Almost There

Almost there,

     

                                                And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.

No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.

      And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to       
      Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;  

      they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing 

      shall flee away.

Isaiah 35:8-10

Very soon we embark on the trip of a life time – a year in the planning, a miracle by any standard. We were not supposed to be able to afford such a trip, we were not supposed to have the resources necessary. The political climate and all conventional wisdom have said, “NO”.

You, God say, “Yes”.

We’re ready, we’ve hungered and studied , planned and packed, our ears and eyes are open…but we have no idea (yet) how Israel will speak to us, just how it has already spoken  to others.

And I feel a sense of personal peace – no need to push an agenda. A friend, who has been, suggests to let my physical and spiritual senses take over. I get that – let the land and the people…and most of all, You, Lord to teach me, not me try to define them.

            I’ve even found some humor in the preparation (something somehow important to me – teach me why someday, OK Rabbi?). Patti asked me to track the weather in the different regions of the land. One day she wanted to know the temperature in the area of the Dead Sea.  Weather.com was unforgiving, Global.net, no help. No source reveals the current temperature for the lowest elevation on earth. I finally shrugged my shoulders and replied to her, “The current temperature of the Salt Sea is…Seasonal.”

            A co-worker asked me to bring him back one thing that would cause US Customs to ask 10 questions. I suggested, “One olive.” He responded that it should be something that wouldn’t spoil. I replied, “An olive branch.”

            Lord, all this rambling is not to entertain or to assure. It’s simply to release my excitement and anticipation and above all to say, thank You, praise You for the opportunity. Oh yes, there is one more thing: The Most important revelation of our readiness. Patti and I are ready in another way – as typical, You’re already teaching and providing for us in advance of our need – We pray nothing more than for Your will and desire to be played out in our journey. Let others know, by our love, our worship of You and Your work in us, that You are God alone.

Hallelujah!

Mark & Patti C.

What's in a name?

What’s in a name?  

Mah Shalomkah,

Just a few more weeks and we’ll be winging our way to The Promised Land. In preparing for the trip, I’ve mentioned that Patti and I have been studying Ancient Hebrew word symbols and I’ve been amazed to learn just how significant each word becomes when its origin is discovered.  Even the names of people in the Bible tell a story and it got me thinking how different the Hebrew way of thinking is verses my very Greek perspective.

For instance, in my everyday way of doing things, I greet my wife and say her name, “Patti” (Patricia) but I say it as a familiar identifier, not taking in its original Latin/Spanish meaning – Noble (which she most certainly is!).

Nor do I suspect that when she greets me back using my name, Mark, that she is thinking of me as a Warrior (Swedish) or a Hammer (Latin) or my favorite – Polite, Shining (Biblical). Even more interesting is Patti’s and my names translated to Hebrew: פטרישיה – Patti, loosely translating to, “behold the sharp head speaking everywhere” and סימן – Mark, “fastened and depending on water (life and growth)”.

 I’m not one to say that a name defines the person, but I do believe we are shaped by our heritage.  Our name origin is important in determining what we become. All I have to do is look at the name of my Lord and Savior to understand this:

Jesus, “Jesus – Jehovah is salvation.” 

He was called to be exactly what he became. Shouldn’t I be more in tune with what I and those around me are called…and are called to?

Patti and I had over to our house, some of the other folks who are taking the journey to The Holy Land with us. We had not met most of them before, but it was amazing how quickly we got to know and respect one another – not because of and special position or skills any of us held, but because of our common language – the Love of Jesus that was obvious in each. We had all become “pictures of salvation” and it was not difficult at all to translate His impact on each of our lives. I suspect that even if each of us were from another country and spoke in different tounges, we still would have been easily able to communicate. It gave me incredible hope for the trip to come where we will definitely be encountering foreign tongues.

I don’t have to speak or totally understand Hebrew (thank You, Lord – I was worried about my lack of translation skills). All I have to do is learn more about the names and symbols around me in my everyday life – and what (or who) they represent. I’m discovering how complicated we’ve made language and yet how simple it truly is: All we need to do is look at the pictures – the life stories spelled out in names, words and experiences of those around us – and respond to them using the language of the One who invented and is Love.

