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Revisiting the Situation in Iran

Since I must write these posts the day before, I’m writing this on Wednesday. The situation in Iran keeps coming to mind today. I feel a strong need to pray for President Trump and his team that they make wise, sound decisions. As the President weighs his options, I am praying that God’s wisdom and will are clearly discerned.

I am very confident that the situation in Iran is significant regarding the coming spiritual harvest, as well as having obvious international implications and affecting the mood of the American people. It is a challenging situation, and there is only one person with enough wisdom and knowledge to navigate the situation perfectly: God.

The Iranians who have been leading that nation are beyond corrupt; they are evil and controlled by evil spirits. It is doubtful that any decent leaders there have enough authority to bring about the changes needed, or the authority to negotiate in good faith. Trump and his team know this, and are weighing options.

Meanwhile, it seems that those on the Left in our government are more interested in politicizing the war than winning it. Shockingly, their hatred of Trump is greater than their love of America. The Left’s motives in this situation are as obvious as in their fight against appropriate voter IDs, the deportation of illegal criminals, and stopping fraud. They live for power. As many Americans now know, Trump is fighting more than evil throughout the world; he is fighting it at home. Also, many of our leaders don’t have the backbone to do what is necessary regarding Iran; our government has foolishly tried to buy peace with them for decades, thereby funding their terrorism and nuclear ambitions!

We must pray that righteous leaders, including our President, consistently outmaneuver the Leftists and Marxists now entrenched in our nation. Humility and dependence on God are paramount in order for this to occur. Presumption can be deadly, as can be seen in the book of Joshua.

In Joshua 7, Israel had just returned from Jericho, one of their most remarkable victories. This impregnable city was defeated, not with weapons, skill, or a great battle plan. It was defeated by obeying God’s instructions: marching around the city with priests carrying the ark of the covenant, blowing shofars, and shouting. After Jericho, confidence was high - the taking of Canaan was going to be a piece of cake.

The next city they faced was small and insignificant Ai (yes, this was the actual name of the city). No need to seek God’s guidance for this one, just send a few spies to check it out and tell them what to do. But not checking in with the “Captain” meant not receiving His alert about a problem–there was sin in Israel. Some of the spoils of Jericho, which were all supposed to go into God’s treasury, had been stolen. The result? God’s favor was not on them, and the small group of soldiers Israel sent to take Ai was routed. Thirty-six men were killed.

After great victories or accomplishments, it is easy for self-confidence to replace an awareness of our need for divine help. This can be incredibly subtle, happening at the subconscious level. Satan is always waiting for such a kairos time to attack. We need God’s help as much at our Ai’s as we do our Jericho’s. Pray that our godly leaders in D.C. always remember this and “Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). And pray that they and President Trump have ears to hear when they ask for the Lord’s wisdom–whether directly, through a dream, or from another individual.

Pray also that weariness and distractions will not hinder this process. I cannot even imagine the workload of the President, nor the weight of his responsibilities. Ask that God will bring confusion and failure to the evil leaders of Iran, and that they would be overthrown. Pray that the demonic input given to them fails in its goals. Ask that wise strategies to overcome evil are given to those who would lead with wisdom and grace, and who care for the people of Iran. And pray for the people who are suffering greatly.

Pray with me:

Father, we pray for President Trump and his team today as they make decisions regarding Iran. Give them Your thoughts and wisdom as they make weighty, far-reaching decisions. Let no trap of the enemy succeed in leading them into wrong actions, or an inappropriate self-confidence. Keep them aware that they always need Your guidance and help. When we abide in You, Your Word says that if we walk into a trap, angels will be there to keep us from stumbling ‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭12‬ ‭TPT‬‬). We pray this for President Trump.

And we pray that the rebellious, wicked leaders in Iran would be dealt with appropriately. Your Word says in Psalm 68:6 that “For the rebels there is heartache and despair.” We ask that You remove the rebels and end their reign of terror. Cause them to make errors in their planning, strategic mistakes that lead to their downfall. We bind the powers of darkness that are leading them and controlling the nation, in Jesus’ name.

And we pray for the people of Iran. Free them from tyranny and send an earth-shaking revival. Do this for the entire Middle East. All of this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our decree:

We declare over President Trump that no weapon formed against him will prosper, and that God’s wisdom will be given to him. 

Click on the link below to watch the full video.


