Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers, fellow faithful believers of Lord Jesus and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?
For this edition of the series, we will focus on Christian videos on YouTube remembering our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as this week is Holy Week. May the selected videos below deepen your faith in Lord Jesus, the Hope of ALL nations!
#1 Planetshakers’ The Greatest Name music video featuring Darlene Zschech – I blogged about this recently and it truly is relevant for Holy Week. Planetshakers recently published their music video of The Greatest Name and they have Pastor Darlene Zschech (formerly with Hillsong Church) singing and honoring the Lord with them. This worship music video must be seen as it can truly lift up the faithful person to worship and honor the Lord.
#2 HolyLandSite’s Israel videos – When it comes to learning about the Holy Land in Israel and their connections with the Holy Bible (the Word of God), YouTube channel HolyLandSite is easily the best producer of Holy Land videos. For your faith in the Lord and for your pursuit of biblical relevance, I posted below the selected videos from HolyLandSite. Prepare yourselves with the Bible and watch these videos.
#3 New Life Music’s Testimony worship music video – In June of 2023, New Life Music (the worship music team of New Life Philippines) posted the official video (backstage sessions) of their original worship song Testimony. Co-written by Nash Soliven, Camille Cuna, Erican Reyes, Timothy Mena, Charity Patricio, Josiah Patricio and Sam Mokamad, Testimony will not only uplift the faithful spiritually but also remind them how God moved in their lives. If you have not seen it yet, do it now without hesitation.
#4 Teaching by Pastor Darlene Zschech – If you seek biblical teaching, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and ways to receive the Lord’s commands better, I recommend watching this teaching of God’s Word led by Pastor Darlene Zschech. This teaching is from Hope Unlimited Church’s (HopeUC) Hearing from God series.
#5 Teaching by Pastor Mylene Evangelista – Without the Word of God, a lot more people today would have declined as worldliness and twisted forces always surround everyone. If you are feeling down or intimidated right now, you can learn how to handle your world with God’s Word by watching this teaching by Pastor Mylene Evangelista of New Life Philippines.
In ending this post, I share with you the following scriptures from the Holy Bible.
Jesus answered him,
I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.
John 3:3 (AMPC)
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NKJV)
“I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. He cares for the branches connected to me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches and pruning every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest. The words I have spoken over you have already cleansed you. So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine.
“I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless. 6If a person is separated from me, he is discarded; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire to be burned. But if you live in life-union with me and if my words live powerfully within you—then you can ask whatever you desire and it will be done. When your lives bear abundant fruit, you demonstrate that you are my mature disciples who glorify my Father!
John 15:1-8 (TPT)
Thank you for your time. Always move forward with uncompromising faith in the Lord. Always remember that Lord Jesus is the hope of ALL nations as He is God’s son as well as the Anointed Mediator between the Heavenly Father and men (1 Timothy 2:5). Also pray to the Lord to support Israel, its people and for the peace of Jerusalem.
As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.
Now, on with the topic at hand…
In recent times, YouTuber travelingisrael.com published a compelling, explanatory video titled The Nazis and the Arabs of Palestine: the Untold (yet Documented) connection which you can watch below.
Decades before Bill Clinton forged an evil union with Yasser Arafat in the 1990s, the people of Palestine were allied with Adolf Hitler and the Nazis as both of them shared a powerful hatred towards the Jewish people. This is a chapter of world history that does not get discussed too much, nor has it been significantly taught in academies around the world.
Travelingisrael.com’s video and explanations are backed with facts, archived photos and videos, and solid references of historical information. You might be surprised to realize that there were indeed Muslims who served with the SS, that the leader of the Arabs of Palestine Amin al-Husseini lived in Berlin for a number of years and met with the murderous Adolf Hitler (who views Arabs as an inferior race but still became fond of Islam which has similarities with Nazi ideology). All these and more historical details and facts await you in the video below.
Always pray to the Lord in support of Israel, its government, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and its stakeholders. Pray to Him so that the evil axis of Iran-Hamas-Hezbollah and the pro-Palestine extremists will be stopped significantly. Learn to love and bless the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Praise and thank the Lord for the latest miracle – the successful rescue of four hostages! Keep on praying to the Lord to support Israel and for their rescue operations for more hostages. Also pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Welcome back, my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?
I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.
#1NHK World’s Game Planet Documentary – If you are very passionate about video games and you want to see gaming through the views of the Japanese and the Chinese, then you should see NHK World’s documentary here. This video documentary is also a must-see for those who love playing the Street Fighter video games. Lots of creative talents from Capcom and Tencent interviewed.
#2 Square Enix decides to drop PlayStation exclusivity and go multiplatform with their business – It was indeed bound to happen and I was not surprised about it. In case you missed the news, Square Enix announced it will drop PlayStation exclusivity in favor of going aggressive with a multiplatform strategy. This is because there was a massive 70% profit drop on the part of Square Enix and sales of the PlayStation 5-exclusive Final Fantasy VII Rebirth were undeniably disappointing. To understand the details better, posted below is one analytical video and one critical video.
#3 Nick Anderson’s notorious 4 missed free throws and disrespect towards Michael Jordan – If you are long-time basketball fan, you would at least be aware of significant events during the NBA Playoffs and the Finals in 1995. I am talking about Nick Anderson who is still remembered as the guy who missed four free throws as his team (Orlando Magic) was already leading by three points ahead of the Houston Rockets (defending champions) during Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals. As history recorded, the Houston Rockets swept the Magic 4-0 to win their 2nd straight NBA championship. Going back to Anderson, he is also the same guy who disrespected Michael Jordan during the Eastern Conference semifinals. Posted below are three videos for you to watch.
#4 Reggie Miller’s 8 points in 8.9 seconds – Still with the 1995 NBA Playoffs, here is a look back at the miraculous achievement of Reggie Miller scoring eight points in less than nine seconds during a game against the New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden. For the newcomers reading this, the playoff rivalry between the Knicks and Indiana Pacers started in 1994 and by the time their rematch in 1995 was realized, collective fan anticipation was already high. There was no better way to raise the stakes in the rematch than Miller’s unexpected 8 points in 8.9 seconds. Watch the video below.
