Acts 1:12-13 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the Mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

 

After some 500 people watched as Jesus Ascended into Heaven, the eleven men noted in the above Scripture, traveled the short distance to Jerusalem back to an upper room to wait for the Promise of the Father.  Most people believe this to be the same Upper Room where they spent time with Jesus and ate the Passover with Him. (Luke 22:7-13) This would be the natural place for them to return to as this was the last place they spent time with Jesus.

 

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Israel. One of the many places we visited was the Upper Room. The Presence of God was so powerful in that place everyone was totally silent. I remember that as I climbed the steps the Presence got stronger and stronger with each step. It was something to behold and EVERYONE felt it.

 

My husband and I went there in October, 1978 and I returned 40 years later in November, 2018. Forty is God’s number for Preparation and Probation. During that 40 year period of my life the Lord really changed me. I was by no means the same person in 2018 as I was in 1978.

 

To walk where Jesus walked is an unforgettable experience. Many of the sites where Jesus taught the people are still intact today and as you visit these places you can’t help but feel the Presence of God there with you.

 

I praise God for the opportunity to visit the Holy Land and I hope to go again someday and take my grandson, Joseph, if the Lord tarries. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Israel, I encourage you to do so. You will return with a whole new perspective on the Bible. Everything you have studied your whole life comes to life right before your eyes as you actually walk the paths that Jesus walked.

 

To sit where the people sat to hear Jesus speak and sail out onto the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked on the water. To walk the path that Jesus walked, carrying His Cross to the place called Golgotha where He was Crucified. To spend time in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed and to visit the place where Jesus said, On this rock, I shall build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.

 

A trip to Israel truly is far more than a vacation. It will be an experience beyond your greatest expectation. I cannot recommend it enough.

 

A visit to the Holy Land will…...….turn the tide……..in your life.

 

Thank you Lord,         Doreen

 

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