So, You Had a Bad Day

This week is passion week. As Christians, we reflect on the last week of Jesus' earthly life. As I thought about the events leading up to the death of Jesus, I can relate to Peter on so many levels.

Peter loved Jesus. The day before Jesus' death Peter told Jesus he would die for Him. Now that is full allegiance! But immediately following Peter's proclamation, Jesus told Peter that before the rooster crowed that very night, Peter would deny Jesus three times.

Peter vehemently proclaimed that he would not deny Jesus. Peter should have begun to see that he was having a bad day. Can you relate? Even when you try your hardest, everything seems to go bad. Some days we make bad decisions and must accept the consequences.

Peter must have been very upset at the words Jesus had spoken concerning his denial. How could this be happening to him?

Jesus then brought His disciples to the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus took his closest disciples (Peter, James, and John) aside and told them to pray. None of them could stay awake. Peter wanted to pray but his body kept going to sleep. He should have been awake and praying when Jesus needed him the most but he kept falling asleep. He was having a really bad day. Can you relate? Are there times when you want to do what is right but seem to fail anyway? 

Jesus is arrested. Peter is lurking in the shadows of the courtyard trying to follow the proceedings against Jesus. He is scared and hiding. He is asked if he knows Jesus and denies it three times. It happened to Peter just as Jesus had said earlier. Peter was devastated! 

Peter's day had to be the worst day of his life. His Lord Jesus was put to death. Not only that, he had fallen asleep when Jesus needed him to pray. Then, on top of that, Peter had denied even knowing Jesus. 

Peter didn't know what was up ahead. He didn't understand that Jesus would be raised from the dead. He didn't understand the work Jesus had come to do at all. He thought it was all over and he was just a giant failure.

I've had some bad days but never one of this magnitude. Can you relate? Have you had a bad day where it seemed like you messed up even when you tried real hard not to?

Here's what I love about Peter's bad day... Peter was restored. Jesus took Peter aside and told him that He still loved him and wanted to use him.

God does the same thing for us today. Sometimes we do fail Him. Sometimes we don't listen to the Spirit of God as we should. Sometimes we make bad decisions. Sometimes we sleep when we should be praying. Can you relate? 

No matter how big our screw-up, God is ready to restore us just as He did Peter. Our bad day doesn't have to be our demise. God wants to use it to restore us for even greater days of service ahead!

Is Waiting a Trial?

I was writing a small group lesson on James chapter 1 this week. James 1:2 (ESV) says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds." The trials of life are coming. If you are not in a trial now, you can be sure you will be in the future. God uses trials to test our faith. James says that we should count trials as joy! We can and should have joy through our trials. Why, you ask.

God is intimately aware of the trials we face. Some of the trials He has designed and every other trial He has allowed. God is using them all to conform us to the image of His Son (to make us look like Jesus on the inside and outside).

Right now, I am going through a time of waiting on God. If He doesn't come through, I'm sunk. This is a great time of faith building in my life.

My question: Is waiting on God a trial? Vote in the poll below and then sound off in the comments section.

Is Waiting on God a Trial? 

5 Reasons We Need to Wait on God

Do you enjoy waiting? Yeah, me either. Waiting requires patience, and in my own strength I have very little patience. We live in a culture that wants everything now.

I heard a great message by Dr. Charles Stanley yesterday. Dr. Stanley said, "God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him." Does God have you in a season of waiting right now? This really hit home with me.

Dr. Stanley gave five reasons why God wants us to wait on Him. These five reasons encouraged me in my time of waiting (I add a little commentary to Dr. Stanley's reasons):

1. God is arranging circumstances - Timing is everything in God's Kingdom. God sees the "big" picture. Sometimes, God has things He wants to do in our lives but we need to wait for His perfect timing. Things that God may have planned for the future and not always the right thing to do right now.
2. God is purifying our motives - God is always looking at our heart motive. Why we do something is always more important than the act itself. God sometimes has to get our hearts right in order to be ready for what He has for us.
3. God is teaching us to rely on Him - It is easy to trust in other things besides the Lord. Sometimes, God wants us to wait to show our faith and trust in Him to be our sole provider.
4. God is protecting us from unseen dangers - He knows what is best for each of His children. When God leads us to wait on Him, it is always for our good. He knows the pitfalls that await when we get ahead of Him.
5. God is preparing us to make the greatest impact on others - We can have a great testimony for God when we have waited on Him and people see His mighty answer after waiting. Waiting on the Lord is never in vain.