#5 Popcorn in Bed’s reaction video of Deep Impact – In 1998 here in the Philippines, I saw the sci-fi film Deep Impact in a cinema during its first week of release. It was entertaining to watch given the sci-fi spectacle, the concept and, of course, the wide cast of actors that includes the legendary Robert Duvall in a really solid supporting role. What is most notable about Deep Impact is the fact that it was made to spark emotion from viewers and that is most inevitable in the movie reaction video by Popcorn in Bed. With the current number of Deep Impact reaction videos available on YouTube as of this writing, the best one is viewable right below…
#6 HolyLandSite’s video of the tour of the Oaks of Mamre in Israel– Recently HolyLandSite released their newest Holy Land video focused on the Oaks of Mamre in Israel which is the historical and biblical site where the Abrahamic Covenant was given. Oaks of Mamre is filled with evidence that it is indeed the very place where Abraham met God. God’s covenant has always been with the Jewish people (read Genesis 17:15-21 in the Holy Bible). This video also has biblical lessons for those who follow Lord Jesus and the Word of God. May this also remind you that the ties between Jews and Christians are biblical.
#7 Retrospective video about Konami’s X-Men arcade game – Just a few years before Capcom and Marvel Comics teamed up for the production of arcade games featuring superheroes and the publisher’s own characters, Konami literally rocked the arcades with a lot of fun with the X-Men arcade game of 1992. Using the established character designs from the 1989 cartoon X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, the arcade game allowed players to choose one of six superheroes to play as (listed were Cyclops, Wolverine, Dazzler, Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler) and engage in side-scrolling beat-them-up action fighting the many minions of Magneto. The X-Men arcade game was undeniably successful and impacted the way people enjoyed multiplayer sessions in the arcades. You can learn more from this in-depth retro gaming video by PatmanQC.
#8 FilmComicsExplained’s Demolition Man video analysis – When I first saw Demolition Man (1993), I perceived it as a Sylvester Stallone action movie laced with futuristic science fiction (sci-fi) concepts. I noticed the film’s portrayal of what future society could become and what futuristic technologies could be used by people. By today’s standards, Demolition Man is perceived to be prophetic with its presentation and the video by FilmComicsExplained takes an in-depth look into it. It is a must-see!
#9 The death of wicked Iran’s president – Since 1979, Iran became wicked and its government has officially been sponsoring terrorists and terrorism activities in the Middle East for far too long. In case you missed the news, the president of Iran died in a helicopter crash recently and there were other fatalities with him. The president of Iran not only publicly called for the destruction of Israel, he is also responsible for harming minorities and political opponents, hurting protesters in Iran and more. There are reasons why the dead president has been called the Butcher of Tehran. For a clear view and analysis over the death of the president of Iran, watch the selected videos below. Do not trust Islamo-Leftist mainstream news media as they support terrorism.
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined and what happened during my free time. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back, readers and fellow followers of the Lord! This is the 8th chapter of my ongoing series of articles about the holy nation of Israel with recollections about the experiences and discoveries I had during the pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church (hosted by strategic partner Behold Israel). To see my previous Israel tour articles, click here, here, here, here, here, here and here.
Before moving on, may I request to you readers to pray to the Lord in support for the nation of Israel as it has been at war with the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas (which committed the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks) in the Gaza Strip, as well as with Hezbollah in the north. Prayers are also needed for the hostages (taken by Hamas) and for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) which has been working so hard and long. Israel’s economy and people also need prayers of support. I will always stand with Israel and my faith in the Lord remains uncompromising!
In this latest edition of my Israel 2023 series, I share with you my observations about what happened during our group’s one and only rest day. Instead of just resting at our nice hotel in Jerusalem, I decided to take advantage of the day to visit the Temple Mount for the first time ever, return to the Western Wall/Jewish Quarter/Upper Room, and visiting King David’s Tomb to name some.
Having revisited the Upper Room as well as King David’s Tomb (located just below), I took the rare opportunity of visiting the grave of the late Oskar Schindler which is located inside a Catholic cemetery just a few hundred meters away by foot. Look at the Google Map screenshot below…
This should give you an idea as to how close the Upper Room and King David’s Tomb sites in Israel are to the cemetery that has Schindler’s grave.
Who is Oskar Schindler?
For the newcomers reading this, Oskar Schindler was a German industrialist and a member of the Nazi Party who is best known for saving more than one thousand Jews during the Holocaust by having them employed in his business of enamelware and ammunition (across different locations in Europe). His costly efforts of saving the Jews from certain death during World War II became his most defining legacy to world initially chronicled in the novel Schindler’s Ark (later retitled as Schindler’s List) written by Thomas Keneally, and most famously dramatized in cinematic form in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List (1993) with Liam Neeson portraying him. I myself saw Schindler’s List in the cinema here in the Philippines on April 2, 1994, and it was the most engaging movie theater experience I ever had.
The real-life Oskar Schindler (1908-1974).(photo source – Yad Vashem)
The cinematic Oskar Schindler portrayed by Liam Neeson in the Steven Spielberg-directed film Schindler’s List. (photo source – IMDB.com)
Schindler was born in 1908 in Zwittau, Austria-Hungary (now referred to as the Czech Republic). After the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he became a citizen of the Czechoslovak Republic. He married Emilie Pelzl in 1928 and went on to work in different occupations ranging from farm machinery to selling government property. He also served in his republic’s army and eventually made his way into the German Armed Forces specifically through its military foreign intelligence office. In 1939, Schindler joined the Nazi Party and eventually arrived in Poland (after the German invasion) and established himself as a businessman. It was in Poland where he established the enamelware business and hired Jewish people as his workers.
A lot happened to Schindler and his wife after the end of World War II. He faced danger of being arrested as a war criminal. Schindler and his wife endured lots of difficulties moving back to Germany. In the years that followed, Schindler had a series of failed business ventures and declared bankruptcy in the early 1960s. Thanks to his Jewish friends from the war, he survived on donations sent by the Schindlerjuden (the people he saved during the Holocaust).
