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Pilgrimage: My Journey to a Deeper Faith in the Land Where Jesus Walked
We all encounter times when our spirit feels dry, when doubt looms.
The opportunity to tour Israel came at a good time. For months, my life has been a mindless plodding through necessary routine, as monotonous as an all-night shift on an assembly line. Life gets that way sometimes, when nothing specific is wrong but the world around us seems drained of color. Even my weekly worship experiences and daily quiet times with God have felt as dry and stale as last year's crackers. I'm ashamed to confess the malaise I've felt. I have been given so much. Shouldn't a Christian's life be an abundant one, as exciting as Christmas morning, as joyful as Easter Sunday?
With gripping honesty, Lynn Austin pens her struggles with spiritual dryness in a season of loss and unwanted change. Tracing her travels throughout Israel, Austin seamlessly weaves events and insights from the Word . . . and in doing so finds a renewed passion for prayer and encouragement for her spirit, now full of life and hope.
The opportunity to tour Israel came at a good time. For months, my life has been a mindless plodding through necessary routine, as monotonous as an all-night shift on an assembly line. Life gets that way sometimes, when nothing specific is wrong but the world around us seems drained of color. Even my weekly worship experiences and daily quiet times with God have felt as dry and stale as last year's crackers. I'm ashamed to confess the malaise I've felt. I have been given so much. Shouldn't a Christian's life be an abundant one, as exciting as Christmas morning, as joyful as Easter Sunday?
With gripping honesty, Lynn Austin pens her struggles with spiritual dryness in a season of loss and unwanted change. Tracing her travels throughout Israel, Austin seamlessly weaves events and insights from the Word . . . and in doing so finds a renewed passion for prayer and encouragement for her spirit, now full of life and hope.
238 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
157 people are currently reading
1233 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Austin
69 books5,607 followersFor many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
October 19, 2013
This is an excellent book about the author's recent visit to Israel.
Lynn Austin is one of my favourite fiction authors and this is her first non-fiction work. Facing pressure and sadness from the home front, she and her husband embarked on a tour of Israel. It's impossible to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and other heroes of faith without getting an attitude overhaul and fresh perspective. I knew I was in for a treat from the start, when they arrived at Ben Gurion Airport.
In the Desert of Zin, she developed a greater understanding for the children of Israel, who we're often so quick to denounce as thankless grumblers. As they explored the craggy caves where David hid from Saul, she got me thinking about waiting patiently for promises. Hiking up the steep road to Jerusalem, she realised how fit Jesus, his disciples and all the pilgrims must have been. She walked through King Hezekiah's ancient aqueduct, the desperate engineering feat which impressed everyone except God. At the seaport of Joppa, she thought about Jonah's and Peter's unique experiences there, and what they show us about making a complete turn-around in our lives. She witnessed a sudden violent storm over the Sea of Galilee, showing her firsthand how brave Peter's attempt at walking on water really was. This is just scratching the surface of all the places Lynn and her husband visited in the Holy Land.
The descriptions were vivid and beautiful. I'm glad Lynn Austin didn't keep her experiences and reflections to herself. This book is as much of a virtual tour of Israel as anything we're likely to get.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Bethany House in return for an honest review.
Lynn Austin is one of my favourite fiction authors and this is her first non-fiction work. Facing pressure and sadness from the home front, she and her husband embarked on a tour of Israel. It's impossible to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and other heroes of faith without getting an attitude overhaul and fresh perspective. I knew I was in for a treat from the start, when they arrived at Ben Gurion Airport.
In the Desert of Zin, she developed a greater understanding for the children of Israel, who we're often so quick to denounce as thankless grumblers. As they explored the craggy caves where David hid from Saul, she got me thinking about waiting patiently for promises. Hiking up the steep road to Jerusalem, she realised how fit Jesus, his disciples and all the pilgrims must have been. She walked through King Hezekiah's ancient aqueduct, the desperate engineering feat which impressed everyone except God. At the seaport of Joppa, she thought about Jonah's and Peter's unique experiences there, and what they show us about making a complete turn-around in our lives. She witnessed a sudden violent storm over the Sea of Galilee, showing her firsthand how brave Peter's attempt at walking on water really was. This is just scratching the surface of all the places Lynn and her husband visited in the Holy Land.
The descriptions were vivid and beautiful. I'm glad Lynn Austin didn't keep her experiences and reflections to herself. This book is as much of a virtual tour of Israel as anything we're likely to get.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Bethany House in return for an honest review.
December 29, 2021
I started this book a few years ago; I got half way through and then I got distracted and stopped reading it. I picked it up again a few days ago to try and finish and I don't know why I ever stopped reading it.
This is a memoir of the author's visit to the Holy Land, and reflections that she made while she was there. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it if you are in the mood for something along those lines.
This is a memoir of the author's visit to the Holy Land, and reflections that she made while she was there. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it if you are in the mood for something along those lines.
January 13, 2015
I took this memoir to Israel with me and Lynn's insights enhanced and already amazing journey.
October 14, 2023
I have read this book several times since my own Pilgrimage to Israel 15 years ago.
It is such a beautiful experience and picture of the Land where Jesus lived and still moving in today.
I wanted to re read it, as it’s been 15 years this October since I travelled to Israel. I started reading before everything happened over there, that prompt to read this was not a coincidence. Praying for Israel now and forever 🇮🇱
It is such a beautiful experience and picture of the Land where Jesus lived and still moving in today.
I wanted to re read it, as it’s been 15 years this October since I travelled to Israel. I started reading before everything happened over there, that prompt to read this was not a coincidence. Praying for Israel now and forever 🇮🇱
March 21, 2025
Oh my goodness! So much I learned about Israel.... and as I've never been there, I wasn't able to visualize the area. Lynn tells of her trip to Israel, and also share her heart about a certain time in her life that was difficult. The area came alive in my mind, and will definitly help when I'm reading scripture. This is a must read, especially if you can't go to Israel yourself.
