Remembering Israel - Day 1 Gezer

Before students and staff of arrived from Jeju, Korea, the Canadians took some time to prepare for their arrival and sneak away to a couple sites.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the day was Tel Gezer across a small valley from the modern kibbutz of Gezer. Gezer was one of Solomon's fortified cities, boasts 26 layers of civilization and one of the oldest Canaanite fortifications.

According to 1 Kings 9:15 Solomon fortified 3 key cities - Gezer in the South, Megiddo protecting important travel and trade routes through the Jezreel Valley, and Hazor in the North. The gates have been unearthed at each of these locations from the same time period and built to strikingly similar specifications.

Gezer

Standing inside Solomon's 6-chamber gate at Gezer

Though we did not visit Megiddo and Hazor Day 1 it is worth showing their relation to Gezer here. Seeing the Bible come to life throughout the whole land of Israel was so exciting. These three ancient cities fortified by Solomon give great support to his historicity and the Bible's accuracy!

The Welcome Center at Megiddo displayed an incredible scale model of the entire archaelogical site. The most fascinating feature of this model were the lifts which would raise certain sections of the model to reveal other levels of civilization.

Scale Model of Solomon's 6-chamber gate at Megiddo.

At Hazor the following sign described practically the exact same gate found at Solomon's other fortified cities.

Sign documenting the discovery of Solomon's 6-chamber gate

Despite denials of the Bible's accuracy, the historicity of biblical characters, and the Jewish claim to the Holy Land, the archeological evidence is mounting and leaving little room for debate. The Bible is true, accurate, and lays claim on our lives to worship the great God who has revealed Himself through the pages of His word and the annals of human history.

To catch all the Israel 2011 posts be sure to Subscribe or Follow this blog. See boxes to the right.

Or check the other posts out here:

Remembering Israel Intro

Remembering Israel Enroute - British Museum

Remembering Israel Day 2 - Jezreel Valley(coming soon)

WARNING:

Exposure to such material as pictures and testimony of the Promised Land, its geography, character, history, and beauty often creates an insatiable longing to travel and experience these things for one's self.

You have been warned!

If you would be interested in participating in a similar study trip, please contact me.

Jonathan Ward Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• Discovering the largest city of ancient Canaan(via the Jerusalem Post) (thechristiangazette.wordpress.com)

Real Worship

In an earlier post worship was defined as:

The ascribing of worth to something or someone 

and is expressed through thoughts, emotion, and willful acts and language 

affecting every resource at one's disposal.

Let's take a moment to consider just a couple verses of God's Word.


We are commanded to glorify God in all that we do.

"Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God."

1 Cor. 10:31

We are always serving (worshiping) God or something/someone else.

"Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

Rom. 6:16

Upon reflection of this definition and these verses here are my suggestions for the implications of Real Worship:



Worship is always active.
We constantly choose who or what we worship. We need to think about the object of our worship more often to keep our focus on the One who deserves it. Maybe you've heard it said:

"Just two choices on the shelf, pleasing God or pleasing self."

Worship is always giving or taking.
We show the 'worth' of our object of worship by what we offer or expect. When we are worshiping self, our expectation of others grows to uncontrollable and impossible limits. When we worship God, we offer sacrificially to Him which leads us to our next point.

Worship is always costly - to every asset of life.
We prioritize our time, money and all of our resources to the thing(s) we are worshiping. A good diagnostic tool in determining what we are worshiping is honestly asking ourselves where we spend our time and money.

Worship is always holistic - to every area of life.
All our thoughts, all our words, and all our actions worship. There is nothing that is "un-sacred" when it comes to worship. Ever think we have private things that don't concern God or others? Think again! Every area of life is affected by and actively worships our god/God.

Worship is always happening.
Considering the points above, how could there ever be a time we are not worshiping? With that in mind, we would do well to have the thought ever on our minds, "Who/what am I worshiping?"




Do you have anything to add to this? From your study of Scripture, what does Real Worship look like in our lives?

See What is Worship? for further discussion.

Jonathan Ward Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved

Hasty or Hungry?!

Ever have one of those days?

A day like when you are eating the last few pieces of lemon bread from the container and realize the container is full of earwigs - after you eat a piece! ( That's another story for another post...)

Getting back to the office the other day I was enjoying the remainder of my lunch - a delicious apple.

I looked down at the luscious fruit before me in all its partially eaten glory and witnessed the sight you see below. I laughed out loud and grabbed my tablet for a picture.

Sometimes you just have to laugh at life!

Hasty or Hungry?

I asked a number of WOLBI students for their opinion. Was it hasty or hungry?

How often do we rush into things without "looking before we leap." It is so important to consider the consequences of our actions and not merely be ruled by our appetites.

Apparently everything came out okay, the incident happened last week and there has still been no sign of the missing sticker.

What is Worship?

I recently attended a Praise Team orientation at our local church.  We sang together, reviewed our corporate 'policy' of blended worship and what that means, and spent some time considering this post's title question.

What is worship? What is real worship?

One of my greatest concerns is the movement calling anything to do with music "worship," taking the offering and then having a 'time of worship', or participating in 'worship' and then listening to a message. I dreadfully fear we are missing the point sometimes. It may seem like a matter of semantics but I try to watch for this in my own life and ministry by referring to the group I work with as a "Praise Team" as opposed to a Worship Team.

Why bother? What's the big deal?

Jon playing the Harp as unto the Lord in the City of David

Well, I think we are missing out when we relegate worship to the sad few minutes of singing we do as a corporate body of believers. If this is all worship is, then the worship we are offering is unworthy of so great a God. Think about it, if this is how we define worship, we are giving God a sparse few minutes out of our week. Worship must be more.

So what is worship?

As we considered this question, here is my suggested definition of worship:

Worship is ascribing worth to something or someone 

and is expressed through thoughts, emotion, and willful acts and language 

affecting every resource at one's disposal.

One of the things I realized in this exercise was that I need to choose to worship God all the time! God has wired us and all of creation to worship (Psa. 19) all the time. Not a moment goes by when I am not worshiping something or someone. I need to make sure the focus of my worship remains where it belongs - on our Almighty, Creator-Redeemer God day-by-day and even moment-by-moment.

What are your thoughts about worship?

How would you define worship? Do you have anything to add to the definition above?

Please leave a comment and stay tuned for the next installment as I consider Real Worship exploring the practical, far-reaching implications of worship.

Jonathan Ward Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved

Reading on Purpose again - Lessons Learned

I need to be the first to admit I am not the greatest reader, the fastest reader, or consistently retain all I read.  I am however passionate about reading and passing on my love for literature to others.

Reading in Jamaica WOLBI March Missions 2008

Of all things, I discovered in a book the following anecdote.  A famous magician was once asked, "How do you keep your incredible illusions a secret." "That's easy," came the reply, "I write them in books!"

Don't take the chance of missing out on all life has to offer, Read on Purpose!

Here are some of the things I've learned over the years:

     1. Set a goal.   Each year I set a goal for the number of books I read to always push myself to read more.  Start small.  One book per month and choosing smaller-ish books to get started is reasonable for most people I've talked to.  As an aside, I also track magazines and booklets that I read and allow every five magazines to equal one book in the count (see #2).

     2. Keep track of what you are reading.  Since finishing college I have kept track of the books I have read in a notebook.  This allows me to not only keep count of how many books I've read for my yearly goals but it also lets me ponder whether I am balanced in my reading ie. too much fiction, etc.

