A Grateful Heart

I have been asked "How do you find God?" or "How do I do I get closer to God?" The ancient Scriptures gives a clear path: "Come before the Lord with thanksgiving, and enter His courts with praise."

Gratitude should always be our starting place, and not our list of petitions. If you have breath in your body today, you can begin with thanksgiving for life, and progress from there. No matter how bad your situation is this day, you have much to give praise to God for.

Build Him an altar of praise upon your heart, and let your worship begin.

The Freedom to Worship

The true test of a democratic country is whether or not they govern their citizens through implementing laws that protect their freedom of expression in religious worship. As a citizen of the capital of Jerusalem for nearly 20 years, I can attest to this fact, a stark contrast to most nations in the Middle East region.

Posted here are glimpses into the freedoms the residents of the city of Jerusalem enjoy, without fear of governmental religious prohibitions. The examples of the passion of expressive praise and worship of both Jews and Christians are evident. They represent Christians of all denominations, and Jews from the ultra-Orthodox, Conservative and Reformed movement.

My hope is that you will see a different view of Jerusalem presented in the news media, and will be inspired to appreciate the freedom to worship in your nation.

The ancient Psalmist reminds us today to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem . . ."