Tag: prophecy

December 2024 – The Glory of God and the Coming of Christ

PTNews

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

December 2024

Published monthly by Mike Wingfield Ministries

All Bible references are from the KJV   

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(Examining Current Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy)

P.O. Box 67, Boones Mill, VA 24065

The Glory of God and the Coming of Christ

“And they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven

with power and great glory.” Matthew 24:30

By Mike Wingfield

Traveling the globe and interviewing people would give great insight into the diversity among the world’s cultures. What makes people so different? According to the Bible, how a person lives is determined by how he thinks (Proverbs 23:7). The most vital question that directs all our thoughts is, who is God? What a person believes about God will formulate that person’s total view of life.

The Bible is clear there is only one true God and no other. God said to His people who were worshipping other gods and idols, “I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me” (Isaiah 45:5). Our faith is firmly built upon that single truth. What you believe about God is vital to your faith. If your understanding of God is shallow, your faith will be weak. If your heart is passionately fixed upon discovering and knowing God, your life will be filledwith wisdom, meaning, and purpose. You will be known as a person of great faith!

At the heart of all our problems in this world and even our churches is this one defining question, who is God? If you were to ask people around the world who God is, you would be shocked at some of their answers. The reason there are so many different views of God is that sinful man always tends to create his view of God based upon his experiences and reasoning. Man likes to have a god that fits his culture and makes him feel good about himself.

Man likes to create a god or idol that will be like him, and in some ways can be controlled by him. These people change “the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, andfour-footedbeasts, and creeping things” (Romans 1:23). Obviously, they have deceived themselves and are wrong. Their reasoning seems good to them, but they are living in spiritual darkness. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

The Bible is the primary source of revelation we must turn to if we want to know God. The Bible is God’s only source of written truth. It is a self-revelation given to man by God. Therefore, what we believe about God must be grounded in a clear understanding of what God has said about Himself.

The Holy Spirit of God has given us this written revelation about Himself – God! He is also the One who guides us in our interpretation and understanding of all that He has said about God. The unsaved man cannot receive “the things of the Spirit of God: for the are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Only God can fathom His eternal greatness. Therefore, man himself cannot explore “the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10).

There are many mysteries that man cannot fathom. However, the greatest of all infinite matters to comprehend are the things of God. God is a holy God! That means He is infinitely set apart from all His creation. There is an intellectual chasm between God and His creation that cannot and will never be breached. God will always be infinite, and man will always, even in his eternal spiritual state in heaven, be finite. Our understanding of God will continue to expand for all eternity!

The godly men whom the Spirit of God chose to give us this written revelation continually testified as to how difficult it is for man to understand God. In Psalm 139, godly King David of Israel wrote about how God knows all things and is everywhere present at the same time. In verse 6 of this Psalm, he wrote, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” In Romans 9-11, the apostle Paul wrote about the great mysteries of God’s faithfulness to Israel, despite their rebellion against Him. In Romans 11:33, Paul exclaimed, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”

Pursuing the knowledge of God is far more than a deep, intellectual quest. Getting to know God is a profound, rich experience that is very rewarding to the souls of godly men and women. It brings comfort, peace, and joy. It is rich food for the hungry heart. The psalmist said, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalm 34:8).

God has invited us to seek Him! “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11). Also, read Psalm 27:4; and Isaiah 55:6-7. God has promised, “he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Dear friend, please focus on this promise. Do you want to be spiritually rewarded by God? Are you willing to pay the price to continually seek His face? This means you must be willing to sacrifice other things to put God first. This means you will study the Word of God and seek His face in worship and prayer in the quietness of your heart. This will happen when He becomes the focus of the meditation of your heart throughout each day.

If someone were to ask you to tell them about God, what would you say? How would you describe God? The Bible says that when we walk with God, He is our “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). Abba is the affectionate Hebrew word for “daddy” or “papa.” It is the word used by Jewish children to intimately address their father when they call out to him. I will never forget that on one of my tours in Israel, our group was in the Old City of Jerusalem. We were in the Jewish quarter. As usual, it was very congested. Suddenly, out of the crowd came the voice of a little boy, crying, “Abba, Abba!” As I turned to look, I saw the Jewish father lift his little son into his arms. The little boy threw his arms around his dad’s neck, and they affectionately embraced each other. Immediately, this word picture of God the Father as our Abba came into clear focus. It was precious! A tear came to my eyes. A smile was on my face.

Friends, God wants us to seek Him and to know Him because we love Him and have a real relationship with Him. Just like the bond of a small child to their father, so should there be a bond that unites the heart of the believer to his heavenly Father.

People cannot have a personal relationship with a false god or idol. These gods and idols do not exist. Our faith must be more than just a religious feeling or ritualistic action. Christianity is more than a religion; it is an intimate relationship with God!

God delights in showing mankind that He is real and there are no other gods. Throughout the Bible, we are told about God’s visible manifestation that proves He is there and that He is God. This visible manifestation of the infinite, supernatural attributes of God is called “the glory of God.”

The word “glory” is repeated many times in the Bible. This word is infinite in its meaning because it is a word that attempts to depict God’s infinite power, presence, and the very essence of Who God is. When I say the word “God,” what comes to your mind? If we are all honest, when we try to imagine who God is, we intellectually draw a blank. He is nothing like anyone we have ever seen or imagined! In part, it is also because no man has ever seen God at any time (John 1:18). God, in His essence, is a Spirit. Jesus said to the woman at the well in John 4:24, “God is a Spirit.” This simply means that God is not a physical being like all the rest of His visible and tangible creation.

All of creation is finite and is limited to time, space, and matter. That is not true of God. He is infinite and dwells in a context of limitless space. He is omnipresent. God is infinite in the context of matter. He is not limited to a physical, tangible body. He is a Spirit. God is infinite in His power. Within the context of His holy character, and His perfect, revealed eternal plans, nothing is impossible with Him! In other words, God’s power is self-limited. He can only do those things that would allow Him to act in by His holy character and that which He said He would do. God is not at liberty to do anything contrary to His declared purposes and plans. If He did anything that would declare His Word to be null and void, He would become a liar. This is impossible because He is the God of truth. He cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

God chose a people to display His glory. Speaking about Israel in Isaiah 43:7, He said, “I have created him for my glory.” By His sovereign choice, God chose an undeserving, rebellious, small ethnic group of people through whom He desired to display His glory. History demonstrates that the Jewish people have the unenviable position of being the world’s most hated group of people. Why would God call this kind of people to demonstrate to the world who He is?

God chose Israel as the instrument of His praise. He did this because when He would do impossible and unexplainable things to them, through them, and for them, the world would know that it was God, not the Jewish people that did these things.

