What's there to say?

Romans 9 is tough. I found that not many want to comment, write about, expound on or preach a word from Paul that challenges our politically correct senses. Particularly after recently returning from the land of Israel not to mention having a Jewish connection by blood I too struggle with Paul's words, "not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel." (Romans 9:6) Why the struggle for Paul, why the sorrow and unceasing anguish in his heart? All I can connect it to was a moment at a restaurant called Decks in the Galilee city of Tiberius. A beautiful choice for dinner, right on the shore of the sea. As we relaxed, enjoying the view of the setting sun turning the eastern hills to gold, a Jewish man was frantically moving table to table. Halakha, or Jewish Law for the Orthodox, requires prayer three times daily. The man was asking each male diner if he would come and join in communal prayer, which requires a quorum of ten over the age of 13. Some consented, but others did not. As it reached the critical time of 2.5 hours before sunset, the man's hurry turned to desperation as he approached not only diners but staff to gain the quorum. An overwhelming sadness overcame me as I thought of the countless people who believe that God has such stringent requirements. Whether it's about formality and rules or "churchy" language and the position of our hands I think we miss the point of prayer. Seeing Jesus pray in Scripture, the model He gives is strikingly different. He approaches the Father in reverence and awe, true, but also in confidence and certainty that His prayers are heard. Why? Well, I believe that the truth of prayer and ultimately it's effectiveness lies in the recognition of who God is and who He alone has made us to be. Father and son. Daddy and daughter. God and HIS people, not by their blood, their rites, their rituals - but by His enduring love for all He has created. I found it interesting in researching the prayer life of the Jewish Orthodox that the main thrust an purpose of prayer is to "transform oneself". I believe that the power of prayer is to be transformed by a God who has included you and broken, broken and damaged goods, into His family through Christ Jesus. We can truly call out to Him as His precious children. Paul says that the merciful love of God for us "depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy."! What a concept - God doing what He said He would do! That is to include you and I and all who trust that He is God and He alone has done a miraculous thing in His kingdom through Christ. What is there to say but AMEN! 

Free...REALLY??!!!

"The Ritz Side Car". Two ounces of 1830 ultra rare Ritz Reserve Cognac, Cointreau and a dash of fresh squeezed lemon. $520!

"The Burger". A third of a pound of imported Wagyu beef. White truffles. Iranian saffron bun cradling Pata Negra ham and Cristal onion straws. $200!

"The Golden Opulence Sundae". Five scoops of Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream covered in 23k edible gold leaf drizzled with  Amedel Porcelena chocolate and, get this "passion caviar"! $1000!

I'm not sure which would make my stomach hurt more - the food or the cost! It's hard to believe that there's a segment of the population who indulge in such gastronomic pornography! Then again, it's amazing what we'll pay to satisfy even the most empty of our own desires. When I read Isaiah 55:1-5, I see a couple of things at work - mainly a difference between the servants of God or us and the Servant of God, Jesus. See, there's a shift in this short little piece, from plural (us) to singular (Him). While we struggle and work, labor and pay for all that does not satisfy our ailing bodies, God Himself gives us free food for our souls. Now, that's amazing! To be filled up for free is better than the best cheap Vegas buffet! It's better than anything we can hope to get, because in God's eternal grace and mercy he has given us, His servants, THE SERVANT! To eat the good stuff, the food for our soul is to fill up on the Everlasting Word - Jesus Christ. He called Himself the Bread of Life - the true Bread, from Heaven - for you!

Hesed Love

"I, Dominic, take you, Catherine, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death us do part according to God's holy will; I pledge to you my faithfulness"

It was almost 15 years age that I said these words to Cassie. Everyday is a challenge to not only remember the words but to live what they say. It's no mistake that God in His wisdom has chosen marriage to be the quintessential model of His love for us. The meaning of the word love, true love, is wrapped up in what it means for two to be be made one. True love or "hesed" in Hebrew is all about sacrifice. When I read Psalm 136, with it's refrain "His steadfast love (hesed) endures forever", I am directed once again to the mirror. Do I love as God has loved? Can I?

