Day 01 - Shephelah: Yad Hashmonah, Beth Shemesh, Azekah, Beth Guvrin (Maresha)

Day one started out with a wonderful breakfast and fellowship. The weather definitely a factor today very windy and blustery at many of the sites with some rain later in the day, but it didn’t hinder our enthusiasm to be in these amazing places.

Our first stop, was Kiriath-Jearim. The corresponding scripture was from 1 Samuel 4-6,  about the Philistines attempting to battle without having the full presence of the Lord, we must remember that his presence is not an ark. You can’t put God in a box, never forget the presence of God…..He’s always in our hearts. Also we learned the seven species of the land….wheat, barley, grapes, figs, dates/honey, pomegranates and olive oil.

Then we were off Beth Shemesh. We hiked down into the cistern and reflected on that Christ is the living water. Scripture is Judges 13 and the story of Samson, remembering we can all be used even in our brokenness and that God's purposes will always prevail! We sang Amazing Grace together in the cistern…and it was amazing!

Next stop Azekah- meaning bold or strong. The story of David & Goliath, 1 Samuel 17. Remembering our battles are God's battles. The questions of what is my battle? Where do I need the Lord to win that battle? Then we had a wonderful lunch under the olive trees….brought to us by Meir.

Last stops were Bet Guvrin/Maresha, house of heros. The era of Alexander the Great…underground businesses (pigeon farms) and Bell caves…. and again as a group we sang Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul!

Now we are headed to the Dead Sea. What a wonderful day….learning that God lives in each one of us!