You may remember a few weeks ago I posted about how I’d lost my mo-jo. I Became Unconfident As Just Me. I was hoping this trip to Israel would light my fire so to speak. Refresh me. Renew my faith and give me a quench for God and His Word like never before. All that and so much more happened.

I want my faith to be like the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15: 21-28. Go ahead and read it all now, then we’ll disect it. (You can just read through the following passage and my notes here,  or you can get out your Bible and notebook and study it with me~ Seriously, I’m studying this as I write this post.)

Begin with verse 21 in Matthew 15.  Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Stop. Now before I went to Israel, I would have skimmed this verse, just to get to what I considered to be the meat of the message. But I’ve learned to slow down when reading Scripture.

• What place did Jesus leave? Gennasaret (Matthew 14:34) Near to the photo taken above.
• And when it says “withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon,” just what does that mean? Tyre and Sidon were both mentioned in Matthew 11 when Jesus spoke of cities that did not repent. Verse 21: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” Foreshadowing maybe?
• How far is that? About 35-38 miles (remember no Uber back then, Jesus was on foot!)
• What is the land like? He had to cross mountains before getting the coast (Tyre). The land of Israel is not typically easy terrain.
• How long did it take? I don’t know. A few days at least would be my guess.
• What is the signifigance of these 2 cities? Why here? We see these cities mentioned in Matthew 11 and now if we read on in Matthew 15, we find out there is a woman here who needs Jesus. Let’s read on.

When we continue to read in Matthew 15:21-28, we find that a Canaanite (not Jewish, but a Gentile) woman comes to Jesus, calling him “Lord, Son of David” asking for healing for her demon-posessed daughter. The disciples traveling with Jesus didn’t seem to have much compassion on this woman. They urged Jesus to send her away. They are obviously annoyed by her.

Jesus says to her, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” (See Verse 24 here for explanation.) Once you read the explanation, you realize how rare this request is and how rare for Jesus to grant it. Basically He’s telling her that she’s not really a part of His mission today.

After Jesus replied to her, she changed instantly, calling Him just “Lord.” She dropped the “Son of David.” Just “Lord.” And she pleads, “Lord, help me!” 

He replied with a response that people of that time would understand. Verse 26~ “It’s not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” Jews of that time understood the richness of bread. And Gentiles were often referred to as dogs. What this verse is saying is that Jesus came to give the Jews the first opportunity to know Him as Lord. She, as a Gentile, is only receiving the crumbs. And just look at her reply. Oh how I love this.

“Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

This woman understands that crumbs from the Master’s table are enough.

In verse 28, Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

She gets it. Unlike so many, she gets it. She’s willing to be considered a dog as long as she could receive God’s blessing for her daughter. She recognizes Him as her Lord.

I want faith like this, but the truth is, sometimes I want more. Ok, a lot of times I want more.

• “Lord, help me by giving me time to study your Word.” Then I add, “Without interruption. At least an hour every morning.”
• “Lord, help by giving me a good job to help provide for my family.” Then I add, “And money to get more clothes, furniture and take vacations too.”
• And just recently, I prayed, “Lord, as I leave Israel, please allow me experience peace, thanksgiving and stay focused on you.” Then I added, “No distractions. No obstacles. No problems. No frustrations.” (hahahahahahaha, that’s pretty funny huh?)

This woman in Matthew 15 was willing to take the crumbs from her Master. Healing for her daughter, no more. She called Him Lord. That’s all.

Something to Think About

When you read Scripture, do you fly through it looking for a blessing or word of encouragement for the day?

Arie, our teacher in Israel, challenged us to read the Bible like a piece of music. Each word is like a note. Imagine if a note was left out or if the wrong note was inserted in your favorite song? It would change the whole tune. Look closely at all the words in the Bible when you read it. Even the ones that don’t seem important.

Maps! People! Studying the land and people of Israel is so helpful in understanding Scripture.

Are crumbs from the Master’s table enough for you?

After studying this passage a bit more, my perspective is different. And I can say despite the screaming toddlers on the plane, lack of sleep, the sick child, and the tinkle on the carpet, I am thankful. Crumbs are enough. More than enough.

Shabbat is Judaism’s day of rest and seventh day of the week, on which the Jewish people remember the Biblical creation of the heavens and the earth in six days and God resting on the seventh. Here among the Jewish Believers in Israel is where I am enjoying my peaceful Sabbath today.

