Titus 2:11-12
King James Version
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation
hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,
we should live soberly, righteously,
and godly,
in this present world;
How much do you know about countries?
How much does it matter to you?
What have you learned?
How did you learn?
Before gadgets came, I got to know about countries through traditional methods:
1. As a child, reading books.
2. As a girl, watching beauty pageants on TV.
3. As a journalist, covering the expat community.
4. As an adult, traveling to a few places.
5. At social events, listening to people from many nations.
Reading.
You're taught in school about the UN, countries, people, culture, flags, world events, history, geography, through maps, and textbooks.
Beauty pageants.
You learn about countries' names, faces, costumes, and language from watching international beauty pageants.
Journalism.
As photojournalist for an expat newspaper, and editor of an American business journal, I conducted interviews, and took photos.
Travel.
You actually get to see the places, taste the food, experience the culture, through accommodating people, and families.
Social events.
Covering business, diplomatic, and cultural events, meant there were luncheon meetings, and gatherings to learn from.
But EVERYTHING changed in 2001.
GOD brought me back home to my city up north, to care for my family.
Somehow, I was done with all that "international" stuff.
Eighteen years after, He made me born again in 2019.
Suddenly, it was just Jew, and Gentile.
Just Israel, and all other nations.
Who was for her?
Who was against her?
With America playing a big part in it.
And how all our lives, and salvation, are linked.
Scripture tells us of how GOD loves all of us.
Enough to send His Son, as "trespass offering".
That all who accept JESUS, may be saved.
And have eternal life with Him.
What does travel mean to me now?
Maybe I can walk by the shores of Galilee, breathe in its sea air, and imagine JESUS gathering His first FOUR apostles.
Or go to Bethsaida, where He fed 5,000 people, multiplying five loaves, and two fishes.
Or go to the garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed, before His enemies took Him.
Even go to Golgotha, where He was crucified.
Luke 23:33
King James Version
33 And when they were come to the place,
which is called Calvary,
there they crucified him,
and the malefactors,
one on the right hand,
and the other on the left.
Perhaps, one day, through GOD's GRACE, I shall be able to go to Israel.
And if it doesn't happen, that's okay, too.
The Bible suffices.
The HOLY SPIRIT teaches me everything I need to know.
GOD's story is beautifully documented in Scripture.
I can go anywhere JESUS had been, at anytime.
Most importantly, He is in my heart.
He is my heart.
My body is the temple of His SPIRIT.
I no longer have a desire to travel.
JESUS is with me every day.
All that matters now is if other countries love Israel.
They can't deny her existence, nor GOD's love for her.
She is GOD's holy nation -- His beloved.
She has been chosen for His perfect purpose.
Isaiah 43:21
King James Version
1 This people have I formed for myself;
they shall shew forth my praise.
GOD's will be done.
Related material:
How GENTILES are to Regard JEWS
Related videos:
My Continuing Education on Jesus
On Walking Through the Old City of Jerusalem
On "The Eastern Gate in Prophecy"
Image: Clipart Library
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