We naturally put a lot of pressure on our relationships. We expect one another to live up to the vows we exchange with trembling lips and starry eyes on our wedding day. We find out all too soon that having and holding for better,worse,rich, poor, sick or well is no small feat. Loving and cherishing one another is hard work...particularly if we do not see how we are loved and cherished by God. When Jesus calls us His bride, He is wrapping up all that it means to love sacrificially and centering on His cross. The steadfast love of God is that He would give His only Son... for us! The Creator of the Universe, Creator of each moment of each day, gives us Himself out of pure love that endures forever! This hesed is a gift. It is grace. It is love beyond measure or understanding and it is for us! See that God's hesed has been, is and will be upon you always. Give thanks to God, who in His hesed has given you this precious gift! Live God's hesed as you share with those you love in a sacrificial life for one another!  

What is man...or woman for that matter!

Simple picture, right? Just some trees, blue sky and a mountain. God's creation. Beautiful. Views like this bring to mind words like..."When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?" Psalm 8:3-4

It seems to me that the amazing majesty of creation has been reduced in our time to tiny molecules and even smaller elements. Little stuff that comes together by the power of chemistry to make bigger stuff, trees - sky- mountains. As a result, we often forget both why these things exist and who put them in place. I chose this picture today for two reasons, for both the majesty and the simplicity, for who created them and why. This picture was taken looking west from the shore of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. The cliff marks a natural route. At it's base is a valley that leads toward a town called Nazareth. Small and insignificant, until we realize that the Creator of all we see not only made the scene, but looked upon it as well. Jesus would have know this cliff. He would have known that following it's line, the natural route would mark His way to His boyhood home. Just like He would know other routes as well, along the Jordan River, through the fields of Samaria, up the hills of Jerusalem - particularly that hill that would hold both a cross and a tomb. Jesus knew the path laid out at the beginning of time for us. What are we that God would do any of this for us? Simple. We are His creation, His beloved, His people....FOREVER in Christ Jesus! 

Faith Then, Now and Always

Every week tends to have a theme. As I'm able to interact with different people in our community, I can usually see the underlying current of concern that becomes the "why" of Sunday's message. It's the only way I know to keep things relevant. So this week the thematic word is "treasured". We have a God who treasures us so much that He surrounds us as His people. He treasures us so much that He even calls us Holy, even though our lives are far from looking that way! In the midst of real life struggles - shortages of time and money and even concern for one another, God does not leave us alone. Instead, it's like man who finds a treasure or the merchant a pearl. God values us so much that He is willing to give up everything for us - even to the point of giving up Jesus to death on a cross. Why? Well, that's the tough part for us. The why of faith is to glorify God by living Kingdom lives. This is to live as God intended us to live, selflessly laying down our lives and sacrificing for one another. This happens in the smallest of ways -  a kind word, a ride to the grocery store, a willing ear to listen and a open heart to share. Friends, the Kingdom of Heaven in which we live NOW contains the treasure of a good and gracious God who has been, is and will be with us forever. It is the treasure we share with one another as a family created to love.

The victory is God's alone. We have the honor of sharing in the fruit!

What Value Faith?

I was trying to think of my most valued possession. The usual suspects came to mind... wife, kids, home, life itself. I thought of what Jesus says in Matthew 6:21 - "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also". And in 10:37 - "whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me." I'm just not sure about what I truly value and why.  When I read both the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value in Matthew 13, I believe that Jesus is giving His followers insight into the lengths one will go for what is truly valued. To be willing to give up EVERYTHING we hold as valuable in our eyes to gain what is valuable to our hearts. Jesus followers value the gift of the Kingdom given by Jesus' cross so much, that it becomes the precious possession that gives true value to the all rest. So now, it is in only Christ that I am able to truly value wife, kids, home and life itself. The valuable relationship of God coming to me and sacrificing Himself for me is to be extended through me as I seek His will in my life. God valuing me in Christ Jesus shows me just how much I am to value all the gifts God gives to me! As it is so in His Word, let it be so  in my heart.

Nothing Comes Between Us

By the time I was 21, I felt like I had finally arrived at a point I had been working toward. It was a point of independence from others, a point of doing what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. It was a point in which I should have felt truly free. Instead of free I came to realize the horror of loneliness and disconnection. With no ties to family, community and God I was left with myself, which became truly unbearable. I came across some words I wrote back then sitting in a bar on the corner of Belmont and Racine in Chicago...rain pouring down. The words were so hollow and hopeless. But there was this line, "you who bring the rain, why have you also left me? After all, didn't you say you'd be with me wherever I go?" Even there, in a place so self-absorbed and "free", I think I was looking for an answer from outside myself, and answer from God. Romans 8:38 - Paul says "I'm sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." The answer is simple. As much as we think we can be free, without ties and community, God remains tied to us through the cross of Christ. What God has joined together, man (even the self) cannot separate!