This week I’ve been on a study tour throughout Israel with a small group of women. We are traveling with Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries. While seeing some amazing sights, it’s really been the study along with the learning of historical and current events, geography, and agriculture that has been life-changing. Yes, life-changing. I don’t use that term lightly.

I thought when I came here, I would be most excited to be “where Jesus walked.” To see “what Jesus saw.” To pray “where Jesus prayed.” And Oh my goodness, that really has been … well, unbelievable! It’s humbling to think that I’m looking and walking on the land where Jesus, Abraham, Moses, David and Joshua were, just to name a few. But here is the blessing for all of us. We don’t have to be here to be close to Jesus. We don’t have to see what He saw or pray where He prayed. Our prayers and faith are just as strong anywhere else in the world. After all, God knows our hearts. Acts 15:8-9 is just one passage of Scripture where this is referenced.

What I’ve been most excited about on this trip is that I’m learning more about the Bible than I ever pieced together before. The order of the Lord is astounding! It is so evident and clear that He has a plan for our world. This land and it’s geography alone confirms Scripture. The Old Testament Scriptures are so intertwined with the New Testament in ways I didn’t see before until this intense study and learning of the land and history. My heart and brain are full! And I still have the Sea of Galilee and Mt. Arabel to explore!

Today we attended a Shabbat service, which takes place each Saturday here (at Yad Hashmona) at 11:00 am Israel Time. What a wonderful time of worship among this family of Jewish Believers. It was in Hebrew with English translation. After a time of worship, prayer and specifically praying for the children, a message based on Acts 15:1-12 was given. Y’all seriously, I could write 10 pages from this, but I’ll save that sharing for another day (and it will come because I can’t keep it to myself!!!).

Here are just few pictures from the day today~

Worship today at Shabbat service.

Under these vines, we studied John 15 in the afternoon. Jesus is the True Vine.

Sunset over Israel. Stunning.

Something to Think About

I’ve shared with you today how I spent my Shabbat (Sabbath) today. How did you or will you spend yours this week?

Thanks for coming back to read today. We are heading to the Sea of Galilee as I type this! Have a great day!

Shabbat Shalom!

Ein Karem is most likely the birthplace of John the Baptist. Today it is a cute little neighborhood in southwest Jerusalem. Because it is believed that this is where John was born, it is quite a popular place!

In Luke 1 some pretty amazing things happen. A few days ago, we visited Ein Karem and read Luke 1 while sitting right outside of a place named “Mary’s Spring.” That’s Mary, as in the mother of Jesus.

First of all, we don’t know that Mary ever frequented “Mary’s Spring.” It never says in the Bible. What we do know is that a spring or well (source of water) was the most important place of any village. It was a popular social gathering place. This is where women went daily to get water. It was also a place to catch up with friends and hear what’s going on around the village. It’s very likely that both Mary and Elizabeth (see Luke 1) came to this spring on a regular basis.

This is the spring today. Supposedly it has never changed.

Across from the spring is land that is not flat, it’s more of a hill that goes down. In Biblical times it was all vegetation. Did you know that vegetable gardens need the spring water, so they are planted lower? That way the water can run down the hill or mountain and into the gardens. Vineyards, however are planted higher. Just a little random information for you incase you are planting vegetataion or a vineyard.

Here are  few highlights from Luke 1. If you haven’t read this passage of Scripture in a while, check it out. You’ll get much more from it if you read it yourself than what I’m going to share here. I’m only touching on a few things.

Did you know:

• Mary and Elizabeth were cousins (relatives).
• John the Baptist and Jesus were not named by their by mothers. Both of them were named by the angel Gabriel, sent by God.
• The angel, Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, Elizabeth’s husband. Zechariah doubted the news the angel brought him. “Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.'” (verse 18)
• The angel, Gabriel also appeared to Mary, Jesus’ mother. Mary had questions (“I’m a virgin how can this be?” verse 34), but she did not doubt. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” (verse 38)
• Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s mother, was older. Well beyond child bearing years.
• Mary, the mother of Jesus, was young … and unmarried. Considered by most to be too young. (Can you imagine the talk around the village about her?)

We have two women, opposite ends of the spectrum. Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist who would go and prepare the way for Jesus. Mary gave birth to Jesus, Son of God, who go and save the world.

Don’t ever say you are too old for God to use you.

Don’t ever say you are too young for God to use you.

Instead, how about let’s say,

I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.

Something to Think About

Do you ever find reasons that cause you to believe God can’t use you? In the name of Jesus, get those out of your head right now. You are never too old or too young (or too __________) to be used by God.

