Personally, I’ve always found the words of Jesus to be counter-cultural, inspiring, thought-provoking, or comforting. Even the difficult things Jesus said have always rung true in my spirit. But recently, on the other side of a tragic loss in our family, I’ve found myself unexpectedly triggered by some of Jesus’s words.

In Novo we know how important blessing is. I love the power of this blessing found in Numbers.
I especially love the part about the Lord‘s face; it is shining upon us, him turning his countenance toward us.

Have you ever stepped into an obedience assignment from the Lord that just seemed a little crazy? It involved risk and dependence on him, and you knew you were not in control of the outcomes. 

Have you ever felt hedged in by the Lord? Have you experienced a time when God protected you from something—or even protected you from yourself?

What is it about physical presence that is so compelling? Why is a live concert always better than the recording? Why is talking on the phone with my daughter not as good as sitting silent in a room with her as she paints and I read?

Dig deeper into this scripture through a few minutes of visio divina, a reflective prayer practice that uses focusing on an image as a catalyst for prayer:

The discoveries of our brain have revealed much about our Creator and how to love like him. Even more, these discoveries have shown how the Church can experience a greater transformation.

When is it that you’re most aware of God’s presence in your life? 

If the gospel really is good news of great joy for all people, then what makes it joyful? Why not “good news of great impact” or “good news of great triumph”? Why joy?

The good news of Jesus Christ carries a supernatural value and impact. To counterfeit it would be a grave error indeed.

“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” –1 Corinthians 2:4–5

Shalom is wholeness and well-being in the fullest sense: right and restored relationship with God, ourselves, our neighbors, and the earth. It’s the lived-out embodiment of God’s justice, mercy, righteousness, love, and peace, between and among everything in creation.