This morning, we started by singing Great is Thy Faithfulness…

The budget has been approved by the cabinet - although not yet the Knesset - Israel's parliament. There were places where the budget needed to be cut. One ministry was Israel's Home-front Command which is responsible for citizens during times of crisis or war. We prayed for this ministry's chief in the Knesset, Gilad Erdan, and his IDF counterpart, Maj. Gen. Eyal Eisenberg, to be proactive in knowing what Israel needs to do to protect and prepare its citizens for whatever the future holds…

We used Isaiah 41:10-16 as a foundational promise to intercede for the Israeli Defense Forces - the IDF…

We briefly prayed for those interceding for Israel - that God would keep all presumption away from us and open our eyes to see and our ears to hear exactly what He wants to impart at this time (John 10:27)…

PM Netanyahu made a quick trip to Russia this past week to meet with Russian President Putin. The aim was to pressure Russia from selling to Syrian the S-300 anti-aircraft missile which is seen to be the most advanced such system on the planet. From all accounts, the trip was not successful - although whether Russia goes ahead with transferring the weapons is still questionable…

News came out of Cairo this week that Palestinian President Abbas' Fatah faction and Hamas, Gaza's terrorist overlords, have agreed to form a unity government within three months.We've lost count on how many times these two enemies of Israel have tried to become united. Yet might it be to Israel's advantage for this to occur? Since Hamas has not backed off one iota from its goal to destroy the State of Israel, if Mr. 'Moderate' Abbas joins forces with them, his sheepskin will be torn off - leaving the world with no excuse to see him for the ravenous wolf that he really is. Would America dare to continue to press Israel to divide its land with Hamas - when the US has consistently declared Hamas is a terrorist group? Would the EU? …

We next prayed for specific government ministers so that this new Israeli government will be a blessing to the people and to be used by God for His glory…

Aliyah - the return of the Jewish exiles from the nations to home - was the next item for prayer. With Jeremiah 16:15-16 in mind, we see that the rise of anti-Semitism in the West is God removing His hand of restraint to encourage - or frighten - His people to come back home…

We began by reading from Hosea 2:14-20…

The Syrian-Lebanese border: Israel attacked Syria twice over last weekend, both times preventing 'game-changing' weapons from being transferred to Hizbullah in Lebanon, from Iran via Syria. Israeli Prime Minster Netanyahu has said repeatedly that this is a red line for Israel - and now has shown the world what it means to guard a red line. Obviously, this has caused Iran/Syria/Hizbullah to threaten to repay Israel for this. We prayed into this situation in a number of different ways…

The 'peace' process: Albert Einstein said insanity is trying the same thing over and over - while expecting to get different results. This is an excellent description of the current Israeli-Palestinian peace process. It is insane to think Palestinian Authority President Abbas will budge one iota on his demand that all the so-called Palestinian 'refugees' be allowed to return to inside of pre-1967 Israel or on his adamant denial of ever recognizing Israel as the State of the Jewish people. Yet we see this is as God hardening the heart of Israel's enemies and protecting His land and His people from the anti-biblical plans of the nations. The question though is whether US Secretary of State John Kerry is insane - since he is totally obsessed with seeing a 'peace' deal between Israel and her enemies. Thank God, Kerry (nor Obama, nor Cameron, nor Merkel, nor the Church of Scotland - nor even Netanyahu), has the last word! God has said it - that settles it, whether we believe it or not!…

Budget: Finance Minister Yair Lapid will present a new budget this coming week. With all the various issues Israel needs to take into consideration - security, economy, poverty, etc. - we prayed for a righteous budget…

New legislation: There are several pieces of legislation being prepared that can have a very positive effect on how this nation is run: raising the threshold for a political party to enter the Knesset from the current 2% to 4%, thus forcing parties to need five seats to enter the government. Another proposed legislation is for any 'peace' deal with the Palestinians to be put to a national referendum - giving the people of Israel the ultimate decision on how to handle their God-given inheritance. Also, there is a law to equalize the burden of the citizens - by having the ultra-Orthodox and Arab-Israelis serve this nation in some capacity. The fruit of this would be to open the workplace for both these sections of Israeli society…