Linda
Linda
January 9, 2021
This book is a tour of the Holy Land with the author Lynn Austin, but it is much more. It is a devotional book, tying her experiences on the tour with scripture and what was going on in her own life. Although it was published in 2013, it was especially apropos to 2020 and the way our world has changed and the challenges we face. God is uprooting us from our comfortable small pots and transplanting us in a different world where fulfilling the great commission presents distinct challenges for all of us. How can we reach out while being locked in? What is the relationship between the demands of our society and our desire to serve God? I thoroughly enjoyed every page and bought copies for friends for Christmas. I spent a long time reading this book, sometimes reading a few pages until I came to a spot to process and think about before moving on.
September 15, 2023
Aanrader! Met haar bekende prachtige schrijfstijl heeft Lynn Austin hier een persoonlijke parel geschreven. Haar persoonlijke reis door Israël, gekoppeld aan Bijbelverhalen. Ik heb genoten van elke bladzijde.
May 12, 2025
I really enjoy Lynn Austin’s Christian based historical fiction books. Having been to Israel, I was curious to read what she had to say. I did enjoy the chapter about keeping the Sabbath day holy and her visit to Masada. Other than that, this book kept putting me to sleep.
August 26, 2020
I really like Lynn Austin's historical religious fiction, but this book was different. It was her personal testimony of Jesus Christ and the lessons she learned from a trip to Israel during a unique time of change in her life. Her insights were personal and profound. It made me want to study more deeply and think about personal takeaways from the same Biblical stories and the life of Jesus Christ. There is much we can learn from the scriptures as we truly seek to know and understand Him better.
I'm grateful for the opportunity I had several years ago to visit Israel briefly. There is something special about being able to see some of the places where Jesus walked and talked. His life and ministry changed the world and being in those places helps you internalize some of His messages. Austin talks about what it's like to travel UP to Jerusalem and "wander" in the hot desert for many hours. She describes many of the locations where Jesus spent the last week of his life. She talks about the Sabbath in Jerusalem. It is a unique and special experience to observe and so much to learn from these faithful and devoted people. These experience help put the lessons of the Bible into context and make them more personal.
We each have a journey to make to get closer to God. I loved learning from her personal insights. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"The journey has been a parody of my life recently: rushing, waiting, wandering, feeling lost and losing sleep, wondering if I'm getting anywhere... The opportunity to tour Israel came at a good time. For months, my life has been a mindless plodding through necessary routine... Life gets that way sometimes, when nothing specific is wrong but the world around us seems drained of color. Even my weekly worship experiences and daily quiet times with God have felt dry and stale (p. 10)."
"My imagination is the problem...especially when it collides with God's plan for my life (p. 11)."
"God has taught me some important lessons after I made up my mind to dig in and search for Him with all my heart (p. 13)."
"God commanded the Israelites to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem three times a year for the three annual religious festivals of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (p. 14)."
"Worship helps us recognize our need for God... They left behind their routine lives to celebrate God's goodness and renew their faith so they could return home refreshed and reconnected with the God who walked with them every day (p. 15)."
"'O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1, p. 19).'"
"After two hours of vigorous hiking with no end in sight, I have a newfound empathy for the Israelites, condemned by their unbelief to wander for forty years in this wilderness (p. 20)."
"When God wants to shake us free from our old habits and lead us into a new walk with Him, He sometimes begins with a desert journey... The truth is, I really don't want to walk by faith. Do any of us? I prefer comfort and safety, a well-stocked pantry and an abundant water supply, a map that shows exactly where I'm going and how long it will take to get there--and I would like to choose the destination myself--thank you. But who needs God if I have all those things? Israel's downfall didn't come when they were homeless wanderers in the desert, but when they lived in cities where they were self-sufficient and well fed... God must have known that I needed this walk beneath the relentless sun, through this dry, empty wasteland to remind me of my need for Him (p. 21)."
"The wilderness has given me a sense of my own frailty and of my need for God (p. 23)."
"I need to accept help and then offer help in return... Maybe together, praying for each other, bearing one another's burdens, the journey will be lighter for all of us (p. 27)."
"Like the nation of Israel, I need to stay continually watchful, prepared with the whole armor of God if I want to combat the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil (p. 31)."
"Nothing can defeat God's plans (p. 37)."
"We serve a promise-keeping God, a God of miracles. My vigorous attempts to save myself...will never succeed (p. 37)."
"I don't need the world's cisterns. Just as God provided water in the wilderness to quench His people's thirst, He will quench my spiritual dehydration if I pay attention to my symptoms and recognize my need... I can go to the true Source... that would require spending time with God... getting to know Him, communing with Him, praising Him (p. 41)."
"Discovering an oasis in the wilderness shouldn't surprise me. Again and again in Scriptures and in life, I have seen God faithfully provide a time and place of refreshment for His weary children (p. 47)."
"Waiting is always harder than doing something (p. 49)."
"When we truly trust God, we're able to extend His grace, even to people...who don't deserve it. Vengeance belongs to God (p. 51)."
"When we take the time to seek God's wisdom for our dilemmas, He enables us to see things His way and wait for His perfect timing (p. 53)."
"I take time to pray as I descend, asking God to help me be content where I am, with the provisions and the companions He has given me. Content to wait for the promises yet to come, even if I seem to be waiting in a barren place (p. 54)."
"'Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go (Joshua 1:7, p. 55).'"
"I'm standing at a new Jordan River in my walk with God, on the shores of new changes in my life (p. 58)."
"I've decided to travel through Israel with two maps. One is the modern nation with its neighbors and highways, cities and landmarks. The second is a map of the region in ancient times, showing enemy nations such as Moab, Edom, and the Philistines. Studying these two maps is very sobering. Israel seems so small compared to the rest of the world (p. 59)."
