Day 8: (Caesarea, Meggido, & Nazareth)

*****Site Devotionals (Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Meggido,)

Morning Devotional:

Theme-   The Gospel Goes forth      Scripture-      Acts  1:8

Today We are going to Visit Caesera- The place where the Discples first took the message of the gospel to the gentiles.

Listen to what Jesus told these disciples in his final words to them.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Mathew recorded these same words in chapter 28 - go into all the world and Make disciples baptizing them in the name of the father and son and HS teaching them to a serve all that I have commanded

These words of Jesus encapsulate the mission and scope of the early Church's evangelistic efforts.

The disciples were to be living testimonies, sharing the message of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection with everyone they encountered.

Their witness would begin in their local community of Jerusalem and spread outward to the neighboring regions starting with Cesarea, and eventually to the entire world.

God has given the church this same task.

We, as followers of Christ, are called to be witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel. Our mission is not confined to a specific location but extends to all corners of the earth. Like the early disciples, we are called to bring the message of salvation to our own communities, to neighboring regions, and to the ends of the earth

Today I want to encourage you to think about the gospel message and what it means for you in your life.

If you haven’t yet believed the gospel for yourself- I ask you why not? What is keeping you from accepting Jesus as your personal savior, If you are a born again follower of Jesus I ask you to consider what does the gospel mean to me? Do I share it with the lost.

Site-                 Caesarea Maritime at the Roman

Colosseum. Theme-           Be Courageous Scripture-        Paul  - Acts 26: 24-29                               Peter- Acts 10-34-38

We are sitting here in a Roman amphitheater. Representing one of the most powerful governments of all time.

Both Paul and Peter were given many opportunities to share the Gospel with figures of the day that were very powerful influential people (King Agrippa and the Roman Centurion).

Paul spoke openly about the gospel message with King Agrippa, and Festas the Roman Governor of Judea even when He was on trial.

Listen to his conversation with Agrippa & Festas in Acts 26:24-29 ‘24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”

28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”

29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would appeal to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am.”

The point I want us to consider from this story as we sit here in the midst of these Roman Ruins is this….

We never know when God may give us an opportunity to share our faith story, God has called you to share the message of hope with a world that is desperately in need of its Savior.

Do you live by the words of Romans 1:16 in your life ?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God into Salvation.”

be encouraged to be bold in your faith and then put the results in God’s hands.

Paul Simply told these men “ I am praying that God will do to you exactly what He did for me- I am praying that he opens tour eyes so that you too will see your need for a savior.

One of my life verses is Philippians 1:20-21 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

What we can learn from this story is that God wants to use us as the conduit to carry His gospel message to the World, But He also Equips us to do it, So we can be Bold in our obedience to Him.

Site-  Mt. Carmel

Theme-           A God above all GodsThe Fiery Showdown on Mount Carmel Scripture-        1 Kings 18:20-39

Introduction: The story of Elijah on Mount Carmel is a powerful testament to the supremacy of the one true God. It reveals God's faithfulness, His power to answer prayers, and His desire to bring people back to Himself. Let us reflect on this dramatic encounter and draw inspiration from Elijah's unwavering faith. A Bold Challenge: Elijah, standing alone as a prophet of God, boldly challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel. He sought to expose the futility of worshiping false gods and to restore the hearts of the Israelites back to the Lord. Sometimes, God calls us to take a stand against the prevailing cultural norms and boldly proclaim His truth, even when we feel outnumbered. A Faithful God: As the prophets of Baal desperately cried out to their deity, Elijah confidently built an altar to the Lord. He prepared the sacrifice and then called upon the God of Israel to reveal Himself. In a miraculous display of His power, God consumed the offering with fire, leaving no doubt that He alone is the true God. Just as God showed Himself faithful to Elijah, He remains faithful to us today, answering our prayers and revealing His glory in our lives. Turning Hearts: Elijah's encounter on Mount Carmel was not just a spectacle; it was a divine intervention aimed at turning the hearts of the people back to God. Witnessing the undeniable power of the Almighty, the Israelites fell on their faces and acknowledged the Lord as their God. In our own lives, God can use extraordinary circumstances and displays of His power to draw us closer to Him and bring about spiritual transformation. Persistent Prayer: Before the fire fell, Elijah fervently prayed, knowing that it is through persistent prayer that God's purposes are accomplished. Even when faced with opposition or discouragement, we are called to persevere in prayer, trusting in God's perfect timing and His ability to answer according to His will.

James 5:16-18 Says 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months, it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.”