Schindler visited Israel for the first time ever in 1961 and was welcomed warmly. A tree was planted in his honor at the Avenue of the Righteous at Yad Vashem in 1962 (note: his wife Emilie got recognized as among the Righteous Among the Nations in 1993).
Before dying in 1974, he lived partly in Israel and partly in Germany. Schindler was buried in Jerusalem in Mount Zion and his grave has been visited many times by Jews and other people from around the world.
How I made it to Schindler’s grave
Having prayed to the Lord for a meaningful and blessed day-off, I got ready for the places to visit in ancient Jerusalem and that includes a precise study of maps and where the significant sites are located.
As mentioned above, coming from the Temple Mount, the Western Wall and the Jewish Quarter, I exited through Zion Gate of the old city of Jerusalem heading towards the Upper Room (the traditional site of the Last Supper that involved our Lord Savior Jesus) for a return visit (note: my first time there was with our tour group with a guide) and for my first-ever visit at the King David’s Tomb site (on the ground floor level so nearby).
That being said, it was easy to find the nearby cemetery (note: there was one other cemetery nearby) for Schindler’s grave coming from King David’s Tomb by foot. After walking down a short road leading to a major road outside and crossing it, I found the entrance of the cemetery which even had a small sign that says “To Oskar Schindler’s grave.”
The cemetery gate with a sign confirming that Schindler’s grave is inside.
My time at Schindler’s grave
So I entered the cemetery all alone, walked further and climbed down some steps until I reached the very area of Schindler’s grave which was actually located by a cemented walkway. Posted below is the shot I took before approaching the grave.
A wide shot of the lower area of the cemetery where Schindler’s grave is located (in the distance).
Finally, I made my first-ever approach to the grave of the one German businessman who saved the lives of many Jews and I captured it all by video as you can see below along with the pictures I took right there. Schindler’s grave was full of stones placed in thanks to him, remembrance of him and in honor for him. I noticed one particular stone even has a “Thank you!”
The grave of Oskar Schindler with lots of stones placed on it by visitors and by those who remember him for saving over a thousand Jewish people during the Holocaust.
A diagonal shot of the grave with a good amount of sunlight captured during the moment.
This is me taking a picture of myself near Oskar Schindler’s grave.
Visible on the grave was the German inscription which in English means “The unforgettable lifesaver of 1200 persecuted Jews.”
Being right there at the grave brought me strong memories about the final sequence of the movie Schindler’s List which was presented in color. That scene turned out very powerful to watch as a line of people – including the Jewish survivors who encountered Schindler during the war plus the actors who played many of them – took turns placing stones at this very grave. The late Leopold “Poldek” Pfefferberg himself was present in the scene at the grave which is very significant because he personally encountered Schindler and was crucial with both the publishing of Schindler’s Ark and the filming of Schindler’s List. Pfefferberg was an advisor to Spielberg.
Holocaust survivor Poldek Pfefferberg with Oskar Schindler in the 1960s. (photo source – United States Holocaust Memorial Museum)
This is my 4K Blu-ray copy of Schindler’s List. This is the best and most definitive way to watch it at the comfort of home. So much better than streaming.
The placing of stones or pebbles on a grave has an important part in the Jewish ways. The Jewish Virtual Library describes it as follows (some parts in boldface):
As opposed to the common practice of burying loved ones with flowers and placing flowers by the tombstone, Jewish tradition instead puts an emphasis on placing stones on graves.
Jewish authorities likely objected to the flower ritual because of its proximity to pagan customs.
The origin of the stone custom is uncertain, though it may relate to ancient times when a pile of stones was used as a marker. The most common explanation is that placing stones is a symbolic act that indicates someone has come to visit and the deceased has not been forgotten.
A superstitious rationale for stones is that they keep the soul down, based on a belief that souls continue to dwell for a while in the graves in which they are placed.
A more common theme, however, is that stones last for eternity – as opposed to the short life span of flowers. Like the memory our loved ones, stones will never die.
As Oskar Schindler was German, the placing of stones at his grave is notably exceptional and if you wish to feel the impact of the colored scene near the end of Schindler’s List, you will have to endure the film first from the beginning. After all, the Spielberg-directed movie gradually shows how the German businessman got connected with the Jewish people as his laborers, and the turning point of him deciding to save them from death by sacrificing so much (read: lots of money spent and use of influence with German officials) and taking huge risks along the way was powerful to watch.
Even though I’m not Jewish and not a survivor of World War II, I still placed a stone on Oskar Schindler’s grave to thank him for saving many Jews long ago. As a person faith, my love for Israel and the Jewish people remains uncompromising in relation to my unwavering faith in the Lord and His Word.
Significant lessons about loving, blessing and helping the Jewish people
Having been to the Holocaust museum at Yad Vashem prior to the rest day, I learned there that Oskar Schindler was one of many others who took risks to save Jews during the Holocaust. The Schindler Jews of more than one thousand survivors have since multiplied into thousands more people through the decades.
The Holocaust and the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks should remind each of us faithful ones that we cannot simply ignore the tragedies and do nothing. People of the Jewish State need our help and praying for them is a solid way to start. Ask the Lord for signs on how to help Israelites in additional ways. Do not rush and wait for Him to send you a command or a clear message on what to do next. Right now, Israel is fighting the enemy inside Gaza while defending itself from the other enemy on the north.
Around the world, there are millions of young protesters and activists who were brainwashed into supporting the terrorists while attacking Israel so blindly. Indeed, the world is chaotic and all the people who attack Israel while empowering the terrorists are doing the dirty works for Satan. It is also not surprising to encounter a pro-Palestine believer or an anti-Semitic person who openly rejects the Word of God or even mock Lord Jesus. The people – the brainwashed activists and terrorists specifically – who wish to destroy Israel in this modern age are becoming more like the Nazi Germans who were led by Adolf Hitler (who dreamed of wiping out all Jewish people). These unfortunate events should compel you to stand up for Israel and the Jewish people as you live on with unwavering faith in the Lord and His Word.
