2022, A difficult year in the life of this Country Preacher. Covid left its terrible scar, many church members passed away and satan landed more blows than one could number. I did not lose my faith, I found myself asking God, over and over, for more. I recognized that I was walking in a place of complacency. I was sailing along in a "comfort zone" of my own making. I have been preaching/pastoring for well over fifty years. My heart is solid within my relationship with Jesus as he has carried me through hundreds of battles and always been a "Present help in a time of need". I am in my golden years and life is good.

What I have learned through all this is; I am weak, weary and worn. God gives his children strength, endurance and refinements fit for the season of their lives. God is a great big, loving, longsuffering, supplying God.     

 

 I have been on the shelf long enough. The time has come to get back in the harness and share my ministry, the good, the bad and the ugly. Over the last several months I have been to the lowest places I have ever known as a minister. The covid outbreak took many of my dearest friends and relatives and all but shut Elm Grove (The Church I Pastor) down. Long hidden family secrets leapt out of the shadows creating Grand Canyon size Casems. The divisions created by the last election cycle were a constant raw edge to navigate around and then my youngest daughter lost her battle with a rare bone marrow disease.

I thought many times, this is it, I can't take any more pain, loss or grief. My heart broke so many times, so many ways and the pain just kept coming. As I considered all this, added in my advancing age and my own physical problems it seemed it was time to just "hang it up", retire and let a younger person lead Elm Grove.

I spent more time in my prayer closet than ever before, praying, begging, seeking for the answers to it all. God is so patient with me, and his longsuffering love carried the day, over and over again.

I will chronical some of this battle in my next article and try and show you just how big God can be if we just let him.    

3-16 & 17-2017 On the Road

This RVing life is quite pleasant; Sleep late, eat often and see the nation. Today however I became quite nervous. The wind is blowing me all over the road. When I got headed straight into it I was forced to use lower gears and slow down. Used twice as much gas and my knuckles are sore from gripping the wheel so tight. To pass the time I listened to some radio news.....that was a mistake!
I went from fear to anger over these so called Journalists and their lop-sided, prejudicial, pick and choose reporting. I think that truth, integrity and morals are never a part of their training. They only talk about the parts and pieces of the news that degrade, destroy, deceive and generate fear. I would like to shut down all news giants, fire the whole bunch and start over or at the very least begin a grading system and let the voters decide who we are forced to listen to. I would also like to see term-limits on all Legislators both federal and state ( I can dream, can't I ). The news was filled with projections, predictions and made-up numbers of all the thousands of people that would be without insurance coverage in the future. This is the work of a Prophet not a Journalist! Several Congress representatives have the new bill on their web-sites to be explored by any interested party. Do these journalist read this to us and then explain the flaws, applaud the improvements over the current system? No! Hour after hour of bashing, blaming, degrading and down right lying to us all. After listening to the reports of how far the popularity-ratings of the President had fallen since he introduced his health-care plan I stumbled on a rally in Nashville Tennessee where the people stood in line for five hours to hear the President speak ( On the Internet, I gave up on the radio) by the thousands. They cheered, clapped and stood to their feet as he shared each point of this new health-care bill. I have yet to see one word of this speech on any TV, radio or in the paper. This is why I say that Journalist are empty of integrity, truth and plain old honesty. They write and say what their pay-master demands. I know this is a wide brush and unfair to many so I apologize to the Journalists that are honest, fair and truthful and I will pray for you to find employment and fulfillment in your chosen profession. I really know how this must make some of you Journalists feel as this tirade is as much the same as the news (Fake News) I found out on the road today. I have been treated this way all my adult life; grouped and labeled, derided and defamed, kicked and shamed.....all because I am part of a group......Preachers.

Arrived at my destination in one piece......looked in the eyes of my Grandchildren.....forgot about a bad day's drive.

