” (Ps. 9:11)
Dear Intercessors for Israel: Greetings from Jerusalem!
This Sunday, two parcels of land leased from Jordan by Israel will be transferred back to the Hashemite Kingdom. Tzofar in the Arava Desert and Nahrayim, “the Island of Peace will be reclaimed by Jordan. Both properties consist of lands owned by Israel but held by Jordan. The peace treaty of 1994 with Jordan, allowed Israel permission to use these lands, which were leased for 25 years. This lease was to be renewed this year, but Jordan declined to extend this agreement. Israel which is in the midst of a “transitional government” was not able to negotiate a postponement nor an extension. Jordan announced that Israeli farmers would be compensated for their losses.
Israel and Jordan are in the midst of a time of strained relations and this latest diplomatic failure had added one more added area of separation politically. The new border now will be ever closer to Route 90 in the Galilee, a main North-South highway in Israel. Jordan also recently recalled its Ambassador to Israel, primarily over the arrest by Israel of two Jordanians for security-related charges.
Pray for Israel’s diplomatic relations with Jordan. Pray for King Abdullah II that he would improve his relationship with Israel, and not listen to the opposition parties in his land which want to cut-off all dealings with Israel.
“A Ghost Town full of restless spirits”
Headlines in the Jerusalem Post highlighted the plight of the 22nd Knesset and of Israel. The government is at a standstill after eight months and two elections. There is still, no agreement between the separate parties as to who will lead the next government. Prime Minister Netanyahu was unsuccessful in his efforts to form a coalition and after his allotted time admitted failure and gave the “mandate” back to President Rivlin. Next in line was the head of the Blue and White Party, Benny Gantz. He has until November 28th to find 61 seats. He has so far, been unable to find success.
The Knesset, Israel’s governing body has with the lack of a functioning governing, found itself with nothing to do. Committees are not meeting, nor are bills being passed. Israel is in the hands of its former elected leader: Prime Minister Netanyahu, but everything had been put on hold. Even President Trump’s “Deal of the Century” is frozen, until a government can be formed. Negotiations between various coalitions are actively going on, but the political situation is in a stalemate.
Pray for a breakthrough for the government of Israel, otherwise a third election will be scheduled.
The Nations will come up to Jerusalem
We have at the House of Peace, had “times of refreshing” lately and “times of intercession.” Last Wednesday, Marylois lead a powerful prayer meeting with focus on Israel and its need for a government. They prayed for a breakthrough decreeing Micah 2:13 out of the Amplified Bible Classic. They prayed for Gaza and that stronghold of Hamas to be pulled down. 5 November 8, 2019
Tonight we had an amazing Shabbat Dinner with guests coming from seven nations, including the Philippines, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Britain and Israel. ETH&S Pete and Lauren Snyder shared, as well as Samson from China and Pastors Melecio from the Philippines. We sang the songs of Zion, and then prayed the believers in these countries. The Chinese church is in the midst of much persecution.
Pray for the Chinese Church and the believers that they remain strong in the midst of their trials.
Shabbat Shalom
Gene and Marylois/House of Peace