You might be wondering what are the biblical lessons to learn with regards to loving, blessing and helping the Jewish people. We can start by acknowledging the sovereignty, authority and the holiness of the Lord God and remember always that Lord Jesus is the Anointed Mediator. Read the following holy scriptures below…
“Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord: I am bringing you back, but not because you deserve it. I am doing it to protect my holy name, on which you brought shame while you were scattered among the nations. I will show how holy my great name is—the name on which you brought shame among the nations. And when I reveal my holiness through you before their very eyes, says the Sovereign Lord, then the nations will know that I am the Lord. For I will gather you up from all the nations and bring you home again to your land.
“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
“And you will live in Israel, the land I gave your ancestors long ago. You will be my people, and I will be your God. I will cleanse you of your filthy behavior. I will give you good crops of grain, and I will send no more famines on the land. I will give you great harvests from your fruit trees and fields, and never again will the surrounding nations be able to scoff at your land for its famines. Then you will remember your past sins and despise yourselves for all the detestable things you did. But remember, says the Sovereign Lord, I am not doing this because you deserve it. O my people of Israel, you should be utterly ashamed of all you have done!
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When I cleanse you from your sins, I will repopulate your cities, and the ruins will be rebuilt.
Ezekiel 36:22-33 (NLT)
Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine and all the hills shall melt [that is, everything heretofore barren and unfruitful shall overflow with spiritual blessing].
And I will bring back the exiles of My people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards and drink the wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat the fruit of them.
And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be torn up out of their land which I gave them, says the Lord your God.
Amos 9:13-15 (AMPC)
For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name’s sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do.
Hebrews 6:10 (AMPC)
For there [is only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
1 Timothy 2:5 (AMPC)
They answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all your family.”
Acts 16:31 (TPT)
My beloved friends, if you see a believer who is overtaken with a fault, the one who is in the Spirit should seek to restore him in the Spirit of gentleness. But keep watch over your own heart so that you won’t be tempted to exalt yourself over him. Love empowers us to fulfill the law of the Anointed One as we carry each other’s troubles.
Galatians 6:1-2 (TPT)
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (NKJV)
The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
Matthew 13:41-43 (NKJV)
“I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. He cares for the branches connected to me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches and pruning every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest. The words I have spoken over you have already cleansed you. So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine.
“I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless. 6If a person is separated from me, he is discarded; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire to be burned. But if you live in life-union with me and if my words live powerfully within you—then you can ask whatever you desire and it will be done. When your lives bear abundant fruit, you demonstrate that you are my mature disciples who glorify my Father!
John 15:1-8 (TPT)
Also, never forget that Israel is the land that God the Heavenly Father designated for the Jewish people and He always has great plans for them. Read the scriptures below…
Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV)
Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.”
Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” And Abraham said to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!”
Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.
And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.” Then He finished talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.
Genesis 17:15-22 (NKJV)
Again God said to him, Your name is Jacob [supplanter]; you shall not be called Jacob any longer, but Israel shall be your name. So He called him Israel [contender with God].
And God said to him, I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall be born of your stock;
The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and to your descendants after you I will give the land.
Genesis 35:10-12 (AMPC)
Now therefore, if you will obey My voice in truth and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own peculiar possession and treasure from among and above all peoples; for all the earth is Mine.
And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation [consecrated, set apart to the worship of God]. These are the words you shall speak to the Israelites.
Exodus 19:5-6 (AMPC)
Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.’”
Exodus 6:6-8 (ESV)
“Yet hear now, O Jacob My servant, And Israel whom I have chosen.
Thus says the Lord who made you And formed you from the womb, who will help you: ‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant; And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring;
They will spring up among the grass Like willows by the watercourses.’
One will say, ‘I am the Lord’s’; Another will call himself by the name of Jacob; Another will write with his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ And name himself by the name of Israel.
Isaiah 44:1-5 (NKJV)
Conclusion
During my final moments at the cemetery, I carefully touched Schindler’s grave and went on marching all the way to Mahane Yehuda Market in the city.
I am very thankful to the Lord for the significant visits and favors He blessed me with during the rest day in Jerusalem. The visit to Schindler’s grave was a worthy conclusion to the time I spent visiting the sites inside and outside of the walls of the old city of Jerusalem during the cold morning. After Schindler’s grave, I marched all the way to Mahane Yehuda market (with a coffee break at Tmol Shilshom on the way).
I cannot say that Schindler’s grave is a holy site to visit, but it still carries great historical significance in relation to the saving of Jews during the Holocaust. To those of you who get to visit the grave, do not be surprised to see the many stones placed on it. Finally, be mindful that when you visit the Upper Room or King David’s Tomb site just outside of Zion Gate, the cemetery that has Schindler’s grave is only a few hundred meters away by walking. Ask your tour guide about the location and what time the cemetery opens in the morning.
While Oskar Schindler remains a controversial person of history as his legacy continues to be debated between varied people with specific beliefs and reasons (note: there are people who admired him as well as others who condemned him), his efforts (aided by his wife Emilie and his Jewish assistant Itzhak Stern) on protecting the Jewish workers from certain death during World War II should always be remembered.
It should be noted that Schindler’s List has been criticized for having fictionalized scenes, deliberate omissions of historical facts and its portrayal of Oskar as a hero whose personality developed over time. In reality, wife Emilie Schindler was much more involved with her husband on rescuing the Jews which is a significant fact that Spielberg’s movie ignored.
Emilie and Oskar Schindler in Argentina after the end of World War II. Emilie was much more involved with her husband on sparing over a thousand Jewish people from certain death during the Holocaust. (photo credit: Yad Vashem)
The German businessman’s legacy is clearly connected with the 1993 film which itself made tremendous impact by making people aware of the Holocaust and the six million Jews who got killed. The said impact, in my view, is much bigger than the many Academy Awards the movie won! Spielberg’s movie marked the beginning of my learning about the Holocaust and back in 1994, I was not even aware of the biblical significance of Israel and the Jewish people. In my old life of rituals, traditions and idolatrous religion, no person of religion ever taught me to love and bless Israel, nor did anyone religious tell me about God’s covenant with the Jewish people. Reading the Bible back then was only occasional.
