israel: a pilgrimage

8/14/2019 Israel: A Pilgrimage

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/israel-a-pilgrimage 1/81

ISRAEL: A PILGRIMAGE

1 of 81...clays_israelpoems1_for book.doc

ON THE JOURNEY

Journeying thru

The Lord’s lovely land

What will we see?

What will God say?

I want to be usefulSpeak a word of truth

Show me your wisdom

To better serve You

A life that is devoted

I want to see it real

Exercised by actions

In the life that I live

Hurting people cared for

Evil people loved

Forgive me Lord for doubting

Show me the land that you love

Starting out with Samson

Ending at Zion Gate

Teach me about Jesus

In every step I take

Walking thru a wadi

Standing on a throne

Remind me of Your forgiveness

And those I love at home

Every day is precious

Cover us with grace

Speak thru each of usSo our hearts will wake

Very soon it’s over

Pack my bags with you

So I will remember

What you’ve called me to do

Jesus is the answer

Israel is the place

Let me see your victory

As I walk towards heaven’s gate

12/27/03 CC





NEARING ISRAEL

Here we are

Worn and bruised

Flying in planesAin’t a cruise

We’ve paid a price

Of worry and some fear

Drained of vigor

Our bodies scream stop!

And yet ahead we see

The Land of the LordBeckoning to us

Come, see and explore

See the valleys

Those conquerors settled

Drawing Israel

From God’s hand

See the hills

Where Jesus walkedBringing peace

To those He sought

Birthing life

For you and meGiving spiritual eyes

That we might see

Walking roads

Of wisdom’s school

Giving ear

To prophet’s talk

I want to see

I seek to knowLord help me

To see your home

CC 12/28/03





THE CROWN

I know the Lord, I am happy that I do, To praise His goodness, And proclaim Good News

to you

Jesus keeps every promise, He is never late, When we struggle with evil, His hand willgive us strength

He is our protection, Our glory resides in Christ, Jesus has the power, He holds our fate

The Lord will reign forever, He’s chosen us to be, Partners on His journey, The Lord sets

men free

Blessed is His manner, Wisdom flows from Him, He gives light for living, As we follow

Him

Each one of us is precious, Each one has a crown, The Father loves His children, He will

never let us down.

CC 122803

SHORESH

Down a roadUp a hill

In a wooded vale

Gentle folk

Comfort food

Curried chicken and dessert

Tom late

Time flew

Too soon it’s bed

Breakfast ahead

A day of discoveryTo see what God says

Off to bedPray for sleep

Ask the Lord our soul to keep





12/28/03

ABRAHAM’S WELL

Beersheva’s well

That Abraham dugSpeaks his story

By Christ I have heard

Abraham followed

Obedience was his strength

Again and againA Godly life displayed

Willing man of faithDealing with his sin

A learning, Godly servantA man with many friends

Serving all

A caring soul

Seeing valueEverywhere he would go

Listening to a quiet wordSpoken by the Lord

Only Abraham heard GodAnd stood where God said

All around were questionsHow could he be so wise?

His obedience despised

Abraham followed His guide

He never veered to right or left

He walked where God would lead

A man of iron with patienceCalled a friend of God

12/29/03 CC





EILAT

Border town

Of rich renown

In and out

Israel’s devout

Out of sightOn their own

The way they live

Defies the mind

Europe’s call

Playground for all

Gambling densEvil wins

Jesus has work By a faithful few

Pressing on

Reminding you

Pray for them

Ask for strength

Others tooTo fill their ranks

It’s time to hear

Heaven’s call

Or satan’s crowdWill win them all

CC 12/29/03





RICH DAY

It was a very rich day

Seeing Israel’s history

Out the window of the bus

Riding to Eilat

Standing on the shoulder’sOf several men of God

Listening as the Spirit

Spoke thru them God’s Word

Weather far beyond my hopes

Riding where Egyptians woke

Reaching far beyond their landEnslaving people by their own hand

Timnah Park caught me by surpriseThe tabernacle

The people

And all that rock

It was a very rich day

To know that we belong

We say man’s work We felt God’s hand

12/29/03





I WANT TO SEE

So much explained

In God’s Word

I want to see

I want to know

About my sinAbout my will

Guide me Lord

To sit or be still

Speak to me

Of wayward ways

So I will hear And immediately obey

The barren landSo vacant and brown

Is like my life

If your aren’t around

I need your light

To guide my feet

I need your handSo I won’t flee

Bend my will

Break my fear

Give me courageTo love those near

As we crossThe land of Zin

Remind me Lord

I don’t have to sin

Help me see

My erroneous ways

Teach me to careTo love those You hold dear

12/29/03 CC





PETRA

Red rock

Dead people

Pageantry in stone

Petra’s journey made

No one was home Now evil rules stone

Long ride

Mountains groanedWaiting for Christ’s return

I noticed all the businessEven new highways

But all around me were unsaved

It was a very long day

The border was a drag

A few minutes took two hours

What have I learned?

