Philo, Josephus and John

The Christmas Story began in the mind of God, long before the creation of the world.

The Sea from Joppa

Josephus the Historian writes it this way: About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was one who performed surprising deeds and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Christ. And when, upon the accusation of the principal men among us, Pilate had condemned him to a cross, those who had first come to love him did not cease. He appeared to them spending a third day restored to life, for the prophets of God had foretold these things and a thousand other marvels about him. And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared. (Book 18, Chapter 3, 3)

A path down to the Sea of Galilee

Philo says it this way: “Of other lawgivers, some have set forth what they considered to be just and reasonable, in a naked and unadorned manner, while others, investing their ideas with an abundance of amplification, have sought to bewilder the people, by burying the truth under a heap of fabulous inventions. But Moses, rejecting both of these methods, the one as inconsiderate, careless, and unphilosophical, and the other as mendacious and full of trickery, made the beginning of his laws entirely beautiful, and in all respects admirable, neither at once declaring what ought to be done or the contrary, ... embracing the creation of the world, under the idea that the law corresponds to the world and the world to the law, and that a man who is obedient to the law, being, by so doing, a citizen of the world, arranges his actions with reference to the intention of nature, in harmony with which the whole universal world is regulated. accordingly no one, whether poet or historian, could ever give expression in an adequate manner to the beauty of his ideas respecting the creation of the world; for they surpass all the power of language, and amaze our hearing, being too great and venerable to be adapted to the sense of any created being.” (On the Creation)

Synagogue where Jesus taught

John the Apostle says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1)

Herodium, favorite home of Herod the Great

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world”... “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:16-19)

The Prophecy

Unless the Lord builds the house,
.     the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
.     the guards stand watch in vain.  - Psalm 127:1
Christmas is an amazing fulfillment of prophecy.

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Long ago God told the world that He would send the Messiah to redeem people and bring joy into their lives. Isaiah wrote:

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. …
For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. - Isaiah 9:1-7

The Western Wall at Night

Jesus said of his own ministry (quoting from the book of Isaiah),
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
.   because he has anointed me
.   to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
.   and recovery of sight for the blind,
.   to set the oppressed free,
.   to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (61:1,2)

Sheep in Israel

Many of the prophets these are very specific like the child would be born in Bethlehem.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
. though you are small among the clans[b] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
. one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
. from ancient times. …
He will stand and shepherd his flock
. in the strength of the Lord,
. in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
. will reach to the ends of the earth.
And he will be our peace - Micah 5:2-5

Camels on their way to Bethlehem

God predicted the Magi would come:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
. and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
. and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
. and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
. and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
. to you the riches of the nations will come.
Herds of camels will cover your land,
. young camels of Midian and Ephah.
And all from Sheba will come,
. bearing gold and incense
. and proclaiming the praise of the Lord. - Isaiah 60:1-6

A Star in Bethlehem

It was said they would follow the star:
“I see him, but not now;
. I behold him, but not near.
A star will come out of Jacob;
. a scepter will rise out of Israel.” - Numbers 24:17

Flowers in Israel

Other prophecies are telling because God is going to bring salvation.
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
. from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
. the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
. the Spirit of counsel and of might,
. the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
. or decide by what he hears with his ears;
But with righteousness he will judge the needy,
. with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. - Isaiah 11:1-4

Western Wall in 1900 - Picture

The story of Jesus is a story freedom because God wants to save you from whatever it is in your life in your world that's holding you back. When a person truly seeks to follow God, that person begins to accomplishing the things for which God created each unique individual.
“For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
. the afflicted who have no one to help.
He will take pity on the weak and the needy
. and save the needy from death.
He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
. for precious is their blood in his sight.” - Psalm 72:12-14

Joy in Safat

Do you truly know what Christmas is?? The season is about more than gifts. It is about more than lights. It is far more than today’s traditional parties. It is about love, but not just the love of humans, the love of God that changes the heart, drawing joy from where there was once depression and placing peace in the lives of the confused.
.     “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” - John 3:16-17

Normal People, like Mary and Joseph

The Christmas story is about people, normal people just like you and me. This week in the book Advent Journeys we will travel with Joseph and Mary the parents of Jesus.

This is my book Advent Journeys
Order a copy today for Christmas!

Many people want to make Mary something unusual something mystical someone godly who is beyond the reach of humanity. God does not do things like that. God chooses normal people who have the right to say yes or no. Mary fortunately said yes.