"Spiritual growth and vibrant faith in God don't happen in isolation, but under pressure. Without the danger of threats from Pharaoh, we never would have to decide if we're going to trust in our own chariots and horses, or in God. Maybe we can see more clearly what we believe and who we are when we're able to contrast our faith to other nations who don't know God... Our faith often grows stronger when we have to defend our beliefs (p. 60)."
"I waged a constant struggle to separate Christianity from culture (p. 62)."
"The central reason for choosing to follow Christ in my daily life should be my deep love for God (p. 64)."
"God has graciously provided us with a road map--His holy Word (p. 65)."
"Going up to Jerusalem requires stamina... It's much easier to stay home and forget the long journey (p. 65)."
"It's important that we keep moving toward God, climbing and sacrificing and remembering (p. 68)."
"Discipleship is a journey (p. 69)."
"Jesus broke the rules quite often, healing diseases on the Sabbath...to deliberately show that a close, living relationship with God should serve as our guide, not rules (p. 74)."
"'Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end (p. 78).'"
"Man-made walls can be toppled by man-made means, but God's rock of protection cannot be moved... So often, I'm tempted to build my own fortresses and rely on my own provisions for security... When I place my trust only in things that I can see with my eyes and touch with my hands, that's idolatry... Each time I testify to God's faithfulness in my own life, it becomes a building block in my wall of faith (p. 84)."
"Whatever suffering we may endure, whatever the reason for the disasters we may witness, one thing is certain: our loving God remains sovereign over all of it (p. 101)."
"'God will provide the lamb for the burnt offering (p. 104).'"
"I know I can pray anytime, anywhere, but there is a sense of accumulated faith here [at the Western Wall], as if the prayers of countless millions of worshipers throughout the centuries still linger in the air (p. 115)."
"The Jewish way of studying the Bible is very different from ours... Many Christians seem afraid to ask the hard questions, afraid of sounding like a heretic (p. 121)."
"In Jewish teaching, questions are the essence of the way young people learn... be brave enough to ask the tough questions (p. 122)."
"Keep digging, keep asking, tearing the Bible apart line by line, knowing that God will show us the answer if we search with all our heart (p. 124)."
"We need to be vulnerable and honest with each other--and with Him. He knows all of our warts anyway, so why not bring them into the light and let Him wash us clean (p. 135)?"
"Disciples are supposed to watch the Master and imitate His actions, not merely parrot His words (p. 135)."
"We are to serve one another--and that means swallowing my pride and self-sufficiency and allowing my church family to see my hurts and doubts and fears (p. 139)."
"God, like this gardener, knows what He is doing... The stripping away that God does in our lives only looks harsh to our untrained eyes. He asks us to bear it patiently, for our own good, trusting that abundant fruit will follow to His glory. May our prayer be, 'Not my will, but yours be done (p. 143).'"
"The word repent means to do a complete reversal, turning our back on our sins, taking a brand-new road, walking in an entirely new direction (p. 160)."
"I take a photograph of the Mediterranean Sea to hang over my desk back home, reminding me that Joppa is a place of decision, a place where God demonstrates His great love for all mankind (p. 169)."
"If I'm living in obedience to the Word of God, then all of the floods and storms of life... will be unable to shake me (p. 173)."
"Will I continue to trust that God's plan for me will be fulfilled even though I have to wait for it like Abraham did, like Joseph did--and then wait some more (p. 176)?"
"Scattered against their will, the early Christians brought the teachings of Jesus to the entire to world. They became salt, scattered freely, and light, shining abundantly, everywhere they went (p. 183)."
"This is God's usual way of doing things. His template is change, not settling down (p. 184)."
"Christians are difficult to spot in our culture, blending in so well that we're indistinguishable from typical Americans (p. 186)."
"Jesus traveled through the region... to minister God's love and grace. People were important to Him, so important that He would stop His travel plans to speak with them and heal them. So maybe I should ask myself this question: Is the love of Christ evident in my life, or am I indistinguishable from the rest of the crowd (p. 187)?"
"We might have to walk through fearful places. And we may make some unwise choices on our journey... But with Christ as our guide, at least we will see where we're going instead of wandering around lost (p. 191)."
"I've always believed that Peter became the leader of the disciples because of what he'd experienced during that midnight storm. From that night on, he knew that if he stepped out of his comfort zone at the Lord's call, he could do the impossible. He could walk on water. It was a lesson that the other eleven disciples, remaining safely in the boat, hadn't learned (p. 201)."
"The Hebrew word for Sabbath--Shabbat--means stop. And when the sun sets today at 4:47 pm, all work will cease whether it's finished or not. The public buses will all return to the station and cease running. In homes and apartments all over Jerusalem, people will turn off their televisions and computers and cell phones, they'll stop checking their email and text messages... They know how to keep the Sabbath (p. 217)."
"The Jewish people rest out of obedience, as a way to love God with all their heart and soul and mind and strength (p. 221)."
"Moments of rest give music its rhythm--and so it is with Sabbath rest (p. 222)."
"I am overwhelmed by the goodness and love of God in bringing me here today and speaking to my heart in such a powerful way (p. 226)."
"Meeting with God is more like an appointment at the vision center to get my glasses adjusted--and maybe finding out that I need a new prescription altogether (p. 227)."
"True worship means setting my gaze on God and the beauty of His holiness, not on myself and my needs as if God were a heavenly vending machine, dispensing answers to my prayers (p. 228)."
"'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1, p. 231).'"
"We can't always see the details of all the plans for the finished building. But we can bend to the task that He gives us each day, knowing that our day-to-day work matters... trusting in the Master's plan (p. 233)."
I'm grateful for the opportunity I had several years ago to visit Israel briefly. There is something special about being able to see some of the places where Jesus walked and talked. His life and ministry changed the world and being in those places helps you internalize some of His messages. Austin talks about what it's like to travel UP to Jerusalem and "wander" in the hot desert for many hours. She describes many of the locations where Jesus spent the last week of his life. She talks about the Sabbath in Jerusalem. It is a unique and special experience to observe and so much to learn from these faithful and devoted people. These experience help put the lessons of the Bible into context and make them more personal.
