"See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity; in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the Lord your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it... So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days" (Deuteronomy 30:15-16, 19-20)
Moses gave them a choice to make and even went as far as to tell them what to choose. Since the beginning of time, life has been about choice and consequences. In the garden of Eden, much was good and pleasurable. There was only one tree of which Adam and Eve were not to eat the fruit. They had a choice to make: God’s way or the way of evil. God even told them what to choose (Genesis 2:16), yet they still chose poorly. There are still choices that Christians need to make as well. We are free to choose a life of obedience with all the rewards that go along with it or a life of rebellion and the consequences that will follow. This freedom to choose is given to all of humanity.
Six thousand years ago, Adam and Eve chose to eat the fruit; two thousand years ago, the people chose Barabbas (Matthew 27:21). Life and freedom have always laid in the balance of choice.
God chose all Christians to be priest, a chosen race for His own possession (1 Peter 2:9). The call to priestly duty is not just a blessing; it requires responsibility. For the Christian, being grafted in has purpose greater than the mere enjoyment of blessings; there is a ministry to perform and life to choose.
Just do it now; choose wisely; choose today: whom shall you serve?
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Sixteen Sojourning Servants
Our last day of touring in Israel always brings a mournful emotion. The same one I have when my kids are leaving after being home for a holiday and I wonder if the Lord will let us be together again, this side of heaven.
Today was an emotional day as we retraced Jesus last day on this earth. It started with prayer at The Garden of Gethsemane! How amazing it is to pray in the same place that our Lord prayed. We went to an Upper room similar to one that Jesus would have had the Last Supper in and visited the tomb of King David. We walked to the house of Caiaphas. The ruins underneath the house are thought to be authentic from Jesus day. There is a pit that is believed to be the place where Jesus would have spent the last night of His life. There were rooms where Barabbas and the other two thieves would have been kept. We also heard the roosters crow outside the house as we stood in the same place where Peter denied Christ three times. A convicting experience.
From there we went to the place called Golgotha, or the place of the skull. Here stands a rock maybe 75' high that is surprising shaped like a skull. It sits right outside the city gates and is believed to be the place of the crucifixion. It is very close to a garden that scholars believe was owned by Joseph of Arimathaea. He was the rich man who came to take Jesus body. There is a tomb in this garden, and, it is empty.
Of course, it's empty, for HE IS RISEN!
While we don't know for sure that this is the Tomb in which Jesus was laid, we know it was a place very near to this one, and very much like this one. And I believe it's a good thing that we don't know for sure, as we would certainly start worshiping the place, instead of the Giver of all.
Today we had lunch down on Ben Yehuda street and had some fabulous ice cream and crepes. Dinner was at a restaurant called Pashas. They have the best lambs chops in Israel! A few awards were given for suburb performance throughout the week. Ryan won the award for the most psychology questions answered. Way to go Ryan!! Marilyn won the Energizer Bunny award! When everyone was exhausted, she stayed up a few hours later. (You did a great job leading the way). And only because Doug Sjoberg wasn't with us this trip, I won the most photos taken award!
I'm looking forward to our reunion dinner in a few weeks and the debut of the DVD I'll put together with 12,723 photo options!!!
We had a great group for this tour. The 16 sojourners from Maple Plain bonded with each other and 24 people from all over the Midwest. Everyone had their highlight of the trip. Some felt the Sea of Galilee was their favorite. Others felt the Lord speak truth to their souls through the young children that came to the birthplace of Jesus with the cutest little lamb. Still others were moved by what God still has left to do through Megiddo.
The most significant place for me this year was on the southern stairs of the old Temple. We climbed while reading the Psalms of Ascent. The steps here were created uneven as to cause the Israelite to think before each step was taken so they might not haphazardly approach the place of worship. The uneven steps would demand the Israelite approach the Temple with deliberate action and reverence of our Almighty God. I think today, at times, we can be so comfortable with our faith, thriving in the knowledge that God calls us "fiend" that we can forget that He is the almighty, all powerful, God of all and we approach the throne of Grace in a careless manner. Then, when I consider that the believer in Jesus Christ, IS, in fact, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, I am compelled to ask myself if I approach the Temple, my fellow believers, with the respect and reverence these Southern Stairs suggest adequate. This year, the Southern Stairs call me to put on the full Armor of God, run the race and sing the song that only I can with greater reverence and respect.