I’m here on Day 3 of the Proverbs 31 John Study in Israel and I’m SO EXCITED for what I have to share with you today!

Before we begin, I invite you to read Psalm 57. Make note of the introduction to this Psalm at the top of the passage. You can read in your Bible or click here.

When David wrote this, he was hiding in a cave from Saul.

Here’s a brief history leading up to Psalm 57:

From Bible.org: When he was a teenager, David had been anointed as king to replace the disobedient King Saul. Then he slew the giant Goliath and was thrust into instant national fame. But King Saul’s jealous rage sent David running for his life. He spent the better part of his twenties dodging Saul’s repeated attempts on his life.

1 Samuel 22:1-2 (NIV)

“David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. ² All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.”

Are you following me so far? David was hiding from Saul, along with 400 other “distressed or discontented” people in the cave of Adullam. It is here that he became a leader and friend to them. It is here that they began to trust him. It is here that David began his ministry.

Today, near the border of Israel and Palestine, our group of 13, hiked up the mountain to this cave.  It’s not a marked place, not a tourist attraction like many of the other Holy Land sites.

The entrance (see picture above) was small and the cave was dark, but because our leader, Arie, had been there many times, we felt safe. (Even though there was a hyena inside. Yes you read that right. He scurried off thankfully.) Once inside, Arie reminded us of the story of David and this cave from 1 Samuel 22 and Psalm 57.

We read Psalm 57 aloud by flashlight.

As we read I couldn’t help but get a little choked up thinking about David and the 400 distressed and fearful people holed up in there hoping Saul wouldn’t find them. I imagined them in this cave that I was now sitting in. I was reminded of David, with his many mess ups and mistakes in life. David, who wrote many times of his own insecurities and God’s greatness. David, a great king and leader. David, a man after God’s own heart.

Look at Psalm 57 again and notice in the first 4 verses, David is filled with pleas and cries to God. He’s reminding himself of God’s mercy, purpose, love, and faithfulness. It’s almost as though he needs reminding, possibly because he’s very afraid. Then something changes. It’s as if he takes his eyes off of his fear and circumstances and turns them towards God, the One he loves and trusts. He begins to praise Him beginning in verse 5 and continues his song through the end of the Psalm.

As we finished reading Psalm 57, our group began to sing beautiful praises to God. “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow…”

Something to Think About

In Psalm 57:1-4, it’s clear that David was distressed and in need as he cried out to the Lord. Then, he remembered. His cries for help turned to songs of praise. I love David because he is so like us and we get to see that. How many times have you cried out to God when what you really needed was to sing songs or prayers of praise?

Ok, so that’s Day 3! Thanks for joining me during my time in Israel. I hope that somehow what God is placing on my heart to write is something that He can use to stir up something good in your heart as well!

***Side Note: Arie, a Jewish Believer & our teacher and leader this week, led us up to the cave. I will tell you more about Arie in another post. For now just let me say, his teaching of the Bible is extremely thorough, weaving Israeli historical facts with Biblical facts to explain the wonders of the Bible I formerly just took for granted. I feel like I’ve missed so much when reading and studying my Bible … up til now.

I decided to read John 4 today. I began and got no further than the first story in this chapter, when Jesus talked to the Samaritan woman at the well.

I’ve read this story so many times and as I read it today, I had to stop and consider something pretty serious. In fact, not to exaggerate, but it’s life-altering. Just wait, I think you will agree.

In John 14:13, Jesus clearly states (about the water in the well):

Everyone who drinks from this water will be thirsty again.

I put my Bible down.

I thought about the water I drink. No matter how much I drink, Jesus is right. I’m not ever satisfied. I’m thirsty again.

How many times do I turn to something else, when what I really crave and need is Jesus?

I guzzle to find satisfaction and contentment in:

• my work
• a good book
• some delicious food
• the people I’m with
• exercise
• bottled water
• how important I feel

And that’s just for starters!

I note that some of these are good things. But good things don’t quench my thirst for very long.

Reading on in verse 14, Jesus continues with the answer, the solution to my never-ending quest for what will quench the thirst of my soul forever~

But whoever drinks from the water I give will never thirst.

As I closed my Bible and got up to head out for Day 2 in the Holy Land, I took a long drink from the Word, the living Word of God.  The “Word that became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” And if I keep drinking that, I will never be thirsty again.

Something to Think About

There is so much more to this story and I only highlighted a portion here. Check out the rest of story by reading John 4:1-42.

