November 2023 – Israel at War

PTNews

P r o p h e tic Truth in the N e w s

October 2024

   Published monthly by Mike Wingfield Ministries

All Bible references are from the KJV   

Israel at War

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

… a time of war, and a time of peace.”Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8

By Mike Wingfield

Israel and the world were sent reeling by a surprise attack that was launched by the Islamic terrorist group Hamas on Israel’s Sabbath morning of October 7^th.

Israel, with boasts one of the most elaborate intelligence and security operations in the world, was caught totally off guard. Indeed, it turned out to be one of most devastating days in the history of the modern state of Israel. As events continue to unfold, the world is stunned by the countless atrocities committed by these savage terrorists against innocent Israelis.

Shockingly, more Israelis were murdered on their holiest day of the week, Shabbat, October 7^th than any other day during the historic wars Israel has endured since its return to the Promised Land. Even more stunning is the realization that this sudden defeat did not come at the hands of an enemy nation. It was perpetrated by a radical Islamic terrorist entity.

This stunning development occurred on the last day of the Jewish peoples’ celebrated Feast of Tabernacles. Hamas, a dangerous and avowed enemy of Israel, suddenly launched attacks against 22 Jewish communities and several military installations near Israel’s southern border with Gaza.

An estimated 1,500 radical Islamic terrorists affiliated with Hamas invaded Israel by air, land, and sea. In 24 hours, these savages killed more than 1,200 Israeli citizens and military personnel, and seriously injured more than 3,000. As we know, these numbers will continue to mount in the preceding days.

The grim pictures shared by Israel give testimony to the demonic and brutal savagery of the invading Islamic forces. They raped and tortured women, killed parents in front of their children, and slaughtered people while desecrating their bodies. Many were beheaded, including babies. According to original estimates, 130 or more men, women, children, and elderly people and forced them to flee to Gaza where t hey are being held hostage. During this strike, they also raided and pillaged the Jewish communities, leaving behind a massive trail of destruction. The family pictured on this page was brutally murdered by Hamas.

In addition, terrorists launched more than 5,000 missiles into Israel. A few of these missiles reached their targets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It is believed by some that an electronic device was used to interfere with Israel’s Iron Dome antiballistic missile system. Some analysts are saying that Iran and Russia helped Hamas to plan this deadly attack and provided the funds, munitions, orders, and technological ability to make it happen.

The Israeli government immediately declared war on Hamas. 300,000 reservists were summoned for duty. Israeli leaders told the national to expect a long and protracted war that will be fought in the streets of Gaza, a densely populated area. Israel was told to brace itself for large numbers of casualties. In addition, the long war effort will have a crippling effect on the Israeli economy because it will divert much-needed human and economic resources.

Most of us who live in the United States cannot begin to fathom what the Israelis are going through. We have not suffered from wars and rumors of wars, and numerous acts of terrorism as the Jewish people have had to endure for many generations.

I was deeply moved by the following report, “What we are experiencing now is unthinkable, unimaginable. The horror, the evil, the pain. It is more than we can bear. Parents and children are slaughtered.

Elderly people and their nurses are slaughtered. Teenagers at an outdoor party, slaughtered. For those who are far away, who may not grasp the enormity of this horror – this is Israel’s 9/11.

“Throughout Israel, sons and fathers are running to war. The situation is so dire that men in their forties are being called up to action. Yesterday, I stood on my porch watching mothers and wives all over my neighborhood hug their sons and husbands with tears in their eyes, as they rushed from their homes to join their units for battle.

“Everyone has a loved one at the front. Some of my friends’ children have been wounded, and others are missing. We are living in a nightmare. Israel is in crisis, in a way many of us have never experienced in our lifetimes” (Israel365news.com, October 8, 2023).

Israeli military personnel who were traveling abroad scrambled to return to Israel so they could join the war effort against Hamas. Israel is determined to destroy Hamas and its control center of operation in Gaza. We can believe that the God of Israel will aid them. God has declared, “But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 41:8-14).

It is very important to remember that this ongoing war against Israel is being perpetrated in the name of the god of Islam. Shouts of “Allah is greater” were repeated as terrorists murdered their victims and pillaged Jewish communities. This clearly indicates that what is transpiring in our world is a war being waged against Jews and Christians. The world, and especially Islam, are at war with the God of the Bible. Mahmoud Al-Zahar, a Senior Hamas Official, is quoted as saying recently, “The entire planet will be under our law, there will be no more Jews or Christian traitors” (The Jerusalem Post, October 9, 2023). This is only a small taste of what will come to pass during the Tribulation Period.

