A rainy Sunday in Galilee | Ferrell's Travel Blog

A rainy Sunday in Galilee | Ferrell's Travel Blog

Posted on January 31, 2011 by ferrelljenkins| Leave a comment

Sunday was a rainy day with periods of sunshine in Galilee. Sunday morning we went to Nazareth to meet with the Church of Christ there. Even though Nazareth is only a short distance from Tiberias, it was considerably cooler there. During the service we could hear rain falling on the roof.

On the outskirts of Nazareth I stopped to make a photo of the city. The dome of the Church of the Annunciation is visible in the left of the photo. The older part of the city, from the time of Jesus, is located there. The ridge slightly visible in the far distance is the eastern end of Mount Carmel.

View of Nazareth. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

In the afternoon we drove north toward the border with Lebanon in hopes that the sky might clear there to give us a good view of Mount Hermon. We were not successful, but we did enjoy the drive as far as Dan and Caesarea Philippi. During the day we saw many beautiful rainbows. At one point over the fertile Hula Valley there was a complete rainbow visible at times. Here is a photo I made looking east toward the Golan Heights.

Rainbow over Hula Valley. View to Golan Heights. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

On the return to Tiberias we turned east to drive past Chorazin and get a view of the northeast corner of the Sea of Galilee. Those who have seen this view before will be impressed with how low the water level is.

Northeast corner of the Sea of Galilee. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

We enjoyed the day, and thankful to visit the areas where Jesus did so much of His work, even when it rained.

Jesus went throughout all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of disease and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23 NET)

Egyptian miners had a temple at Timna | Ferrell's Travel Blog

Egyptian miners had a temple at Timna | Ferrell's Travel Blog

Timna is located about 20 miles north of Eilat in Israel. The Rothenberg Expedition discovered a cultic temple used by Egyptian miners at a time when the Egyptians were actively mining copper in the region.

One of the main deities worshiped at the site was Hathor. Having recently seen numerous images of Hathor in Egypt, I thought this was an appropriate follow up.

Cultic Temple at Timna devoted to Hathor, et al. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Those who have visited Petra will notice a similarity in the color of the rocks and soil.

The sign at the site gives a brief summary of the excavation and the items discovered.

Sign at Cultic Temple in Timna. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The LORD promised the Israelites that they would dwell in a land that included copper and iron. It is impossible to say whether this is one of those places.

… a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper. (Deuteronomy 8:9 ESV)

BOOK REVIEW: The Hole In Our Gospel by: Richard Stearns

BOOK REVIEW: The Hole In Our Gospel by: Richard Stearns

I must admit, that when I received this book, I did not know what to think. I opened the pages and found it compelling and addressing an issue that has become more and more prevalent in our "mega-church" society. Many churches in our society find themselves or their members find them selves in a pursuit of wealth, comfort, and self-centeredness. Stearns holds no punches, calling people to address this and to understand that being a Christian is more than just forming "a personal and transforming relationship with God. It also entails a public and transforming relationship with the world.”

The Hole in Our Gospel explores a variety of topics. I found various sections of it interesting and thought provoking. I have always had an interest of how people have come to know God and their journey. He talks about the gospel and his own journey of faith. What I found most compelling, were the many challenges that he states that the poor of the world face and drills down with details, statistics and stories that brings these facts to life. What I found most convicting, is that he also shows how self-absorbed tendencies of people in "developed societies" turn blind eyes to these needs. Very impacting and convicting. In fact, I found pieces of the book (at least in my view) something that I felt that our politicians should read. The latter part of the Hole In Our Gospel is full of practical advice on how to begin addressing poverty and need among us.

What I found a little disappointing in the book, is that it addresses mostly the "mega-church" oriented groups. I belong to a small group in a small town. While I found its advice practical and have put to practice some of the things it mentions, I was left wondering how for instance a church of mostly elderly retired people living on fixed incomes would approach this. Perhaps it is because Mr.Stearns is President of World Vision, that I found most of the things he addresses to be involved in the world at large. What I did not see, was more written on how to address these things in our own small communities that are drying up because of unemployment.

All of this said, overall it is a good book, an interesting read, and full of practical wisdom. I commend him for relating his story of setting aside success for something far more significant. I commend him for taking the Lord's word to heart and putting it to practice and challenge others to follow his example. Read the book, you will not be disappointed. In fact, you may find yourself challenged as I did, that we can always do more than we think that we can.

