Discerning the Times
The spiritual war taking place in the heavens is very real. One of the most striking accounts of this is in the book of Daniel. Daniel had been interceding for the restoration of Israel from captivity (Daniel 9:1-19), and this was being opposed by demonic entities who were led by a principality called “the prince of Persia,” which is modern-day Iran (Daniel 10:10-21). Here is a portion of the passage:
“He [Gabriel] said to me, ‘O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.’ And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia…’ Then he said, ‘Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come”’ (Daniel 10:11-13, 20 NASB).
Obviously, God could have pushed aside the demonic spirits without the angels’ help, and without Daniel‘s intercession, but He has chosen to work through humans here on earth. This passage is an amazing example of this. It is also an excellent example of the spiritual “wrestling” Paul described in Ephesians 6:12.
Demons [as well as angels] don’t die. The “prince of Persia” is still alive, as are the archangels Gabriel and Michael. This evil principality over Persia/Iran influences nations and individuals to oppose Israel today, just as it did in Daniel‘s time. The spiritual warfare is real. One of satan’s and his cohorts’ primary goals is always to deceive and blind individuals to the truth. This principality is undoubtedly actively orchestrating an opposition to the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the region, as well as working to blind individuals to the truth. He instills hatred, oppresses people, and persecutes the church, in keeping with satan‘s nature of stealing, killing, and destroying (John 10:10).
Therefore, war in the Middle East today is both physical and spiritual in nature. As Israel fights the fruit of this spirit’s stronghold using natural weapons, our spiritual warfare must also be part of its defeat, just as it was in Daniel‘s time. God intends to break the back of this spirit’s rule over the region, freeing millions of people to see the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as freeing them from their horrible oppression. Stay strong and keep praying.
The G7 Summit
G7 stands for the “Group of Seven.” The seven member nations it refers to are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Other non-member nations are typically invited to attend. They are currently meeting in Alberta, Canada. Though the number of members has changed over the years, this is the 51st meeting of the “Summit.” This year‘s meeting is expected to be tense, as Trump walked out of the meeting in 2018. At this gathering, much discussion will take place regarding the complex issues around the world. We are a little late in praying for this important gathering, but with all the critical situations the world is currently facing, we should still do so.
The Violence In America
Some organizations continue to stir up violence in America. Some of the “No King” rallies over the weekend turned violent, as many predicted. There is an increasing willingness among some in our nation to further their agendas through violence and unrest. The goal is to intimidate and silence the majority of peaceful Americans.
Fox News recently reported that in 2017, the number of threats toward congressional lawmakers was 3,939, and has continued to rise. Last year, 2024, the number of threats was a staggering 9,474.(1) America’s turning away from God and resulting moral decline has produced a large segment in our nation who are lawless, many of them violent. We are now reaping the fruit of this in a horrific way. The answer to this cannot be simply through laws and programs. The root of the problem is spiritual. As I have said numerous times, revival – the salvation of millions of Americans – will bring about the necessary change at a heart level. This is America’s only hope, but it is a valid, biblically based hope, rooted in God’s will and promise that America shall be saved.
In the 1960s, violence and rioting were preludes to the Charismatic and Jesus People movements. God used the unrest, disillusionment, fear, and desire for change to prepare hearts for His answer. The same thing is currently happening today.
Baptisms on Pentecost Sunday
“Over 28,000 people were baptized at hundreds of gatherings across the United States on Pentecost Sunday as part of a nationwide revival event.
“In partnership with Baptize America, over 600 churches hosted more than 1,000 separate events where people professed their faith in Jesus and were baptized.
“Mark Francey, pastor at Oceans Church of California and the man behind Baptize America, told The Christian Post that his inspiration for the event ‘burst out of a time of prayer I was having with Jesus a couple of years ago, when I had an open vision.’
“Francey saw Pirate's Cove in California as the starting point, ‘and this progression, from Southern California to all of California, to America, and the ends of the earth.
"’I heard that small still voice, which many Christians are familiar with, just placing these really clear thoughts in my heart,’ he recounted. ‘The key moment was when His voice said to do it on the day of Pentecost. That's when the church was born.
"’It felt like He wanted to make Pentecost Sunday a day when the Christian world would truly celebrate, and maybe even the lost world would know that this is a day they can walk into a church and get baptized anywhere.’”(2)
Let’s continue to pray for the increase of revival fires in America.
Pray with me:
Father, we are watching incredible history being made before our very eyes in the Middle East. As the war takes place in the natural realm, use us to do our part in the spiritual realm. We take the weapons of our warfare You have given us (2 Corinthians 10:3-5), and declare that Jesus broke the authority of the “prince of Persia” over the Middle East. As Christ’s Ekklesia, we release the power of Holy Spirit through our prayers to hover over that region, bringing freedom in both the natural and spiritual realms. We ask You, Father, for millions of salvations in that part of the world. Let the revival be unprecedented.
We also ask for a continuing release of spiritual power in our nation to bring forth the salvation of millions. Break the back of strongholds of violence and hatred, replacing them with love and kindness. We thank You for what is already taking place, now we ask that the disillusionment and hunger for change cause many more people to turn to Jesus. You said, “America shall be saved,” and we will accept nothing less.
And we pray regarding the G7 Summit of international leaders, which is taking place in Canada. We ask You to bring forth Your will and purposes in this gathering, and keep the strategies of the enemy from succeeding. We bind the plans of the evil one and release Your Kingdom plans and will, in Jesus' name. Give President Trump and other leaders wisdom to make sound and righteous decisions. All of these things we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that the demonic strongholds in the Middle East have been overcome by the blood of Jesus, and this victory is and will continue to manifest!
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
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Fox News TV Network, June 16, 2025.
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https://www.christianpost.com/news/over-28000-baptized-during-nationwide-pentecost-sunday-event.html