Christian Meditation Podcast

390 What Must I Do To Inherit Eternal Life, A Guided Christian Meditation on Mark 10:17-23 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: NIV 17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" 20 "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" NABRE 17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.'" 20 He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth." 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" Meditation on Scripture: When we stand before the Lord at the judgement the question that we will most be curious to know is exactly the question that this young man asked Jesus. What must I do to inherit eternal life. Jesus' answer here teaches us something about human will. What did Jesus demand from this young man? The thing he least wanted to give. Undoubtedly Jesus values charitable giving many places in scripture, yet is charity the act that earns a ticket into heaven? The problem here, among other things, is that he was not willing to follow what Jesus asked. At this time, as perhaps today, those who were prosperous were seen as righteous. They were seen as the ones who were blessed by God for their goodness and righteousness. If we read the book of Job we see this philosophy playing out with his friends who condemn him. Jesus taught a profoundly different doctrine. Those who want to inherit all the Father gives, must give up hollow success. Instead they must prioritize the things of God. We must pick up our cross and follow Christ. According to the scriptures, the righteous are not saved from hardship. In the verses that follow the people begin to be confused with this teaching. Since Jesus is teaching them the rich will not inherit the kingdom of God, the ask who will. Jesus answers that for human beings it is impossible, but all things are possible with God. Clearly earthly giving is important to Christian doctrine, yet it is not an act that will redeem us. The act that redeems us is reliance on Christ to save us from our sins. With God all things are possible. In this season of Christ, may we remember that it is not through worldly possessions that heaven is either denied or granted, but rather reliance on God who can do all things. May the hope of Christ inspire us to be generous and content. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmedi

Psalms 100 KJV 1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

388 Enter Into His Gates With Thanksgiving, A Guided Christian Meditation on Psalms 100 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Psalms 100 KJV 1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. ESV 100 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations Meditation on Scripture: In times of struggle it can be difficult to truly give gratitude to God. Yet I am convinced that gratitude is something that brings us closer to God's spirit. I have felt this experience go both ways. At times I have been overwhelmed with a positive spiritual experience that fills me with gratitude to God for the Love he pours out. At other times I have made an effort to give gratitude to God which has led to a positive spiritual experience with His love. The fact that we exist fills me with wonder. The unlikely nature of life is astounding as I discussed last episode. On top of that, the God of heaven chose to love us. He made us, we are his. We did not make ourselves. He leads us in a very difficult and narrow path. As we follow this narrow path it leads to His gate. The fact that we can enter this gate at all is glorious and amazing. God loves you. Give gratitude to God for all the infinite blessings of God. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What have you learned from God's grace? What do you hope to learn from God's grace? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

KJV Psalms 27 9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. 11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

386 The Lord Will Take Me In, A Guided Christian Meditation on Psalms 27:9-14 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: KJV Psalms 27 9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. 11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. NABRE 9 Do not hide your face from me; do not repel your servant in anger. You are my salvation; do not cast me off; do not forsake me, God my savior! 10 Even if my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me in. 11 Lord, show me your way; lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Do not abandon me to the desire of my foes; malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me. 13 I believe I shall see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord Meditation on Scripture: As humans, God created us to be interconnected with others. This is a fact that we cant escape. This is most pronounced by our profound early dependence in life. Each and every one of us have so many different relationships with others. Sometimes our meaningful relationships don't turn out as we wish. The sad truth is that so many people in life feel the pain of abandonment by those they would have loved to trust. Broken trust, neglect, and pain. Many times these feelings persist throughout many years. Yet this is not the end of the story. We are not locked forever into a never ending loop. One of the profound blessings we have been given is the ability to grow. We have the ability to rise above our circumstances. If you or someone you know is locked into feelings like these you are not forever to be locked into the past. Our happiness and well being is not dependent exclusively on other people or our outward situation. What's more, the all powerful God is strong enough to help us overcome. This is in part because we were created in the image of God, but far more important because the God of heaven chose to offer us redemption. Regardless of what relationship struggles we have had, God's peace can heal our hearts and fill the empty holes that have been cut by others. Be of good cheer and trust in the goodness of God and he will strengthen our hearts. God can heal our hearts and give us his peace. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What have you learned from God's grace? What do you hope to learn from God's grace? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