In the year I got born again, I gradually learned about the significance of Israel, the Jewish people and the biblical ties between Jews and Christians as I immersed myself with God’s Word. Studying the Holy Bible and living by His Word helped me understand God’s covenant with Abraham whose rightful heirs have always been Isaac (his son) and Jacob (his grandson who later got renamed Israel). Just months after getting born again, I prayed to the Lord a lot for His plan for me related with Israel as I wanted to deepen my faith in Him by visiting the Holy Land and witness the Bible come to life. The 2023 Israel pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church was the Lord’s anointed answer and blessing to me. It is also the greatest and most significant foreign trip I ever had.
Israel is a great and holy place to visit! Visit Israel with the Holy Bible! Pray to the Lord wholeheartedly and reveal to Him your heart’s desire to visit Israel to deepen your faith in Him. Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Follow the light of Lord Jesus, keep on praying for the peace of Jerusalem and live on with unwavering faith in Him!
Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel articles here. There is more to come!
Welcome back, my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching.
For this edition, I am doing the Holy Week Special. Today is Good Friday and I have prepared for all of you a selection of YouTube videos about God, His Son Lord Jesus and the nation of Israel where the holy sites are. The videos are all sourced from the HolyLandSite YouTube channel which is rich with Israel sites and their connections with the Holy Bible.
As some of you may know by now, I myself had been to Israel on a pilgrimage tour with my local church New Life in early 2023 and I already blogged about some Holy Land sites, and I still have more to blog about in the future. That being said, I can relate a lot with specific Israel videos posted by HolyLandSite. And now, I hope you will enjoy what I selected – plus a few of my own videos during the 2023 pilgrimage tour – for your faith in the Lord and for your viewing pleasure as well.
#1Capernaum tour video – Along with my Israel pilgrimage tour companions, I visited Capernaum which is the very ancient town where Lord Jesus preached the good news from God and taught many who came to learn from Him. This video by HolyLandSite is very in-depth details and the bible lessons should be absorbed.
#2 The Pool of Siloam videos – I could never forget our visit to the Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem and you can read my feature article of it by clicking here. The Pool of Siloam, which is accessible to visitors today, is the very site where a man who was born blind got healed and gained sight because he followed the very instructions Lord Jesus gave him. The Messiah helped him by putting mud on his eyes and told him to go to the Pool of Siloam to wash. This video by HolyLandSite is a must-see and I pray it will deepen your faith in the Lord and teach you to follow His commands without hesitation. I also added the video I personally recorded at the site.
#3 Jerusalem history video – Jerusalem is the holiest city in the world and I am thankful to the Lord that our pilgrimage tour had its last five day there. The Old City of Jerusalem (with ancient walls intact) is a very significant place to visit as it has the Western Wall, the Church of Holy Sepulchre, the Temple Mount and many other holy sites frequented by Christians, Jews and Muslims. This video by HolyLandSite explains in detail the history and deep significance of Jerusalem.
#4 Garden of Gethsemane videos – I could never forget the day our tour group climbed down the Mount of Olives by foot and entered the Garden of Gethsemane together which was already full of visitors. After exploring a populated part of the garden (which contains several olive trees that are centuries-old), our group found vacant space at the steps of the Church of All Nations where we had a bible lesson taught to us by our local church pastor. It was at the Garden of Gethsemane where Lord Jesus prayed to His Father God, and later was arrested by the Romans as a result of Judas’ betrayal. To learn more about the significance of this holy site, watch HolyLandSite’s video and check out the video I personally recorded on-location.
#5 The differences between Christianity and Islam and more explained – For this part, we focus more on the topics of faith, the differences between Christianity and Islam, Lord Jesus and Muhammad, and the Holy Bible and the Quran. As usual, Pastor Todd of HolyLandSite explains the differences in great detail and he really did a lot of research for the video below. This is a must-see video and always remember that our Lord Jesus is truly holy and the definitive hope of all nations. If you have accepted Lord Jesus as your savior and you have been faithful to Him and the Word of God, then you are part of His Kingdom. Never let the worldly and the unholy ones pull you away from Him.
#6 The significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls video – Our pilgrimage tour group visited Qumran which is the very site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. The discovery is tremendously significant because the Dead Sea Scrolls proved that the Holy Bible is real and definitely anointed by the Lord. Watch the video below to find out more…
#7 The Chapel of Ascension video – Once I return to Israel in the future, I would make it a priority to visit the Chapel of Ascension located at the top of the Mount of Olives. This is the most likely site where Lord Jesus last stepped on and ascended to Heaven with the promise that He will return. This video by HolyLandSite examines the Chapel of Ascension itself and Pastor Todd precisely explains the biblical records as well as the anticipated timeline with regards to Rapture and the return of Lord Jesus.
#8 The Upper Room videos – The Upper Room is another significant site to visit on pilgrimage. It is located just outside of the wall of the Old City of Jerusalem and the nearest gate is Zion Gate. The Upper Room is often identified with The Last Supper (refer to Luke 22:14-20 and Mark 14:12-26 in the Holy Bible). To learn more about the holy site, watch the HolyLandSite video plus my own video below…
In ending this post, I share with you four holy scriptures.
Again God said to him, Your name is Jacob [supplanter]; you shall not be called Jacob any longer, but Israel shall be your name. So He called him Israel [contender with God].
And God said to him, I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall be born of your stock;
The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and to your descendants after you I will give the land.
Genesis 35:10-12 (AMPC)
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV)
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 14:6 (NKJV)
Thank you for your time. Always move forward with uncompromising faith in the Lord. Always remember that Lord Jesus is the hope of all nations as He is God’s son as well as the Anointed Mediator between the Heavenly Father and men (1 Timothy 2:5). Also always pray to the Lord for Israel, its people and the peace of Jerusalem.
Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?
I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.