There is a very significant lesson to learn in all of this. God’s glory is from Him, about Him, and for His praise alone! God told Israel in Isaiah 42:8, “I am the LORD: that is my name, and my glory will I not give to another.” Mankind is acting foolishly and dangerously when he takes credit for what God has done. God is to receive all the glory.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, he warned them of this problem. The believers in this church were immature (1 Corinthians 3:1). Their core problem was their pride. They wanted to take the credit for what only God could do. In 1 Corinthians 1:26-28, he informed them that God delights in using people and things that are weak, insignificant, foolish, and that which is despised. He reminded them that God does this so that He is the only One who should receive the glory (1 Corinthians 1:29, 31).

No people group in all of history has witnessed the glory of God like the Jewish people. More miracles happened to them, for them, and because of them than anyone else. The people of Israel and the land of Israel continue to be, instruments that display the glory of God.

The glory of God has been manifested in many ways throughout Israel’s history. The invisible God supernaturally displayed His glory to His people. During the wilderness wanderings, He daily made His presence known through the Shekinah Glory. This was a visible cloud during the day and a fiery cloud during the night. There were supernatural occurrences connected with the Tabernacle and later at the temple in Jerusalem. God demonstrated His glory through the presence of the holy Ark of the Covenant, located inside of the Holy of Holies.

When Israel came to Mount Sinai, where God gave them the Law, His presence and power were uniquely manifested. Exodus 19reports that the mountain was covered in a mysterious cloud, accompanied by lightning and thunder. The mountain quaked, as God descended upon the mountain in fire. All of this was a manifestation of the glory of God.

Many other miraculous events that displayed the glory of God in the history of ancient Israel are too numerous to mention. On many occasions, God manifested His glory to His people with the supernatural defeat of their enemies. Even the enemies of Israel were filled with fear at the sight of the displays of God’s glory. Listen to what Rahab said to the spies when they entered Jericho. “And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9-11).

The greatest displays of the glory of God are a vital part of the first and second comings of Christ and during the millennial reign of Christ. In the face of a world filled with disbelief and in rebellion against God, God has and will display His glory for all of mankind to see.

When God’s Son was born in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago, the glory of God burst forth upon the hillside of this little village. Nine months before that night, God had informed a virgin Jewish girl and a godly young Jewish man in Nazareth that the baby she would deliver would be the Son of God and the Savior of the world. God caused a godless emperor in Rome to make an edict for everyone in Israel to report to the city of their family ancestry to register for taxation. The timing of this edict caused Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem just in time for Jesus to be born.

It was significant that Jesus, the Messiah, be born in Bethlehem. The ancient prophet of Israel, Micah, had prophesied 700 years earlier that the “ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” would be born in the little village of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).

The journey for Joseph and Mary from Nazareth, where they lived, to Bethlehem was very difficult. It was a journey of 80 miles. Most of their trip included very difficult terrain, especially for a woman who was ready to deliver a baby. It probably took them at least four days to walk this winding foot path, averaging about 20 miles per day.

The first leg of their trip from Nazareth, located in the hill country of Galilee, was about 15 miles to the Sea of Galilee. This part of their journey forced them to travel up and down a winding path around mountainous terrain. The elevation dropped by about 1,800 feet. Traveling on this kind of path required great physical strength and mental caution.

The last part of their trek, from Jericho to Bethlehem, took them a full day. This would be the most physically challenging part of their entire trip. Each step took them up a steep winding narrow path from 1,300 feet below sea level up 20 miles to Bethlehem, 2,543 feet above sea level. There is no doubt that the difficulties of this challenging trip produced the physical conditions that helped Mary to go into labor and give birth to Jesus.

Asignificant part of the eternal plan of God had now come to fruition. The Messiah, both God and man, had just been born. This required a heavenly celebration. The Father dispatched a group of angels to announce the arrival of His Messiah. This announcement was given to a small number of shepherds who were caring for their sheep on a hillside, just a short distance from where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were in a lowly stable where animals were sheltered for the night.

As designed by the Father, the glory of God was manifested through Jesus with everything He said and did. Jesus displayed the awesome attributes of God in His miracles and messages.

In the stillness of the night, God displayed His glory. An angel of the Lord appeared and “the glory of the Lord shone round about [the shepherds]” (Luke 2:9). This glory of the Lord was a mysterious, brilliant supernatural light. This light was almost blinding to the shepherds, something they had never experienced before. They were surprised, stunned, and visibly shaken.

After the announcement of the angel, probably Gabriel, about the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10-12), there was an additional stunning visit from heaven. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13-14).

We do not know all that was done or said by these angels from heaven. For thousands of years, they knew about God’s plans to send His Son into this world. As servants of God, it was their pleasure to display the joy of all of heaven to see the fulfillment of that which their Lord had promised would happen. They understood that the birth of Jesus was a glorious display of the power and mercy of their faithful Master in heaven.

These angels had been there in the beginning and rejoiced when they saw the Son of God speak the creation into existence out of nothing. Job 38:7 says these angels “sang together” and “shouted for joy.” We cannot imagine what these shepherds must have seen and heard as the angelic singing and shouting must have reverberated across the hills of Bethlehem. And then, suddenly the angels went away from the shepherds “into heaven” (Luke 2:15).

As at times past in Israel, this was a stunning, tangible display of the glory of God. In His grace and power, the invisible God has chosen to prove Himself to mankind, so that we might be in awe of Him, worship Him, and serve Him. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

The patience of God is incredible. After this sudden burst of the glory of God at Jesus’ birth, the Lord did not display the fullness of the glory of God until Jesus entered His earthly ministry at 30 years of age. As designed by the Father, the glory of God was manifested through Jesus with everything He said and did. Jesus displayed the awesome attributes of God in His miracles and messages. People were stunned when they heard Him teach. His numerous miracles surpassed anything Israel had ever witnessed in the past. It is no wonder that His presence attracted massive crowds. They knew what He did was supernatural.

The pinnacle of Jesus’ display of the glory of God was experienced by only three of His disciples at the time of His Transfiguration. On top of a high mountain in Israel, Jesus “was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).

The last of the living apostles, John, wrote in His gospel near the end of the first century about the impact of the glory of God displayed by Jesus. He wrote, “And the Word [Jesus] was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). A few verses later John wrote, “No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:18). The Greek word translated “declared” in this verse means to unfold, reveal, or to manifest. An online resource, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains, states that this word means “to provide detailed information.” This simply means that a vital part of Jesus’ life and ministry while on earth was to put God on display in greater detail. God had given His people a detailed written revelation about Himself. However, when Jesus came, He took this revelation about God to the next level. His mission was to display God and His glory.

However, soon, the Lord will give an even greater revelation of His Son and the glory of God. During Jesus’ first visit to earth, the glory of God was somewhat limited in its scope and nature. Only a remnant of the world’s population witnessed the glory of God at Jesus’ birth and during His earthly ministry.

