Tag: visit Israel

CAESAREA: Who am I to stand in God’s Way?

It was a beautiful sunny day.  We enjoyed a delicious lunch along the Mediterranean coast.  I could see why anyone would like to live here.

In 22 BC, Herod the Great decided this would be a good place for his summer palace.  In fact, he built a major Roman city that included a harbor able to hold more then 300 ships, amphitheater with seating for 3500 and a 20,000 seat hippodrome for watching the latest sporting event…chariot races, of course.

It was here that God sent Peter to speak to a Roman centurion.  Peter words to Cornelius are ones that still give us hope today.

“I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him… Of Him (Christ Jesus) all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” Acts 10:34, 43

While Peter was speaking to Cornelius, his family and close friends, the Holy Spirit fell upon those who were listening.  This amazing event forever changed Christianity.  God used the faith of one person, Cornelius, to bring many to Him. How exciting!

My prayer is for God to use me today to bring others to know Him.

JERUSALEM: Where the Divine Presence Always Rests

This is written on the sign that welcomes us to the Western Wall Plaza.  The western wall is believed to be the sole remnant of the Temple and considered a permanent place of worship.

People from all over the world come to this plaza area, to this wall to pray, to read their scriptures and pray some more.  There is an air of reverence here.  Modest clothing, heads covered, conversations subdued.  Even the school children I saw were quiet and respectful.

Prayers are often written out and stuffed in the cracks between the stones. 

Entering this large open air place of worship, was quite an experience.  People coming, maybe for once in a lifetime, like me, or as part of their daily routine, each seeking to feel a nearness of God and leaving with the hope that He cared and had heard their hearfelt prayers.

You may never have the opportunity to pray at the western wall.  Yet we must remember that drawing near to God isn’t so much about a location but the condition of our heart.

…since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession….let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4: 14, 16