Shavuot (Pentecost): With this holyday in mind, we prayed for both salvation of those who do not yet know Yeshua, and a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit for those who do…

We began with Psalm 118:24…

Budget: Finance Minister Yair Lapid has been working on a budget for the next couple of years for Israel. With all the various issues Israel needs to take into consideration - security, economy, poverty, etc. - we prayed for a budget through which God could be glorified…

Laws: There are several pieces of legislation that are being prepared that can have a very favorable effect on how this nation is run. The first one we prayed about was the raising of the threshold for a political party to enter the Knesset from the current 2% to 4%. In effect, this would limit parties who would need to have five seats to become part of the government. It also includes legislation defining in a much better way, when non-confidence motions can be brought forth. Right now, it has become a free-for-all with non-confidence motions being presented by the opposition almost weekly, yet hardly ever being successful. They just waste time and resources…

Referendum: The next proposed legislation is that any 'peace' deal with the Palestinians would be put to a national referendum. We see this as an excellent move - giving the people of Israel the ultimate decision on what to do with their God-given inheritance…

Terrorism: A Jewish settler was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist this past week. He was a young father of five - with his oldest being only seven years old. Some settlers have reacted with violence against Palestinians. They are frustrated and in some sense, feel betrayed, because attacks in Judea and Samaria have been increasing without a strong response from the Israeli security forces. So we prayed for the settlers and the security forces to do that which is right in the eyes of God…

North: We continue to see those who hate Zion being confounded, fighting and killing each other. The focus of our intercession was on the threat of the Iranian backed Hizbullah terrorist group which is operating in Syria in support of President al-Assad and, of course, operates freely in Lebanon as part of the current Lebanese government. Hizbullah has an international outreach and is responsible for many deaths in attacks throughout the world…

Iran: A report from America's Defense Department says North Korea is developing an ICBM - a missile capable of striking America with a nuclear warhead. Since North Korea and Iran are allies, this is not good news for Israel or the world. We continue to pray for God Himself to intervene directly in Iran - or, if He wants Israel to deal with this - for Israel to depend on Him and no one else…

Interior Ministry: It is often a shock when suddenly something we have prayed much about is answered. We have prayed for a clean sweep of the Interior Ministry - the gatekeeping ministry of Israel. Today, this ministry, which was ruled over by the anti-Zionist, ultra-Orthodox Shas party, is under Netanyahu's Likud party and being run by Gideon Sa'ar - who from all that we know now - is a righteous man. Recent visits there have reported a lighter atmosphere…

We began with a word from Messiah Yeshua…

Syria: Israel and several other nations have said there is evidence that chemical weapons have been used in the battle between Assad's Syrian army and the rebel forces. Yet the world has still not decided what to do - and the USA is still dithering as to whether there really was chemical weapons used. All of this is a warning to Israel that it cannot look to anyone else to defend itself. And this is good - as long as those in Israel with the responsibility to protect this nation understand what this really means…

We are seeing in many areas around Israel an answer to prayer - those who hate Zion are confounded and fighting against each other.The latest report is of a major split in Hizbullah over Iran's orders for them to fight in Syria in support of President Assad…

We then prayed for a remnant of these terrorists to be plucked out of the fire of Islam and transferred into the Kingdom of God's Son Yeshua (Colossians 1:13). We asked God, in His mercy, to reveal to them that the Allah of the Koran is not God. Please pray for Muslims to be saved - here in the Middle East and in your nation.

Jordan: Recent reports indicate that the Kingdom of Jordan and Israel are working together against the use and spread of Syria's WMD. Jordan has reportedly given Israel permission to use its airspace for UAV flights into Syria to see what is happening there in real time. Another concern is that the throne in Jordan is on very shaky ground and if King Abdullah is overthrown, the likely candidate to take over is the Muslim Brotherhood. This is not something that Israel would be pleased with at all…

Iran: According to a former head of Israel's military intelligence, Iran has reached PM Netanyahu's red-line which he drew at the UN.This is still the most serious threat to Israel, and to the world. We continue to pray for God Himself to intervene - or, if He wants Israel to deal with this - for Israel to depend on Him and no one else…

