“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
Worshipping the Lord on the Sea of Galilee this morning was a “holy ground” moment! The sea was calm; the sun was bright; and the environment was peaceful. We worshipped the Lord by singing, “I Exalt Thee, How Great Thou Art, and How Great is Our God.” Our teaching for the morning was from Mark 4:35-41. It was entitled, “Without Warning.” We all face storms in life, and most storms come without warning. Praise God that He calms the storms or calms us in the storms! We saw a 2,000-year-old Galilean boat. The discovery of this boat was a major archeological find.
Our next stop was at the Mount of Beatitudes. The area was crowded with people. We read Matthew 5:1-11. It was evident at this site that the Great Commission is being fulfilled. We met Christians from India, Palestine, and Asia. On the bus, we reflected on the promise found in Revelation 7:9-10. Heaven is going to be a place where people from every nation, tribe, people, and language stand before the Lamb and praise our great Lord and King.
In Caesarea Philippi, our third worship service focused on the Lord’s church. Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Why is involvement in a local church important? (1) Church fellowship matters to God (Hebrews 10:25). (2) Worshipping together is powerful. (3) We need Christian community. (4) We grow more together than alone. Solitude is healthy for God’s people. However, isolation is dangerous and a tool of the enemy. My heart breaks to see people ignore the Lord’s church. Today was our first time seeing the Jordan River.
We ate St. Peter’s fish for lunch. Outside of the head, bones, and tail, the meal was delicious. Following lunch, we visited many sites along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. We walked part of what is known as “The Gospel Trail.” We read John 21 at one location. Later in the day, we visited Capernaum (read Mark 2:1-12) and Magdala (read Mark 16). Inside a church in Magdala, we sang “Amazing Grace.” The acoustics were amazing. We made a joyful noise to the Lord and for His glory. Jesus taught and spent time in these two coastal villages. Words cannot describe the experience of walking steps and streets that Jesus walked!
Tonight is our last night in the Galilee region. We leave tomorrow for the Dead Sea area of Israel. We’ll have another worship service in the morning near the Jordan River. Will you pray for the Lord to reveal His Word and ways to us in the morning?
Our group was eager for dinner and rest. We’re dined overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Our folks are the best! The unity and cooperation among our group is God-honoring.
Shalom on the Sabbath,
Pastor Ronny
Exodus 3:1-6
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