ISRAEL: T-4 DAYS
Folks have asked me what I am most wanting to see/do/experience when I get to Israel. Honestly, and this sounds like a kindergarten answer, but I want everything!

There is nothing I don't want to try. There is no place I don't want to see. There is not a single thing I'm willing to scratch off my list because it doesn't sound like something I want to do.

I'll take all I can get and I'll sort out the feeling of being overwhelmed by it all after the fact.

I've brushed up on some suggested Bible readings. I've poured over the Christian's Guide to the Holy Land. I've printed off a small map that shows me geographically where all we will be going, I'm a nerd like that. I've got a brand-new journal packed and ready to fill with every note I can take, and pens ready to write down all I feel as I soak it up. I've got my little laptop charged and ready to report back on this God-given opportunity.

I think I'm ready, but I also know that the moment I step off the plane, I'll know there is no way in the world I could be ready for all God has in store for me.

Life is like that, isn't it?

WHEN I STAND BEFORE HIM
Today's reading: Job 13-14

"Oh, how I long to speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself." Job 13:3 NLT

Job thought he had a bone to pick with God. He was in pain, he was suffering, he was broken and he knew it all came from the hand of God.

He wanted a few words with his Creator.

We do the same thing, sometimes.

We look at all that's going on around us and we want to have a word with God.

We have our list of offenses and complaints--we just need a few minutes to set things straight.

And yet, what would we say when we stood in His presence?

What exactly would we remember as important?

What wrongs wouldn't being at His throne right?

Would we be able to remember one single offense against us? A single hurt? A nagging question?

Whose name would we be able to bring to mind except His?

What bitter accusation would we possibly hurl at the Almighty?

We shake our fists here, not understanding, not liking what He has written into our life stories, but standing before Him--won't that put a different spin on things?