It’s been on your ‘bucket list’ for a while. It’s time. Let’s see Israel together in 2023.

Posted on by richlyspeaking

October 8 to 20, 2023.

You are invited to join Linda and me for a Bible Study Tour in The Land. This is an adventure where we will uniquely experience this special place. We will hike. We will feel the breezes coming off the seas and laugh as we are splashed by cool water in the desert. We will walk along rolling meadows and rocky crags. We will taste amazing foods. We will hear rushing waterfalls and the quiet prayers of men and women at the Western Wall.

Each day we’ll open the Word of God in about six different locations. We’ll read the Text. We’ll look around. God will speak to all of us in a very special way. Our hearts will be changed forever.

And yes, we will walk where Jesus walked.

The Sea of Galilee. The Mediterranean. Jordan River. Capernaum.

Jerusalem. Mount of Olives. Mt. Arbel. Jericho. Bethlehem.

Dead Sea. Qumran. Ein Gedi. Massada.

We’ll see The Land “from Dan to Beersheba, and from the Great Sea to the Jordan River.”

ITINERARY

Day 1, October 8.
Travel to Israel on Turkish Airlines through Istanbul, Turkey.

Day 2, October 9.
The Central Plains, the Shephelah. Jewish culture overview. Samson. David and Goliath.

Days 3-5, October 10-11-12.

Southern Desert. Ein Gedi. The Dead Sea. Qumran. Massada. Camel ride. Our three-night stay is in a four-star hotel overlooking the Dead Sea.

Days 4-6, October 13-14-15.

Travel north up the Jordan River, through Jericho to the Sea of Galilee Region. Mount of Beatitudes. Capernaum. Bethesda. Chorazin. Mt. Arbel. The Syrian border. Boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. We stay three nights at a working kibbutz where you can enjoy your morning coffee along the water’s edge.

Day 7, October 16.

Bet Shean. Mt. Carmel. Caesaria. Armageddon. Bethlehem.

Days 8-10, October 17-18-19.

Jerusalem. Mount of Olives. Garden of Gethsemane. Via de la Rosa. Church of Holy Selplecher. Temple Mount. Rampart walls walk. Yad Vashem. We’ll explore the ancient underground tunnels and walk on top of the walls of the Old City. We will stay three nights in a four-star hotel in Jerusalem.

Day 11, October 20.

Fly home from Tel Aviv, through Istanbul, Turkey. Thankful for all God has revealed to your heart while in The Land.

Total costs are to be finalized by November 2022, but at this time are estimated to be around $5,000 per person, all-inclusive (airfare from a major U.S. hub, 4-star hotel accommodations, fabulous food and dining, ground transportation, special excursions, tips — everything!).

We will host a Zoom info meeting in early October 2022 which will cover all your questions. Additionally, you can go to the GTI website, here, for more details, photos, packing lists, and stories. And click here for our trip blog from 2019. Or here for the trip blog from 2013.

We’d really love to begin to gather names of folks who might be interested in journeying with us to Israel. So, please send an email to rich@richlyspeaking.com to make sure you’re kept in the loop and invited to the Zoom call. Being on the call doesn’t commit you to anything!

This will be my sixth time exploring Israel. Like opening the Word, I learn something new each time.

We look forward to seeing you in The Land!

Shalom!

Psalm 66

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

Today we join with psalmist in praising you, our great King! We will say of you, oh God, “There is none like you! How awesome are your deeds!” And we think of our lives and wonder at how you have been with us through it all. You have encouraged us. You have challenged us. You have blessed us. You have taken care of us. Thank you.

You are the steady rock, the one thing that never moves or fails us, Lord. You have pushed us and tested us. You have walked along side us. You are the anchor in an ocean of the waves of life that toss us back and forth. As you have pushed and prodded, you have refined us like silver. You have polished and molded us so that we humbly reflect your image as the master silversmith. You have brought us to our own Promised Land. Thank you!

We will worship you! We will, with great joy, tell others of all that you have done for us. Thank you for hearing our prayers. You are such a great listener. And you didn’t turn away from us. Even when we confessed our most terrible thoughts and sins. You have chosen to love us, unconditionally. You offer grace in abundance.

We praise you and thank you!

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 65

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

We praise you with the psalmist today for you are worthy to be praised! We thank you that everyone will eventually come to your throne, recognizing our sin-filled lives. Yes, our sin is just too much for us to bear. Our guilt consumes us. But the very good news is that you are quick to forgive us all. You have removed our sins once and for all, by the grace offered through Jesus. You have invited us to live with you and worship you in your holy place. Thank you!

You have saved us. You have answered our prayers. You are our great hope. You have created the earth out of nothing. You formed the mountains. Through your strength the oceans were filled. And all of creation responds to your commands. Yes, the whole earth is filled with awe and joy at your hands.

We thank you for the seasons of planting, watering, growing and harvesting. The hills dance and the valleys blossom. You provide for our blessing and bounty. We sing to you! We thank you for the promise of our inheritance. We join with the flowers and the animals, the grain and the clouds, the rivers and oceans, the mountains and the rolling meadows in songs of joy and praise to your holy and wonderous name. You are the Creator. You are our King. You are our Shepherd. You are our loving Father.

We love you, Lord.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 64

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

Hear our prayer. Today we need to vent. It seems there are some times when the circumstances of our lives take us down and defeat us. It’s the cruelty of strangers or the deep wounds from a friend or even harsh insults from those we love the most. Please protect us. Guard our hearts. And please forgive us when we are those people to others. Yes, we know and confess that our minds can also be cunning and our tongues ruthless.