Do you have any testimonies from your times of waiting on God? Share them in the comments and encourage us all!

Little help! Where do I go from here?

I am currently in a search for the next ministry role God has for me. I am attempting to think of everything I can do to let people know that I am available. I have done a lot of things in my search. Will you help me think of more?

1. Prayed... and then prayed some more
2. Activated resume with the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
3. Activated resume with the Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee State Conventions
4. Called all my friends in leadership and ministry  roles
5. Began networking with new leaders
6. Created http://jimcaldwell.me web site
7. Kept blog updated
8. Joined LinkedIn
9. Sent resume to several associations
10. Focused on spiritual and personal growth during this time

Think "out of the box" for me. What are some other ways (even if they sound crazy) to get my name into the hands of new people God might want to use to bring about my next ministry role? Please fill up my comments with ideas!

Two Lessons for the Church from the Irish/Italian Parade

1. People Will Do What They Want To Do!

I was at the Irish/Italian Parade yesterday (see above pic). Veterans Memorial Blvd in Metairie, LA was 6-7 people deep on both sides of the street where I was standing.

People were throwing beads like at any New Orleans parade. But they mostly threw fruits and vegetables!? That's why I have the baseball glove. I caught potatoes, cabbages, onions, carrots, lemons, and oranges. Kinda crazy, huh!

You can't keep people away from this parade. Thousands of people attend every year. They will plan their lives around this event. It is exciting.

Why are our churches not full of this same kind of excitement? Why do most churches have little excitement about what God is doing in the world? We have the most exciting thing to share in the world - Jesus. Yet, we have gotten so caught up in our traditions, rules, and regulations that most churches repel the world. Following Jesus' mission for saving the world is the most exciting adventure in history. 

People will do what they want to do. Could the Church learn any lessons from the Irish/Italian Parade? Just asking.

2. People Will Put Their Efforts Into Something They Think is Important!

People plan all year to ride in this parade. They pay money. They give their time. This parade has over 50 floats with 100's of riders. A lot of effort for a good time. 

I think we, as Church leaders, are guilty of not making Jesus' mission very compelling. We complain about no one wanting to serve Jesus. We scrounge for volunteers for our ministries. I think we are missing something. When people recognize their part in Jesus' mission, they will give their time and energy for it.

People will put their efforts into something they think is important. When we help believers understand the importance of what they are doing, many more will be willing to give it 100%.

Can we learn some lessons from the Irish/Italian Parade? Let me know in the comments...

4 Ways to NOT Follow the Lord

1. Focus on Your Problems

Focusing on your problems = worry = not trusting the Lord. Pretty simple, huh? When we place our focus on the storms of life, we can't follow the Lord.

2. Focus on Yourself

I've been guilty of this one recently. When your focus is on yourself, not matter how good your intentions, you can't follow the Lord. God wants us to put all our trust and focus on Him.

3. Focus on Your Rights

We are told to protect our rights in this country. Nothing wrong with that... but you have no rights in God's economy. We were bought at a high price:

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (ESV)

¹⁹Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

²⁰for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

4. Focus on Doing Right

When you place your emphasis on keeping the rules (following the law), you will break them more. God doesn't want us to focus on doing right... He wants us to place our focus on Him.

Wrap-up:
The truth is, you can't focus on anything but God in order to follow Him. Everything else just gets in the way! Do any of these four hindrances speak to you today? Refocus on Him and follow Him today.

3 Things We Forget

As I get older, I tend to forget things more easily. Whether it is my keys or a recent conversation, sometimes I forget. At times, I forget things about God that are much more important than my keys.

The circumstances of life can get our focus off God. I have been going through a time of life where my circumstances are not what I had hoped. Sometimes, we forget some basic truths about God that get us off track during these times. Here are three things I have had a memory loss on recently that God had to reset my focus. See if you can connect to any of them.


1. It is all about God, not about me.

I am not here for me. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, "for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." I was bought with a price. He paid for me with the precious blood of His Son. I am not my own anymore. I am not here to look out for my interests. I am here as a bond slave of Jesus. 