I am convinced that the seven-year Tribulation Period is the final chapter of an age-old conflict that began with the animosity of Ishmael against Isaac, and Esau’s hatred of Jacob. As previously mentioned in the October newsletter, there is biblical, historical, and prophetic evidence to support this opinion. What we are viewing now is an extension of the war in the spiritual realm between the God of Israel and the god of Islam. As this conflict escalates, we are getting closer to the Rapture and the beginning of the Tribulation Period.

Muslims are waging a war against the world to force all citizens to submit to Islam. The United Nations, the global media, and education systems are completely silent about the war, called “Islamic Jihad”, being perpetrated upon all infidels (non-Muslims) around the world. I highly recommend that you frequently visit the website www.thereligonofpeace.com to keep informed of this ongoing global war. According to this website there have been more than 44,000 deadly Islamic terror attacks among the nations since 9/11. In September 2023, there were 104 attacks that killed 550 people, and injured another 492. These attacks took place in 22 countries.

Islam’s holy war is growing around the world. Muslims are immigrating to Europe in greater numbers. In countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Great Britain, the Muslims are already killing non-Muslims and threatening to take over major cities.

Islam is currently the only religion in the world that is protected from hate speech. The United Nations is impacted by the 57 Islamic nations that control the actions and decisions of this international body. I am convinced that the religion of Islam is symbolically depicted in the book of Revelation as a harlot that rides on the back of the beast that represents the Antichrist and his global kingdom (Revelation 17-18). See the image on this page. This religion is in the desert (Revelation 17:3), kills believers in Jesus (Revelation 17:6), and seduces the kings, merchants, and citizens of the world (Revelation 18:3).

When the Tribulation opens, a rider will appear on a white horse “to conquer” the world (Revelation 6:2). Muslims believe their messiah will appear on a white horse and call for a global jihad against the world. This action will continue as they “take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another” (Revelation 6:4). This will all be accomplished with the Antichrist’s “great sword” (Revelation 6:4). The sword of Allah [their god] is a global symbol of Islam. The name Islam means “submission.” See the image of the Saudi flag below. The Islamic words on the flag are the Islamic statement of faith “There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” The beginning of the Tribulation will be accompanied by hyperinflation, famine, diseases, war, and death (Revelation 6:5-8). This all appears to be knocking at the world’s door at this hour!

When the forces of the Antichrist kill God’s two Jewish witnesses in Jerusalem at the mid-point of the Tribulation, those in the world who are sympathetic to his mission will rejoice. Revelation 11:10 says, “And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another.” For many years this has been the common reaction in the Muslim world to the slaughtering of Jewish Israelis. When word reached Muslims around the world about Hamas’ destruction in Israel, they broke out in praise to Allah for their victory.

On the day after the death of 800 Israelis by Hamas, World Israel News shared the following story, “Muslims in Europe and throughout the Middle East launched festive celebrations in the street, praising Palestinian terrorists and supporting the unprecedented attack that killed some [1,200] Israelis on Saturday, in one of the biggest disasters in Israeli history. “Rachel Riley, a British-Jewish television presenter, wrote on her social media accounts that she was horrified to come across multiple groups of people in London who were apparently reveling in the fact that Israelis had been killed. Riley wrote that she had visited a cafe in the Acton neighborhood in West London with her family, when they saw a group of men on the street waving Palestinian flags and smiling.

“‘People have been brutally murdered, kidnapped and there are people in London dancing,’ she wrote. Later on, Riley updated that she ‘just passed two cars in West London driving with Palestinian flags flying from each window, bouncing up and down in their cars, seemingly celebrating like they were having a party’” (World Israel News, October 8, 2023).

The article in World Israel News, continued, “In Palestinian Authority-controlled enclaves in Judea and Samaria, Palestinians rallied in the streets, handing out sweets to celebrate the Hamas attack.

“Social media footage showed hundreds of Iranians gathering in Tehran’s Palestine Square, as locals praised the murder of Israelis. Celebratory fireworks were also seen in the video. In Lebanon, supporters of Hamas danced in the streets of Beirut while waving Palestinian flags” (World Israel News, October 8, 2023). This should clearly demonstrate that the idea of a Jewish and a Palestinian state side by side would be total suicide for Israel!

What happened on Saturday, October 7^th was a complete surprise to Israel. It was an unusual total failure of their intelligence. However, God was not surprised. Why did He allow this to happen? We must remember that God is orchestrating every event all over the world, even in this apparent temporary defeat of His own people – Israel.