When He comes again, the glory of God will be on display on earth for seven years as God supernaturally intervenes in the affairs of all nations. God has promised Israel, “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come” (Joel 2:30-31).

At Mount Sinai, when God gave the Law to Israel, He displayed His glory with supernatural signs. The mountain was enveloped in a great cloud, with thunder, lightning, and a mysterious fire. The mountain also quaked. See Hebrews 12:25-29.

At the heart of God’s revelation of His glory during the Tribulation Period, there will be the global shaking of the earth (Isaiah 24:1-23). God will gradually and systematically destroy man’s modern way of life. Only a small remnant of the global population will be alive to witness the return of Christ to this earth. Why will God decimate planet earth during the Tribulation? Read Isaiah 2:10-22. This passage reveals that the Lord will rise in the last days to “shake terribly the earth” (verses 19, 21). Isaiah wrote that the Lord will do this “for the glory of His majesty” (verses 10, 19, 21). He will remove all the power and glory of the nations. In that day, “the LORD alone shall be exalted” (Isaiah 2:11, 17).

When Jesus returns to this earth, every living person on the planet will witness the glory of God (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7). He will return to Jerusalem. Long ago King David wrote about this moment, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory” (Psalm 24:7-10).

For 1,000 years all the inhabitants of earth will see the Lord of glory in His temple in Jerusalem. Habakkuk 2:14states that during this millennial reign of Christ all “the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”

Finally, after the Millennial Kingdom, the saints of God from all the ages will be gathered onto the new earth and into our home in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-3). This city will be immersed into “the glory of God” (Revelation 21:11). This city will be completely unique. “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Revelation 21:23).

Someday, we will live with the Lord and rejoice in the glory of His presence. “Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment” (Psalm 104:1-2).

Get ready for the shout that will take us out!

Helping Israel in Crisis

Israel has been at war for 14 months. These wars are not over. Israel is in a time of crisis. Almost 900 Israeli soldiers have been killed. There is much destruction and the Israeli economy is devastated. This ministry has sent $151,145.00 since October 2023 to help Israel in their time of need. Every dollar you give we send to Israel. See page 8 to make a donation. Thanks to many of you who have given.

A Christmas Message from Mike Wingfield Ministries

As many of you know, I am recovering from knee surgery on November 12. Joyce and I are deeply grateful to so many of you who have prayed, sent cards, and called to express your concern. My wife, Joyce, developed a blood clot in one of her legs on November 21. She is recovering. Keep praying. We are deeply grateful to our Lord for His watch and care over us.

I continue to heal and am already walking without assistance. Due to my recovery conditions, this newsletter was written and published later than usual. Currently, I plan to conduct my area monthly Bible studies in January.

Joyce and I have entered a different season of life and ministry. At 75 years of age, it is time for me to slow down and spend more time with Joyce at home. I have been announcing that I will not be traveling long distances for future speaking engagements. Lord willing, I will continue to publish the PTNews and will speak in churches in southwestern Virginia close to our home.

I desire to serve the Lord until I am unable or until the Lord calls me home. Psalm 71:18 expresses the prayer of my heart, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”

During this time of reflection, I am deeply grateful to my Lord for His provision and protection in this ministry for 34 years. In this ministry, I have travelled more than 1 million miles by air and car. In the last 34 years I have spoken in 25 states in more than 200 churches and preached 720 conferences (about 5 messages per conference). Plus, I was invited to speak in churches in Canada, New Zealand, and Poland. Also, I have hosted tours to Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, and the Island of Patmos. I continue to thank God for the impact of this newsletter in so many churches and lives. The website edition continues to reach around the world.

I count it a great joy and privilege to have served the Lord in this prophetic ministry. It has been a pleasure to see the impact that the prophetic Word of God has made in so many lives. I still treasure many letters and cards from those who have been saved and are impacted by my teaching, preaching, and writing. To God be the glory. Great things He has done.

With great pleasure, I am thankful for the many precious friends I have all over the world. What a treasure I have in having so many dear brothers and sisters in Christ. While I have been on my back recovering from knee surgery in the last few weeks, I have had many hours of sleeplessness in my recliner. During those hours I have had to time to reflect upon so many precious memories of the years gone by.

My Lord has given me one of the greatest privileges in the world to fulfill His mission to proclaim the prophetic Word of God in these last days. I am glad He called and equipped me for such a time as this!

Please continue to be listening for the shout that will take us out! I love all of you!!

August 2024 – The Time of the End

PTNews

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

August 2024

   Published monthly by Mike Wingfield Ministries

All Bible references are from the KJV   

Download this Newsletter

(Examining Current Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy)

P.O. Box 67, Boones Mill, VA 24065
The Time of the End

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

By Mike Wingfield

My soul is filled with a level of excitement like never before in my life. I have known the Lord since I was nine years old. I have attempted to faithfully serve Him most of my life. For more than 50 years, I have been pouring over the prophetic Word of God. I have given much attention to understanding the true nature of the Tribulation Period and what it means for the glory of God and our troubled world.

In recent weeks, the Holy Spirit has flooded my mind with the reality that the end of this age is in sight. We are not there yet, but I can see it coming. We are perhaps only a few months away from the Rapture of the church and the beginning of the Tribulation Period.

I have been prayerfully reflecting upon a multitude of prophetic passages that paint a picture of what the beginning of the end will look like when. I have concluded, with deep conviction, we are there!

As I have been admonishing those who follow this ministry, I am very busy preparing my soul for that glorious moment when I shall see Jesus. I have been longing, waiting, and looking for that moment. I believe it is near. How can I be so sure about this? There are four biblical passages that speak about the timing of the Messiah’s Second Coming. I will examine these passages and their context of how they apply today. This newsletter and the following issue in September will detail these four biblical passages.

First, let us set the biblical context for these passages. When the Bible student examines the prophetic Word of God, it becomes obvious that it revolves around Jesus and the Jewish people. At the center of the global conflict with God are the Jewish people, their land, their city, and their Temple Mount!

T he focus of God’s vision and His purposes for His creation are upon the Jewish people. The ancient prophet of Israel declared, “for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of [God’s] eye” (Zechariah 2:8).

The greater light of God’s Word is riveted upon Jesus the Messiah. Remember that one of God’s angels reminded the Apostle John, “Worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10).

The hope for our world is intertwined with the Jewish Messiah and His people, Israel. God told the father of the Jewish people, Abraham, that the world would be blessed through the Jewish people (Genesis 12:3).

According to the Bible, in eternity past, before the foundation of the world, God decreed His complete divine purposes for His finite creation. Locked in this eternal plan, was an exact timetable of events, from the beginning to the end. It is all based upon earth time. “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years” (Genesis 1:14).