We each have a journey to make to get closer to God. I loved learning from her personal insights. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"The journey has been a parody of my life recently: rushing, waiting, wandering, feeling lost and losing sleep, wondering if I'm getting anywhere... The opportunity to tour Israel came at a good time. For months, my life has been a mindless plodding through necessary routine... Life gets that way sometimes, when nothing specific is wrong but the world around us seems drained of color. Even my weekly worship experiences and daily quiet times with God have felt dry and stale (p. 10)."
"My imagination is the problem...especially when it collides with God's plan for my life (p. 11)."
"God has taught me some important lessons after I made up my mind to dig in and search for Him with all my heart (p. 13)."
"God commanded the Israelites to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem three times a year for the three annual religious festivals of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (p. 14)."
"Worship helps us recognize our need for God... They left behind their routine lives to celebrate God's goodness and renew their faith so they could return home refreshed and reconnected with the God who walked with them every day (p. 15)."
"'O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1, p. 19).'"
"After two hours of vigorous hiking with no end in sight, I have a newfound empathy for the Israelites, condemned by their unbelief to wander for forty years in this wilderness (p. 20)."
"When God wants to shake us free from our old habits and lead us into a new walk with Him, He sometimes begins with a desert journey... The truth is, I really don't want to walk by faith. Do any of us? I prefer comfort and safety, a well-stocked pantry and an abundant water supply, a map that shows exactly where I'm going and how long it will take to get there--and I would like to choose the destination myself--thank you. But who needs God if I have all those things? Israel's downfall didn't come when they were homeless wanderers in the desert, but when they lived in cities where they were self-sufficient and well fed... God must have known that I needed this walk beneath the relentless sun, through this dry, empty wasteland to remind me of my need for Him (p. 21)."
"The wilderness has given me a sense of my own frailty and of my need for God (p. 23)."
"I need to accept help and then offer help in return... Maybe together, praying for each other, bearing one another's burdens, the journey will be lighter for all of us (p. 27)."
"Like the nation of Israel, I need to stay continually watchful, prepared with the whole armor of God if I want to combat the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil (p. 31)."
"Nothing can defeat God's plans (p. 37)."
"We serve a promise-keeping God, a God of miracles. My vigorous attempts to save myself...will never succeed (p. 37)."
"I don't need the world's cisterns. Just as God provided water in the wilderness to quench His people's thirst, He will quench my spiritual dehydration if I pay attention to my symptoms and recognize my need... I can go to the true Source... that would require spending time with God... getting to know Him, communing with Him, praising Him (p. 41)."
"Discovering an oasis in the wilderness shouldn't surprise me. Again and again in Scriptures and in life, I have seen God faithfully provide a time and place of refreshment for His weary children (p. 47)."
"Waiting is always harder than doing something (p. 49)."
"When we truly trust God, we're able to extend His grace, even to people...who don't deserve it. Vengeance belongs to God (p. 51)."
"When we take the time to seek God's wisdom for our dilemmas, He enables us to see things His way and wait for His perfect timing (p. 53)."
"I take time to pray as I descend, asking God to help me be content where I am, with the provisions and the companions He has given me. Content to wait for the promises yet to come, even if I seem to be waiting in a barren place (p. 54)."
"'Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go (Joshua 1:7, p. 55).'"
"I'm standing at a new Jordan River in my walk with God, on the shores of new changes in my life (p. 58)."
"I've decided to travel through Israel with two maps. One is the modern nation with its neighbors and highways, cities and landmarks. The second is a map of the region in ancient times, showing enemy nations such as Moab, Edom, and the Philistines. Studying these two maps is very sobering. Israel seems so small compared to the rest of the world (p. 59)."
"Spiritual growth and vibrant faith in God don't happen in isolation, but under pressure. Without the danger of threats from Pharaoh, we never would have to decide if we're going to trust in our own chariots and horses, or in God. Maybe we can see more clearly what we believe and who we are when we're able to contrast our faith to other nations who don't know God... Our faith often grows stronger when we have to defend our beliefs (p. 60)."
"I waged a constant struggle to separate Christianity from culture (p. 62)."
"The central reason for choosing to follow Christ in my daily life should be my deep love for God (p. 64)."
"God has graciously provided us with a road map--His holy Word (p. 65)."
"Going up to Jerusalem requires stamina... It's much easier to stay home and forget the long journey (p. 65)."
"It's important that we keep moving toward God, climbing and sacrificing and remembering (p. 68)."
"Discipleship is a journey (p. 69)."
"Jesus broke the rules quite often, healing diseases on the Sabbath...to deliberately show that a close, living relationship with God should serve as our guide, not rules (p. 74)."
"'Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end (p. 78).'"
"Man-made walls can be toppled by man-made means, but God's rock of protection cannot be moved... So often, I'm tempted to build my own fortresses and rely on my own provisions for security... When I place my trust only in things that I can see with my eyes and touch with my hands, that's idolatry... Each time I testify to God's faithfulness in my own life, it becomes a building block in my wall of faith (p. 84)."
"Whatever suffering we may endure, whatever the reason for the disasters we may witness, one thing is certain: our loving God remains sovereign over all of it (p. 101)."
"'God will provide the lamb for the burnt offering (p. 104).'"
"I know I can pray anytime, anywhere, but there is a sense of accumulated faith here [at the Western Wall], as if the prayers of countless millions of worshipers throughout the centuries still linger in the air (p. 115)."
"The Jewish way of studying the Bible is very different from ours... Many Christians seem afraid to ask the hard questions, afraid of sounding like a heretic (p. 121)."
"In Jewish teaching, questions are the essence of the way young people learn... be brave enough to ask the tough questions (p. 122)."
"Keep digging, keep asking, tearing the Bible apart line by line, knowing that God will show us the answer if we search with all our heart (p. 124)."