When I start having a pity party (you know, "Whoa is me I don't have a job. Whoa is me,  I'm running out of money. Whoa is me...") I sometimes forget that it is all about God. If I believe He is in control of everything (which I do), then I have to trust He is right in the middle of every circumstance I'm in. Which leads to #2.

2.  God allows my circumstances for my good.

I'm not saying that God causes every circumstance, but that He uses them all for our good as believers. Romans 8:28 (NASB95) says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." If you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you are called according to His purpose. Which means that God CAUSES all things to work for good for us! 

No matter the circumstance, as believers, we can know that God is using whatever we are going through for our good. These circumstances of life will mold us into the image of Christ. They cause us to look more like Jesus! I don't know about you, but that's what I want.

3.  God wants us to live today for today.

I've got to be honest, I am so ready for God to move me on to my next assignment.  I have been so ready at times to move on I have forgotten that God wants to use me today. God wants us to focus on what He wants from us today. He is not nearly as concerned about the future as He is about molding and shaping us today.

Matthew 6:34 (NLT) says, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

No matter your age and mental ability, let's don't forget these three important truths every day as we life out Jesus in us. God has such a great plan. We just have to walk in it. Let's walk it together in truth!

Hi, My Name is Jim and I have TJS...

It's Friday. An awesome day for most people. Everyone is ready for the weekend. Fridays have been hard for me lately. You see, each Friday when you are waiting on God to open your new place of service means another week of not hearing anything. Silence. Nothing.

I don't want you to feel sorry for me. No pity needed. I have just what I need to make it through another Friday.

Don't tell everyone, but I have TJS. TJS is not a disease. TJS can be transmitted though.

I have my emotional ups and downs. But my TJS is what keeps me rolling during the good days and the bad days.

I have Trust Jesus Syndrome. No matter the circumstances I go back to the truth that is found in Jesus. Sometimes I don't feel like it. But I trust Jesus to take care of everything because he is trustworthy. He has all things under control.

Here's a couple of verses I fall back on:

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

²⁸And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NLT)

⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

⁶Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Circumstances come and go. Emotions come and go. I have good days and not so good days. But trusting Jesus is my foundation for living. Let's trust Him together today. Share this blog with someone who needs to hear that God is in control today!

 

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

I used to listen to a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers called "The Waiting." The chorus said that "the waiting is the hardest part." Of course, this song is talking about waiting for a woman but I never let that stop me from making other comparisons. Sometimes, waiting on God can feel like the hardest part.

There are plenty of Scripture verses that speak to our waiting on God:

Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

¹⁴Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalm 37:7 (NLT)

⁷Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

  

Proverbs 20:22 (NASB95)

²²Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.

  

Micah 7:7 (ESV)

⁷But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

Psalm 130:5 (NASB95)

⁵I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.

Right now is a time of waiting on the Lord for me and my family. Waiting tests our faith. Waiting refines us and shapes us. Many times I want to rush through the waiting. I want to pray that the waiting hurries up. But God always has a plan in our waiting on Him.

Does God have you "waiting" on Him right now? Let's trust Him together!

 

One More Off the Streets

Last Thursday and Friday, I had the awesome opportunity to take it to the streets. I went with Crescent City Christian Schools on their Great Days of Serving led by Jerilyn Cushing. I had the blessing of serving with my wife, Susan, and a bunch of high school guys and gals. We went to the French Quarter to share water, clothes, and a conversation with the homeless of New Orleans.

We met some pretty amazing people. Willie Mae, Koolio, Josh, Tony, Kermit, Andrew, Sara, and Otis were just a few of the people I met. We gave them water and sat down and listened to their stories. We did not beat them up with any particular sins they may have been involved with, just freely shared the love of Jesus.

I want to tell you one story... Andrew. My wife met Andrew the first day we were there. She gave him some water and talked with him. He said he was going to put some gin in that water later. Andrew admitted in this conversation that he had a problem with alcohol. Susan prayed with him and went on to speak to others.

The next day, Susan and I ran into Andrew and he told us what had happened since yesterday. Andrew said that after Susan had spoken to him the day before, a man came up to him and gave him a laminated piece of paper with the man's Christian testimony written on it. Andrew read it and it sounded almost like his story. Then, later in the day, someone else came to Andrew and told him he looked like he could use some help. He was given the number to Bethel Colony, run by a friend of mine, Pastor Mel Jones. Bethel Colony is a Christ based recovery program.

