A Meditation For Peace Transcending Understanding

This week I rediscovered a wonderful spiritual practice that I would like to share with you. Worshipping the Lord can be joyfully all encompassing, but I personally have a very difficult time prying my attention away from all of the stressors in my life. Worries and fears steal our attention until it is hard to give the Lord our focus. I encourage you to find a quiet place, close your other tabs, and spend a little time entering into God's transcendent peace.

1. Find a Quiet Place.

   "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." -Matthew 6:6
2. Place your heavy concerns in God's hands (prayer and petition). Pray, “ Dear Jesus I give you ______.” Start with the big relationships, responsibilities, and ambitions. Feel yourself lighten as your burdens are lain down.

   "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Philippians 4:6

3. Place your lighter concerns in God's hands with the same prayer, “ Dear Jesus I give you ______.” Continue to feel your burden lifted

   "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" - Matthew 11:28

4. Place your blessing in God's hands with the same prayer, “ Dear Jesus I give you ______."

    "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:29

5. As you've surrendered your defence mechanisms and securities you may begin to feel vulnerable. When you're ready, and have laid down as many burdens as you can think of, lay down in the hand of God. Pray, “Dear Jesus I give you myself.” 

   "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:30

6. Rest here. (Be still and know . . . )

   "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" - Psalm 46:10

   
   

   

   Quiet, Please by: Umberto Fistarol

Read Whole Books

I've posted instructions for meditating on small bits of scripture: a practice I've found to be of incalculable value, but today I want to highlight the benefit of reading swaths of scripture all at once. By reading one verse at a time we discover insights that we miss in a quick read through.  There is, however, a disadvantage to taking scripture a piece at a time. The disadvantage is this: we lose the context for that verse. 

 Mark 9:47 reads, “If your eye causes you to sin, gauge it out and throw it away,” This verse is confusing.  If read without its context one could conclude that Christ commanded his followers to mutilate themselves in order to enter God's kingdom. Poor mislead people have occasionally actually done this.

 

If you're wondering whether Jesus literally intended his followers to blind themselves, then just read to the following chapter. Jesus makes it crystal clear that human works, including self-mutilation, cannot earn God's kingdom (Mark 10:26-27). If the context of two chapters isn't enough then the context of the book ought to be. Mark leaves no ambiguity about whose actions can and will save mankind.

Image By: Jan Tito

The great thing about reading full sections of the Bible is that it helps us to grasp the big picture of God's message. Every little detail of God's word is worthy of our attention, but just as each stroke of an artist's brush is intentional and meaningful, we won't get the artists intention unless we occasionally step back to look at the whole picture. So read whole books.  Most of the New testament books were meant to be read as letters are read: in one go.

If you have attention problems you might consider listening to a recording. The Bible Experience is one that I personally love. Additionally you might try reading a Message Bible (Free Here) which can make a long read less tiring.

I pray you find joy in the beautiful composition of God's word. Happy Reading!

Fifteen Verses That Combat Cynicism

Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the full (John 10:10).  Nothing in the world can compare with the satisfaction found in a fulfilled Christian life.  Regrettably cynicism and sarcasm can creep into our lives; however, as Christians we have unique power to resist this trend.  With the Holy Spirit within us, and plentiful reasons to rejoice we can change the world. Jesus Christ didn't die on the cross so that we could wag our heads and complain about what's wrong with the world. He came to redeem the world, and the world is being redeemed. If you've slipped into cynicism here are fifteen Bible verses that combat negativity. Follow the links to examine the context of these verses, or try meditating on one of them using Lectio Divina. May you find courage and empowerment.

Photo By Suzan Black

Fifteen Verses That Combat Cynicism

 

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19:30

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!

Psalm 27:13

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

1 John 4:4

He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.

Acts 10:28

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Hebrews 13:6

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

RE: Psalm 32 & Lectio Divina

Photo By: BabaSteve

Lectio Divina

If you’re familiar with Lectio Divina, pick a verse or two from Psalm 32 and enjoy it.  However, if you’re unfamiliar with Lectio Divina, then I'm afraid your life is woefully incomplete.  Don’t worry though; it is easy to learn, and will enrich the rest of your natural life if you use it.  
 

