MOVING FORWARD - pastor mike landry

I decided to combine the 10th and 11th day of our trip because they are so similar. In a moment you'll see what I mean.

Day 10 was a free day in Jerusalem for everybody. It was wonderful and much needed. After 10 days of running and sensory overload we needed a time to slow down and reflect.

Many slept in on this 10th day (Thursday) and then wandered around the old city of Jerusalem exploring and shopping. Others explored other portions of the city like the Israeli Museum while others walked around rampage of the city walls.

Our hotel is about 6 blocks from the Damascus Gate. When my group entered the gate it was like being transported back into the past. The colors, the smells, and the sounds are vibrant and attention getting. It's a narrow corridor of about 8 feet wide with side by side shops all along the way on both sides. There are lots of alleyways that are adjoined to the main paths with even more shops, hostels, and eateries. And there are also 4 main sections (or quadrants) - Christian, Jewish, Armenian, and Muslim.

Shopping is an interesting event too. It's a negotiation game full of emotion and strategic bargaining. You never purchase an item for the original price. So it's a challenge for the weak at heart and those who are used to buying things for the sticker price. When you start the bargaining you hear things like, "my children will not eat if I let you buy it for that price" or "You are my personal friend, I will give you my best rate" or "you can buy this China cheap material or Jerusalem quality". You never know what to believe.

We discovered that my daughter Beth is the best shopper here. Many in our group enlisted her to do their negotiating. She bargained for everything from dresses, scarves, knives, hats, purses, and suitcases. The shop keepers kept saying with a smile, "she is nice but HARD". She helped me get a gift price down from $300 to $30. I felt like the shopkeeper would have to sell a child and his home afterward but when it was all through, the shopkeeper smiled and invited me to come back on our next trip. Whew...I'm glad that's over.

We had lunch again at Papa Andrea's (overlooks the city from the roof). Many in our group ended up there because they knew what to expect when they ordered from the previous day. We are such creatures of habit.

At dinner, everyone was laughing and looking like they had gotten some rest. Stories were told of the personal excursions and it added a lot of perspective to the trip. Let me tell you of a couple extra trips I made with a few others.

We explored some excavations and tunnels that have been dug along the walls of the Temple Mount. We entered the tunnel beside the Wailing Wall and had a great time. We were able to see ruins of the community that was present during the time of Jesus. We stopped momentarily at the closest spot to the old Temple's Holy of Holies (about 60 feet away). That was a heart stopper. Apparently, people are praying at this spot continuously. There was barely enough room to move past the few people who were praying there. I can hardly believe we were able to get that close...nobody expected this. And yes, it became one of those "holy" moments for us.

Most of the tunnel was only big enough for two people to go through at the same time. Some of the tunnel was pitch black (the kind where you can't see your hand in front of your face). A short portion of the tunnel we had to turn sideways to get through. I felt like I was exploring this place with Indiana Jones. It was a amazing journey. We ended up coming out of the tunnel in the Muslim Section of the Old City.

Later that night a few of us walked to the Ben Yuda street (outdoor mall area that is predominately Jewish). We walked through the most populated Orthodox Jewish area to get there and saw a whole new way of life. The dress, the music, the pace, etc., were all so different. Nobody would talk to us so we hurried on past to our destination. The Ben Yuda mall area is a place where they block the roads at night and place tables and chairs in the streets for people to socialize with. 1000's of people, mostly in their 20's, were laughing and talking. This is a very modern section of Jerusalem. We walked by restaurants, shops, musicians (we even saw a lady playing a harp, another lady singing kerioki style, and saw another section with some drummers - similar to the Siesta Key drums), and even a McDonalds where Pastor Bill Hild ate a Big Mac and everyone else had Oreo McFlurries - good stuff. We then walked back and collapsed in our beds for some sleep...I thought this was to be a day for resting...NOT!

This morning (Friday) we all got a wake up call at 6:30 am had to have all our luggage out in the hallway for pickup by 7:15 for the return to the States. After breakfast, most of the group got on the bus for their trip back to Amman, Jordan, where they will catch a flight back tonight to the States. It was a bitter sweet occasion. People hated to leave but were ready to go home. Also, some of us were staying behind to continue on to Egypt tomorrow morning. I'm one of those staying behind. My wife, daughter, and son-in-law were all returning too. So after some hugs and kisses and goodbyes, we all said goodbye to my family and many new friends that have been made.

I'm now in my room catching up on some study time and this blog. It started to rain here and I'm not sure if I'll get out much today before leaving for Egypt. We'll see.

Tomorrow morning we depart for Egypt on an 8 hour bus ride. Not sure if I'll have internet connection when we arrive at St Catherine's Monastery. But I should have it the next evening when we arrive in Cairo. So, until then, I thank you for praying for us. God is answering your prayers...it is a most incredible trip.

What's your favorite drink? In my case it's a diet coke. Suppose you've been walking all day in the heat and are very thirsty. If someone offers you a diet coke, you'd probably gratefully accept the offer. You are given a hose to drink from and out comes cold and tasty diet coke.

Now imagine that the diet coke keeps pouring out of the hose. You're thirst is now quenched but you keep on drinking. Now your stomach is full and it just keeps on coming. You just can't take in any more. That's about what it's like being here in the Holy Lands.

All of us have come drinking from the Holy Land trip and there's just more than you can imagine. It's all great and we keep on trying to take more and more in. Today's journey through Jerusalem was one of those kind of days. You're not going to believe all we got to see.

The Mount of Olives - we saw a panoramic view of the city from here and it was gorgeous. This is also the spot Jesus was on when He came into the city that last week of His life. He saw the city and wept over the city because it was so blind to the presence of God.

The Garden of Gethsemene - Oh my! To spend some time praying in the spot where Jesus poured His heart out to the Father just before being arrested and crucified. We spend some time at the rock where Jesus prayed and recommitted ourselves to the Father by praying the same prayer Jesus did..."not my will, but Yours be done."

The Pool of Bethsaida - This was the place where Jesus healed a man who had been waiting years for a chance to get to the water first after it was stirred. We heard the testimonies of a couple in our group about how God used a tragedy (the death of a child) to ultimately birth a medical center in Haiti. Talk about inspirational!

Via Delorasa - Then we walked up the traditional street that Jesus carried the cross on the way to His crucifixion. The hardship and cruelty that Jesus faced to ultimately pay for our sins was unreasonable and yet, He still went through with it.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher - This is one of two sites where Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified) and the Tomb where Jesus was buried is thought to be. The crowds were down on this day so we were able to get really close to each of these markers and reflect on what actually transpired here. Talk about sombering.

Then we had lunch at Papa Andrea's. This was an open rooftop cafe where we could see the city of Jerusalem from above. We enjoyed some local foods as well as the common french fries and diet cokes. It was a much needed break and rest. We heard the call to prayer during this lunch time and then the competing bells from the many orthodox churches. Some called it a different kind of "dueling banjo's"...middle east style. :-)

After lunch it was off to see the archeological ruins of the temple mount walls and area where the temple tax was paid. Amazing. From there we went to the Western Wall, commonly referred to as the Wailing Wall. Men and Women had to go to separate areas. We spent some time there praying ourselves. It was one of those "holy" moments.

Lastly, we went to the Garden Tomb. This is the second site that is recognized as the location of Golgotha and the tomb of Joseph Arimathea where Jesus was buried. This location is still out in the open and has a much more realistic feel for this most awful, yet world changing event. We all were able to go in the tomb...by the way...IT'S EMPTY BECAUSE JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD! And then beside the tomb, our group partook of the Lord's Supper. If that doesn't produce spiritual goosebumps I don't know what will. It was definately the highlight of the day.

As you can see, it just keep coming out of the hose and we not only got our thirst quenched, we were full to overflowing. This is such an amazing place.

Tomorrow, is a day for us to catch up on some rest, revisit some places we had to run through, or visit some other new spots. Catch up with you later.

News from your Holy Land Pilgrim Pastor Mike

I started the day with a hot breakfast of French Toast and Scrambled eggs while the others had everything from fresh vegetables, breads, cereals, and other strange items that I didn't recognize. There were lots of other options but I was feeling a little international today...Oui?

Then we all boarded our bus at 8am for Masada. An hour and a half ride later, most of it along the Dead Sea, we arrived at Masada. We rode the Skytram up to the top and had a spectacular view of the Dead Sea and Jordan off to the east. This is the location of one of Herod's Palaces and also the place where 936 Jews took their lives rather than be taken prisoner or killed by the Roman Army in 73 AD. The fortress is in great condition and we were able to get a much better understanding of the living conditions of that time.

After a quick tour of Masada, it was off to Qumran - where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We wandered around the ruins and learned much about the Essenes who lived there. It is thought that John the Baptist spent a couple years here before heading north to begin his Jordan River baptismal ministry. Afterward we were able to check out some of the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. This discovery was earth shaking to our skeptical world. The evidence found in the Scrolls legitimized the current Old Testament's accuracy. For those who think that the Bible is nothing like it was originally written have simply ignored this very important archeological evidence called the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Then we boarded the bus for a stop at the Dead Sea for a swim. The water is so saturated with salts and minerals that you cannot sink. In fact, you cannot go under the water with your whole body even if you try. It was hilarious watching people float and try to keep their feet under them. The mud is suppose to be medicinal and many of our group covered themselves with it. Fortunately they washed it off before getting back on the bus.

Jericho was our next destination for a late lunch, shopping and checking out some very familiar Biblical sites. We saw Tel Jericho where the walls came crashing down in the time of Joshua. We passed by the sycamore tree that Zachaeus climbed when he wanted to see Jesus. We also got close to the Wilderness that Jesus fasted 40 days and was tempted by the devil. Unbelievable! This caused all of us to enter into some "holy" moments.

The last stop was Bethany, just south of Jerusalem. This is the site where Jesus usually stayed when in Jerusalem with some friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. We went to the tomb where Lazarus was raised from the dead and saw the location where Jesus ascended into Heaven. If this kind of visit doesn't cause you to stop and reflect on the power and greatness of our Lord, nothing will.

As I write this, my family is preparing to go out with our Palestinian guide and driver for dinner. They've been such a blessing throughout the trip. They're taking us to a local restaurant to experience the Jerusalem food culture. Can't wait.

Talk again soon. Tomorrow, it's the Old City of Jerusalem and the Garden Tomb.

What a day this has been! We've been emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually stretched and we're loving it. Traveling to the Holy Land is such a great way to personalize the Scripture. Below is a highlight of our itinerary today. We just got back in to our hotel and finished dinner.

1. Bethlehem - the birthplace of our Lord Jesus. We arrived at the Church of the Nativity early this morning and actually beat the crowd. It was so good to be able to slowly walk around and take time to reflect on what we were seeing. Seeing the birthplace with my own eyes really helps me to understand the significance of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. He, being God, became a man. And He started out so humbly and experienced such a difficult life on earth - including His birth in a cold and dirty cave (stable). For God to go through all of that in order than I might one day be able to receive His free gift of grace and forgiveness is an overwhelming thought.

2. Herodion - one of the palaces of King Herod (also his burial chamber). We were able to visit Herodion in the West Bank. What an amazing archeological discovery. It was a picture of extravagance, arrogance, and beauty. We climbed the mountain and explored the ruins, went back down by way of a secret escape tunnel, and saw Herod's burial chamber from a distance (no one is allowed there yet). Herod was a hated, wicked, cruel, and disloyal king. He tried to eliminate Jesus shortly after He was born by killing all male children 2 years old and younger. At the top of the palace, we had a panoramic view of all the Holy Land. We could see Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tekoa, Mt Nebo, the Dead Sea, and so much more from there. It also was breathtaking. A few of our group opted to stay in the bus for this adventure since the walk was pretty steep. Learned a lot about the huge difference between those who were rich in the time of Jesus and those who simply worked hard to feed their families and live another day. The extravagance and opulence of royalty was sickening because it was always at the expense of others. The wealthy devalued those who were not and treated them as objects to pamper them. No wonder Jesus told the rich young ruler that in order to follow Him, he would need to sell all he had first and give it to the poor.

3. Shepherd's Field - one of a few possible site where the angelic host appeared to shepherds announcing Jesus' birth. This was a great excursion because we saw shepherds leading their sheep throughout the region and acquired a new understanding of the Gospel of John, chapter 10, when Jesus was talking about His being the Great Shepherd. To see how the Shepherd becomes a door in front of a sheepfold helped to us all to visualize the significance of Jesus' statement, "I am the door of the sheep." It's hard not to trust a God who is committed to taking care of us as a shepherd would His sheep.

4. Upper Room. We were able to visit the location where it is believed that the disciples and the Lord had the Last Supper, where Jesus appeared to the disciples twice after His resurrection, and where the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples on Pentecost. It was amazing. To imagine what it must have been like those last few hours with Jesus. To imagine what it must have been like to see the One you saw die on a cross appear in a locked room - twice. To imagine what it must have been like to be so filled with God's Spirit that it mobilized everyone to not only witness to everyone around about the Gospel, but to do it in the languages of everyone one who had been visiting Jerusalem during the Passover Feast. It reminded us all of the need to wait on God and trust Him to empower us to do the unimaginable and miraculous. You know, that's what it's going to take to get the Gospel to all the world.

5. City of David. This is the oldest part of the city of Jerusalem. It is surrounded by the Vally of Gehenna (used to be a garbage dump that was always on fire and likened to hell during the time of Jesus) and the Kidron Valley. It was a reminder of how many things have happened since King David lived and how the city has grown and changed since he was King.

6. House of Caiaphus (high priest who oversaw crucifixion of Jesus). This was a most sombering visit. We actually walked on the steps that Jesus would have been led up after being arrested by the Roman solders in the Garden of Gethsemene. We visited the jail under the house of Caiaphus where Jesus would have been tortured and lowered into a dungeon while awaiting an audience with Caiaphus. There wasn't a dry eye in that dungeon as we stood there reading the Biblical Account of this arrest and Psalm 88. It's one thing to say that Jesus suffered for our sins. It's quite another to be able to use our senses to experience it. What He went through to secure our salvation was awful and we should never take it lightly.

Well there you have it. What a day. Wish we had about a day just to process and meditate on what we learned and saw just today. But tomorrow we're off to the Dead Sea, Masada, Qumran, and Jericho.

Oh Lord, give us strength and the capacity to worship You in a way You deserve.

I'm in so late tonight that I'll only be able to give a brief description of this very full day.

We left Tiberius in Galilee early this morning and stopped off at the Valley of the Doves. This was the trail Jesus and His disciples would have taken each time they traveled from Nazareth to Capernaum. Everyone picked a spot along the trail to have a time alone with God. It was a highlight of the day. We gathered after this time when we heard the shofar and, as a group, sang "Amazing Grace." Before we left, we initiated another person in the "brotherhood of the shofar." You'll have to ask someone about it when we return.

From there we traveled to Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle of changing water into wine at a wedding. We stopped there and conducted a service where all the couples renewed their wedding vows.

Next, we stopped at Megiddo. What an amazing site. 26 cities have been built on this site over the past 6000 years. We saw a Canaanite altar where human sacrifices had been made. We touched horse stables of Solomon. We overlooked the Valley of Megiddo where the final battle of Armegedon will be fought. Breath taking!

On to Caesarea by the Sea where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. It was raining but we still ventured out and saw the incredibly preserved ruins of this Roman fortress and home to Pontius Pilate.

Then we stopped in Bethlehem and talked to the grandson of the man who discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as spent some time shopping in his store of Antiquities.

We finally arrived in Jerusalem in time for a late supper. About a dozen of us then went for a night walk thru the streets of Old Jerusalem; entering in the Damascus Gate and leaving from Joffa Gate.

What a day! God is continuing to speak so loudly. Thanks for praying...it's making a difference. Going to bed. Another full day tomorrow.

Pastor Mike

Can you imagine what it would have been like to accompany Jesus for a few weeks while He was here 2000 years ago? That’s what today’s adventure in the Holy Land was like. We stayed close to the Sea of Galillee the whole day and visited places that we’ve read about so many times in the New Testament. It rained off and on and was a bit chilly but we couldn’t help but see the fingerprints of God everywhere.

There were so many “holy moments” with God. I kept running into people in our group who had been captured and captivated by the Spirit of God. Some were overwhelmed with joy. Some were broken with tears. Some were loudly quiet. It has been a day when our eyes have been open and we’ve been extremely sensitive to the fingerprints of God. Below are a few highlights.

The Mount of the Beattitudes – We began our journey at the location where Jesus preached His Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7). It was easy to picture thousands of people gathering around to listen to the Teacher. We were all challenged to become more attentive listeners to God’s Spirit as He teaches us from His Word. Here’s a question for you…”When you read the Scripture, is it simply an academic exercise or like reading a love letter from God?”

Tabgha – This place was my personal favorite. It is the location of two major episodes in the New Testament – the miraculous feeding of the 5000 (John 6) and the breakfast meeting with Jesus and His disciples after his resurrection (John 21). Everyone loved walking down by the waterside and meditating on what Jesus would say to them if they were having breakfast with Jesus. What an intimate moment it must have been for the disciples to have breakfast prepared for them after having just seen the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. This was a picture of friendship, intimacy, and camaraderie. Here’s another question we were asking ourselves, “Is our relationship with Jesus Christ characterized by intimacy or a conforming religiosity?”

Capernaum – This became Jesus’ base of ministry after leaving Nazareth. We walked on the foundation stones of the synagogue that Jesus often spoke in. We walked through the excavated ruins of Capernaum and stood beside the home of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. You’ll remember that Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law when He visited that home. You’ll also remember that the paralytic was lowered down through the roof of this same home. The place was a picture of the miraculous power of God. You might also want the ask the question we were faced with, “Do you really believe that God can miraculously intervene in your life’s circumstances?”

Kursi – This is also referred to as the region of the Gerasenes. It was here that Jesus cast out a demon called “Legion” into a large herd of pigs. (Luke 8:26ff) Pastor Bill Hild told us that he had been part of this archeological dig a few years ago and gave us a quick lesson on how archaeologists interpret what they find in a pile of dirt. He also informed us that this kind of work is painstaking and takes a lot of tedious effort – like moving spoonfuls of dirt at a time. Question – “Are you willing to patiently pay the kind of price required to become the spouse you need to become, the student you need to become, the friend you need to become, or the follower of Christ you claim to be?

Bet Sham – This large city has been excavated and is so impressive. This also happens to be the location where King Saul and his son Jonathan’s body were hung after being killed during a battle with the Philistines. It was an ominous sight and wake up call concerning the reality of the life and death of our spiritual heroes of the faith. Sometimes it’s easy to think the stories in the Scripture are simply stories and not real events. Here’s a question for you – “Is your Christian life a façade or real?”

As you can see, God is working us over on this trip. It’s overwhelming but so refreshing. It’s so good to see lives being changed. We’re also having a lot of fun and eating very well. And quite frankly, it’s quite an experience to be able to sit out on a hotel balcony and watch the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee each morning. It’s an image I’ll never forget.

PRAYER UPDATE - Your prayers continue to be answered. Everyone is healthy and we have finally acclimated to the time change. The young man who is asking God to radically change him while here is changing before our very eyes. God is so good. Keep on praying. Tomorrow we head for Nazareth, Cana, Caesarea, and Jerusalem. Wish you could be with us.

What a great day! Our crew left the hotel early this morning and covered a lot of territory here in northern Israel. I'll highlight the locations below and share a thought or two about each.

1. Tel Dan - Dan is the northern most location of Israel and is the site of some major springs that contribute to the formation of the Jordan River. Beautiful greenery and such sparkling water. But the highlight was a visit to one of the high places where the Canaanites and the Northern Kingdom of Israel use to worship false gods. It was a cold and rainy experience but also an eerie one. The archaelogical ruins are in great shape and gave us a great picture of life 4000 years ago.

Just a thought...You have to wonder how the people who were chosen by God could see so much of God's handiwork over the years and then still insist on approaching God on their own terms. They were so rebellious and stubborn and independent. Wait - we still do the same thing. Will we ever learn this lesson.

2. Caesarea Phillipi - this is the place where Peter called Jesus "the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus responded by telling him that He would build His church and that the "gates of hell would not prevail against it". Interesting fact is that there was a mamouth cave at this location that was once believed to be so deep that it was referred to as the "gates of hell." What a visual image of Jesus statement! I think the disciples got it.

Just a thought...Jesus used visuals like this "gates of hell" to communicate His message. I think this may just be one of the best lessons we could ever learn about teaching. Use creative visual aids - Jesus did it, and He was the best teacher ever.

3. Jordan River baptism - what a great moment. Pastor Bill Hild and I baptized 12 people in some very cold water. Some were being baptized for the very first time and it was incredible. Others were wanting to publically rededicate their lives to Jesus Christ - WOW! Obviously this was a very meaningful moment for those being baptized and I was so proud of them. But also, those watching this event were visibly moved and had an increased awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Just a thought - God is all about us going public in our relationship with God. Why would a person not want to be baptized when they've experienced the amazing grace and forgiveness of God? Also, have you ever thought about the fact that whenever you or I obey God in a very visible way that it significantly contributes to the sensitivity of others concerning the activity of God? You know, we are meant to be salt and the light of the world.

4. Boat ride on the Sea of Galillee - amazing. The sky was so clear and we were able to see the shoreline all around the Sea of Galillee. As we rode the boat we couldn't help but experience with all our senses some of what the disciples must have felt whenever they were there and relive in our minds many of the Gospel accounts.

Just a thought - A devotional was shared by one of our group about Jesus and the disciples in a boat on the Sea during a storm. Jesus asked the disciples when they woke Him up during the storm, "Why are you afraid?"

A distinction was made between the question we are usually asking God during a storm ("Why don't you care about me?") and the question we should be asking during the storm ("Will you help me?"). When we ask "Will you help me?", He always says "yes." But his yes may mean he will empower you with His presence to go through the storm or that he will fix the storm. Either way, He will help us with whatever storm we are facing.

As you can see, this trip is affecting all of us and changing our hearts and minds. Our prayer request has been that we would return to the states much more like Jesus.

PRAYER NOTE: Your prayers have been answered again. The lady who went to the hospital was given every kind of test and the doctors saw nothing wrong. In fact, all of her symptoms had been reversed and disappeared during her visit to the E.R. Sounds like Divine Intervention to me.

Also, the other lady with a sprained ankle woke up with much less swelling and able to go with us on today's adventure. Again, God answered your prayers.

So now, add to your prayer list a man who is struggling with some very difficult issues and has come on this trip asking God to make a new man out of him. You know, that's just the kind of prayers God loves to answer.

Talk again to you soon.

It’s been another great day full of new adventures and “holy” moments.

We began the day with a visit to a church in Madaba, Jordan. The mosaic floor of this church included the oldest known map of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. Amazing how well preserved it was. It gave us a preview of what we’ll be exploring in a few days. Excitement is mounting.

Then off to Mt. Nebo we went. Because of the altitude and cold front that just came in, we froze on top of the mountain where God showed Moses the Promised Land. The Bible says that Moses died on that mountain and was never able to enter in because he did not obey God at Meribah-kadesh. Regardless of the blustery weather, everyone experienced a sobering “holy” moment. Many did not want to leave. What an incredible reminder of how seriously God takes our disobedience and the consequences of our sin. Also, it was another reminder of how God always keeps His promises to His people.

And then it was down the mountain and over to the Jordan River to the site where most believe Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. This, too, was one of those moments when God tightened His grip on our hearts and reminded us how important it is to follow God’s plan precisely. I know there was nothing magical about the water, but it sure had a special effect on all of us as we thought about the significance of Jesus’ baptism. Can you imagine what it would have been like to see with your own eyes the Holy Spirit come upon Jesus like a dove after coming up from the water and to hear a voice from heaven saying, “This is my beloved son, in you I am well pleased.” That’s sort of what we were reliving.

We then proceeded to the border and crossed King Hussein Bridge (the former location of the Allenby bridge) into Israel. Everyone was initiated to a complete security check. We must have been checked 4 or 5 times before we were able to board our tour bus that would take us into Israel. It only took about 2 hours at the check point. Our group was so flexible and cheerful throughout the ordeal and were great examples of the Lord we serve.