Jesus works in Joseph's Carpenter Shop
At the Church of Joseph in Nazareth

Sometimes God chooses good people. I really think this is the case with Mary and Joseph. They lived lives dedicated to God and they had a desire to serve him. As we look through the story of Mary and Joseph, we discover they are people who have a desire to please God, and they spend time in prayer.

A small farm outside of Nazareth

This is not always the case. There are times when God chooses people who are not so good ... as in the case of Jonah or Samson. God chose people who were on the border and maybe even on the side of rebelling against God. But God still used them, in spite of their objections. These men, because they were unwilling to follow God’s directions, were robbed of the joy of serving.
.   The fact that Mary and Joseph are normal is proven by the fact of their surprise. When Mary found out she was to be with child she wasn't joyful. She wasn't amused. She did not say “no,” but did express worry, because she did not know how, or why God would bring this about. She probably worried about what people would say and how it would affect her life. After discussing the situation with God, she said, “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Supposedly Mary's parent's home
Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth

When Joseph heard the news he wanted to privately put Mary away because he was embarrassed. He knew he had not done anything to bring about the pregnancy. An angel came to Joseph, and spoke to him in a dream about what would happen. Joseph believed the Angel, and obediently followed God’s plan.

Joseph and Jesus

In both cases the angel came to them and convinced them of the sincerity of God's task for them to do. The angel let them know the task would not be easy, but both Joseph and Mary were obedient and willing.
.   In the story we see trials come immediately. A tax collector comes to Joseph when Mary is great with Child. He tells them they're called to go to Bethlehem and pay their taxes. Travel would not be anything easy because it would take almost a week to travel to Bethlehem. A great mountain range stood along the journey. You can read more about the travels of Joseph and Mary. Have you ever wondered what their trip was like?? You can read about it in the book Advent Journeys.

Nazareth Today

Trials did not end with the birth of Jesus but they continued for King Herod came after the child with a vengeance. Mary and Joseph had to go into Egypt into a land of exile where their forefathers have been slaves for 430 years. They live there with the strange people for a number of years, until God cleared the way for them to come back to their own land.

Merry Christmas from Nazareth

This Christmas, think about it are you a superior individual? Are you super unique in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd. Or are you a normal person, like Mary and Joseph. if you're a normal person, the Christmas story is for you because we all need the salvation and the love that God brings

Finding the Way

   Faith is not automatic and a guide is required to to help children find the right path. For this reason I developed and carried out a planned Advent Adventure each year with my family. The plan is adaptable and can grow with your family. For older teens and adults, I recommend the book Advent Journeys , which is full of adventures that will make your Bible Study come Alive!
   This week’s journal in the devotional Advent Journeys seeks to speak the words of Joseph along the road with Mary on their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Have you ever wondered what the trip was like? What they ate, where they slept, who they met, and what conversations they had? This journal will answer your questions!
   Joseph and Mary were unique individuals of character. They truly loved God, and sought to carry this attitude into their daily lives. For this reason they were chosen by God to become parents of the Messiah!
   The Bible tells us that Mary and Joseph were not problem free. They had many concerns … take for instance Mary’s sudden pregnancy; how to tell her parents; and how to break the news to Joseph (who did nothing wrong!) Think about what the community said. And then there were the taxes to be paid, and the trip to be made by a very pregnant Mary.
   The couple endured, in a commendable way. Have you ever wondered what they talked about along the way? What was the road like (they crossed mountains and walked through valleys). Would you like to listen? Take the Advent Journey with them from Nazareth to Bethlehem (this week). You can also travel with them from Bethlehem to Egypt … and then back to Nazareth during week four of the Advent Journeys Devotion Guide. [this is an easy read, with about 350 words per day, that will take you to the heart of Christmas! Please try it, and for accountability, have a friend read the book also.]
   Joseph and Mary are still remembered, because God chose them. The Lord gave them to serve as examples for other parents across two thousand years of history. A close reading of the Bible, and also Advent Journeys can help you to know them better and copy something that will improve your life this year.

Winning the Lottery

The lottery was held every day for the Priests the Temple to assign duty posts.

Coins of Ancient Israel

.   The first drawing was to clear the altar of ashes. {A story is told that there were once two men who desired to clear the altar, and they both ran to be first, but they were equal, so one man pushed another off the ramp to the Altar. The man who fell off broke his leg, and the court saw the danger of disorder. This is how they began to assign priests duty by lottery. - Mishna Yoma 2.2}
.   The second lottery assigned specific tasks of the sacrifice to thirteen men. These men processed sacrifices, and took them to the top of the ramp by the altar. The fourth drawing decided which priests would receive the sacrificial offerings at the top of the ramp and place them on the altar.

