Israel gets a lot of negative press. What with the ongoing tensions related to how people in the West Bank and Gaza are treated. Then there's also the reports of how black Israelis are discriminated against. Finally, the newly elected government has taken steps many say are aggressive and negative for many subsets of that society.
The list of issues could go on and on but let us ask ourselves what God has said about Israel. This is important because what God has said about that nation should guide how you act toward, speak and think about the place.
Last year, many of us were shocked (and even mildly embarrassed) when we were confronted with God's word on how we are to discuss our leaders. Even those we strongly disagree with.
It is time to once again be confronted with God's instructions. In this case, the issue of how we are to treat the nation and people of Israel.
Psalm 122:6 - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.
Numbers 24:9 - The nation is like a mighty lion; When it is sleeping, no one dares wake it. Whoever blesses Israel will be blessed, And whoever curses Israel will be cursed." (GNT)
These scriptures make it clear that we are to bless Israel and not curse it. We are to pray for its success and not the opposite. This should caution how we think of the place and its people as well.
The Bible also shows what happened to those who chose to curse or fight Israel outside of God's will. Notice, I said outside of God's will? This is because there were some who God used for His own purposes to trouble Israel. A primary example was King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and this was because the people failed to acknowledge Him.
As for those who stood against God's will of peace and blessings for Israel, let us consider the Ammonites. God promised them total destruction. Why? Ezekiel 25:8 - ...Because you cheered when my Temple was defiled, mocked Israel in her desolation, and laughed at Judah as she went away into exile.
The Philistines were also warned of impending punishment because they "acted against Judah out of bitter revenge and long-standing contempt." (Ezekiel 25:15 NLT).
God's word is that He will deal with those who attack and oppose Israel. Deuteronomy 30:7 - The LORD your God will put all these curses on your enemies who hate and persecute you. This scripture should put the fear of God in everyone, taming not just our tongues but our thoughts as well when it comes to Israel.
And if you are wondering why Israel is treated so special by God then it means you have not realized the exemptive grace you have at your disposal as His child. If you believe in Jesus then you are God's child and the Lord has spoken over you that anyone who opposes you will submit to you (Isaiah 54:15). The Lord has also said you are the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10). He has promised to keep you from harm (John 17:15). In fact the very power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you if you believe and let Him build you into who He created you to be (Ephesians 1:19-20).
So there is no need to be jealous of Israel or hateful toward its people, particularly if you claim to believe in the God of Abraham, who also happens to be the God of the Jews. Many of us are experiencing trouble we don't need simply because we don't understand the consequences of our choices when we speak, think and act. How we treat Israel has severe consequences for our lives and those we care for.
This is not to say that you will agree with everything Israel's government or citizens do. Nevertheless, how you address those concerns is crucial if you are a believer who aims to live in accordance with God's word.
If you don't like what you're hearing about Israel, call on God to handle the situation. Let Him be the judge rather than you using your actions, thoughts and words to do the judging. Pray for the leaders and people of that nation that they will align with God's plan for them. Also pray for others in the region, cry out for peace.
Having all manner of opinions is very much in vogue and many of us love to share our thoughts, unhinged, about almost every topic. However, God has called us to be very careful how we communicate about others and Israel falls into that category.
I pray that the Lord will guide you on how He wants you to treat Israel so that you and yours will be blessed, IJMN, Amen.
See you at Noon EST for P&P. God bless you.
CLOSING PRAYER
Abba Father, thank You for this time of fellowship. Take all the glory for our gathering to worship and intercede today. Thank You for kindly teaching us about how to act toward, think and speak of the children of Jacob. Thank You for helping us understand that those who belong to You are special.
We lift up Israel. Its people and its land. Thy will be done there as everywhere here on earth as is heaven. Take all the glory. You who watch to ensure that Your word is fulfilled.
Help us to remember to live according to the Royal Law in how we treat everyone and not just those we like. As we go off to focus on other things, may we be mindful of how You want us to live that we may please You and experience more of Your favor, IJMN, Amen.
God bless you all. Have a wonderful weekend. The lord keep you till we meet again, IJN, Amen.
SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY
How has God been faithful to you? It's time to share so others are encouraged. That way their hope in the Lord will not dim.
We have a thread titled Testimony Gala | The Miracle Alley for your convenience and its goal is to document what God has done for His people.
We are instructed to share our testimony as believers. In fact, doing so allows us to overcome satan according to Revelation 12:11 - They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
God bless you!
