ISRAEL: T-6 DAYS

I have two things left to throw in my backpack/luggage for Monday's trip: my Kindle, for keeping you all informed and cash.

I have checked and double-checked the placement of my passport almost as many times as I've packed, rolled, unrolled and re-packed each of my pieces of baggage.

To think I will be walking in the very towns where Jesus ministered and spoke.

To think I will be seeing some of the same landscapes He might have gazed upon.

To think I will be touching some of the same stones He may have touched.

To think I will be allowed to pray in the same garden He spent His last few hours praying in.

To think I'll see the Bible places in a new and exciting way.

I'm overwhelmed--and I've yet to sit down on the first plane!

I cannot wait to share what I see/hear/touch/taste/learn. I've asked God to make me like a sponge, able to soak up every single thing I come in contact with.

What gives me goosebumps this evening though? He is as close to me here as He will be there. Time and place are not boundaries He abides by. My heart is as holy a land as Israel, just for different reasons...no the same reasons, as I am His child, His prized possession.

Have I told you how very excited I am to be going???!!!

MY LIST
Today's reading: Judges 7-11

"The Lord replied, Did I not rescue you from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites? When they oppressed you, you cried out to me and I rescued you." Judges 10:11-12 NLT

Ever needed a list like the ones God gave the Israelites? A compilation of all that He has done? A black and white account of His track record? A visual reminder of His love for you?

Ever needed to be reminded of where He brought you from? What He saved you from? What He purchased you for?

Ever needed to look back over all He's done in order to square your shoulders for the next attack by satan? As an encouraging cheer to continue? As a bolstering of your faith?

Ever needed Him to simply state...

Dear child, here's all I've done for you--Look long and hard over the list. Remember clearly what all I have rescued you from. Do not think for a moment that My power has weakened, My love for you grown cold, My plans for you wavered, My commitment to you faltered, My abilities been bound by anything you are going through now, My promises been made null and void by time, My reward for you tarnished by any enemy. I am still on your side. The fight is still in Me. I am still your only hope!

I am looking over my list this morning. I am being renewed and revived by His love for me. I'm going out into this dark, hostile world to make a difference for Him--and I know He is going with me. He always has, He always will.