Andrew asked if he could use my phone to call Bethel Colony. I told him it was tough and he had to be ready to do whatever it takes to overcome his addiction. He agreed and called. I gave Andrew bus fare to get to Bethel Colony as we were leaving the French Quarter that day. Andrew was getting off the streets and was going to really hear about Jesus at Bethel Colony. He was walking toward the bus stop as we were leaving and I was saying, "Hallelujah!, Praise the Lord!"

Thoughts on Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras... evangelical Christians greatly disagree on what to do with this cultural phenomena. Some embrace the fun without drinking and carousing and some think it is just an evil celebration.

Evangelical Christian groups come in from all over the country to do ministry over this long weekend. Some shout at people and tell them they are going to hell. Some come and love on people and try to share Jesus with them.

Disney World can be called New Orleans Southeast during Mardi Gras. Many evangelical Christians go there during this time to evade Mardi Gras, the traffic, and all the hoopla.

Some go to the parades with their families and enjoy. They act in a way that does not personally tarnish the name of Jesus (and in fact, lifts Him up through their actions)

I also know there are some Christians who fall into sin and get caught up in the debauchery of Mardi Gras.

Which position is right? Let me know your thoughts in the comments...

Amazing Calling

It still blows my mind to think that the God of this universe (and every universe) cares about me. Then, on top of that, I can't understand why this God (the one true and living God) would care enough about me to place an amazing calling on my life. He has me here on this earth to accomplish the things he has for ME.  Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) states, "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." He planned before the foundation of the world stuff for us to do. What an amazing calling.

Ephesians 2:10 isn't just meant for pastors. This verse is for YOU! YOU have an amazing calling from God.

Sunday morning at 10:30 at Crescent City Rock in Metairie, LA (Meets at Bissonet Plaza School), I'm going to be sharing a message about God's amazing calling and what it means for you. If you're in the New Orleans area, Pastor of Crescent City Rock Jim Louviere and I want to invite you to worship with us. 

http://www.crescentcityrock.org

R U Having the Faith Passed On to You?

I had lunch today (can't beat Drago's oysters) with my good friend and mentor, Dr. Jimmy Dukes. We had no agenda and I always come away from our times encouraged with new insight and wisdom. Dr. Dukes has poured his life into many people throughout his ministry. He is a giver. I need Dr. Jimmy Dukes in my life. Everyone needs a Dr. Jimmy Dukes in their life!

My passion is discipleship. I love watching people grow in their faith. That gives me more joy and excitement than anything else in ministry. I have often quoted 2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB95), "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." Paul is writing to his child in the faith Timothy to encourage and train him. Paul was investing his life into Timothy.

I have always concentrated on finding people to pour my life into... to "entrust to faithful men." I now understand how important it is to also have a "Paul" in my life. Do you have someone in the faith that you regularly meet with that will listen to you and speak the truth in love? Do you have a "Paul" in your life? If you don't, begin praying now for God to place a "Paul" in your life.

If you have a "Paul" in your life, make a comment on this post and tell us about that relationship. You will help encourage others! "Encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NASB95)

Questions, Questions, Questions???

With some time on my hands, I've had some time to be introspective. Through this self examination, I've found some wonderful things... and some things to work on.

My friend, Dave Jochum, has been coaching me through some leadership material. One of my assignments was to have some people that are close to you answer these two questions:

1. What do I do when I communicate that connects with people?
2. What do I do when I communicate that turns people off? (Ouch!!!)

The first question is wonderful and I got some great feedback.  A couple of the answers to question number 1 were similar. That helped me to see some of my strong points in communication.

The second question is tough... but beneficial. I am glad I love all the people that answered these questions! It is sometimes hard to hear constructive criticism but I knew it was given in love. As I thought about the answers to question number 2, I realized that there was a lot of validity to what they were saying. This gave me some things to work on in my communication.

I need your help! Reply to this thread and let me know some tools, questions, ways that you use to examine yourself. These can be spiritual or personal. List and explain whatever tools you use (have used) to look at yourself to make you a better person. Let's grow together!

My Journey

The past three months have been difficult yet invigorating. Turmoil on the outside yet peace on the inside. In crisis yet a great time of faith building. The past three months have seemed like one huge oxymoron. Many times, God works mightily in the middle of a situation that seems like an oxymoron.

