A day of travel provided plenty of time to reflect on key takeaways from the 2016 ICEJ Summer Conference.  Here are my personal “big three”:

1. Though the conference had a definite theme (“Let’s go up to the mountain of the Lord”), the messages were not scripted or closely coordinated.  Despite that, message after message seemed to gravitate to Isaiah 60:1-5.  (Take a moment to read it!)  We are in a season of change (in many different ways), and (I believe) will soon witness the glory of the Lord shining out of Israel!  Many agree that darkness is covering the earth and nations will soon turn their gaze toward the light.  What we see going on today aligns with God’s Word, and His plan.  It may not feel comfortable, but it is good!
2. Unless and until we understand God’s covenant with Israel, we (Christians) will fail to understand God’s purpose for us.  When we fail to understand our purpose, we see a falling away.  Never in our lifetime have we experienced the depth of falling away that we see today.  Never in our lifetime have we been closer to the return of our Savior than today!  Yet, are we ready?
3. Failure to recognize the plight of Christians worldwide is a travesty.  Just as many closed a blind eye to the Jews during the Holocaust, many are closing a blind eye to the genocide of Christians throughout the Middle East.  (BTW – Christians are not the only ones being persecuted, though they are the most targeted group.)  Though we may differ theologically with Coptics, Yazidis, and other Christian groups, those people are dying specifically because they profess faith in Jesus Christ.  They are our brothers and sisters and we must not turn a blind eye.

There were certainly additional highlights, but those three definitely caused attenders to take a strong look at what the Lord is up to in our world today.

As for me personally, I left sensing these things from the Lord:

• His calling for me has never been clearer.  He has urged me to speak out, to share what I know with others, and to mobilize others to action on behalf of Israel and the church at large.  I long to know and to help others know the importance of understanding God’s plan for the Jews and for us.  To that end, I continue writing a new Bible study that clearly deals with that.  Will you pray as I write?
• In general, American churches are “asleep at the wheel,” and younger generations are not being educated regarding a right relationship to Israel.  We must reach both churches (in general) and young people (specifically).  I am impressed with ICEJ’s efforts to do both.  If you desire greater understanding of Israel and our relationship as Christians, why not encourage your pastor to consider a special Pastor’s tour to Israel?  (Better yet, bless your pastor with a trip!)  These trips are highly-subsidized and are planned specifically to equip pastors to bring truth about Israel to their congregations.  Or, why not send a young person on an Arise Tour, where they will tour Israel, engage in ministry projects, and return with an understanding of the importance of Israel.
• The ministry of ICEJ is very impressive.  They have offices in 86 countries and a presence in ~60 other countries, where they mobilize believers to understand the importance of Israel.  US headquarters are in Murfreesboro TN and they have a significant presence in the Southeast.  However, there is virtually no presence out west, despite a wealth of Calvary Chapels and other churches that are “Israel-friendly.”  It is my hope that a greater presence might be generated in the western US.  I was one of less than 5 people from west of the Mississippi that attended the Summer Conference.  That needs to change!  If you live in the US (particularly the west), why not explore ICEJ’s mission and consider attending the Summer Conference in 2017.  Also, please pray for wisdom as I attempt to find ways to bring a greater presence to the western US.

The Summer Conference definitely fanned the flames of passion I have for Israel and for the church.  Thanks for your ongoing prayers as I purpose to walk in the plans the Lord has for me!

Blessings my friends!