What are you thirsty for? Are you drinking from the water that guarantees you will never thirst? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Day 2 in Israel was filled with wonders, but honestly I’m still taking it all in trying to process it as I’ve asked God to give me a fresh revelation of His Spirit and His Word for today. I know I will be sharing this in the coming days, weeks, and probably months.

Search #P31JohnStudy and #P31Israel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more pictures from my trip!  And thank you for sharing in the comment section! Before I wrote this post, I read all the comments from my previous post and they seriously blessed me down to my core!

Alright, it’s bedtime here, so I’m out!  

Our flight was long, by far the longest time I’ve spent on a plane. I quickly became fascinated watching the GPS of the flight. Those of you who are professional travelers probably see this all the time. As I watched the graphic of our plane flying across the world, I realized how small I am and how big the world is.

And then I noticed we flew right over the toe of Italy~ that’s a first! Does anyone else geek out over these things?

Most of our group arrived today, just a little excited, can you tell? We have a few more joining us in the coming days.

This still doesn’t seem real, but rather than spend my time in disbelief, I’m turning my focus to the reality that I am here and there’s a purpose for it. I don’t want to miss that purpose just because this seems to good to be true.

Our teacher and leader for this trip picked us up from the airport and as he drove us, passion filled his voice as he began to tell us about this land and the rich history it holds. “This valley is where Joshua stood when God made the sun stand still.” (#SayThatAgain what???)  Yea, things like that.

Then he brought us to such a sweet place that we get to call home for the next week. I get to room with one of my favorite people in the whole wide world~ my beautiful friend Lisa Allen!  When we walk out of our room, this is what we see~

I know where I’ll be having my early morning quiet time this week!

This trip is not just a tour of the sites of Israel. It’s a little different. It’s actually a study trip where we will be studying the book of John from the Bible as we journey.

John 1:14 really stood out to me today:

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

Right here in this land, this is where “the Word became flesh.” Let that soak in for a moment. Jesus was here. God walked the earth right here. He did miracles here. He knows how it feels it be human, just like us. He suffered trials and hardships. He worked hard. He knew what He came for and remained focused on that mission. He served his earthly purpose here, among us.  And maybe you won’t ever make it to Israel, but you made it to this earth~ am I right? This earth where “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

And where today, He dwells within us.

Something to Think About

Look at John 1:14. Pause for a moment and really let that truth sink in. THAT really happened.

I love it when y’all share what’s on your mind! Please share any thoughts you have about his in the comment section. 

Good Night my friends (as I type it’s evening). Can’t wait to share more with you tomorrow! 

You can follow along on social media with these hashtags. #P31JohnStudy  #P31Israel15

I’m going to Israel tomorrow. “Melissa, let that sink in.”

I don’t know if it has. In fact, it hasn’t.

I’ve done what I can.

I have my adapter/converters for electrical appliances.

I have my Apple converter for my computer.

I got my U.S. dollars traded in for shekels.

I’ve packed my suitcase.

But I know there’s more waiting for me.

I have a new journal that I’m going to record my thoughts, insights, and teachings in.

I’m bringing an old Bible from the 90’s that has special meaning to me.

I’m going to be studying the Book of John on this trip.

I’m going with 12 other women who are ready to study God’s Word in the Holy Land expecting big things. And they are all smarter than me. Really they are!

I’ll be walking where Jesus walked.

I have no idea what to expect, but I know it’s big.

And I’ll be blogging my journey.

On a personal note, while I’m super excited to be going on this trip, my family lost someone who we dearly love this weekend. My husband’s dear grandmother, Big Granny, passed away on Friday. Jeff will be heading down to Mississippi for the the funeral and celebration of life on the same day I’ll be leaving for Israel. I want so badly to be with my family during this difficult time, but I also know that Big Granny would want me to go on my trip. It’s still hard and I would treasure your prayers for Jeff and his family.

We leave today. And “Just Melissa” is excited to meet with Jesus. I’ll keep y’all posted along the way.

And did I say that I can’t sit still for very long? 11-12 hour flight? Small price to pay I know, just being honest.

Have you had a “first time” experience recently?  How did you approach it?

***Follow me on Twitter & Instagram, @MelissaRTaylor for updates and Periscopes during my Holy Land Trip. As long as I have service, I’ll be logging my trip.

Is anyone still here? If so, what a good friend you are! I’ve been away for a while, in fact I haven’t blogged in a year! This week though, I decided to come back. Why? Because I’m about to go to Israel. (More on that)

So what happened to me? Where have I been? Why haven’t I been writing on my personal blog the way I used to?

