Thus says the Lord:

“Stand by the roads, and look,

and ask for the ancient paths,

where the good way is; and walk in it,

and find rest for your souls.

-Jeremiah 6:16

I love to be outside.  Even as a child, my parents found it difficult to keep me inside, and even more difficult to call me back inside at the end of the day.   This love for the outdoors extended throughout my high school and college years.  In fact, one of the main reasons that I chose the university that I did was that it was only 45 minutes away from the marshes of south Louisiana.  I would go duck hunting in the morning and then go to class in my camo.   As I got into ministry, this love for outdoors began to be coupled with a deep appreciation of the theological and rejuvenating power that comes from extended periods outdoors.  The outdoors have a way of energizing me and clearing my head like nothing else that I know.

I love the Bible.  The Bible has always played an important role in my life.  Even in the times I disobeyed its teachings, it has always been the rock that I have been tied to.  In many ways, it was this connection with the Bible that drew me into the ministry.  Learning, studying, and teaching the Bible remains my chief joy in the calling that God has given me.

With these two loves in mind, you may be able to better understand the nearly inexpressible excitement that I am experiencing as I prepare to walk ancient paths in the land of Israel over the next 2 week.

In the past, I have thought about what it would be like to walk in the land of the Bible, but I never really considered it a viable possibility.  From my perspective, just the economics of such a trip were insurmountable.  But God in His rich mercy and lavish provision has shown me otherwise.  I am humbled and overwhelmed by the extravagant generosity that He has shown me through my church, and I only hope that my experience will translate into deeper insight into the text that God will use in my ministry to my church in the future.

God has given me the opportunity to walk more than 60 miles of ancient paths on a Study Tour with my Pastor,  and I am determined to make every second count for His glory, honor, and praise.

For those who may be interested, I will be administrating a daily blog for the duration of our trip here.