Podcasts about god meditate

One of the greatest coaches of all time, Vince Lombardi, said, “Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Nehemiah 3 records the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls by individuals committed to this group effort. Here we can learn several practical and spiritual principles.I. God's Work Should Be OrderlyII. There's a Place for EveryoneIII. Your Service Should Fit YouIV. Some Work Harder Than OthersV. Work Should Be Tied to PurposeTalk with God: Meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6 this week and ask the Lord to “show you which path to take” (NLT) as you seek His will in every area of your life.Talk with others: If you're struggling with brokenness in your life—spiritually, mentally, or physically—ask a mentor or trusted fellow believer to stand with you as you start rebuilding.Talk with kids: Why can we trust God to provide for our needs?

Nehemiah had come to Jerusalem to fix a problem. The city's ancient, protective walls were in ruins, the entrances still had scorch marks from almost 200 years before, and the people had gotten used to the deplorable conditions. Let's consider five ingredients we can apply to fix any problem.I. Go the DistanceII. Assess the NeedIII. Get a GroupIV. Expect a FightV. Take a StandTalk with God: Meditate on Psalm 147:1-6 this week and rest in the knowledge that the God who calls the stars by name also “heals the brokenhearted” (v. 3).Talk with others: Encourage your believing friends and family to “not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9) and go to battle for them in prayer this week.Talk with kids: Why is faith in Jesus the only way to be saved?

Author Margaret Atwood's book The Handmaid's Tale includes a character who says, “The fact is that I hate this city. I've hated it so long I can hardly remember feeling any other way about it.” For some people, this is a daily reality. But Nehemiah loved his city—Jerusalem—though it was a city in shambles. How can we, by God's grace, learn to love our city for God's glory?I. Loving Your City Begins by Asking the Right QuestionsII. Loving Your City Includes Feeling the Right EmotionIII. Loving Your City Means Having the Right ReactionIV. Loving Your City Involves Doing the Right ActionsTalk with God: Meditate on verses 10-11 and ask the Lord to give you His heart for the people of our city.Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group or believing friends how you can lock shields with them in their daily walk with the Lord and as they serve Him in their community.Talk with kids: How did God save Moses when he was a baby?

Does your family have any Easter traditions? Allow me to give you a few more. These are the instructions that a heavenly messenger gave to the women who came to the tomb early that first Easter morning: Come, See, Go, Tell! Today we'll discover what these instructions mean.Talk with God: Meditate on today's passage and ask the Lord to fill you with a joyful desire to fulfill the Great Commission (vv. 18-20).Talk with others: Practice sharing the gospel message with your Connect Group or a believing friend or family member so you will “always be ready” (1 Peter 3:15).Talk with kids: How did the resurrection impact our lives as followers of Jesus?

Frank Turek is a dynamic speaker, TV program host, podcaster, and award-winning author. As president of CrossExamined.org, he presents powerful and entertaining evidence for Christianity.I. Does Evil Disprove God?II. What's the Purpose of Evil?III. What's God's Solution to Evil?Talk with God: Meditate on Ephesians 3:16 this week and ask the Lord to renew and strengthen you as you walk with Him.Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group, friends, or family how you can support them in focusing on “the eternal weight of glory” (v. 17) through the struggles they may be facing.Talk with kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on Earth?

The great preacher of Victorian England Charles Spurgeon once remarked, “I do not believe there ever existed a Christian yet, who did not now and then doubt his interest in Jesus. I think, when a man says, ‘I never doubt,' it is quite time for us to doubt him.” It's reassuring that even a spiritual heavyweight like John the Baptist experienced doubts. Let's see how Jesus helped him.I. The Ambivalence of John  A. Experiential Doubts  B. Intellectual Doubts  C. Societal Doubts  D. Moral Doubts II. The Answer of Jesus  A. He Answered Directly  B. He Answered Verbally  C. He Answered Practically  D. He Answered PatientlyTalk with God: Meditate on Mark 9:23-24 and ask the Lord to give you wisdom and peace as you seek to address your own doubts and unbelief.Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer who's wrestling with doubt or questioning their faith by reminding them that God can handle their questions (see James 1:5).Talk with kids: What did Job learn about God?

Doubt is often a stepping stone on the road to a secure faith. We've all had our doubts; it's what we do with those doubts that matters. Do we give up, take our ball, and go home? Or do we find unshakable reasons that faith in God is the best worldview possible? Today let's look at the rocky journey of Thomas's struggle between faith and doubt. Perhaps we'll see ourselves in it.I. ConfidenceII. TurbulenceIII. DistanceIV. EvidenceV. PenitenceVI. PermanenceTalk with God: Meditate on 1 Peter 1:8-9 and thank the Lord for the peace and confidence we have in our salvation, so we can “rejoice with joy inexpressible” (v. 8).Talk with others: If you're wrestling with a doubt or difficult question, ask a mentor or pastor for help in navigating that struggle.Talk with kids: How does God show He keeps His promises in this Bible story?

This sounds reasonable, doesn't it? After all, to make such a statement seems to help out with the problem of evil that is so prevalent in our fallen world. If there is a God who is good and loving, can't He throttle back on the pain and suffering, especially in the lives of His children? As we examine this statement today, we need to make four critical adjustments to our thinking.I. A Misunderstood Verse (1 Corinthians 10:13)II. A Misguided StatementIII. A Missing Perspective (2 Corinthians 1:9; 4:17)IV. A Meaningful Example (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)Talk with God: Meditate on 2 Corinthians 12:9 and thank the Lord that His grace and strength allow us to “boast in [our] infirmities.”Talk with others: As a family or Connect Group, pray for the families and members of our community who visited our campus for the Thanksgiving Pickup Party.Talk with kids: How does it make you feel to know God is always in control and He cares for you?

Money matters! But how much? And how much does it matter to you? To God? For generations, people have said, “Money is the root of all evil.” Is that statement true? Does it come from the Bible? Today, we will ask and answer a few questions in order to get at the truth of all this. I think we will discover that money is a lot like fire—it's an excellent servant, but a terrible master.I. Where Does it Come From?II. What Does it Mean?III. How Should We Live?Talk with God: Meditate on Matthew 22:37 and ask the Spirit to reveal areas of your life where you've allowed the love of money to take root.Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer if they've noticed any idols in your life recently.Talk with kids: What should we do if others make fun of us or are mean to us for sharing the gospel?

Is God concerned with our own personal happiness? I'm going to say “Yes!” and “No!” Though the Bible does indeed talk about being happy, it's not as straightforward as you may think. Allow me to unpack this idea through the lens of one of King David's psalms, written while he was at war. Here, David explicitly wrote that God's people are happy people. Let's find out why.I. Because of Life's ConflictII. Because of our CommitmentIII. Because of God's CareIV. Because of God's CharacterTalk with God: Meditate on Psalm 144:2 and thank the Lord for His faithfulness as you “take refuge” in Him.Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer to intentionally spend time in the Word and in prayer this week.Talk with kids: How can we be reminded that God loves us and cares for us?

This noble-sounding little statement has been around for a couple of decades but was popularized by Oprah Winfrey at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards. She stated, “Speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we have.” In all fairness, she was talking about those women who dared to speak up about being sexually harassed; however, the quip rapidly became a modern mantra for those who say absolute truth doesn't exist, but that all truth is individual and comes from within.I. We Should Know the TruthII. We Should Guard the TruthIII. We Should Speak the TruthTalk with God: Meditate on John 17:14-19 and ask the Lord to sanctify your life by the truth of His Word.Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group how they stay “ready in season and out of season” (v. 2).Talk with kids: Who can you share the gospel with?

Welcome to our new weekend series, which we are simply calling The Bible Doesn't Say That. Over the next few weeks, we will look at some sayings and concepts people think are found in Scripture but aren't. Perhaps you heard your grandma say them, or they were given as a piece of advice that just sounded right, so you assumed they must be in the Bible. Today, we'll look at one of the first I heard.I. Where Did it Originate?II. Is There Any Truth to It?III. What Does the Bible Say?Talk with God: Meditate on vv. 8-10 and thank the Lord that “we shall be saved by His life” (v. 10).Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer who may be struggling right now, reminding them that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).Talk with kids: What are some ways you can tell others about Jesus?

Sometimes parents will tell their children not to do certain things. But such prohibitions are motivated by love. These negative commands are to ensure a positive outcome. A good biblical example of this is the list of thou shalt nots in the Ten Commandments. In this section, James gives his audience a few negative instructions so they can have a positive life.I. Do Not GrumbleII. Do Not Back DownIII. Do Not Give UpIV. Do Not Speak HastilyTalk with God: Meditate on 1 John 2:5-6 and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of your life that don't reflect your love for the Lord.Talk with others: Ask a friend or member of your Connect Group how you can pray for them as they seek to align their lives to God's Word.Talk with kids: What were the believers doing while Peter was in prison?

Ever since Jesus came to Earth over 2,000 years ago to die and rise again, He promised to return. And believers have been looking for Him since. Every generation has its doomsday preachers and prophecy “experts,” predicting when He will return. But today we examine not when He will come back, but rather how we should live until He does. James tells us three ways we are to wait for it.I. Be ReadyII. Be PatientIII. Be StrongTalk with God: Meditate on verse 8 and ask the Lord to give you the wisdom to “strengthen your [heart]” (NASB), so you can continue to live for Him in the last days.Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer to seek the Lord diligently and continue in the faith as we wait for His coming.Talk with kids: Why should we celebrate when others repent and turn to Jesus?

I. You Can't Control the Future (vv. 13-14, 16)II. You Must Control Yourself (v. 17)III. Let God Control It All (v. 15)Talk with God: Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7. Ask the Lord to fill you with His peace, "which surpasses all understanding” (v. 7).Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer by reminding them that God is in control, no matter what struggle they're facing.Talk with kids: How does knowing Jesus give us hope that He will make things all right one day?

Episode 178: Do you thirst for God? The BEST way to satisfy that thirst starts with meditating on God's Word. Today I invite you to meditate with me on what I believe is one of the deepest chapters of the Bible. Take time today to be still, listen, and breathe in His Word for calm and peace that no one can take away. Oh, and there's some "insider" information in here too-something special just for you! Click Here To Get Your Very Own Copy of my "Love For His Word" 30-Day Psalm 119 Devotional E-Book with Audio: https://bit.ly/lovehisword   Do you want to find calm in your chaos?  Do you want to experience God as your refuge and rock every day and feel truly connected with Him through His Word? Let's have a quick 10-minute conversation about how I can help you get to this place of peace that you want and need so much.  Simply go to www.theintentionalchristianwoman.com  to book a free 10-minute consultation with me today. Are you looking for an authentic and encouraging community with other women like you who want to create life-changing bible study routines and connect more deeply with God? Join us over at our community: Intentional Bible Study For Christian Women https://bit.ly/letsbeintentional Do you want to become an exclusive Intentional Insider? Sign up to receive my monthly newsletters with tips to help you connect with your Father on a deeper level PLUS get access to my latest gift, devotionals, challenges, special offers, and other gifts I make designed with you in mind https://theintentionalchristianwoman.com/my-gift-to-you/. Want to know how my podcast ranked quickly to the TOP 1.5 % of global podcasts? Ever wonder if podcasting might be right for you? Sister, no problem! To find out how just go to: https://theintentionalchristianwoman.com/startapodcast/  

The Word of God   “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT   330,222,422 Americans as of 2020 9% = 29,720,018   Approx. 205,000,000 proclaimed believers of Jesus in America 29,720,018 = 14%   Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:6-8 If we are not careful and intentional, the world's noise is what will define our hearts, not the Word of God   “…Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT   You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. John 5:39-40   The reason people don't believe that it has any power today is that we have stopped mixing our studying of the bible with faith   1.     READING THE BIBLE DRAWS US CLOSER TO GOD   “IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD.” JOHN 1:1-5 NIV   “Come close to God, and God will come close to you...” James 4:8 NLT   2.     READING THE BIBLE GIVES US DIRECTION “I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD, WHO TEACHES YOU WHAT IS GOOD FOR YOU AND LEADS YOU ALONG THE PATHS YOU SHOULD FOLLOW.” ISAIAH 48:17 NLT     “I WILL GUIDE YOU ALONG THE BEST PATHWAY FOR YOUR LIFE. I WILL ADVISE YOU AND WATCH OVER YOU.” PSALM 32:8 NLT “YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO GUIDE MY FEET AND A LIGHT FOR MY PATH.” PSALM 119:105 NLT   IF WE FOLLOW GOD'S GUIDANCE IT WILL LEAD US TO PEACE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS   3.     READING THE BIBLE BRINGS US HEALING “MY CHILD, PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT I SAY. LISTEN CAREFULLY TO MY WORDS. DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF THEM. LET THEM PENETRATE DEEP INTO YOUR HEART, FOR THEY BRING LIFE TO THOSE WHO FIND THEM, AND HEALING TO THEIR WHOLE BODY.” PROVERBS 4:20-22 NLT   “YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE” JOHN 8:32   4.     READING THE BIBLE GIVES US NOURISHMENT   “PEOPLE DO NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.” MATTHEW 4:4 NLT   5.     READING THE BIBLE REMINDS US OF WHAT GOD THINKS OF US   “I KNEW YOU BEFORE I FORMED YOU IN YOUR MOTHER'S WOMB. BEFORE YOU WERE BORN I SET YOU APART AND APPOINTED YOU AS MY PROPHET TO THE NATIONS.” JEREMIAH 1:5 NLT “..BUT YOU ARE GOD'S CHOSEN TREASURE – PRIESTS WHO ARE KINGS, A SPIRITUAL ‘NATION' SET APART AS GOD'S DEVOTED ONES. HE CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS TO EXPERIENCE HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT, AND NOW HE CLAIMS YOU AS HIS VERY OWN…”1 PETER 2:9 TPT 1.     GET A BIBLE THAT MAKES SENSE TO YOU   2.     DOWNLOAD THE BIBLE APP   3.     START A PLAN TODAY   4.     BE INTENTIONAL & PRIORITIZE     ➡     READ THE TRUTH ➡     MEMORIZE THE TRUTH ➡     MEDITATE ON TRUTH ➡     UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:18-19 ✓HOW WIDE IS THE LOVE OF GOD   “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18   He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalms 103:12   ✓HOW LONG IS THE LOVE OF GOD   I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me John 10:28   ✓HOW DEEP IS THE LOVE OF GOD   Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form. Philippians 2:7   My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:38-39   “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24   ✓HOW HIGH IS THE LOVE OF GOD

I was guilty of reading devotions and the several scriptures it accompanied, but not getting the word rooted deeply in my soul.   I was making room for God but I left Him in that space. His word didn't go with me through life. I didn't see the fruit or the growth from it until one day I was tired of feeling the same and struggling with the same insecure thoughts.   In the wee hours of the morning I choose to write down God's word and take them to heart. I meditated on them, confessed them, believed them. I was desperate for change, I was desperate for God...I began to find delight in His word as it strengthened me.   In this week's episode, we will discuss the importance of rolling God's word around in your spirit daily and the benefits of doing so!

Are you of one heart with God? Meditate on Jeremiah 32:39

How can great friendships help us in our walk with God? Meditate on Ruth 1:16.

What are the best ways to become more united with God? Meditate on this with us today in John 14:7. Look for God today in your family, friends, and the world around you. But don’t forget to pursue Jesus above all else. He will help you grow in your pursuit of God more than anything else.

Do you ever forget the goodness and love of God? Meditate on unfailing love from Jeremiah 31. God is everlasting. The Holy Spirit guides us to God’s love. And Jesus is the embodiment of faithful love.

Press in! Jesus is attainable, He is within reach!It’s easy to say read your Bible, pray, come to church and you can get closer to God… but if you go home and just throw open your Bible, you might find yourself in some obscure verse and not really feel like it got you any closer to God...Four simple ways to get closer to God:Meditate. Give thought to and contemplate on the things of God. And meditate on the Word. Psalm 1:1-6Short, Simple Prayers - It’s not about the length of our prayers, but the content, the heart, in them. We should be communicating with God in these short, simple prayers many times a day.Slowly cut back on distractions. We don’t have to cut TV or smart phones from our lives to get close to God, but we could all use to dial them down a bit so we can hear God’s voice. He often speaks in a whisper so we must draw closer to hear Him.Be Positive, Speak Positive. We’re living in a negative world and it needs some positivity. Quit griping! Romans 8:28Scriptures used: Philippians 3:12-15, James 4:4-8, Mark 5:24-34, Acts 17:27-28, Psalms 1:1-6, Romans 8:28

  I work as a Hospice Chaplain and having worked as an ICU chaplain in a busy hospital, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open to be changed by the Spirit of God by using a centuries old form of Christian Meditation called Lectio Divina. It consists of: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation, Visualization Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Calm yourself to prepare to receive God's word.  Bible verse for meditation: NIV 7 The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” KJV 7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. 8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; 9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? 11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. 12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. Notice the similarities and differences in the translations presented.   What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: There are any different aspects of the passion narrative. I’ve been thinking about the role of Pilate. Many times as we discuss Pilate we try and figure out if he is a good person or not. Pilate’s troubled history with the Pilate’s wife’s dream Pilate seems to have had some kind of belief in Jesus. It turns out that it wasn’t the kind of belief that leads to deep faith. Many times we see Pilate as a total villain. Based on the little that the Bible says about him it seems he made some half attempts to believe in Jesus. He even made some vague attempts to free Him. As I read about Pilate I can’t help but to see parallels to us. Our natural desires work against us. When we have an encounter God and make a full commitment to Him, He can makes our efforts holy through His glory. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Pray now in a spirit of submission to Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling the comfort and Love of God Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life: This part is very important. It is no accident that scripture is so full of narratives. Our minds connect with narratives. Imagine a visualization of a Narrative of your life knowing the truths from this scripture. Now visualize someone or a group of people who need this message. Imagine what their face would look like as they receive this scripture in their hearts. Imagine how you can share it with them. Conclusion:   FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist            

