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!

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.

3-2-2017 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.

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!  

Sabbatical: Day 3/Western Wall

As we neared the wall there was singing. Many Jewish young people walking arm in arm and singing with enthusiasm and joy as they go to the western wall and celebrate their love of God and Israel. The scene I beheld made my heart leap. Men on the north side of a partition and women on the south. Some praying at the wall while others were singing and dancing with ecstatic joy and laughing. This made our Pentecostal meetings look like a wake. Joy at a level I have never seen in a public place. God's people praising him for life, love, home and country. These People were Jews from all over the world but their faith in God was all that was important. Oh if we Christians were as thankful as these people are.  

Our next stop was for Sabbath dinner. We were invited into a Jewish home to participate in a traditional Jewish Shabbat Dinner.
This young couple moved all the furniture out of the living room and set up tables for all thirty four of us. They had spent the whole day cooking and preparing so we could be part of their normal Sabbath meal. This home is about the size of my own and it was very close quarters but as soon as we began the closeness became symbolic of our relationships with each other and with God. Seven courses of delight and with each course a blessing, a song, a story and love, love, love. As our host began he thanked God for the past week, protection and provision and God's presence each day. Then he proclaimed a blessing on our food, his family and each of his guests. He sang most of the rest of his worship. He sang a song of love and devotion to his wife, to each of his children and to his extended relatives and to us. In Hebrew he sang and in English he told us what he had said. My tears flowed as I experienced this love and gratitude flowing as praise to God. I told Nancy how beautiful she is and how I love her., she was crying too.
Every part of the meal is centered around God, Family and Faith, in that order. Our host has a talent; he can mimic other peoples voices. He ask each of us to tell a little about ourselves, where we live, years married, children. As we took turn he would mimic some of us so well that we spent hours just laughing and enjoying his gift. He did not try to mimic me and I wondered why so after the meal as we were cleaning up I ask him why. He said; "Texas, your voice is too big for me" so we laughed some more. This togetherness of the Jewish family every Sabbath is the reason that this country and these people are so strong. They are glued together at the family level, the national level and at the spiritual level. There is no separation of church and state because they are one people. God please help America find it's way back to you so we too can be one as a people too. His closing blessing was for the new week to be better than the last and for his new american friends to be useful in God's Vineyard as we select a new president. We all said AMEN! 

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. 

Worth The Effort?

Another year is in the books and I am thinking; was it worth the effort? Some might make a list and compare the good and bad events of the year to calculate a value. Most of us do a good job of remembering the bad and forgetting the good so our list may be lopsided. Most of us don't journal each day and if we do we don't have the time to read the thing later so we rely on memories. This can be tricky but....I have seen the birth of a second GREAT grandchild (girl), GREAT GRANDSON saying "Pa-Pa" for the first time, oldest GRANDSON graduating from college,  oldest GRANDDAUGHTER and HUSBAND buying their first home, baby DAUGHTER beginning her doctoral thesis, losing another 60 pounds, exiting the rental business with the sale of our last rent house, reverse mortgage on home-place, my first new pick-up truck, paying off all credit cards, finishing a re-model of the guest house, replacing fence on one side of yard, planting rose hedge on south fence, automatic watering system in front flower-beds, commercial gas stove w/vent-a-hood and sink in church kitchen, well house replacement at church, off-site sign for church on HWY 377, light in cross behind pulpit, Nancy playing the harmonica for worship service, buying a new RV (to pull with new truck), signing up for medicare, preaching over 100 times, actually finishing a "bible study" in the same year I started it ( study subject: The Will of God), 46th wedding anniversary, parents celebrating 65th wedding anniversary.
2015 was a busy year......and well worth the effort!

12-31-2015          Luke 24:50-53

S.          50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

O.         Jesus ascends into Heaven and the disciples go to Jerusalem.

A.         Joy should be my everyday practice, my lifestyle. I will worship God today……in Spirit and Truth!

P.         Father; I worship, praise and adore you. Thank you God, for loving me and sending your                     son to redeem me from sin. Amen. 

Filled with satan or filled with God?

I see many articles stating that God has not fixed the problems between the different religions. Why do people think like this? God has provided the answer to this problem and the solution two thousand years ago.....in a manger, at the grave of Lazarus and between two thieves on a cross. The primary message of Jesus was a message of love. Active, alive, all embracing love is what we need. These terror attacks are the work of satan, not directly but through poor, deceived sin filled people. God gave man the power of "free will". This one attribute make man "like God" more than any other attribute. It is the misuse of this will that kills, steals and destroys and that attribute belongs to satan. The bottom line.....Love and be like God........Kill and be like satan. CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE!

12-4-2015      Luke 22:7-13

S.       7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat. 9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he enters in.11 And ye shall say unto the good man of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples?12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover.

O.      Finding a place for the Passover.

A.      Jesus gave very specific instructions for the disciples to follow, they did as instructed and the last Passover is shared by all. God gave me specific instructions in his Bible. If I follow, I will be blessed. If not, I will be cursed. All this is my decision and the results are up to me.

    P.       Father; I choose to follow you with all my heart, mind and         soul. Fill me with courage, endurance and the wisdom so I               won’t stray. Amen.