Shalom - The Hebrew Word for Peace

 Judges 6:24 - Jehovah Shalom - The Lord is my peace!

We do not normally greet each other in English by saying peace. This is, however, a common greeting in some cultures. Both the Hebrews and the Arabs greet each other with the word for peace in their respective languages. In Hebrew the word Shalom can be added to almost any noun to wish someone a happy or peaceful day. On Friday evenings they wish each other a "Shabbat Shalom" or peaceful Sabbath. The list goes on ...The word Shalom is an all-inclusive, all-encompassing God speed.


The best way to translate this word Shalom into English is "wholeness and well-being." The most powerful part of this wish for peace is not grounded in salutation but on the truth that God himself is our Shalom, our peace (I Thessalonians 5:23). We are never more complete, more fulfilled than when we are in vibrant communion with God - engulfed in his love, empowered by his grace, and assured of his mercy.

The prophet Isaiah tells us that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Thus Jesus is our Shalom, our wholeness and well-being.If you are lacking wholeness in your life you can start by examining your relationship with God. Do you realize how important you are to Him? Do you understand His purpose for your life? If not, ask Him to show you.

Is there anything in your life that is keeping you from having peace?Perhaps you have sin you need to repent of that is blocking your communion with God. Maybe you have unforgiveness that you need to let go of? Confess it to God and ask Him to make you whole. Come clean before him and make it right with others by asking their forgiveness is necessary and possible.

There is nothing that can take the place of God's wholeness in our lives. He wants us to have peace. It is His will for us. After all, He is the Lord of Shalom. I pray peace on you today as you seek out this God of peace. May you find everything you need in Him. His your all in all!

Shalom,

Sullivan Jones

More than just a Superman

Did you know that Superman was originally created by two American Jewish teenage boys. His real name, Kal-El, is a play on the Hebrew words that means voice of God - El being God, of course. His alter ego's name is Clark Kent. Kent was a common Americanization of Cohn, the last name of the Jewish family of high priest directly descended from Aaron, Moses' brother. There are so many Jewish undertones in the story once one realizes it. Superman is the kind of savior many Jewish people expected their Messiah to be - one who would right social wrongs. They did not envision their savior dying on a cross for humanity's sins. I am so thankful for the REAL SAVIOR of manking, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is more than a Superman; He is God incarnate. 

Asking for Directions

John 13:1 - Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 

One of the reasons prayer can be so difficult is because it requires us to admit that we need a higher power in our lives. For those who like to be in control of things, this is not always an easy thing to do. This is one of the reasons so many don't pray until absolutely necessary. It is that age old question again about "why some people (stereotypically men) don't stop to ask for directions." The reason is simple. We don't want to seem like we came unprepared. It makes us look incompetent. In a world where we are supposed to have it all together and provide for our families this is inexcusable. So we would rather drive around until we either figure it out for ourselves or are forced to admit that we need outside help. Many people take this approach to prayer. They do everything they can do before they pray. There is a little saying that "God helps those who help themselves." While this may be a great admonition against slothfulness, it has nothing to do with prayer. When we pray first, we avoid making so many pitfalls. We keep ourselves out of a lot of trouble that could have been avoided had we asked God what he thought about the matter.

Prayer is the greatest resource we have. God help us to learn to pray before any decision. Yes, it requires us to admit to God and ourselves that we are not independent of him. But what greater place to be in. God may help those who help themselves but I'd rather think of it this way: God help's those who put their trust in him.

One other reason we may not like to ask people for directions is we don't feel like being told, "I don't know." Or worst yet, we don't want to be given the wrong directions. Some people would rather give incorrect directions than admit they don't know what to tell you. With God you will never have to worry about that. He always knows where he is going and the best way to get there. Ask God for directions today. You'll get to your destination a lot quicker and with a lot less stress. He will not laugh, he will not find you incompetent, and he always knows the way. Try it and see.

Trusting Him Daily,

Sullivan Jones