Packing Memories

Mom and Dad are moving so we thought we would help them get a start on packing. We started with the pictures by dividing them into piles, one for each child and one for Mom & Dad. Nancy took each pic out of it's frame and loving placed them into a large album. Talking about these pictures took us on a many a journey down memory lane. We started packing all the special dishes....box after box, heavy boxes that I carried to the shed.
We meed to head home tomorrow so we worked late into the day....

Sure do love my parents

With the Folks

After spending time at Spring Training with the Texas Rangers I was ready for a long nap. The ball field in Surprise Arizona is as nice as they come and the food was a cut above most. Nancy wasn't feeling well so after the game we just camped out in the RV. We like to rough it.....air conditioning, ice maker, stereo, TV w/surround sound, feather bed (queen size) and every other comfort of home....you know......camping.
Sunday morning Nancy was still weak so she stayed in bed while I went to preach for Stephen Land at Emanuel Christian Center (4511 W Indian School Rd.)  John went with me and we were welcomed as if we were old friends. I spoke about our Christian Identity and how to help others "see" Jesus in our everyday lives. I think that our joy and happy lives give strong evidence as to our faith and trust in God. Happy people seem to be rare these days and Christians do have something to be happy about.
We finished our week in Phoenix with a final meal with many of our church friends, Applebees will never be the same; food, fun and fellowship with those we love.....Thank you Lord for filling our lives so full of wonderful people.
Monday we were up and loaded and off to Cottonwood AZ. I do like traveling this way, slow pace, start when you want, stop when you want, eat when you are hungry......a good life.
Mom and Dad were so happy to see us. We sat up and talked till ten.....a good life.

3-10-2017 Day of REST

After this Revival.......I needed a down day. So we just took it easy. Joined Cathy for a Red Lobster lunch and chilled all afternoon. Supper at Cracker Barrel with the Kimzey's and Livingoods then a complete game of trains. Food, fellowship and fun......perfect day.

I will be preaching this Sunday morning at Immanuel Christian Center, 4511 W Indian School Rd. Phoenix AZ 85013.....come out and let's praise the Lord together.

3-9-2017 last night

I am sure that you can see that I am posting a day behind. I am too tired to close the day at the computer. Sooooo.....We closed the revival services last night with a long alter service filled with many great victory reports. I spoke about the Power of God in our lives today and used the very words of Jesus on the subject. It was like He was doing the preaching and everyone responded with joy and worship. I never claimed to be an Evangelist because God called me as a Pastor but last night the title of Revivalist was excepted and applied....I kind of like that one. I was paid the greatest of compliments when I was told that this church wanted me to come back again....warms my heart.
This mini-revival (five nights) was short but full of victory, healing, filling, love, joy and worship. It is a blessing to be a part of what God is doing here in Arizona and seeing so many of my friends made this a special trip to remember.

3-8-2017 Wisdom

This is the next to last night of this revival. I have preached about Faith, The Heart, The Presence of God and tonight it is Wisdom.The need for wisdom in our lives is quite evident. We find ourselves in the middle of problems, debt, pain and grief because we don't use wisdom. God has wisdom to give us but we seldom ask for it. "You have not because you ask not" applies to wisdom as well as the temporal, transit and the consumable. "Ask and you shall receive" is a way to start finding wisdom. Finding wisdom will aid in the application of wisdom, After all; what good are things we don't use.

May we all slow down just enough to hear the voice of God.......applied wisdom!

Break Through

More family time this morning. I am blessed with a loving family. Longing for the day when we can all be together again....probably when we all get to Heaven....  Made that needed trip to buy some supplies and spend too much......complete success...broke the bank. Preaching on the Presence of God tonight and having some difficulty keeping the sermon from becoming L.....O....N.....G.
Resting and watching some old movies that my children gave me last Christmas....my kids sure spoil me, so does my wife for that matter, and my church, and my friends....WOW....I am spoiled but I am not a brat.
Found a new fan for the bedroom and got it mounted. This RV is so comfortable, might use a recliner....This is my idea of ruffing it!

Well the breakthrough happened tonight. Ministered to each person present, alters full, healing, happy faces, a mighty move of God.....REVIVAL.

