South Meridian Church of God Podcast

What does Paul mean when he uses this term? In what ways does he use this metaphor for us? Exploring what the title “Christ/Messiah” meant in that culture and how that translates to ours.

The pathway to intimacy leads to experiencing God’s presence. In the practice of presence we focus our attention on God, and God alone. The ancient father’s such as Brother Lawrence have much to say about “practicing the presence”. As does, the mystic, Frank Laubach, who taught the “game of minutes”. This discipline isn’t meant to be a burdensome, nor a source of pride. It is more a lover’s gaze and embrace where we enjoying the moments and the intimate connection. This discipline can be practiced during the busiest, most stressful times of life. Presence has the power to transform life. In time as we follow this pathway we begin to experience the presence in others.

The pathway to intimacy with God leads us to confession. Through confession we learn how to live authentic God honoring lives and to be vulnerable and transparent. Without confession, be it in our relationships with others or with God, there can be no true intimacy. Confession removes the mask of hypocrisy.

Some of our most intimate times in relationship with God and with others are during moments and seasons of suffering. The pain of lament and mourning will naturally push us away from God and others, but when we allow suffering to turn us back to God we begin to experience an intimacy that is profound and transformational. It has the capacity to not only change us but to change the body.

Our focus will be on the “Fathering God”, so that the message will be accessible to all, whether they are a father or not or liked their fathers or not. Questions:

• What have you learned about God through being a father?

• What has your father taught you about God?

• How has Scripture helped you in your parenting?

• How has being a parent affected your prayer life?

• What have you learned about God through parent/child disappointment? (this may be a wrap up thought)

Devotional reading is more than study of the Word it is entering into the living Word through the written Word of God. Here our lives are transformed as we fall in love with the one who is the Word, Jesus Christ.

There can be no intimacy where there is no authentic, transparent and vulnerable communion and communication. We encounter prayer at the beginning of the pathway to intimacy.

An introduction to what intimacy looks like and why disciplined and intentional practices can produce a richer relationship with God.