HOLY?????

I have a lot of trouble with being called "holy". Whether you say sacred or set apart, being called holy is filled with a kind of fearful responsibility.  Scripture says that God has chosen us to be His treasured possession, sacred, set apart, holy to Him. Why? I know that I personally don't feel like I deserve to be called God's treasured possession and I certainly don't feel like I deserve to be called holy! Deuteronomy 7:8 gives us a glimpse of why God calls His people holy. God kept the promise He made to our father in faith, Abraham. God in his "ahava" or love for us delivers His people from the slavery of being less than holy, just as He delivered the Hebrew people from the bonds of slavery in Egypt. The purpose of God's deliverance is simple, that we live in the hopeful joy that the faithful and steadfast love of God is FOR us in Jesus. The power of the cross is the power of love beyond measure, a love that delivers, a love that makes us a treasured possession of God, a love that makes us holy to Him. The fearful responsibility fades when in faith we realize that becoming holy is not our job! However being holy, being treasured, being loved is our new reality in Christ! God calling you and I holy simply means that God is calling us His own. Isn't it time that we live that way? 

Surrounded!

It was awesome to be back in worship yesterday - to see all those smiling faces and feel their warm welcome once again! Quite a few asked if we felt "safe" in traveling to Israel. When you look at the news, it seems like such a dangerous place to go. I just heard that my friend Diana was discouraged by her University from taking a study trip to Israel because of the risk. It's sad that we can't trust the words of Psalm 125:2, "as the mountains surround Jerusalem so the Lord surrounds His people." I think I felt as comfortable in Israel as I do in the arms of the church, which for me is a often a mixed emotion. I often feel uneasy no matter where I might be in this world, particularly when I see complacency in myself and others. When I'm just kind of going through the motions and not really in touch with living as God's child, each moment is unpredictable and seems dangerous and risky. Yet, on the other hand, there is comfort in the face of this treacherous world in the knowledge that in Christ Jesus God Himself is surrounding me every moment of everyday, even into eternity through His cross. God Himself says that wickedness will never rest in the place where His own Spirit dwells. That doesn't mean that wickedness and evil are absent, that danger and risk "disappear" in Jesus. Instead, for me, it gives me comfort to know that even in the face of a risky and dangerous world God will keep us strong in Him. His Spirit helps us to fight the temptation to curl up and hide from the world. Instead we can face it boldly, trusting in Him to abide forever.

Great to be back!

While our trip to Israel was WONDERFUL, it truly is great to be home. I don't think I've ever seen a happier dog! The greatest of joys, however, is in the enduring happiness of the congregation! What a joy to hear of the blessing Pastor Luis' message was last Sunday. Prayerfully you'll be hearing more from him in the coming months. One thing that really struck me, that may be evident in the blogs, was the overall "smallness" of the early church. To think that communities formed in a climate that was less than favorable is truly amazing. They not only formed, but thrived, centered around the very simple message of Jesus Christ - that God is "for us", forgiving and renewing our lives daily and eternally at the same time! What a tremendous thought that the King and Creator of the universe would come to a tiny, backward place full of insignificant and stubborn people to make them His own people. When I think of my own life, as one who feels at times tiny, backwards, insignificant and stubborn, it helps me to think that this is exactly where God works. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven". A small thing, faith, placed in just one heart that can move mountains! Amazing!

A Perfect Sunset

What a perfect ending to the trip of a lifetime! We left Ginosar early this morning, driving through the beautiful northern countryside to arrive back in Tel Aviv. Our journey took us through Nain, where Jesus raised a widow's son and past Mt. Tabor where He was transfigured before the eyes of Peter, James and John. We feel that this trip has transfigured us as well. Being able to recall the places we have been and the people we have met will remain with us always. We thank you for your prayers and support while we've been away. Most of all, we'd like to thank Bob and Dottie Pipher. This is a couple we never had the chance to meet yet will be indebted to always for gifting this trip to the pastor and family.  When we meet again on the other side of eternity, we know that we will be able to reminisce about a land and a people they so dearly loved - and a Lord and Savior that we couldn't live without! The real purpose of this trip, according to the wishes of its benefactor, was to "greatly enrich the messages" to the congregation. I can tell you that the images of the past week will forever color my proclamation of the Gospel, just as each day lived together with you all continues to shape and mold me as a pastor and my family as your friends. Thank you again and we'll see you later this week!

One HOT day!

Today we trekked north to Capernaum and found Peter's House. He wasn't home. Capernaum was a tiny village with houses so close together it was hard to see how they got from place to place. The black basalt houses, palms and banana trees reminded us of our visit to Hawaii! In the center of the ancient town was the Synagogue. Somewhere near here Jesus preached, taught and lived his life with his friends overlooking the Sea of Galilee. The Sea is absolutely beautiful and the pictures don't do it justice. We can see why Jesus would be happy to call this home.  The distance from Tiberias to Capernaum to Bethsaida is only a few kilometers at the northern end of the lake. So much of our history in so little space! Driving to Nazareth we were amazed by the terrain thinking that Jesus and his disciples walked over these rocky hills and through these blazing hot valleys. Nazareth itself was not much to see. In fact, the highlight was finding a place to eat...KFC! When we got back to the Kibbutz the girls could not wait to swim in the Sea...it was so refreshing! We got cleaned up and had dinner at Decks on the water in Tiberias. Dinner and dessert were so delicious, but the spectacular view was even better. Tomorrow we head back to Tel Aviv to prepare for our flight home on Wednesday. This trip has been such a blessing to us, but we look forward to seeing home and all of you again!

Desert to Sea

We're off again, this time from dust and bustle of Jerusalem to the verdant and peaceful Sea of Galilee. After attending morning church services at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer we drove out to Kibbutz Ginosar, a collective community just north of Tiberias. Renting a car was almost as interesting as driving the 125 km along the Jordan River valley with a highly inferior map! (note: always upgrade to GPS!) We arrived safely to find the kindest and most welcoming people thus far, which is really a complement since everyone has been so pleasant. Our charming little cabin room reminds us of a place we used to visit in Whitehall, on the shores of Lake Michigan. The Kibbutz is a agricultural community and the home of the so called "Jesus boat" that you see pictured here. This amazing 2000 year old fishing vessel was discovered poking out of the mud by two local fishermen. The story of its archeological uncovering and 10 year preservation is truly amazing. To think that it could have belonged to some famous fishermen who plied these waters, or even held Jesus Himself as he taught the crowds is awe inspiring. The lake itself is beautiful. Watching how the sudden breezes quickly whip up white caps, one can imagine the scene of Jesus lying asleep in a boat like this while His disciples feared for their lives. Part of the museum housing the boat is dedicated to another storm, the terrifying local battles of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. I'm reminded that from all the storms in life we learn the same lesson, trusting that God's will is done for us in Christ always calms the sea...always. Tomorrow we're going to see places where Jesus lived and teached and preached this message of peace for us all.

The Other Side

Today we left Jerusalem to visit the birth place of our Lord and Savior. The top shows the wall of separation of the Palestinian and Israeli people, the bottom the place where Jesus was born. It seems that when we talk of "peace" so often it means peace for one at the expense of another. Israel seems to be a land of contradictions. We had the somewhat tense experience of traveling a short 15 minute bus ride to the gates at Bethlehem. Through heavy security, we were out on the street in the West Bank, disputed territory to say the least. By the time we arrived at Manger Square, we were right back to street vendors and overly helpful guides. Cassie forgot full coverage on her legs, so a quick scarf purchase was our ticket into the Church of the Nativity. This is the oldest Christian Church, dated about 200 A.D. Our archeological guide book (thanks Ron!) told us of hidden fourth century mosaics under the floor, which the attendant was glad to open for us to see! After touring the church, we walked out toward Christmas Lutheran Church, through throngs of people shopping on market day. Sights and smells that are impossible to really explain! After Bethlehem we returned to Jerusalem and toured the Citadel, also known as the Tower of David. There are various reasons to think that Jesus' journey to the cross actually began here. The museum took us through thousands of years of faith and conquest, demolition and restoration of this most holy of cities. The more things change, the more they remain the same. As the prophet wrote, "Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls" Zechariah 2:4 - even so, come Lord Jesus!

Mmmm salty.