We finished by praying for aliyah - the immigration of Jews from the nations to Israel. A major obstacle was that in Israel, the Interior Ministry, which determines who is a Jew and who is not, was run by the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, who are also not really Zionists. So it was not just Messianic Jews who often had a hard time coming home, but many other Jews who did not fit into Shas' narrow perception of what a kosher Jew was supposed to look like. Today, this ministry is under Netanyahu's Likud party and being run by Gideon Sa'ar - who from all that we know now - is a righteous man…

Praise

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy. (Psalm 107:1-2 and following)…

Prime Minister Netanyahu

This week Bibi Netanyahu was in London to attend the funeral of Baroness Thatcher. During this Christian funeral he heard the reading from Ephesians 6 concerning the nature of our warfare and the need for the armor of God…

The Government

After various holidays and memorial days, the new government is in a position to get on with the job of governing the country. They are still new and have many inexperienced people in highly responsible roles, in particular, Finance Minister Yair Lapid…

Security in the South

Recent weeks have seen a few rocket attacks on Israel. Two rockets fell in Eilat where the Iron Dome missile defense system should have intercepted them but failed to do so. These were fired from the Sinai where a number of terror cells out of Gaza are operating. Egypt has promised to prevent this, but how far should Israel trust Egypt in such matters?…

Syria

There has been a recent attack upon an Israeli position on the Syrian border. Israel responded by destroying the position from which the attack was launched. Meanwhile there are concerns that Assad has used chemical weapons against his own people. Israel would be in even more danger if these weapons got into the hands of the opposition dominated by al-Qaeda and similar groups…

Iran

Iran continues to pursue a nuclear weapon. This week the country experienced its most powerful earthquake in 40 years. Is the Lord shaking the nation in response to the prayers of His people? Jeremiah 49: 34-39…

Aliyah…

Legal issues facing the Body of Messiah…

The Body of Messiah in Israel…

Israel's Birthday

Next Tuesday Israel will be celebrating her 65^th birthday and celebrating "Yom HaAtzma'ut" (Independence Day). So we spent some time this morning praising and thanking the God of Israel for some of the many ways in which He has fulfilled His word and is fulfilling His word in and through this nation even in their unbelief…

Security

With the joy and celebration of Independence Day comes risk. The enemy wants to disrupt the spirit of celebration and to cause havoc. We prayed for God's hand of protection over Israel and over those security forces deployed to prevent our enemies getting their way…

Remembrance Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror

Israel always holds its Remembrance Day the day before Independence Day. This year it is on Monday 15^th April. So on Monday evening at sundown the nation makes the traumatic transition from sadness and painful memories to a time of great celebration and joy. For many the transition is a painful thing in itself…

Palestinian "Nakba Day"

For many Palestinian people Israel's Independence Day is marked as "Nakba Day" or "Day of Catastrophe", as they seek to maintain the memory of their forefathers being "displaced" from land and homes in the struggle following Israel's declaration of independence. This is often marked by rioting among Palestinians in Judea and Samaria, requiring a strengthening of Israeli security. Many people also in the nations, seeking to identify with and support the "poor Palestinians", have entered into the commemoration of "Nakba Day"…

Protection of borders

The situation in Syria continues to deteriorate and one of the consequences of this is that various nations are considering pulling their contingents of soldiers out of the UN peacekeeping force which is sitting on the border between Syria and Israel. This would leave Israel even more vulnerable with nothing to protect our border from forces sworn to our destruction. One option would be for Israel to create a new buffer zone by taking a strip of Syrian territory and maintaining it free of Syrian forces. The nations of the world are contemplating such an option. But clearly it would not be popular in the world if Israel were to take such action!…

As we see God protecting Israel by turning her enemies against each other in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, among the Palestinians…

Iran

This week Iran celebrated a day they called "Nuclear Power Day". In the subsequent few days Iran has been shaken by over 20 serious earthquakes, many of which have been in the area of the Bushehr nuclear power plant…

Israel's Government

The new government is facing many challenges domestically in addition to all the threats from outside. The new Finance Minister, Yair Lapid has to present a budget in the coming weeks. A replacement needs to be found for retiring Bank of Israel Governor, Stanley Fischer…