"We need to be vulnerable and honest with each other--and with Him. He knows all of our warts anyway, so why not bring them into the light and let Him wash us clean (p. 135)?"
"Disciples are supposed to watch the Master and imitate His actions, not merely parrot His words (p. 135)."
"We are to serve one another--and that means swallowing my pride and self-sufficiency and allowing my church family to see my hurts and doubts and fears (p. 139)."
"God, like this gardener, knows what He is doing... The stripping away that God does in our lives only looks harsh to our untrained eyes. He asks us to bear it patiently, for our own good, trusting that abundant fruit will follow to His glory. May our prayer be, 'Not my will, but yours be done (p. 143).'"
"The word repent means to do a complete reversal, turning our back on our sins, taking a brand-new road, walking in an entirely new direction (p. 160)."
"I take a photograph of the Mediterranean Sea to hang over my desk back home, reminding me that Joppa is a place of decision, a place where God demonstrates His great love for all mankind (p. 169)."
"If I'm living in obedience to the Word of God, then all of the floods and storms of life... will be unable to shake me (p. 173)."
"Will I continue to trust that God's plan for me will be fulfilled even though I have to wait for it like Abraham did, like Joseph did--and then wait some more (p. 176)?"
"Scattered against their will, the early Christians brought the teachings of Jesus to the entire to world. They became salt, scattered freely, and light, shining abundantly, everywhere they went (p. 183)."
"This is God's usual way of doing things. His template is change, not settling down (p. 184)."
"Christians are difficult to spot in our culture, blending in so well that we're indistinguishable from typical Americans (p. 186)."
"Jesus traveled through the region... to minister God's love and grace. People were important to Him, so important that He would stop His travel plans to speak with them and heal them. So maybe I should ask myself this question: Is the love of Christ evident in my life, or am I indistinguishable from the rest of the crowd (p. 187)?"
"We might have to walk through fearful places. And we may make some unwise choices on our journey... But with Christ as our guide, at least we will see where we're going instead of wandering around lost (p. 191)."
"I've always believed that Peter became the leader of the disciples because of what he'd experienced during that midnight storm. From that night on, he knew that if he stepped out of his comfort zone at the Lord's call, he could do the impossible. He could walk on water. It was a lesson that the other eleven disciples, remaining safely in the boat, hadn't learned (p. 201)."
"The Hebrew word for Sabbath--Shabbat--means stop. And when the sun sets today at 4:47 pm, all work will cease whether it's finished or not. The public buses will all return to the station and cease running. In homes and apartments all over Jerusalem, people will turn off their televisions and computers and cell phones, they'll stop checking their email and text messages... They know how to keep the Sabbath (p. 217)."
"The Jewish people rest out of obedience, as a way to love God with all their heart and soul and mind and strength (p. 221)."
"Moments of rest give music its rhythm--and so it is with Sabbath rest (p. 222)."
"I am overwhelmed by the goodness and love of God in bringing me here today and speaking to my heart in such a powerful way (p. 226)."
"Meeting with God is more like an appointment at the vision center to get my glasses adjusted--and maybe finding out that I need a new prescription altogether (p. 227)."
"True worship means setting my gaze on God and the beauty of His holiness, not on myself and my needs as if God were a heavenly vending machine, dispensing answers to my prayers (p. 228)."
"'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1, p. 231).'"
"We can't always see the details of all the plans for the finished building. But we can bend to the task that He gives us each day, knowing that our day-to-day work matters... trusting in the Master's plan (p. 233)."
March 14, 2021
I enjoyed touring Israel again with Lynn through this book and loved her prayers at the end of each chapter. It made me want to return again and visit some of the places she went that I missed. Visiting Israel is definitely a good way to bring you out of a dry spiritual spell!!!
January 8, 2014
When it showed up in the list of books available for review, I jumped on it. A nonfiction book by one of my favorite authors? I couldn't wait to start reading it.
Pilgrimage is subtitled: My Journey to a Deeper Faith in the Land Where Jesus Walked. I was excited to see what Ms. Austin learned while spending time in the same places Jesus lived.
The book started off a bit slow but quickly became more interesting. Austin shares a very personal experience of how God spoke to her through her Bible reading, providing her with a text that was so applicable to her current situation that it seemed as if God Himself had written it in a letter addressed to her. When trying to determine if a trip to Israel was within God's will for her life, she read the following text. "Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end" (Psalm 48, quoted on page 80).
When I read of this life experience, I felt reassured by God. When we were trying to determine if adoption is God's plan for us, God placed a text in front of me that spoke just as clearly as in Austin's prayer for direction. It was awe-inspiring to watch God work.
The book taught me a few facts that I did not know. For instance, in the chapter titled Holy Week, Austin talks about the different feasts and celebrations. She writes, "the Feast of Firstfruits is always celebrated on a Sunday, regardless of which day Passover and Unleavened Bread happen to fall. Since Passover is decided by the phases of the moon, the three feasts rarely occur on three consecutive days. But in God's perfect timing, in the year that Christ was crucified, they did. Such precision helps me trust His timing in my own life" (page 150). God's timing is always amazing!
In the chapter titled Galilee, Austin writes about the Great Commission. She writes, "we are supposed to go out into the world, not wait for the world to come to us, even if God has to turn our comfortable lives upside down to get us to do it. I'm told that in the original Greek language, the wording of Jesus' Great Commission reads: "As you are going into the world... make disciples." Jesus assumes that we will be going; His orders are to make disciples along the way" (pages 183-184). I don't know Greek, so I cannot verify her interpretation, but it's an interesting thought and one that I am still pondering.
There was one more section that really resonated with me, the chapter called Sabbath Rest. I am very honest about the fact that I am a Sabbath keeper. It's a big part of my religious beliefs and I find the Sabbath incredibly important. While in Israel, Austin also had a realization of the importance of the Sabbath. She writes:
"On the Sabbath we remember to rest on God, trusting Him for all of our practical needs such as our daily bread and for strength in our trials. The Sabbath helps us to remember to trust in God, trusting Him for our salvation, knowing that none of the work we do will ever gain us entrance into heaven. And it helps us to remember to rest for God, because when we organize our lives and our work around a special day to honor Him, He is glorified. Can you imagine what a witness we would be to a restless, exhausted world if Christians set apart the Sabbath as holy, making it different from our ordinary days?"
Amen!
I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read and review this book. Many thanks to Bethany House for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
Pilgrimage is subtitled: My Journey to a Deeper Faith in the Land Where Jesus Walked. I was excited to see what Ms. Austin learned while spending time in the same places Jesus lived.
The book started off a bit slow but quickly became more interesting. Austin shares a very personal experience of how God spoke to her through her Bible reading, providing her with a text that was so applicable to her current situation that it seemed as if God Himself had written it in a letter addressed to her. When trying to determine if a trip to Israel was within God's will for her life, she read the following text. "Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end" (Psalm 48, quoted on page 80).
When I read of this life experience, I felt reassured by God. When we were trying to determine if adoption is God's plan for us, God placed a text in front of me that spoke just as clearly as in Austin's prayer for direction. It was awe-inspiring to watch God work.
The book taught me a few facts that I did not know. For instance, in the chapter titled Holy Week, Austin talks about the different feasts and celebrations. She writes, "the Feast of Firstfruits is always celebrated on a Sunday, regardless of which day Passover and Unleavened Bread happen to fall. Since Passover is decided by the phases of the moon, the three feasts rarely occur on three consecutive days. But in God's perfect timing, in the year that Christ was crucified, they did. Such precision helps me trust His timing in my own life" (page 150). God's timing is always amazing!
In the chapter titled Galilee, Austin writes about the Great Commission. She writes, "we are supposed to go out into the world, not wait for the world to come to us, even if God has to turn our comfortable lives upside down to get us to do it. I'm told that in the original Greek language, the wording of Jesus' Great Commission reads: "As you are going into the world... make disciples." Jesus assumes that we will be going; His orders are to make disciples along the way" (pages 183-184). I don't know Greek, so I cannot verify her interpretation, but it's an interesting thought and one that I am still pondering.
There was one more section that really resonated with me, the chapter called Sabbath Rest. I am very honest about the fact that I am a Sabbath keeper. It's a big part of my religious beliefs and I find the Sabbath incredibly important. While in Israel, Austin also had a realization of the importance of the Sabbath. She writes:
"On the Sabbath we remember to rest on God, trusting Him for all of our practical needs such as our daily bread and for strength in our trials. The Sabbath helps us to remember to trust in God, trusting Him for our salvation, knowing that none of the work we do will ever gain us entrance into heaven. And it helps us to remember to rest for God, because when we organize our lives and our work around a special day to honor Him, He is glorified. Can you imagine what a witness we would be to a restless, exhausted world if Christians set apart the Sabbath as holy, making it different from our ordinary days?"
Amen!
I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read and review this book. Many thanks to Bethany House for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
August 11, 2014
Pilgrimage with the subtitle, My journey to a deeper faith in the land where Jesus walked, is an autobiographic account of Lynn Austin's trip to Israel. It provides an interesting look at many of the historical sites in this country with Lynn's personal and Biblical comments.
While this was an interesting read, I'd have to say I prefer Lynn's fictional writing. I kept getting the feeling throughout the book that Lynn was keeping something from me. Lynn admits to being an introvert and I suspect she is essentially a private person so I imagine writing the book was particularly challenging for her, though she does not express this.
Early in the book she comments that her three adult children left home within a five month period and she struggled to cope with the change that this brought. Then at regular intervals she mentions her difficulties with the changes that were happening in her life, but I was never sure if she meant her children leaving home or something else. This issue does resolve a little towards the end when she is a little more clear about the effect her children leaving home has had on her but even so, this was not entirely satisfying.
However in spite of this it was a pleasant read and very informative. I liked the way Lynn included the Biblical accounts and insights which connected to the topography of the area she was visiting.
While this was an interesting read, I'd have to say I prefer Lynn's fictional writing. I kept getting the feeling throughout the book that Lynn was keeping something from me. Lynn admits to being an introvert and I suspect she is essentially a private person so I imagine writing the book was particularly challenging for her, though she does not express this.
Early in the book she comments that her three adult children left home within a five month period and she struggled to cope with the change that this brought. Then at regular intervals she mentions her difficulties with the changes that were happening in her life, but I was never sure if she meant her children leaving home or something else. This issue does resolve a little towards the end when she is a little more clear about the effect her children leaving home has had on her but even so, this was not entirely satisfying.
However in spite of this it was a pleasant read and very informative. I liked the way Lynn included the Biblical accounts and insights which connected to the topography of the area she was visiting.
February 15, 2014
Lynn Austin brings biblical history forward as she shares her journey thru the Holy Land
I'm going to the Holy Land in a few months. after just finishing another book by Lynn Austin, I went on Amazon to see what else she may have written. I was delighted to see this book and I was not disappointed. I will read it 2 more times before my trip. the book is packed full of history, biblical insights, and Bible references. but she also brings it home to modern day. I loved this book.
I'm going to the Holy Land in a few months. after just finishing another book by Lynn Austin, I went on Amazon to see what else she may have written. I was delighted to see this book and I was not disappointed. I will read it 2 more times before my trip. the book is packed full of history, biblical insights, and Bible references. but she also brings it home to modern day. I loved this book.
January 16, 2015
This book was full of gems. I started reading it at a time when I felt like I was in a spiritual desert and it really hit the spot. I am a great fan if Lynn's biblical fiction, but this book certainly didn't disappoint me and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to draw closer to God by understanding some of their spiritual roots.
November 12, 2013
What a great book, I love everything Lynn Austin writes. This one brings to life the characters and events that occured. Incredible talent, heartwarming story.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2021
I have loved Lynn's writing
I have loved Lynn's writing for many years. Now that I have read her story of visiting the Holy Land, I feel a personal relationship with her and realize I need a bigger pot.
