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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

A Different Kind of Christmas
I certainly didn’t think I needed a reminder of what Christmas is all about. It is, after all, my favorite time of year. My home comes to life with tinsel and Nativity scenes. Cookies, pies, and of course, home-made Lefsa is all part of my busy schedule centered around the birth of the one who found me worthy to Save. It's also my favorite time of the year to be downtown at work every day. Festive decorations and music fill the skyways and the Crystal Court as the secular world oozes with Christianity.  Nothing can get me discouraged this time of year!
Then it happened, my husband and I both elected to have surgery before the end of the year that we might be in great shape for our vacation tour through Israel in March.
We now find ourselves having a different kind of Christmas. The big day is only two weeks away! Roger, now 12 weeks post-foot-surgery, is still on crutches and I'm still using a cane. Honestly, it's quite comical as we look like a couple escape inmates from the local nursing home!
We are finding new ways of throwing things to each other, only because it’s more efficient than manipulating the new body parts and sticks across the room. I haven’t done any baking, or cooking this year because standing around for hours on the new knee just isn’t working for me yet. We have no decorations put up because, really, which one of us is going to get the tubs out of the storage pit? And who will climb the step latter to hang the garland over the windows? Not to mention that everything is already cluttered and in need of a good cleaning, I just can’t see adding to it at this point. I’m also missing out on the downtown glitter as I work a little from my recliner at home. I always thought that would be a great concept. Up until yesterday, that is. Yesterday I found myself grumbling about the convenience of Amazon wish list shopping and wishing I had not “blown my holiday” on surgery as if this season was all about me and my festivities. You could say – I was getting discouraged.
But today is a new day. I think my husband and I are being challenged this year to look past ourselves and every secular aspect of what Christmas could ever be, to focus on the “real healing” of Christs birth. Christmas is so much more than celebrating the birth of our Messiah. It is also celebrating what Jesus has done for us, as well as what He has left to do. When I keep that in focus, I feel grateful instead of frustrated, and instead of feeling like I’m missing out, I only feel the blessing of family and friends. I haven’t had to cook for three weeks because I serve the Lord with an amazing Church and family, who have filled that need for me. The beauty and decoration of the season is their love as they become the hands and feet of Christ! Yes, the decorating, baking, and parties give reason to gather but they can also distract from the Passion of Jesus. His love is so great for us that He chose to die for us before we even acknowledged Him. That’s passion, and that's my kind of Christmas!
This year, in the quiet slowness of physical therapy, I'm not distracted by the typical lights and glitter. I only see the two greatest gifts this life has to offer; the love and commitment of my Lord and my family and Church. I will never be able to compose the words adequate to express my gratitude, but suffice it to say, I will never take them granted.
I only wish I could learn these things without the real life lessons!

What is Yom Kippur and where does it come from?

Yom Kippur is the Second of the Fall Feasts and the Holiest day of the year for most Jews. Yom Kippur (meaning “atonement”) is a Jewish holiday that begins at sundown, 10 Tishrei on the Jewish calendar or September 22 in the year 2015. We find scripture reference to Yom Kippur in Leviticus 23:26-28: 

“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘On exactly the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall humble your souls and present an offering by fire to the Lord. You shall not do any work on this same day, for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement on your behalf before the Lord your God.”

We also learn that

“Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once a year; he shall make atonement on it with the blood of the sin offering of atonement once a year throughout your generations. It is most holy to the Lord.” (Exodus 30:10)

This observance was to be performed once a year.

“Now you shall have this as a permanent statute, to make atonement for the sons of Israel, for all their sins once every year.”  (Leviticus 16:34)

Historically - Before the first Yom Kippur was celebrated, the children of Israel committed a grave sin. They knew it was prohibited to have any other gods before the one true God, yet they grew impatient for Moses to return from Mount Sinai so they pooled their resources (and their gold) and, with Aaron’s help, they made a golden calf to worship. When Moses came down from the mountain, in his anger, he threw the tablets that contained the Ten Commandments. Despite his anger, Moses pleaded with God to forgive the people. After the month of Elul had passed, he ascended Mount Sinai again, and on Yom Kippur, Moses brought down the second set of tablets and atonement was achieved.

For the Jew - Yom Kippur was the one day of the year that the high priest (Kohen Gadol) would enter the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. This was the inner court of the temple where the ark of the covenant was kept and the presence of God resided. Entrance into the Holy of Holies was forbidden any other day of the year, but this day was set aside to make special sacrifices to purify the temple and the people. To purify the temple, blood would be sprinkled around the sanctuary. To purify the people, blood would be put on a goat called the scapegoat, and it would be led outside the camp to be released into the wilderness.

This is the most solemn day of the Jewish Year as the Jews practice teshuva (repentance). The Jewish belief is that on Rosh Hashanah (ten days earlier on 1 Tishrei), the Book of Life and Death is opened and God will write the names of those who will be granted another year of life. For many, this decision is uncertain until Yom Kippur, when the final decision is sealed. Many fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones. These ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur are known as “the Days of Awe.” This is the reason the prayers of Yom Kippur are designed to inspire one to mend one’s ways.

Yom Kippur is the pinnacle of the Jewish high holy days and has prophetic significance regarding the restoration of Israel, the second coming of Christ, and the final judgment of the world. It is also the day that reveals the high-priestly work of Jesus as our Kohen Gadol (“High Priest”) after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:10, 6:20). Yom Kippur prophetically pictures the “Day of the Lord,” also known as “the Day of Judgment.” During the tribulation to follow the day of judgment, the New Testament insists that all of Israel will be saved, Jesus will physically return to Israel to establish His kingdom on earth, and all the promises given to ethnic Israel through the prophets will be fulfilled.

For the Christians - The New Testament teaches that those who trust in Jesus (messianic Jews included) have complete access to the throne of God and have a permanent “sealing” by the grace and love of God, given through the life and shed blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:21–22). Leviticus 17:11 describes the sacrificial blood that was offered by the High Priest on the altar to make atonement for the souls of all God’s children - whosoever believes!