From C - Hey y’all please uplift me in your prayers I’m sick with the virus after 2 years of not being sick and it’s creating a ruckus in my body, also uplift my classes in your prayers school hasn’t been easy between the loneliness in this city, micro aggressions I’m struggling. Thank You and God bless
From M22 - Heavenly Father, I pray for everyone going through financial crisis and debt. I pray Father that you carry their burden. Open up financial opportunities for them IJMN amen.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father, I pray for business owners that you direct them and improve their business models. Open up opportunities for them to grow and expand IJMN amen.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father, I pray for people struggling with mental health issues. In a world where people see mental health issues as a taboo. I pray that you conquer their minds and show them how much you love them. Father Lord, help them find refuge in your presence and restore their self esteem, worth and confidence IJMN amen.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father, I pray for students that faced rejection this fall. I pray that you redirect their paths. Help them apply to the right school and faculty and above all help them understand that your timing is important no matter the deadlines IJMN. Grant them strength and lead them to their rightful positions IJMN amen.
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father, I pray for students that faced rejection this fall. I pray that you redirect their paths. Help them apply to the right school and faculty and above all help them understand that your timing is important no matter the deadlines IJMN. Grant them strength and lead them to their rightful positions IJMN amen.
Glory be to God in the highest. King of kings. Lord of lords. He who fills mouths with rejoicing. Hallelujah!!
Isaiah 60:17 - Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler.
Lord, the wealth of this world is Yours to do with as You will. This despite the fact too many of the devil's acolytes seem to hold onto it.
However, You have declared that the wicked will hoard and You will disperse their wealth to those who are pleasing to You.
Therefore, Lord, let the wealth of nations come to Your own. Great Provider, open doors of provision for Your children. Provision that they understand as Yours to be uses for Your purpose and not their desires, IJMN Amen.
*From M22* - Thank you Abba for students resuming this fall. I pray that you help them navigate their new academic environment. I pray that you help them with feeding and shelter. I pray that you open doors of opportunities for them IJMN amen. I pray that they will never lack IJMN amen.
*from O* - I want to pray for everybody, for all of God's children and his animals and world. For the humans and animals suffering in Kenya in drought, the marine animals suffering from pollution.
I want to pray for All children suffering from abuse, all adults suffering from childhood wounds, and any abusive situation, domestic or workplace. I want to pray for peace in the world, for there to be love for the fellow man on this earth not based on their looks or their material possession.
I want to pray for all senior citizens that may be alone, I want to pray for the sick and the shut-in. I want to pray for the future, I want to pray that the Kingdom does come. I pray in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit and I thank God for his word, his love and his servants.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father I pray for people job hunting this season. Father make it easy for them, lead them to companies that will value their input and output and above all their welfare and mental health IJMN amen.
Lord, I lift up Nigeria onto You, trusting in Your will and plan for that nation. For the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. The world and all who dwell in it (Psalm 24:1).
As it is the eve of elections, I lift up the people for Your protection and mercy, Lord. For the sake of the godly in the land, we call out to You to prevent the wicked from ruling, in accordance with Your word in Psalm 125:3.
Indeed, great Lord, You have all dominion and authority. You lift one up and pull down another. You see all and know why anyone is allowed into a position of authority. And so it is to You I come for grace upon that great nation and call for leaders who serve in fear and trembling of You (Psalm 2:10-12). I call out for righteous leaders who will shepherd with integrity of heart and skilled hands (Psalm 78:72). I call out for leaders who will honor You and not ego, pride and greed. That people will be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth, while Your own people live quiet, righteous, godly lives in all holiness (1 Timothy 2:1-4). And for those who need to go, Lord, Your word stands (Isaiah 22:19). lift the lowly, pulling down the exalted wicked prince of the land (Ezekiel 21:25).
That there be peace and Your selections step into positions of authority. For the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. The world and all who dwell in it (Psalm 24:1). Thank You in advance for showing Yourself as the God who breaks impossibilities (Isaiah 14:5). They say it cannot be done. But for the sake of over 250 million people. For the sake of the very land itself, sprinkle Your water and make it clean. Remove the impurities, the idols, and stand against everything that believes it can stand against Your plan for that nation, IJMN, Amen.
*From M22* - Abba, I commit @k, @B2 , @MFC, her spouse and uncle and every sick folks that have been mentioned on P and P. I submit their bodies unto your healing authority. I pray that your healing power radiates all over their cells, organs, vessels, nerve endings and systems. I pray that you continue to direct the medical team treating and managing them. We shall rejoice over their permanent healing IJMN amen.