God’s eternal plan is all inclusive. It covers all people, places, events, and circumstances. It includes the meticulous details of the ongoing war in the spiritual realm between the good and evil angels. Long ago, one of the wisest kings on earth declared, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

God has an exact appointed time for everything from the beginning to the end. These times are rooted and grounded in the history of the Jewish people. The events and timing of the first coming of Messiah were connected to the Jewish people. The events and timing of the Second Coming of Messiah are connected to the Jewish people.

With this biblical context in mind, let us briefly examine the four biblical passages that speak about the time of the end.

1. The Parable of the Fig Tree

Matthew 24:32-35

This parable was given by Jesus to help His disciples understand His answer to their question about the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). In verses 4-14, Jesus highlighted some of the major developments that would introduce “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8). This time of sorrows speaks about the birth pangs of the Tribulation that will give birth to the glorious Kingdom of God. Then, in verses 16-26, Jesus spoke of the sign of the Antichrist, an evil global dictator who will lead the world in its political, religious, and militant rebellion against God during the Tribulation. Finally, Jesus answered the disciples’ direct question about the sign of His coming at the end of the Tribulation. In verses 27-31, He spoke of the unique supernatural sign of His glorious appearing from heaven to earth.

Next, He illustrated His teaching in verses 4-31 with the parable of the fig tree (verses 32-35). In essence, He told His disciples that the time of His coming at the end of this age would be marked by a convergence of all the signs or events He mentioned in verses 4-26. The simultaneous appearance of these signs will be like the leaves on a tree. Leaves never tell us what month or day it is. However, they do show us what season it is. So, He declared, “When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:33). Furthermore, He declared that the generation that sees all these things “shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matthew 24:34).

Friends, we are the generation that is witnessing the convergence of all the signs of the Tribulation Period. We are in the season of the end of this age. This simply means that our world does not have much time left in this current time period. Our world does not have hundreds of years, or even 50 years left!

The stage for the Tribulation is now set! The Rapture could happen at any moment, and it is ready to unfold. In Matthew 24:4-14, Jesus gave many conditions that would be prevalent on earth at the beginning of the Tribulation. Let’s briefly look at only a few of them.

Wars and Rumors of Wars for Israel- verses 6

In verse 7, Jesus mentioned that there would be wars among the greater Gentile nations at the end. However, in verse 6, He addressed the dangerous times of wars and rumors of wars for His people living in their land at the end of this age. Currently, Israel is facing the looming threat of war as never before in its modern history. Many radical Islamic nations have sophisticated deadly missiles aimed at Israel. Israel has been at war with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon since October 2023. According to Joel 3:4, this war with the inhabitants of Gaza and Lebanon has set the stage for the battle at the end of the Tribulation Period – Armageddon.

Israel is fighting a war on seven fronts with Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and terrorists in Iraq, Yemen, and Iran. All of these groups are funded and controlled by Iran. Iran itself attacked Israel on April 14 with more than 300 attack drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Thankfully, most of these were shot down by Israel and some of its allies.

This did not end Israel’s war with Iran. We are being told that Iran now has the nuclear material to make several nuclear bombs. It is only a matter of time before Iran will attempt to launch one or several nuclear bombs or missiles to destroy Israel. We are led to believe that Israel and the world only have a few months to stop this Iranian threat. The clock is ticking.

In the last few weeks Iran, Russia, and Turkey have issued threats to invade Israel. All three nations have stated that if Israel invades Lebanon and attacks Hezbollah (an Islamic terrorist group sponsored, trained, and funded by Iran) they will go to war with Israel to defend Hezbollah, Gaza, and the Palestinian cause.

On Saturday, July 27th, Hezbollah fired a missile from Lebanon that struck a Druze village (an important ally of Israel) on the Golan Heights. More than a dozen children were instantly killed as they ran for cover. This missile is only one of hundreds of missiles that Hezbollah has fired into Israeli territories in the last month.

The world is calling for Israel to restrain itself. However, the day following this tragic attack on the Golan Heights, Iran’s proxy agent CONTINUED to fire missiles into northern Israel. News is coming out of Israel that Israel is preparing for a massive retaliatory strike deep into Lebanese territory. Like Hamas, Hezbollah is using the Lebanese civilians as shields to protect themselves against Israel’s attacks. The IDF attack will be aimed at Hezbollah’s missile stockpiles and its militant leadership. If Israel does not destroy Hezbollah’s ability to launch its deadly arsenal of precision missiles and attack drones, then tens of thousands of Israelis will be killed. Israel has no choice but to defend itself! Its attack must be swift and lethal!

If Iran, Russia, and Turkey are not bluffing, we could be looking at a massive ground invasion of Israel that will dwarf anything Israel has seen in its 76 years of modern existence. It will be the same war that Ezekiel wrote about in Ezekiel 38-39. For years, I have been teaching that my understanding of the chronology of the timing of this war is that it will take place immediately AFTER the Rapture takes place.

Friends, these wars and rumors of wars signal that we are very near the beginning of the end.

Famine and Intense Heat- verse 7

A multitude of prophetic passages indicate that the Tribulation Period will be a time of severe global drought (Revelation 11:3-6), and intense heat (Malachi 4:1; Revelation 16:8-9), that will produce global famine. Politicians and scientists pretend to know what is happening and think they can control the radical change in the climate. However, this is the hand of God in His wrathful judgment. He controls the sun, rain, and wind for His purposes (Psalm 147:15-18; 148:8). The intense heat sweeping across the earth, along with all the other signs, tells us the hour is late!

Hatred and Murder of Jews- verse 9

Jesus said that the beginning of the end would be signaled by intense hatred toward Israel. He said, “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9). The word “afflicted” is the same Greek word that is translated as “tribulation.” It means the Jewish people will be crushed, distressed, and feel pressure from evil forces. The Greek word for “hate” in this verse speaks of “active ill will in words and conduct, [with a] persecuting spirit” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament). Jewish agencies in around the world tell us that the level of hatred being directed toward the Jewish people is eerily reminiscent of what happened in the 1930s to produce the Holocaust. According to the Bible, Israel and the Jewish people will face a climate of trouble like no nation has faced in all human history (Daniel 12:1).

Division and Lawlessness in Israel- verses 10-12

One of the most shocking signs of the end of this age is the massive display of wickedness and division in Israel. Like America, Israel is experiencing great internal division. Hateful demonstrations and threats continue to be expressed toward the conservative right wing government leaders in Israel. Some fear for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s life. The attempted assassination of Donald Trump has caused many pundits to warn that this could materialize in Israel.

The Israeli public is divided between the religious right and the youthful, liberal secular groups. The older, religious right sees Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, culminating with the restoration of a Jewish state in its ancient homeland. The more youthful secular groups want no moral commandments. They want to be free to live their immoral lifestyles. They want Israel to be like all of the other nations.