I have loved Lynn's writing for many years. Now that I have read her story of visiting the Holy Land, I feel a personal relationship with her and realize I need a bigger pot.
March 16, 2018
This is an amazing devotional. I'm thinking it would make a great Christmas present for family and friends.
July 4, 2019
I've never picked up one of Lynn Austin's books and been disappointed. Love her Biblical Historical series especially. I decided to try this book even though it wasn't a Historical Fiction, but a totally Non-Fiction and beautifully honest picture of her life before, during, and after a trip to Israel. With a picture of life in a valley she is so honest and makes me feel less 'bad' for having many of the same doubts about my faith, the same desire to increase my love of my devotional times, my scripture readings, and just wanting to get really close to God.
To not being afraid to 'bloom where God plants me' and to reach out and take His hand to whatever He wants me to do . To take courage and not be afraid like she learned she could do. To get over her doubts and fears, she struggles like I do, yet with this trip to Jesus' land, so many things became so real to her and then she's been gracious enough to share with all of us what she has experienced and learned as God drew her in close. I absolutely loved this book. I've highlighted, underlined, and totally absorbed myself into His story, through her story. Iam planning on sharing this with many of my friends so they too will be blessed as I have been. What a blessing she has shared for many of us through her open and honest pen. God bless you Lynn Austin.
To not being afraid to 'bloom where God plants me' and to reach out and take His hand to whatever He wants me to do . To take courage and not be afraid like she learned she could do. To get over her doubts and fears, she struggles like I do, yet with this trip to Jesus' land, so many things became so real to her and then she's been gracious enough to share with all of us what she has experienced and learned as God drew her in close. I absolutely loved this book. I've highlighted, underlined, and totally absorbed myself into His story, through her story. Iam planning on sharing this with many of my friends so they too will be blessed as I have been. What a blessing she has shared for many of us through her open and honest pen. God bless you Lynn Austin.
March 14, 2024
This is a book that instantly transports you to the times and places of Jesus, with Lynn Austin's vivid depictions of Israel creating a wonderful travelogue. More than just relaying geographic details, Pilgrimage offers devotional thoughts interspersed with biblical accounts and cultural explanations. This was such a rich book to read because it brought every destination to life, filling in the picture to provide a greater understanding of Jewish life to readers. There are so many questions and lessons in each chapter that it reads like a diary of what the author has learnt from God on each leg of the trip.
I love that there is a prayer to round out each chapter and that there are numerous Bible verses quoted to further explain God's Word. If I should never have the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, this book is a helpful stand-in by which I can go back and reread some of the descriptions provided. This book does not read like a textbook in that it's a personal account of the author's own experiences and encounters with God, which makes it even more accessible and meaningful.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
I love that there is a prayer to round out each chapter and that there are numerous Bible verses quoted to further explain God's Word. If I should never have the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, this book is a helpful stand-in by which I can go back and reread some of the descriptions provided. This book does not read like a textbook in that it's a personal account of the author's own experiences and encounters with God, which makes it even more accessible and meaningful.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
May 3, 2025
Dit is niet een roman maar de reis van Lynn Austin naar het beloofde land. Ze deelt haar ervaringen, gevoelens en gedachten die ze heeft tijdens deze reis.
Ze is eerlijk en vertelt over haar ‘verloren passie’ voor de Heer en deelt hierin haar twijfels en vragen. Naast alle twijfels deelt ze ook wijsheden die ze over de jaren heeft geleerd en dit laat ook zien dat ze veel Bijbelkennis heeft en heeft opgedaan.
Haar verlangen en passie voor God, het Woord en haar medemens wordt weer hersteld en op een diepere, vernieuwde manier komt die terug door deze reis.
Voor mij persoonlijk een reminder: Israël- de plek waar Jezus heeft gewandeld en in Zijn voetsporen te blijven wandelen.
‘Hoe zoet zijn Uw woorden voor mijn gehemelte, zoeter dan honing voor mijn mond.’
Psalm 119:103 HSV
Ze is eerlijk en vertelt over haar ‘verloren passie’ voor de Heer en deelt hierin haar twijfels en vragen. Naast alle twijfels deelt ze ook wijsheden die ze over de jaren heeft geleerd en dit laat ook zien dat ze veel Bijbelkennis heeft en heeft opgedaan.
Haar verlangen en passie voor God, het Woord en haar medemens wordt weer hersteld en op een diepere, vernieuwde manier komt die terug door deze reis.
Voor mij persoonlijk een reminder: Israël- de plek waar Jezus heeft gewandeld en in Zijn voetsporen te blijven wandelen.
‘Hoe zoet zijn Uw woorden voor mijn gehemelte, zoeter dan honing voor mijn mond.’
Psalm 119:103 HSV
March 14, 2018
Relating and personal
This book is unlike all of her other books, because she’s writing it from her own experience. It’s very spiritual and enlightening.
It’s nice to see that she is human and normal, and she doesn’t hold anything back. I admired her vulnerability. She opened not only her life, but her heart and fears as well.
I’m curious to see what kind of book she creates after this close walk with God in His neighborhood. I’m sure He gave her quite an experience in which to head with her words.
I’m glad she shared her feelings and fears. Letting go of our children when they become adults is a hard transition for many women. I know it was for me. Thanks Lynn for opening that door to your heart!
This book is unlike all of her other books, because she’s writing it from her own experience. It’s very spiritual and enlightening.
It’s nice to see that she is human and normal, and she doesn’t hold anything back. I admired her vulnerability. She opened not only her life, but her heart and fears as well.
I’m curious to see what kind of book she creates after this close walk with God in His neighborhood. I’m sure He gave her quite an experience in which to head with her words.
I’m glad she shared her feelings and fears. Letting go of our children when they become adults is a hard transition for many women. I know it was for me. Thanks Lynn for opening that door to your heart!