While we were all alone

On the journey to the stones

People need the LordI need more faith

To keep my emotions steady

And not let my world shake

The world is full of hardness

It claims it is in chargeBut Christ the Lord my Savior

Has laid His claim in my heart

12/30/03 CC





GREAT TO BE WITH YOU

Father it is great to be with you

All I think and say and do

Is under your review

You know my heart

As evil as it can beBut my new soul loves thee

So much ahead to see

Protect us from the fallOr any other enemy

I think of those at homeCare for them and all

And speak to me

About your love

And concern for me

And those that need thee

Jesus is the source

Righteousness comes from Him

And by His grace falls on me

The road ahead is dark The changes are unseen

But every step I take

Is in the Father’s hand

12/31/03 CC





LOVE IN THE DESERT

Up the road we go

Sand and desert grow

Israel wandered here

God is really dear

What a Lord we serveHe kept them alive

Israel trudged here

So many missed the love

Love is an act

It says that I count

People need loveTo survive the desert of life

Check out and seeDo you love enough?

Jesus sets us free

To love and love and love

Life is often sparse

In a desert land

Not unlike loveIn the ordinary man

Love takes time

Requiring one to care

For those unknownDeclaring to the world God loves me

When I see my worthIt validates my life

What I give to you

Bears fruit in me

CC 12/31/03





MOSES WAS HERE

Moses was here

Living in the sand

Carried God’s gift

A relationship with man

Obedience was the callMoses failed the test

It broke God’s heart

The failure in the sand

Each of us has deserts

A thing that we hate

Is there somethingThat makes you ill?

Pain and suffering comeDeserts intensify

The failure we feel

Causes life to be real

I want to change

To be a friend that cares

Deserts are the placeTo help me learn the best

Deserts appear barren

But underneath the sand

Reside the things I needTo help me serve man

12/31/03





MEGIDDO

Raining at Megiddo

Coming down in sheets

Good for IsraelisBad for my feet

Slipping on the limestone

Trudging thru the mud

Twenty plus owners

Have dealt with this drudge

This is a place of victories

And losses at the same timeInteresting owners

That held on too long

Protecting their convenience

Controlling traffic flow

Today with computers

We have the same hold

God was always present

Man always ignoredThe wealth at Megiddo

Was created with their sword

Things that man makes perish

God always isI choose Jesus

In Christ I can live

1/1/04 CC





CARMEL

Fire fell

On Carmel

From God’s hand

To earth

Men cameBlaming God

Accusing Him

Of weakness and lack of worth

No talk

God explained

By irrefutable waysHe is in control

Fire fellElijah ran five miles

Then fled from Ahab

He was afraid of the King

I’m no Elijah

He called down fire

His fear set him asideI can’t even call down fire

And question God

By falling down

Fearing lifeAnd blaming God

But God heardAnd reached towards me

Knowing my need

Christ forgave me

01/01/04 CC





PRIMACY OF PETER

Always ready

Ever near

Listening

HopingTo calm my fear

Jesus is my all in all

Looking

Listening

Crying for meAs I stumble

Fail

And fleeJesus is my all in all

Offering lifeRisking loss

Telling me

He’s paid the cost

For my victoryJesus is my all in all

Finally I comeWorn and lost

Overwhelmed by the worldDestroyed

Jesus forgives me

Jesus is my all in all

010304 CC





GALILEE NIGHT

Singing songs of victory

On a cold Galilee night

Walking on the sea shore

We rejoiced in the sights

Stars and dark Lights on the distant shore

Each of us was singing

Our love for the Lord

One song, then another

A dozen or more

Our cold hearts encouragedAngels crowded in

Then we prayed together Asking Christ to forgive

He is our Savior

In Jesus we live

I think we will remember

That Galilee night

Then one day in heavenJesus will share His delight

1/03/04





CAPERNAUM

Friendship

Fellowship

Service

Devotion

I belong to JesusHe says I need these things

Capernaum saw the miracles

And didn’t learn a thing

Heartache

Failure

PovertyLoss

We can help cure No matter what the cost

Religion ignores people

It sucks their resources dry

Jesus came renewing

Enabling man to find life

So that we can face tomorrow No matter what our plight

Giving is the planting

We reap what we sow

True wealth is discoveredWhen we give to all we know

01/03/04





TROUBLED MIND

Jesus walked down streets He knew

Listening, caring, healing

Knowing all their hearts

Seeing human sin

He saw their shoulder’s bentBy ignorance and arrogance

Weighing a ton

The world beheld God’s Son

Feeling their failure

Conquering the urge to fix

Jesus kept on walkingHis sacrifice would be next

He saw each needy personAs He willingly gave Himself

Then the cross exploded

Destroying Jesus life

Christ saw my sickness

Dead from my sin

Rising from destructionChrist freed me from my sin

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

What a joy divine

Christ is the answer For each troubled mind

01/03/04





JESUS WITH ME

Galilee is calm

The morning has come

A day of adventure ahead

Breakfast first

Then on the busExploring God’s world today

We see the years

Absorbed in rocksAnd joy at our thoughts

Jesus cameHe walked this place

Just like He walks in my heart

I love the Lord

And enjoy His Word

But the best is speaking to Him

He knows my ways

And lives my days

Now I know more about Him

All the discomfort asideI enjoy the ride

As I look at Jesus’ land

Not because He was here

But because I am here

And Christ has come with me

CC 01/04/04





A DAY TO THE NORTH

Crisp day

Sun and wind

Headed to the north

Crossing through the Galilee

A caravan route

First Hazor

A really big town

Of wealthy men

It handled all the trade

Today it rests

With a sodden crest

All those men are dead

Off again

Thru the town of eight

Herman has a white head

Dan was where

We turned in

And walked thru thousands of years

Rushing water

Rushing tribes

Laish was destroyed

What seemed like a blessing

Seduced Dan’s men

And constantly pulled Israel away

Picking up our journey north

We followed Jesus’ trail

Up the road to Hell’s gate-Caesarea Philippi

Pan was here

And so were the Romans

Where Jesus stood and spoke

“Follow me

I’m building my Church

You do not have to fear”

