Day 2 Thoughts...

Without question, the most moving and meaningful part of the day for me was being on the Sea Of Galilee in a boat. We looked out at the hillsides where Jesus taught. We saw from the sea the towns and villages in the distance that he went through teaching and preaching, seeing the crowds that were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shephard (Matt 9:36.) We rode in the very waters that he calmed after waking up from a nap in the boat, and that he walked on to get to the disciples during a storm. From one place, we could see the hometown of Mary Magdalene, the hometown of Peter, the "city on the hill," and so much more. It was truly overwhelming. As John taught about Jesus calming the sea, his power over the supernatural, and the faithfulness of a God who comes to us during the storms of life, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed at how again and again he has come to me during the roughest spots of my life.

After John finished teaching, the boat drivers turned off the engine, and we sang "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" as a group. What a moving hymn, and I'll close for the night with it.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain