Dear Israel tour friends, in only days we will travel to Israel…to the place God has so obviously proven Himself faithful. We will see with both physical and spiritual eyes how profoundly faithful He is, and I pray it touches the deepest part of your spirit. 

As we witness the world unraveling around us, I wonder just how long we must eagerly wait for our Savior! We seem to be living between two worlds. The one in which we physically live, and the one in which our citizenship is confirmed. 

²⁰ For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20-21) 

God created us for a different world, but for now, we are aliens passing through this physical one. While here, we have a purpose, we have a calling, and we have a faithful God who will call us home at just the right time. Until then, we have business to do (Luke 19:13). 

These are unprecedented times. In the Introduction, we mentioned some challenges we face in our world today, and it is imperative to know and understand the time and season in which we live. Israel is back in the land. There is godlessness in America and around the world. Wars and rumors of wars fill the headlines. There is a coalition building to Israel’s north. World governments and religions are rushing toward a new world order. Chaos and immorality rule the day. 

But we must remember: 

14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3) 

¹¹ And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. ¹² The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:11-12) 

²⁸ Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28) 

I close with the theme verse of this ministry, Looking for the Blessed Hope: 

¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, ¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ¹³ looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:11-13) 

See you in Israel!

(For those following along virtually, we touch down on Israeli soil on February 18. Share our excitement by following us here as we prepare, then following us there as I post updates live from Israel!)