#1The 6-minute explanatory gameplay trailer of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes – Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the upcoming Japanese role-playing game (Japanese RPG) set for a global release on April 23, 2024, was in the spotlight recently as publisher 505 Games released a 6-minute trailer that showcases and explain to gamers what to expect in terms of game play and features. What long-time gamers enjoyed so much about Suikoden and Suikoden II can find them also in Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. Watch the whole trailer below…
#2 Lord Jesus lived as a Jewish man and NEVER was a Palestinian – There is so much chaos in this world and you can see that through the Palestinians (a displaced people whose leaders have long engaged in terrorism and hatred against Israel and the Jewish people) and their brainwashed supporters (the pro-Palestine freaks). In many parts of the world, a lot of pro-Palestinian believers (activists who are often rowdy, arrogant, violent and ignorant at the same time) kept shouting the big lie that Lord Jesus was a Palestinian (an overblown fantasy that spreads wickedness and deception). To push back against the lies of the pawns of the enemy (Satan), watch Israeli YouTuber Oren explain in detail the truth that Lord Jesus truly lived as a Jewish man, was born into an existing Jewish society and had Jewish people as His believers/followers (the early Christians).
#3 2023 Batman Returns reaction videos and more – For some time now, I’ve been watching varied movie reaction videos from YouTubers Ashleigh Burton, TBR Schmitt, Jen Murray and EOM Reacts. What I found very surprising was the fact that each of them published reaction videos of the 1992 superhero movie Batman Returns this year, and three of those videos were just weeks apart from each other. I posted those Batman Returns reaction videos below and I added two more related videos that should orient you about the movie.
#4 Get to know the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel – This past February, I visited Israel on a pilgrimage tour. It was indeed the greatest overseas travel experience in my entire life as it was blessed and anointed by the Lord who answered my prayers to visit Israel to deepen my faith in Him. I also visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem which is one of the most significant places to visit in the entire world. That being said, I posted below the Christian Broadcast Network’s Temple Mount special video and my personal video of my first-ever moments at the holy site.
#5 Pro-Palestine believer exposed as a LIAR! – The people who support the wicked causes of the Palestinians are clearly ignorant, misled, pretentious and dishonest. A lot of pro-Palestine people have posted videos on varied networks to spread lies and misinformation regarding history, and some of them are very young people (Generation Z) who clearly do NOT know all the details, who were fed lies by their Islamo-Leftists superiors and they are clearly not intelligent. The Palestinians are truly a displaced people and they were NEVER the indigenous people of the land of Israel! Watch the video below and enjoy.
As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is directly connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. The October 7, 2023 attack on Israel committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas is the main cause of the state of war. No matter what the terrorists and their Leftist siblings do, nothing will stop me from supporting the Jewish state as its military campaign against Hamas continues. The Palestinian terrorists are guilty of infiltration, torture, kidnapping, murdering and damages of property in Israel.
Unsurprisingly, there were also people of different nationalities in Israel who got negatively affected by Hamas. There were already a few of my fellow Filipinos there who lost their lives and the Philippine embassy has been working hard to ensure the safety of other Filipinos present.
Here is a bit of good news – Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss confirmed that Filipinos present in Israel are being taken care of, according to a GMA Network news report (which referred to an ANC interview).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said Monday that Filipinos in Israel are being taken care of like family members of its citizens.
Fluss said that most of the 30,000 Filipinos in Israel “feel that they are safe” and that they wanted to stay in the Middle East country despite the fatal attacks by Hamas in Israel and vice versa.
“The Filipinos in Israel are part of us. They live with our own people… They are part of our families, they are staying in our homes. When we have to go into a sheltered room or into a bomb shelter or safety room, they come with us,” the ambassador said in an ANC interview.
“You are now joining the Israeli family which is a big family, unfortunately, of the victims of terror. And we are taking care of you as one of our big family in all different kinds of ways,” he added.
Four Filipinos were confirmed dead due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The latest casualty was an Ilongga caregiver who was one of the three Filipinos earlier reported missing.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the Philippines stands with Israel following the deadly attacks by Hamas.
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be without hestitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
In relation to the news report about the state of Filipinos in Israel, we here in the Philippines should thank and bless the Israelis in return for taking care of them as the war goes on.
We live in a very divided world. Around the world, Leftist forces have been supporting evil forces like the current regime of Iran which is known for supplying and arming the Palestinian terrorists and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. Leftist forces have been supporting the Palestinian Authority and other enemies of Israel. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Hamas is purely evil and they are being protected by not only their fellow terrorists but also by mainstream news media outlets who are linked with Leftist forces and people who hate Israel and the Jewish people. At the same time, the Palestinian Authority and other pro-Palestine groups will do anything to mislead people and undermine Israel’s war campaigns against the terrorist group Hamas.
With all that said, it is a must we pray to the Lord God in support of Israel and believe that He will guide the Israeli forces to another victory which means finishing off Hamas. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth.
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined. Additional information from the official websites of a mentioned businesses is also used. This is not a sponsored article. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back, readers and fellow followers of the Lord! This is the 7th chapter of my ongoing series of articles about the holy nation of Israel with recollections about the experiences and discoveries I had during the pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church (hosted by its strategic partner Behold Israel). To see my previous Israel tour articles, click here, here, here, here, here and here.
In this latest edition of my Israel 2023 series, I share with you my observations and captured images about my time at the Dead Sea area of Ein Bokek which has a huge beach and several stores, and hotels/resorts that cater to tourists. Our tour group arrived at a hotel near Ein Bokek Beach on an afternoon and we had a little over twelve hours staying time in the area.
To be very clear, there were no opportunities for me to try floating on the Dead Sea beach nearby due to the time of our arrival at the hotel and the schedule of our pilgrimage tour. After getting settled in my nice hotel bedroom, I managed to spend time at Ein Bokek Beach where I took pictures, observed the place and, for the first time ever, I touched the Dead Sea water and washed my hands before going to the nearby stores. Early the next morning, as I wanted to maximize my opportunities of discovery and learning, I revisited Ein Bokek Beach. For your reference, posted below is my YouTube video that I recorded on the morning and it should give you a glimpse of the area.
Knowing the Dead Sea
To understand the Dead Sea, it is massive body (note: a very large lake) of very salty water currently shared between Israel and Jordan. It is one of the four saltiest water bodies in the world and also the world’s lowest elevation on land estimated at around 430 meters below sea level. The Dead Sea has its very own distinct eco-system and vast sources of minerals which made it a major attraction of visitors for centuries. Apart from being a major travel destination, the Dead Sea is surrounded by places where major biblical events happened and places that have tremendous historical backgrounds.