So now when we arrive in Israel, I will know also what is in that name (its picture) which means “He will rule as God”.  That will be a reminder of exactly Who is in charge of this trip and Whose word, instruction and symbols we will be seeking out on our journey.

To me, that gives a whole new meaning to the word “Follow” - haw-lak' (Hebrew). As you prepare for your own journey – whether far away or in just your every day haw-lak', what does it mean to you?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

John 1:1

B^erâkâh,

Mark & Patti C.

Christmas 2011 - Packing up 

It’s so close! It doesn’t seem like time has passed at all since Patti and I put our prayers and commitment out to make a journey to Israel. And now everything is in place except for one last detail – packing.  What do we bring along, what do we leave behind? What will we need when we get there, what will be provided for us?

And that got me to thinking about the 400 year period between the last of the prophetic writings of the Old Testament and the New.  People were hungry for an answer to their prayers regarding the revealing of a Savior. Then, like now (for Patti and me), we try to anticipate the future of God’s plan instead of just living as He desires us to, for the moment – in awe and obedience.

Hmmm, it would be easier if it was just about stuffing a few clothes and conveniences into a suitcase, but how do I pack awe, how do I fit obedience into my “carry on?” Then it came to me. We’re not being asked to bring anything to wear or put on (Not to worry, we’ll definitely travel with a wardrobe – don’t want to make those kind of headlines!). But I perceive the need to bring along a different kind of luggage packed with some things most of us would rather leave behind, safely stowed away in our darkest closets.  It’s the kind of baggage we use in which to hide our faults and the imperfections of our humanity.

Man’s wisdom – God’s foolishness. He would have me port along all of my proverbial dirty laundry and wear it willingly on our venture. The intent is not to brag about my shortcomings, as some sort of faulty creature (though that I certainly am), but to allow the opportunity to show God’s grace in action.  Revealing this part of my wardrobe to a foreign land will also require me to bring a few other necessities along – humility, confession, repentance – things I’m tempted to leave at home on most days, things He’s now asking me to boldly share with others.

And what could possibly be gained by such an embarrassing display? Maybe, just maybe, when we arrive in The Promised Land of Israel, some people there will look past my supposed American arrogance and see something amazing underneath – the Love of my Savior, Jesus. Maybe, just maybe enough of my Master will be revealed in me that it might inspire others to share their baggage with me and ultimately with Him. Maybe.

And that brings up the subject of Christmas. “What?” You say, “What in the world does this have to do with Christmas?” Instead of just a typical Christmas letter, Patti and I would like to share a different gift . We would like to take a part of you to Israel with us. What better way to share with the world than for us to carry your specific prayers and well wishes with us? Maybe, just maybe, your prayers, yours concerns…hmmm, maybe even your confessions need to be heard and witnessed just as Peter suggested in his letters to early New Testament believers.

So, simple as that, help us share Christmas this year by emailing us back a message that you would like carried personally to the Holy Land. Whatever it may be, pray about it and send it with love – we’ll do the rest. But do it soon – we still have a lot of packing to do and we want to save plenty of room for your contributions.

In the meantime, we also want to share our gratefulness for the blessings God has bestowed on us this year. Shay is thriving in her last year at collage at UT Martin. Nate graduated from the Web Design program he was attending and immediately got a fabulous job in his preferred career.   Ash got a raise at work and now Nate and she are able to spend more time together (Yay!). Erik is coming at the end of December to visit and continues to do amazing work in Korea in his chosen field of digital public relations. We made a trip to see Patti’s folks in South Dakota and we continue to be provided for with good jobs, health and great friends.

What challenges present themselves are never above the capabilities of our God to provide solutions, including putting in our lives, all of you who have supported us in our dream to go to Israel. We give thanks to Him for our family and for you. What an amazing life He has provided for us.

May your Christmas and the New Year to come be filled with hope and good will for your family and for all who seek a greater understanding of creation and its Creator.