 
 

Our Powerful Friend

In yesterday’s GH15, I stated that “We must not underestimate the significance of those in positions of governmental authority honoring God on behalf of a nation. Like it or not, the actions of those in authority affect all of us. ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn’ (Proverbs 29:2). Untold numbers of curses and judgments have been visited on entire nations through the decisions of government leaders. Roe vs Wade is but one example.

“But don’t forget the first half of the verse: ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice!!!!’ God-honoring decisions by government leaders release the blessings of heaven on a nation. President Trump reading God’s Word over our nation released great power; his rededication and welcoming of God into our land Sunday were profoundly important. The heavens shifted over our nation on that day.”

The famous “If my people…” verse (2 Chronicles 7:14), read by our President recently and replayed at Sunday’s Rededication event, was first stated by God in response to a government leader, King Solomon’s prayer of dedication. His authority as the leader of the nation gave him the right to interact with God on behalf of the nation. Again, the prayers of our leaders are very significant. All of us present could sense a great weight on the prayer of Speaker Johnson this past Sunday.

America’s Constitution

The creation of the greatest constitution in world history was possible only because the delegates to the Continental Convention asked for God’s help in shaping it. The Americans had prevailed against the British, but were nearly defeated from within by very sharply divided opinions on how the new nation should be governed. State’s rights versus Federal power, fair representation for all states - especially those less populated, and other issues were creating great impasses. For days, they struggled with no breakthrough. Would the new nation survive?

There had been concern over these differences before the gathering even began, including by George Washington, president of the Convention. He was gravely concerned but indicated that he had placed his trust in God, stating to a friend at the beginning of the meeting, “…the event is in the hands of God.”(1)

Yet during the convention itself, the delegates neglected to corporately humble themselves and ask for God’s help. When the struggle reached a desperate point, Benjamin Franklin stood and referenced God’s “superintending providence” in bringing the nation to liberty: “To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?” he asked. “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth – that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?

“We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this, and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building, no better than the builders of Babel…

“I, therefore, beg leave to move - that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of heaven, and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.”(2) The request was approved, prayers were offered daily, breakthrough occurred, and our Constitution was born.

God not only wants government leaders to be prayed for, but He also wants government leaders to pray! The Lord desired to oversee the fashioning of our government, but He couldn’t do so until they prayed and asked. This past Sunday, leaders from both our Executive and Legislative branches asked for His help. And I’m very sure there were people from the Judicial branch praying throughout the nation. This was and will be honored. 

People misinterpret - and some twist - the intent of the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment to the Constitution. It states in part, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” This is interpreted by many as meaning: Keep God out of our government. It is more than just ironic that the document they refer to was successfully written only by asking for His help; it is insane. Our Founders referenced God 4 times in the Declaration of Independence and sought His help daily as they wrote our Constitution. It is wise and right that we are asking for His aid in our government once again. 

One final word about involving God in our nation. Looking at Israel in the Old Testament for examples shows us that their national days of rededication were not religious rituals, but rather days of relational connection. Our great God is our Father, Abba (Romans 8:14; Galatians 4:6). Our gracious Savior is our Friend (John 5:13-15). Father God wants His kids to partner with Him, not serve Him out of fear or cut deals to get His help. Our Redeemer wants His ekklesia to represent Him, sharing His authority. As Ben Franklin stated in the above appeal, He is our “powerful Friend”. 

Selah - pause and consider that. 

Pray with me:

Father, as we learn Your ways, our ability to work with You increases. Last Sunday, Heaven and earth met in a harmonious agreement, not only in Washington, D.C., but all across our land. I’m confident that it was a pleasure for You. You may have even done as Zephaniah declared: “Don’t let your heart be discouraged. Yahweh, your God, is inside you. He is the Warrior-Savior who takes such delight in you that it will make Him leap for joy and shout with great gladness. Yes, He will soothe you with His love. He will sing over you His song of praise” ‭‭(Zephaniah‬ ‭3:16-17). 

The Message translation says: “Dear Zion, don’t despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, He’ll calm you with His love and delight you with His songs.”

We sensed Your delight Sunday, “powerful Friend”; we felt Your embrace, Abba. Your prodigal nation is returning to You. Now, please expedite the restoration with a Third Great Awakening. Send the powerful wind of Holy Spirit to our land, and of course, to the nations of the earth. In Yeshua’s name, amen. 