Yes, that really is us floating like corks and covered in mud. Today we took a 45 minute bus ride out of Jerusalem, through the West Bank and along the edge of the Dead Sea. We dropped 400 meters below sea level to the lowest place on earth which is the home of the Ein Gedi Spa. Ein Gedi is actually where King David fled and hid from Saul. I'm positive we had much more fun then King David! Spa Rules: 1. slather on mud from the "bin-o-mud" and let it dry; 2. stand under a smelly sulfur shower and rinse of the caked mud; 3. rinse in the clean water shower and wait for the bus; 4. take about a 2 minute ride to the salt beach and wade into the 110 degree Dead Sea which feels like it wants to spit you out! We had a blast just sitting in the water as if you were in a lawn chair and floating. The water felt oily and you DID NOT want to get it in your mouth or eyes. The Dead Sea salt content is 30% whereas the Mediterranean Sea is 3%. Lastly, you take the bus ride back to the pool (regular chlorine) and relax, have lunch ice cream and breathe the amazing oxygen rich air. Ahhhh...ready for Bethlehem tomorrow.

The Room to the Tomb

What a day! We were pilgrims, walking in Jesus' steps from the Upper Room, where He instituted the Holy Supper to His incense filled tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. (both pictured)  We hiked through the Kidron Valley, with it's acres of tombs facing the temple mount and awaiting the final judgment. This path led to the ancient garden of Gesthemene, at the base of the Mount of Olives. We could imagine Jesus' sorrow over Jerusalem, as every person on the street tried to either sell us something or push past us to be the first at each holy site. Still, the moments of awe in centuries of faithful veneration of these places is amazing. More later on this amazing day. 

We spent the evening in "new" Jerusalem, with it's street malls and trendy restaurants. Angeline says "it's sort of like America came, threw up and left." She has such a keen insight!

We found a great little local restaurant with awesome Sephardic food...and a nice pint of Guinness too! 

Tomorrow will  be the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi...a little r&r at a spa!

BTW - Bag arrived today! Thanks be to God and BMI!

Took a walk...

around the entire south end of the old city. It' amazing just how small it is! We strolled around the Armenian then the Jewish Quarters, finding ourselves at the Western Wall. There was a wedding taking place in the Archeological Park -music and dancing...such atmosphere! we arrived back at the Guest House as the the evening call to prayer echoed through the city. The view from the Guest House rooftop garden is spectacular! A little sleep and we'll walk in Jesus steps - from the upper room to the cross...

Lutheran House, Jerusalem

After passing through the Jaffa Gate, we found ourselves in the souk market surrounded by brightly colored clothing and jewelry! With the help of a shop owner and jokester who wanted to charge us 10 shekels each to help us, he led us to St. Mark Street (stone steps surrounded by walls, wide enough for the 4 of us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder) that eventually led us to our hotel, Lutheran Guest House. It is charming!! We'll be staying here for 4 days and touring all there is to see in Jerusalem. We had a quick lunch of Falafel's and Hummus at a small rooftop cafe' and are ready for a nap while the city cools down and we head out to explore.

The Road to Jerusalem

One bus ride one way, then back the other (live & learn), we finally found our way to the main bus depot in Tel Aviv- inside a "mall". After being searched and asked if we had any cans (or guns it was hard to tell) we finally found stop 605 and the bus to Jerusalem!

We now know why the Bible says that people go "up to  Jerusalem", as the ride was a steady climb toward the Golden City. We successfully shook off our first scamming taxi driver and got a good ride to the Jaffa Gate of the Old City. Whew! No more cars or buses for awhile! 

Shalom!

We made it to Tel Aviv after a harrowing cab ride from the airport - we each made it in one piece! One of our bags decided it like London and stayed, we hope it will join us in the next couple of hours! Dominic smells...

Our hotel overlooked the Mediterranean and Mc Donalds (which was closed this morning). Our next adventure was to find our way to Jerusalem which proved difficult when you don't speak Hebrew!! 

London Calling...

Hurry up and wait. Or in the case of Cass and the girls, hurry up and sleep!
I'll have to post a pic later of them sacked out at Heathrow. It's pretty comical.
As for me...I'm WIDE awake. Have been the whole time thus far. We have a bit of a delay, hopefully just an hour longer than expected. We'll arrive in Tel Aviv just in time to crash out until Wednesday's trek to Jerusalem!
BTW, if you have the opprtunity rent the movie "Young at Heart". It's a brilliant documentary about an all senior choir that performs pieces from The Clash, Sonic Youth, Coldplay and James Brown among others. Hilarious and really touching at the same time. The final scene had Angeline and I in tears!

We're Off!

Somebody is a little upset!

We're heading out to Israel this morning...but first is the long drive to LAX! We wish the flight were out of San Diego...but oh well..we're on vacation!

We'll be posting up along the way - so keep checking!

Thanks for all the prayers and support!