“God is near-He loves you-And those you hold dear”

We wound our way up Nimrod’s Hill

A Crusader Fortress of old

Remind me of churches today

Secluded, exclusive, and alone

CC 01/04/04





CALLING HOME

A call to home

Very far away

To a wife dealing without me

Struggling with adversity

Trusting her to JesusPlease take care of her

Remind her of my love

Help her cope with fear

Protect her, she is dear

When apart

The heart is sadBut soon we will be home

With stories greatAnd sights galore

What a joy I see

When I get back home

And share my experience with you

01/04/04





GOLAN

Golan broad

And green and strong

Protects the landThat God calls home

Standing hard

Against the view

That others

Can destroy you

Enemies here

Can hit the homesThat ring the Galilee

If kept awayWill save the day

What about you?

What beachhead has Satan won?

Does he gloat?Each time you’re undone

Seeing youOn bended knee

Hurt and weak Yet his enemy

Take that strongholdTo the Lord

God will do the work for you

Satan will not winAnd God will give you life

CC 1/04/04





IMMANUEL

Immanuel, God with us

Where we are

Not where we aren’t

Came to be

A part of usAll we do

Not just the good

Seeing usFeeling our pain

Knowing our name

God’s love is real

Calling usTo follow HimEternal life

We can be like Him

Guiding usEach day we live

Equipping us to give

And be His hands and feet

Doing for usSo we grow

And get to know

Jesus who outfits us to win

01/05/04 CC





TESTIMONY

I have come this way

With a purpose

And a hope

To get to know better How to live and grow

I’m looking for the Lord

In every place I can

I want to change

To be His man

I read His word

I pray that it will stick Inside my heart

And guide all I do

I fall down

And by His promise

Climb back up

Jesus never fails

And then I saw

The Lord aliveIn my heart

And by my side

Christ is with me

He hears every wordHe knows my need

And gives me worth

I am not alone

I’m victory’s child

Jesus has come

My live is won

1/5/04 CC





VIA MARIS

Driving the Via Maris

It is 2004

A whole lot bit different

Than what conquerors rode before

We zipped alongIn relative ease

A thousand thoughts each

And comfort was the score

Conquerors raped and pillaged

They burned houses down

Leaving ash and dustAnd their bondage hurt

All we leaveAre Christian thoughts

Man is good at thoughts

But I resolveTo take what I’ve seen

And tell the world of Christ

01/06/04





ZION GATE

Zion gate stands

Full of bullet holes

Majestic and strong

Stormed by troops

Reclaiming their landActing as God’s hand

Now they feel

That God is goneAnd they are giving away their land

How many timesHave battles been won

By sacrifice and costAnd then the war lostBy self-centered greed

Tossing out the sacrifice

Luxuries claimedLiving high on others

That died for their gain

Too many times

The weak link Earns a place in the sun

Leadership given not earnedBased upon the desire

To build a life of style

Then too late learn

The gate is undone

And all their gains are gone

01/06/04 Clay





GATES AND STONE

Gates and stone

Will not stand

When destroyer’s come

They slash and burn

And throw down stoneLeaving what was behind

How many times?

Have we built fortsTo separate ourselves from God

Telling Him we will listenTelling Him we are true

And yet living double-minded

I bend my knee

Before the Lord

Jesus knows me well

Forgive me Lord

For ignoring you

Help me to hear

Often what I hear Is not appealing to me

So I quietly slip away

Then one day

I hear no words

Lord, what did you say?

“Obey me

Walk my way

And I will teach you again.”

01/07/04 CC





SHORT ACCOUNTS

Too much time goes by

Too little accomplished

Looking forward to more

The day that I will be

Be the thing I know I canWhat God created

Seeking Christ to let Him

Shine through me

Effort and difficulty

More than I can

Frustrated againI fail and sin

Then Jesus touches meCalming that fear within

That chases me

His work not mine

Living a Christ-like life

Is a costly life

Requiring my surrender And obedience to Christ

Keeping short accounts

Admitting when I am wrong

Brings me back to focusAnd equips me to grow

01/07/04 CC





GATES OF HELL

Going to the Gates of Hell

At Caesarea Philippi

Caused me to think

About the way I live

Convenience is a factor

Luxuries are required

Fashioning my lifestyle

As the center of the world

Demanding my ego

Always be assuaged

Wanting my way

At the end of the day

Looking out at others

Seeing them as toolsI can use for profit

Or theological abuse

Refusing equal value

For all that I meet

Defining my relationships

By things I can defeat

People are not chattel

Man is evil and weak

In Christ the Savior

A person becomes complete

Value and worth

Come from God

The Holy Spirit leading

To make people first

Flesh and blood are dying

Economies ebb and flow

But when we come to Jesus

Our spiritual life will grow

Life is a gift from GodSpiritual life a birth

If Jesus is our master

People are of worth

01/07/04 CC





HAZOR

Hazor lies dead and quiet

Who knew that this town

Would one day be gone

God gives wealth

God gives lifeIgnoring God brings death

Where are the bodies?

What will they do?Jesus shouts arise

Their judgment will renew

They will stand before the Holy Lamb

No wealth, no beauty, no fameWhat happened to their powerful name?