BOOK REVIEW: The Wisdom Hunter by Author: Randall Arthur

Today's guest post is by a spiritual sister of mine Edna Durden. I've engaged Edna to read several books and to write her thoughts on this particular book. Enjoy! ~ Jim

BOOK REVIEW: The Wisdom Hunter: Randall Arthur. Multnomah Publishers, 1991.

REVIEW OF The Wisdom Hunter

by: Edna Durden

A story of a man who placed so much importance on traditional religion. Jason Fairchild was a strict leader in the church where he was called Pastor.He was just as strict at home with his wife Lorene and daughter Hannah. His wife and daughter's feelings were not a concern of his and he reminded them of this often.

His way of life led his daughter Hannah to run away.The grief of her leaving caused many years of unhappiness for Jason and Lorene.

Jason receives a phone call from the police in Florida telling him Hannah had been killed in an accident while on the way to the hospital to give birth to their grandchild.He learns through a lawyer hired by Hannah's husband Cody Freeman that she was married and living in Florida,had given birth to a daughter whose name was Renee. Her remains would be sent to Jason and Lorene for burial. The church quickly rallied around the general,as Jason was called because of his strong leadership. The death of Hannah destroys Lorene health which ended in her death leaving Jason completely alone.

In Jason's bitterness which follows Lorene's and Hannah's deaths he turns away and blames God for everything gone wrong in his life. He denies God exists and leaves the church. He becomes determined to find his granddaughter Renee and her father Cody. He sells the home and leaves for Florida in search of the lawyer who had informed him of his daughters death,marriage and granddaughter.

He travels from one point of the world to another as he picks up leads of his granddaughter and her father always a day or so behind them.During this search he learns Cody is an abusive alcoholic becoming this way after the death of Hannah. Jason encounters many trials and hardships as he rushes here and there at every lead or bit of information. He exhaust himself instead of asking for God's help.

By the time the trails lead him to Oslo,Norway Jason is tired and ready to put it all aside.There he meets a man not like any other he had ever known. Yoma was the speaker of a church group and led Bible studies weekly. He likes Jason Fairchild immediately and encourages him to join the studies .Through Yoma's patience and teachings Jason comes to know God as God wants all his children to know him. Jason learns there is no traditional way of worshipping God. No judging of others but love and acceptance. He becomes a leader in the small congregation of several race of people.He learns to care for others by the actions of this group of Christians. He would not have been a part of this group while he was pastor in his church.

Jason settles down and becomes resigned to the fact he will not ever find his granddaughter Renee.

During this time Jason goes one day to visit Yoma at his home . He finds Yoma had passed during the night .He informs everyone of Yoma's death and helps with the service. Soon afterwards Jason and several church members travel to the states to help start a church. After arriving he finds himself in the company of a young girl who is full of bitterness and resentment. He feels sorry for the girl and offers his help.She is untrusting of him.Jason feels the child's hurt and is determined to help her which eventually leads him into her trust and from there he is able to teach her of God and His love and forgiveness.During his time with this girl who calls herself Daytona, Jason learns her father had sexually and physically abused her.

Jason through many talks with her became aware this same child called Daytona was in reality his granddaughter Renee.

Jason discloses all this truth to Renee and convinces her she is his granddaughter.He tells her of her mother Hannah and how she died giving her birth.He told her of her grandmother Lorene who was a wonderful lady.

Renee grows stronger spiritually and through encouragement to do what God would want her to do she goes to her father tells him she forgives him of all his abuse.She finds him a sick man and in need of care.

Renee decides to stay and see to his well being. The story ends as Jason leaves with the knowledge he had helped Renee to learn of God and His love.

Jason had made many long travels,meeting so many people ...all the time God was right with him waiting for Jason to learn who He truly is and how He wants his children to love one another as He loves them.

This story despite all the hurt and resentment at the beginning ends in a very good way.

