Lakeside Christian Church Blog

  Day 12 – Going Home   Today's Key Passages: Micah 6:8 ; Hebrews 13:1-2 , 14-16 ; Isaiah 54:5-10 ; Ezekiel 47:1-12 ;  Revelation 21:1-27 , 22:1-5 ; Genesis 2:8-14   Day 12 was supposed to be our travel day home. Obviously, we won’t be going to Israel as planned. Instead of reflecting on  traveling  home, let’s consider more of an eternal perspective and reflect on  going  home.   Even though we aren’t travelers, we are sojourners (temporary residents). Hebrews 11, the ‘hall of faith’ chapter, says “These [the descendants of Abraham] all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeting them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth” (v. 13). Paul tells us “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)   Let’s briefly ponder three questions: What should we do with our time on earth, especially in th...

  Day 11 – Light to the Nations   Day 11 will be our last full day in Israel. After all the planning, preparing, and anticipation, it is hard to believe how quickly this day has arrived. Our trip will soon be coming to an end, but we will carry home so many new insights, memories, and experiences. As we travel, learn, and worship together, may we echo the words of David: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” ( Psalm 133:1 ).   One of the things I look forward to most is the opportunity for our team to grow closer through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and fellowship with one another. Psalm 133, one of the Songs of Ascents, reminds us of the beauty and blessing of living together in unity. As we enjoy these final moments of our journey, let us pray that God will strengthen the bonds within our team, deepen our love for one another, and help us reflect His peace and grace. Let us also continue to pray for peace in Israel, as...

  Day 10 – Sea of Galilee & Northern Israel   Earlier this week I had a friend ask me if the war in Israel had affected my work. I had to take a pause for a moment. Which work? The answer is very different depending upon which one – my work for the church or my work for the Conservative Jewish organization? Reading through the passages and following Jesus in his ministry in Northern Israel was comforting and helped to bring perspective to my friend’s question.   The passages this week brought three themes to mind. One, they are full of action. Jesus hit the ground running in his ministry, and there are many descriptors of time to emphasize this. Second, we see very specific references to the land and locations. Finally, despite the urgency of his work, Jesus prioritized and took time for prayer and solitude.   Matthew 4:12-16   Our morning reading is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum. The first word in verse 12 is “now,” which means at the presen...