Extracting many fortunes

From merchants traveling by

Now the folk of Hazor Will march straight to Hell

My heart is breaking for themThey could have accepted God

But the people of Hazor said no

You must turn to Jesus

Confess your sin to ChristFor the people of Hazor

Now think that is good advice

01/07/04 CC





HOW JESUS LOVES YOU

Each of us has value

World changing things to do

For two whole weeksJesus has walked you

Focused on the history

Walking through God’s land

Our group has great value

God has spoken to you

We walked with Moses

Saw Abraham’s wellVisited Peter’s city

Cried where Jesus fell

Traveled through the desert

Traipsed through Dan

Gawked at Mount Herman

Prayed on the Galilee

Each of us has contributed

All of us have grownGod continues blessing

As we return home

Time turns its pages

We’ll soon close this book I will not forget

How Jesus loves you

01/07/04 CC





GROUP

I came to Israel

Looking for giants

And they were with me

I wanted to travel with GodTo learn more about Him

And He was with me

Jesus values peopleThis trip has underscored

How valuable you are

Thank you for your teaching

The excitement was greatEveryday with Jesus is a delight

Thank you for your insights

Every site was blessed

By one of your thoughts

Traveling thru this land

I have heard the LordAs He spoke thru you

01/08/04 CC





ARAD

Fighting Moses

Holding the land

Seeking to destroyGod’s little band

Later its location

Made it David’s fort

A place to put people

To dangerous to court

Always a high place

In view of the greenOne step to desert

And virtually unseen

They built a holy altar

To mimic Jerusalem

Maybe Solomon worshipped

Out of sight of his God

Ever a stronghold

That sowed seeds of doubtThis little fortress

Was evil’s way out

Out to the people

Making irrelevant the claimsThat Israel came making

In the Lord’s precious name

No place for wisdom

No obedience here

Arad was failure

That stoned Israel’s ear

I will obey

I will do it God’s wayThat is all Jesus asks us

For success His way

CC





A DUSTY OLD ROAD

It is a winding old roadGathering dust

One lane and not big enoughFew folks travel the Old Roman Road

Armies came this way

Jerusalem to JerichoJericho to Jerusalem

Destruction both ways

Trade through here

It was a grand routeOne to be fearedRobbers lurked near

Just a little asphalt and rock

Non-descript and quietHard to believe its face

This was an important place?

What do we need to see here?

Yikes the road veersLook at that old Roman bridge

Wow the bus is over the cliff-side

Jesus walked here

With purpose and dear

He taught about the outcastHe came to the cross through here

I have been here

The Old Roman RoadA place of lasting beauty

It reminded me I belong

CC 3/23/05





BEERSHEBA

Traveling to Beersheba

Into the Lord’s womb

The birthing of the patriarchsHappened none too soon

All the world was evil

Refusing God’s way

Building up their holdings

Calling it their day

Then the Lord came calling

Abraham believedOne as dead to living

Became God’s man

Life to the dead

Birth by faith

Abraham walks

As God’s protégé

Reaching across the years

Abraham touches meA man who went his own way

Called by God “follow Me”

I heard the call and answered

I will go where You sayAll my life before You

I traveled death’s way

Now I live in victory

You are my King

Jesus Christ the Righteous

Brought faith to me

CC 3/12/05





CITY OF DAVID

Looking up from Silwan

Straight at David’s placeThe Holy Ark was lodged here

Also David’s disgrace

Saint and sin lived withinDavid’s city grew

Israel split

Who knew?

So much historyForgotten for 2,000 yearsMany thought Jerusalem

Was always on top of the hill

If Jesus tarries No one will remember me

But heaven knows

What I think and plan and see

The Lord is not forgetfulSalvation is a gift

The Lord has called me to service

Not to sit and moan and live

Life is a call to service

Freedom equips me to giveGiving is the foundation

Of learning how to live

David wrote about thisHe was a man of God

But he was just like us

Maybe the difference is he trusted God

So every time David faltered

He got on his kneesAnd when he rose to service

He was confident God was pleased





Do you trust the Savior?

Do you think Christ can use you?Spend time with my Jesus

And do and do and do!

Dan

Dan is a problem

Evil was its priest

Led foolish peopleBy their sanity

They never saw HimCared less for God

All they ever wantedWas to be in charge

Set me free Lord

To worship You

Wisdom guides meTo kneel before You

The only things I ownAre what I’ve given away

Help me sow my lifeThe Holy Spirit way

I know you’ve called meI hear you each day

I need strength to serve You

To be Yours today

Open up my heart Lord

Work thru me

Reaching out to peopleSo they can be free

3/18/05





DOR

Purple from the sea snails

Dor was a popular placeCreated wealth for merchants

Making plain cloth great

Thirty thousand sea snails

For just 3 grams of dye

The cost was near a fortuneTheir wealth would never die

Dor is no moreIt didn’t last long

Their wealth evaporated Now others sang their song

Just like life

It comes and goes so quick

Hard to make a livingWealth goes very quick

Money, monied peopleMan’s measure is all wrong

The measure of one’s true wealthAre things that won’t be gone

No one can take awayAnything we give

The more we give the more we get

Life is designed that way

How to be a rich

Give all you have

Give to others gladlyWealth will grow in you

CC 3/19/05





EIN GEDI

Ein Gedi, fountain of the wild goat

David’s place of refuge

Saul came with hopeCould he thwart God’s plan

Look at the night sky

The moon on the sea

A land locked oasis

Beckoning to me

Come aside-relax

Spend some time in prayer Don’t forget the troubles

This wilderness could bear

Thirty miles to Jerusalem

Judea in between

Not a place for weakness

Strength was its acclaim

Always a respite

Before an assaultLulling those of evil

The Lord was still boss

Remember as we journey

Don’t forget the springsOften in the desert

The oasis is the king

Use you time with Jesus

To become God’s spring

You be the oasis

For those without a dream

CC 3/17/05





EN HAROD

We are not consumers

Of religious juke and jive

The priesthood is to encourageAnd help us give our lives

En Harod is peaceful

Streams from the mount

But once the Lord came calling

Gideon was announced

Just an ordinary person

Not especially skilledAll his gifts were given

Gideon fought for the Lord

Now mister preacher

Are you as weak as he?