Model of the Temple

.   At the third drawing of the lottery the officer used to say, “New priests come up and submit to the count for the incense.” This means that only once in a lifetime can a man clear the ashes from the Altar of Incense and then refresh the fire with figwood from the outer altar.
.   Now according to the Bible Zechariah the Priest, the father of John the Baptist was chosen casting of the third lot for duty of clearing and renewing the fire of the altar of incense. Luke wrote: “Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.” We also know from the Bible that this was probably Zechariah’s last tour of duty before he retired. Imagine the shock of Zechariah at being selected. Imagine the timing of God, in giving Zechariah an important message!
.   The Mishnah, an official guide book for Priests explains the duty that Zechariah was to follow: “Every day, the officiating priest would scoop out coals. [When he would scoop out figwood from the outer altar mixed with incense for the inner altar for the incense offering of morning and evening], he would scoop them with (a coal pan) of silver and spill them into one of gold [and he would not scoop them out with one of gold, for the scooping out of coals wears out the pan, and the Torah "pitied the money of Israel."].”

In the Holy Place of the Temple

.   The Bible tells us that when Zechariah went into the Holy Place of the Temple to tend the altar of incense according to the Law of Moses and instruction of the High Priests, “all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.” They waited on Zechariah to ‘quickly’ finish his task, so the sacrifices could begin … but…
.   “Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”

The Best book for Advent!

The Christmas story contains many details that most people miss. The details make the story more wonderful. I want to share the details with you (in more interesting form), in a ten minute reading per day …. Take a look at the book Advent Journeys, on the left side of this page, or by clicking this link.

Waiting … the Storyline

I don’t want to waaaiit!!
Is that really in the script??
I want it NOW!!

Yes, it’s really in the script!
And it is there quite often also!
How long did Noah wait on the ark? 150 days?
How long did Abram wait for a child? 25 years?
How long did Joseph hang out in prison?
How many years did Israel serve Egypt
How long did it take them to get to the promised land?
… and the list could go on. But I’ll stop it here.

Except to tell you, the Christmas story involves waiting.
First, it was waiting for the Messiah to arrive …
.   But in today’s Advent reading (from Advent Journeys), we read how Zechariah and Elizabeth have waited for a child; And they gave up. They really did, because Elizabeth was beyond childbearing years.
.   And Zechariah was ready for retirement. What age do priests retire? Read it in the book. But, know for sure Zechariah was waiting to retire. … Not that he didn’t enjoy his job, he did. But he had reached the age, (what age? Read it in Advent Journeys) to retire.
.   Then on his last day … his very last day … he was CHOSEN! (for what?) To tend the Altar of Incense. That is a once in a lifetime experience. It is a privilege and an honor. And Zechariah the Priest had never, in his long career … in his whole life, had that privilege. He was excited. He was thrilled … he would go out with a bang.

TRUE … he just didn’t know how big that bang would be!!
.   Imagine, being given the once n a lifetime opportunity, on your last day of work! Working as close (remember he was a priest) to the Holy of Holies that any man (except for the High Priest, and that is only once a year) can come. Zechariah would be right next to the presence of God! That is why he was thrilled and excited .. and considered the opportunity, “Going out with a bang!”
.   But it was more! More than Zechariah expected … because an Angel met him there!

(More tomorrow … or read Advent Journeys!)

Preparing for the Holidays

It’s December already, the countdown to Christmas has begun.
… but, what are you counting down to?
The Presents, The arrival of Family...
Time off work, Football games...
Parties, The lengthening of days …
To take down the tree...
for life to return to normal ,,,
For the New Year to begin, … or for Jesus?!

The season of Advent is about waiting …
… for the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem...

How are you preparing?
… Are you just counting days?
.... Getting involved in activity, planning menus,
… Inviting guests, buying presents ….
Or reading the story … the story of Jesus?

Most people just let the time go by …
They don’t build the anticipation …
They don’t get ready for the real joy,
It is fake things they are involved in.

Have you formed a plan to savor the days??
If not, click on the book to the left …
Advent Journeys
And let the trip toward Christmas begin!!

