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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