Aliyah…

A praying body of believers in the nation…

We awoke to a Jerusalem being soaked in rain. We used this as an encouragement to expect God to answer us when we pray - as often many people pray but do not really believe that God will/can answer…

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon are faced with needing to make very tough decisions in relation to Israel's security. There have been some rocket attacks from Gaza, riots in Judea and Samaria that could lead to a third intifada, some attacks from the Syrian side of the Golan, and the continual threat of Iran and their development of atomic weapons. These two men in particular are the ones who need to decide what Israel needs to do and when and how…

The situation in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem - what most of the world calls 'the occupied territories' or 'the West Bank' - has been enflamed by the spreading of malicious lies by the Palestinian leadership. There have been riots and some Palestinians have lost their lives when attacking IDF soldiers with Molotov cocktails and rocks. As of now, things appear to be escalating. PA President Abbas - one of the instigators who actually blamed Israel for the death of a Palestinian terrorist in an Israel jail who died of cancer - just said that if a third intifada [uprising] happens, it's all Israel's fault. So we prayed…

Syria continues to implode and affects Israel more and more each day. As we wrote last week, "More nations are training and equipping Syria's 'Rebel Alliance' - which unfortunately is not necessarily the good guys in this war. This is a lose-lose situation for Israel. While President Assad's downfall would put a huge stumbling block in the path of Iran's goal to create a Middle Eastern Shiite Caliphate, yet a victory by the rebels would bring radical Sunni Islamic forces, such as al-Qaida, the Muslim Brotherhood and others, right up to Israel's Golan border." So this is another very dangerous situation that Israel faces and it needs our intense prayer covering…

Iran's confidence in developing nuclear weapons increases as they watch how the world deals with their ally North Korea…

US President Obama came to Israel and 'charmed' or 'enchanted' many. Now it's US Secretary of State John Kerry's turn to come and turn up the heat. He will arrive this weekend trying to 'jump start' the Israeli-Palestinian 'peace process'. Why jump start? One has to 'jump start' a battery when it is dead - and this 'peace process' is dead. The Palestinians refuse to recognize Israel as the Jewish State and refuse to give up their anti-aliyah,their so-called 'right of return' of, at last count five plus million refugees. And they insist that these 'refugees' settle inside what is left of Israel - not in a newly formed Palestine. So what does the world expect Israel to do - roll over and die?…

The hacker group Anonymous has declared war on Israel and is threatening to wipe Israel off the internet this Sunday - the day before Israel's Holocaust memorial day. The whole area of cyber-warfare will become more and more important as more of the world is linked together over the net…

We finished by praying for aliyah. With Israel's strong economy and with the rise of anti-Semitism throughout the West, it is time for many more Jews in exile to come home. But for that to happen, the Church in those nations will need to see this as one of God's top end-time priorities, as well as to understand their obligation to intercede for this and help in any other ways that the Lord directs…

This week's prophetic portion is Ezekiel 37:1-4 - the vision of the valley of dry bones. This section is always read on the Shabbat during the Passover/Unleavened Bread week. What is most interesting is that this Shabbat during this Passover season is the Shabbat when Yeshua was in the grave. So in synagogues throughout the world, Jews are reading about the resurrection of the nation of Israel and the Church is waiting for the first day of the week to celebrate the resurrection of Israel's King Messiah, the world's Savior Yeshua!…

We first prayed for Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yair Lapid as they put together a budget for this nation. The needs are great - and although Israel's economy is in good shape, with the shakings in the global economic situation, it is imperative for them to come up with a budget that God can bless…

As US President Obama was leaving Israel last Friday, PM Netanyahu called Turkey's PM Erdogan and issued an apology to the Turkish people for any mishandling of the Gaza flotilla incident of 2010 which resulted in the deaths of nine terrorists. While there are a number of ways to see this - with opinions of whether Bibi did the smart thing or was manipulated by Obama to do something very dangerous - we at IFI were very sorry, even upset, that Israel issued an apology at all. Turkey is the guilty party in this situation and they are the ones who should issue the apology. After all, even the UN found that Israel's naval blockade of Hamas in Gaza was legitimate. Yet an apology was issued and now we need to cover in pray Bibi and Israel from the results of this action…

