Return Dear Jesus

I don’t know why I remember these words as if it were yesterday. They were words spoken by Chris Stan while we were in the Holy Land. Perhaps by sharing them with you I will figure out why they are so well remembered. Would you mind? If you feel up for it, then the message eagerly awaits. Now, shall we begin?

The team was on the tour bus heading for the next religious site. As usual I was seated beside Chris, the oldest member of the Bless Israel 2008 team. At first, we just sat there in silence. Then, right out of the blue, Chris spoke to me. He said, “I believe that Jesus Christ will return in my lifetime.”

They were such faith-filled words. They are words that I now understand my reason for remembering. Wow… That is quite a reason. Let me tell you all about it.

You see, when Chris spoke these words he spoke them with a passionate fire. He lived in awe for the day when Jesus will return. He still does. There’s more to my memory’s motive. There is indeed.

I saw that fire in his eyes. It was a fire that I could understand and believe. It had me like a fish on a hook. I knew that to him this happening would be above any other experience. It’s the same way for the rest of us Christ Believers. However, just seeing his desire for the Lord’s return was beautiful.

Now, nobody knows when the day will come except for God himself. I just hope that Chris really does get the opportunity to be alive and well when that day comes. You want to know something? I have the same dream. I would love to be around for the final days, and I really do hope that you feel the same way.

The Beginning of a New Journey

                It was the year of 2006, and church had just let out. Seeing that my parents were talking with a friend and not yet ready to head home, I, a young seventh grade student, chose to listen for the voice of God. I went over and sat in a chair. That’s when I put all focus on the Lord. Finally, I heard the voice of the Creator.

                What He said is not what I expected. It was not what I expected at all. Still, I knew in my heart that it was the voice of God. He provided me with simple instructions by saying, “I want you to go to Israel.” That was the beginning of a whole new adventure.

                My parents weren’t sure about me going to Israel. Yet, when I found out about a trip to Israel that my church was holding, things started to change. My parents decided to pray about me signing up for the Bless Israel ’08 team. You know what happened? That’s right… God told them that he wanted me to go.

                It was now the year 2008, and my dad still needed to make one final payment. It was a payment that at the time could not be made. Once again, my Lord and Savior came to our aid. Near the final days to make the payment my dad made a medical sale giving us the exact cost needed in order to go. That is where I thought, “Wow! The Lord really does want me to go.”

                Even when times got tough, we stuck with the Lord. Although the path was rigid, we continued to walk by faith and not by sight. You want to know something? When the Lord tells you to do something, then do it. Just do it no matter what, and trust in him. He will meet your needs.