Gabriel the Angel

   Have you ever been visited by Angels? An Angelic event is a magnificent thing! Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, David, Solomon, Isaiah and the Prophets, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, Zechariah the Priest and many others experienced this amazing presence! What was it like? Have you ever wondered?
   This week, author David Simon will take you into the Holy Place of the Temple in Jerusalem as Zechariah (father of John the Baptist) is greeted by Gabriel the Archangel of God. What was it like? The New Testament gives a glimpse at the story ... but did you know there was more?
   A Jewish writing called the Mishnah tells more details about what went on inside the Temple during the lifetime of Jesus. This account, when paired with the Bible adds many more details to the amazing story of Christmas. Why was Zechariah in the Holy Place? What does the Bible mean when it says, “chosen by lot”? How often did a Priest get to do what Zechariah did? Exactly what did he do? Why was it special?
   The Christmas Devotion book Advent Journeys will help you understand. The book is set out as journal entries of about 350 words each day. It is an easy read. {Zechariah’s Journey won a literary award for its content!} In seven short readings the mysterious figure Zechariah will come to life as he tells his story.
   The week will begin as Zechariah leaves home for duty. You will meet Elizabeth, his wife and a kinsman of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Then you will travel the short distance to Jerusalem with Zechariah the Priest.
   The story will take you into the living quarters of the Jewish Levites. You will learn their morning routine. You will visualize standing alongside as the sacrifices are made at the altar. And you will be present as Zechariah is chosen by lot.
   You will feel the presence of Gabriel as the archangel delivers God’s message to Zechariah. What was his reaction? Read Advent Journeys and find out! Better yet, ask a friend (or your Bible Study group) to join you. The book is available as an e-book, so you can take delivery today!
   Begin your reading, and experience the Bible and Christmas in a whole new wonderful way!

What is Advent?

     For many people Advent is an unknown. It is a word, but there is no tradition and no meaning other than knowing this word is attached to Christmas. To a person without Advent, Christmas is simply a tradition and celebration without its best meaning.
     For many people in our world the Advent season is consumed business and activity. People get caught up in the tradition of purchasing gifts, attending events, visiting family members, and pleasing children. While the obligations of Christmas can be fun, if people do not take control of their calendars the multiple expectations can control their lives to the point that the celebration of the coming of Christ gets pushed into the background.
     Some people enjoy the aesthetics of Advent. Enthusiasts believe Advent involves Candles, Poinsettias, Holly, Lights, Gifts, and a Nativity. This group finds their joy in home décor, church decorations, community displays, and parades. But Advent is to be more more, Advent is the season to unwrap and share the wonder of Christ’s arrival in order to bring salvation to all who will receive and believe. Advent without meaning is simply cosmetic.
     Many people get caught up in the tradition of Advent. This tradition involves worship services at church, advent candles, and advent readings. There is meaning in this Advent and an honoring of Jesus Christ who was born on Christmas Day.
      To thousands Advent is a celebration of Christ. The season of Advent is the season of celebrating the birth of Christ. This advent can involve business, decorations, and tradition. But will always seek to honor Christ. During the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas thousands of Christians seek to worship Christ in their Christmas.
      To some Christians, Advent is mystery. This is not to say that they do not know what is going on, but the Advent season is designed as a time of discovery, of walking through the story of how God sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins. Advent is a walking through of the story, anxiously awaiting the birth of the long awaited Christ.
     Advent by definition means “a coming; approach; visitation.” The season of Advent is a time of getting ready. Although there are traditions we keep during the Advent season, we must seek to keep the days before Christmas fresh, full of Christ, full of meaning, alive. Advent is meant to be an Adventure.

Thankful for Family

That’s a really odd subject! From the start, we need to admit it, we all have “different” family members. Sometimes they are evil, inept, odd, have bad habits, too “sweet”, obnoxious … well, with that out of the way, we can think about our family.

During the creation, on the sixth day, God created family. Think about the words of our Bible: “the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Man looked up, and saw all the things God gave him. First, there was the garden, then there were four beautiful streams. God provided gold, precious stones, aromatic smells within nature, stars in the sky by night, and the sun during the daytime. God gave man food and He gave man animals. But the Bible says there was no suitable companion. Man was lonely.

That is how families came into being. First there was Eve. Then God gave Adam and Eve children: Cain, Abel, Seth, and others. They had a large family, and probably enjoyed seeing their children playing. Families, as God made them provide for good support, communication, and entertainment.

Families can span multiple generations. I know that old people enjoy watching the youth in families. The older generation can also provide wisdom for every other person in the family, no matter what age. The middle generations provide support, and often do heavy lifting, caring for young children (or teenagers) and the elder generation. About the year 2000, I remember one man talking about his great-grandmother, born in 1803. He said, it is amazing, I remember sitting on her lap, and now that I am old, between the two of us, we have experienced two centuries.