Some interesting facts about the Dead Sea: The Dead Sea’s salinity level is over 34% and it does not pour out which is one factor why its salinity is high. The arid desert climate causes evaporation which raises the salinity. With the high salinity, no fish could exist in the Dead Sea and certainly no life could evolve in it although certain forms of bacteria and fungus could survive.
Apart from the high salinity, the water of the Dead Sea contains 26 beneficial minerals. The mineral content of both the air and the water of the area is very notable for therapeutic qualities. Even during the time of King Herod (37 to 4 BC) the Dead Sea area became a health resort. As such, the Dead Sea within Israel has many beaches where visitors can spend time not only for enjoyment but also to take advantage of the medicinal and therapeutic benefits by carefully touching the Dead Sea water and rubbing their bodies with black mud sources from the banks. With the high salinity, it is best to avoid having Dead Sea water touch your eyes, touch open wounds and touch newly shaved skin as they will cause pain and irritation. Swallowing Dead Sea water is strongly prohibited as it will negatively affect your body’s internal systems. That being said, anyone who plans to spend time at any Dead Sea beach and touch the water by means of floating – not swimming nor diving – should practice caution.
This is what Ein Bokek and the Dead Sea look like early in the morning as the sun rises.
During ancient times, there were cities located close to the Dead Sea – Zoar, Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboim. Over the ages, the Dead Sea water receded and continues to do so gradually. While the Dead Sea today is physically connected with the Jordan River which itself is connected with the Sea of Galilee (AKA Lake Tiberias), its major sources of water since the 1960s are the sulfur springs and waste water along with rare drizzles and flash floods.
As little amounts of water flow in and evaporation under the harsh desert sun continue to happen, there is concern that the Dead Sea could dry up decades from now. With the decline of the Dead Sea’s water level, sinkholes have appeared in some locations which destroyed roads and even resorts.
As to how it got referred to as the Dead Sea, the very salty water makes it impossible for fish and plants to exist in it.
My time at Ein Bokek
Our pilgrimage tour group was booked at the Daniel Dead Sea Hotel in Ein Bokek and conveniently enough, it was located just a short walking distance away from the beach. The hotel room I stayed at was pretty neat and nicely equipped, its bathroom had liquid soap and shampoo with Dead Sea minerals mixed in, and I had a great view of the local area and the Dead Sea. I should state that Daniel Dead Sea Hotel also has a really nice dining area and you can see more of their facilities at https://deadsea.com/explore/where-to-stay/hotels/daniel-dead-sea-hotel/
The view from my Daniel Dead Sea Hotel window showing Ein Bokek beach, roads and other establishments during the day.
This is what the Ein Bokek area looks like at night.
Going back to what I mentioned earlier, the first thing I did after checking in was visiting the Ein Bokek beach and observing around knowing our time with the Dead Sea was limited. Walking further into the beach, I noticed crystal particles of salt on the sand. After doing a last minute check on my hands, I placed my left hand into the Dead Sea water first which you can see in the picture below.
My first time ever to touch the Dead Sea water.
After taking the photo with my smartphone, I put the device down and proceeded to wash both my hands with the very salty beach water and also used some sand and salt crystals on them. Immediately there was this rough and tingling feeling on my two hands but it was not really a problem at all. As soon as I woke up the next morning, I noticed my hands felt smoother. Most likely, the minerals of the Dead Sea water rejuvenated my hands.
Going back to the afternoon I washed my hands with Dead Sea water, I proceeded to the nearest store – the Hordus Shopping Center. Clearly established to cater to visitors as well as consumers looking Dead Sea-related products, I saw a wide section filled with soap bars and cosmetic products that had Dead Sea minerals mixed in which delighted me as our time in the area was limited and I was already looking for unique products to buy and take home. After a careful look at the products offered, I proceeded to buy some bars of Dead Sea Spa-branded soap for personal use and as gifts to my dearest friends. Within Hordus Shopping Center was a spot where customers can buy pizza, sandwiches, coffee and other food or beverages. Since dinner time was arriving and I knew that a buffet for dinner at the hotel was inevitable, it made no sense for me to order food or drinks.
This is what Ein Bokek beach and the Dead Sea looked like as the sun was setting.
This is the Ein Bokek beach parking area. On the background are hotels and other business joints.
This is the Hordus Shopping Center at the Ein Bokek beach area. Lots of nice products, food and drinks inside await visitors.
Another look at the beach on the day we arrived.
Further exploring, I proceeded to another store some meters away from our hotel which offered items similar to what I found at Hordus Shopping Center.
Later that evening at the hotel, I proceeded to the lower level where the huge dining hall and buffet were located at. Upon arriving, I was astounded to see many people around, mostly Jewish people. As it was a Friday evening, it was the night before Shabbat (Shabbat refers to the seventh day of the week for the Jews which is Saturday) and I noticed there were Jewish families and groups of Jewish people celebrating and spending quality time together. There was this atmosphere of happiness and positivity around. This was the first time I ever witnessed the Jewish celebration of the night before Shabbat and I also witnessed how Jewish family members interacted with each other passionately and their dedication to the Heavenly Father. It was a great learning experience for me personally and I thank God for it. In fact, this reminds me of what the Lord God declared long ago in the following holy scriptures below…
GOD told Abram: “Leave your country, your family, and your father’s home for a land that I will show you. I’ll make you a great nation and bless you. I’ll make you famous; you’ll be a blessing. I’ll bless those who bless you; those who curse you I’ll curse. All the families of the Earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:1-3 (MSG)
And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel. Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land.”
Genesis 35:10-12 (NKJV)
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
Exodus 19:5-6 (NKJV)
Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.
I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am the Lord.’
Exodus 6:6-8 (NKJV)
After getting my meal from the buffet, I finally joined our tour group at a long table that was reserved for us. Right behind me was another long table filled with Jewish guests. As I enjoyed my dinner, I also enjoyed festive atmosphere around us. This was truly a great way to have an evening in the Dead Sea area.
The dinner buffet at Daniel Dead Sea Hotel.