Heading home to the US always provokes a tear for me, but I know I will back in Jerusalem one day! If not the Old City, then the New Jerusalem! Hallelujah!
Today was an emotional day as we retraced Jesus last day on this earth. It started with prayer at The Garden of Gethsemane! How amazing it is to pray in the same place that our Lord prayed. We went to an Upper room similar to one that Jesus would have had the Last Supper in and visited the tomb of King David. We walked to the house of Caiaphas. The ruins underneath the house are thought to be authentic from Jesus day. There is a pit that is believed to be the place where Jesus would have spent the last night of His life. There were rooms where Barabbas and the other two thieves would have been kept. We also heard the roosters crow outside the house as we stood in the same place where Peter denied Christ three times. A convicting experience.
From there we went to the place called Golgotha, or the place of the skull. Here stands a rock maybe 75' high that is surprising shaped like a skull. It sits right outside the city gates and is believed to be the place of the crucifixion. It is very close to a garden that scholars believe was owned by Joseph of Arimathaea. He was the rich man who came to take Jesus body. There is a tomb in this garden, and, it is empty.
Of course, it's empty, for HE IS RISEN!
While we don't know for sure that this is the Tomb in which Jesus was laid, we know it was a place very near to this one, and very much like this one. And I believe it's a good thing that we don't know for sure, as we would certainly start worshiping the place, instead of the Giver of all.
Today we had lunch down on Ben Yehuda street and had some fabulous ice cream and crepes. Dinner was at a restaurant called Pashas. They have the best lambs chops in Israel! A few awards were given for suburb performance throughout the week. Ryan won the award for the most psychology questions answered. Way to go Ryan!! Marilyn won the Energizer Bunny award! When everyone was exhausted, she stayed up a few hours later. (You did a great job leading the way). And only because Doug Sjoberg wasn't with us this trip, I won the most photos taken award!
I'm looking forward to our reunion dinner in a few weeks and the debut of the DVD I'll put together with 12,723 photo options!!!
We had a great group for this tour. The 16 sojourners from Maple Plain bonded with each other and 24 people from all over the Midwest. Everyone had their highlight of the trip. Some felt the Sea of Galilee was their favorite. Others felt the Lord speak truth to their souls through the young children that came to the birthplace of Jesus with the cutest little lamb. Still others were moved by what God still has left to do through Megiddo.
The most significant place for me this year was on the southern stairs of the old Temple. We climbed while reading the Psalms of Ascent. The steps here were created uneven as to cause the Israelite to think before each step was taken so they might not haphazardly approach the place of worship. The uneven steps would demand the Israelite approach the Temple with deliberate action and reverence of our Almighty God. I think today, at times, we can be so comfortable with our faith, thriving in the knowledge that God calls us "fiend" that we can forget that He is the almighty, all powerful, God of all and we approach the throne of Grace in a careless manner. Then, when I consider that the believer in Jesus Christ, IS, in fact, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, I am compelled to ask myself if I approach the Temple, my fellow believers, with the respect and reverence these Southern Stairs suggest adequate. This year, the Southern Stairs call me to put on the full Armor of God, run the race and sing the song that only I can with greater reverence and respect.
Heading home to the US always provokes a tear for me, but I know I will back in Jerusalem one day! If not the Old City, then the New Jerusalem! Hallelujah!
Monday, March 14, 2016
Sixteen Sojourning Servants
Thursday was our Free day. We walked several miles into the Old City to shop. I will say, we successfully contributed to the economy of Israel!
We also went on a tour of the older City of David. This part of the old city is currently being excavated. It is 10x the size it was 5 years ago. We even went down into the old sewer. In places it was very narrow and reminded me of Petra. We also climbed the Southern Stairs as we recited the Psalms of Assent. We had lunch in the Old City and I tried my first Shwarma. Lamb meat and all the salad fixins in a pita pocket. Yum! I will have to do that again!
We walked home past the King David hotel and the Jerusalem YMCA.
It was a great day in the old city!!!
We also went on a tour of the older City of David. This part of the old city is currently being excavated. It is 10x the size it was 5 years ago. We even went down into the old sewer. In places it was very narrow and reminded me of Petra. We also climbed the Southern Stairs as we recited the Psalms of Assent. We had lunch in the Old City and I tried my first Shwarma. Lamb meat and all the salad fixins in a pita pocket. Yum! I will have to do that again!
We walked home past the King David hotel and the Jerusalem YMCA.
It was a great day in the old city!!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Sixteen Salty Soar Sojourning Servants
Today we are sixteen salty soar sojourning servants!
We started our day at En Gedi. Much history can be found here. Thirteen of our group climbed to the top of En Gedi and what a beautiful site. We saw the ibex and the Cooney on the mountain.
It was just a short distance south along the west coast of the Dead Sea we arrived at Masada. This is the mountain where "The Last Revolt" took place. Three from our group walked the snake path to the top of Masada. I guess some people just need to climb.
After all that climbing, we needed relaxation! We did just that at the Hod Dead Sea Spa and Resort. Some went swimming, some sat in the Hot Tubs, some just relaxed in the lawn chairs. The weather couldn't be better!
We started our day at En Gedi. Much history can be found here. Thirteen of our group climbed to the top of En Gedi and what a beautiful site. We saw the ibex and the Cooney on the mountain.
It was just a short distance south along the west coast of the Dead Sea we arrived at Masada. This is the mountain where "The Last Revolt" took place. Three from our group walked the snake path to the top of Masada. I guess some people just need to climb.
After all that climbing, we needed relaxation! We did just that at the Hod Dead Sea Spa and Resort. Some went swimming, some sat in the Hot Tubs, some just relaxed in the lawn chairs. The weather couldn't be better!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Sixteen Sojourning Servants
Today we are sixteen, sweaty, smelly sojourners in need of serious
water!
I would say "information overload" would sum up
the day!
Our day started with a tour of the Temple Mount in the Old
City of Jerusalem. After a short wait on the Plaza of the Western Wall, we
toured through the Rabbinical Tunnel. These tunnels run underneath the Old City
and date back to Jesus day. We can touch portions of the wall built by Solomon.
Since our last visit in 2011, much has changed as they continue to excavate and
uncover more history every day.
We came out of the tunnels on the other side of the city, so
we stopped in at Saint Anne Church to listen to Stephanie sing for us. The
acoustics are the best! We walk around the Pool of Bethesda. This is where the
man laid for 38 years trying to get into the healing water until Jesus came to
heal him. (John 5:2)
Our brains were filled with so much history before lunch; we
decided to take a little information break and go shopping!! After a 30 minute
delay at The Lion's Gate, we headed over to a Christian Olive wood store a few
blocks away. The owner of the store bought
us pizza for lunch, so we drove up to the Mount of Olives to eat and have a
quick camel ride.
We then drove down to Bethlehem Ephratah to a Shepherds
field. New evidence shows this as the most likely place of Jesus birth. While
we were here, we could a baby cry from a home nearby. A few children followed us
with their donkey and a baby lamb.
We then had a crash course in Israeli archeology from
prehistory to Jesus at the Jerusalem museum. Here we saw a scale model of old
Jerusalem in the 2nd temple period. It was gigantic, and the detail was
impressive. We then went through the Shrine of the book where portions of the
Dead Sea scroll are kept.
One thing that stood out in our touring today was how many
religions (some Christian included), are
tied to a certain place or time of day, or day of the week. Many worship on these days or at certain events
or holiday’s only, and the rest of the week, the rest of their lives, hey never
give it thought.
