Category Archives: Inspirational

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008: Elijah’s Showdown on Mt Carmel

Elijah Statue on Mt Carmel

It’s one of the greatest showdowns in history.

Elijah and the prophets of Baal faceoff in a battle for a demonstration of the power of the true God! Guess who wins?

You may have heard this story hundreds of times. Yet, Hans brings insights from the original Hebrew that may just surprise you.

In today’s podcast, we are standing on the viewpoint of the Mahraqa Monastery on Mt Carmel, Israel. The view of the Jezreel Valley below is stunning. Yet, the story we are about to hear is far greater.

(See photos of the monastery and Mt Carmel at the end of this post. You can also download the free packing list promised in this week’s episode)

Click below to play the Podcast (even better – subscribe in iTunes, Google Play or your favourite podcast player) 

Subscribe to our Podcast in iTunes

In this Episode, You’ll Discover:

  • How the Hebrew interpretation of what the people shouted is more illuminating
  • Elijah didn’t build the altar, he healed it.
  • What the ‘healing’ of the altar means for us today.
  • Our free giveaway: A packing list (see below)!
  • Some photos below from Mt Carmel

Let Us Know What You Think:

We’d love to hear from you so we can serve you better. Please send us an email to let us know what you think. Email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com.

‘Like’ Our FaceBook Page:

You’ll be inspired by beautiful photos of the Lands of the Bible, breaking news, stories of faith, and updates.

 

 

 

Photos from Mt Carmel (Photos from Arlen Salte and Adobe Stock):

Muhraqa monastery on Mount Carmel

The view of the Jezreel Valley from Mt Carmel

 

Panorama of the Jezreel Valley from Mt. Carmel

Your free Packing Checklist

Your free packing list for your Spiritual Journey to the Lands of the Bible:

Don’t forget to pack everything. This checklist can help. Just print it off well before your trip and check things off as you pack them. There is also space to add your own items.

To download the packing checklist, click here.

 

Our Next Tour Hans, Arlen & Elsa are leading:

In this Episode, we mentioned one tour: Break Forth Israel & Jordan NEXT Level 2018. This amazing spiritual journey of a lifetime will sell out. You can get your free brochure and learn more here.

 

 

 

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007: Podcast Episode: Our Victory over Fear: On Site at Caesarea Philippi.

Ancient temple of Pan (Caesarea Philippi – Banias)

Fear can be crippling. Yet, Jesus came to set us free from the crippling impact of fear.

In today’s podcast, we travel to Caesarea Philippi in Northern Israel, to hear one of the most important lessons that Jesus taught His disciples. To get away from the growing press of the crowds, Jesus brings his disciples to a quieter place to share one of the most important messages with them that he would ever teach.

Today’s Episode of the Break Forth Journeys Podcast is based on Matthew 16:13 – 20 (NIV).

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”  Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.  And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”  Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.”

In today’s episode, our group is standing at the base of the Cave of Pan, a location of one of the darkest heathen worship centres in Jesus’ day. (See photos at the end of this post)

Click below to play the Podcast (even better – subscribe in iTunes, Google Play or your favourite podcast player) 

Subscribe to our Podcast in iTunes

In this Episode, You’ll Discover:

  • Why the Temple and Cave of Pan would be the ideal place for Jesus to give this lesson
  • Jesus bold proclamation of victory for the church.
  • Why this is a Turning Point for Simon Peter and the disciples.
  • Learn a little Hebrew and Aramaic.
  • Our third tour tip: What clothes do you wear for your trip!
  • Some photos below from Caesarea Philippi 

Let Us Know What You Think:

We’d love to hear from you so we can serve you better. Please send us an email to let us know what you think. Email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com.

‘Like’ Our FaceBook Page:

You’ll be inspired by beautiful photos of the Lands of the Bible, breaking news, stories of faith, and updates.

 

 

 

Photos from Caesarea Philippi (personal photos from Arlen Salte, Linnea Salte, Lisa Forseth and Adobe Stock):

Water flowing from Caesarea Philippi into the Jordan River

Ancient remains of Agrippa palace in Caesarea Philippi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entrance to the Temple to Pan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remnants of the Temple

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jared and Bethany Salte leading victorious worship below the Cave of Pan

Jared and Bethany Salte leading victorious worship below the Cave of Pan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worshipping without fear below the Cave of Pan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Next Tour Hans, Arlen & Elsa are leading:

In this Episode, we mentioned one tour: Break Forth Israel & Jordan NEXT Level 2018. This amazing spiritual journey of a lifetime will sell out. You can get your free brochure and learn more here.

 

 

 

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Walk the Walls of Jerusalem with us. A Video for You!

A few months ago we had an opportunity to walk the ramparts on the walls of Jerusalem.

