MEAT FOR MATURITY – DISCIPLESHIP

“Seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” Matt. 7:7 (NIV). The encouragement here is that God will let us find him, his truths and his gifts. He does not want to keep them hidden. But they are hidden when we begin. That is why our responsibility is to seek and knock. Why does he ask us to seek and knock instead of just revealing everything to us without effort on our part? One reason is that there are many things we are not ready for. Before we proceed, we need to absorb and apply what we already know. Another reason God wants us to seek is that the process of seeking prepares us for receiving what we will find. As we seek we become focused, we put other things aside, and desire grows in our hearts. God uses the process to transform us. Continue Reading →

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Mt. 6:33 (NIV) “These things” are food, drink and clothing which Jesus mentions just before this verse. He is trying to teach us not to be anxious about these things. The cure is to seek first his kingdom above all else, as well as righteousness – which is right living approved by God. If our number one priority is living within God’s realm and rule then he promises to provide our most basic needs. Even better, in other places Jesus also teaches we will receive joy, peace and fruitfulness if we seek first his kingdom! It’s true that occasionally devout Christians suffer famine but I think this is the exception that proves the rule. (The New Testament authors rarely state exceptions and qualifications to their teachings all in one place; this Continue Reading →

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9 NIV). God promises to bless those who choose to be a peacemaker in the world. Making peace, in other words, reconciliation is one of God’s primary missions. His original plan for people was that they would all join together in harmony and mutual edification. Sadly, our sphere of influence is full of people who do not pursue this peace. People hold grudges, say hurtful words, ignore people they don’t like and look for ways to get back at people. Thus, many people lack peace with God, with each other and with themselves. God’s followers are called to be aware of this discord and make a positive effort to bring reconciliation. This is not easy work. It requires talking with people who may not want to come to peace. They might argue and resist and even fight. To Continue Reading →