Families have a past. Sometimes that is good, and sometimes that is bad. It all depends on what the past is. If it is one of harmony, we forget about that. If it is one where there were one or more ‘problem children,’ the offences are not easily forgotten. Lots of hardships exist in families, whether economic, health related, drug related, or criminal. Families cover for one another, and support one another, but members of the family get hurt, and have a long memory. That is sad.

Families often give care beyond the call of duty for one another. As I write this blog, I am caring for a relative who lives 2,000 miles from my home, for two months. It is inconvenient, but that is what families do. They provide for each other, either out of love or obligation, at times of need. The service saves money, and is more comforting than using a service, because we know each other, likes and dislikes.

We can be thankful for what our family has done for us. Sometimes we do not realize that. But ask the questions, who would have fed us, dressed us, cleaned up or poop … if God had not given us parents. Who would help us in our years of ill health or dementia, if it were not for children (or other relatives). Who would have helped us get our first car, our first house, or our first job … if it were not family. Families who are caring and supportive make a huge difference in life. Make sure this Thanksgiving … to give Thanks to those who have really helped (In the past year, or further back). Few people would make it in life without family support.

We can be thankful for families beyond our own: Friends, neighbors, work, for these people are present in our times of need also. Some people who do not have biological family find a strong network of friends is very helpful. They even call them family … and they are, because family includes people you identify with, talk with, assist, and who assist you.

We can be thankful, when family is near, because we can get together. Even when discussions are difficult and we wish we could impeach our sibling for their political beliefs, it is still good to be family. No matter what the discussion, remember the good things that obnoxious people in family have done (or those close to them), and give thanks to God for being part of a family. It takes all kinds to be a family, probably because we need the different skills God gives to each.

November is a month where thanksgiving is highlighted, and we are to give thanks for our family … whoever, and wherever they are. At least we have family, and for that we are thankful.

Health

   Today I celebrate health. I am currently caring for a relative who has lost his health, and can not enjoy life as I do. This relative used to climb the mountains, and enjoy the outdoors, before a fall. Now he is confined to bed. On good days he can communicate with people, watch movies (we watched Free Solo together the other night), and do some work on his computer. On bad days … I will not get into that.

Today's walk = 4 miles each way.
I was inspired to climb to the top of Mount Carbon
and look at Bear Creek Lake 1,000 feet below.

   This week, I have received calls from another friend. He used to be a construction foreman, who was dedicated to his work, maybe too dedicated. He ignored the flu, and continued to work while in his early 50’s. It turned into pneumonia, then congestive heart disease. Because of health problems, he lost his job … and is now in a power assisted wheelchair. This week he went into a nursing home.

Helicopter landing at Swedish Medical Center

   Each week, sometimes daily, I hear of people who lose their health. This week it was a man who has shingles. Last week it was someone diagnosed with dementia. A woman once told me she has five gentlemen who call on her daily: Charlie Horse, Ben Gay, Arthur Itus, Vertie Ghoe, and Rudi Tysim. Good health is a blessing.

Snow at Swedish Medical Center

   Poor health is not a respecter of age. It can strike anyone at any time. We are entering the flu season. I know people who have bad allergies, migraine headaches, and other ailments. Young and old alike have their bad days.

Road block where I should have come out of a 2 mile trail
The road is 50 feet away! I had to retrace my steps. 
Sometimes life gives us unexpected dead ends...

   I talk to many who say they have continual problems. These people can count them for you … and in the process, even help you feel as bad as they do. Often they do not look bad, or act like the problems affect them. I suspect, some of them are actually feeling good when they are complaining of poor health. I know, they are just making conversation. Let us count the good days, and give thanks.

Because of the dead end,
I was able to enjoy this duck pond ... not once,
but twice, and the rest of the trail also.

Each day, we should celebrate our health as a gift, and not take it for granted or squander our well being. I admire those who stay healthy to 90, or even 100. I hope to be one of them. I feel fortunate I can exercise (some cannot), and seek to eat right (with some latitude for ice cream and other sweets). Life is good to me, and for that I am thankful.

Life can be good ... even when the unexpected happens,
If we look to God and count our blessings!

   If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
   For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
   How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.

