Monday, April 13, 2015

He is not far from each one of us...

artwork by Tamara Peterson
When I saw this beautiful work of art by Tamara Peterson, I was immediately reminded of the photograph I took during a trip to Israel for the filming of Beth Moore’s Bible study, Jesus, the One and Only in March 2000.



These were my journal entries that accompanied the photographs above…

Walking in the sand beside this Roman Aqueduct in Caesarea by the Mediterranean Sea…

Touching the “Pilate Stone” located here, which gives historical validation with the inscription of the name “Pontius Pilate” from 26-37 AD…

Taking in the significance of this Roman Amphitheater where the Apostle Paul proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ declaring…From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.—Acts 17:26-27 NIV

The reality of where I am is suddenly so clear to me, and all I know to be true because of what the Holy Spirit has revealed to me in the inspired, infallible, inerrant Holy Word of God. 

As I stand beside and climb on these structures, built when Jesus Christ walked on this Earth, I am filled over and over again with the awesome awareness of the Presence of God in this place.

Take a few minutes to listen to Kari Jobe’s moving hymn, Holy Spirit, as you become more aware of His Presence...He is not far from each one of us…There's nothing worth more that will ever come close, Nothing can compare, You're our living hope, Your presence, Lord…Holy Spirit, You are welcome here, Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere, Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for, To be overcome by Your presence, Lord…Let us become more aware of Your presence…

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59 comments:

  1. Laurie CollettApril 13, 2015 at 9:31 PM

    Praise God that He is not far from each one of us! May we feel His presence leading us to witness to those who do not yet know Him. Thank you for the beautiful post and photos -- what a memorable trip! Linked up with you at Playdates with God -- hope you'll stop by Saved by Grace for a visit!
    God bless,
    Laurie
    http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 13, 2015 at 9:38 PM

      Thank you for your comments, Laurie. I so agree with you, the love of Christ compels us to share His love with those who do not know Him yet ❤️

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  2. Mary GeisenApril 14, 2015 at 6:05 AM

    Beautiful! My church filmed from Jerusalem for our Easter service and it was so powerful. I can only imagine what it is like to be there in person.
    Holy Spirit is my favorite song right now too. Thank you for sharing! Blessings!

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 14, 2015 at 6:32 AM

      Mary, thank you so much for your comments, so encouraging ❤️

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    2. Mary GeisenApril 18, 2015 at 10:41 AM

      Thank you for linking up this beautiful post at The Weekend Brew.

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    3. beth willis miller's blogApril 18, 2015 at 12:36 PM

      Mary, I love The Weekend Brew...it is a joy to get to know such sweet sisters in Christ. Many blessings to you ❤️

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  3. Joanne ViolaApril 14, 2015 at 7:31 AM

    Beth, I loved reading this post. I loved that study when I did it! How amazing to walk where Jesus once walked. But then how very precious to realize anew this morning, He walks with me each day, every where I go. A most precious thought today! Blessings!

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 14, 2015 at 8:20 PM

      Thank you, Joanne ❤️

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    2. ChristinaApril 22, 2015 at 5:39 PM

      Look forward to going to Jerusalem one day, but it's wonderful to know we can experience His presence through praise, worship and prayer no matter where we are.

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    3. ChristinaApril 22, 2015 at 5:41 PM

      Look forward to going to Jerusalem one day, but it's wonderful to know I can experience His presence no matter where I am, through praise, worship and prayer.

      Delete
  4. SusanApril 14, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    Love, love, love that song! I've never been to the Holy Land. You are blessed!

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  5. Saleslady371April 14, 2015 at 9:44 AM

    Hi, Beth:
    I've been at that Roman Aqueduct in Caesarea and was amazed how advanced they were back then. God's presence is very special, indeed, in Israel. Really enlightens the Living Word!

    I'm coming from Testimony Tuesday.

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  6. UnknownApril 14, 2015 at 11:42 AM

    I love seeing you on this journey! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I cheer you! How blessed you are! Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith!

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  7. Linda StollApril 14, 2015 at 8:53 PM

    Hey Beth ... thank you for this little tour of the Holy Land ... it's probably as close as I'll ever get to going there and I appreciate the glimpse into those places where Jesus walked.

    Blessings ...

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 14, 2015 at 9:07 PM

      Thank you, Linda, it was truly a life-changing experience...I will never be the same again...it is a blessing for me to share ❤️

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  8. Christine MalkemesApril 14, 2015 at 10:36 PM

    To walk in the places of those who have gone before us is amazing, but to walk where Jesus walked is life changing. I will go back again without a second thought. Blessings ~Chris~

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 15, 2015 at 4:45 AM

      Chris, yes! I so agree with you...thanks for stopping by ❤️

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  9. AnonymousApril 14, 2015 at 10:41 PM

    Beautiful photos and what artistry in the Bible journaling! I've always wanted to go to Jerusalem...that must have been the trip of a lifetime.

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 15, 2015 at 4:53 AM

      Holly, I so agree with you about Tamara's artistry, and the trip was so anointed...I will never be the same again. I am enjoying being a part of #TestimonyTuesdays ❤️

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  10. Dolly@SoulstopsApril 14, 2015 at 11:46 PM

    Beth,
    Wow, what a great trip...Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I'm off to listen to Kari's song :-)

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  11. Kia StephensApril 15, 2015 at 5:27 AM

    Beth I did that study too and I know it was amazing to experience it with the Holy Land as your backdrop.