When I knew God was leading me to resign the pastorate at Riverside, I knew I had to listen and do it. So, I did it. I am so glad that God gave Susan (my wife) a peace about the decision as well. We knew we were in for a ride on the faith building train. We also knew God was going to use this time to grow our kids faith as well.

God is so faithful. A couple of weeks after leaving Riverside, a friend emailed me that he had a dream and the Holy Spirit wanted him to share it with me. He told me to follow the Spirit and wait on the Lord. Don't do what looks right or is the easiest, just follow the Spirit. Wow, I needed that. I had an opportunity arise for a decent job recently. But, I knew God was not leading me to take the job so I removed my name from consideration. I thank God for the clear direction.

I have used the past couple of months as a sabbatical. I have been studying, reading, praying, and writing. God has used this time to grow my faith and re-energize me for my next assignment. I don't have any idea where my next assignment is but I know that God already has it prepared for me. I was thanking Him this morning for providing it for me. I know it is coming. I just have to wait on Him. He will provide.

About a month ago, I was a little down. I was reading in the book of Joshua and God gave me a rhema (a word specifically for me and my situation). He told me, "Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9b)." Man... I needed that. God wants me to be strong and courageous. He wants me to have no fear about this time our family is going through. He's got this!!!

As the days and weeks continue to go by with no immanent ministry position on the horizon and no upcoming income that I know of; I know God is the one taking care of us. He knows I am available to do whatever He wants. The pressure is off me. He will provide for me and my family as I listen to His Spirit and follow His leading.

As I was praying last week, I began wondering if I was going to miss God in this. I was afraid I might not hear Him when He speaks to me. God spoke to me clearly in my Spirit and said, "You are not going to miss it." That's exciting!

God is faithful. Therefore, I trust. I encourage you to trust Him today in whatever circumstance you find yourself!

Oops... Here I Go Again!

Last night, Susan (my wife) and I were sitting in the car waiting for Christina (our 14 year old daughter) to get out of youth. They were late getting out. Oh how I hate when things don't happen on schedule. Can you relate to that? It is in my personality. I am wired that way. But, just because I'm wired that way doesn't excuse my behavior.

Susan and I were having a nice conversation... just me and her. I should have been enjoying the time together... but, I was upset about Christina (and the whole youth gathering) being late. Susan was sharing with me about some of the things going on at school regarding her Bible class. Don't get me wrong, I was interested. I love hearing about what my wife does. She is so creative and called to do what she does. BUT, at what I thought was the end of her story, I jumped in and griped and complained about the lateness of the hour. Did we have anything pressing to do? No. Was this a life changing lateness? No.

Susan had not finished her story. I had been paying more attention to the time than her story. I hurt her feelings. I don't blame her for being upset with me. I missed a great opportunity to connect with Susan. That time will never be back. I blew it.

Romans 12:10 (ESV) says, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Instead of being worried about the time, I should have been in tune with her needs putting her first above any inconvenience I might have been experiencing. 

Oh, what lessons God continues to teach me. Through Christ living in us, we can overcome our personality quirks that get us in trouble. I was focused on getting my needs met instead of Jesus. I am glad God is always showing us His grace and mercy in these situations.

My prayer is that Susan  is practicing Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." I know she is, she has had to forgive me more than once. 

Miracles and Faith

I was watching a show on television that tried to explain the parting of the Red Sea when the Israelites were leaving Egypt. They did all these experiments to prove that a wind could have come and parted the Red Sea, just as told in the Bible, from a natural perspective. No, a miracle doesn't happen because some freak wind blows a certain way. The Red Sea parted for Moses because God said it was going to happen. Either believe it or don't... but don't try to explain it with a natural explanation.

In fact, I was reading Joshua chapters 3 & 4 today and noticed something. As the Israelites were crossing the Jordan to take the promised land, God did another miracle. God told the priests carrying the ark to go and put their feet in the waters of the Jordan. He told them that when they did that, the waters would stop flowing down the Jordan. The Jordan River would be "parted" just like the Red Sea was! Then the Israelites could all cross the river.

I don't think it was an accidental wind that caused this second "parting" to happen. In fact, it took a great act of faith. Just as Moses had to raise his staff for the Red Sea to be parted, the priests had to step into the Jordan for the waters to part. Wow! That's faith. Tell me this is not a miracle... the Bible says they all walked through this riverbed and it was DRY ground. I've never seen something covered with water that was not still wet when you removed the water. That was another miracle. Miracles can't be explained. They must be received by faith.

Faith always involves action. Faith is never just believing a set of facts but acting on them as well. What is God calling you to step out on faith about right now? It's time for you to step into the Jordan. God will do His part (be faithful) when we act on His promises by faith!

Focus, Focus, Focus

Joshua 1:7 (NASB95) says, “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go." 

The new leader Joshua was being taught by God on the way He needed to go to lead the Israelites. We must remember that Joshua was under the Old Covenant and therefore, was under obligation to the Law. Putting this verse in New Covenant terms would read something like this: "Be strong and very courageous; be careful to keep your focus on God, don't turn to the right or to the left..." 

My wife, Susan, and I were talking the other day at the dinner table. We noticed how our son, Jonathan, is very focused when you give him a plate of food that he really likes. It is hard to interrupt him when he is really enjoying his food. Focused.

God wants us to have that kind of focus on Him. Not interrupted by the sounds that try to get us to turn to the right or to the left. Not interrupted by the urgency of things that zap us of our energy to follow God. Just plain enjoying God throughout our day as we focus on Him. 

Israel - Day 9 - January 7, 2012

We started our day by going to Herodian. Herod basically took a mountain and added on to it to make it higher. This caused the city to be naturally protected. What a beautiful view. You can see the Dead Sea and the mountains pas it in Jordan. This site has some ruins from this time period.

Our next stop was the Israel Museum. One of the highlights is a scale model of the city of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. Also interesting was the display of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

We then popped by the Knesset building (Israel's Congress) for a look at their building.

Then it was on to lunch then the Garden Tomb. This site is almost assuredly not the spot of Jesus' tomb but is a great example of what Jesus' tomb probably looked like. The setting is very much what a garden in Israel would have looked like.

Next, on to the Valley of Elah. This is the place where David slew Goliah. You could see where the Philistines would have been on one side and the Israelites on the other. I got a stone from this valley to bring home. Maybe it's the one David used?

Last we went to supper in Joppa before heading to the airport. It has been a great sabbatical journey. I can't wait to get home!

Israel - Day 8 - January 6, 2012

We began at the Jerusalem overlook again today. Dr. Dukes shared the devotion today. We then proceeded to the location that is believed to have been where the Upper Room is located. There is strong evidence this was the right place.

Next, it was on to Peter at Gallicantu. This is the place where Peter denied Christ. It was also Caiaphas' palace. Jesus would have been tried and scourged there. We saw plausible locations where this could have occurred. Also we saw the actual road Jesus would have walked down after His trial.

Our next site was En Harim. This is where Elizabeth and Zechariah lived and John the Baptist would have been born.

We then proceeded to Nabi Samuel, the purported place of the tomb of Samuel. This is probably not true... but, it is the site of the ancient city of Mizpah. Mizpah is an ancient city from the time of the Judges. The view from the top of this mountain is spectacular.

Finally, we went to Mt. Scopes. It has an unbelievable view of the desert, Dead Sea, and even the mountains in Jordan. Another great day and it's back to the hotel.

Israel - Day 7 - January 5, 2012

We began othe day, once again, at the Jersusalem Overlook. Next, it was on to the old city and inside the walls through the Lion's Gate. We then proceeded to the Pool of Bethesda. I shared a devotional at the site... One of the highlights of my trip.

From there we went to the Temple Mount. This is under Muslim control. You can see the place that the Temple stood from the time of Soloman. The Dome of the Rock is an impressive Muslim structure from 617AD. I'm sure the archeological remains there, if we were allowed to dig, would be substantial.

Off to lunch at the Aroma coffee shop. Aroma is like Starbucks with better food. Afterward, we spent the afternoon at the Holocost Mueseum. This was a powerful, heavy afternoon trip remembering the Jews who were slaughtered through Hitler's regime.

Back to the hotel... I'm so tired... but it's a good tired!

Israel - Day 6 - January 4, 2012

We began the day by going to an overlook of the city of Jerusalem. This place had a beautiful view of the city the enabled our guide, Gila, to share where everything is in the city.

We then went to the top of the Mount of Olives where several people rode a camel (not me). We proceeded to walk down the Mount of Olives on the path that would have been Jesus' triumphal entry route into Jerusalem.

We stopped at Dominus Flavus, the place of tears, then went to the Garden of Gethsemane. I could imagine Jesus sweating drops of blood during His last hours.

