November 7, 2004 Prayer Initiative

Please be praying for protection and victory for our troops as they prepare for another major battle.

The posting about Louisiana investing in Israel is amazing. I pray more states and the U.S. will get involved in things like this that will align you with the blessings of God.

Marines turn to God ahead of anticipated Fallujah battle
Sat Nov 06 2004 09:37:17 ET

NEAR FALLUJAH, Iraq, Nov 6 (AFP) - With US forces massing outside Fallujah, 35 marines swayed to Christian rock music and asked Jesus Christ to protect them in what could be the biggest battle since American troops invaded Iraq last year.

Men with buzzcuts and clad in their camouflage waved their hands in the air, M-16 assault rifles laying beside them, and chanted heavy metal-flavoured lyrics in praise of Christ late Friday in a yellow-brick chapel.

They counted among thousands of troops surrounding the city of Fallujah, seeking solace as they awaited Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's decision on whether or not to invade Fallujah.

"You are the sovereign. You're name is holy. You are the pure spotless lamb," a female voice cried out on the loudspeakers as the marines clapped their hands and closed their eyes, reflecting on what lay ahead for them.

The US military, with many soldiers coming from the conservative American south and midwest, has deep Christian roots.

In times that fighting looms, many soldiers draw on their evangelical or born-again heritage to help them face the battle.

"It's always comforting. Church attendance is always up before the big push," said First Sergeant Miles Thatford.

"Sometimes, all you've got is God."

Between the service's electric guitar religious tunes, marines stepped up on the chapel's small stage and recited a verse of scripture, meant to fortify them for war.

One spoke of their Old Testament hero, a shepherd who would become Israel's king, battling the Philistines some 3,000 years ago.

"Thus David prevailed over the Philistines," the marine said, reading from scripture, and the marines shouted back "Hoorah, King David," using their signature grunt of approval.

The marines drew parallels from the verse with their present situation, where they perceive themselves as warriors fighting barbaric men opposed to all that is good in the world.

"Victory belongs to the Lord," another young marine read.

Their chaplain, named Horne, told the worshippers they were stationed outside Fallujah to bring the Iraqis "freedom from oppression, rape, torture and murder ... We ask you God to bless us in that effort."

The marines then lined up and their chaplain blessed them with holy oil to protect them.

"God's people would be annointed with oil," the chaplain said, as he lightly dabbed oil on the marines' foreheads.

The crowd then followed him outside their small auditorium for a baptism of about a half-dozen marines who had just found Christ.

The young men lined up and at least three of them stripped down to their shorts.

The three laid down in a rubber dinghy filled with water and the chaplain's assistant, Navy corpsman Richard Vaughn, plunged their heads beneath the surface.

Smiling, Vaughn baptised them "in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Dripping wet, Corporal Keith Arguelles beamed after his baptism.

"I just wanted to make sure I did this before I headed into the fight," he said on the military base not far from the city of Fallujah.

From Genesis 12 we know that those who bless Israel get blessed. Let’s watch what happens in Louisiana because of the following decision.

LOUISIANA INVESTS IN ISRAEL
For the first time in the American state's history, Louisiana has purchased $5 million in Israel Bonds to diversify investments and develop economic ties between the State of Louisiana and the State of Israel.

"This is a win-win situation for both Louisiana and Israel," Louisiana Treasurer John Kennedy said earlier this month. "Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, America's only true friend in the Middle East, and one of our staunchest allies. I am pleased that we could take this first step in forging a meaningful, economic relationship between Israel and Louisiana."

"Both the United States and Israel are facing uncertainty in terms of their economic growth and security," said Treasurer Kennedy. "Purchasing these bonds helps Israel obtain much-needed funding to move forward with projects that will aid in its growth and development. This investment also benefits Louisiana because it is a secure way of diversifying our trust fund portfolios using bonds that are backed by the full faith and credit of the Israeli government." The investment is the first by Louisiana since new state legislation was passed allowing, under certain conditions, the investment of up to 5% of some state-run trust funds in foreign bonds.

Louisiana has already benefited from a relationship with Israel over the years. In 2003, Louisiana exported about $188.8 million worth of manufacturing goods to Israel. The total value since 1991 is over $3 billion. In addition, Louisiana companies received approximately $833,500 in 2003 for US government-funded military contracts with Israel through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program. Israel now ranks as Louisiana's 25th leading trade partner.

“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’ The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth.” (Psalm 110:1-3)

We are right now in the midst of the Muslim month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunset to sunrise every day. It is an annual renewal of Islamic fervor among 1.2 billion Muslims around the world. Especially in the Arab world hatred against Israel and the West is intensified. This year a brand new TV series targeting young people and hailing Osama bin Laden as a hero, is the main Ramadan entertainment attraction. Bin Laden has also recently released a visionary speech about the worldwide conquest of Islam and the fall of the United States and the Western world.

We are no doubt in the midst of a very serious spiritual war with the principality behind Islam. Europe, led by especially France, has since the 70-ies been moving towards an alliance with Islam and the Arab world. It has been a long-term demonic strategy to revive the two legs of the ancient Roman Empire, East and West, Socialism and Islam, the final anti-Christ Beast system. In recent years the Anna Lind Foundation has been one of the more influential organizations in Europe to promote long term European-Islamic synergy.

We thank God for the victory for President Bush in the US elections this week, as Europe and the Arab world had sincerely hoped that John Kerry would win. It is now very important to pray for Bush as he sets the direction for his policies for the next four years and most likely also will reshuffle at least part of his staff. The choice of Secretary of State is especially important. Will Bush go after Iran and Syria during his next term? Will he increase his pressure on Israel to accept a Palestinian state? Much depends on the prayers of God’s people. Now is the time to pray. Pray for the right advisors!