What's Lectio Divina?

Latin for “Divine Reading” Lectio Divina is a Christian practice of meditation that dates back to the third century.

Why Should I Meditate?

If God commanding his people to mediate on his word (Joshua 1:8) isn’t enough motivation for you then go ahead and check out some articles about the benefits of meditation in Psychology Today, MIT News, or The Houston Chronicler.  Meditation is really good for you in almost every conceivable way; as the more has been learned about mediation more and more health experts have been promoting it.  A lot of Christians are wary of meditation because some eastern religions teach meditation.  Some eastern religions also teach compassion, but this would be a very bad reason for us to throw away our long history of compassion.  In fact there is no excuse for a Christian not to practice compassion; God commanded it, and he commands meditation as well (Colossians 3:12).

How Do I Mediate?

Honestly the Wikipedia entry on Lectio Divina is pretty good, but just in case that’s too much history and jargon for you I’ve broken it down for you real simply:

To Practice Lectio Divina:

Prepare

Clear your mind and environment of distractions.  Turn off your music and close your other tabs.  Break deeply and be aware of your thoughts.

Read

Read a verse or two.  I recommend Psalm 32:1 for today.  Read your selection repeatedly, and allow it to fill your thoughts.

Reflect

Turn the verse over in your mind, looking at it from new perspectives.  What does it mean?  What is God saying to you today?

Pray

Pray.  React in prayer to the verse or verse you just read and thought about.  Praise God, make requests, and voice anxieties.  God is listening.

Contemplate

Be still and know the Lord is God.  Be quiet.  God hears your prayers and he answers them.  He loves you very much and is with you.

Good Friday Lectio Divina

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.” - Isaiah 53:4

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” - Isaiah 53:5

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” - Isaiah 53:6

Challenge:

Make sure you have at least ten minutes.

Find a quiet place alone.

Pick one of the verses above.

Follow these steps for Lectio Divina:

Read: Read the verse aloud between ten and twenty times. Pay attention to what stands out to you.

Reflect: Think about the verse. Turn it over in your mind; look at in from different perspectives. What is God saying, to you, today, in this verse?

Pray: Pray your thoughts out to God. Whether it's thanking, apologising, asking, or praising, give all your thoughts over to God.

Rest: Wait here. You are in God's presence. If you asked him for something then now is a time to prepare to receive it. If you apologised, now is a good time to accept his forgiveness. Be still and know the Lord is God.

In the Wilderness - 1st Friday in Lent

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:38-39

You probably know that Lent is the 40ish days leading up to Easter. You might not have known that we observe these 40 days because of Jesus' 40 day fast in the wilderness. Imagine Jesus, alone for 40 days under the hot Israelite sun, eating no food and drinking from streams. It makes giving up chocolate for Lent seem less traumatic. During this time Jesus was tempted by the devil, and it was God's word that sustained him (Matthew 4).

Since Lent is a time we take to focus on God, it is also a time when the enemy may try extra hard to distract us from the Lord. The enemy tries in vain. Remember this Lent when you face anxiety, sickness or conflict that God always has the last word and promises to work out every situation for our good (Rom 8:28).

Challenge:

Consider the trials you face in your life. Take a moment to pray and to place these challenges before God. Let go of them know that your God is with you and you will not be overcome (1 Cor 10:13).

RE: Psalm 23

I only know a handful of poems by heart; this is one. My favorite bit is that the Lord “makes” the psalmist lie down in green pastures. That reminds me of myself. I am so reluctant to slow down and appreciate the blessings and presence of God that he often has to force me to “lie down.” Sometimes he does it with a broken car, sick day, or snow storm. God has used all these things to make me sit down and soak in his presence. They have been some of the best times I have ever had in the presence of the Lord. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days (Eph 5:16).