3-6-2017 Arizona Trip

Blessed with time visiting my Brother and looking at several homes for our parents. They may be moving to Phoenix soon and we want to do some of the leg work for them. Moving is so much fun.....NOT. Slow and easy day today; making some ice, changing some of the storage bins in the RV and preparing for my sermon. Preaching about Heart Surgery, not the physical kind....Spiritual. Service doesn't start until seven p.m. so extra time to rest I guess that's alright because this is our vacation as well as an evangelistic journey.

Good attendance tonight and several came forward to be prayed for. Not the breakthrough I am wanting, but still progress. These folks don't mind staying late and then still like to go eat afterward....my kind of people.

3-5-2017 Arizona Birthday

Two meetings at different churches: Morning at Mountain of Life in Surprise Arizona, good attendance and a sweet spirit. Preached "Who are you" sermon about our identity in Jesus. Nancy and I both sang a special. Today is her birthday but I won't say which one. This is the second year that we have been on a trip on her birthday.......sort of messes me up trying to do something special for a celebration. Big group went to Golden Coral and did the lunch thing...as all proper Christians should.
Evening service was at Revival Worship Center in Youngstown Arizona and what a packed house we had. Grandpa Land came to visit and he looks great (much stronger than I expected). He called Stephen Land and set me up to preach over at his church next Sunday morning. It sure inspires me to be granted all these opportunities to minister. Preached about faith and really got turned loose. Nancy thought I was wrapping it up twice only to get another surge of inspiration and away I went. Did not get home until 11:30 but I was not even tired. It takes me several hours to "unwind" after such an energetic sermon. Having service here Monday through Thursday at seven pm each night. Come on out if you can.

Many people in these two churches are sick, fighting disease and broken down from hard work and life's burdens. I want to be used in these meetings to bring them some joy, relief and comfort. Pray for me to preach this type of message and share the love of God with each one.

3-4-2017 getting ready

Studying and praying this morning for tomorrow's sermons at Mountain of Life in the morning and at Revival Worship Center in the evening. Asking God to use me to be a special blessing to these two churches. Slipped out for a good lunch at Red Lobster with my sweet wife and then picked up some needed supplies at Wal-Mart. I spend a lot of money in that place! Back at the trailer; finished off my sermons and worked on some projects (plans) for next month then off to supper with John & Cathy. After supper we went out to Revival center and set up the key-board and set the mics for tomorrow night.....started singing and lost track of time......late to bed.

I enjoy Phoenix at night (except for all the traffic) with it's pleasant weather, clear sky and clean streets. Takes me back to my paper-boy days when I picked up my papers (on a bicycle) at 4:30 a.m. and rode my route in the dark. I never had a care, just free, healthy, strong and knowing that Mom and Dad were paying all the bills and watching out for me. Those were some special times. I lived in Phoenix from the middle of second grade until the summer after my sophomore year at Carl Hayden High School. This place holds many fond memories for me.

3-3-2017 Arizona

Sleeping better and longer these days. Must be this mountain air. The wind is blowing and rocking the trailer. Took off at 10:30 (again) and could only drive 50 to 55 mph because of the wind. Being pushed sideways by strong gusts make me nervous. One gust hit so hard that the steps on the trailer popped out so I pulled over to put them back......found a short piece of rope laying on the side of the road so I tied them up. How strange, a piece of rope laying on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere, just the right length, right where I stopped......thank you Lord. Pulled into Phoenix traffic and remembered why I love the country so much. Our navigator warned us of an accident ahead and gave us a route around it; right into a closed road. Sixteen miles too far west, fourteen miles back east, six miles back north and pow; on the original route in the middle of the accident slowdown. I can now put this rig in some tight places. We arrived at Mountain of Life church at 5:30 and set up before dark. John and Cathy came and picked us up and out to supper.....Texas Road House.....yum!