Syria continues to implode and is affecting Israel more directly. More nations are training and equipping Syria's 'Rebel Alliance' - which unfortunately are not necessarily the good guys in this war. This is a lose-lose situation for Israel. While President Assad's downfall would put a huge stumbling block in the path of Iran's goal to create a Middle Eastern Shiite Caliphate, yet a victory by the rebels would bring radical Sunni Islamic forces, such as al-Qaida, the Muslim Brotherhood and others, right up to Israel's Golan border. Still, God does reign - and so we can pray in confidence in Him, regardless of what man does…

Iran continues to march towards its goal of developing nuclear weapons, yet many nations are still trying to negotiate with them. We have no faith whatsoever that anyone will deal with Iran militarily if that is needed - other than Israel. Obama may talk tough, but… So we continue to 'watch and pray' about this very dangerous issue…

We have prayed often for Israel's Interior Ministry, which has the authority to decide who can make aliyah [immigrate] and who is not Jewish enough - as well as what type of visas to give to Christian volunteers. Until the recent elections it was in the hands of the Haredi anti-Zionist Shas party. Today, the interior ministry is headed up by Likud's Gidon Sa'ar, Israel's former Education Minister, who did an excellent job in restoring a Zionist vision to the Israeli school system. We are excited about what this man might accomplish. Yet that requires us to be alert and hold Sa'ar up in prayer. One of the IFI team was led to buy a new broom and to write Sa'ar's name on it as we have been asking God to make a clean sweep of this ministry of all that hinders His will from being accomplished…

With US President Obama in Jerusalem, many of our streets were closed and the traffic situation was more of a mess than it is normally. So we needed to cancel our Friday's early morning prayer meeting, although we prayed much during the week, seeking God for Israel to be protected and to do His will. Of course, regardless of the situation on the ground, our God reigns…

This past week, Israel's 33^rd government was sworn into office. The coalition negotiations were long and at times very frustrating, yet we can now recognize God's overriding guidance in allowing this specific government to come into being at this specific time. Still, with all of the issues it will immediately have to deal with both outside and inside of Israel, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and his coalition will need all the intercessory backing they can get (1 Timothy 2:1-4)…

Barak Obama was in Israel this past week - his first visit as the American President. Why he chose to come the week preceding Passover [starting next Monday evening] - a very hectic week for Israelis - disrupting lives by street closures, increased security, and added hassles in preparing for the feast - only God knows. Looking at the preparations that the State of Israel made to honor this man, someone said, "What more could we do when Messiah finally comes?" As we noted last week, Obama rejected an invitation to address the Israeli parliament - which is what most heads of state would do - and instead spoke directly to the Israeli people, specifically inviting university students to his meeting (except students from Ariel University, located in the so-called 'occupied territories'). Yet Israeli university students are not the typical Western types. Instead of going directly into higher learning from high school, most of them spend years in the IDF - maturing at an accelerated rate by being placed in positions of true responsibility, learning to make real life and death decisions. Having seen the true face of the enemy, most Israelis who attended meeting probably came with a healthy dose of skepticism about Obama's worldview, regardless of the respectful attitude displayed. Still, we prayed much for them and the rest of this nation to be protected from Obama's charisma and to not be deceived by what he says or does…

Obama and Netanyahu compared notes concerning two very dangerous security issues - Iran's drive for nuclear weapons and Syria's descent into total chaos. Although there are clear differences between them on the issue of 'peace' with the Palestinians, on these two issues there should be absolute unity - yet there is not…

Passover will be celebrated this Monday evening, March 25^th, with the annual Seder, the retelling of the Exodus from Egypt and festive meal. Let's pray for many Jews to have their eyes opened to see that in the original Passover in Egypt, the 'Passover' was the lamb!…