Conclusion:The showdown on Mount Carmel is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, His power to answer prayers, and His desire to bring people back to Himself. Just as Elijah boldly proclaimed the truth and called upon the name of the Lord, we are called to be faithful witnesses of God's power and love in our own lives. Let us seek to turn the hearts of others toward the one true God, knowing that He is with us, ready to reveal Himself and accomplish His purposes.

As we sit Here in this amazing place Take a moment to reflect on how God has shown His faithfulness in your own life. Pray for boldness to stand for truth, even when facing great opposition. Ask God to use you as a vessel of His love and power, that others may be drawn to Him and His gospel message. And commit yourself to persistent prayer, trusting that God will answer in His perfect time and according to His good and loving purposes for your life.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, a powerful demonstration of Your faithfulness and power. Give us the courage to stand for truth and proclaim Your name boldly. Use us to turn the hearts of others toward You, that they may experience Your love and salvation. Help us to be persistent in prayer, trusting in Your perfect timing and Your ability to answer according to Your will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

Site-Megiddo (Battle of Armageddon)

Theme-           The Triumphal King Scripture-       Rev. 16:12-16 , Rev. 19:11-21

Introduction: The mention of Armageddon often evokes images of a great and final battle, filled with chaos and destruction. But beyond the imagery, Armageddon carries a profound message of the ultimate triumph of God over evil. Let us reflect on the significance of Armageddon and find encouragement in the victorious outcome it represents.

Read the Passages Rev. 16:12-16 & Rev 19:11-21

The Gathering of Nations:

Armageddon symbolizes the gathering of nations, the culmination of human rebellion against God. In Revelation, we see the forces of evil, led by the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, building upon their forces for a final stand against the reign of God. This future gathering should serve as a reminder for us today that the powers of darkness may appear strong and united, but they are ultimately no match for the sovereignty and power of our Lord.

The Divine Intervention:

In the midst of the chaos, when it seems that evil will prevail, Jesus Christ returns from Heaven as the conquering King. He rides a white horse, symbolic of righteousness and victory, and He leads the armies of heaven into the Battle. With justice and authority, He defeats the enemy and establishes His 1000 year reign of peace and righteousness on earth. The Battle of Armageddon reveals that no matter how powerful mankind may be, God is still greater, and He will win the war. The Victory of Light over Darkness:

Armageddon represents the ultimate victory of Righteousness over sin. It is the final showdown where the powers of darkness are decisively defeated. The beast and the false prophet are captured and thrown into the lake of fire, and the dragon, Satan himself, is bound and sealed for 1000 years in the bottomless pit, while Christ reigns on earth. This victory is a foretaste of the everlasting reign of God's righteousness and the ultimate restoration of creation. Sin will be condemned to an eternity apart from God in the everlasting lake of Fire. And those who are the children of God- The redeemed, those who have placed their faith and trust in the victorious Lord Will be with Christ Forever Hope in the Triumph:

Armageddon may appear as a future scene of great chaos and devastation, but for believers, it holds the promise of hope and ultimate victory over sin.

a 1 Corinthians 15:56- 58

1 Corinthians 15:56–58 ESV

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

It reminds us that no matter how daunting the battles we face in our lives or in the world, God is in control, and His purposes will prevail. As we place our trust in Jesus, we can find comfort and assurance that He will bring justice, redemption, and the fulfillment of His promises. Conclusion:

Armageddon will be a time of intense conflict and the climax of human rebellion against a holy God, but it ultimately reveals the triumph of the victorious Lord. It serves as a reminder for believers that God's power and righteousness will overcome every form of evil and establish His eternal kingdom of peace and justice. Believer's’ be encouraged because even though our battles on this earth may seem great- GOD has ALREADY WON THE WAR.

a 1 Corinthians 15:56- 58

In the face of challenging circumstances, let us hold on to the hope and assurance that our God reigns. May Armageddon not be a thought of fear and anxiety for us but let it inspire you to trust in the ultimate triumph of Christ's victory over death and sin forever. As we sit here in this sobering location, Take a moment to reflect on the triumph of God over evil in your own life.

Pray for strength and perseverance to stand firm in the face of adversity, knowing that Jesus has already secured the victory. And Commit to living as a beacon of light and hope, pointing others to the ultimate triumph found in Christ.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the assurance of victory in Christ. Help us to trust in Your sovereignty and power, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Fill us with hope as we remember that You have already triumphed over evil and that Your kingdom will reign forever. Empower us to be faithful witnesses of Your victory, shining Your light in a world longing for hope. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.