New Columbia Holy Land Tour 2019

New Columbia Holy Land Tour 2019

Greetings once again!  It is hard to imagine all the prep, organizing and work that goes into a trip such as this and then for it to be over seemingly so soon. But may its impact be forever present in our lives! As I’ve said many times before, it’s not enough to simply walk where Jesus walked, or even talk perhaps where He one time talked. The greatest need for all of us is to truly live as He lived and be all that He wants us to be! Remember the entire reason for Him coming to earth was to redeem fallen man from the clutches of sin that He might present us without spot and holy.
As I look over the 50 members of our tour group my heart is overwhelmed to think that if we could come home spiritually charged, and rejuvenated in our Christian walk, what a huge difference we could make around us. If we would purpose not to soon forget where we’ve been, what we saw, and what we’ve felt, maybe, just maybe, we could encourage and strengthen another who may be discouraged in their Christian faith.
Last night as I was down at the Lebanon G.M. Church to speak at their annual Ministry Team Banquet, I spoke with an individual who travelled to the Holy Land several years ago. He said, “I am amazed at how often when I read the scripture my mind reflects on an image from my trip, it just brings so much into perspective.” And yes, I recall making almost the same statement following my first trip to Israel years ago. I’ve told my children, “You will find times when you are reading the Bible that all of the sudden you  will have a real image that comes before your mind as a result of the trip.”
I thoroughly enjoyed the many times that our guide shared historical accounts outside of scripture and they clearly testified to or reaffirmed the scripture. And yet, if there was never any outside evidence that supports the Word of God, we still believe it for our faith is evidence enough! I love the little chorus we sometimes sing, “God said, I believe it,  and that settles it for me.”
Dear hearts, let’s be mindful to be completely surrendered to Jesus Christ. We indeed have a story to tell to the nations, and more than likely very little time left to tell it. “OH, may all who come behind us find us faithful!” Just remember, you keep Him first and foremost and He’ll do the same for you! “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.”
Blessings on you and yours!
Respectfully,
Pastor Spangler