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 15, 2015 at 5:52 AM

      Kia, yes, you are so right, we felt the Scriptures come to life before our eyes as we walked where Jesus walked...I can't stop thinking about it or writing about it even after all these 15 years later ❤️

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  12. KristinApril 15, 2015 at 7:03 AM

    What a cool experience! I want to go to Israel someday. :-) And "Holy Spirit" - what an anointed song. Thank you for sharing this! Stopping by from Women w/Intention!

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 15, 2015 at 5:05 PM

      Kristin, Yes! I love the song "Holy Spirit" too...thanks for stopping by!

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  13. Ifeoma SamuelApril 15, 2015 at 8:53 AM

    Beautiful memories! I have never been to Israel hope to someday.
    Lovely Photos too.
    Warmest Blessings

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 15, 2015 at 5:31 PM

      Thank you so much for your encouragement. Many blessings to you!

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  14. AnonymousApril 15, 2015 at 4:36 PM

    What surreal moments God puts in our lives! Just amazing Beth!

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  15. NannetteApril 15, 2015 at 5:24 PM

    Beautiful pictures, memories and I love that song by kari jobe. What a blessing to be able to stand where Jesus stood! I've been to Rome and was absolutely fascinated standing in the Forum thinking of the biblical history but to go to Israel would be amazing. I was your neighbor at Women with Intention today! ♥

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 15, 2015 at 5:35 PM

      Nannette, I so agree with you...thank you so much for your encouraging comments. Many blessings to you!

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  16. Lisa notes...April 16, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    How awesome you got to be there! I'd love to visit one day. I "know" the places are real, but I'd love to "be" in those places too. Love that Kari Jobe song! We sing it often at church on Sundays.

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  17. UnknownApril 16, 2015 at 10:49 AM

    I love your pictures and the scripture that accompanies it - it's amazing to know that Jesus walked on THIS earth and that we can physically go where He went, but to know at the same time, now matter where our feet walk now, He is still with us.

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 17, 2015 at 5:49 AM

      Amen, Jen! I so agree with you! Thank you for your encouragement ❤️

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  18. Betsy de CruzApril 17, 2015 at 7:48 AM

    Hi there, Beth. I'm visiting from Grace & Truth. Amen! I want Him to flood my kitchen right now with His grace and glory. How wonderful that seeing Israel made the Word of God (and His presence) more real to you.

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 18, 2015 at 7:18 AM

      Betsy, I so agree with you, thank you for stopping by ❤️

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  19. Lois @ LiveNourished.netApril 17, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    Amen! Lovely thoughts and pictures.
    Those verses from Acts 17 are some of my favourites... Actually, Paul's whole sermon from Acts 17 is one of my favourite passages of Scripture!
    God bless.

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 18, 2015 at 7:20 AM

      Lois, I love Acts 17 too...God's Word is alive and active...such Truth! Many blessings to you ❤️

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  20. Sandra Heska KingApril 17, 2015 at 8:22 PM

    I'm SO glad I popped over here. Thanks so much for linking up with Still Saturday. (And I know if I ever make it to the Holy Land, I'll be completely overcome.)

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 18, 2015 at 7:28 AM

      Sandra, it was life-changing, but it has been my daily relationship with Jesus Christ in the past 15 years that has been the greatest blessing. ❤️

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  21. Flowergirl.55April 18, 2015 at 8:53 AM

    I love that song. KLove has been playing it alot lately. It's a beautiful song.

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 18, 2015 at 12:32 PM

      Debbie, thank you so much...I am so inspired by music and art, love finding ways of connecting it to my posts...many blessings to you ❤️

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  22. caryjoApril 18, 2015 at 5:19 PM

    What a blessing to see this! Thank you.

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  23. Michele MorinApril 18, 2015 at 9:44 PM

    Loved your pictures and the sharing of your memories. Happy to meet you via Sunday Stillness. Blessings on your weekend.

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  24. Mary Dolan FlahertyApril 18, 2015 at 10:08 PM

    I remember those videos. You did that? cool. What a privilege to visit such an historic place. I love these things I'm seeing people create in their journaling bibles. Visiting from Sunday Stillness

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 19, 2015 at 6:24 AM

      I so agree with you, Mary. I, too, am so inspired by Tamara Peterson, and others at Artful Journaling ❤️

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  25. UnknownApril 19, 2015 at 6:42 AM

    What a wonderful post and a great experience you must have had. Thank you for sharing it with us at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings

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    1. beth willis miller's blogApril 19, 2015 at 8:29 AM

      Thank you, Terri. I love getting to know the sweet sisters in Christ at Good Morning Mondays ❤️

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  26. Lux G.April 21, 2015 at 7:06 PM

    Our omnipresent God. We are so blessed. :)

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  27. UnknownApril 22, 2015 at 3:49 PM

    I worked with a church plant in Israel for two years so I was so happy to see these beautiful photos. Thank you for linking it with Grace & Truth.

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