Yet, we know that, we are now the Temple of Holy Spirit. God
lives in those who choose to believe that Jesus is the Christ who came to take
away the sin of the world. Our worship should be continual. We need to keeping
asking ourselves "How’s my behavior? Am I on auto pilot just going through
the motions, or do I worship God in everything I do?" This is why it's
important to continue to study the Word of God, to show yourself approved,
rightly interpreting the scripture, and when the scripture doesn't seem to
agree or make sense, just keep digging because the answers are always there!
Monday, March 7, 2016
Sixteen Sojourning Servants
We have done so much in three days! On one hand, it seems like we have been here a month. On the other hand, we are just getting started. We had our last meal this morning in Tiberias overlooking the Sea of Galilee. We were blessed with a very rare view of the snow-capped Mount Hermon from our breakfast table. A spectacular site that even had the tour guide run back to take a second look.
We sort of went backward in history today as we began our tour at a 10th-century Christian Crusaders fortress called Belvoir. The history behind Belvoir, well let's say, it was a very sad time in Christian history. From on top of this 1,600-foot mountain, we had another beautiful view of Mount Hermon some 60 miles to the north as well as the Jordan River Valley to the south.
We then drove down to Beit She'an. Beit She'an is a huge city at the junction of the Jordan River Valley and the Jezreel Valley. The site has everything from a temple built for the Greek god Zeus to a theatron, a bath house, stables, shops and even a public latrine. An earthquake destroyed the city in 749 but still we see beautiful mosaic tiles that covered the streets and pillars larger than any I have seen.
We proceeded down the cost to Qumran. In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in several caves at Qumran. A group of Essenes (AKA the Dead Sea sect) lived here around the 8th century BC until the destruction of the Temple in 586 BC.
We then traveled through the West Bank down to the place in the Jordan River where it is thought that Jesus was baptized, and then over to Jericho before we headed to the Holy City.
Our last stop was up to Mount Scopus for an excellent view of the old city of Jerusalem. The moment we've all been waiting for, and it was utterly breathtaking!
Today we saw God's faithfulness at every site. In the destruction at Belvoir, we could see how God was faithful to once again protect Israel from an unjust war. Bet She'an, as strong as it was, they served other gods and in less than a minute, God removed the idolatry with an earthquake. At Qumran, we can see how God chose to provide proof of His faithfulness by leading a shepherd to the Dead Sea scrolls. The baptism place of Jesus reminds that God has not only told us what to do, but He also sent Jesus to teach us. We realized that this was no easy walk-in-the-park either. It's hot here by the dead sea. The terrain here is rugged, dry, barren and oppressive. But nonetheless, Jesus showed us the way.
At almost every site, we are blessed to hear a young woman, Stephanie, sing for us, but not just to us, to those who are nearby as well. Great is the faithfulness of God when we sing His praise in the presence of others!
Today is Russ' birthday, and we sang to him from Mount Scopus. What a memory he will have!
We sort of went backward in history today as we began our tour at a 10th-century Christian Crusaders fortress called Belvoir. The history behind Belvoir, well let's say, it was a very sad time in Christian history. From on top of this 1,600-foot mountain, we had another beautiful view of Mount Hermon some 60 miles to the north as well as the Jordan River Valley to the south.
We then drove down to Beit She'an. Beit She'an is a huge city at the junction of the Jordan River Valley and the Jezreel Valley. The site has everything from a temple built for the Greek god Zeus to a theatron, a bath house, stables, shops and even a public latrine. An earthquake destroyed the city in 749 but still we see beautiful mosaic tiles that covered the streets and pillars larger than any I have seen.
We proceeded down the cost to Qumran. In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in several caves at Qumran. A group of Essenes (AKA the Dead Sea sect) lived here around the 8th century BC until the destruction of the Temple in 586 BC.
We then traveled through the West Bank down to the place in the Jordan River where it is thought that Jesus was baptized, and then over to Jericho before we headed to the Holy City.
Our last stop was up to Mount Scopus for an excellent view of the old city of Jerusalem. The moment we've all been waiting for, and it was utterly breathtaking!
Today we saw God's faithfulness at every site. In the destruction at Belvoir, we could see how God was faithful to once again protect Israel from an unjust war. Bet She'an, as strong as it was, they served other gods and in less than a minute, God removed the idolatry with an earthquake. At Qumran, we can see how God chose to provide proof of His faithfulness by leading a shepherd to the Dead Sea scrolls. The baptism place of Jesus reminds that God has not only told us what to do, but He also sent Jesus to teach us. We realized that this was no easy walk-in-the-park either. It's hot here by the dead sea. The terrain here is rugged, dry, barren and oppressive. But nonetheless, Jesus showed us the way.
At almost every site, we are blessed to hear a young woman, Stephanie, sing for us, but not just to us, to those who are nearby as well. Great is the faithfulness of God when we sing His praise in the presence of others!
Today is Russ' birthday, and we sang to him from Mount Scopus. What a memory he will have!
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Sixteen Sojourning Servants
We are sixteen sojourning servants worshipping our way through the Galilee and Samaria.
This morning began with an awesome worship service in Nazareth at a site that overlooked the Jezreel Valley. This high place is known to be where Jesus own neighbors; family, (friends?) took him to throw him off the cliff. We can see so much from here, Mount Carmel, the heights of Manasseh, Mount Gilboah, the Spring of Gideon, the Gilead Mountains, the village of Deborah... yet those closest to Jesus could not see who He was. As we sat on this hillside, Pastor talked about Jesus childhood and the trouble he must have had growing up here in Nazareth, and right on queue, almost as if it was planned, four small children came running down a path, chasing each other through our group shouting Shalom. This experience reminds us that we will have trouble, we will always be pursued by what seems to be an unlikely enemy at times, yet we are told to forgive as Jesus forgives us. We are reminded, because at times, keeping our focus on the what matters is so hard to do.
This truth is apparent in the next Tel we went to, Megiddo. 25 different civilization have lived here and have been destroyed. People lived here who lost focus and worshiped other gods. There is an alter here where Baal worship and child sacrifices took place. Megiddo is where the final battle of life will be fought, and the blood will rise as high as the horses bridle and doom will come to those who worship the beast. (Rev 14)
We then went on to Mount Carmel. In 1 Kings 18 we read the story about Elijah calling on the power of the Lord. Elijah stood on the promises of God even when he stood opposed by 450 men. He challenged the enemy to see who's god was sovereign. Elijah worshiped here, and God was faithful to show His power.
We continued east to the Mediterranean Sea to the old city of Caesarea. An impressive place that was one of the most important cities in the Roman world. The city was complete with a theater, amphitheater, hippodrome, palace, and aqueducts. Paul worshiped here as he reveals his willingness to die to proclaim the good news of Jesus.
We finished our day in worship at the Jordan River where 9 of our group were baptized and rededicated their lives to Christ!
We've had a great stay in Tiberias. We check out tomorrow morning and head for Jerusalem!
This morning began with an awesome worship service in Nazareth at a site that overlooked the Jezreel Valley. This high place is known to be where Jesus own neighbors; family, (friends?) took him to throw him off the cliff. We can see so much from here, Mount Carmel, the heights of Manasseh, Mount Gilboah, the Spring of Gideon, the Gilead Mountains, the village of Deborah... yet those closest to Jesus could not see who He was. As we sat on this hillside, Pastor talked about Jesus childhood and the trouble he must have had growing up here in Nazareth, and right on queue, almost as if it was planned, four small children came running down a path, chasing each other through our group shouting Shalom. This experience reminds us that we will have trouble, we will always be pursued by what seems to be an unlikely enemy at times, yet we are told to forgive as Jesus forgives us. We are reminded, because at times, keeping our focus on the what matters is so hard to do.
This truth is apparent in the next Tel we went to, Megiddo. 25 different civilization have lived here and have been destroyed. People lived here who lost focus and worshiped other gods. There is an alter here where Baal worship and child sacrifices took place. Megiddo is where the final battle of life will be fought, and the blood will rise as high as the horses bridle and doom will come to those who worship the beast. (Rev 14)
We then went on to Mount Carmel. In 1 Kings 18 we read the story about Elijah calling on the power of the Lord. Elijah stood on the promises of God even when he stood opposed by 450 men. He challenged the enemy to see who's god was sovereign. Elijah worshiped here, and God was faithful to show His power.
We continued east to the Mediterranean Sea to the old city of Caesarea. An impressive place that was one of the most important cities in the Roman world. The city was complete with a theater, amphitheater, hippodrome, palace, and aqueducts. Paul worshiped here as he reveals his willingness to die to proclaim the good news of Jesus.
We finished our day in worship at the Jordan River where 9 of our group were baptized and rededicated their lives to Christ!
We've had a great stay in Tiberias. We check out tomorrow morning and head for Jerusalem!
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Sixteen Sojourning Servants
Today we were sixteen sojourning servants who had a surreal day. It's always hard to believe we are actually here, walking in the footsteps of Jesus!
Our first day of touring the Holy Land was a busy day. It started on a boat as we sailed across the Sea of Galilee. We spent time at the Old Boat Museum where we saw a boat similar to one Jesus' disciples would have used for fishing.
We then went to the northern tip of Israel to the ancient city of Dan. Here we walked the ruins of the temple built by Jeroboam after Israel and Judah split. The temple was built around 1000 BC to discourage the people of Israel from going to worship in Jerusalem. A "Golden Calf" of sorts, that was eventually destroyed. It was a tough climb but worth every step. Another short walk from Tel Dan and we saw a mud gate that dates back before Abraham. Wow!
From there we went to Caesarea Philippi, also known as Banis. This place is where the people of Jesus day went to worship the god Pan, and many other gods. Jesus came here and reminded the people that He is the "rock" that the church would be built on.
As we headed back to Tiberias through the Golan Heights, Israel showed a personal face as we stood just a few thousand feet from Syria looking at the UN buildings. We heard of the fear the Jews experience daily as their enemy sits in plain site just across a small valley.
We finished our day with a visit to the olive oil store for a little shopping.
Today reminded us of our "true" enemy. The one sitting, waiting, and crouched at the door, ready to destroy. The places we went today reminded us that God wants our full attention, our companionship. We are not to worship any Golden Calfs of the North but rather are to stand firm dressed in the full armor of God!
Our first day of touring the Holy Land was a busy day. It started on a boat as we sailed across the Sea of Galilee. We spent time at the Old Boat Museum where we saw a boat similar to one Jesus' disciples would have used for fishing.
We then went to the northern tip of Israel to the ancient city of Dan. Here we walked the ruins of the temple built by Jeroboam after Israel and Judah split. The temple was built around 1000 BC to discourage the people of Israel from going to worship in Jerusalem. A "Golden Calf" of sorts, that was eventually destroyed. It was a tough climb but worth every step. Another short walk from Tel Dan and we saw a mud gate that dates back before Abraham. Wow!
From there we went to Caesarea Philippi, also known as Banis. This place is where the people of Jesus day went to worship the god Pan, and many other gods. Jesus came here and reminded the people that He is the "rock" that the church would be built on.
As we headed back to Tiberias through the Golan Heights, Israel showed a personal face as we stood just a few thousand feet from Syria looking at the UN buildings. We heard of the fear the Jews experience daily as their enemy sits in plain site just across a small valley.
We finished our day with a visit to the olive oil store for a little shopping.
Today reminded us of our "true" enemy. The one sitting, waiting, and crouched at the door, ready to destroy. The places we went today reminded us that God wants our full attention, our companionship. We are not to worship any Golden Calfs of the North but rather are to stand firm dressed in the full armor of God!
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Sixteen Sojourning Servants
Sixteen Sojourning Servants about to embark on the journey of a lifetime! In 24 hours, we will be on our way, walking in the footsteps of Jesus!