All that traffic made me think of how we get in a hurry, push, shove and compete with each other to be in the front of the line. I would like to see the same effort and enthusiasm going into our spiritual lives. Can you just see it in your mind? People driving around and around the church parking lot hunting a spot, lines of cars at the stop light setting through five or six cycles just turn towards the church. Rushing to God's house to worship. Yes....I am a dreamer.

3-2-2017 Arizona Trip

Taking extra time to travel this trip and not getting in in hurry. I have only passed a hand full of others, driving below the posted speed limit ( don't get nervous seeing a patrol car) and seeing things I have never seen before is fun. We did not get on the road until 10:30. I spent too much time talking to another preacher from Corsicana Texas that was headed to Phoenix as well. Made it to Lordsberg  NM. and got set up in the dark. Nancy is working on her quilt and I am watching my DVD's from last Christmas. The news is just the same old political garbage.

Speaking of garbage: I want to send out a word of appreciation to all the workers that pick up the garbage and keep our world clean. They work hard in all sorts of weather and are faceless servants of us all. They make America a great place to live too.

March 1, 2017

The first day of vacation got off to a good start. I finished taking down the forms from yesterday's concrete pour and straightened out the dirt. Loading the R.V. and all the last minute preparations got us off to a late start so it was 9:30 before we were on the road. Taking the southern route on I-20 to Phoenix. Noticed a bill-board for Mary's in Strawn so took a slight detour. My hitch is making some funny noise so while we were stopped for lunch I made some adjustments. The adjustments seemed to help and I picked up some grease to quite the squeak, much better! Very windy today, would you believe windy in west Texas, so I must slow my speed to accommodate. Made it to Odessa and found a nice park to spend the night. Nancy made me a meat-loaf and I ate too much. Going to bed early....

Why is life so short and full of problems. I want to see my parents, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren more often, finish my projects around the farm, pastor my church and enjoy my beautiful wife but I am forced into these little windows of time. They are small windows and set far apart and cluttered with obs-tickles in between. This is how I think when in a selfish mode....me....me....me. I am the most blessed man alive. I am thankful, really I am. My world is still full of wonderful opportunities, wonderful people and health to enjoy it all. Thank you Lord.

Sabbatical: closing thoughts

Seven days in Israel is too short a visit. I would like to spend about a year there as a student in the Hebrew University and absorb some formal training in the language. So many of my sermons will be sprinkled with the information of these seven days. I was shocked to experience the distances that our Lord walked, the steepness of the hills and depth of the valleys. Our walking part of the trip added up to over forty miles, yes, forty miles. I walked every step and did not realize the distance. I felt God, I heard God, I saw God every day. It was beyond my ability to share with mere words. I am looking back now and still I wonder; was it really me? Was this a dream, a vision or a supernatural out-of-body experience? It was real, so real that I can never be the same. I see every Bible story in a different light. My knowledge has been elevated by experience and my experience with application. A new, deep hunger for the word arose in my soul. I am grateful to my benefactor who paid for this trip and the church members that donated my spending money. I pray that God will reward them ten fold for their sacrifices. I think every pastor should make this journey. Maybe you could send your pastor.

I am the MOST blessed man on earth!   

Sabbatical: Day 7

Early today we come to the Garden Tomb. Just above us looms Golgotha, the features of a skull are clearly seen these two thousand years after the murder of Jesus on that place. There are no crosses standing there, no markers and no shrine. It is my opinion that even to this day most people want to avoid the cross and that is why there is not a shrine there. I see that cross, the pain, the agony, the suffering and death. But what I sense most is "alone". Jesus called out to God from that cross, "why have you forsaken me"? In my heart I know that Jesus loves me enough to face death for me. The guiltless, sinless and perfect Son of God gave his life as the sacrifice for my sin and suffered rejection to pay a price that I could never pay. Because of this I have approach to God and the option of eternal life. Eternity will not be long enough for me to sing his praise. Serving him here is insufficient to show my gratitude. By walking a few steps to the east and rounding a short partition wall I am in the garden where the borrowed tomb is located. (I think this partition is a sound barrier for street traffic) Several hundred people are here and great preparation for our service and communion. Pastors Matthew and John Hagee sing and preach and praise in sweet leadership as my thoughts turn from the cross to that "EMPTY" tomb. The songs were all well known and familiar but there impact was amplified, multiplied a million times as I gazed into the door of an empty room. My Saviour lives! The tomb could not hold him. Jesus returned to us, alive, having placed his perfect blood sacrifice on the golden alter before the throne. I can say without doubt; He lives in Heaven and in my heart. This communion service will be one of my sweetest memories of this trip. As I celebrated the body and blood of my Saviour I doubled my commitment to our relationship and my service to my fellow man. I experienced a "new birth".....again. 