But now it was about 3:30 pm and we hadn’t eaten since 7 am. Everyone was hungry. So we stopped at a rest stop and tasted of some fine Israeli cuisine and had a great time interacting with the Israeli people. We ran into a busload of teenagers returning from camp and had a great time talking with them about life in Israel.

After a quick break it was off to Tiberius, a two hour drive away. The sun had already set by the time we got to Tiberius and therefore were not able to see the Sea of Galillee, which our hotel happens to be on. Can’t wait to see the sun rise tomorrow morning from our windows overlooking this beautiful view of Galillee.

After eating dinner we had a group meeting, and then split up. Most to their rooms to catch up on some sleep but others to explore the night life in Tiberius.

Last item, I need to mention – health issues. God answered your prayers about the man who had stomach issues yesterday and is doing great today. Thank you for praying. Two more in our group now need your prayers. One lady severely sprained her ankle and another woman is currently visiting the local hospital over other medical issues. Pray for their fast recovery.

We're back from a day long excursion to Petra. Wow, what a sight. Recently a poll was taken concerning an up-to-date "7 Greatest Wonders of the World" and Petra was voted 2nd. 1st place was the Great Wall of China. I can see why. It's gigantic, beautiful, and amazing.

We had to walk about 2 miles to get to it through a long canyon but it was certainly worth it. One things for sure, everyone will sleep good tonight. (For those of you still wondering what this place looks like, it's the place Indiana Jones went to find the holy grail in his third movie, "The Last Crusade".)

Petra is a city that was known for its security and its remote and hidden location. From a biblical perspective it is known for primarily three things:

1. A place where the Jews will flee persecution in the last days.
2. A city on route to the Promised Land when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.
3. It is right next to Mt. Hor, where Aaron (Moses brother) died.

A few personal observations I had were:

1. It's amazing how the Bedouin people live with next to nothing in this region and yet act as though they have everything. They don't even know they are poor. Contrast that with how we live with everything and so often think and behave like we have nothing. Maybe we could learn something here. Why do we let things so determine whether we are happy or contented?

2. The city was lost for so many years after the great earthquake in 363 AD. It was only rediscovered in 1812. How in the world does a city of 25 square miles vanish? In the same way people do when we get so preoccupied with our own little worlds. I need to make sure I pay attention to the people God puts in my life and not let the "earthquakes" or "life changes" of my life distract me from what is most important. Jesus said the second greatest command was, "to love my neighbor as myself." He was saying that personal relationships must be priority.

One last note:
One man in our group, Gerry, had to miss today's travels due to a stomach problem. I saw him when we returned at dinner and he reported that he is feeling much better and will be ready to get back on track tomorrow. Keep on praying for Gerry and the rest of the crew. It's making a difference.

One other note:
For those of you who are camel riders. I'm impressed. After today, I'm amazed that anyone can ride one and keep their balance, much less just get up on one. A number of our folks tried riding a camel today...everyone stayed on but many close calls.

Our group of 39 people (some from Sarasota, FL, some from Columbia, SC, and some from Tennessee) have arrived in Amman, Jordan to sunny skies and about 55 degrees. What a warm and cheery welcome to a bunch of weary travelers. For those of us who departed from Sarasota, it's been a 24 hour adventure before we landed in Amman. And how about this...not a single lost bag. That's a huge victory. It always helps knowing you have arrived with your clothes, snacks, meds, etc.

We arrived at our hotel and had a great dinner and are all delighted that the next thing on the agenda is sleeping in a bed instead of a tight airline seat with the seat in front of you in your lap.

I couldn't be more excited about this trip. For a Christian, this trip is one of a kind. As my dear friend, Bill Hild (a fellow tour host and pastor) says, "A trip to the Holy Land is like a year of Seminary training." Not only will we walk where Moses, Elijah, Jesus, and Peter walked but all of our senses will engage with the Scripture while here. It's amazing how both the Old Testament and New Testament come alive when you travel here.

Before I wrap this up and go to bed I thought I'd highlight two observations since arriving:

1. The people here in Jordan have been so friendly and hospitable. In fact, the tour personnel and hotel employees make it a point to pay attention to detail. I've had at least 4 people welcome me with a "it's good to see you again pastor Mike." It's been a year since I last met these people. What a great example of how to treat people. I thought about how diligent and proactive I should be when meeting and greeting and genuinely caring about people.

2. While driving from the airport to the hotel, we heard the "call to prayer" that is sounded out from the many mosques within the city. I thought about the millions of people who hear that sound and take time to pray in this city. I wondered what kind of sound will be necessary to get Christians to pray for our world, our nation, our neighbors, and our families. I wondered why a nation like ours (USA) seeks to distance itself from any appearance of a need for God. I wonder what it will take to get us to humble ourselves and turn back to the God our forefathers unapologetically gave credit to for the foundation and establishment of our nation.

So much for wondering. Time to hit the sack. Will try to report in each evening with highlights of the trip. See you then.

Valentine's Day has alway produced a spirit of excitement around here. My house is always redone in reds, hearts, sweets, flowers, and "I love you" cards. We're talking a total makeover. Not my idea but Cindy's. I would never think of decorating like that. We never did that when I was growing up. I'm thinking if you have to go to all that trouble to decorate for Valentines Day, it means you're going to have to also take time undoing it afterwards. Sounds like a lot of unnecessary work.

But I'm sure glad my wife, Cindy, does it. It has proven to be a great investment in my children's lives (as well as mine). It has created a climate of love over the years in my home and has proven to be contagious among my kids. It has nurtured a proactive and caring spirit in my children that was demonstrated this past weekend.

TTK#3 occurred last Saturday. TTK stands for "Tie the Knot". It's a term my kids came up with whenever one of them gets engaged. Last Saturday, my youngest, Michelle, was proposed to. In fact, my son called it, "TTK - The Last Battle" (as you can see, a term of endearment nurtured by many years of exposure to the "Valentine makeover).

I'm amazed at how each of the engagements have worked out. The planning of "the GREAT ASK" has always been a joint strategic effort of all three kids. And this time was no exception. In fact, daughter Beth actually flew down here to help with the logistics while Jason, bound to commitments in medical residency, was limited to audio/visual Skyping before, during, and after "the GREAT ASK". It turned out, as have the previous two engagements, to be a great moment and memory.

I'm discovering that love is not something to just talk about or feel or write about. It must be demonstrated and constant. It's the planning, the sacrifices, the traditions, and the time invested that really pays off. Sure, it's a lot of work to love somebody over the long haul and to be creatively enthusiatic about expressing it...but it certainly worth it. And if Mom and Dad model it, who knows...maybe the kids will pick it up and pass it on too.

Oh yeah. I never said it would be easy. Yesterday, I attended a Chickflick entitled, "Confessions of a Shopaholic." It was a date with my wife and daughter. I had to keep reminding myself that taking them to a movie they'd like to see (as opposed to one I think we'd all like - "Pink Panther 2") was the best way for me to say, "I love you." Yes, I left the movie numb and confused, but the circulation finally improved and I am able to breath again normally. The best part was knowing that my girls heard me say loudly with my actions, "I loved you." And yes, I said those words too.

My last post began identifying the choices we must make if we are to genuinely love someone. Following are the next 8 choices described in the love letter from God.

9. Love does not keep a record of wrongs done unto it. "thinks no evil" 1Cor 13:5

10. Love refuses to gossip. "does not rejoice in iniquity" 1Cor 13:6

11. Love looks for something good to say and then says it. "rejoices in the truth" 1Cor 13:6

12. Love first carries the burden of others before trying to fix the burden. "bears all things" 1Cor 13:7

13. Love sees the weakness but believes the best. "believes all things" 1Cor 13:7

14. Love never lowers God's standard. "hopes all things" 1Cor 13: 7

15. Love is prepared for the long haul. "endures all things" 1Cor 13:7

16. Love chooses to get back up when beaten down. "love never fails" 1Cor 13:8

As you can see, love is never dependent on feelings. Love always involves choices that often conflict with your feelings. You cannot ever trust your feelings because they are so influenced by your circumstances and daily mood. Love, at least in God's opinion, is never optional. Therefore is boils down to our decision to love. It's no wonder the love of God is confounding, unexpected, and overwhelming.