This meditation has a lighter air. This is due to the presence of my daughter. Let her spirit lift you to see that through Christ all things are possible.  Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:Let this moment be a time of breathing. As you prepare yourself for to hear the word of God allow your body to relax and calm. Stay with my voice for this time as you prepare your heart to let God in. Breathe in and out.Box breathingFeel the tension leaving your whole body.   Bible verse for meditation:Matthew 9:NIV23 When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, 24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region. KJV23 And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. Notice the similarities and differences in the translations presented.  What does this scripture mean to you?Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past?How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Discussion with TayleeMeditation of Prayer:Pray as directed by the Spirit.Pray now in a spirit of submission to Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:I invite you to sit in silence feeling the comfort and Love of God Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life:This part is very important. It is no accident that scripture is so full of narratives. Our minds connect with narratives. Imagine a visualization of a Narrative of your life knowing the truths from this scripture.Now visualize someone or a group of people who need this message. Imagine what their face would look like as they receive this scripture in their hearts. Imagine how you can share it with them.Conclusion:Stay with me until the end for a final thought and the reflection question. I have a couple of things to say and then I have a final thought so stay with me to the end.I release a new episode of this every Sunday morning at 1AM Mountain time in the US.I did an interview with Nikki over at Bible Meditation Podcast. It's the Saturday’s episode if you’d like to hear it. She is a competent and kind person and I appreciated the opportunity to talk with her. Her focus is on letting the scriptures speak and the form factor is much more compact. If you would like to listen to a thoughtful podcast dedicated to reading the liturgical scriptures, that would be a great choice. Also I welcome your responses to the reflection question as well as any other thoughts. You can contact me by going to ChristianMeditationPodcast.com and clicking on the contact tab. The information you fill in there just sends me a personal email. Reflection Question:What is one way that you can let go of anger and embrace more love in your life?Here is the Final thought:I love this scripture and I love the message that follows it. Love is patient and kind. As we learn to discipline ourselves by ridding our hearts of hate and allowing more love to take root, we invite the Spirit of God. Many times this is an act of faith. If we believe in the saving power of Jesus Christ then we trust that he can heal our hearts. He can help us stay safe from those who would do us harm while at the same time letting go of the soul rusting power of hate. If you have experienced deep betrayal from someone close to you, I am certainly not arguing that you need to put yourself in the way of further harm. Let God guide you in how you can free your heart from unpleasant feelings while at the same time making place for more love in your heart. There is a deeply freeing feeling that can fill us with peace as we learn to trust God in this crucial way.  I say that in Jesus’ name Amen.

Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:Let this moment be a time of breathing. As you prepare yourself for to hear the word of God allow your body to relax and calm. Stay with my voice for this time as you prepare your heart to let God in. Breathe in and out.Box breathing Feel the tension leaving your whole body.   Bible verse for meditation:1 Thes 4:13-18NRSV13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters,[a] about those who have died,[b] so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died.[c] 15 For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died.[d] 16 For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words KJV 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Notice the similarities and differences in the translations presented.  What does this scripture mean to you?Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past?How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: One of my roles as a chaplains is to comfort people where they are. As we experience the pain of the death of loved ones sometimes it takes time for us to resolve these feelings with our faith. There are moments of pain at the loss of others, but there is also hope. God suggests that this hope in the future can help us and our grief can be swallowed up in our faith. In the hearts of those who suffer is a war between the reality of pain and the hope of future relief. Many times we go about resolving this the wrong way. We go about with a feeling of tension and war.  This struggle is not only against the pain of death but about all kinds of human loss.There are times when we are overcome with the loss of things and people in this world. I am proposing a different solution to resolve this conflict. Let these words slowly wash over your heart like an incoming tide of peace. Pause and listen, and feel.But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. Feel this hope slowly rise in your heart. If you feel any other feeling of doubt, of pain, any other reaction than peace and gratitude observe how your heart begins to slowly feel the incoming tide of peace. This peace slowly washes over your heart. Feel the peace in your heart rise. It doesn't need to fight the other feelings, it ultimately is more powerful but it often wont force its way into your heart. Softly allow it to enter your heart. Focus on this peaceful gratitude as you hear this message. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  The message of the Lord, through Paul, is not one of judgement but one of confidence and peace. What will it feel like to rise up to the clouds with Jesus?I imagine that our worry for everything of this world will matter very little in that day. Why should it matter now?  Meditation of Prayer:Pray as directed by the Spirit.Pray now in a spirit of submission to Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:I invite you to sit in silence feeling the comfort and Love of God Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life:This part is very important. It is no accident that scripture is so full of narratives. Our minds connect with narratives. Imagine a visualization of a Narrative of your life knowing the truths from this scripture.Now visualize someone or a group of people who need this message. Imagine what their face would look like as they receive this scripture in their hearts. Imagine how you can share it with them.Conclusion:Stay with me until the end for a final thought and the reflection question. I have a couple of things to say and then I have a final thought so stay with me to the end.I release a new episode of this every Sunday morning at 1AM Mountain time in the US.I did an interview with Nikki over at Bible Meditation Podcast. It's the Saturday’s episode if you’d like to hear it. She is a competent and kind person and I appreciated the opportunity to talk with her. Her focus is on letting the scriptures speak and the form factor is much more compact. If you would like to listen to a thoughtful podcast dedicated to reading the liturgical scriptures, that would be a great choice. Also I welcome your responses to the reflection question as well as any other thoughts. You can contact me by going to ChristianMeditationPodcast.com and clicking on the contact tab. The information you fill in there just sends me a personal email. Reflection Question:What is one way that you can let go of anger and embrace more love in your life?Here is the Final thought:I love this scripture and I love the message that follows it. Love is patient and kind. As we learn to discipline ourselves by ridding our hearts of hate and allowing more love to take root, we invite the Spirit of God. Many times this is an act of faith. If we believe in the saving power of Jesus Christ then we trust that he can heal our hearts. He can help us stay safe from those who would do us harm while at the same time letting go of the soul rusting power of hate. If you have experienced deep betrayal from someone close to you, I am certainly not arguing that you need to put yourself in the way of further harm. Let God guide you in how you can free your heart from unpleasant feelings while at the same time making place for more love in your heart. There is a deeply freeing feeling that can fill us with peace as we learn to trust God in this crucial way.  I say that in Jesus’ name Amen.          