NABRE 11 For the grace of God has appeared, saving all 12 and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, 13 as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

384 Grace Trains Us to Say "No" to Ungodliness, A Guided Christian Meditation on Titus 2:11-14 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Colossians 1 Titus 2 NIV 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. NABRE 11 For the grace of God has appeared, saving all 12 and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, 13 as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. Meditation on Scripture: The scriptures make it clear that Grace does far more than forgive us at the last second as we attempt to sneak into heaven. In the incomprehensible mercy of God, God chose to do more with His grace than this. I think as believers and followers of Christ we rightly are quite interested in understanding the nature of salvation. We understand that it is by the Grace of God that we overcome sin. What's more, this is not something that waits until the last moment. This scripture seems to teach an important nuance in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that Grace both redeems us but also provides strength to resist evil and gain mastery over our fallen human nature. God is interested in bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. How is this done? As we patiently await reunion with Christ, grace teaches us self-control. Imagine what the world would look like if all humans at once rejected ungodliness and lived free of evil. I believe this is God's invitation to us. This scripture shows us that grace teaches us, it instructs us with the goal of getting us to reject earthly desires and ungodly things. To what end does God do this? Must we rush in to explain that God can forgive all that ungodliness anyway and therefore that ungodliness doesn't matter? In our strong desire to fully embrace the impact of grace in our lives, we trust that it is through His grace that we are able to be forgiven and also educated in godliness. This trust then allows us to let go of shame and embrace the Love of God. We can receive the redeeming love only He can offer. We can look our sin directly in the face with the faith that our sins won't overwhelm the grace of God, and that with his help we can remove it from our actions. Beyond that, grace continues its work in us. What lessons have you learned from Grace? Have you learned how to embrace the Kingdom of Heaven in your heart? Can you say at this moment that you have learned perfect self-control? I know that I cannot make that claim. As such, we have more to learn from Grace. As we truly place our faith in him, He will continue to lead us and teach us. He purifies all those who trust him as their Savior and then leads us as we remain steadfast in faith. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What have you learned from God's grace? What do you hope to learn from God's grace? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

NRSV 16 for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

382 In Him All Things Were Are Held Together, A Guided Christian Meditation on Colossians 1:16-20 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Colossians 1 NIV 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. NRSV 16 for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. Meditation on Scripture: Recently I have been thinking and focusing a lot on creation. This is a subject that has been deeply interesting to people of faith who are scientifically minded. This has always been a profound interest for me. My background is in science. I taught math at the University level and as well as in depth physics. I find that the wonders of the intricacies of the way our physical world works shows the glory of God. I recently gave a sermon on the evidence for God and intelligent design of the Cosmos. One powerful evidence for God's creation considers how finely tuned the universe must be in order to allow for the possibility of creation. Even the precisions of the strength of gravity alone is a powerful testimony. The strength of gravity must be more specific than one in a billionth of a billionth. If gravity was stronger galaxies would have imploded in on themselves and our universe would not have expanded to make way for our galaxy and solar system. If it was weaker then molecules would have flown apart and no planets or stars could have been created. This is only one aspect of the fine tuning of the universe. Ove a dozen similar arguments exist. Creation is a fascinating subject. This scripture talks about all things being created through God and how God was before them all. Immediately then it transitions to talking about authorities and thrones. So the question is when it says God holds things together, what does that mean? In some ways the intuitive understanding is that God holds together thrones etc. Additionally it may be that God holds all creation together. The way that the ideas of creation and authority pass back and forth may suggest that God does both. God holds the universe together. God's influence extends to Gravity and other fundamental forces such as the weak and strong nuclear forces as well as electrostatic force. Similarly God represents the highest form of order in every sense, including the puny organizations of human power. This means he holds all authority in the universe to govern as our Ruler. This is in terms of nature and our lives. The very existence of our earth and the nuclear reactions that occur in our sun are all guided by God holding them together. There is no chaos in your life that is beyond God's authority. The same God who pulls together black holes is the same God that can draw our hearts together. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in y

