Here in Israel, I have to carry my passport everywhere. It’s always in my pocket where ever I go. It’s my source of American identity here in the Land, should anyone ever question it.
Read more – let the Word sink in deeper.
As we close out the fall feasts here in Israel I’m meditating on the deeper significance of this season. I’m realizing how God’s ordering of the festivals contains a deeper meaning than one might see at first glance. It’s not just about apples and honey and building tabernacles. The Lord gave the Jewish people these feasts as a beautiful picture of His ultimate plan; repentance, faith, atonement, forgiveness and joy. He carefully ordered these feasts to call us to a profound internal reflection designed to lead us from sin and alienation to reconciliation, fellowship, freedom and great joy.
Keep going – the Lord may have more to show you.
Since our move to the Negev Desert in Israel, we’ve had the privilege of meeting many fascinating and somewhat disturbing desert species, some of which have unfortunately had to meet the exterminator. One of these is the scorpion. Scorpions are commonplace here. They can often even be found in the house and they aren’t easy to kill. These little creatures have a knack for survival. I have even read that scorpions have survived nuclear weapon testing! But what’s more interesting is their method of devouring prey.
Read more – let the Word sink in deeper.
I love fishing but sadly, I haven’t been able to do it in quite some time. Yeah, I know, one would think there’d be some good fishing spots here in Israel. However, from what I understand, they’re not really available to the public. So sad. Nevertheless, fishing gives me a chance to get a break from the world and just relax and meditate — and on a good day, maybe catch a fish or two.
Continue reading – let faith rise.
Early African believers were earnest and regular in private devotions. Each one reportedly had a separate spot in the thicket where he would pour out his heart to God. Over time, the paths to these places became well worn. As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it was soon apparent to the others. They would kindly remind the negligent one, “Brother, the grass grows on your path.”
Read more – let the Word sink in deeper.
In my first years serving the Lord, I was dedicated to serving with an inner city bus ministry in the heart of Baltimore. We would go door to door and offer “free Sunday morning babysitting” for their kids. If they agreed to let us take their kids to church, we would come and pick them up early every Sunday morning. Many times, the obvious change in their kids’ lives would make a great impression and their parents would be moved to come out to the church as well — then they too would give their lives to the Lord! It was exciting to see whole families come to faith! The following story touched my heart, from Max Lucado’s book, God Came Near.
There’s more encouragement just ahead – read more.
The LORD bared His holy arm, in a manner of speaking, God rolled up his sleeve(s) and revealed Yeshua, (Jesus) in the eyes of all the nations. A major sign of the end of this age will be the preaching of this gospel of salvation (“yeshua”, in Hebrew) to the entire world for a witness to all nations. We are called to participate in this mandate.
Read on – your spirit will be uplifted.