The dark side is clearly at work in Israel. One former prime minister, Ehud Barak, is calling for a military coup, even suggesting the elimination of Netanyahu. This development in Israel is a fulfillment concerning the evil, godless leadership in Israel that will sign the covenant with the Antichrist, beginning the Tribulation Period (Isaiah 28:14-22).

2. The Appointed Time for Jerusalem

Psalm 102:13-18

The writer of this psalm was directed by the Holy Spirit to give a prophecy that is “written for the generation to come” (verse 18). Literally, this is written for the final generation. He speaks of “the set time” to favor Jerusalem that will come (verse 13). This time will come “when the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory” (verse 16).

This passage proclaims that the coming of the Messiah will be preceded by the restoration of Jerusalem at the end of this age (Amos 9:11). The capital of Israel, Jerusalem, is in the news every day around the world. One out of every 15 Jews in the world lives in Jerusalem and calls it home.

According to the Bible, when the end of time comes, all nations will oppose the recognition of Jerusalem as being a Jewish city. Currently, the entire world is united in saying that Jerusalem is a Muslim city that belongs to the Palestinians. Since 693 A.D., two prominent Muslim places of worship have stood upon the holy ground of the Temple Mount. The Muslims proclaim that there is no historical record of the Jews living in Jerusalem prior to modern times. This is a lie. Their lies ignore that Jerusalem is mentioned in the Bible by name more than 800 times. In contrast, the Koran never mentions it one time by name!

The Tribulation Period will be a time when the world will be locked in a war with God and Israel over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Speaking of the Tribulation Period, Isaiah wrote, “For it is the day of the LORD’s vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion” (Isaiah 34:8).

W hen the last days of the Tribulation come, the world will gather its forces in the great battle of Armageddon against the city of Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:1-9; 14:1-4).God will destroy all the military might of the world gathered against Jerusalem. God has warned, “And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. … And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem” (Zechariah 12:3, 9).

Today, all nations stand against God and Israel concerning the Jewish ownership and occupation of Jerusalem. Only one man and his former administration have dared to stand against the global rebellion against God – former President Trump. Love him or not, it is apparent that God raised him up for such a time as this. Is God done with Donald Trump? The entire world, except for his political party, and many Americans and Israelis, hate this man with a passion. Considering all of this, these next few months will be interesting to watch.

3. Daniel’s Prophetic Calendar

Daniel 9:24-27

In the year 538 B.C., the nation of Israel was about to complete a 70-year divine sentence of judgment while it lived in exile far away from its ancient homeland. According to Daniel 9:2, the godly prophet Daniel was made aware of the appointed time of the end of the Babylonian captivity. As Daniel was reading from the scroll of another contemporary prophet, Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:12), he began to wonder if this return of his people to Israel would also be related to the promises by other previous prophets of the coming of Messiah. So, Daniel began to pray and confess his sins and the sins of his people (Daniel 9:3-19). God heard Daniel’s prayer about the coming of Messiah and the Kingdom of God. Amazingly, God communicated to Daniel a wondrous prophetic calendar about future events that would lead up to the end of time and the coming of Messiah and His Kingdom. That calendar is explained in Daniel 9:24-27.

God told Daniel that the calendar He was giving him was a 490-year calendar that would precede the beginning of the Kingdom. Keep in mind that the word translated as “weeks” in this passage is the Hebrew word for “sevens.” These “sevens” were not about seven days, but a prophetic group of seven-years. According to this text, the calendar would begin with the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. According to Nehemiah 2, this date was March 14, 445 B.C. The period of the seven groups of seven years [49 years] mentioned in verse 25 would be followed by an additional 62 groups of seven years [an additional 434 years]. According to verse 26, this period [a total of 483 years] would bring the world to the time of the first coming of the Messiah. Amazingly, this 483-year period coincides with the exact time of the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry when He died and arose again.

When Israel rejected Jesus as the Messiah, God’s prophetic calendar in heaven stopped with only the final seven-year period remaining on the calendar. Remember that this calendar was counting down to the time of the coming of the Messiah and the inauguration of His kingdom on earth.

This final seven-year period on this prophetic calendar is the seven-year Tribulation Period. This interpretation is confirmed by Jesus with His comments recorded in Matthew 24:15-26 about the approaching Antichrist, who will rule the world during the Tribulation Period. According to Daniel 9:27, God’s prophetic calendar in heaven will be activated when the Antichrist confirms a false peace covenant with Israel, beginning the Tribulation Period.

Are we witnessing the beginning of a false peace covenant with someone who has the desire to rule the world? Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 24, that the false messiah would claim to be “in the desert,” which is east of Israel (Matthew 24:26). Notice that In Matthew 24:27, Jesus said that His coming would be “as the lightening [that] cometh outof the east.” Jesus’ return to the Mount of Olives at the end of the Tribulation Period will be an approach from the east. Therefore, it makes sense that the great counterfeiter of God would mimic the way the true Messiah will return to Jerusalem – from the east.

The desert area east of Israel is all Arab, Islamic lands. For several years now, we have been following the Abraham Accords. Several Arab leaders have established a peace agreement with Israel. The Bible tells us there will be 10 contemporary kings that will join the Antichrist in his alliance during the Tribulation Period (Revelation 17:12). It is apparent that those who are in the Abraham Accords will expand to eventually include a prominent leader among them.

It is my opinion that the Saudi Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman, is that leader the entire Middle East is looking for. He has repeatedly stated that he is on the verge of making peace with Israel. He has expressed to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan that he wants Saudi Arabia to be in control of the Temple Mount (apparently as a part of his peace deal with Israel). The crown prince has set a goal to make Saudi Arabia a global financial center (Revelation 13:16-18). At the same time, he is determined to lead the world in the application of Artificial Intelligence. This would set the stage for the fulfillment of the image of the Antichrist as mentioned in Revelation 13:14-15. Amazingly, he is building a city called Neom, which he says will become the spiritual, financial, and commercial hub of the world. This is the exact language of Revelation 17-18.

Friends, the stage is set for the Tribulation Period as never before!

4. The Timing of 7 Feasts of Israel

Leviticus 23

Friends, in the next issue of this publication, I will present the evidence that according to God’s appointed feasts with Israel, the Rapture of the church and the beginning of the Tribulation Period is connected with the first fall feast of Israel – The Feast of Trumpets.

Friends, this is not some rare emotional claim. This understanding of the connection of the Rapture to the Feast of Trumpets is also the view and conviction of many Messianic Jewish scholars, like Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum. In His latest book, The Feast and Fasts of Israel, Dr. Fruchtenbaum gives overwhelming evidence to point to the Feast of Trumpets as the exact time of the Rapture of the church (pages 135- 174).

This year, the Feast of Trumpets will begin on October 2 and conclude on October 4. Could this year’s celebration of the Feast of Trumpets be the year that Messiah will come for His church? Only time will tell. In the next issue of this publication, I will consider this possibility. With all the things that are coming together, as I have presented in this newsletter, it seems very likely that this could be the year.

