Middle East News

September 24, 2020

“We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, both firm and steady – a hope that enters the inner place behind the curtain.”” Hebrews 6:19 TLV As we prepare for Yom Kippur, the annual Day of Atonement and the holiest day of the Jewish year, we can focus on how repentance and forgiveness usher in a renewed relationship with God. That is our hope – and an anchor of the soul. Yom Kippur is a time of fasting, Sabbath rest, repentance and prayer. Will you join me in continued prayer for Isr...

September 17, 2020

“For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.” ” Psalm 92:4 NIV This is a historic week and cause for great rejoicing over what our God has done! Not just one, but two Arab countries signed normalization agreements, called the “Abraham Accords,” with Israel during a ceremony at the White House on Tuesday – the first such agreements in more than 25 years! In addition, when the Arab League met last week, the members chose to side with peace over...

September 10, 2020

“When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, He causes their enemies to make peace with them.”” Proverbs 16:7 NIV Again this week, peace for Israel is one of our main topics. Saudi Arabia has agreed to allow the Unites Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel to use their airspace, saving many travel hours and creating significant economic benefits for both countries. In addition, Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement that includes de-escalation of cross-border violence. Unfortunately...

September 03, 2020

“LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us”” Isaiah 26:12 NIV We are seeing some amazing developments coming out of the peace agreement between Israel and United Arab Emirates (UAE) that was reached mid-August. And our hope and prayer is for more countries to follow in the footsteps of the UAE in the weeks and months to come. What can seem impossible from our human perspective is certainly possible with God. As it says in Isaiah 26:12, the Lord ...

August 27, 2020

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”” Matthew 5:9 NIV Olive branches are being extended on both sides of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-Israel peace agreement. The implementation of this deal could have a significant impact on Middle East politics – from the Palestinian issue to dealing with Iran. And speaking of Iran, the U.S formally notified the United Nations of its demand for all UN sanctions on Iran to be restored. This stirred up the UN Securi...

August 20, 2020

“You keep in perfect peace one whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You”” Isaiah 26:3 TLV It may not be perfect peace, but the deal reached late last week between Israel and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is one of great significance. Since Israel became a nation in 1948, there have only been two other peace deals with Arab nations. Below, we’ve put together much of the key information that has come out in the news about this historic agreement. One interesting note is...

August 13, 2020

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”” James 1:5 NIV Wisdom. God wants to give it to us if we will ask. Let us not only ask for ourselves, but for leaders and decision-makers around the world. We need wisdom in the ongoing battle against the coronavirus. Israel’s leaders need wisdom to do what is best for their people. And, let’s pray specifically for the people of Lebanon as they need great wisdo...

August 06, 2020

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.”” Psalm 31:24 NIV In Psalm 31, King David proclaims, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Those words are a great encouragement to each one of us who call Jesus our Messiah – no matter what the latest news report says or what’s going on in our world. A massive explosion shook Lebanon’s capital Beirut just two days ago, on August 4. This devastating explosion has taken the lives of a number of citizens in the...

July 30, 2020

“But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations”” Psalm 33:11 NIV I’m thankful that despite all that is going on around us and even with news and events changing daily, we can put our trust in God – who does not change. We can take confidence in His words to us. As it says in Psalm 33, “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever.” In Israel, coronavirus cases are on the rise again. With that reality, I’m sharing a variety of news stories ...

July 23, 2020

“Do nothing out of selfishness or conceit, but with humility consider others as more important than yourselves, looking out not only for your own interests but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 TLV These verses seem especially fitting in our current circumstances. The pandemic continues to fill headlines around the world and impact each of our lives. A vital part of battling this virus is caring for others and finding ways to serve and help those in need. Thankfully...