The remainder of the day, my last day, was spent at two memorials, The Holocaust and Friends of Israel. I learned much of the history of the second world war from my family as a boy. Their stories did not prepare me for this day or these memorials. I won't write much here. I will say that the spirit, the hate and the evil that lived in the Nazi effort is in our world once again in these Radical Muslims. I pray that the world does not turn it's back on Israel.    

Sabbatical: Day 6

We entered the old city through the Jaffa Gate on foot heading to the Western Wall Tunnels. These old gates are still used for all traffic into and out of the old city. We yielded the right of way to several cars as they squeezed through the narrow way. Nearly every auto was scratched and dented from these gates. The tunnels are an active archaeological work site. The excavation covers the entire length of the western wall. At the bedrock level I placed my hands on the very first stone placed in the building of the wall. This stone weights 550 tons and was cut out of the mountain at the north end of Jerusalem and rolled on small round balls to it's current location.
These tunnels have massive rooms in the beginning and narrow to a six foot wide walk way along the base of the wall. About midway is a women's prayer area. This is just under the Holy of Hollies some 100 feet above. Prayer is made in this location at all times. There is a report that the prayer wall here is covering a large room which contains the Ark of the Covenant. This area will need several more years of excavation.

Our next stop was at the Western Wall prayer area. This is the same area we visited on the Sabbath. I made my way to the wall, praying as I went. In my hand were several dozen prayers and blessings written on small slips of paper and placed into an offering envelope from Elm Grove. (the envelope was covered with these also). I even had our prayer list from Sundays bulletin in there. Each step forward gave me a physical touch in my body. I was tired and sore from all the walking but step by step I was feeling stronger and stronger. I pushed the envelope into a large crack between two really large stones (I even took a selfie of this) and placed my hands over the place and began to pray. The Holy Spirit flowed in an almost melodic fashion and fire fell. My Lord was there with me, his hands were on me as I called out the names of every person I could think of. Joy flooded my soul and I knew that I had ascended above that Wall and into the throne room of  Almighty God in heaven. My body may have been at the Western Wall but my Spirit was with God. As I moved away from the wall, walking backward as not to turn my back to this holy place, I knew that each prayer and blessing was received by God. I know that in time will I will hear the reports of all that was sealed on this day.

I am amazed at the sight of Masada. Riding the cable car to the top was like flying on the wings of a bird. Below was the Dead Sea and all the wonderful agricultural achievements of the Jewish farmers and above was the Herodian Fortress. This is a large area of several acres with a summer palace on one end and a winter palace on the other, many storage rooms, quarters for soldiers, farmers and servants, swimming pool, armory and recreational area. On the south end of the plateau there is agricultural land and evidence that it was well used. I have never seen the movie "Masada" but most people have so I will not go into the history of the last stand of Jewish rebels against Rome. My spiritual interests were not focused too much on this location. One special note: There is a Scribe working in a small room making hand written copies of the Torah. I said "God Bless Your Work" and he stopped and ask my name and my wife's name. He then took a scrap of parchment and printed our names with a heart between them in Hebrew and slipped it through a slot in the glass. 

After Masada we took a break at a beach on the Dead Sea. Just a lot of black mud to me but the local people were rubbing this mud all over and they said it kept them young and beautiful. I just watched. 