We then went into the old city through the Damascus Gate. We went through the Moslem quarter of the city. There were many sights, sounds, and smells.

We did some shopping then proceeded into the Church of the Holy Seplucare, where both Calvary nod the empty tomb are located. It was really awesome to touch the stone that they believe held Jesus' body... Until the resurrection!

After lunch and more shopping, we went to a Jewish shop owner's store. He teaches at a Jewish seminary and we were able to have a discussion with him about our faiths.

Then we went to the Western Wll (wailing wall). So many people trusting in a place to help instead of just trusting God. Very interesting. We were able to go under the Western Wall to see some of the wall as it was at the time of Christ. After an exhausting day, we were able to come back to our hotel and crash. What a day!

Israel - Day 5 - January 3, 2012

We started the day leaving the Sea of Gallilee. We went to Mt. Carmel where Elijah Took down the prophets of Baal. I have a pic on FB of me withe the statue of Elijah in the background. You can see an unbelievable view from the top of Mt. Carmel. You can see how Elijah would have been able to see the clouds coming from the Mediterranean.

Next it was on to Ceasarea Maritima. This was a large port city on the Mediterranean Sea. This was the birthplace of Gentile Christianity. Cornelius from the book of Acts was the first Gentile convert here. Paul was imprisioned here for two while waiting to go to Rome. I walked down the steps that Paul would have walked down to go to a boat to go to Rome.

Finally, we headed toward Jersualem. Our next stop was a few miles south of Jersualem, Bethlehem. We went to the Church of the Nativity and saw the place where Jesus was born.

Finally, it was on to the hotel where we will be staying in Jersualem.

Israel - Day 4 - January 2, 2012

After a walk and breakfast, we began our day by driving to an overlook of the city of Nazereth. The old city of Nazareth was nothing to behold. There are no ruins or anything like that to look at.
But the view from this overlook was spectacular of the Jezreel Valley.

Our next stop was the nearby city of Sepphoris. Jesus probably came to this city with his father when he was a young man to do carpentry work. Sepphoris is not mentioned in the Bible, which is surprising, because it was a pretty large city. We saw many ruins there.

An awesome site today was Megiddo. Megiddo was the site of many Old Testament events. Josiah's death happened on a field we looked on today. Megiddo overlooks the valley of Armageddon, where the last battle of Revelation occurs. Pics on FB.

Next it was off to Ein Harod. This is the spot that has the actual brook that God used to shrink Gideon's army down to 300 men. Again, pic on FB.

Last, we went to Beit She'an. This place has some of the best preserved ruins from around the time of Jesus. We had devotional in a Roman theater that would has seated about 7,000 people. Awesome.

Will be leaving our Gallilee hotel in the morning to go up to Jerusalem for the last of our trip. Good night!

Israel - Day 3 - January 1, 2012

Started the day with a brisk walk at 5am. Then on to breakfast and on the bus at 8am. Our first stop today, Kursi. Kursi was known as the country of the Gerasenes in New Testament times. It is believed that Jesus healed the Gerasenes demoniac here and the pigs committed sui-cide.

Next, it was off to the mountains of the Golan Heights. We took a Jeep ride through the trails of the Golan Heights. We Pics of this will be on FB. This was an awesome experience. These open Jeeps gave you a great view of everything. We were at the Jordan River near its headwaters. At the top of a mountain we learned about the six day war in 1967 that won back this area from Syria.

Next was lunch at a restaurant in Mas'ada. I had a Labne. It looked like a big quesadilla. Pretty tasty. You can see the lady making in on FB.

After lunch, our next stop was Ceaserea Philippi. This was a gentile city with pagan worship long ago. It is also believed to be the place of Peter's confession... "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." as found in the gospels. The transfiguration may have happened near here on Mt. Hermon.

Our last stop of the day was at the ancient city of Dan. Much of this site was pre-Jesus. this is the place that Jeroboam built an altar and setup one of the golden calves for worship. The last part of this site was a real treat. The gates of the original city of Dan were there that are over 4,000 years old. We saw the gate that that we know Abraham would have passed through when following God's directive to the promised land! WOW! In Gensis 14:14, we know Abraham went through Dan and would have had to have gone through this gate.

We are now back at the hotel about to eat and have Bible Study. What an awesome day!