The Walls of Jerusalem

This was a profoundly moving time as we prayed for each quarter of Jerusalem (Jewish, Muslim, Armenian, Christian).

In 2018, Israel will celebrate 70th anniversary of the Founding of the State of Israel. We’ll walk the walls again.

Would you like to join us?

What an amazing time to visit Jerusalem and to pray! We’ll do just that during Break Forth Israel & Jordan NEXT Level 2018.

Elsa taking a break along the walk. We won’t rush you.

Please take a look below at a short video we shot while walking the walls just 4 months ago.

If you’re not signed up yet, we’d love to invite you, your friends, your church and your family to join us on this most historic year.

For your free brochure, just email us here.

In Christ,
Arlen, Elsa & Hans

PS – The tour is almost sold out, even though it’s 7 months from now.

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006: Podcast: Visiting Tel Dan, where the Northern Golden Calf was worshipped

Path leading to the Golden Calf

Each one of us has been given a free will from God. We are not robots. We can choose God’s wisdom and see the blessings or we can choose our own way and face the natural consequences of this choice.

In today’s podcast, we travel back in time 3,000 years to learn lessons that Solomon and those who came after him had to learn the hard way.

Perhaps when you think of Israel you only think of desert or the Mediterranean or the rolling hills along the Galilee. But, if you head into Northern Israel, you come to the Tel Dan Nature Reserve.

Stark photo we took of the Tel Dan altar location

Here, you can walk through verdant forests with the cascading waters where the mighty Jordan River begins.  Once you walk through the forest, you come to the ancient city of Leshem and then a little further, you come to the actual location where the golden calf in northern Israel was placed. It is a stirring and sobering experience.

That’s where this episode takes place.

Click below to play the Podcast (even better – subscribe in iTunes, Google Play or your favourite podcast player) 

Subscribe to our Podcast in iTunes

In this Episode, You’ll Discover:

  • The jealousy that fueled the building of the Northern Calf
  • Why the River Jordan is called Jordan (a quick Hebrew lesson).
  • Most people think Solomon simply prayed for wisdom. Learn the original Hebrew word that describes what Solomon really prayed for.
  • The far-reaching results of ignoring God’s wisdom.
  • Our third tour tip: The worst time to visit!  

Let Us Know What You Think:

We’d love to hear from you so we can serve you better. Please send us an email to let us know what you think. Email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com.

‘Like’ Our FaceBook Page:

You’ll be inspired by beautiful photos of the Lands of the Bible, breaking news, stories of faith, and updates.

 

 

 

Our Next Tour Hans, Arlen & Elsa are leading:

In this Episode, we mentioned one tour: Break Forth Israel & Jordan NEXT Level 2018. This amazing spiritual journey of a lifetime will sell out. You can get your free brochure and learn more here.

 

 

 

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005: Paul’s Waiting Period in Prison in Caesarea Maritima

Have you ever struggled while you wait for God’s answer to your situation? Be comforted and strengthened today in this episode of the Break Forth Journeys Podcast. You’ll identify with the Apostle Paul as he went through his own waiting period.

Today’s episode takes place on one of our tours in Caesarea By The Sea (Caesarea Maritima), as we stand close to the spot where it is believed that the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. You’ll hear the fury of the wind and the crashing of the waves as Hans shares about God’s grace under pressure. Well, listen on in as Hans shares a word for you today:

Subscribe to our Podcast in iTunes

Would you like us to pray for you?

We’d love to pray for you or to hear how we can serve you better. Please send us an email to let us know what you think. Email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com.

‘Like’ Our FaceBook Page:

You’ll be inspired by beautiful photos of the Lands of the Bible, breaking news, stories of faith, and updates.

 

 

 

The Link We Mentioned In This Episode:

Do you want to be better prepared for the delicious Israeli street food? Here is a great link. Just click here.

Photos from Caesarea Maritima:

When Arlen and Elsa were at Caesarea Maritima last time, they went camera crazy as this is such an astounding spot. Check out some of the photos below:

 

 

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A Heart-Warming Word from an Orthodox Rabbi

Let’s all admit it. We’re all tired of everyone ‘yelling’ at each other, whether it’s on Social Media, on the nightly news or in face to face violent protests.

Isn’t it time we listened to each other?

Watch this 2-minute, heart-warming video from our good friend, Moshe (Moses) who runs the Biblical Shop in the Old City of Jerusalem.

We think you’ll be encouraged:

Why don’t you join us in 2018 during Break Forth Israel & Jordan Next Level? We’ll get a chance to share with Moshe heart to heart when we’re in Jerusalem. We’re almost sold out. For your free brochure and all the details, please email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com

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A Powerful Prayer from Congresswoman Michele Bachmann at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast

As Founders of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, we prepared for a pithy keynote message from Congresswoman and former USA Presidential Candidate, Michele Bachmann.