Shalom,

Mark & Patti

             Alpha and Omega

I realize that I’m such a tiny speck in the scheme time. Especially looking at all the great accomplishments of You, my God, through the ages…Creation; the calling of Abraham and his descendants, the plan for redemption, the offer of salvation for all of mankind, the triumph of Jesus over death on our behalf…It would take me a lifetime to list out the rest. But You get the point Lord, I am in awe of You and Your LONG term, LONG Suffering love for us. No wonder I feel small, You are so infinite. 

Yet as insignificant as I am, I sense that You are placing a moment of significance in my path.  Somewhere after the Alpha, and – as far as I can predict – before the Omega; my wife and I will be jetting to Israel. I’ve asked it before and I’ll puzzle it until answered – how can I possibly serve / submit to You in the land where the acts of service and submission were first and most beautifully portrayed?

I feel a bit like a first grader being elected to stand before a graduating High School class. What can I offer?

                …The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

And as Martin Luther once said before (supposedly) greater minds than his,”…here I stand, I can do no other.”

                Oh no, Lord, I know this is not a trial, but a privilege, don’t get me wrong – yet You’ve wired me in such a way that I am always looking for purpose.  I know. I have to trust that it is Your purpose, not mine to be defined. That’s why I come back to the wonder and comfort of Your son, The Alpha and Omega, the Beginning of it all and The End of it all – the complete perfection of Your plan.

                Which means that my purpose is already defined by my testimony – I am saved and completed by The Alpha and The Omega – Jesus my Messiah: If all I’m to do is to mouth these words, confident that they come from a place buried deeply and permanently in my heart, then… Tetelestai – my purpose is completed.

                Yes, Lord, that’s the part of the puzzle You’ve not revealed – I can mouth those words and submit in that way, right here in Franklin, Tennessee – so why does my heart burn for Israel? You know and You will reveal.  I’m not the purpose of the plan, just a tool – works for me.  Patti and I travel willingly and hopefully to this place we have dreamed of for so long – not to experience it but to become a part of the experience – Your bigger picture for Your bride, the Church. Within Your Alpha and Your Omega, we will at some point know fully our purpose, just as we are fully known.  Until then: Faith, hope and Love…and Israel!

Shalom.

Gather Together

11-7-11 Gather Together

In preparation for this entry, I’ve been praying about what to share with you relating to our preparations for our trip to Israel – what exciting things we plan to see, the studies we have been doing in preparation – and nothing seemed right. There wasn’t anything I could think of that we hadn’t already circulated.

Then it hit me while in a worship service yesterday. The Pastor of the congregation I was visiting mentioned that they have a group whose total function is to pray for Israel. What a concept! Here I’ve been trying to figure out Patti’s and my mission associated with our trip to the Holy Land and it’s been there in front of us the whole time! 

It’s not about what we will do when we set foot in Tel Aviv or even when we explore the wonders of the Wilderness, Jerusalem and beyond. It may or may not even be about what we do once we return from our trip. The purpose at hand, that I now believe the Spirit is pouring out, is to…

…Listen and to Gather Together.

So this is me in ‘Gathering’ mode. I would ask you please to tell me…

            What personal prayers do you have that you would like to share with the people of Israel?

            What concerns would you share that we and the Jewish Nation can pray about together?

What questions would you seek to answer related to the country of Israel?

What more would you want to know of God’s plan related to the land and its people?

What more can Patti and I do to share your love and outreach to the people of Israel?

We may even be missing some questions so please pray about and respond to this blog – Our purpose is to be available; prior to; during; and after our journey to Israel: To serve as God would have us. We want to include you in that service – Gathering Together in prayer, wherever we are.  We pray also that the people of Israel will also Gather Together with us, sharing their own prayers and concerns, so that we can learn from them and create an opportunity to worship The Eternal together as God, through His Son Jesus, has shown us to do – in communion with one another.

Blessings,

Mark & Patti C.

Blind Faith

Before Jesus healed Bartimaeus the blind beggar, he cried out repeatedly, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me,” even though he was told to be quiet by the crowd. The man’s confidence in Jesus – his faith in the Rabbi’s healing power – was what Jesus claimed restored his sight.