*From BI* - Lord, I Lift into Your capable hands Nations going through unrest. Your resurrection declared peace, victory over death and life everlasting so I place my trust in You for a peaceful world. Lord, hold back hands that kill and maim and turn around hearts that hate. Let brotherly love, patience, charity and forgiveness fill the hearts of Your children. Where there is destruction, Lord help Your children to rebuild. Replace tears with joy, fear with calm. God of endless mercy, grant Your transcending peace to Your children and keep them from harm IJMN Amen.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father I pray that you help Turkey and Syria heal in the might name of Jesus amen. I pray they will never witness another disaster again. I pray that you accept the dead into your bosom and grant their family closure and comfort. I pray that you heal every survivor and eliminate every form of PTSD in the mighty name of Jesus amen.
Lord, thank You for You are the Sovereign Lord. The Maker of heaven, the earth, the seas and everything in them. Glory be to You!
Ezekiel 36:29-30 - I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you. I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine.
God, we know that satan's plan is for fertile lands to be defiled and rendered to dust. For people to suffer from hunger, thirst and all forms of deprivation.
However, You are the God whose purpose will be fulfilled. You looked upon this world and said "it is good". Your word never changes though our choices have made things appear different than Your original word.
As such, I lift up Your promise of Your cleansing of man and the land. Bring forth Your plenty. We have praised You and in accordance with Your word, let the earth yield her increase. IJMN Amen.
*From M22* - Thank you Abba for helping my sister navigate her academic environment. Thank you Lord for granting her favour. Thank you Lord for the miracles you will continue to perform in her life. I give you all the glory concerning her life. IJMN amen. Grant her infinite intelligence Abba father.
Thank you Abba for My baby sister. I pray that you grant her clarity and discernment. Blur out every noise and help her focus on your direction for her life. Grant her infinite wisdom, knowledge and understanding to succeed in her exam this year.
I pray for my brother, I pray that you strengthen him and stabilize his mental health. Help him find strength in you Father. Direct him as he concludes his degree. Help him clear every possible debts IJMN amen. Grant him infinite intelligence as he navigates this year IJMN amen.
*From CUR* - God I want to praise you for my grandma's eye and sinus issues healing slowly but surely. Thank you for new medical staff that cares. We still have a way to go but You have shown how faithful You are thus far in this process.
PRAYER TIME
Please put your own prayer requests to the side. I know they are pressing and hard to ignore, but during the next 25 minutes, it is our responsibility to pray for others and not ourselves.
God will not forget your needs just because you took a few minutes to focus on someone else's prayer point. You showing love to someone by praying for them will actually endear you to the Lord. He does great things for those He is pleased with.
We must first give to receive in the Kingdom of God. This requires great faith.
Put your faith to work right now, no matter how small it seems. Believe that as you take time to bless others with your prayers, your own needs will not go ignored by God Almighty.
Be selfless.
Intercede for someone in prayer.
2 Samuel 22:17 - He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.
Lord, what is man that You are mindful of him? The son of man that You would care for him?
God I thank You for caring for Your own. For being the steadfast Protector. The Holy One. The Rescuer. Our Salvation!!
*From M22* - Thank you Abba for provision for everyone of us on here offline and online. I bless you for being us together again to praise, pray and intercede. I give you all the glory Abba. IJMN amen.
*From BI* - Thank You Lord for averting another nurses’ strike that would have left many of Your children vulnerable. May Your name be praised forever.
God, I thank You for provision. Thank You for pleasant surprises. Thank You for favor and how it opens doors, doors that You say cannot be shut.
Thank You for doing what was considered impossible.
Thank You for Your great love. A love that surpasses all understanding.
Hallelujah!
Exodus 15:6 - Your right hand, LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, LORD, shattered the enemy.
Father, I give You praise!
Thank You for shattering the plans of the enemy. You who foil the devices of the crafty and make a public spectacle of the wicked.
You do this that all know You alone are God. Thank You!
*From M22* - Heavenly Father help me rely on you as I work on my case study. I know sometimes I am overwhelmed because of my level of experience but I trust in you that it will make the best out of this project and become better in this field. I trust in you that you will guide my hands to create the most amazing project. Help me to lean on you and not industry standards. Help me to blur out the noise and focus on what you want me to do. IJMN amen
*From M22* - Thank you Father for everything you have been doing in my life and in the life of my loved ones. Thank you for being an amazing father or me and my siblings. Thank you for never giving up on us. Thank you for holding our hands through this year. Thank you for all the miracles you will perform in our lives this year. We give you all the glory and honour Abba. Ijmn amen
Glory be to You oh Lord.
The Maker.
Who else shall I glorify but the only God?
I welcome You into our midst. Take Your rightful place, my King.
Be Thou glorified.
Hallelujah!!