Resurrection Day will be celebrated by the Church on the Sunday during Passover week. May Yeshua, the Lord of the Church, open up the eyes of many of our brothers and sisters to the biblical connection between their 'New Testament' faith and the nation, the people and the God of Israel. Yeshua the Messiah has become a minister [servant] of the circumcision [the Jews] for the truth of God, to confirm [establish, make sure] the promises made to the fathers [Abraham, Isaac and Jacob] (Romans 15:8)

Please continue to pray for rain. Although the Sea of Galilee is not yet full, [only 1.22 meters more to go!], we have already had a wonderful rainy season - for which we thank and praise our precious Creator God. Yet, we want to see the Sea of Galilee and the aquifers totally full before the summer season arrives - as a testimony to God's care and love for this land and her people. I will open rivers in high places, fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water…so that they may see, and know, and look on, and understand together, that the hand of YHWH has done this; the Holy One of Israel has created it. (Isaiah 41:18, 20)

Shabbat's prophetic portion ends with this wonderful verse in Isaiah…

There is an increase in Palestinian attacks against Israelis in Judea, Samaria and in Jerusalem. Israeli security forces expected this as a lead up to US President Obama's visit next week, as well as a fruit of the UN's recognition of 'Palestine' last November. It brought great hope, yet in daily life, nothing has changed. In fact in some areas things have gotten worse. So security forces are prepared for a very stormy day today in Jerusalem, especially after Muslim Friday prayers. Therefore, we began by praying for the peace of Jerusalem…

US President Obama is set to visit Israel next week, from Wednesday March 20^th to Friday, March 22^nd. He wants to 'connect' with Israelis - especially college age students. He will hold a meeting in Jerusalem's International Convention Center with them, but he is not speaking to the Knesset, Israel's Parliament - although he was invited! He is going over the head of Israel's elected representatives to make his point to the people. This is pure arrogance and absolute evil. With his mesmerizing manner, and his anti-Biblical stance on most issues, this is an opportunity for God's enemy to greatly deceive many in Israel. [Please understand that any advice or plans that Israel's so-called friends in the nations may want to push upon Israel - that are not in line with His plans - are from the pit of hell, regardless of how well intended the person may be.]…

When we gathered early this morning, the headlines said there were still hindrances to the formation of the new Israeli government. By the time we finished praying, the crisis was resolved and apparently Israel has a new government - without the ultra-Orthodox or the left wing Labor party. While this is very good news, as intercessors for Israel, our work is just beginning. The new government faces some very real dangers and will have very little time to make decisions in dealing with them. A budget needs to be passed quickly. A decision on Iran needs to be made. The pressure from the world to force Israel to divide God's/Israel's land and create a 'Palestine' will increase. Israel is also surrounded by the fruit of the Arab Spring - Egypt in chaos; Syria in chaos; Lebanon and Jordan battling to keep the chaos from spreading to their nations. Yet, Israel is still supposed to give away its God-given inheritance to a people who actively and openly train their children to hate and kill us. Still, God prophesied about all of this millennia ago. Thank God, there are no emergencies in heaven, because nothing takes Him by surprise…

This next week is a very dangerous week for the destiny of America. What comes out of the US President's visit could easily push America deeper into the Valley of God's Judgment. For, behold, in those days and in that time, when I will bring again the exiles of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat (God the Judge). And I will fight with them there for My people and for My inheritance Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and divided My land. (Joel 3:1-2) Our burden is that American believers would be aware of this danger and pray - even with fasting - for God to have much mercy and to hinder all the plans of the enemy that might come through their nation's leader…

We finished our time in prayer with a number of more positive requests. With Passover starting on the evening of March 25^th, we prayed for the salvation of the Jewish people - particularly for the unsaved loved ones of Messianic Jews (Acts 16:31). We also prayed for all Jews, whether here in Israel or in exile, to come to a saving knowledge of Messiah Yeshua - and we also stood in the gap for Muslims to have a revelation of the real Yeshua during this season of His death and resurrection. Finally, we prayed that as many Jews will finish the Passover meal by declaring, "Next year in Jerusalem," that God would use that to touch many hearts of His people in exile to make just that commitment - to return home. Especially, we asked for Him to work in the hearts of the almost one million Israelis who live outside of this nation and in the hearts of the multitudes of Messianic Jews.