March 31, 2023
I enjoyed my visit to the Holy Land through Lynn Austin's story. Her descriptions paint a vivid picture that will stay with me for years to come as I read the Bible.
I like how she made this trip during a time she was struggling in her personal life, because we got to see the Spiritual growth throughout her journey.
As a "wanna be" writer, it was interesting to learn that a woman who had achieved such great success in her writing career and speaking engagements was still trying to figure out what God's will was for her life. It's a good reminder that it's the small daily acts of obedience, devotion, and love that matter most.
The chapters were short and sweet and held my attention. :) Great book!
I like how she made this trip during a time she was struggling in her personal life, because we got to see the Spiritual growth throughout her journey.
As a "wanna be" writer, it was interesting to learn that a woman who had achieved such great success in her writing career and speaking engagements was still trying to figure out what God's will was for her life. It's a good reminder that it's the small daily acts of obedience, devotion, and love that matter most.
The chapters were short and sweet and held my attention. :) Great book!
August 2, 2018
I love her open honesty. She found herself in a spiritual desert. Praise God she found her way back. She really gives you food for thought about how easy it is to be taken off track. Complacency is a dangerous thing in our walk with our Lord. She shows us all ways to travel to find our way back if we find ourselves journeying that path. Good read. Honest person. Yes I would recommend this book.
It took me a while to get through it because I have it in electronic format that I use when taking family members to the doctor or hospital. I plan to read it again to get the pace and cadence better. I enjoyed the read and the lessons.
It took me a while to get through it because I have it in electronic format that I use when taking family members to the doctor or hospital. I plan to read it again to get the pace and cadence better. I enjoyed the read and the lessons.
November 21, 2023
Personal testimony through the Holy Land
Lynn has used her gift for words to share very personal parts of her life and growth while touring the Holy Land. I have read many of her novels but this time I saw her heart. We have similar experiences in our lives so she spoke directly to my heart. My husband and I have also visited Israel so I could visualize much of what she described. This book is a call to repentance and holiness and intimate friendship with our heavenly Father. I learned so much and was challenged to embrace a new, though changing, season of life by trusting God. Highly recommended!
Lynn has used her gift for words to share very personal parts of her life and growth while touring the Holy Land. I have read many of her novels but this time I saw her heart. We have similar experiences in our lives so she spoke directly to my heart. My husband and I have also visited Israel so I could visualize much of what she described. This book is a call to repentance and holiness and intimate friendship with our heavenly Father. I learned so much and was challenged to embrace a new, though changing, season of life by trusting God. Highly recommended!
July 3, 2023
Tremendous read
I absolutely loved everything about this well- written journey. Lynn's descriptive writing about each place she visited made me feel like I was on the journey with her. I will remember how honest and open this author was throughout this book. I ordered my own copy of this book to reread and refer to because it is such a rich read with so many important passages and scripture not to forget. This book has already been highly recommended to many friends,neighbors,family,and book buddies. I read all the books by Lynn Austin that I can get my hands on.
I absolutely loved everything about this well- written journey. Lynn's descriptive writing about each place she visited made me feel like I was on the journey with her. I will remember how honest and open this author was throughout this book. I ordered my own copy of this book to reread and refer to because it is such a rich read with so many important passages and scripture not to forget. This book has already been highly recommended to many friends,neighbors,family,and book buddies. I read all the books by Lynn Austin that I can get my hands on.
July 1, 2020
Ik hou erg van haar romans. Dit is een reisverslag van een tocht die ze maakte door Israël. Jaren geleden heb ik een vergelijkbare reis gemaakt en daardoor was veel herkenbaar in het boek. Haar persoonlijke overdenkingen bij de diverse locaties zijn soms wat voorspelbaar, maar nu ik het boek uit heb is het toch wel echt de moeite van lezen waard. Gewoon een prettig leesbaar en opbouwend boek. Alsof je met Lynn in gesprek bent.
July 11, 2020
I do so enjoy Lynn Austin's writing style!!
And this was even more wonderful . . . opening the scriptures in the light of the things she experiences in the Holy Land; opening and sharing her heart and her life, in the light of these revelations; humbly, graciously sharing her journey of faith to encourage others in theirs.
I was truly encouraged and challenged by the insights shared.
This will be a book I share with others to encourage them on their journey and I will read it again!!
And this was even more wonderful . . . opening the scriptures in the light of the things she experiences in the Holy Land; opening and sharing her heart and her life, in the light of these revelations; humbly, graciously sharing her journey of faith to encourage others in theirs.
I was truly encouraged and challenged by the insights shared.
This will be a book I share with others to encourage them on their journey and I will read it again!!
September 6, 2021
Pilgrimage
I thought this would be a good book to read about her journey to Israel, and it is. I really enjoyed reading about her experiences as she toured Israel. What I did not expect was to share her doubts and fears then realizing that there is still room for growth and work to do. I really needed to hear the message this book has brought to my soul. Thank you Lynn Austin for the wonderful books that you write!!
I thought this would be a good book to read about her journey to Israel, and it is. I really enjoyed reading about her experiences as she toured Israel. What I did not expect was to share her doubts and fears then realizing that there is still room for growth and work to do. I really needed to hear the message this book has brought to my soul. Thank you Lynn Austin for the wonderful books that you write!!
April 15, 2020
Having just returned from my own pilgrimage to Israel, I was blessed and impressed with the author’s ability to describe so vividly the experience of walking where Jesus walked. The spiritual insights she gained while in the Holy Land enhanced my own understanding of the gift God gave me in allowing me to make this trip.
July 17, 2020
This is by far the most impactful book I’ve read in a long time. I’m a huge fan of Lynn Austin’s historical Christian fiction, so was very pleased to find her new non fiction book “pilgrimage”. Not knowing what to expect, but knowing I love her work, I dove in. I read it through once and immediately reread it. This is a book that I know I will pick up and reread every couple of years.
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