And the Journey Begins

Well the day is here and our journey begins.

Jeremiah 6:16 says;
This is what the Lord says:

“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.

 

The songs that keep running through my head the last couple of days are "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked," and "I Can Only Imagine." I can't even wrap my head around the idea that in about a day we will be truly standing on Holy Ground. On the ground where our Lord and Savior, while all his friends slept, said  “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt 26:39) That we will be crossing the same water that Jesus walked on to reach the disciples. That we will be at the spots where Christ preached, and taught, and healed, first show us how to love others unconditionally. That we will have a chance to walk the Via Dolorosa, the last steps that our Lord and Savior took before freely giving up his life for OUR sins, for MY sins. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

 

It's almost time.  In the words of Peter, Paul and Mary, "All my bags are packed I'm ready to go. I'm leavin' on a jet plane." And as much as I'll miss you all here in the states - I CAN'T WAIT.

 

Our small group is meeting at Johnny's Steakhouse" for lunch before we go. Then it will be off to the airport. We leave Des Moines at 4:00 p.m., leave Chicago at 6:30 p.m.and leave Newark at 10:50 p.m.. Our arrival time in Tal-Aviv is 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday - but remember there is a time change of about 7 hours (I think) central time, so maybe about 9:20 central time. (I get so confused with the time changes and who is ahead and behind.) Doesn't matter, we'll be there when we get there.

 

So here we go! Walking in Christ's footsteps. Seeing our Lord and Savior in a way I can't even imagine. Being filled with a new fire and sense of purpose. Good friends and good fellowship. Learning and growing in our faith.

 

Lord Jesus Christ my God, be our Companion, guide and protector during our journey. Keep us from all danger, misfortune and temptation. By Your divine power grant us a peaceful and successful journey and safe arrival. In You we place our hope and trust and You we praise, honor and glorify, together with Your Father and Holy Spirit now and forever and ever.

 

Lord Jesus, You traveled with the two disciples after the resurrection and set their hearts on fire with Your grace. Travel also with us and gladden our hearts with Your presence.  During our journey surround us with Your holy angels and keep us safe from seen and unseen dangers. Grant that we may carry out your plans for this trip and fulfill our expectations according to Your will. Help us to see the beauty of creation, help us to draw closer to you, help us to love you more when our plane lands back in the states than we did when we took off, and help us to comprehend the wonder of Your truth in all things. For You are the way, the truth and the life, and to You we give thanks, praise and glory forever. Amen.

 

All for now, more later,

Grace and Peace

Pastor Deb