Lessons From Israel - Part III
From December 1 through 8 2025, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Israel and communicate with leaders from Israel. This is part 3 of my continuing to share the lessons I learned from that trip.
The State of Israel invited 1000 pastors and influencers to come and experience a behind-the-scenes look at Israel. We heard from their leaders, their generals, and survivors. It was unprecedented, this had never before happened. It was a way we could show Israel our support for them. It is the first time in history that 1000 pastors and influencers gathered in Israel to show them of our support.
11. I am reminded that those who hate Israel, hate America so if you speak against Israel, you are speaking against what is best for America. In fact, if we support Israel, it’s right to have their land, God promises to bless us but if not, He promises to curse us (Genesis 12:1-3).
12. I am reminded of the absolute truth of God’s Word. Every archaeological find demonstrates the confirmation that God’s Word is truth, not a truth, but THE truth. Jesus alone said, “I Am the Truth…” (John 14:6).
13. I am reminded that Christianity is about surrender and serving. I stood in the room where Jesus had His Last Supper and washed the feet of His disciples. It was also at the same place where the Holy Spirit fell on Pentecost and that was the beginning of the church, the one institution that has the authority to attack hell, to storm the gates of hell. I am reminded that Christianity is active, not passive. Christianity is personal, but it must never become private.
14. I am reminded of the cost of saying “Yes” to God’s will. We stood in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus said, “If it be Your will please let this cup, this crucifixion, pass from me, but nevertheless I want Your will not Mine.” It wasn’t that Jesus dreaded dying, He absolutely was devastated about the thought that because our sin is upon Him, He would be separated from God, His Father.
True Christianity means sacrifice and surrender every single day. Our joy does not come from our circumstances but from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
15. I am reminded how Satan attempts to infiltrate places that represent our faith, our Christianity. The site where the first and second Temple was destroyed has now been hijacked by radical Islam. We are watching from politicians to Hollywood celebrities, siding with evil and demonstrating hatred toward Israel and the Jews. Who made these celebrities experts on anything? They are spoiled rotten brats who tote socialism but love the capitalistic lifestyle to which they have grown accustomed.
16. I am reminded that there was a specific place where heaven and earth meet. We stood in Shiloh where the Tabernacle, which represents Jesus, was historically documented. Who says Christianity is not reasonable? It is confirmed by history and by the experience of life transformation for those who receive Jesus.
17. I am reminded that Prayer Matters. We stood in the place where Hannah begged God, cried out to God for a child. She was barren. As she cried outside the Temple the High Priest Eli thought she was drunk. Often times our prayers are misunderstood by those who don’t have faith that God hears and answers our prayers according to His will. God granted her a child and his name was Samuel, God’s man. She had dedicated him to God and God used Him mightily. It reminds us to never ever give up in prayer. Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking on the door of heaven and refuse to give up until that which is prayed for becomes reality or God shows you a better way.
18. I am reminded that no matter where you go in the world, you connect immediately with God’s people. I must confess that God demanded that I pour contempt on my pride. As a pastor I am accustomed to giving and serving, but receiving is a different matter. I had to confess my pride and use the wheelchair at the airport and allow my brothers and sisters in Christ to help me. One Dad and his daughter held my hands as I walked up and down very steep places. Our spirits bear witness with other believer’s spirit and we immediately bond. I have made some incredible lifelong friendships. There is an immediate connection with God’s people.
One new friend from Bakersfield, CA said to me, “I watched how you pushed through your pain with joy, so I decided to go to your church’s website and listen to a message. It was on thankfulness. He said, “If your actions and attitude hadn’t confirmed your message, I would have known you were just putting on a show. Now I believe you.”
19. I am reminded that God is the God of the Impossible. We sat in the middle o Jerusalem, the Old City, and sang louder praises to our God and His greatness that drowned out the Muslim Call to Prayer! Our God is greater!!!
20. I am reminded that God wants our church to be involved in supporting Israel. I want us to join “Friends of Zion” and to even take trips there. I have found the absolute best travel guide from Israel, and he said he would lead a group from our church (City Central in Lakeland, FL). I think we should do it! Let me know if anyone is interested. (You can go to Friends of Zion.com).
