Kassam Rocket from Gaza Explodes Near an Israeli Border

A Kassam rocket fired from Gaza exploded near an Israeli border police station yesterday, injuring four officers based there. The intensity and pace of rocket attacks over the past few days has dramatically increased. In fact, more than 70 such attacks happened in just 48 hours. The poor Jewish people living near the southern border have been forced into their bomb shelters again and again.

I have visited those tiny cramped houses that are all these people can afford. Many of them fled from Russia to escape the ongoing persecution there with little more than what they wore and perhaps a single suitcase. They live where they do because they cannot afford housing anywhere else. I am outraged that the world ignores the ongoing and increasing attacks these precious people face day after day. But the failure of the world does not mean that you and I cannot do everything we can to minister to the poor of Israel and support and defend them from their enemies. 

Russian Navy Dispatches Three Ships from Naval Base in Syria

In yet another disturbing development in the ongoing Syrian crisis, the Russian navy has dispatched at least three ships to their naval base in Tartus, Syria. Russia has a long history of supplying arms, equipment, training and even personnel to support the Syrian regime. They are doing everything possible to prop up this brutal dictatorship during the ongoing bloody civil war despite the rising death toll.

As I read this story this morning, my mind went back to the story of Elisha found in 2 Kings, chapter 6. Bands of Syrian soldiers were sent to take the prophet captive. Elisha prayed, and God blinded the eyes of the enemy and delivered His people. Elisha had great power in his praying, and you and I have great power as we pray together as part of the Jerusalem Prayer Team. Remember that no battle can be won in the physical realm until it is first fought and won in the spiritual realm.