Be ready for the shout that will take us out!

Special Edition – How to Pray for Israel

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

Special Edition

   Published monthly by Mike Wingfield Ministries

All Bible references are from the KJV   

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(Examining Current Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy)

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The Rapture & Feast of Trumpets

“Behold, I [show] you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

By Mike Wingfield

When you pray for Israel, you are connecting with the heart of God. We know from Scripture that the Lord has promised to protect and bless Israel. This is His perfect, sovereign will for His chosen people. So, when you ask God to defend and protect Israel, you are asking God to do what He wants to do. You are praying, as Jesus said, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

Prayer is about discovering God’s will and joining Him in what He is doing. You are allowing His will to become your desire. The prophetic Word of God is a revealed declaration of the purposes of God. He has promised to do exactly what He has purposed (Isaiah 14:24, 26-27; Isaiah 46:11). God’s counsel and pleasure will come to pass (Isaiah 46:10). He is the One who “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11). God’s purposes, counsel, and pleasure were all determined by Him “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4).

God has spoken His sovereign plans in His eternal Word. It has been written for us to know so that we might identify and support His eternal purposes. “God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10). When people ignore or refuse to consider the prophetic Word of God, they are defiantly saying that what is important to God is not important to them. This is not the true spirit of a child of God who calls Jesus “Lord.” It is the natural man [the one in whom the Spirit of God does not dwell] that does not receive “the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

When we become one with God, we will want to know Him, be in Him, and discover what He has said. Jesus described this in His parable of the vine and branches in John 15:1-17. Inverse 7 He said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” In prayer, Jesus is not giving us a blank check and asking, “How much would you like to have?” Prayer is about discovering God’s will in His Word, and then allowing that to saturate our minds and cause us to pray for His desires, not ours, to come to pass. True, God-honoring, praying children of God focus on God, not self. Many of our prayers go unanswered because we are praying selfishly. James 4:3 says, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

The Bible repeatedly shows us that prayer and the prophetic declarations of God are divinely connected. Listen to Isaiah 62:6-7, “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” This verse tells us that just as God has established His angelic watchmen upon the walls of Jerusalem for its protection, even so we believers need to not cease our crying out to God to do what He has promised. Literally, our incessant prayers are to not give God rest from His heavenly orchestration of events on earth until the Kingdom of God is established and Jerusalem becomes the political and spiritual capital of the world for 1,000 years. The Hebrew word for “rest” could also be translated “silence.” So, God is inviting us to constantly pray for His divine will to come to pass. He has invited us to bombard the gates of heaven in prayer and to come before His throne day and night with this request. This is the chief aim in all the eternal plans of the Father – to set “my king upon my holy hill of Zion” (Psalm 2:6).

The end-time events will be set in motion by the Rapture of the church. After the Bride of Christ is called up to heaven, then the earthly countdown of the final seven years of God’s work with Israel will begin. It will conclude with the inauguration of the Kingdom of God. We are admonished to pray for the Rapture to take place. Revelation 22:17 declares that the Holy Spirit will lead the church to ask the Lord to come for His bride. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.” Finally, Revelation 22:20 demands us to pray, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

God delights in hearing His children pray for His divine will to take place for Israel. He has created the nation of Israel for His glory. He has said, “This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise” (Isaiah 43:21).

When we pray, the Lord loves for us to quote or read Scripture before Him and to claim that promise on behalf of Israel. These promises should formulate the basis of our prayers for Israel. Here are a few promises that seem to be very fitting for this difficult time of war in Israel.

Psalm 121:1-8– This entire Psalm is filled with promises to Israel. Claim verse 7– “The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.”

Isaiah 54:17– “No weapon that is formed against thee [Israel] shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shall condemn.” Ask God to help Israel destroy all the terrorist’s weapons that are being used against it.

Isaiah 59:19– “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

Isaiah 43:2– “When thou [the people of Israel] passeth through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

Jeremiah 51:20– “Thou [Israel] art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms.”

Malachi 3:6– “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

The Biblical Context of these Last Days

I believe that it should be a priority for God’s people to gather to pray for Israel. As we pray for Israel, we must realize the context of our time. The last days will be a time of great hatred and persecution of the Jewish people. It is a time of wars and rumors of wars. Israel is currently fighting for its survival as a nation. The Jewish nation is fighting a war on seven fronts: (1) Gaza (2) Lebanon (3) Syria, (4) Iraq, (5) Iran, (6) Yemen, and (7) the West Bank terrorists who are supporting Hamas and funded by Iran.

Israel’s war is not just against militant terrorists and Islamic states that are plotting its demise. Israel is also fighting the war of truth concerning its moral character and its legitimate biblical right live in the land God gave them, and to defend itself in its God-given land.

Israel is fighting this war of truth on at least six fronts:

(1) Legally– International lawyers and courts are seeking to accuse Israel of the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza. This effort is being led by the International Court of Justice, the Hague, in South Africa.

They are currently seeking to accuse and arrest Israel’s leadership, especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

(2) Politically– The lies against Israel are being promoted from the highest international political body, the United Nations. It is obvious that the UN hates Israel and is supporting the Islamic and Communist countries that are plotting the annihilation of the nation of Israel.

(3) Socially– The social media platforms and the Internet are flooded with lies and malicious rumors about the Jewish people and the nation of Israel.

(4) Media Agencies– Forms of media throughout the world are collaborating with the anti-Semitic and Anti-Zionist agendas that are engulfing the nations. Billions of people are being deceived because they believe what these commentators say.

(5) Educationally– The nations of the world have been preparing this generation for an outpouring of hatred against Jews. Liberal socialist professors have joined hands with radical Muslim elements that are passionate about their desire to destroy Israel and kill Jewish people. The outbreak of pro-Hamas demonstrations on our once prestigious U.S. university campuses clearly illustrates this agenda.

(6) Religiously– The war against Israel is a holy war. At the forefront of this war is the religion of Islam. The war against Israel is being fueled in the Middle East by the Islamic nation of Iran. Islam now has 2 billion followers. One out of every four people in the world is a Muslim. The impact of Islam and its agenda against Israel have permeated the global society and it is driving the multi-front war Israel faces.

Fundamental Truths about this Conflict

The enemies of Israel are the same as the enemies of God. Read Psalm 83:1-8. The hatred for Israel is an ancient hatred against the Jews and the eternal purposes of God. The Arabs continue to nurse jealousy and hatred toward the Jews that can be biblically traced back to the conflict between Ishmael and Isaac, and Jacob and Esau. The Arabs are the descendants of Ishamel and Esau that settled in the desert areas east of Israel.