Upon arriving back in Jerusalem we went straight to the southern wall steps where Pastor Hagee was to speak. There were several hundred people gathered and a television crew set up for a live feed back to America. We had church! Singing, worship, praying and preaching. The only thing missing.....no offering. Pastor spoke of the suffering of Jesus and how he has paid the price, the full price, for our salvation and our healing. I made a commitment to; share more, tell more and believe for more.  

Sabbatical: Day 5

We returned to the Mount of Olives and spent some time sharing testimonies of our christian experiences. This location affords us a view of most of the places that Jesus was in during his last hours before the crucifixion. There is some distances between the Garden, Temple, house of Caiaphas and Golgotha, up and down some steep slopes as you traverse the valleys that divide this landscape. Hard traveling when on foot. When we moved to the Garden of Gethsemane there was a sweet perfume in the air. I sang quietly "I come to the Garden with him" and just like the song he was walking right beside me with his arm on my shoulder. I was with a large group of pilgrims and totally alone with my Lord at the same time. Time stood still and I was in perfect worship, all my soul pouring out praise, adoration and love to my Jesus and my God. I can't tell you much about this place but the presence of the Lord was Divine. Our Guide nudged me and said it was time to go and I begged for a few more minutes, he understood, in the ten minutes extra he waited on me I ask God for a touch in my body. All this walking was taking a toll, God moved and I received strength and my pain disappeared.Walking out the gate our guide patted me on my arm and spoke a few words in Hebrew. I felt a warmth of love and fellowship with this man. He is Jewish through and through but we are brothers just the same. I ask him latter in the day what his words were in English.  "A Nazarite indeed" was his blessing to me.

We re-entered the old city through the Lion's Gate and made our way to Anne's Church. We sang and sang great worship songs as we lifted our voices in praise. Pastor Hagee preached a message about the anointing of the Holy Ghost and how God's servants were used. He invited any of us to come to the front and be anointed with oil, I almost ran. Sweet smelling anointing oil covered my forehead as God wrapped me in his arms. I was in his presence. Perfect peace, joy unspeakable, energy.......so I shouted......Holy....Holy...Holy and moved out into the bright sunshine...closer to God. 

Before we loaded on the bus to go to our next destination Nancy had a big scare. The restrooms were about half a block away and we took advantage before our long ride ahead. Some how the attendant at the ladies room locked the outer door with sister Nancy inside. The lock was on the outside of the door and no escape. Nancy began to yell and kick the door, I heard the kicking sound as it rang through the courtyard but was too far away to recognize her voice. I saw people running to the area and got worried that I could not see Nancy. Just as I headed in that direction the grounds keeper shot through the crowd and opened the door. Out popes my sweet, quite Nancy looking like a angry lion ready to strike. Many words were exchanged between the grounds keeper and the lady attendant......she had done this before and had a smug grin on her face. We chose to forgive.....but.....the excitement lasted for quite a while. 

We rode to an Israeli check point where day-laborers came over from Palestine. We were introduced to the man that was the chief architect of the security fence. This is a buffer zone created to give some measure of safety from the Radical Muslims that invade Israel. At this checkpoint the peaceful Muslims that desire to work in Israel are given a safe entrance. At places the fence is a wall, a tall wall, but most of the fence is ten foot chain link with razor wire on top. The wall is in the areas where rifle fire can reach Israeli homes. The conflict is calm for the most part here in Jerusalem but there is still need for caution. We learned that this very morning, while we were at Anne's Church a terrorist had been shot a few miles from where we were standing. (after he had stabbed two policemen) Our speaker wanted us to know that this wall was built to be easily removed and was not intended to be permanent. he felt that it removed temptation because of it's tallness. The homes in this area all have bullet proof windows facing Palestine. The hate that we hear about in America is being inflamed from several relatively small factions. The hope of peace is a common subject of discussion here in Israel and most people on both sides pray for peace. If America and Russia would shut off the cash flow to these terrorists the problem would move to a swifter conclusion. Our Architect shared with us that he personally has briefed both Obama and Clinton as to the situation. They both still side with the radical factions and have kept the purse open in every way possible. 

We returned to the hotel for yet another wonderful meal and much needed rest. Our days are slipping past in a rush, our hearts and heads are full to the overflowing....God is HERE!

Sabbatical: Day 4

This being the Sabbath we started the day in the hotel briefing room. Our speaker was a Palestinian Affairs Correspondent. He shared his roll in keeping a balance to the reporting of Palestinian news. He told us that most Palestinian people are not angry with Israel and want peace to prevail but that none of the leaders have the courage to publicly state these views. The radical factions are hated as much by the Palestinian people as they are by the rest of the world and there is fear of reprisal if the leaders were to speak out. The news I hear in America never speaks of the Palestinian/Israel relationship in a positive manner and I was surprised to learn that Israel is full of Palestinian people that will stay in Israel even if a two-state solution is reached. They are safe in Israel and enjoy that safety. 

All of our tour today will be on foot because our guide is observant of the Sabbath. (no cars, phones or electricity used) From our hotel we walked up the home of Caiaphas and I stood in the room where Jesus was held on the night of his arrest. This room was a ceremonial cleansing pool with two sets of steps, one to enter (unclean) and the other to exit after cleansing. When Jesus was put there it had about four feet of water in it and it would have been easy to guard. The roof has a hole about eighteen inches wide to fill the pool with rain water. This pool is the same pool used to cleans the High Priest before he went into the Holy of Hollies once a year. How fitting that our Saviour was put into this room before he (as our High Priest) went to the cross. The air was electric in that room as I could feel the glory of God filling every fiber of my being. I was on the mind of my Jesus as he faced the cross for me and in that room all I had on my mind was his love for me.

Out in the garden we sat where Peter sat as he denied knowing Jesus. Pastor Scott preached a sermon of forgiveness for Peter and for all of us to consider. Peter was told ahead of time that he would fail and fail he did but repentance brought him relief and victory. We should never plan to fail but when we do fail there is Forgiveness, Mercy and Grace through our loving Saviour.

Down the way we were at the pool of Bethesda and walked the Via Dolorosa through the Arab market and on to the upper room. Each step was marked with information as to the ministry of Jesus. Our guide went a little to fast in this area and we lagged behind. I was not up to his fast pace as by now we had covered over four miles. Not since boot camp had I carried a heavy pack on such a long journey (boot camp was forty five years ago). I thought of the pain of Jesus as he carried that heavy cross. I thought of the beating he received. I thought of the weight of sin he was facing for me and I could not complain. In the upper room we spoke of family, togetherness and the sharing of the first communion. Love was the theme and that is what I felt, Love, Love and more Love. Back out into the market area we shared lunch and did a little shopping. The Arab merchants treated us in a most friendly manner, even when we did not spend any money with them. These people were citizens of Israel and told us of their love for Israel and America. (not what I expected) I found one man that was a Dallas Cowboys Fan and he thought that maybe I played football for them because I was so big and I was from Texas. Lots of friendship, laughing and fun in this market.

As we began our turn back to the hotel we passed the south wall of the old city and sat on the steps of the Temple Mount. These were the very steps that Jesus walked as they took him into the city to complete his trial. I walked back and forth on these stones to be sure that my foot would land on a spot that Jesus had touched himself. I was exhausted from all this walking but an anointing rested upon me as I prayed (in tongues) and thanked my Lord for loving me and calling me into his family. I remember how lost I was and how sweet the relief when my sin was destroyed on an old fashion alter of mourning. Tears flowed like a rain from my eyes, tears of joy. I was there, me, standing on the Temple Steps as much in the presence of God as ever in my life.

By the time we were back to the hotel we had covered almost seven miles, walking, on a hot summer day, carrying  heavy pack and ready for a needed rest. We still had a banquet to attend with Pastor Hagee, so, up to our room to clean up and back down to another five course meal and some real private time with this wonderful man and his wife. They opened up to us, answered all our questions, and shared their vision for American/Israeli relationships. My first Sabbath in Israel.....a perfect day!