                Patti and I have too been crying out, trying not to let the critics influence us, trying not to “worry”, believing – even without knowing how or from where – the resources to allow us to travel to Israel would come. And of course, out of the unseen, God provides. We received an unexpected check from a land investment sale and it was enough to cover the remainder of our ticket costs.

                Praise You, God from whom all blessings flow! Now we only need be concerned with saving funds for travel while in the Holy Land. And isn’t that odd, I’ve already moved on to the next “worry” whose outcome I can’t see.  You’re right, Lord, I shouldn’t worry about tomorrow.  You have shown, over and over again, that You will provide exactly what we need when we need it, if we just will have faith – even a little faith will do the trick.

                Lord, I confess that there are many things I can’t see.  How do we afford to pay our bills during the journey, how is our presence in Your land going to glorify You? What is our purpose in this venture and what if we totally misread Your desire?  How much must we pay in baggage fees?? LOL Lord, I know, I know, don’t worry about tomorrow…

                So now Lord, help me to look forward to Your blessings – a great one I know awaits us when we encounter the people of Israel.  Let me be influenced and impassioned by the faith displayed in the people of the land that You first promised. Let Patti and I, and all of those who plan to experience this journey with us, be transformed by Your Spirit. Use us as Your tools, in whatever way pleases You, so that Your purpose for us is fulfilled.

                Patti and I started studying and compiling notes on references to the places we’ll be visiting – Bethlehem, The Herodian, Samaria, Mt. Gerizim, Sebastia, Shiloh, Scythopolis, Tiberius, Caesarea Maritime, Tel Meggido, Nazareth, Sepphoris, The Sea of Galilee, the Valley of the Winds & Doves, Capernaum,  Jerusalem (with ALL its historical wonders), Bethany, Tabgha, Qumran, The Dead Sea…to make things more interesting, we are also going to bring needed supplies to a struggling school and are trying to squeeze in a visit to an incredible ministry called HaYovel (translated: The Jubilee) www.hayovel.com that serves the people of Israel – Lord give us strength to take this all in!

There is so much so see and absorb – we want to offer a morning devotional with anyone on the tour (and anyone traveling with us via the blogsite), preparing for each day…how do we prepare for such wonders of Spiritual history? The key word is Spirit and we ask Lord for Your guidance as we experience Your ancient plan.

                Adonai, keep us alert to Your desire as we draw nearer to You and to Your land. Amen

PS Any of you who have questions about our journey or suggestions/prayers for our time in the Holy Land (and beyond), please contact us @ markc91754@comcast.net.  Blessings & Shalom!

Reclaiming The Land

Reclaiming the Land

 
Reading the prophet Jeremiah, I wonder at how the people of God could go so astray - worshiping other gods, bowing to other cultures. Even the kings of the Northern Kingdom and Judah forgot how they were brought to their great fortune. Could they not see how this would lead to their destruction? Couldn't they remember God's promise, that if they strayed from His path, their heritage would be given to others?

   And am I so different? I look at the great land in which I live - a land blessed by God and given to a people He honored because of their initial devotion to him. Look at us now. Not only are we not devoted to God, but we insist that His name cannot be mentioned, His commandments cannot be proclaimed or honored in the halls of our own government.

   I'm more anxious than ever, to visit the ancient land, to go back and see the place where God shaped and loved and offered redemption to a people undeserved. I want to experience His grace from the perspective of a place where God said a savior would be (and was) provided. A child born to be sacrificed and resurrected for a people who did not even understand their need for such a miracle.

   Maybe, just maybe, as I walk the holy land, I'll catch a vision for my own land which God has provided. Maybe, just maybe, we can all learn from the past, what God intends for our future, if only we will recognize our Savior and reclaim our love for a God who would offer so great a gift.

   Please pray with Patti and I, for a journey that will lead us all to a greater understanding of, and longing for God's love for His people and His land.

Blessings and Shalom,

Mark C.