The conflict over the Promised Land between the Jews and Arabs is 4,000 years old. Historically and prophetically, the nations that surround Israel today are Islamic nations. The Islamic world has been at war with God and the Jewish people since the 7th century. The central focus of this war is the land promised to the Jewish people and their descendants in an eternal covenant with God (Genesis 12:7-8; 13:14-18; 17:7-8).

A Call to Prayer
I pray that this article will help you to privately pray for Israel. I encourage small groups, Sunday School classes, and churches to designate a night or certain time to come together to pray for Israel. Use his article to help guide you in prayer.

The aggressors in this war are not the Jewish people. It is the Arab people who are for war (Psalm 120:4-7). The historical record of the last 76 years, since the founding of the modern nation of Israel, demonstrates that the Jewish people have made every effort to live in peace with its Arab neighbors. The historical events of the last 100 years have been filled with lies to make Israel look like the aggressor.

These biblical truths should guide us in our prayers for Israel. Consider these verses:

Matthew 24:9– While answering the question of His disciples about the signs of the end of this age, Jesus said to them, “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.”

Ezekiel 36:1-7– The prophetic fulfillment of these verses takes place in the last days when God restores His chosen people to their ancient homeland (Ezekiel 36:24). The nations that surround Israel are depicted as warring against God and the Jewish people over the Promised Land.

Zechariah 14:1-3– When the end comes, the nations will gather against Israel at the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16). The focus of this war will be against the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:1-9). Jesus will return to earth at His revelation to defend His people and to rescue Israel from the nations of the world (Zechariah 14:3).

Models of Biblical Prayers for Israel

The Holy Spirit has preserved and recorded two vital prayers by great men of God during a time of crisis in the history of the nation of Israel. We would do well to read these prayers and to reflect upon the message given to us by the Holy Spirit. These prayers provide a great model for us to follow as we pray for Israel.

The Prayer and Example of King Jehoshaphat

(2 Chronicles 20)

King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who reigned in Judah (873 B.C. – 848 B.C.), did not always walk with God. At one low point in his kingship, he participated in an alliance with wicked King Ahab of Israel. However, when three pagan nations invaded Judah, he demonstrated the proper example of how a leader should respond when his nation is facing a threat of annihilation. The crisis that Jehoshaphat faced more than 2,800 years ago is very similar to what the modern nation of Israel is facing today. The enemies of the Jewish people from the east were united in war against Judah. They wanted to cast the Jews out of the land that God had given them (2 Chronicles 20:11).

Instead of forming an alliance with evil nations, Jehoshaphat turned completely and solely unto the Lord. Perhaps the Holy Spirit had directed his attention to the message of Psalm 121. He called the nation to gather at the temple in Jerusalem to repent, fast, and seek the face of God for wisdom. The Scriptures testify to the response of all of Judah. “And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children” (2 Chronicles 20:13). Jehoshaphat went to the temple, and with all of Judah watching, he prostrated himself in total humility before the Lord. His prayer is recorded for us in verses 6-12. Please read and meditate upon this powerful prayer.

At this moment, the war against Israel continues to grow and intensify with the support of the majority of 2 billion Muslims in the world, plus most of the Communist nations. We should pray that the leaders of Israel would follow Jehoshaphat’s example.

God sent one of His chosen prophets to give King Jehoshaphat and all of Judah the answer to their prayers. God spoke to them and told them that they would not need to fight this massive army gathered against them. God’s servant was named Jahaziel. His name means “God sees.” How fitting that the name of God’s prophet who spoke to the nation on behalf of God was named “God sees.” God was saying to them, “I see your crisis and your faith. Verse 14 not only mentioned the name of God’s servant, but also mentioned his previous forefathers of four generations. The prophet’s father was Zechariah, which means “God remembers.” Jahaziel’s grandfather was Benaiah, which means “built by God.” The great-grandfather was Jeiel, which means “God lives.” The prophet’s great-great-grandfather was Mattaniah, which means “gift of God.” So, the message to Judah was, “God is the eternal God who sees and remembers His covenant He established with you. This land is yours as a gift from the One who owns it all.” Therefore, “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (verse 15).

Oh, that the nation of Israel and its current leadership would hear this message. The Lord has remembered His eternal land covenant as a gift to His people. He has called them to return to their land from the nations of the world. Now, the ancestors of the people from the east are once again attempting to murder God’s people and to take control of their land. Fear not Israel. The battle is not yours; it is God’s battle. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

Jehoshaphat and his people the next morning marched down to the area where those armies were gathered along the shore of the Dead Sea. The people of Judah worshipped God and praised Him as they descended to that area. God supernaturally destroyed the armies, causing them to turn on each other to kill each other.

This battle that Israel is facing today is moving toward the Battle of Gog and Magog. Once again, God will prove that the battle belongs to Him. History is about to repeat itself! Read Ezekiel 38:17-23.

The Prayer and Example of Daniel

(Daniel 9)

The prayer of the godly prophet of Israel, Daniel, is a perfect example of how prayer and prophecy are intertwined. At a critical time in the nation of Israel, Daniel realized that the Babylonian captivity of 70 years was about to come to an end. As he contemplated this significant historical moment for his people, he was moved to think this could be the moment that Messiah would come and establish His earthly kingdom. As he thought about this, he was saddened to realize that his nation was not spiritually ready for Messiah to come. Furthermore, the city of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple on the Holy Mountain were lying in ruins, brining shame upon the Name of his God. So, Daniel set his face toward Jerusalem and began to confess his sins and the sins of his people.

In this great prayer, Daniel was riveted upon the infinite and holy character of God. He addressed the Lord as the great and awesome God of heaven (verse 5). He declared that the Lord is a faithful God who keeps all His covenants with His people (verse 4). He continually repeated the truth that God is righteous in all His ways (verses 7, 14, 16). He acknowledged that His gracious God is plenteous in mercy (verses 4, 9, 18), and is willing to forgive them of all their sins (verse 9).

Daniel was moved to humility and confession of his sin and the sins of his people. Daniel used a variety of words to speak of the sins of his people. He said they had sinned, committed iniquity, and had done wickedly (verse 5). They had not listened to God’s divine warnings (verse 6) and had transgressed against God’s law (verse 11).

He repeatedly acknowledged that their sins were against God (verses 5, 7, 9, 11, 15). He was filled with sorrow as he admitted that God’s retribution against Israel had brought shame and a reproach upon the Name of God. The anger of the Lord had brought about the destruction of the city and the temple. The presence of God had departed from the Holy Mountain in Jerusalem.

Daniel’s prayer was not anchored in obtaining God’s favor for his people. The heart of his passionate prayer was focused upon the honor of God’s Name and for God’s glory. Daniel was asking that this glory would be recognized by the restoration of the city of Jerusalem and the reconstruction of the Temple upon God’s holy mountain (verses 16, 19, 21).