Everything is on pause for this moment. Let things slow down. Allow your breathing to slow. Don’t shy away from this moment. Allow the tensions that have been hiding in your body escape. Feel what is going on in your body. Breathe slowly. Anything unpleasant that wells up in your at this moment breathe it out effortlessly. Don’t attempt to control it just let it go. Let your muscles go also. The longer you keep breathing, the more calm comes over your body. Don’t fight the calm. Allow your mind to slow. If it feels pulled to one place or another just breathe deeply and allow it to slow. Open your mind and your heart for the scripture we are about to read.  Bible verse for meditation:1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. KJV1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Notice the similarities and differences in the translations presented.  What does this scripture mean to you?Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past?How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: I want to share a moment of vulnerability. This is not a flatering message but I hope it will be a metaphor for you to allow you to ask yourself the same questions.  I was preparing to put out this podcast. I had my scripture selected and I had read it and was trying to get ot a place of peace as I started writing my notes for the episode. I was thinking about someone who I have recently been feeling deep disagreement with, by the way if you’re listening to this then it certainly is not you, anyway in this moment I found myself getting upset and angry. I had ahard time shaking these feelings and I resigned in myself that I was allowed to guard a little anger for this person in my heart.Have you ever done this? Do you still do this?Many times as we try to live a Christian life we encounter the realities of our humanity in this fallen state. Hate and anger enter our hearts. I found myself upset and I was not in a good place to bring peace. Instead of forcing myself to continue, I sat in my favorite chair put on a soft sound of a rushing stream and I began to relax and breathe deeply. In this moment I realized how I was trying to do something that contradicts reality. I was trying to justify not feeling love for someone while preaching a message of love. I opened my heart to the idea that I could disagree with this person while still loving them. As I opened my heart to prayer, I felt the peace of this scripture penetrate my heart and the anger I was feeling lost its grip on me. What does it feel like to feel love?What does it feel like to give up a grudge?I hoep that as we in America celebrate Valentine’s day that we can always remember this message. It is equally appropriate for romantic love, family love, and friendly love. May God grant us peace as we make room in our hearts for love.  Meditation of Prayer:Pray as directed by the Spirit.Pray now in a spirit of submission to Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:I invite you to sit in silence feeling the comfort and Love of God Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life:This part is very important. It is no accident that scripture is so full of narratives. Our minds connect with narratives. Imagine a visualization of a Narrative of your life knowing the truths from this scripture.Now visualize someone or a group of people who need this message. Imagine what their face would look like as they receive this scripture in their hearts. Imagine how you can share it with them.Conclusion:Stay with me until the end for a final thought and the reflection question. I have a couple of things to say and then I have a final thought so stay with me to the end.I release a new episode of this every Sunday morning at 1AM Mountain time in the US.I did an interview with Nikki over at Bible Meditation Podcast. It's the Saturday’s episode if you’d like to hear it. She is a competent and kind person and I appreciated the opportunity to talk with her. Her focus is on letting the scriptures speak and the form factor is much more compact. If you would like to listen to a thoughtful podcast dedicated to reading the liturgical scriptures, that would be a great choice. Also I welcome your responses to the reflection question as well as any other thoughts. You can contact me by going to ChristianMeditationPodcast.com and clicking on the contact tab. The information you fill in there just sends me a personal email. Reflection Question:What is one way that you can let go of anger and embrace more love in your life?Here is the Final thought:I love this scripture and I love the message that follows it. Love is patient and kind. As we learn to discipline ourselves by ridding our hearts of hate and allowing more love to take root, we invite the Spirit of God. Many times this is an act of faith. If we believe in the saving power of Jesus Christ then we trust that he can heal our hearts. He can help us stay safe from those who would do us harm while at the same time letting go of the soul rusting power of hate. If you have experienced deep betrayal from someone close to you, I am certainly not arguing that you need to put yourself in the way of further harm. Let God guide you in how you can free your heart from unpleasant feelings while at the same time making place for more love in your heart. There is a deeply freeing feeling that can fill us with peace as we learn to trust God in this crucial way.  I say that in Jesus’ name Amen.   FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist        

In this moment, loosen your focus. Feel the air around you. What is the temperature of the air as it gently surrounds you. Feel it as it eases into your lungs. As you breathe in you feel it bring calm. As you breathe out you feel the tension in your body escape. You feel your shoulders settle in, your face unflex, your shoulder blades soften. Each part of your body eases in. This moment, is for peace. This moment is your time with God’s spirit. Gently embrace this moment. No holding on too tightly, but enjoying it while it's here. As you sit in this quiet relaxation, a growing feeling of contentment begins to fill your body. Little by little you feel the ease of body associated with this contentment. Hope builds inside of you. Take this in. Take it all in. Allow this feeling of calm to be absorbed into your body. The spirit of the Lord inhabits you. Breathe in calmly. Bible verse for meditation: Matthew 6:16-18 ESV 16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. KJV 16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Notice the similarities and differences in the translations presented. What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Something that I spend a great deal of time thinking about is the ideas of human suffering. In an effort not to be overwhelmed our efforts to accept suffering can confuse us and cause us to value suffering for its own sake. This scripture shows that suffering in and of itself is not a source of glory. We need not admire suffering, we need not relish in it. We endure suffering in the pursuit of God. We endure suffering to pursue something greater than this world. Willingness to endure suffering for the cause of God, does not equate to pursuit of suffering. As you endure suffering in your life reflect for a moment, to what end do you suffer? Are there areas in your life where you place a value on suffering for its own sake? What way can you follow God while at the same time giving up any unnecessary suffering? During the sermon on the mount Jesus tells us that the opinions of others, or arguably even ourselves, matter little when it comes to how we bear the hardships we encounter. We struggle for our Lord. Whether it is fasting, or any other aspect of religious devotion, we resist the things of this world to place value on the things of God and to do what He has asked us. How can you follow God better? Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Pray now in a spirit of submission to Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling the comfort and Love of God Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life: This part is very important. It is no accident that scripture is so full of narratives. Our minds connect with narratives. Imagine a visualization of a Narrative of your life knowing the truths from this scripture. Now visualize someone or a group of people who need this message. Imagine what their face would look like as they receive this scripture in their hearts. Imagine how you can share it with them. Conclusion: Stay with me until the end for a final thought and the reflection question. I have a couple of things to say and then I have a final thought so stay with me to the end. I release a new episode of this every Sunday morning at 1AM Mountain time in the US. I received a lot of input from so many of your regarding the answer to last week’s reflection question. I loved hearing about what things you consider as your still waters. So many things, including family, peace from God, ease from anxiety. There are so many things that he leads us to. Here is the Final thought: As social beings we desire the good opinion of others. Many times the people who are the most vocal about not wanting the approval of others are the ones who secretly want it the most. This is not a judgement because I experience the same human instinct. May this reflection be a guide to us to continually improve. As we let go of this form of pride, we are able to focus more clearly on the pursuit of obedience to God. Later in this same chapter Jesus says that we should seek first the kingdom of God and all the blessings of God will be poured out upon us, in his time, and as we learn to endure the pains of this world. May God continue to bless us as we continually attempt to walk with His Spirit I say that in Jesus’ name Amen.   FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist               FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

