Where are You?

Who would have thought getting involved in a Church in the "Holy Land" (I do quotes because I believe God made all Land Holy through Christ but that's another story for later) would be so hard while I am studying here. I know we are the Church when 2 or more of us gather but there is something about the intentionality of a service that allows faith to become action even if it a repetitive action. I bring all of this up because last night I went to the western wall (wailing wall) to observe the Jews worship to bring in the new year (Happy Rosh Shoshana!).

While I was doing this I felt really out of place, and unlike most people who visit did not feel the need to go tough the wall. I think I have created this barrier in my mind in order to create respect for both the Jews and Muslims here in the city. I appreciate the history of this city, but sometimes it feels empty. For all the talk and hype that went in to me going to this city I almost feel like I am robbing myself whenever I do homework over bombing around Jerusalem and here I am now writing a blog instead of seeing the city. I find though that my writing and reading allow me to be fed and act on my faith. I write these knowing that those of you who are reading care about me and I love you. I do my Greek homework because I love finding the different ways in which an aorist active verb written by Mark indicates a historical present tense (I am a Greek geek). Some of my best experiences here so far have been reading scripture (English and Greek) on sight and worshiping either on campus or in the two churches I have made it to. I also find that no matter where I am at I just want to find good meaningful conversation. I am no tired of where I am at, please don't think that's my point here. Rather I want you to understand as I do now that you don't go to a place to find God. He leads you always. Take the time to see where you are at and you will find Him. I found Him in worship tonight.

God's temple is not a place. It is you and me and the whole Church body. Don't let anyone tell you differently.