I will build my church

It was another amazing day. God demonstrated His grace and strength in our team many times throughout the day. We began with a short bus ride to an overlook in the Golan Heights. After hearing a challenging word, we praised God for all the ways He has continued to show his faithfulness. Watching the clouds roll in, we were just beginning to realize He was giving us beautiful cool weather for the day. Following our devotional time, we arrived at our first site. Mounting up with wings like eagles, we descended only to climb high again and learn of the passion of the zealots. It was a difficult site but the challenge was desperately needed. Zealotry founded in love must be present in each of our lives as believers.

Our next short ride took us to the place where passion would be needed most…the gates of hades. Hearing the words of Jesus in this profound place reminded each of us that He will build His Church…and nothing will stop Him. Even in the darkest places, the light of Christ will shine brightly. And we have a critical role to play to build His Church together. We continued to enjoy the cool of the day walking along shaded trails beside rushing waters. It was a time to hear His voice as He continued to fill our hearts with His Word.

The next phase of the journey revealed the dangerous sadness of faithlessness. Overlooking an altar to a golden calf in the midst of God’s people and God’s land brought reality to the term “slippage”. “Slippage” usually starts small but before long erupts into consuming idolatry. We were challenged to look for “slippage” in our own journey. A little further down the path, we were simply confronted with the brevity of our own existence in the face of a 5000 year old city gate. And it drove home the reality that we must leave a godly legacy to the generations that follow. Finally, our last stop opened our eyes to the importance of our story, really His story in us. Looking across the northern Galilee hills, the ancient road reminded us that our story must go forward as it has in the past. And God will use it to change the world.

We concluded the day again, comforted by a cool breeze with coffee in our hands on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. After sliding the Gamla slide, humbly leaving the chief seats, and exploring a 2000 year old hidden treasure, we enjoyed community together. Thankfully tonight, our fearless leader chose not to roll with his coffee but drink it with us. We are thankful for one another as we miss home.

Praying for each of you!