Sabbatical: Day 1

In a small boat with thirty four Pilgrims we sailed the Sea of Galilee. This sea is really just a big lake filled by the Jordan River. It is clean and beautiful and supplies most of the water to Israel. The sound of christian worship music (the same songs we sing at church) filled my ears as tears filled my eyes. I am in Israel, the land of Jesus, singing worship songs and almost overfilled with joy. Then our guide has the boat brought to a complete stop. He points to landmarks in many directions and shares the miracles that happened at each point. Then he points to the water on the south side of our boat and says: and this is where Jesus and Peter walked on the water. The scripture was read and the place became electric with the presence of God. Our guide pointed to the place where Jesus told his disciple to depart from, then to the place where they landed after he calmed the storm and we were in the middle of that path. I so wanted to jump over the side and walk on that water. Oh that my faith were stronger. 

The first stop was at the Mount of Beatitudes where we walked on the hillside and shared many of the blessings spoken by Jesus. This garden is filled with flowers, trees, birds and even green grass. The breeze coming in off the lake cooled the desert heat and the sound of a single voice flowed up the slope with perfect clarity. My strong voice rang like a church bell. Here is where Jesus taught us of his love, devotion to God and how we should view each other. As I looked around I saw people of every color, nationalities and faiths gathered on a hillside praising God and loving each other. I saw a picture of Heaven.

Next we went to Capernaum to an ancient Synagogue and the house of Peter. The restoration project here was in full swing. The stones are placed back into their position with great care. I was amazed at the thought of how the original workmen carved such intricate images with just a hammer and chisel of brass. How did they move these heavy stones? As I sat there I thought of home and my church, my place of worship and I sensed the same comfort, joy and presence of God. I sang out: "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God" and I felt the hand of God upon my head. God was there.

Did Jesus feed thousands with such a small amount of bread and fish? The Bible says he did, so, I believe he did. At the traditional site of this miracle (a place called Tabgha) our guide gave us a vivid word picture of the event. Each aspect of the Biblical account seemed to match this location. Then He shared how God was doing this type of miracle each day in the nation of Israel. The desert grows food, supports livestock....so much comes out of so little. Little is much when God is involved.  

Father-hood

The last three days have been filled with family. A wedding on Saturday, a baby dedication on Sunday and my baby girl's birthday party on Labor day. Someone said to me, "these are all your fault" as we were leaving the restaurant. I am proud to be the Father, grandfather and great grandfather to my children. This started me to thinking of all the children in this world that are without a father, children whose fathers were killed in battle, children that lost their father to terrorism, divorce or even worse those that were never introduced to their father at all. I would not want to face life without my father. I wish more people would accept my father into their lives.

9-8-2015         Luke 11:11-13

S.       11 if a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?  Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

O.      Examples of asking and what to expect.

A.      I am invited to ask God for my needs……so I will ask!

     P.       Father; I am asking for more of you in my life, more of your love, more of your Grace and                more of your Spirit. Amen.