Does Scripture Command Me to Pray for Israel and the Middle East?
Does God’s Word give any clear directives specifically to pray for Israel and the Middle East?
We are not to be blown around by every whimsical wind of doctrine or the latest fad that hits the charismatic shores. We must be grounded in the Word of God. We must be knowledgeable of what the Scriptures have to say on a given matter. God is not impressed with our opinions or our preconceived, prejudicial thinking. God’s Word has the authority and the final say!
To know God’s heart, we must diligently study God’s Word as a prerequisite to being approved as a workman in His vineyard. If we are going to be effective intercessors, we must learn to pray the Word of God.
No Matter What Comes, God C.A.R.E.S.
Have you ever felt like things were so difficult in your life that “no one cared” about what you were going through? I have.
But the truth is, you always have an advocate — because God C.A.R.E.S.
You are never alone. And at His very core — God is good!
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Regardless of the terrifying storms of life surrounding you, it is vital to anchor your soul in Christ and keep your eyes fixed on Him.
The wind and waves of today may look frightening, but when you fix your eyes on Christ, you only see His goodness and you can trust His words. “Take courage; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matt. 14:27, NASB).
As you remember who God is and put your trust in Him, you can say with confidence like David in Psalm 27:1 (NASB): “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom should I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom should I dread?”
Why It is Imperative to Pray and Take a Stand for Israel
Nations are being weighed in the balance. These are tumultuous times. Much is at stake right now, and society is rapidly changing right before our eyes. It is extremely important to have God’s perspective and to land on God’s side in these critical times. I believe it is imperative that once again we take a good, hard look at what God’s Word says about the land of Israel and His covenant promises. So, let’s set our gaze clearly and surely concerning the apple of God’s eye. Let’s be grounded in the foundational understandings of why I pray and take a stand for Israel.
Israel Is Still the Apple of God’s Eye
Pray and take a stand for Israel because Israel is still very close to God’s heart. “For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob [Israel] is the allotment of His inheritance . . . He led him about, He instructed him, He protected him like the pupil of His eye . . . He spread out His wings and took him; He lifted him on His pinions” (Deut. 32:9-11). If God says that Israel is the apple or pupil of His eye, then I want to pray with insight — with His sight. Do you want to be close to the heart of God? Then be close to the things, people and purposes that are close to His heart.
We Must Walk in Compassion
Can You Accelerate the Return of Jesus?
The Day of His Appearing
In the midst of all that is happening around the world today, are you and I able to accelerate the return of Jesus?
Some would say we absolutely cannot hasten the return of the Lord because, in their theological take on the providence of God, everything is preordained.
I believe very much in the sovereignty of God. I also believe He gave us free will, and He invites us into the mystery and destiny of being a co-laborer with Christ.
As we consider whether we can hasten His appearing, let’s ask another question: Is it possible that we can cause it to be delayed? It is an interesting concept, is it not?
The Bible seems to suggest that we can either hasten or delay the coming of the Lord:
“What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!” (2 Pet. 3:11-12).
Without majoring on the dimensions of calamity in this passage, let’s look at our part in the coming day of the Lord. Peter suggests that “holy conduct and godliness” will hasten “the coming of the day of God.” Your life and your lifestyle can be part of hastening the coming of Messiah, when the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!”
I also firmly believe that prayer can change the course of events.
Prophet: Praying for the Wisdom Ways of God
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52, MEV).
Wisdom is one of the primary qualities of God’s Holy Spirit—in Isaiah 11:1-3, the spirit of wisdom is listed as one of the seven Spirits of God. He is wisdom personified: “God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself” (1 Cor. 1:30a, NLT).
I would say wisdom is even more vital to prophetic people, than the divine revelation they receive, because only through God-sent wisdom can they know how to handle the word of the Lord in the right way.
So Exactly What Is Wisdom?
God values wisdom so much, that altogether the words “wisdom” or “wise” are used more than 456 times in the Bible. Clearly, wisdom is a valuable commodity! Yet do we truly understand what wisdom is? Or do we simply presume to know? In the New Testament, the wise apostle James provides clarity regarding the nature of God’s wisdom:
The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere (James 3:17, TLB).
Synonyms for the word “wisdom” help flesh out its meaning. They include: understanding, knowledge, good sense, insight, perception, astuteness, acumen, prudence, sagacity, good judgment and more. I want and need multiplied quantities of every one of those qualities. How about you?
5 Keys to a Life of God Encounters
By the grace of God, my life has been filled with “God encounters”—God taking me to mountaintops, leading me through the valleys and walking with me in the small moments, every step of every day.
