Judean Wilderness

This is the land between Jerusalem and Jericho. It's called the Judean Wilderness. When we were there it was 110 degrees. I can't imagine how Jesus walked this route.

Judean Hills

This was taken out in the Judean Hills. The Israelites would build look out buildings to watch for nasty Philistines.
"It looks like we are all clear for now."
I'm headed for the Negev (desert) for three days so will be out of touch. My fellow students and I will be staying in hostels in the southern areas of Israel. I feel a little like a Bedouin tribesman - just pack your things, take down your tent, and move on.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Here is a great picture of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We were on the Mount of Olives early in the morning when the Eastern sun came up. It cast a shadow of the cross on one dome onto an adjacent dome. This is where the first century Christians believed Jesus was crucified and buried. No research has been put forward to dispute that. The Mount of Olives is my favorite place in Jerusalem.

Blessing and Power and Glory and Honor be to the LAMB on the Throne

Here I am on the stones of the Second Temple Mount wall which were left where they fell as a lasting memorial to Israel's defeat by the Romans in 70 CE. I walked the entire Temple Mount today. Never expected my experience. In the past I always felt the construction of the Dome of the Rock directly over the Second Temple was a blatant intrusion of the Jewish faith and something to be feared. When I was up there the Dome of the Rock was muniscle compared to the Mount of Olives which is just to the East. I had no reason to fear because Jesus has ALL authority in heaven and earth.

www.mikeadkins.com/article/jesus-culture-revelation-song/

The Lion Of Judah

Do you know what I fear most about my journey to Israel? No, it's not the violence. No, it's not sickness or disease. No, it's not imprisonment. My greatest fear is that my conservative spirit will block my reception of what God has for me there. You see I am surrounded by North American churches who offer a lukewarm religion. We are not to offend in church. We are to be conservative and quiet and not involved. It is acceptable to jump up and loudly cheer at a sporting event or dance and scream at a concert, but certainly not in church. We have it so wrong! I have witnessed churches that are alive in Mexico. They are loud and wild and wonderful. They value their salvation and their walk through the Kingdom and are not afraid to express it. They have so little in terms of worldly goods - but they sure have spiritual treasure.

When I read the book of Acts, it is so clear how radical the Apostles were. They were radical lovers of Jesus. They were so radical that all but John were martyred. John was imprisoned to the island of Patmos to remove him from "normal" people. David was radical when, not yet a man, he took on the giant Goliath with a few stones as his only weapon. Elijah was radical when he challenged the prophets of Baal. Jesus, our Best Example, was an offense to the Pharisees.

We are so close to the end time. I believe only radical believers will be able to stand when it comes. It is only the ones who shake off the spirit of lukewarm and put on the mantel of radical love will stand. Do you know what the mantel of radical love is? It is the breast plate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Do you see they are military clothes? God is raising up an army who will stand in the end. The commander is the Lion of Judah.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWpQ67J130g&feature=related

Shalom...

The term shalom contains such a depth of meaning to the Children of Israel. Americans cannot comprehend the burden constantly carried by Israelis as generation through generation through generation have lived through war or threat of war. It has been the same through thousands and thousands and thousands of years. The only time the descendants of Abraham have come close to possessing the land the LORD gave them was during the reign of King David and Solomon. The rest of their history is a story of sadness and loss. When they reach the depths of despair, they cry out to God for rescue. This is reflected in their music. Here is a contemporary expression by Sarit Hadad.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdaJNeUV9bU&feature=related

Jerusalem of Gold (Jerusalén de Oro)

Jerusalem of Gold is the second national anthem for the nation of Israel - enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlIJOAZ1pak