The next morning, I woke up early to read the Holy Bible, prayed to the Lord and revisited the beach nearby before brealfast. It was a cold morning (note: this was February 2023) that was also peaceful. I also witnessed the rise of the sun in the distance which you can see among the images posted below…
The sun rising in the far distance with the light slowly growing over the Dead Sea. I took this on Saturday early morning.
There were a lot of salt crystals at the Dead Sea beach at Ein Bokek.
A shot I took at the beach with people, the Dead Sea water, facilities and the hotels captured together.
Another morning shot I took while walking on the Ein Bokek path.
After spending some time with my tour group companions at the beach, I returned to the hotel for breakfast and proceeded to get myself ready for checking out. Upon checking out at the hotel lobby, I greeted the Jewish man behind the counter “Shabbat Shalom.” By bus, our pilgrimage tour group proceeded to the Qumran site as well as Masada and Ein Gedi. The time at Ein Bokek was not very long but I still am thankful to the Lord for the enjoyment and enlightenment I had there.
The biblical significance of the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea itself has presence in the Holy Bible. Depending on the type of bible translations, the Dead Sea is also referred to as the Salt Sea or the Sea of Salt, the eastern sea and at times by ancient names. Posted below are biblical references for your enlightenment…
All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea).
Genesis 14:3 (NKJV)
And it shall be in that day that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern [Dead] Sea and half of them to the western [Mediterranean] Sea; in summer and in winter shall it be.
Zechariah 14:8 (AMPC)
Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.
Then he said to me, These waters pour out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah (the Jordan Valley) and on into the Dead Sea. And when they shall enter into the sea [the sea of putrid waters], the waters shall be healed and made fresh.
And wherever the double river shall go, every living creature which swarms shall live. And there shall be a very great number of fish, because these waters go there that [the waters of the sea] may be healed and made fresh; and everything shall live wherever the river goes.
The fishermen shall stand on [the banks of the Dead Sea]; from En-gedi even to En-eglaim shall be a place to spread nets; their fish shall be of very many kinds, as the fish of the Great or Mediterranean Sea.
Ezekiel 47:7-10 (AMPC)
As mentioned earlier, there were ancient cities located within the Dead Sea area. Among them are the two most notable for the big events that happened – Soddom and Gommorah. That being said, the destruction of the two mentioned cities happened in close proximity to the Dead Sea and this further makes the area a significant place for today’s pilgrims and explorers to visit and organize trips to discover the places where the destruction happened. To read about the destruction of Soddom and Gommorah, read Genesis 19:1-38 in the Holy Bible.
Conclusion
This is me at Ein Bokek beach with the Dead Sea right behind me in the morning.
I thank the Lord for our stay at Ein Bokek where our tour group got to visit the Dead Sea itself. In my experience, I realized the biblical significance of the famous body of salty and mineral-rich water. As mentioned earlier, having dinner during the night before Shabbat was not just a major learning experience, it was also God’s way of helping me realize the Jewish ways of honoring Him and being families under His watch, love and care. I truly believe in standing united with Israel, loving and blessing the Jewish people and praying for the peace of Jerusalem.
Finally, I encourage you who are about to visit the Holy Land to verify with your tour group leader the inclusion of the Dead Sea in the itinerary of your group tour. Be aware that within the Dead Sea area are Qumran and Masada. Qumran is the very location where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found decades ago while Masada is where the ancient fortress is located at. Also within the area is Ein Gedi, the oasis in Israel where King David himself as a young man stayed at while keeping his distance away from Saul the King.
This week has been very significant for Israel-Philippines relations. Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohenarrived here on an official visit and he had a high-level meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. in Malacañang Palace which resulted in very tremendous agreements that include direct flights between Israel and the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…
Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. (photo source: Israel in the Philippines Facebook page)
The Philippines and Israel are pushing for the direct flights between the two countries and elevating their partnership in agriculture and water sectors, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
The plan to enhance cooperation between Manila and Tel Aviv was discussed when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.
Cohen told Marcos that establishing direct flights between the Philippines and Israel would boost the two nations’ tourism and economic ties.
“There’s another thing that we, both of us, took for an action item. [It] is to have a direct flight… your external sea between Israel and the Philippines,” Cohen, as quoted by the PCO, said during the meeting, referring to his earlier meeting with Filipino officials.
“And I think that we agree that both ministries will work together to have the direct flight. And this is also to bring more business people to come to invest and reach the place between us. So this is also another important action item that we will do.”
The Philippine Airlines was supposed to launch its direct flights to Tel Aviv in 2022, but the plan has been stalled because of geopolitical concerns.
The Philippines has become one of the top tourist destinations for the Israelis in the last few years, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said in November 2022.
Cohen also told Marcos about Israel’s planned closer cooperation with the Philippines to ensure food security, suggesting that the two nations may open an agricultural hub.
“I think that we can work together on the segment of agriculture. I just let you know that our land, 60 percent of our land is desert. But although 60 percent of our land is desert, we were able to provide all our water needs,” Cohen said.
“And I think that we can work together and let’s say that less import, more export for the Philippines. And I think that we can work together,” he added.
Marcos said he was glad that Cohen raised Israel’s plan, as he expressed admiration for its advancement in agriculture.
He added that agricultural development is “very important” for the Philippines,
“Because when we look at the economy as hard to just test, we said how do we fix the economy. It always comes down to agriculture first, how to fix every policy, then everything else would be great. So that’s the position that we find ourselves in,” he said. “So, the offers that you make for assistance and partnership in those two areas are very, very welcome.”
Cohen said the Philippines and Israel can also collaborate on water management, noting Tel Aviv’s vast experience in this sector.
He said Israeli experts may visit the Philippines to provide advice, noting that Israel has been reusing a large portion of its water resources because of water scarcity and it can share its experience in water management with the Philippines.
Marcos said the Philippines is looking at Israel and Singapore for best practices that the country can imitate.
The establishment of direct Israel-Philippines flights will enable more Filipinos to visit the Holy Land while potential more Israelis will visit more conveniently and boost not only Philippine tourism but also engage in business and investments. For those of you who want to visit Israel to deepen your faith in the Lord, read my Israel 2023 feature articles by clicking here, here, here, here, here and here.
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed by all. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
Author Carlo Carrasco 