As many of you know I have a heart for Israel. There is something about the beauty of walking where Jesus walked that gives a new and refreshing perspective to reading the Bible. When the scripture talks about a dry and barren land it takes on more meaning, having seen the dryness and barrenness firsthand. When the scripture speaks of the lilies of the valley, or the cedars of Lebanon, it is easier to see with your mind's eye the beauty and fertile nature of the land when you have walked in those places.

I was in a local restaurant this week eating lunch when I struck up a conversation with a young lady behind the counter who was from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She and her fiancé were stationed here at Tinker just a few months back. I asked her what she thought of Oklahoma. She said she was surprised, in a good way, with what she had experienced to this point. Having lived here all my life and having travelled many places I am always a little surprised when I meet people who have never been to Oklahoma and share their impressions of Oklahoma. Maybe they have seen the musical on Broadway or the movie. Whatever the circumstance there always seems to be horses, Indians, and farmlands involved in others' perceptions. This led me to these thoughts: If all some unchurched people see of Christianity is what we show them, are we giving a good perception of what it is to live a Christian life? Some people may only see what is depicted on television as the Christian perspective. When I think of that scenario I pray we are not running people away from the church. The “Christian Perspective” is so diverse in its nature that you might think you can believe in anything and be a Christian. There is a group of Christians who will fight for the rights of the unborn child to the point of taking the lives of those who perform abortions. This is all done in the name of Christianity. This is not a new revelation. During the crusades it was not uncommon to hear the words "repent or die." How are we as individuals showing what Christ has done for us in our daily walk? Are we living a life that represents the amazing grace that has been extended to us through our Savior Jesus Christ? Are we showing people that it is not about being perfect but it is about doing our best to live as Christ would have us live?

What does all this have to do with Israel? Some people from our church are headed to Israel this week. One of them is my daughter, Amanda. She is the last one from our immediate family to travel to the Holy Land. I have absolutely no reservations about her traveling in Israel. She will see the traditional sites, she will see some tourist sites, and she will pass by some of the most incredible landscape the world has to offer. When she returns home she will be able to paint a picture of the words she has read in the Bible. She will be able to put a face to the people she has read about in the Bible. She will have experienced some of what it was like to walk where Jesus walked. This is what we are to be sharing with those who are yet to know our Savior. When people leave First Church do they feel like they have just experienced a brush encounter with Jesus? When you finish a conversation with someone who is searching for answers have you pointed them to the only answer giver you know? Are we sharing the amazing grace we have experienced, or are we quietly holding on to the wonderful experience. I encourage you to tell your story. What has Jesus done for you? Where have you and Jesus journeyed recently? How will you share Jesus’ touch with someone today? Be a tour guide for Christ everyday... you’ve got a story to tell. If you don’t, let’s talk!

Grace and peace,
Kirk