Israel

   Today, as I walked half-way around the globe, I met a man and we talked about Israel. Not about the Bible (although he does believe the words of the Scripture), but about water. As we looked down at a water resigour here, and he explained to me how there are four tunnels (one of the constructed before the Civil War) and where they carry water for irrigation and drinking, I pointed out the back of my shirt, which contains a “Tel Gezer” diagram. A year and a half ago, I was cleaning steps leading to a water source that predates Joshua. (Video)

Steps up from the Water Tunnel at Gezer

   I have several stories about the water project, and about Gezer in my book Israel: Stories for Your Journey. The book contains 250 stories about the Holy Land to help you understand geography … and if you want to go on a trip, to help you prepare … better than any other book on the market! Having been on three tours and read widely, I can tell you with assurance, this is the book to get if you are going on a tour!

A book you should own!!

   This month, as I express thanks for many things, I am thankful for the land of Israel, and the promises it holds. The land is a place of my heritage. I am descended from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. From infancy, I have heard their stories. Parts of the stories I have memorized. These stories have guided me in life. They offer direction and promise. When I walked where these great men have walked, I felt excitement inside. There was a realization I was standing on the very ground where these men walked!

Shepherds in Beer Sheva going out as did Abraham

When I was young, my mother read me stories about King David. I carry his name. (Actually the name of my great-grandfather … but if you go way back in the family tree, King David is there). I read of how he killed Goliath, how he cared for sheep, how he fled King Saul, and then spares Saul’s life (I have that in my book also!) I enjoy the Psalms David wrote, and sing the words in my heart at times. I am thankful God placed them in the Bible.

The Sea of Galilee from Capernaum

The stories of the New Testament are of encouragement also. I have tread that sacred ground where Jesus, along with his disciples walked. I have entered synagogues where Jesus prayed and taught. I have visited the village of Capernaum, and sailed on the Sea of Galilee. I am thankful for the life I have received as a believer.

Arches Reservoir in Sippori, Israel

I have written before, in earlier blogs, about Sippori, and the archeological dig I did there. I am thankful for the privilege of visiting Israel four times … I stayed for two months on the last trip. I would like to go again, June 30-July 9, with 25 people who will accompany me on a trip. Can you come? E-mail me at www.KosherCopy for more details. It will be a small group, which will enable us to see much more than huge tour groups.

Picture as I climbed the Mount of Olives ... Come with me!

I am thankful for the experiences God has given me traveling the world. Especially Israel. “It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.” Deut 11:12

Colorado

   Recently I have been in Colorado. I have been thankful that most days the weather is nice. The beautiful weather enables me to enjoy the outdoors. I am thankful I have two feet (some people do not … and I get reminded that sometimes, when a person is injured their feet are useless … Be thankful if you can walk! Be thankful if you can jog or run!)

Bear Creek Trail

   I get out and walk every day i can. Sometimes it is just in the neighborhood. Denver has beautiful walkways where I can take an off the road, along a stream stroll. I have enjoyed walking along small streams that run close to the condo where i am staying.

The Platte River

   On cooler days, I have walked along the Platte River. There are great walkways on both sides. The water is clear, and has been reworked to run through chutes. Boaters float through these obstructions (or walk their boats around), which prevent erosion. I need to think about how to put these in my creek at home.

Golden Colorado below South Table Mountain

   One day I went to hike on South Table Mountain. The climb is steep, but short. The view is worth the effort. There is a rock Mesa at the top. A restaurant used to sit on the top, but not any more. The 49 steps remain, and are fun to walk up. There is a great view of Lookout Mountain and of Golden.

South Table Mountain above the Coors Plant

The rock outcropping sits above the Coors plant along Clear Creek. I took time to visit the bottom, and see the Geese swimming in formation in the park close-by.

Lake Harriman with snow

   Many mornings, I enjoy the ducks at Lake Harriman, which is just over a mile from the Condo. I have walked to this park when the weather is warm, and when there is snow on the ground. The ducks are always there, and the mountains are always in the background.

Atop Mt. Falcon with Bear Creek Lake and Marston Lake beyond

   One day I was challenged to climb Falcon Peak. I went to Lake Harriman to ask where it is. No one (even a water department employee who works there every day) knew where it was. I climbed the mountain, and looked down on Lake Harriman. Now, I know where it is. I enjoy connecting things. The climb, and the scenery are beautiful. I am thankful.

View from Green Mountain to South Table and beyond

   I also climbed Green Mountain, which is between Lake Harriman and South Table Mountain. It is 6,800 high, and has no trees. It is a mountain of the Great Planes. One person asked why I would climb a mountain with no trees … the view! I could see Denver, Bear Creek Lake, South Table Mountain, and all over!

View from Bear Creek Lake to the front range

   Isaiah wrote, “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”