Memories of Israel

"If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill" Psalm 137:5

O Jerusalem, how I miss it! Here are some highlights of my favorite sites in the old beautiful city of Jerusalem....

These tomb are where they recently believe King David and King Solomon were buried! The two greatest Kings of Israel! I really enjoyed this site, mostly because it hasn't been touched by the Catholics with their gaudy churches the build on everything.

This is looking at the edge of Jerusalem (I am standing on the Mt of Olives.....oh how amazing to think this is where Christ will be coming to earth on the day of His second coming!)

I fell in love with the city, and miss spending my weekends there!

"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannnot be moved but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, from this time forth and forevermore." Ps 125:1-2

Steps of accent up to the Temple Mount. The Jews would pray their Psalms of Ascent as they approached the temple. Such as Psalms 120-134ish

We had some fun times exploring the ancient Jewish tombs out side the walls of the Old City. It was very creepy at night, but very impressive in the day light. We played hid 'n seek here once I believe. 

the tomb with columns to the left is Solomon's Egyptian wife's tomb, and the other big tombs are thought to be tombs of Old Testament Prophets, possible Zechariah. Absalom and Jehoshaphat's tombs are also here.

The below picture was an old catacomb tomb called "the Tomb of the Prophets" where tradition said several of the prophets (Haggai, Malachi, Zechariah)  were buried. Whether they are or not it was very cool to walk through there with just our candles and clay oil lamps for light.

Here is the garden, where it was Jesus wept and prayed before His Crucifixion, before He willingly laid down His life on our behalf though it caused Him so much pain, anguish and grief, not just to suffer physically but to be separated and condemned by God His Father for the sins of the world which He was not guilty of.


This is what they thought was Golgotha, looks cool, but there is another site ( which the church of the Holy Sepulcher is built over)  that is a more accurate location.

Here we are, in the Garden of the Tomb! A possible location of Jesus tomb.

The inside of what is thought to be a possible location of Jesus empty tomb.

Descending on a road that goes up to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives and Kidron Valley.

The Temple Mount, taken over and controlled by Muslims today.

The Western Wall "Wailing Wall" This is the remains of the wall of the Temple Mount, because Muslims don't allow the Jewish people on the Temple Mount, this is the closest Jewish people can get to the spot of the "Holy of Holies"

This is a street that goes along the temple mount, the rubble you see is what the Roman Solider threw down from the Temple Mount when they destroyed the Second Temple during the persecution of the Jews, it was through this street people would pass on the way to make their sacrifices at the Temple, this street dates back past Jesus day, Jesus Himself would have passed through this street!
I still have a very funny memory in my mind that happened during what was supposed to be a very serious moment.  JR (John T) got caught in a thorn branch, and then an Arab man walking by got caught in the same one right as John threw it off! hehe

Arab mom and daughter outside the Temple Mount.

A lot of the Arab people we met were very friendly and hospitable, I remember praying a lot for those who we got to know better. Also met some believers (Muslims who were converted to Christianity) who had very impactful ministry there with the Israeli Muslims in Jerusalem, still praying for their outreach there!

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love You! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!.." Psalm 122:6-7