December 2016 Thursday 1 December
Thank God that recently Shin Bet - the Israeli security service, was able to prevent a terror attack in Haifa in the north of Israel. During the same period an attack in Jerusalem was prevented as well. Continue to pray that Israel will dwell in safety.
Friday 2 December
The Russian navy is expanding its activities in Syria considerably. This makes it even more complicated for Israel to control the terrorist movement Hamas. Pray for safety in the north of Israel; pray for the soldiers at the border and for the inhabitants.
Saturday 3 December Sabbath
A special Psalm fragment for praying for Israel is Psalm 57:2-3 “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfils His purpose for me; He sends from heaven and saves me.”
Sunday 4 December
On this second Sunday of Advent we read Isaiah 30:19: “O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more; How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you.” We may love the Jewish people and together with them eagerly wait for Him, who comes to make all things new. Maranatha!
Monday 5 December
At the end of November Israel was struck by fires. Some of the fires occurred naturally, others were arson attacks. Hundreds of acres went up in flames, nature sanctuaries and houses. Pray for Israel that they overcome this difficult situation.
Tuesday 6 December
In spite of attempts by the USA and, for instance, Germany, to persuade Iran to take a different attitude towards the State of Israel, Iran maintains its implacable attitude. Pray that the Lord will break this enmity.
Wednesday 7 December
Last year there was a lecture by Michael Freund from Israel, who is responsible for the Aliyah of Jews from India, on behalf of ‘Shavei Israel’. He said that two statements in Isaiah 43 signify a new phase in the expectation of Messiah. Verse 5 “Do not be afraid…” and verse 6 “I will say to the north: ‘’give them up’, and to the south: ‘do not hold them back!’” Give thanks for the fact that God speaks from His Word, to His people and to all nations.
Thursday 8 December
Pray for protection for the Jews in Venezuela. The country is down and out politically and economically, and in the present chaos Jews are the likely scapegoat. Out of thirty thousand Jews who once lived there, nine thousand remain. It is remarkable that all over the world many situations arise, that cause Jews to leave and make Aliyah to Israel.
Friday 9 December
Michael Freund’s favorite verse for understanding our time is Isaiah 54:7: “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.” ‘For a brief time’ is written in the past tense, but ‘with deep compassion’ is written in the present tense. Thank God for His Word. .