Do you think your sin is small?

Only Jesus can set you free

Speak the words of wisdom

Gideon knew them wellThe Lord of all creation

Can use you to tell

Tell them of His presence

Encourage them to growCall them to the Father

So that they will know

Know the Lord of Glory

Know the Prince of peace

Be equipped to see Him

Making life complete

3/15/05





GALILEE

Look and see

The Galilee

Jesus homeHere He roamed

Healing folks

Hear His words

Setting free

Pigs destroyedPeople freed

Evil flees

The Gospel is told

Touch itThis place existsWalk where He walked

Listen to His words

He is alive

Wake up

You must tell

Jesus in youEvil dispelled

You are freeTell all you see

3/18/05





GOD'S HAND

I see His hand

Each place I go

I'm surrendered to His call I'm willing to be what Christ says

Knowing His love is complete

He wants me to know Him

And trust Him for my best

I've come a long way

Even today

Noting His skill

At leading me through my will

To surrender to Him

My will, my way, my day It is always a struggle

My flesh demands its way

That is how I know it is Him

The Holy Spirit rids me of sin

What a protest when He begins

My gifts of management

Stand in the way

I think because I can think

I know the way

And yet life has many twists

None of which I know exist

Until they arrive full of fits

Lord thank you for tolerating me

Knowing my sin and forgiving me

A new day dawns

Eternity nears

My heart seeks Your hand

Guide me and lead me

I know you are here

CC 3/13/05





GOING TO JERUSALEM

Moving up the highway

The road pilgrims trod

Heading to JerusalemThe city of God

A place of many evils

Stonings and worse

Jesus went to see them

In the House of God

They ignored the Christ Child

They ridiculed the SonThen they rigged the jury

And murdered God’s Son

It’s a long way to eternity

Every road goes through Christ

He died in Jerusalem

God’s strength gave Him new life

Raised to always conquer

Jesus cleanses us from sinThe Son is on my agenda

I’m going to see Him

The pilgrims road is littered

With heartaches and fear So hard for man to trust Him

Belief is seldom dear

I know whom I’ve believed

I know who holds me

I’m going to Jerusalem

To rejoice with the King

CC 3/16/05





GOLAN

Riding on the Golan

Looking down below

How did Israelis?Let this place go

So many vineyards

Mines everywhere

Hermon pouring water

To users down below

Rocks thrown from heaven

Volcanos roamed thenA special land of richness

Filled with precious strength

Riding through the Golan

Druze everywhere

Now it’s all peaceful

People don’t care

What can we do?