As a result of this passionate prayer for the glory of God, God sent the angel Gabriel to instruct Daniel concerning the answer to his prayer. The revelation given to Daniel is the most foundational biblical insight into the chronological order of the major events in God’s eternal plan. This chronological order of events was expanded upon in Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, and in the book of Revelation.

These amazing insights were given because of the prayer of Daniel in Daniel 9:1-20.

While contemplating the above observations, please join me in prayer for Israel. Please use the following list of suggested petitions for Israel to guide you in your intercession on behalf of God’s work in His chosen people for His glory. This time of great crisis should lead us to pray fervently.

Suggested Petitions for Israel

– Pray that all Israelis and Jewish people in general would be humbled before the Lord God. Just as in Daniel’s prayer, it is important that all of us recognize our sin and failure to obey God. Israel’s wars and rumors of wars, and the eruption of global ant-Semitism is aimed at driving them to their total dependence upon God. God wants to turn their hearts toward Him.

– Pray that Jewish people will recognize their sins and confess them. Pray that their eyes will be opened to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. Pray that they would understand that God is One. Pray that they would understand His revelation of being three persons. Pray that this stumbling block of belief will be removed. Pray that their “confusion” (Daniel 9:7-8) will be removed. As Daniel prayed, May “we turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth” (Daniel 9:13). As we pray for them, pray that the Lord would show us our sin and humble us. Pray that the Gentile church would not be conceited to falsely conclude that we are superior to Israel. Read what the Apostle Paul said about this in Romans 11:11-36. Israel’s spiritual blindness is only temporary! God is not done with Israel. The best is yet to come!

– Pray that the Lord will pour out His grace and mercy upon His chosen people. Pray for a great harvest of Jewish souls around the world.

– Pray that the Lord would open the eyes of the Jewish people to the message of the prophets and apostles concerning “the Day of the Lord,” the Tribulation Period. Like Daniel, may it drive them to prayer and fasting before the Holy One of Israel. Israel is being isolated by the global community. The world has fallen into the hands of the evil one – Satan. We need to stand up for Israel and its people for the glory of God.

– Pray that the religious leadership in Israel would realize that the Lord does not seek empty religious obedience to a list of rules. Obedience to God’s law is important. However, it is not the end of the whole matter. The purpose of the law is to reveal man’s hopelessness and helplessness to please an infinitely holy God. God seeks a relationship, not ritual compliance. Pray that Israel and the church may seek God’s mercies and forgiveness.

– Pray like Daniel. He prayed for the will of God to be done for the glory of God (Daniel 9:16-19). Pray that the Lord’s desires for His people will come to pass in these last days. Pray that Israel will stand firm against the global pressure to surrender the Promised Land and the Holy City of Jerusalem with the holy mountain of God – the Temple Mount. Pray that God will manifest His glory as He defends His people, His land, His city, and His mountain.

– Pray that Israel may place their hope, security, and defense in the Lord. The hope of Israel is not bound up in its relationship with the U.S., or the power of its military ingenuity or might. The nation’s true hope is in the Lord. Read Psalm 91:1-10. Oh God, help the leadership in Israel to recognize they are in Your hands and that you are the One and only true hope. May they be faithful to the Lord, trusting His Word and what He has promised to do.

– Pray for the widows of fallen Israeli soldiers. We cannot begin to imagine the dire sudden needs widows face, along with their children, as they tragically learn that their husband/father has given his life to defend the nation of Israel. Many groups in Israel are attempting to collect donations from around the world to help support these widows and children. If the Lord lays a burden upon you to share in this need, you can mark your gift for “Israel,” and we will send every penny to Israel through agencies we have learned can be trusted to meet the critical needs that Israel is now facing.

– Pray for many Israeli soldiers who are hospitalized with injuries they have received while in combat in Gaza and along Israel’s northern border. As a result of their wounds, they are unable to work. They are not able to play with their children. They are not able to work and provide for their family. Their wives and children deserve our prayers and financial support.

– Pray for the Lord to give wisdom to the political and military leadership in Israel. Pray that they will know what God wants them to do at this critical time in their war with the enemies of God. Pray that they will know their limitations. Pray that they will be so overwhelmed that they will earnestly lead the nation to seek the face of God to defend the nation of Israel.

– Pray that the Lord will be able to speak to the nation of Israel through the leadership of its Messianic congregations. Pray that the eyes of the nation would be opened to know that those who are true born-again Christians love and support Israel. May the Lord provide the pastors of His church in Israel an opportunity to reach out in love and prayer to demonstrate to Israelis that being a Christian is at the very heart of being Jewish. May all Israelis discover that the true faith of the church is the faith of Abraham.

– Pray the Lord will silence the liberal Israelis who do not care about the law of God, the dedication to the return to the Promised Land, the re-establishment of temple worship, and the rebuilding of the holy temple in Jerusalem. They do not recognize the Jewish people as the chosen people. Their spiritual blindness is preparing the way for the Antichrist.

– Pray the Lord will defeat the efforts of Iran to destroy the nation of Israel. Pray for the Iranian believers who are living under constant persecution and martyrdom. Pray that Iran’s efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon would be defeated.

– Pray that Israel’s war with Iran’s proxy terrorist groups (Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and many others) would be defeated. Oh Lord, give Israel strength and wisdom to fight this war against great odds. Lord, demonstrate as you have in the past, that it is not about physical numbers or power. You are the God of the impossible. Demonstrate to Israel and the entire world that you are the Holy One of Israel.

– Pray that the Lord will speak to many about how they can financially support Israel’s war effort in defending itself at this critical hour. We are glad that the nation of Israel is being financially overwhelmed at this hour. Thank you, Lord, for opening the door for us to show our commitment to Your Word and Your people – Israel.

– Pray for the Israelis who are committed to living in the disputed lands of Judea and Samaria. Pray for their safety as they have become physical targets of hatred to Palestinians who seek for their death.

– Pray for the defeat of the Palestinian leadership on the “West Bank.” May all of those who are seeking for the truth understand that this land is not the land of a Palestinian State. All the land from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea belongs to the Jewish people. This is what the Bible teaches. This is the true biblical recorded found in the Word of God. This is proven every day in Israel by archaeologists who discover historical artifacts from Israel’s ancient biblical days in the soil of the Promised Land.

– Pray to our awesome God! May we reverence and honor God the same way that Jehoshaphat and Daniel did. Call upon Him as the Creator and Sustainer of all creation. Make mention of His holiness, mercy, sovereignty, power, and righteousness. Thank Him for being a faithful God who keeps all His covenants and promises to His people. Praise Him for seeing our needs and providing His way in His time for our security and hope.

– Pray for Israelis to grasp the truth that there will be no true peace until the Prince of Peace, Jesus the Messiah, returns to this earth to establish His kingdom of peace upon this earth. May this hope turn many to Him.