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 3

This is the day I was most excited about; being Baptized in the Jordan River. The sun was bright and the air had a hint of fragrance from the bogonvia. I was so excited that I forgot my water shoes and walked down the rocky path in my bare feet, yes it was painful but I thought of all the pain my Saviour went through for me. My sweet wife and I were baptized by Pastors John and Matthew Hagee, one on each side, her first and then  me. So much joy as I came up speaking in my Heavenly Prayer Language and knowing that I was making a statement to all around; I have been buried and resurrected into new life by Christ Jesus in the same river he was baptized in. WOW!

On to Caesarea; here we learned of all the hardship the Jewish people encountered when returning to Israel and a reminder of what they went through in Germany. This was the Roman capitol of Judea. Conflict and death flowed out of this place to many Jewish people. The reconstruction is an on-going process but gives me clear understanding of how the people lived. Homes were quite small for the common citizen. Most rooms were about twelve by twelve feet with one family to a room. I live in a palace by these standards. 

Today is our first time into Jerusalem. We enter with a prayer of blessing upon the city and all that enter there. The feeling I experienced was as if the Lord had put his arm around my shoulder and was personally walking at my side. We walked several blocks through the Arab market full of busy people preparing for the Sabbath, merchants calling out to us of their special prices for Americans, many welcoming hand shakes and friendly "Shalom", then into the home of a Rabbi Daniel Sperber in the heart of the old city. His wife gave us fruit and juice to refresh us as we waited for time to light the Sabbath candles. We were invited to roam the house, terrace garden, library and even to go out on the roof for a view of the western wall. I felt as welcome in this home as if I were a member of the family. We gathered in the parlor as the candles were lit and prayed for peaceful Sabbath. As I lit my candle, my one small light, I understood..."let your light so shine".  I can make a difference in this dark world of hate and pain, war and separation.....just by shining my light, my one small light. 

I will finish day three tomorrow....I must go for now....about my Father's business.   

Sabbatical Day2

I am standing at a northern point on the Golan Heights looking into Lebanon to the north and Syria to the east. I can't make anything out in Lebanon it's just too far and the clouds and mist are somewhat heavy in that direction. There is a UN observation post just twenty feet away maned with two soldiers keeping a close watch on the Damascus road down below. Suddenly I hear the sound of cannon fire far off in the distance. The civil war is raging a few miles away, people dying, homes destroyed and no hope for peace. Down to the south east there is a bombed out building that had been the Syrian command post just a few month ago. (later in the day I was in this very building) Israel maintains a buffer zone in this area to prevent attacks by terrorists. Mingled among the tourists are Israeli solders carrying M-16 to keep us safe. These young solders are so friendly and often speak to us and thank us for coming to their country. Men and women serve in the army here. Men for three years and women for two right out of high school and before college. I was told that the officer in charge that day was only twenty years old.

Off to the North East is Mt. Hermon where the Jordan River begins. All around us is desert but the rain in the mountains keeps the river flowing into the Sea of Galilee. The agriculture around the area is amazing. They grow abundant crops. The land of "Milk and Honey" it truly is. 

We visit a tank battalion just down the mountain where we interact with the commander (a twenty four year old) and his public relations director (a nineteen year old lady) these two both speak English and they answer dozens of questions from our group. They are able to deploy their tanks with lightning speed any where in Israel and are called the "Lightning Brigade". We all had our pictures made with them and we gave them Dallas Cowboy shirts and Texas Ranger ball caps. I sensed the greatness of these people in these two. They are full of joy, compassion and a love for their nation. I am just a little jealous as I would love to see this in american young people. Back on the bus and down to Beit Shean to hear a message from Pastor Matthew Hagee. 

The message is delivered in a Roman Colosseum. The prodigal son was his topic as this town was the type of place that the boy would have visited to spend his money. I was reminded of the glimmer and shine that seems to be so beautiful and soon turns to rust and ruin when sin lures us into it's trap. I am renewed in my resolve to "remain" in my fathers loving home and never stray. After the sermon we enjoyed a feast "under the stars", a seven course delight. lights were lit in the old city and we walked through the streets just as people might have done hundreds of years ago. I am just here on this earth for a short time. As I walk along I am aware that these people lived and died just as I. I wondered; Did they think about God as I do? Did they wonder; what is it all about? People are the same. 

Personility

I am told that my personality is pre-wired into my brain. If this is true then why have their been so many changes in my personality? I think that your personality changes because of maturity and education. As I mature in the Lord and learn about him I am changing into the person I want to be. One that pleases the Lord, and me. Not a scholar here.....just one that believes the Bible.......Behold, ALL things become new!

8-24-2015      Luke 9:46-48

S.       46 Then there arose reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

O.      The least shall be the great.

A.      A child is used as an example so I must serve God with the heart, trust and faith of a child. I do not desire to be known for greatness but I do desire to be a faithful, trusting man of God.

    P.       Father; may others see you instead of me. Guide me into the center of your plan for my life.              Amen.