Impossible it seemsDon’t give those people

The Golan dream

So much important

So hard to knowLook to the Bible

To see where it goes

As we face a problem

Especially impossible ones

Give it to Jesus

The thing will be done

Jesus Christ will answer

“Here are the steps to go”Follow His leading

Obedience knows





HINNOM

Look out your door

Towards Jaffa GateStanding in between you

A place the ancients hate

Babies killed for Moloch

The place of great depth

Running into the desertWhere evil demons dwelt

I’ve often felt the shadowsInherent in this place

Hinnom Valley, GehennaAn evil, evil place

Cursed by the prophets

Condemned by the Word

Garbage always burningIts evil howl still heard

Hell on earthSunlit valley

Herod’s tombDaylight gloom

Avoid this mindsetGod is in control

His power is presented

When we give Him control

CC 3/23/05





JERUSALEM’S STREETS

I had trouble with Jerusalem’s streets

Here and there

The ends never seemed to meetI was always lost

I studied a map

Still no luck

It was just tough

Nothing seemed to match

Driving through the streets one day

I noticed all the hillsGod had made this place He loved

And hills were everywhere

Then I hit a curve

It ran back and forth

God had placed His hand here

On this place He loved

Ancient streets had followed His way

Working thru the groovesSuddenly it made sense to me

The roads followed God’s hand

Jerusalem Holy City

The place where earth and heaven meetThe roads are placed where God’s grace

Traced His love in thee

This may not be good science

And it may not be exact

But it helped me learn the roads in here

To travel thru Jerusalem and back

CC 3/23/05





JUST ME

Just me

That’s all I’ll ever beUnknown and simple

Yet I’ve bent my knee

Given up my weakness

Christ is in my heart

Working daily on His planMy hands and feet and soul

Often complainingFear sometimes calls

Faith is my connectionThe Lord is in control

I am just a servant

His rule is my command

Praising all His greatnessI serve the King of the land

Victory parallels my journeyFailure my only claim

Each day life comes walkingI claim it in Jesus name

Who am I to stumble?Christ is walking me

Only when I fumble

In daily time with thee

Lift me up in wisdom

Fill my lungs with strength

Let me live encouragedChrist is living in me

CC 3/15/05





KALIA

Coming up around the bend

We see Kalia againA gorgeous oasis

In the midst of a harried land

Gentle people

Made of steel

Came here with a causeBecause this land is God’s

So many times we’ve been hereStopped for just a night

Soon they will not be hereDeserted by the right

So many times the world

Blinds our eyes and ears

Better to be where God steersThan to live a thousand years

Life is so confusingThe rearview shows it well

When walking in Christ’s directionThe path is often frail

Clinging to that directionI believe I’m doing right

Then the moment beckons

Christ has you in His sight

Life is full of choices

The next right thing is best

Jesus will not let give you failureHis life will give you the best

Kalia will feel great failureSoon they’ll be gone

But Christ will not depart us

He will keep us from doing wrong





MEGIDDO

Soon we will see Megiddo

Head of the Jezreel

A place of many battlesCivilizations lived and died here

So many armies

So much trade

Consumer wealth exploited

Evil men raged

The stage is set for one day

The mountain will be the stageArmageddon will come exploding

The world is center stage

Nations will reason with logic

Politicians will explain

Why we must go fight there

To die on evil’s day

Logic will get you in trouble

When dealing with spiritual thingsThe Lord of all creation

Speaks in mysterious ways

Note that He has led us

Jesus is always the sameWhen we love those around us

We are honoring Christ’s name

Handling others with kindness

Dealing with respect

Equips us to serve God’s creation

Let’s us represent His love

Christ will come in a moment

Armageddon will fit some wayBut you and I are servants

Living our lives today

CC 3/21/05





MT. TABOR

Enter through the Gate of the Wind

Into a place where pilgrims have been

For many thousand years

Why would Jesus come here?A pagan place for godly retreat

Yet Jesus spoke with living menThe Father crowned Him for them

“My beloved Son”

What can we learn?So much to know

Moses and Elijah living

It appears soThey were there with Jesus

Talking of the wayThe Father would soon lead HimThe cross was the only way

The Father has a plan

Extending out to usHis plan includes our service

To those that we see

Telling of the GospelJesus alive in me

Equipping me for serviceReminding me I’m free

We know the truthJesus is Lord

We count

Others do tooThe Lord of all is concerned for all

Calling us to tell them

Do not forget their need

Heaven will be pleased

They have free choice

We must tellThen the Holy Spirit

Will lead them out from hell

Straight to the Savior The price is prepaid

If they reach for Jesus

Salvation will be complete





MUHRAQA

Sacrifices one and all

Pagans worshipped hereHoly Headland by the Egyptians

Even the Romans cameElijah faced the Baalist

They were so extreme

Cried out to their idolsThey were on the pot

Elijah challenged their ethics

God disrupted their plotElijah wet the wood

The Father sent the fire

Muhraqa are you listening?

The world has moved

Divine Lord has visited you

Creator Christ has touchedThis world we love so much

Letting us know He loves

This is not the final place

We are covered by His graceEvery day is new

The Father will see us through

Even when we failHis love will prevail

Stand up to your evilGive the Lord your heart

Let Him have your weakness

Surrender your plans

Serve Him with zestAnd Christ will live through you

CC 3/20/05





PALM SUNDAY

Galilee I love you

Clean and prettyGreen and blue

Smelling sweet for meLet’s stay here and work

Come He said

We must goDown dusty roads

Through the land

Walking to Jerusalem

Jericho firstHeal some folksI’m moving quick

I have my cloak

The time has come to go

Up to Jerusalem

Where the prophets died

On the Mount of OlivesThe people cried

Blessed is the King

Hysterical leaders

Hatred thick Plan concocted

Christ must die

Let’s do it this week

Palm Sunday glorified

The king would die

But victory lurked withinIn seven days it all played out

God created victory and Christ is alive

5/18/05





QUMRAN EXISTS

God used pagans

To recover His scrollsHidden for centuries

Their story untoldCovered by the desert

Nature did His work

Scrolls galoreA dead hand response

Did God say?

Testified yeaWhat can the world say?

They don’t believe it’s true

Qumran exists

Through hermits and a twist

So many came along

Till those thrown small stonesAnd then the world could see

His Word lives on its own

Faith is such a fragile thread

Given for our dayHelping us find the way

To His divine home

And not be overwhelmedThe world is not our home

I see that handDo you believe?

Christ really came

You can have His name

Give Him your painRead what His Word says

CC 3/17/05





TEL ARAD

Out of sight of Jerusalem

Arad built its holdOver minds of Israelis

Fashioned by evils cold

A thin veneer of proper Developed by pagan priests

This place of Moses action

Was destroying God’s peace

Active on the edgesComing out of the hillsFar enough away

For the king to forgive

Lulled into evilPracticing man’s cult

Arad was evil’s companion

Destroying God’s love

Pulling at the garmentFashioned by the Word

Claiming all the wealth

God’s people deserved

Just a little slippage

Not a major slightArad will soon destroy

The key to Israel’s might

Not unlike us ChristiansWho are our friends?

When we live in two worlds

Our strength will surely end

CC 3/17/05





UP THE JORDAN VALLEY

Marching up the valley

Heading to Bet SheanAll the armies came here

Most of the won

So many people

Have fought and died

This place is just a blood bathFilled with evil and pride

So many merchantsSo much grief

People so exploitedThe left for relief

Now the valley blossoms

Technology from God’s hand

Jesus isn’t known hereSatan rules the land

I am praying for revivalChrist is coming back

When I exit from the valleyThe Jezreel has begun

Armies will march hereHeading for the plain

A final confrontation

Hoping to stop Christ’s name

Do you feel the spirits?