But, unexpectedly, God led her to change her plans and our plans as well.

What happening instead was powerful. She prayed. We prayed.

As you watch Michele Bachman’s stirring video below from the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, we encourage you to pray along.

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Why Travel May Be the Secret to a Longer Life

Just ask this 86-year-old who has been to over 87 countries—and shows no signs of stopping.

When 86-year-old June Scott is asked where she’s based, she responds: “This morning or in travel?”

Considering she’s visited all seven continents and over 87 countries, it’s a fair question. The Oak Brook, Illinois-based traveler just returned home from Palestine and Israel; before that, she was in Cuba; and in December, she slept in a pop-up tent in the world’s largest sand desert, the Arabian Peninsula’s Empty Quarter—often considered one of the least explored places on Earth. Last August? She and her family hiked sand dunes over 900 feet high, flew over the Skeleton Coast in a tiny plane, and kayaked with seals in Namibia.

Read more here

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Can’t Miss Video from the Historic Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast

Arlen & Elsa Leading in Prayer

It was historic. It was miraculous.

As Founders of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, we were overwhelmed with the miraculous response. Sixty nations were represented as we came together in June for several days at the first Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast and conference. Incredibly, this Christian gathering was supported by the Knesset (Government of Israel) and Israel’s President.

During the Prayer Breakfast day, we were hit with the reality that it was 50 years to the day since the Six-Day War.  Remembering this, the former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren stepped to the stage and presented the stirring message below.

The video may be the most inspiring 11 minutes of your day.

Will you watch it? Will you join us in prayer for Israel?

In Christ,
Arlen & Elsa Salte, Hans Weichbrodt
Founders: Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast
Break Forth Journeys

PS – Do you want to join us in May 2018 for Break Forth Israel & Jordan Next Level? Please ask for your free brochure by emailing us at journeys@breakforthministries.com.

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Be Still And Know That I Am God

I miss the stars. Of course, they haven’t gone away. But, the world has changed and I’ve gone away.

Please let me explain.

I remember staring up at the splendor of the stars when I was a child. There were few street lights where I lived in my little town. There was even less light when I spent time at our relative’s farms.

I loved finding the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, Orion and Taurus. But, those days are almost gone for me.

Now, there are so many street lights where we live that it’s hard to see the stars at night.

But, they’re not the big culprit. I am.

I usually keep myself so busy that I don’t take the time to experience the quiet “wow” of staring into the sky at night and seeing God’s glorious creation.

That’s one reason why I love the desert at night. I’ll never forget a few months ago when Elsa and I were in the desert in the Middle East. All the lights were turned off, we lay on the ground and we stared up into the majesty of the skies. We didn’t talk. Our heartbeats slowed. Our “to do list” took a break.

As I stared up at the majesty of the stars, I was struck with the reality of God’s immeasurable power.

Power to heal. Power to save. Power to care.

I pondered some immense obstacles that I was facing.

In the power of that moment, staring up at the star-splashed skies, I remembered anew, “The God who holds these stars and planets in their order is the God who not only cares for me but also is unlimited in His ability to deal with my miniscule challenges.”

I think the writers of the scriptures had a better understanding of this than we do. Every night, unburdened by blinding street lights, they stared into the skies and wondered:

“I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,
    your handmade sky-jewelry,
Moon and stars mounted in their settings.
    Then I look at my micro-self and wonder,
Why do you bother with us?
    Why take a second look our way?” – Psalm 8:4 MSG

I also wonder if many of our favourite scriptures were written in the stillness of the desert, amid awe, wonder and stillness:

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”  – Isaiah 40:31

So, when I’m in the desert, especially in the Lands of the Bible, my heart stills and I hear once again, “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

The truth is: It’s not that God doesn’t speak. It’s that we seldom take the time to quiet our hearts to listen.

May we all be encouraged to have our “desert time” each day and to quietly wait to hear the gentle whispers of God.

 

 

 

PS – One of the highlights of our Break Forth Israel & Jordan NEXT Level 2018 tour will be spending a night in the desert in Wadi Rum. We’ll be ‘glamping’ with luxurious accommodations where each ‘tent’ has private washrooms, hot showers, Egyptian cotton bedding and maid service. But, even more important: We will take the time at night to get away by ourselves, look up at the immense star-studded sky, experience the wondrous
overwhelm of  God’s power and then listen to His gentle whispers of loving care.  

Would you like to experience that star-studding evening in Wadi Rum and all Break Forth Israel & Jordan Next Level has to offer? To ask for your free brochure, just click here.