Begin by noticing your level of peacefulness. Try to focus on accurately noticing it and let go of a desire to force yourself to relax. There is no hurry to relax. Your body has started to unwind already and will continue to do so during this whole recording. Let go of any compulsion to feel relaxed and just let your body breathe and feel the points where you body touches your clothes and furniture. As you become aware of this you feel yourself resting deeper into this furniture through no effort of your own.  Through this process you notice your level of peacefulness is continuing to grow. Your breathing is getting more gentle and fulfilling. Your whole body fills will cleansing air and all excess tension is breathed out. Feel you calm as you prepare to listen to readings from God’s word. The verses today are very meaningful for so many people and I invite you to attempt to remain in this relaxed state during the reading and allow God’s word to you in this moment be unique. Pretend as though you have never heard this scripture. Bible verse for meditation: Psalm 23 KJV 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Notice the similarities and differences in the translations presented.  NIV 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: I have a deep connection with this Psalm. As an ICU chaplain I read this scripture over many people who were dying or dead. In many ways I felt that I walked through the valley of the shadow of death professionally. It is hard for me to fully read this scripture afresh and I am overcome with emotion when I think of it. In sickness, health, death and life, God is our Shepherd. Jesus leads us in this life and into the next.  I had a woman who emailed me the details of the tragic death of her husband. I was moved by her strength and reliance on the peace of God. Despite our love for God and His love for us, he allows us to deal with the sadness and pain of this life. Our pain is intimately connected to our love. This pain of loss is not always death. Sometimes its estrangement or just the normal distance of time. God understands the pain of separation for every reason. Moments before he raised Lazarus from the grave, He wept for the pain of Martha and others despite Him knowing His own power to raise him. God has not designed our bodies to be free of pain and sadness. This sadness teaches us of love and, if we bear it with patience can connect our hearts to others and to God. In this moment allow this calm feeling to remain as you consider what blessings are attributed to God in this scripture. Breath this in.  Meditation of Prayer:Pray as directed by the Spirit.Pray now in a spirit of submission to Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling the comfort and Love of God Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life:This part is very important. It is no accident that scripture is so full of narratives. Our minds connect with narratives. Imagine a visualization of a Narrative of your life knowing the truths from this scripture.Now visualize someone or a group of people who need this message. Imagine what their face would look like as they receive this scripture in their hearts. Imagine how you can share it with them. Conclusion: I have a couple of things to say and then I have a final thought so stay with me to the end. I release a new episode of this every Sunday morning at 1AM Mountain time in the US. My wife mentioned to me that she would really enjoy a question be presented to continue reflecting on afterwords. Perhaps as a type of continued focus.  This week’s question will be, “What in your life represents the still waters and how is God leading you to them?”I would love to hear your answer. You can do that by visiting my website ChristianMeditationPodcast.com and clicking the contact tab.  Here is the Final thought: Jesus is our Shepherd. We are compared to sheep because we need His constant guidance and protection. With God we truly need not want. Jesus repeatedly counseled us to give up the love of this world. As we do that He guides us on the path of the righteous and leads us to still waters and green pastures. As I have visualized the valley of the shadow of death it has always been dark and foreboding, but despite the pain associated with death this scripture teaches that God will be with us in that valley regardless how dark we think it is. Light will prevail as we trust in Him. and I say that in Jesus’ name Amen.   iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist