Dreaming and taking Risks

I'm celebrating being able to share that, wanting to goto Israel, I have now been to Israel! It's something to be able to say that 2 weeks prior to leaving I began to receive finances to go and then left on the 30th to leave for Israel, where I've never been before!

The one thing that has been occuring over and over during this whole process is dreaming. I cannot give dreams to others, but dreams happen when you have hope.

Enjoying Shabbat and Kosher Laws

I felt like I wanted to let everyone know, the development of my wanting to live by God's law and in particular Shabbat (Sabbath) and Kosher (dietary food laws) What an amazingly enjoyable and profoundly satisfying change.

There is a scripture in Genesis 2 that says: "Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." I get amazing enjoyment sharing this because it's brought me such freedom!

The Importance of Urgency

I am currently getting a fresh wind of how important it is, not to just be content with where we are, but operating in the grace of God beyond our means.

There is a scripture that comes to mind.

1 Thessalonians 3:10,12,13
night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we [do] to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

I would exceedingly love to see people enjoying the fellowship of Jesus

YWAM Update: Hilarious Giving

Hello, everyone!

Coming home to you, safe and sound! now in Christchurch. It feels rather incredible that 2 weeks ago I was in Jerusalem, living in the old city. The things that people have said of it seem to be sticking, but I also know that God is bigger than what people say. The proof is here today.

I'm kinda surprised to be sharing this story, for the story that I want to share with you. Because it is one of those stories that is dear to my heart, God release the freedom to live this way all the time! So what is it, you ask? Let us think on some lyrics from a song that I'm singing.

[Journey to Israel] Graduation

Being in Israel, and living in Jerusalem, I really count it a privilege that God has enabled me to be here. When asked about what my most important thought is, all I could say is "being in Israel is all that I've been thinking about for the last 6 months, just being here with you is all that I need to be happy"

This is something of what I'm feeling, as I sit down in a chair and rest in God's presence, noting how much everyone loves each other. How could I ever be disappointed or toxic? God's presence is something beautiful, how He is with His people. Here are some things that I was thinking about at Graduation, tonight.

As much as people are saying their goodbyes, I'm with my friends and family and this is all that matters

YWAM Update: Anointed for Discipleship

Here I am, coming from the New Imperial Hotel in Jerusalem. Yes, that is in Israel! The weather is hot (shorts and sandals weather) in the heat of Summer. While in the city there are cool breezes, however the moment you go out into the wilderness the protection leaves and you have to plaster yourself with sunscreen (or you'll get burnt) I am here as part of a Christian Tour around the Holy Land, joining a bible study school graduate on the Mount of Olives, Though we have been visiting many places in a very short amount of time, the trip is not rushed, God is still speaking very clearly. The biggest stresses we face are the oppressive environment (I really feel it in my devotions with Jesus) The whole thing gives me much quality analysis, and clarity to think of what is really important. I am really going to miss my family here, who I haven't seen for a few months, and who will part ways in a very short amount of time. I take that as being emotionally stable.

The most unexpected (yet not without a little regularity) is God has asked me to lead. Here's a little experience of how I'm feeling about it at the moment. I find myself in a precarious position, God asking me to persevere with all my heart but also, with loose hands, committing it all to Him. Did you know that God has a gift of leadership! Those who are gifted to lead, that people follow, even those that follow you do not know why they follow you, but they do so, even with silly ideas. That sounds like the leadership that God gives.

I want everyone to be released into the plans God has for them. Im excited, because we are about to head to church after this, I know that I will receive from God. In a way, that plan cannot be resisted, it is forced upon you, without a clue why? But because it comes from God, you obey. the thing that makes me believe it comes from God is because I want to submit, and I know that I will be protected if I choose what God has for me.

In my heart, I am excited, expectant, and know His love. In the same place that Jesus commissioned His disciples, this makes the whole experience very fulfilling as well.

I've really been overcome by peace while I've been here, and all that I've been learning has been useful for people to hear. For example. We have had today off, and I was sitting in the lobby in the hotel, when Julie-anna came through the doors, looking for someone to have lunch with. We went out for lunch at a very nice Deli (all Israeli ingredients!) talking about being in the center of the earth - and where we are from, the ends of the earth. What did we say? I wanted to share something with Julie. I want to be held accountable to all the dreams that I have. I'm kind of unsure, but that's because I'm taking a day at a time, God after all has the final say in the matter, that it's when I share with my friends my dreams that I realize what God has been planning all along. "Don't give up..." persevere. "commit all things to Him" He sees your heart. The reason that He brought me here is to affirm His love.

This is the city of peace, may God's peace be multiplied to you. Jesus can do anything. Did I tell you that God has a gift of leadership? For all our fears, and inadequicies, He says I am a leader and that's what makes all the difference.

I was hoping to be able to share this with you as it happened, God has given me my desire!

[Journey to Israel] Masada

While taking a tour in the Holy Land, we visited a stronghold, built by Herod, called Masada. A movie was written about an event which happened here, between Roman Legions, and a zealous jewish religious sect who revolted against the Romans. The series is called MASADA. The thing that makes this place different, is the height, 500 feet above the ground. The ruins of Herod's stronghold (destroyed in the ordeal) still remain. It was found by backpackers in the 20th century. Since then, Israel has possessed the land and it is a fine place for tourists to visit. The stronghold/mountain fortress overlooks the dead sea to the east. This was the first place that we visited on Tuesday. We left early on the Tuesday morning (before 7 oclock) to get there about 9 (so that it is not too hot)

[Journey to Israel] En Gedi

While having a quiet time, I was thinking of how God was healing my eye. Then I had a picture of being washed in water and coming up seeing. In fact, today is the day when we are going to En Gedi, which (though I have not been there) has many pools, I wonder what it will be like? In fact, If I am honest, God has said that he will meet me there. He was saying “Come to En Gedi!”

After a swim in the dead sea, I was putting Him to the test “If this is not absolutely the complete opposite of salty, burning, hot, water, then I’m going to be disappointed” - Looking back it was better. That is something to say, so I better explain why

[Journey to Israel] In the garden, Pools of Bethesda, Via Dolorosa

We woke up early in the morning to take a walk to the Garden of Gethsemane. This garden overlooks the Golden Gate (east gate of the Old City) which is called so because of a scripture in Ezekiel 33. It stands in a straight line between the Gate and the Temple Mount.

But first, I would like to share a story of how God healed me!