MEAT FOR MATURITY – DISCIPLESHIP

“[Yahweh] blesses his people with peace” (Psalms 29:11, NIV). The Hebrew word for “peace” in this passage is the well-known Hebrew word “shalom”, which means all-around harmony and prosperity in one’s life. In the Old Testament this included one’s physical circumstances. God promised faithful believers that he would bless their finances, their families, and their living conditions. Yet we do not see the same promises in the New Testament. Why? When do we receive peace from God? The New Testament often promises peace, using a Greek translation of the Hebrew word shalom. Yet in the New Testament believers are promised persecution, the pain of carrying their Cross and general rejection by the world. So how can this be peace from God? The New Testament promises a deeper interior peace from God. The peace in the New Testament is actually superior to the peace of the Old Testament. We have the Continue Reading →

We often hear about intimacy with God. We all want to be closer to God, although it may be unclear to us what that really means. Today we will taste some of that life, and I suspect that this taste will fire our hearts and bring us closer to complete loving surrender to God. And if you are wondering how to motivate people to pursue Jesus, then consider beginning with the idea of intimacy with God. Once people see the treasure, they will be more willing to “sell all they have” in order to get the treasure. When people understand what God wants to do for them, then they are much more willing to embrace your leading. John of the Cross was a 16th-century Spaniard who pursued and loved God as much as anyone ever did. We are blessed that he was also a great writer and could express his Continue Reading →