________________________

Thank you Edna for your post! ~ Jim

israel today | Iran revises story of Esther, labels Purim a day of mourning - israel today

I found the article below interesting from the standpoint that when people aren't content with what God says, they just change it. This is nothing new, people have been doing it since the beginning of time. What is troubling is that you would think that modern man, especially the Persians who stood in God's favor for a time would do something like this. Anyway, you might find this interesting to follow. Especially since the tomb of Esther still exists.

israel today | Iran revises story of Esther, labels Purim a day of mourning - israel today

In a couple of months, Israelis and Jews around the world will celebrate Purim, marking the deliverance of the Jews of the Persian Empire from extinction 2,300 years ago. In Iran, the center of the ancient Persian Empire, the date will be marked with mourning and anger.

For years already, Iran has been teaching schoolchildren that Purim marks the massacre of 75,000 Persians by the Jews under the command of Queen Esther. It is presented today as an ancient Iranian holocaust perpetrated by the Jews.

The Iranian version leaves out the part where Haman, the royal advisor, convinces the Persian king to sign a decree permitting the wholesale slaughter the Jews of the empire. When Esther reveals her Jewish background to the king and reveals that Haman was tricking him, the king issues a second decree, allowing the Jews to defend themselves. By God’s grace, the Jews are largely spared, while their enemies are slaughtered.

This year, Iran may go further than simply revising the biblical account. Iranian authorities have decided to downgrade the status of the “Tomb of Esther and Mordechai the Jews” in the city of Hamadan in central Iran. The tomb had previously enjoyed that status of an official pilgrimage site.

Following the downgrading, the Iranian news agency Fars began pushing the idea that Esther and her uncle Mordechai were responsible for a massacre of Iranians, and that their burial place had merely been tolerated until now.

The Iranian news agency MEHR reported reported that a couple of weeks ago, a group of 250 militant Iranian students gathered at the tomb and threatened to tear it down.

The vineyard of the man lacking sense | Ferrell's Travel Blog

The vineyard of the man lacking sense | Ferrell's Travel Blog: "Posted on January 11, 2011 by ferrelljenkins| Leave a comment
I passed by the field of the sluggard And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense, And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down. When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction. “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,” Then your poverty will come as a robber And your want like an armed man. (Proverbs 24:30-34 NAU)


Neglected vineyard at Neot Kedumim. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

A broken stone wall of the vineyard. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
These images might also provide some insight into the statement of the Shulammite girl.

Do not stare at me because I am swarthy, For the sun has burned me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; They made me caretaker of the vineyards, But I have not taken care of my own vineyard. (Song of Solomon 1:6 NAU)

Many worthwhile applications may be drawn from the Scriptural truth illustrated by these photos. I hope you will take a little time today to meditate on these things.

Larger photos suitable for use in sermons and Bible classes are available by clicking on the image."

The vineyard of the man lacking sense | Ferrell's Travel Blog

The vineyard of the man lacking sense | Ferrell's Travel Blog

Posted on January 11, 2011 by ferrelljenkins| Leave a comment

I passed by the field of the sluggard And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense, And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down. When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction. “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,” Then your poverty will come as a robber And your want like an armed man. (Proverbs 24:30-34 NAU)

Neglected vineyard at Neot Kedumim. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

A broken stone wall of the vineyard. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

These images might also provide some insight into the statement of the Shulammite girl.

Do not stare at me because I am swarthy, For the sun has burned me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; They made me caretaker of the vineyards, But I have not taken care of my own vineyard. (Song of Solomon 1:6 NAU)

Many worthwhile applications may be drawn from the Scriptural truth illustrated by these photos. I hope you will take a little time today to meditate on these things.

Larger photos suitable for use in sermons and Bible classes are available by clicking on the image.

Traditional baptism site to open in Israel | Ferrell's Travel Blog

Traditional baptism site to open in Israel | Ferrell's Travel Blog

Posted on January 8, 2011 by ferrelljenkins| 1 Comment

The traditional site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus has been closed for more than four decades. In the past few years pilgrims and tourists have been able to visit the site known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan from the Jordanian side of the Jordan River.

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. (Mark 1:9 ESV)

These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:28 ESV)

Now word comes, after a year’s delay, that the site will open on the Israeli side.