We choose to fall on our faces before you, oh God. We are in awe of who you are and your holy ways. We bow before you and proclaim the great works of your hand. It is good for us to ponder your righteousness and aspire, by your grace, to live a zealous life as your disciples.

We rejoice in you, Yahweh. We are glad and run to your arms. Thank you for blessing your people with peace and happiness. We celebrate you today.

In Jesus name,

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 61.

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

Hear our prayer today. Some days we feel hopeless, our heart is weak, and we are down for the count. It can be an effort to get out bed. So, we cry out to you from a place of weariness.  Today we ask you to lead us to a safe place. A spot that is high and away from the noise of the day-to-day busyness. A spot where we can rest in a place of solitude and quiet, where we can be ourselves and just breathe, with no expectations or demands.

This is the place where we feel your love the most. This is the place in which we were born to dwell. This is the place where we come alive. It is here, Father, in your arms where we are blessed. This is our inheritance.

So, we worship you today great King! Please allow us to live long in this land so we might sing your praises, while we dwell here, and while we live with you forever. To you be the glory, oh God!

In Jesus name,

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 66

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

Today we join with psalmist in praising you, our great King! We will say of you, oh God, “There is none like you! How awesome are your deeds!” And we think of our lives and wonder at how you have been with us through it all. You have encouraged us. You have challenged us. You have blessed us. You have taken care of us. Thank you.

You are the steady rock, the one thing that never moves or fails us, Lord. You have pushed us and tested us. You have walked along side us. You are the anchor in an ocean of the waves of life that toss us back and forth. As you have pushed and prodded, you have refined us like silver. You have polished and molded us so that we humbly reflect your image as the master silversmith. You have brought us to our own Promised Land. Thank you!

We will worship you! We will, with great joy, tell others of all that you have done for us. Thank you for hearing our prayers. You are such a great listener. And you didn’t turn away from us. Even when we confessed our most terrible thoughts and sins. You have chosen to love us, unconditionally. You offer grace in abundance.

We praise you and thank you!

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 60.

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

Again, today we thank you for rescuing us. Even when the whole world feels like it is splitting apart, you will stop the trembling. You will heal our wounds. You will give us strength.  We thank you that you will give us the victory.

Thank you for giving good gifts to your children. Yes, every good gift we receive comes at your hand. When we are feeling unloved, you have given us love. When we are feeling hopeless you have given us hope. When we are feeling anxious, you have given us peace.

Thank you for answering our prayers for safety and protection. We rejoice that you are the One True God. We’re reminded of Isaiah’s word that nothing formed against you will stand. We thank you for that promise! We will shout in triumph for in you we have received the victory!

In you, and through our Messiah, even Jesus. Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 59.

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

We thank you today that no matter the size of our foe, we can rest in your provision. Like the psalmist, we often feel chased by the enemies of unrealistic deadlines, projects that have more downs than ups, or people who expect way  more than we can give. Sometimes our dreams are crushed by the hard realities of balancing budgets, chronic illnesses, or broken relationships. The pain can be unbearable and even suffocating. Sometimes it seems like we get a glimmer of hope, and then we are buried under the weight of our problems once again.

God, deliver us. We know that you love us and you will give us strength for today. Yes, you are our fortress, strong and mighty, dependable. And your resolutions to our angst are always in your perfect timing. We trust you. We thank you that you have sent your Son, Jesus to carry our burdens. So, we give them to you today.

And then, Father, we open our hands to receive all that you have for us in return. Peace. Rest. Grace. Joy. Hope.

We sing of your strength! We celebrate your love. You are our refuge in times of trouble. We can rely on you. Always. Thank you. Thank you.

In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 46

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

We quiet our hearts before you. You are the all-powerful, One True God. Nations the world over will one day completly honor you and praise your holy name. Yes, you are the mighty fortress. Our refuge when the world seems spinning out of control. You are our safe place. We proclaim that we won’t be afraid in times of trouble or turmoil. No, we can stand confidently. Even when the oceans roar. Even when governments topple.

You bring living water to all who are thirsty… a river of joy that flows from your Holy Throne. We open our hands and splash in the quenching delight — your presence — that you have for us all!

We trust you. We thank you that we can remain calm, resting in the love and peace you have given freely to each of us as we walk this earth. You have done great and mighty things for us. And we know you will continue to bless us with your grace. We receive your help today. We quiet our souls in stillness. We’re reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 6 as your son encouraged us: “Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace.” You are God. Yes, Lord, we calmly rest in you… fixing our eyes and our hearts on you… sensing your grace.

Today. This day. We thank you and praise you!

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 45

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

Thank you for the ritual and expression of love that is marriage. Thank you that you have a special place in your heart for a man and a woman who choose to be married. Thank you for the holiness of matrimony. We pray for the marriages in our lives today, God. Bless them. Encourage them. Unite husbands and wives – this beautiful symbol of the marriage of the Church and Your Son. Thank you for the ancient wedding tradition of a husband making a room ready in his father’s house and that you said that you are going to prepare a place for us in heaven. Thank you for seeing us as your bride, Jesus. We look forward to your return!

Your throne, Father, will last for ever and ever. You are just and true. You love right and hate wrong.

Thank you for the strength of groomsmen and the beauty of brides. We worship you today and bow before you. We pray for marriages that are struggling. As husband and wife seek your face, please shine your grace and love on them. We pray for unbelieving spouses. Bring healing. Bring restoration. Bring hope. Your hope.

In Jesus name, Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.