Our decree:

Our powerful Friend is helping us again, providing His “superintending providence.”

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

  1. William Federer, America’s God and Country: Encyclopedia of Quotations, p. 654.

  2. Ibid., pp. 248-249.

 
 

Sunday Was the Capstone

God does not require perfect prayers.

In Joshua 10, the army of Israel was defending the Gibeonites, a people under attack and with whom they were in covenant. To finish this task and fully defeat the enemy, Israel needed to act before darkness set in, which was approaching quickly. So Joshua took audacious action:

“Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, ‘Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.”’ (Joshua 10:12 KJV) 

And God answered this inaccurate prayer!

We know it wasn’t actually the sun that needed to stand still, but rather the earth, in order for this incredible miracle to occur. The Earth’s rotation causes day and night, not the sun’s. When Joshua asked for the sun to stand still, one can almost hear an angel or two respond, “Well, we can’t answer that prayer.”

To which the Lord evidently responded, “Give him a break! You know what he wants - give him more daylight!” Joshua received what he needed, not what he asked for.

I’m glad that we don’t have to ask perfectly in order for God to answer. To pray against satan’s lies from succeeding, we don’t need to know the exact lie. To pray against assassination attempts of leaders, we don’t have to know which leader or when it might occur. To pray against the influence of demons over individuals, we aren’t required to know all the details. And to rededicate a nation to God, we don’t need perfect prayers from perfect people.

Don’t misunderstand me - wonderful prayers were prayed all day long at the Rededication 250 event this past Sunday. I wasn’t able to hear all of them, but those I did hear were heartfelt and sincere. Granted, I don’t pray like Catholics, Jewish Rabbis, or even many in the evangelical world; for some reason, God seems to hear them! Cornelius wasn’t even born again as yet, when an angel said his prayers had created a memorial before God! And the Lord chose his house in which to begin pouring out His Spirit on the gentile world (Acts 10)!!!

Unquestionably, Sunday was momentous and historic. Even more so because those from different spiritual traditions gathered to do the same thing: honor God, worship Him, and rededicate our nation to Him.

And we must not underestimate the significance of those in positions of governmental authority honoring God on behalf of a nation. Like it or not, the actions of those in authority affect all of us. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (Proverbs 29:2). Untold numbers of curses and judgments have been visited on entire nations through the decisions of government leaders. Roe vs Wade is but one example. 

But don’t forget the first half of the verse: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice!!!!” God-honoring decisions by government leaders release the blessings of heaven on a nation. President Trump’s reading of God’s Word over our nation released great power; his rededication and welcoming of God into our land were profoundly important. The heavens shifted over our nation on Sunday. 

For those of us who have been praying for America’s spiritual recovery for decades, Sunday was a deeply moving day. It confirmed that our prayers have been heard–and continue to be heard. Sunday alone didn’t build a monument to God; it was the capstone. Lou (Engle) and I agreed that this was one of those rare times when what was needed was accomplished just by God’s people showing up. After 30 years of prayer and fasting, then the President of our nation calling for the Rededication - simply showing up sealed the deal - the event itself was simply the capstone on what was built through many years of prayer. 

Thank you for your part. Thank you to so many of you who participated on Sunday, and who have prayed for our nation for many years. The prayer movement in our nation has epitomized a grassroots movement. There are no “bigshots” in the prayer closets of America; just big hearts. You matter. Keep it up - our appeals are restoring a nation. 

Pray with me:

Father, thank You for looking past our stumbling words and answering our prayers. Thank You for creating a cleansing agent capable of removing all of our sinful stains, whether they be personal or national - the blood of Jesus. Thank You for a President with a heart to honor Your Word OVER our nation, and ask for Your presence IN our nation. And thank You for a President bold enough to do so publicly. 

Thank You for Sunday - You placed the desire in our President’s heart to convene the gathering, in the hearts of thousands to attend, and millions more to participate online. We know what occurred blessed Your heart, and we are confident You will respond with grace, mercy, and blessing.  

In the book of Joel, You said that if Israel would conduct a day of rededication to You, that You would respond by lifting the curses they were experiencing, releasing blessing instead, and pour out Your Spirit. We believe You will do no less for us…and we are expectant. All of this we pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

Our decree:

God is being honored in America once again.

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

If you would like to watch the Rededicate 250 gathering, click this link.

 
 
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