I lost my mo-jo. Seriously I did. I don’t even know the real meaning of mo-jo, but for me, that means my confidence. My confidence in being just me, Melissa.

Let me explain.  I am the Director of Online Bible Studies at Proverbs 31 Ministries. Oh, don’t let the big title fool you. Basically it means I lead Bible study online. And at first it really was that simple. But then it grew. And grew. And grew. Before I knew it, a one-woman shop became a 200+ woman team. We lead studies for thousands and thousands each year. Simple became complex. And while I’m confident as a leader, I became unconfident as just me.

Recently I was asked why I wasn’t taking part in the latest trend of  “Periscoping.” I was also asked why I wasn’t blogging anymore? I thought about it and had to confess that it was because I didn’t feel like I had anything to say. At least not anything that anyone would want to hear. Wait a minute … did I just say that? Since when do I not have anything to say?

I was able to obtain a dream job at Proverbs 31 Ministries because I believe in the value of others and what they have to say. I spend my time encouraging others that they matter. When I speak it’s usually because I see the potential in someone or I’m encouraging someone to believe that God is for them, they have what it takes, and they shouldn’t ever give up. But yet, I gave up. I gave up on me.

I’m going to Israel in 3 days. I will be walking where Jesus walked. I’ll be seeing things I’ve only read about. I realize this doesn’t make me more special than anyone else, but it is an opportunity I never dreamed I’d have. I won’t only be seeing sights, but I’ll be on a study trip, studying God’s Word in the Holy Land. “God, will you ignite a fire in me? Please bring your Word alive in my heart in a new exciting way. Will you meet with me as just Melissa? Can you show me that I have what it takes again?”

While that may sound selfish, I promise it’s not. Melissa needs to know that she is enough … just as Melissa.  Maybe you need to know that about yourself too.

Unconfident me is taking a step of faith and believing that she has confidence again. Israel is my turning point.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13 NLT

I’m going to blog my journey in the Holy Land next week and I’ll be doing that here on my personal blog. Maybe a few will be interested and read it or maybe it’s just for me. Confident Melissa is fine either way. haha

I never intended to hide behind a title in my life. But I realize I have been. Mom. Wife. Friend. Daughter. Online Bible Studies Director.

It’s time for the return of just Melissa. And just Melissa is enough.

See you in the Holy Land.

Are you wondering what it’s like to do an online study or if it’s for you?  Read this blog post below that I wrote on the P31 OBS blog today and hopefully you will consider joining us!  Please comment and let me know if you do.  I would REALLY LOVE to have you in my Bible study group!

Thanks friends! Hope you have a great weekend!

Why Online Bible Studies?

– See more at: http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/2014/09/12/why-online-bible-studies/#comment-193788

If you are participating in the current Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study, you might have seen this over there. But I know not all of you are and I’m personally so excited about it, I wanted to share on my personal blog too!

Check this out!

Today is AWESOME and we are celebrating BIG!

Around Proverbs 31 Ministries, we’ve been waiting for this day for months! That’s because we KNOW how GREAT Lysa TerKeurst’s next book, The Best Yes is! And we want you to know too!

For today only: 12:00 am-11:59 pm ET (yep, check your time zones, gotta be Easter Time Zone times).

Visit the Proverbs 31 Bookstore to purchase! 

And tonight is a very special night! It’s The Best Yes Live Webcast!

Visit Lysa’s blog to watch The Best Yes webcast tonight! Lysa has a great message and some very special guests. I’m so over the top excited about this, I don’t think I will sleep the night before! (check in later to see if I got any sleep or not!)

And finally~ if all this isn’t good enough…guess what our next Online Bible Study will be?  Yep, you guessed it! The Best Yes! And you can sign up NOW! Go ahead! Visit the P31 OBS page for details. Sign ups are there! We think this will be our biggest and best OBS ever. (Ok, so I always say that! But I think it’s true!) I hope you will join us to be a part of it.

I hope you are as excited as I am about this! And did you know about ALL THE PROCEEDS from this book? ALL of them? Guess who is getting not ONE CENT from the sales of The Best Yes?  Yep, the author, Lysa TerKeurst. She’s giving it all away. You can read about that here.

Well, enjoy ladies! Love you all and hope you have a Best Yes kind of day!

Hey Y’all, let me know if you will be at the webcast or are watching it. And if you are signing up for The Best Yes OBS! I’ll be tweeting it up and Facebooking from the webcast tonight!  #TheBestYes