South Carolina, Sukkot, and the Gates to Zion

Since I left Washington DC at the end of June of this year, I have been on a journey back to and through my beginning, that is, the places and people where I grew-up.  I have had no other choice but to take this path as Elohim (G-d) declares the end from the beginning.  I could not possibly take another step forward into the vision that He has placed before me without first returning to the starting point of my own life-cycle. 

Isaiah the prophet states this heavenly principle, that Elohim declares the end from the beginning, seven times where the number seven indicates perfection or completion.  One of the most prominent scriptures in the Bible is Isaiah 46:8-10: 

“(8) Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. (9) Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am Elohim (G-d), and there is no other; I am Elohim, and there is none like me. (10) I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.  I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” 

While I have had my own plans on how my time would be spent back in my hometown, Abba has had something else in mind.  I intended to do what I thought was ‘good’ and in accordance with the will and Word of my heavenly Father but, while this intention may have been true in word and deed, Elohim has been using the events of this summer to test my heart in areas that I did not anticipate.  I do not even know if I passed the test but at least I now recognize that it was a test!  As I prepare to take the next steps in this faith journey, a couple of passages from Proverbs come to mind.  

Proverbs 16:9; 21:2: 

“The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”  “Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.” 

As I look back on the summer of 2010, I’m thankful for the family and friends with whom I have had the opportunity to re-connect.  I’m amazed at how much has been packed into these three months and to see the Hand of Elohim work through those close to me and even through complete strangers.  If I had to sum this summer up in one word that word would be – preparation. 

I’m now making final preparations to return to Israel this week.  Yah has enlarged the vision for this third trip to Israel in the past two years by expanding my network to the Gates to Zion (GTZ) congregation located in Columbia, South Carolina.  I was privileged to spend the Sukkot fall harvest festival with GTZ this year.  Through my association with GTZ, I will be spending a week in the northern part of Israel at the Israel Discovery Center.  The IDC is located in the Jezreel Valley on the plains of Megiddo.  I’m looking forward to visiting the IDC, and the teachings and fellowship. 

This trip to Israel is different as I am truly entering through the Gates to Zion!  I’m thankful for the friendships that have been made with GTZ at the last two MIA conferences and especially at Sukkot this year.  For those of you from GTZ who will be visiting Israel in November, I look forward to seeing you in the Land!

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