Are you aware of the cost?

One day soon the battleChrist will still be boss

3/15/05





WESTERN WALL

Looking at the Western Wall

I see the pain and grief

Etched in the ancient stonesMan’s love and relief

Willing all these ages

To stand and seek God’s face

Coming to the Western Wall

And celebrate disgrace

Failure for the people

Failure for the worldTo hate another people

Slavery is their world

So many people

Hated so much

Jesus comes with care and love

“I died for you because I love you”

How can we atone?

What can we say?Hands and feet speak loudly

Care for their disgrace

Listen as they say it

Accept them as friendsRemember our real foe

And evil will never win

This is the day that the Lord has made

Pray for all you see

Care for their heartache

Pray that they will be free

Jesus is real freedom

Remember He loves youAnd you and I are servants

So that the world will know too

3/22/05





BEER SHEVA

It is very different from our home, an understatement

We have deep spiritual ties to this place, this land called IsraelStop one will be Beersheva, the Well of Oath

Our learning begins here at an event 3,500 years ago

An oath created security for Abraham and his people

His oath assured them of a home and a place to belong

Abraham's oath enabled them to have community

This place they lived was their own

We gave an oath to Christ -He gave us new life

The Lord is in our life-the Holy Spirit leads us

We live our life by our oath, Jesus I belong to YouOur eternity began then; our new life in Christ

Our tour begins it is a journey of discovery

We will be surprised by some of what we see

The Lord will speak to us somewhere along the way

I will pray with you as you walk the "Land of the Bible"





PASSING BY EN GEDI

David dwelt in the strongholds of En Gedi

This oasis of water and wine

Cutting off the a corner of Saul's robeDavid fled until God's time

Traveling by the Dead Sea

We don't see its importance

Minerals mined all the time

This place looks like a waste

Just a place to travel from

Only a spa to mostThrough the years a special place

Now it probably won't register on our mind

Look close, smell the eggs, see the death

After that day fishermen will line the banks

The water will flow fresh and alive

We have seen the place as Ezekiel saw in his vision

Israel is alive with the Word of God

All around we can see His faceThis is His place and we are here

The Lord is speaking to us and He is near





STARTING PLACES

This is the place to speak your heart

As you stand on the Galilee shore

Jesus walked all over this place

He's walked your path before

What is it that He wants you to do?That no one else can do

You've known awhile and yet you drag

Maybe it's time for you to do

Speak to Him from the depths of your soul

Give Him all of your fear

Tell Him the things that are stopping youHe will give His strength to you

Now's the time, this is the placeMake your covenant anew

Before you leave be sure to write

That thing He wants you to do





JEZREEL

Carmel to Bet SheanA valley in the sun

Ahab built his capital here

Challenging God, God won

Peoples through the ages

Sought to own this landFertile soil, gentle climate

A perfect place to grow

Gilboa and Tabor overlookingAs traders and civilizations fought and died

Today it is a quiet plain

Agriculture is its fame

Gideon fought and won hereLed by the power of GodSaul fought and lost here

He had turned his back on the Lord

History will have its say one dayGood and evil will stand toe to toe

We have nothing to fear from this battle

The Father raised Jesus from the dead and the battle has been won





DO NOT WEEP (Luke 7:11…)

Walking from God's victory-straight way to Mount Tabor

Observing a funeral-the widow of Nain's sweet son

Felled in early life-death's evil complete

This poor woman was going to bury her son

Do not weep dear mother, young man ariseConquering death with one quick word

A gift of compassion and a gift of love

Jesus stunned disciples and all raising one from the dead

He gives this gift to us, undeserved and free

Conquering death by His great power

Setting each one of us free, giving us what we need

The power to live a life of worth, Jesus sets us free





TABLE OF CHRIST

John 21:15. So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,

Jesus revealed himself for the third time to the disciples

This time on the shores of Galilee

Reaching out to teach themThe truth that would set them free

Christ is all and in all and He is our need

When our focus is on pleasing Him

Our life will be to set mankind free

His love will be what people will see

Evil comes so quickly unbidden

Confused hearts do many thingsJesus calls us to do this one thing

Love Him in all we do

Obedience to Christ by our actions

Results in care for others

People count with Jesus

He uses us to proclaim His gift





ON THE SHORE

The Galilee captures my imagination as I sit on the shore

Quietly contemplating Bible verses

All of those events happened here

This small arena of God's activity among mankind

The sweep of Genesis touches upon the GalileeJesus lived the majority of His ministry around these shores

The Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Bethsaida, so many more

I've seem them all and walked along the shore

How can the Lord use this in my life?

Change comes to mind first-I must change

I can begin to let Christ work out of meMaking a difference in the person you see

As I sit on the shore I recognize the opportunityThe Lord values who I am and what He has called me to do

I will recognize that too

Lord I will be me and let You express your power in me





DAN THE PLAN

Ancient Laish, captured by Dan

The northernmost boundary of the Promised Land

Dan dishonored God by their graven image

This city started out bad and got worse

People get the best from the LordThen ruin it by their selfishness and greed

Instead of serving they think they can manage

The Lord isn't an errand boy for you and me

One day all of this fell apart

Evil was destroyed

Notice that Dan is a nature preserve todayThe people that lived here disappeared 2,800 years ago

We can't fool the LordHe is interested in our obedience not our control

He calls us to be servants not masters

In Christ we have life





CAESAREA PHILIPPI (Mt 16:13-20)

Baal and Panias both ruled here

People through the ages

Stood at the gates of hell

Worshipping man made gods

Cool and inviting in the summertimeJesus brought the disciples all the way here

Who am I Jesus asked?