And you can live a life filled with God encounters too.
Guiding people into encounters with God has been my passionate pursuit for many decades. During all this time I have seen proof repeatedly: “God encounters are for everyone!”
5 Keys to a Life of God Encounters
Initially, I thought I would keep it simple and highlight prayer, the presence of God and the prophetic.
But as I prayed more into this, I felt the Holy Spirit reveal a couple more key components that are vital to emphasize.
Why You Should Pray for God’s Wisdom Ways
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52, NKJV).
Wisdom is one of the primary qualities of God’s Holy Spirit—in Isaiah 11:1-3, the spirit of wisdom is listed as one of the seven Spirits of God. He is wisdom personified: “God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself” (1 Cor. 1:30, NLT). I would say wisdom is even more vital to prophetic people than the divine revelation they receive because only through God-sent wisdom can they know how to handle the word of the Lord in the right way.
What Is Wisdom?
God values wisdom so much that altogether the words “wisdom” or “wise” are used more than 456 times in the Bible. Clearly, wisdom is a valuable commodity! Yet do we truly understand what wisdom is? Or do we simply presume to know? In the New Testament, the wise apostle James provides clarity regarding the nature of God’s wisdom:
“The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere” (James 3:17, TLB).
Synonyms for the word “wisdom” help flesh out its meaning. They include: understanding, knowledge, good sense, insight, perception, astuteness, acumen, prudence, sagacity, good judgment and more. I want and need multiplied quantities of every one of those qualities. How about you?
In every generation, some believers exemplify wisdom to a high degree. In everything they say and do, you can recognize the mind and heart of God. Their sterling character shines beautifully. They care about others more than themselves. They humbly seek God before they give advice or take action. Like anybody, they can veer off the narrow way (as Solomon did), but the good fruit of their lives far outweighs the bad.
More…
Identifying and Praying Into Our Core Values
The Lord spoke to me about my core values more than 40 years ago when I was a young pastor, and what I learned then has stuck with me. At the time, I was not thinking 40 or 50 or even 100 years into the future; I was just thinking about the week ahead and my next Sunday sermon.
Yet out of the blue, this sentence occurred to me, and I knew it was from God: “Your end-time worldview will determine your lifestyle.”
The Lord wasn’t delineating to me what my end-time worldview should be. He was simply pointing out that my day-to-day decisions, taken together, would create my style of life. Inevitably, these decisions would be based on my faith.
How would my core values be affected by what I thought about Christ’s return? How would I interpret the Scriptures? Would I view myself as helping to bring God’s kingdom to earth? What might be my contribution to this purpose? What kind of education would I acquire in relation to it?
Revelation’s Ultimate Purpose: Presenting Jesus to the World
The ultimate purpose of discerning revelation is presenting Jesus to the world. In other words, we let God’s Word become flesh in us so that others can experience Him.
One of joys in my life is the people I have the honor of working with. One of them is Jeffrey Thompson, the project manager for my ministry, God Encounters Ministries. Here, he tells about a revelatory experience he had with the Lord that expresses revelation’s ultimate purpose:
One day not long ago, I was given the opportunity to preach at the church where I serve part-time on the pastoral staff. After I brought the message at the worship service, I felt really good about it. It seemed to have been inspired both in content and delivery. So, I asked the Lord, “Lord, have You called me to preach?”
The Lord responded to me immediately in my spirit, saying, “No, I’ve called you to incarnate.”
He was realigning my priorities, reminding me that the endgame isn’t just the preaching or teaching or whatever—the endgame is the relationship with Jesus Christ, and the more completely I walk with Him, the more I incarnate Him. By “incarnate,” I mean He takes on flesh in me. I am called to bring His love and wisdom and peace and hope into the room with me so that people can see Him.
That says it well. Discerning—hearing, confirming and acting on prophetic revelation—is really about incarnation.
Not only is it about the historical incarnation of God the Son as a Jewish man named Jesus over 2,000 years ago, but also about Jesus’ incarnation in each of His followers, in you and in me.
Each one of us has been called to incarnate Him.
Presenting Jesus to the World: Incarnational Christianity
Prophet: Learning to Listen With Discernment
Learning to listen with discernment means that you begin to recognize the voice of God so well that other voices sound unfamiliar.
In John 10:5a, Jesus told his followers, “Yet they will never follow a stranger.” This statement needs to become a reality in your life. It takes practice and requires that you learn well the lessons in listening with discernment offered to all of us by the Holy Spirit.
