[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!

Journey to Israel [Settled]

Before I start, I have to say. God gets all the credit for this. I was walking back home and realized I had wanted to start my journey to Israel posting about how it's challenging me and the excitement and all the rest. Now I'm here and It's being posted!

Precisely 2 weeks ago, you could have looked in my bank account and thought "this guy can't even take care of normal bills let alone making a journey to Israel" I didn't have enough money to get back on the bus to Oxford. While I think about it I realize, infact, I hadn't even been paid for the work that was given to me by God's provision - How he had lined up some work for me with Ron and Chris at a house north of Oxford - near Ashley Gorge. But I'm still settled, after all, it's not my life it's Gods.

YWAM Update: Sorted, and stilled

Hello, Everyone!

The reason, that I'm calling this "Sorted, and stilled" is because I am in the final workings of booking a ticket to goto Jerusalem in a few days! As I write this, it is Sunday, the 24th of July, 2011 in the afternoon, sitting at my parents computer, (who knows where the next update will be coming from?)

This is a good opportunity, to reminisce on the things that are really important. I absolutely loved last night. There are photos here, of the night! I couldn't wait to get them up to show everyone! In fact, It's because of this night that everything has worked out. You see, I had a day to find a way to pay the plane ticket to Israel. But more of that later.

The night began with everyone arriving, with a potluck meal to share together. Because I'm doing a fast I was only able to eat limited food. I went up for thirds! When did that last happen? I can't remember! We still had much food left over afterwards, and most of it has gone back to YWAM to the delight of all our students (that's my guess) To begin with, I was nervous, anxious, and stressed, I let people know that If I didn't speak to them it wasn't because I didn't want to, it's just I have alot on my plate tonight. Where was God??? Haha. He was right there within us. For all the stress the night began with I have no idea how it worked out the way it did. Though I do know (i'm not suggesting I didn't know God was right there) But that's what happens when our minds are racing, and it's our hearts that He is looking at. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations saying "Help! Where is God!" But we know that He is there. It's a mystery. I invite you, yes, I encourage you to be a part of what God is doing. I just happen to be the one that is up here talking, the same could be said of you when you need support.

Peace! rest! I had some nerves while being a part of the night, but I handed over the next part of the evening to Colleen (from Rock Ha Shalom Ministries) and actually got ministered to. You could have fooled me! I thought I was the one -in charge- or better put, the one with the need. We learnt how to do the Grape vine, the Yemenite (sp?) plus what looked like a very good wedding dance. She is very good at teaching, everyone absolutely loved the dancing part.

Well, as I said earlier. I received an email from my travel agent - your ticket is booked. This was yesterday morning. I had a day to pay for the ticket. I prayed about it, because I want to obey God fully and felt I was supposed to entrust it to Him, and see how the night goes. I show up at the evening, and my thoughts are all on How to prepare the meal, talking with the dancers about the order of evening, and maybe even, "I don't know what to say" These have a way to creep up on you. In fact, no one would ever know I had to pay for the ticket before midnight. While the dance went on I was very calm, God made me enjoy what was happening (especially the dancing!) When the night ends, I get a txt from my travel agent, the internet isn't working! oh no! But this morning I got a txt that the whole business was sorted. Now I'm just waiting for our ticket to come through! I'm living the dream baby!

The star of the night is God. Why was I afraid? For all the trusting that I have in Him, He puts me in situations that I am out of my comfort zone, and can't trust. This very well to do night turned into something more than a very good night. It turned into God fellowship with His people, and awe, and fear, and regard, trust, enjoyment, love. I can't be responsible for what happens. He draws out the things He wants from you and places is strong hands around them, turning them into a raging inferno of love. Does not my heart burn within me as He opens the word? The weakness of God is stronger than man's strength, and the foolishness of God is wiser than men's wisdom. And he took the weak and foolish things of the world, to shame the strong and wise.

This just means, the God we serve is faithful, and I want to be like Him.