Peter replied you are the Christ!

We declare Christ by the way we live

Either Jesus is in charge or we are

We cannot worship the worldWhen we are sold out to Christ

When you stand at the gates of hellAsk yourself "who do you love"

Be about the master's business

Let Jesus have control of you





CITIES OF REFUGE

(as you travel through the Golan you will be near one of the cities of refuge-Golan-the six cities are listed at Joshua 20:7-8)

The Lord calls us to peace and gave a place for refuge

Kadesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and GolanEveryone was near a city of refuge

We partner with God for peace

The gates were open for the wrongly accused

Provisions for their stay were always stocked

Peace was important to GodThis refuge was available for all who lived in the land

Jesus is our refuge, He is God's everythingIn Him we have God's peace and provision

His gift to us is His right standing with GodJesus makes us free and brings us into God's kingdom





CAESAREA BY THE SEA

Roman, Byzantine, Crusader

Choose your age of study

Caesarea was important to each

Today it is ruins and sand

Don't be fooled by its look Once it stood graceful and rich and cruel

The wealth of the world flowed through here

Making this country work

Herod, what a despot

Built and built and built

Safer to be a pig in his household than a child or a wife Named his new port city after Caesar, seeking to curry favor

Paul came here under guardAccused and abused Paul claimed Caesar's review

The Holy Spirit sometimes leads us through tough times

The end result was Paul's great ministry in Rome

Caesarea we are here to look at you

Remembering those persecuted by Rome

Claiming the power of Jesus as Christians have through the agesLife is in God's hands and we have seen His work right here





MUHRAQA

What do you see from Carmel's heights?

Pharaoh's conquering army?

Assyrians marching to Jerusalem?

Babylon taking Israel to captivity?

Ancient civilizations all came by hereEveryone knew this place

Elijah came so all would know

His wonderful Lord reigned

The march up Carmel was arduous

Folks walked a few abreast

Elijah was confidentThe fire destroyed Baal

I've always wanted to do something big for GodFire from heaven would be fine

In the privacy of my prayer closet

The Lord reminds me of His cross I can bear

Wanting to do the things we can

Always seem so mundane

Today reclaim the cross and its baneThis is what Christ calls us to do





GETHSEMANE

Gethsemane was a wonderful place to stay

Olive trees for shelter

A quiet retreat from the chaotic city

They had eaten their evening meal together

The disciples didn't know it was the "Last Supper"Jesus led them to Gethsemane so he could pray

All of them slept

Long day, hot any number of excusesJesus prayed alone

Sweat drops of bloodA powerful prayer

Feeling my sin and yours

He knew what he faced

He dealt with our disgrace

Willingly he went to the cross





KIDRON VALLEY (Jeremiah 31:40)

We walked across the Kidron Valley

By the tomb of Absalom

Up the other side towards the Temple MountIt was very tiring and demanding

Judas kissed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

The soldiers took Jesus

Walking him across the Kidron Valley

To the house of Caiaphas

Weakened by aggressive prayer

Jesus was strong enough to walk across the valleyUp the Roman stepped way

Presenting himself at the house of Caiaphas

The Kidron was the city cemetery by the time of Josiah

It is important in some apocalyptic literature

It is a wide, dark place that even today is somewhat rugged

Behold days are coming when it will be Holy to the Lord

The impossible is easy for God

What we cannot do, what we cannot imagineIs prophesied by the Servant of God

Jesus takes us from where we are and makes us Holy





BREAD

Bread is the staff of life

Found in every civilization

One of the oldest prepared foods

Needed for sustenance of life

Bread is good for us

I love bread

Especially when it is fresh from the oven

Burning your fingers as you eat

Early in the morning

Very near the Cardo

One of my favorite bakeries

Sells fresh bread

We get it right out of the ovenStack it in a bag

Walk the streets of Jerusalem

Eating fresh bread

Don’t ignore this

It is a great treat

You will never forget about

Walking the streets of Jerusalem eating fresh bread





MOUNT OF OLIVES-HE WEPT

(Luke 19:41-42. As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and

said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—

but now it is hidden from your eyes.)

Jesus wept over the cityAs He looked from the mount

So many times He had walked here

This time was near the end

This is a sobering picture

It should cause us to pause

His weeping preceded His sacrifice

For us this is good advice

Be careful how you judge

Be careful how you scoldJesus knew about us

And died for us all

The next person you dislike

Think it all the way through

Get before the Father

Jesus died for you

Treat people with kindness

They are of great worth to God

Walk their road in their sandals

Christ walked to the cross for you





GATES OF ZION

(The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Ps 87:2)

Nehemiah’s gates were well laid on a foundation of rock

The Lord recalls His house

We go from private to public entering these gatesThe Lord calls us to public worship in His house

Many ridicule the Church of Christ

Changing names to hide the place

Failing to see the simple truth

The Lord ordained His public rule

Private, private so many shout

I do just fine alone with God

Yes that is true, in Christ we do


The Gospel Church is the Father’s school

Jesus gave us HIS Church

The gates of hell will not prevail


israel: a pilgrimage

Documents