Don’t be so overly zealous, that instead of making the time to take driver’s training classes, you quickly get into the fastest car you can find and go off to the races.
Some, sad to say, end up in a ditch or become a casualty of driving without a license! But you can avoid the ditches.
First, get your permit while being mentored by others, and then graduate to driving alone. Where hearing God is concerned, driver’s education consists of discernment lessons.
The Need for Discerning of Spirits
It’s Time For You to Walk as a Living Example of Isaiah 60
Throughout centuries of the Church, people in each generation have looked for signs that theirs would be the one in which Christ would return. Some have taken to the prayer room, crying out with passion for revival and the fire of God to fall upon their neighborhoods, cities and nations. Others have used this belief to fuel missions movements and global evangelism, determined to win every soul possible prior to Christ’s return.
Toward whichever of these you are more naturally inclined, every Bible-believing Christian can agree that Jesus is coming AND that both prayer and global evangelism are essential pre-requisites to His return. Today I want to add fuel to the fire of your heart so that you are a living example of what is described in Isaiah 60, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and Kings to the brightness of your dawn.”
The Bible is filled with prophetic references to the coming of Christ. Prophecies of Christ’s coming are not confined only to the books of prophecy; a surprising number are found in the Psalms. As with prophetic references found elsewhere, messianic prophecies in the Psalms fall generally into two categories: those that relate primarily to Christ’s first coming, and those that refer mainly to His second coming.
Looking through the lens of history and divine revelation it is possible to see in these Psalms clear parallels to the life of Jesus.
Stretching Forth His Strong Scepter
James Goll: What Are the Next-Generation Prophets Saying?
In every generation, God raises up dread champions who have a “Voice that Can Be Heard”—these messengers carry a clear sound, marked by integrity and the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Revelation, favor and authentic authority rests up on their lives and words.
I remember clearly when ministering on Dec. 12, 2015, at Life Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, that the Holy Spirit apprehended me and stated, “This is not your season to birth, it is your season to father.” As I continued to worship He continued to speak. “You must identify, empower and release other leaders into spheres of your ministry.” I knew I had just heard the Holy Spirit give my next marching orders, and instantly, I knew some of the action steps to take.
One of our clear goals must include the joining of the generations. This is when the wisdom of the older generation is joined with the resources of the middle generation, which is then coupled with the zeal of the younger generation. In other words—three generations in one generation working together. Words and phrases such as “lineage,” “legacy,” “heritage,” “divine inheritance” and even “going for the double” are not just the latest spiritual buzzwords. They are an authentic burden from the Lord to see progressive momentum take place.
4 Characteristics of Authentic Prophetic People
A river without banks is just runoff water. The charismata, Holy Spirit gifts, without character are a raft heading into swampy waters.
But when character is shaped in the image of Christ Jesus, then the presence, power and authority of the Holy Spirit have an effective course through which to be channeled.
4 Characteristics of Authentic Prophetic People
Here are four aspects of prophetic people who continuously pursue an intimate and godly walk with Christ:
- They are people of genuine faith. Abraham was captivated by God with a vision and purpose. But Hebrews 11:8–10 indicates that he stepped out, “not knowing where he was going.” With that thought in mind, does he fit the image of a prophetic person of faith?
10 Essential Guardrails for Hearing God’s Voice
In the journey of hearing God’s voice today effectively and accurately, you need the practical and personal work of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus clearly told his followers that those who hear His words and put them into practice are wise!
“Whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock. And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house. And it did not fall, for it was founded a rock” (Matt. 7:24–25).
To avoid error in the day in which we live, it is vital to grow in the submission to the Holy Spirit and learn to depend on Him. As you do so, you will find yourself walking squarely and safely in the center of the path He has for you.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).
Here are 10 essential and practical guardrails that will keep you on track as you learn to master the art of hearing and following God’s voice:
Are You Waiting on God, or Is He Waiting on You?
Hearing God’s voice today is a very natural act, but it requires the activity of a supernatural God. Scripture is clear that there is a reward for waiting upon the Lord, but have you ever wondered if He is waiting upon you?
“Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint” (Isa. 40:31).
There is no automatic-pilot setting that guarantees that you will hear. One truth is that if you do nothing, you will receive nothing. But the seeming opposite is also true: When you least qualify and least expect it, God shows up.
While I emphasize that all good things come by grace, I also teach that we must add works to our faith to be effective (see James 2:26). These are two sides of the same coin.
Hearing God’s voice today includes some basic do’s and don’ts, but it is not about a list of deeds to be done out of religious obligation.
