I recently decided to travel to the Holy Land with a group of 180 people led by Dr. Lon Solomon. Even though I didn’t know a single soul when I booked the trip, as we all began converging at El Al airlines in Newark, there was a spirit that was very recognizable. It was God’s Spirit and…it was amazing. For just shy of two weeks, I was bathed in a spirit of sweet fellowship with other believers as we journeyed to the places Jesus lived, taught, died, arose, and walked in His transfigured body!
The kindred spirit in the Holy land served to supercharge my commitment to God.
Because of who God is, there is an irreplaceable richness in knowing Him. The Bible describes it:
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things.”
(Romans 11:33-36a)
When you are in the presence of others who are also experiencing a rich relationship with God, His presence is manifested in a multifaceted experience based upon the uniqueness He created in each person. The presence of believers who are deeply connected to God is like being in a room full of windows with each giving us a newly discovered view of a magnificent landscape. Being in the Holy Land illuminated the presence of God within each person
The experience was unparalleled.
As I reflect back on this trip, God reminded me the critical importance of keeping my own window spotless. I want to avoid anything that would cloud the view of His majesty.
I don’t want a single person who is looking into my soul to miss seeing God’s glorious presence!
We are not promised tomorrow. So don’t you want to desire God even more today so you don’t miss even a minute of God’s plan? The priceless value of a relationship with God cannot be compared to anything else in our life. I am so grateful He never gave up on me—aren’t you? God’s friendship is better than life itself. The more we know Him, the more we crave to know Him, and the more irreplaceable He becomes in our lives.
“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.”
(Psalms 63:1-4 NKJV)
To know God deeply is to know exactly what we need to know—the most.
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8 Responses
I went to Israel in 2019 (pre Covid!!) with a group of people I didn’t know from a local church. It was a much smaller group and we were joined on our bus by a group from New York state. We all melded and enjoyed being together as we toured the wondrous sites. It was so amazing to be in Israel and walk on the very ground where Jesus walked. I would urge anyone to just go on one of these trips even if you don’t know anyone – it won’t matter at all because you will be of one spirit and walk with our Savior.
Absolutely! It was so impacting on me, that God is leading me to write a series of devotionals and a short book about the experience. It had a monumental affect on my relationship with God. Thank you for the comment, Barbara.
Absolutely beautiful tribute to our amazing pilgrimage, the new friends in Christ we met, and your love for our Lord. May He continue to bless you in all you do.
Thank you, Rob. It was so amazing to experience the Holy Land with your family! I’m grateful you all treated me like family. ~Kimberly
Beautiful, as always made me cry happy tears
Much love and blessings, Sue!
“ To know God deeply is to know exactly what we need to know—the most.”
This is powerful.
Yes! Oh Lord, keep me focused on YOU! 🙏🏼💕