Kasr al-Yehud, the probable site where John the Baptist baptized his cousin Jesus of Nazareth, will be opened to the public with a special ceremony on January 18 after 42 years as a closed military zone which pilgrims could only visit after coordinating with the Civil Administration for Judea and Samaria. The site is located in the Jordan Valley in the West Bank, but starting on the 18th it will be operated by the jurisdiction of the Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority, after Israeli authorities invested millions of shekels to build facilities there to handle a large number of tourists. The 18th is significant because it is the traditional day when Greek and Russian Orthodox Christians make an annual pilgrimage to the site to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. Vice Premier Silvan Shalom, who was instrumental in the project, said he hoped Kasr al-Yehud would become a symbol for cooperation among Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, as it would be a major attraction for tourists who would also want to visit other Biblical sites in the area. (ICEJ news)

Last May my group visited the Jordan River at the Jordanian site that is suggested as Bethany beyond the Jordan. Construction of a visitor’s center on the Israeli side seemed to be almost finished. That day a group, perhaps mostly military, was at the site, but it was not open to the general public. You can see workers on the steps leading down to the water.

Jordan River baptism site. View from Jordan to the west. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The Israeli visitor’s center is actually in the West Bank, but under Israeli control.

My first trip to the Bible Lands was in April and May of 1967. At that time the western side of the Jordan River was open to tourists. Of course, the site was still in Jordan at the time. Take a look at my group of 19 tour members. It is true that in those days most of the men wore suits, dress shirts and ties, even in the hot weather. The women wore dressy clothes, hosiery and other feminine attire no longer in use.

Just a flash from the past. Take a look at the old photo made on the western bank of the Jordan.

1967 group at the traditional baptism site on the west bank of the Jordan River.

Did you notice those purses the women are carrying? In those days that was allowed as a carry-on on the airplanes. Many of the men carried a camera bag of similar size. That was it. No rolling suitcases. Oh, for the good ole days.

Taking God's Name In Vain

Hi Everyone. I have been studying the OT law lately, and am relearning things that I thought that I know. Perhaps I should say that I assumed that I knew.

My study this past week, centered around Ex.20:7 "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain."

I have always heard and taken this to mean that you should not utter God's name in a frivolous way. And while it can be taken and means just this, I have discovered that there is much more to this simply stated commandment.

• First, the "name of God" is much more than just uttering the statement "God" or "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." The name of God is everything about God. It is who He is, as well as the authority with which He speaks. So, it involved more than just saying "Oh God!" or the more famous curse equivalent.
• VAIN - means to make empty or desolate. Interestingly, the idea is literally to "suck the life from." To bring to ruin. So, the idea is making God's name or authority of no effect. To make God an empty thing, inanimate - if you will - like an idol or graven image that God had just proven to the Israelites of the day that He was not.
• TAKE - in its primitive or basic definition means to lift or carry. Thus, the idea proceeds further with regard to God's name, that one is not to carry or lift up God’s name in a false way. This would include speech as well as acts. To carry God's name in a frivolous way in conversation or speech is indeed speaking the name of God in an inappropriate way. To speak God's name as a curse upon something or someone, or to utter it in a loose way. It speaks to the idea that Pharaoh of the Exodus stated, "who is this God that I should hear his voice?" Yet also, this idea includes doing something evil in God’s name. The image of Balaam comes up here, who even though told by God not to do so, chose to try to speak curses upon Israel in the name of God. This is speech as well as act. Another image that comes here is that of the Jewish leaders in the day of Jesus, who in the name of God, treated Him villainous, again, speech as well as act.

My first reaction to this learning, is that I am not guilty of these. I once used to take God's name and speak obscenities that would make one blush. But, I no longer do this - do I? I hope not, yet, I find myself at times invoking God's name in speaking what some would call "righteous judgement." Yet my new understanding of this old commandment, is that my actions in calling righteous judgement upon others in making myself their judge is just as much a violation of this commandment as uttering the obscenity. Either way, I have made "God" vain and empty, if you will putting myself in God's place to become a judge.

The next interesting part of this, is what God pronounces in the latter part of the commandment in Ex.20:7, that He will not hold one who violates this commandment "guiltless." The reason, is because the person that does this, makes God the victim. A person unrepentant of this type of behavior, not only violates his own self, but makes God a mark of ridicule, shame, and makes God's authority meaningless. This is the essence of the command.

I would be honored if you would share either your thoughts or experiences on this post. I always strive to learn.

Jim