Hearing God’s life-changing voice is an amazing privilege based on a loving relationship with our heavenly Father. It is a delight and an honor, not a religious act built on some performance-based acceptance but rather an invitation into a deeper relationship.
Three Key Invitations
The revelation and practical keys found in Proverbs 8:32-35 has guided my life with Papa God for many years. They can also provide you with tools, as well, when it comes to this relational art form of communing with God and hearing His voice today.
“Now therefore listen to me, O you children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and do not refuse it. Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favor of the Lord.”
James Goll: 15 Keys for Interpreting Your Dreams
Walking in the prophetic language of dreams is a form of tapping into the mind and heart of God and can be an exciting and exhilarating journey. But understanding and interpreting your dreams and other revelatory spiritual encounters can often be a complex and even confusing process.
I encourage you above all else to keep interpretation simple! Keep the big picture of the dream and overarching theme in mind.
With too much detail you could miss the interpretation. This is a lot like not seeing the forest for the trees.
Here are some basic principles of dream interpretation presented in concise statements that will help bring clarity to the revelation you receive.
15 Keys for Interpreting Your Dreams
The Best Plan for Breaking Out of Your Pressure Cooker
Ever feel overwhelmed with life, society, dysfunctional relationships, let alone the foreboding knowledge of coming wars and rumors of wars? Along with many other prophetic voices, I declared that 2020 was a dress rehearsal of things yet to come.
To describe the emotional impact of the last several months, I would call it: “living life in a pressure cooker!”
So how do we navigate life in the midst of chaos and times of uncertainty? Sometimes we try to go it alone, or we run away from the very people that we need. When we get overwhelmed, we may tend to become fearful or wrestle with feelings of rejection, as though we are looking from the outside, longing to be let in.
These are the very times we need to run toward community and not away from it. These are the very times we need to run to worship and the Word instead of callusing ourselves against it. I have felt rather overwhelmed at times this last year, and instead of running away from accountability and trusted key relationships, I have chosen to run to trusted leaders.
Run to Jesus, Our Older Brother
I run to Jesus! Who do you run to? Jesus is so much more than a doctrine, as the Son of God. Jesus is my Savior, my friend and my older brother. He is the one who has gone before me. I often go back to the old hymns I grew up on to help me find solace for my unsettled soul such as, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” I may sing it softly, or I may loudly sing in declaration, “How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art!” But I sing it from my heart because my heart needs to be connected.
7 Reasons Why You Should Pray for Israel
Have you ever missed a strategic appointment?
Have you ever realized at the last minute that you were about to miss an important engagement unless you kicked into action right away?
If you miss the appointment altogether, you are filled with emotions and thoughts of disappointment, anger, sorrow and even “Why did I do that!”
But if you are awake, prepared and ready for the appointments on your calendar, then a sense of destiny fulfilled, satisfaction and anticipation for what comes next arises within you.
Did you know that God has a calendar with appointments waiting to be fulfilled?
You Are Appointed as a Watchman for Israel
Watchmen remind God of the appointments on His calendar that have not been fully met and fulfilled.
The task of a watchman is by “appointment.” It means being chosen for the divine privilege of composing history before the throne of the Almighty.
More…
Answering Your Call to Courage and Honor
Today, across the globe and right in our own backyards, there are enemies on the rampage, tearing apart society at every corner. It’s time to rise up in courage and honor, and face down the intimidation.
Scripture gives us a strong admonition found in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control.”
Instead of the word “fear,” it could be better translated as “cowardice.”
It is time for you to throw off that dreary spirit of cowardice and intimidation and arise in boldness to be all that you can be in Christ Jesus!
It’s a Call to Courage
My late wife, Michal Ann Goll, and I founded the Women on the Frontlines conference movement, and after her death, I transferred this ministry into the capable hands of Patricia King.
In Michal Ann’s inaugural book, Women on the Frontlines: A Call to Courage, she issued a clarion call that still needs answering today.
“We live in an age that is sorely lacking in heroes. Think about it. Who can we look at today and regard as a hero?”
Why the National Day of Prayer Remains Vital for Our Country
“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4, NKJV).
The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our rich heritage. Because of the faith of many of our Founding Fathers, public prayer and national days of prayer have a longstanding and significant history in American tradition.
Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation for a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863.
A Historic Joint Resolution
In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual National Day of Prayer. The Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer in Marsh vs. Chambers (1983).
In 1988, the law was properly amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year was significant indeed as all 50 state governors, as well as the governors of several U.S. territories, signed similar proclamations.
Priority Prayer
Why should we pray for those who are in authority?