Shabbat Shalom from Israel!

Shalom from Israel,

Oh! How in the world can one explain what it is like to be here!  It is like trying to describe color to a blind person!  I've heard the Bible taught all my life but NEVER like this.  To sit and listen while looking at the area where the event took place is mind-blowing!  

This whole week is based on the theme Your Kingdom Come. A kingdom is where the people are listening and obeying or carrying out the King's will. God wants to use us, like Israel to bring peace into a world of chaos.

Today's focus was in the "Shephlah", the area in the valley between the coastal plain and the Judean Mountains or wilderness. In this valley, many major battles have been fought.... we saw Beth Shemesh, Samson's birthplace. Samson refused to wholly follow God allowing the desire of his eyes to control him. We are called to engage the culture rather than blend in and God's name be defamed. We saw a real cistern and discussed the ways that we try to be satisfied and yet cannot. Substitutes just don't work. We must be "wholly devoted" to change our culture.

From there we traveled through the Valley of Elah to Azekah- where David fought Goliath.  We walked down to the dry stream bed and picked up a rock thinking of how God has been equipping and training us to be who He wants us to be.  He wants to use each of us.  There are many enemies that taunt us but we serve the living God. He will give us the victory if we will obey, step out in faith, and like David take God at his word. 

We had a great picnic lunch in the heat and then proceeded to Lachish. There we saw what it means to be a 'city on a hill'.  Our lives are to be on mission to reflect God and share the hope, safety and place people can run to who need help.  As they see our good works, they will glorify Him and His kingdom may come in their lives.

We got back to the hotel at 6:45 and was able to experience Shabbat! Yes, we are tired but our hearts have been filled to overflowing with the goodness of God as we "see" what He has been speaking for years.  

We have spent much time talking about how God wants to bring Shalom, peace, into the world of chaos.  God chose Israel to make his name known in the world. And He has chosen us for the very same reason. May we all fully follow, engage our culture and be light to those walking in darkness.  

Thanks for reading.  Tomorrow .....the desert.