Yasser Arafat’s health has deteriorated very rapidly and at the time of this writing reports have come out that he is already dead. Just before Arafat fell ill last week a ministry friend of ours was led by the Holy Spirit to publicly make a prophetic declaration that it was time for God’s justice to fall on Arafat. He was surprised to find out when he came home from the service that Arafat had suddenly become seriously ill.

It is a very crucial situation right now when we really need to pray. There is a unique opening after Arafat death. May the Palestinians choose freedom rather than terror! Ariel Sharon’s government is also very unstable right now, as he continues to push through with possibly the most divisive political decision in Israel’s modern history. Who knows what the Middle East will look like a year from now.

We encourage you to keep on praying. It is important to be reminded that we are fighting from a position of victory. Yeshua is ruling “in the midst of his enemies” and we know in advance what the outcome will be. This is the day of His power when He is mobilizing His troops and we are on the winning side. We must not loose sight of the victory, but rejoice and proclaim it. Islam will soon become a footstool under the feet of Yeshua. “The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Messiah and He will rule forever and ever.” (Rev 11:15) When Messiah returns the rewards will be given out to each one according to our faithfulness to Him. Your prayers are important! Let us not grow weary in well doing!

- Pray that the murderous spirit behind Islamic fanaticism will be exposed and rejected by peace loving people in Europe and the Muslim world!

- Pray that God will arise and His enemies be scattered! Pray that the Gospel will go forth during Ramadan!

- Pray for President Bush as he sets his political strategy for the coming four years! Pray for godly wisdom and the right advisors! Pray for the right choice of Secretary of State! Most experts believe that Bush will increase the pressure on Israel to follow the Road Map. We need to pray!

- Pray that God’s hand will be on Israel’s leaders to make the right decisions!

- Proclaim the victory over Islam! “Wail, O gate! Howl, O City! Melt away, all you Philistines! A cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there is not a straggler in its ranks. What answer shall be given to the envoys of that nation? ‘The Lord has established Zion, and in her his afflicted people will find refuge.’” (Isa 14:31-32) Glory to God!

- Pray concerning Arafat’s funeral that the Palestinians and world leaders instead of idolizing him will reject his terror and violence that has only brought his people misery! Pray for a popular uprising among Palestinians against terror!

“All the kings of the nations lie in state, each in his own tomb. But you are cast out of your tomb like a rejected branch …Like a corpse trampled underfoot, you will not join them in burial, for you have destroyed your land and killed your people.” (Isa 14:18-20)

Ariel Sharon has stated that since the Holocaust there is no one with as much Jewish blood on his hands as Yasser Arafat. He is truly joining the ranks of Hitler, Stalin, Haman, Farao and others.

“Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.” (Rev 18:2)

Before Messiah can return, He must have a holy Bride without spot or wrinkle, a Bride that has made herself ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb. This is a major prayer topic in this hour!

The Book of Revelation mentions two cities: Babylon and Jerusalem. Babylon represents the harlot, a people that is unfaithful to God, fornicating with paganism, the wisdom of the world and the ways of man. Jerusalem is the Bride of Messiah, which also speaks clearly about the Jewish roots of our faith.

The break with Jerusalem came very early in the Church. The seed of harlotry has been operating for about 18 centuries. But it is important to notice that in the end Babylon will be judged because she will become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit. What might have been acceptable fifty or a hundred years ago will not be acceptable in the end. We are admonished to come out from Babylon so that we will not have any part of the great judgments and plagues that will come upon her.

Just as there in the last days will be a physical return of the Jewish people back to Jerusalem, there will also be a spiritual return back to Jerusalem in the Church. These two returns will go hand in hand culminating in the return of the Lord for His Bride. “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’’” (See Zec 8:20-23)

The main attribute that is used in the Book of Revelation to describe Babylon is the word ‘Great.’ “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!” (Rev 18:2) The main attribute that is used about Jerusalem is the word ‘Holy.’ “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out from heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” (Rev 21:2)

The Great City and the Holy City – the harlot and the bride - these are the choices. The great Chinese Bible teacher Watchman Nee stated that whenever we are motivated by greatness in ministry, we are operating according to the system of the harlot. Whenever we strive for holiness, we are part of the Bride. There is sometimes a very fine line between aspiring greatness and believing God to do great things.

Just as we need to pray for a return of the Jewish people back to Jerusalem, we must also pray for a spiritual return in the Church back to Jerusalem in the last days. We must come out from pagan, manmade religion and come back to the laws and ways of God found in the Holy Scriptures.

A major theme in the book of Revelation is the description of those who “keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (Rev 12:17) Yeshua promises an open door for those who “have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Rev 3:8) The Apostle John was on the island of Patmos “because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” (Rev 1:9) We must have the whole council of God of both the Old and the New Testament in order to grow up to maturity.

Whenever the New Testament mentions the need for sound doctrine or contending for the faith entrusted to the saints, it never refers to having the right theology, but always to living a godly life. We are warned not to follow those “who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality.” (Jude v. 4) Christ “gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Tit 2:14)

The Scriptures have been given to us to train us in righteousness “so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:17) In the last days not everyone who has the right doctrine will necessarily be persecuted, but “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus, will be persecuted.” (v. 12) We must resist the spirit of lawlessness that will flood the earth!

In the last days it is better to come out and be part of a holy remnant than being judged together with the great, harlot that will fornicate with the world and betray God’s people Israel.

- Pray that those who believe in Yeshua will choose to strive for purity and holiness rather than greatness!

- Pray for a holy Bride that will keep God’s laws and commandments found in Scripture, the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints! (Mt 5:17-20)

E-mail: epa@thewatchman.org
Phone: 662-240-4110
Fax: 662-240-4104
Address: PO Box 2527, Columbus, MS 39704