*From CUR* - I want to praise God for guiding me back to church this past weekend. My top goal for this year for this year was to get back into church physically, back in community, and get involved. God thank you for the old faces that I saw after 3 years of online church. Thank you for the journey that our church has been through and for our new church building. Thank you for the ways I've grown in community there and for those that you've used along the way. IJMN Amen!!
*From M22* - Thank you Abba for another beautiful day. We give you all the glory. Thank you for food, clothing, shelter, protection and abundance. Thank you for every revelation, lesson and insights. We give you all the glory Abba.
*From BI* - Lord, I come to You with a grateful heart. Thank You for Your steadfast love. Thank You for forgiving me and showing me mercy and grace. Thank You Lord for the breath in my lungs and roof over my head. My God that neither sleep nor slumber, I thank You for all the negative things You moved out of my path. Thank You for making me more than a conqueror through You. You alone are worthy of praise and thanksgiving.
PRAISE TIME
How are going to honor God with your praises today?
Abandon yourself in worship to the Most High and experience His joy today.
*From CD* - I am here Sis,
*From AC* - Good morning Peppers, I won’t be able to join live today as I am getting ready to travel for vacation but I will pop in sometime later to catch up.
Thank you for todays message @FFJ. It’s a shame that I won’t be here because I there are some things I would to share after my time spent in Israel and Palestine (West Bank) last year and how it totally changed the preconceived notions and prejudices I had before going. It is now one of my most favorite and special trips and I am eager to return. Maybe if I can fit in some time later, I will try to share more of what I learned and witnessed.
God bless you all.
*From AC* - Abba Adonai, Thank You deeply for this day, reuniting me with my nearest and dearest after several months apart. Thank You for her safe arrival, Lord. Thank you so much for the surprise I received this morning. When they said no, You turned it out around and sent it to me anyway. I am not worthy of your generosity and yet You are so so kind to me, and so I will make sure to bless Your others, as you have blessed me. Abba, today I am so joyful and I give You all praise. I ask that You bless my pepper family and lurkers in this thread with something that will also bring them joy and a smile to their face today, for Your delight and glory. In Jesus' loving name, Amen.
From DR14U -
*From CUR* - Hey Peppers! This has been the longest 4 day work week ever. I am totally drained but excited to finally praise and pray with ya'll in real time again!
Today's message is so convicting. I am naturally big on justice and I feel that Israel can be unjust towards the treatment of Palestinians. It's something that has been hard for me to reconcile with my beliefs, so I kind of shove Israel in the corner of my mind.
Sometimes I feel that the people there currently don't deserve to be there for how unjust they can be towards others. But I'm reminded today that I don't deserve grace and mercy either, yet God still gives it abundantly AND makes provisions for my good.
I'm looking forward to later!
*From EC* - Amen and good morning ladies!
*From CS* - Thank you God for this beautiful night. Thank you for making a way out of no way in my life. I need you every day, Lord. Every hour.
*From IDQ* - Good morning and Happy Friday. Grateful to be here feeling blessed and favored! God bless everyone!
*From CS* - googles Israeli news to see what's going on
I used to be big into politics, government and world news - like ADDICTED to it - but around the time of Obama, I just lost my taste for it.
I've had my issue in the past with how the Israeli govt manipulates the US, but I'm over it now. Lol
I have no beef with the israelis. In fact, if I weren't a Christian, I'd be a jew. The Judeo-Christian culture and God just speaks to me. I dig Judaism. The only reason I'm not a jew? I can't deny the truth that is Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
*From M22* - Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ. Israel is really a special place. It is so special that in Numbers 22 - 24 Balaam blessed the Israelites and desired to live like them. May God help us filter our thoughts and words concerning that chosen nation. I pray that God will also influence their leaders to make the right decisions concerning the country IJMN amen.
From BI - Thank You Lord for the gift of another day. Thank You for Your boundless mercy and grace. Take all the glory, honour and adoration my Abba Father.
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ. I pray that peace reigns in Israel, which is a very special place to me. May the blessings of Numbers 6:24-26 be upon Israel and its people IJMN Amen.
From HC - Thank you sis for this message.
Thank you Father for your word and the truth found in Deuteronomy 28 especially the curses and the revealing word of Rev 3:9.
We thank you Father for Israel and the awakening that is occurring among your true people. We understand that Judah was scattered to the four corners of the earth and a blindness was over their eyes but the 400 years is over! You are awakening your chosen people, the descendants of those scattered in the transatlantic Atlantic slave trade. Help us as we return to you and Father forgive us of our sins and the sins of our ancestors. We love you. Write your laws upon our hearts so that we can return to our promised land and rule and reign with our Savior when He returns. IJN