     3. Keep a highlighter and writing utensil close.  Always mark up books you read (as long as they are yours of course).  I know for some of you, this is a major stumbling block but hear me out.  As a speaker/teacher I am constantly looking for illustrations, quotes, and solid material to encourage and educate others.  Often I remember that there is something great in a particular book but I just can't seem to find it.  I don't know about you but I just don't have time to re-read everything everytime I need a piece of data.  UNLESS, of course, I marked the book and the content is easy to find.  I always keep a mechanical pencil and highlighter handy and am very free to dog-ear pages or sticky note an important page.  Let the research and reading you've done last you a life-time by developing your own system of re-tracing that 'nugget' of wisdom.  Just give it a try!  Close your eyes if you have to the first time you deface the page but release your inhibitions and just go for it!


Also see the Benefits of Reading on Purpose

Or a great Guest Post on Michael Hyatt's blog 5 Ways to Make More Time to Read

The Benefits of Reading on Purpose

First off, I love to read!  My wife regularly reminds me that I am a geek.  In fact my oldest son (who also seems to have a love for books, learning, and just 'knowing stuff') looked at me one day very matter-of-factly declaring, "We are geeks, right Dad?" "Yes, I guess so son," I replied.  "But that's OK if we are geeks together, right Dad!?" Truth be told, I also have a slight addiction to hoarding books.  I am working on that but it is not an altogether undesirable problem to have. Maybe you've heard it said, "Leaders are Readers,"  or "If you stop Reading today, you'll stop Teaching tomorrow!"

A simple Google search of the "importance of reading" will produce a plethora of articles suggesting multitudes of blessings for simply cracking a book.  Here are a few benefits from one article in that search:

          -Development of language skills

          -Mental development

          -Stimulate eye muscles

          -Improve conversation skills

          -Improve concentration

          -Acquire knowledge

                    ...and the list goes on and on.

I take those to heart and feed the addictive tendencies toward bookworm-ism.  Why not pick up an interesting-looking but slightly neglected tome around your house.


Also Check out:

          Reading on Purpose Again for suggestions on how to read and how to read more.

Remembering Israel Enroute - British Museum

On the way from Canada to Israel to meet our Asian friends, the group leaders and I had the privilege of a few hours in London, England.  With our spare time we departed Heathrow International Airport on "the Tube" (London's subway is a very economical way to travel) and headed into the city to see the sights of the British Museum.

The British Museum boasts one of the largest collection of Biblical Antiquities in the world and did not disappoint.  I wandered and wondered in amazement almost running from room to room snapping as many photos and placards as I could to preserve maximum data for future reflection and classroom enhancement. (Unfortunately all that data is in the hands of the thief who stole my camera at the Heathrow airport - I learned a valuable travel lesson here though: never take untested equipment ie. my new backpack.  It unzipped itself rushing through airport.  Always use a biner  to keep zippers tight.)

I was amazed to see history come to life and stand beside so many things I have taught about in class.

Mark Strout, WOLBI Exec. Dean, with the Black Obelisk of Shalamaneser III. A portion depicts Israel's King Jehu offering tribute to Assyria's Shalamaneser III.

The Cyrus Cylinder declares displaced people may return to their homes to rebuild their places of worship. This allowed Jewish people under Zerubbabel to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple in 536 BC.

After much treasure seeking and historical discovery, we returned to Heathrow to continue the adventure of a lifetime. Next stop - the Promised Land!


To catch all the Israel 2011 posts be sure to Subscribe or Follow this blog. See boxes to the right.

Or check out the other posts using these links:

Remembering Israel

Remembering Israel Day 1 - Gezer

Remembering Israel Day 2 - Caesarea Maritima (coming soon)

WARNING:

Exposure to such material as pictures and testimony of the Promised Land, its geography, character, history, and beauty often creates an insatiable longing to travel and experience these things for one's self.

You have been warned!

If you would be interested in participating in a similar study trip, please contact me.

Remembering Israel

It is hard to believe it has already been months since I walked the dusty paths of the Holy Land.

I was blessed to travel with the incredible students and staff of the Jeju Island campus of the Word of Life Bible Institute.  The WOLBI Asia campus just opened Fall of 2010 with students from South Korea, Japan, Canada, and the USA.

Everyone always asks, "How was it?" and my response is usually the same...speechlessness. How do you describe something so powerful, life-changing, and beautiful?  Seeing the Scriptures I have known and studied for years come to life before me was absolutely indescribable!  

So here is a feeble effort to remember, reflect, and share just a glimpse of the wonder that was Israel 2011.

WARNING:

Exposure to such material as pictures and testimony of the Holy Land, its geography, character, history, and beauty often creates an insatiable longing to travel and experience these things for one's self.

You have been warned!

To catch all the Israel 2011 posts be sure to Subscribe or Follow this blog. See boxes to the right.

Or check the other posts out here:

Remembering Israel Enroute - The British Museum

Remembering Israel Day 1 - Gezer

Remembering Israel Day 2 - Caesarea Maritima (coming soon)

If you would be interested in participating in a similar study trip, please contact me.

Jonathan Ward Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved.

I Agree with the Atheists!

Check out the article I Agree with the Atheists!

Note carefully the logic of the final section as Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis quotes an Atheist.

If Adam and Eve are not historical, there is no original sin. If there is no original sin, what is the point of the Bible (if Genesis is myth what in the Bible isn't myth??), what is the point of a Saviour, what is the point of life, what is the point of anything?

We need to be careful in making concessions to "science falsely so called" when it comes to creation and the text of the book of Genesis.

Attention WOLBI Alumni!!

Do you like free money? Do your friends like free money? Should anyone really have to ask this question? Isn't it obvious?
We all like to have a little extra money in our pockets, and Word of Life Bible Institute understands this! They've made it easy for students and our friends who are interested in the BI to get some extra money!

"But, how?" 

Well, with the Alumni Gift Award of course! Each year students are handed these little pink award slips to distribute to people we know. The "Hallelujah Chorus" resounds as we prepare to give them out to all our friends!

Fun Facts about the Alumni Gift Award:

Who it's for: anyone interested in applying to the BI in September 2011 or September 2012.

How to get one: any current or graduated student can give this award to a friend who is planning to apply to the BI for 2011 or 2012. A current student can get award slips from the admissions office at WOLBI. Alumni can print this one.

How much it's worth: this award is unique in that both the applicant AND the student giving the award receive money! The person applying will acquire $200 off their tuition (split between the two semesters) and the current or graduated student who gave the gift award will receive a check for $100 in the mail once the applicant enrolls in the September!

How it works:
*IMPORTANT* to receive this award, the award slip MUST be sent in WITH the new application.

Instructions for applicants:
Mail Application: send pink award slip in the same envelope with your application.
Online Application: if you are applying online, please email the admissions department (admissions@wol.ca, alliep@wol.ca) as soon as you have submitted your application and let them know that you have an Alumni Gift Award. Then, proceed to mail it in so we can process it!
Application Turned in at a Recharge weekend or Campus Days event: simple, just give us the award slip when you give us the application. For those of you who are wondering, YES you do get the $300 for applying at Recharge or Campus Days AND the $200 for Alumni Gift, totaling $500!!!

*The Perks*: This is a great way for  a new applicant to get an extra $200 off their tuition. Extra finances are sometimes hard to come by these days, so every little bit counts! ALSO, we students in turn get rewarded for rewarding our friends! Once the applicants enroll for the fall, Word of Life will send $100 in the mail for each gift award we handed out! Why WOULDN'T we take advantage of this opportunity! It's a win-win situation for everyone!

If you'd like to be a part of this offer, or have any questions, please contact our admissions department!
Email: AllieP@wol.ca, admissions@wol.ca, CassandraJ@wol.ca
Phone: 519-376-3516 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            519-376-3516      end_of_the_skype_highlighting ex. 213 or 216. Toll Free: 800-461-3503 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            800-461-3503      end_of_the_skype_highlighting