MOVING FORWARD - pastor mike landry

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NASB) First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

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.

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.

The inauguration of President Barack Obama was historic and remarkable. It highlights not only the fulfillment of Martin Luther King's dream but demonstrates our national commitment to the truth that, before God, all men are created equal. The bar has now been raised and Americans believe, as never before, that even our highest national office, the Presidency, can be pursued and obtained by anyone, regardless of color. That is worth celebrating!

Another highly visible moment during the inauguration was when Rick Warren offered the invocation. Amidst the controversy of President Obama's choice of Rick Warren was the discussion by many over whether he would pray in the name of Jesus. He did, and did so in many languages. Was that being intolerant? Was that being exclusive? Was he being divisive? Was it unpatriotic? I don't think so. Let me explain.

Our pluralistic society is composed of people of many faiths. But the freedoms insured by our Constitution enable people to exercise their faith without restriction from the state. Tolerance should never require the adjustment of religious convictions nor the personal embrace of another belief system. In other words, it is unconstitutional to require or even expect a person of faith to compromise their faith and mandate that they use a more generic name for their God.

Rick Warren is an American citizen who was asked to pray during the inauguration of President Obama. I would expect and hope that Rick Warren, and any other Christian who is asked to pray, would pray in the name of Jesus, as their faith prescibes. If someone of another faith is asked to pray I would expect them to pray to their God by the name they have been taught to address him with. I may not agree nor believe in the God they follow, but constitutionally, they have every right to do so, and it would be wrong to expect them to embrace my faith and use another more generic name for God just because I am listening in.

We should celebrate that fact that we live in a nation where anyone can call on their God by name without reprisal. Intolerance, by definition, is demonstrated not by the one who prays in the name of their God, but rather, by the one who would expect a man or woman to change the name of their God to generically include all faiths.

I just finished a short book by Max Lucado entitled For the Tough Times. In classic Lucado style, he helps those of us who have our noses pasted to the window of pain, suffering, and hardship to push back and look again at the big picture.

What could you possibly see that would help you to move forward and make it through the trying moments, and in some cases, trying seasons? For those of you who are desperately looking for answers, let me highlight a few of the chapters for you. For more detail, you’ll want to be sure to read the book…there’s so much more that will encourage you.

Chapter 1 – Where Is God?

It’s so hard to find God when the pain has you plastered up against the wall. There are times when you may not be able to see His purpose or His plan. This certainly doesn’t mean He has vacated the throne nor does it mean that He has lost control of the universe. Trust Him at those times on the basis of His nature not your perspective.

Chapter 2 – God’s Great Love

You’ll be tempted to think God doesn’t love you when you are unlovable and messy. God’s love is unconditional and demonstrates it much like a father would to his child. Lucado describes it this way, “Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on His bumper…We know he has a tattoo, and we know what it says. ‘I have written your name on my hand,’ he declares (Isa 49:16).”

Chapter 4 – Good Triumph

Lucado begins the chapter with a question, “How could God allow evil to bring destruction and loss into our lives? He proceeds to describe how God uses the fallen angel and enemy of God, Satan, to accomplish His plan. Three ways are identified. He uses Satan to: refine the faithful, awaken the sleepy, and teach the church. Tough times are actually necessary for us to become what we were designed by God to be. As Joseph was able to say, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good. (Gen 50:20 NASB)

Chapter 7 – In The Storm, We Pray

Two important truths about prayer during times of crisis stand out to me in this chapter. The story of Lazarus dying is used to paint this picture. When Lazarus became “sick unto death”, the Bible says, “So Mary and Martha sent someone to tell Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick’” (John 11:3) The first truth is when someone goes to Him on our behalf, Jesus will respond. We need to pray even if we’re not sure it will change anything.

The second truth is that the power of the prayer you pray doesn’t depend on the one who makes the prayer but on the one who hears the prayer. Lucado calls attention once again to the phrase in John 11:3, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” It doesn’t say “The one who loves you is sick” God’s answer has everything to do with His love for you not your feelings about Him or your past behavior.

Hopefully this book and brief summary will encourage you as you try to make sense of the things swirling around you and causing much grief.

Pastor Mike Landry