God has allowed this war in Israel to bring fear and humility to the Jewish people, both secular and religious Israelis. For far too long, Israelis have prided themselves in their military strength and impeccable intelligence. God wants them to know that the battle belongs to Him. When Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38-39) and Armageddon (Zechariah 14:1-3) happen in the future, the Bible indicates the Jewish nation will be overwhelmed. However, the Holy One of Israel will defend them for the honor of His name and glory. He is setting the stage to call upon them to trust Him instead of themselves. Israel’s greatest days are ahead. Not because of who they are, but because of Who He is!!

It is my opinion that the Lord is allowing Israel to be vulnerable as it faces the hatred and violence of those who are constantly plotting its destruction. Ultimately, He will bear His arm of power and overwhelm the enemies of Israel. He will supernaturally fight for Israel as their foes are defeated.

God wants to teach all of us to trust Him, not our own might. Jeremiah 17:5, 7 declares, “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. … Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” Psalm 20:7, adds, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”

Many Israeli soldiers read Psalm 121 before they go into battle. Oh, that the entire nation would take this Psalm to heart! From a human perspective, it is necessary for Israel to be militarily strong to survive in the Middle East. However, this needs to be balanced with a heart that is fixed upon the Lord and depends upon Him for its ultimate survival as a nation.

I am absolutely convinced that God has allowed the current situation to take place to turn the Jewish nation away from internal division and to bring many to salvation in Jesus Christ. Many Jewish Israelis will be saved because in fear and humility they will seek Him and find Him in their hour of need. Praise His Name!

The prophetic Word of God repeatedly states that the end time events will be especially difficult for the Jewish people living in Israel. In Jeremiah 30, the weeping prophet of God informed His people that when the last days would come, they would hear “a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace” (verse 5). He called this time “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (verse 7). Concerning the Tribulation Period, Daniel wrote, “… and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1). While speaking to His Jewish disciples concerning the last days and the Antichrist, Jesus said, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened” (Matthew 24:21-22).

God has repeatedly demonstrated and promised that He will fight for His people, Israel. Against great odds, in the days of Moses, Gideon, David, Elijah, Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat, Daniel, and many others, God miraculously gave the victory to His people who were outnumbered and militarily inferior. The days are rapidly approaching when the Lord will demonstrate to the entire world that He is the Lord God Almighty!

God has declared that He has placed His divine watchmen upon the walls of Jerusalem, “which shall never hold their peace day nor night” (Isaiah 62:6). He has declared to His people, “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior” (Isaiah 43:1-3). These promises God gave to Israel are unconditional. They are not attached to some command given to them. These promises are founded upon God’s unchanging character. He has said, “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6).

Those who hate Israel are the enemies of God and hate His people, Israel (Psalm 83:1-4). The Lord has promised to bless those who bless His people, and to curse those who curse them (Genesis 12:3). If we love the Lord, we must love His people.

We need to pray for Israel at this hour. Pray for Israel and her leaders to make wise decisions. Pray for many who have lost family and friends. Many funerals will be held in the next few days and the people of Israel will be crying out to the Lord for His help. Pray for Israeli soldiers as this war continues to escalate. Pray that the enemies of Israel will be defeated for the honor and glory of God. Pray for the innocent people in Gaza who are prisoners of Hamas. Pray for their salvation. Pray that this will unite the nation of Israel. Pray that the church will wake up and understand the lateness of the hour!

Almost 2,600 years ago, the Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah about Israel and these last days. I highly recommend that you read and meditate upon these following words as we move through the weeks and months to come (if we are still here). “For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. … Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey. … Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it” (Jeremiah 30:11, 16, 23-24).

Be ready for the shout that will take us out!

Who will lead the Nations to Armageddon?

It is amazing what the prophet Joel wrote about the nations and Armageddon – the final war that ends the Tribulation Period. First, God said, “For I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat [the valley between the Mount of Olives and Jerusalem]” (Joel 3:2). When the end comes, all the Gentile nations will come to Armageddon. The reasons given for God’s wrath against the nations is their savage treatment of the Jewish people and the division of His land (Joel 3:2-3) – the Holy Land.

He promises two nations that they will suffer the vengeance of the Lord and He will recompense them for what they have done to Israel. The two nations are Lebanon [“Tyre and Zidon”] and Gaza [“all the coasts of Palestine”] (Joel 3:4). Isn’t it amazing that these two nations are currently at the forefront of attacking Israel? It demonstrates that we are seeing the final events of the Church Age.

I pray you are ready! He is coming soon!

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