KJV 2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

380 The Way Into The Holy of Holies is Christ, A Guided Christian Meditation on Hebrews 9:2-8 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Hebrews 9 NASB 2 For a tabernacle was equipped, the outer sanctuary, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the sacred bread; this is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Most Holy Place, 4 having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, Aaron's staff which budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the atoning cover; but about these things we cannot now speak in detail. 6 Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle, performing the divine worship, 7 but into the second, only the high priest enters once a year, not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing, KJV 2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Meditation on Scripture: In Old Testament times the temple was divided into multiple different regions. There was an outer courtyard where there were altars where the sacrifices were made. Then the actual tabernacle had two different sections. The holy place, here referred to as the sanctuary, and the inner most sacred place called the holy of holies. The inner Holy of Holies was entered only by the high priest once each year. It was only after atonement was made. This scripture relates that process to the sacrifice of Christ. This is why I love the Book of Hebrews. It connects the old testament sacrificial system with the sacrifice of Christ. The sacrifices in the temple were meant to be a symbol of the sacrifice of Christ. As such, Christ passes the first tabernacle and enters into the second tabernacle, into the Holy of Holies, through the sacrifice of His own blood. The reason I wanted to think about holy places today is to reflect on what makes a place holy? What is it that makes a place a sanctuary? According to this scripture it is by meaningful sacrifice. The question then becomes, what sacrifice? The sacrifice here is the Atonement of Christ. What is it that makes a place holy in our time? Is it not the same thing? When we attempt to remember and acknowledge the sacrifice of Christ in our lives it becomes holy. As we attempt to live that way, to remember Christ and live in His way, in the walls of our own home it becomes holy. Do you live in holy places? Do you make the places holy around you by remembering the High Priest Jesus Christ. Do we invite him into our lives and into our homes and churches? Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpo

Deuteronomy 18 NRSV 15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. 16 This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: "If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die." 17 Then the Lord replied to me: "They are right in what they have said. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. 19 Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

378 I Will Raise Up For Them A Prophet, A Guided Christian Meditation on Deuteronomy 18:15-19 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Deuteronomy 18 NRSV 15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. 16 This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: "If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die." 17 Then the Lord replied to me: "They are right in what they have said. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. 19 Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. NASB 15 "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen; to him you shall listen. 16 This is in accordance with everything that you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, 'Do not let me hear the voice of the Lord my God again, and do not let me see this great fire anymore, or I will die!' 17 And the Lord said to me, 'They have spoken well. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him. 19 And it shall come about that whoever does not listen to My words which he speaks in My name, I Myself will require it of him. Meditation on Scripture: In Acts Chapter 3 Paul claims that this scripture is referring to Jesus Christ. The greater prophet who will come and give the word of the Lord. More importantly as John says. Jesus IS the Word. The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob is the same God. He told how He would come into the world. He told us what we needed to do and here Moses is telling how important it will be to heed the words of Jesus. It is essential. The Lord prepared everything in advance. He knew what would be needed. He knew what errors we would make and what help we would need. He knew what sins we would commit and how we would be lost without a Savior. As such, he offers a Savior. He offers His own son. Why did God tell us all of this? What does God want us to do with this information? What does God want you to do? Are you heeding His voice? Jesus is the great prophet, one greater than John the Baptist, greater than any man. The only sinless person to ever walk the earth, and yet he was not just a person. He was far more. He was the Messiah, the Anointed one to take away the sins of the world through His sacrifice. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: How does God's grace empower you to be able to take accountability for your failings? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

NIV 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

376 We Are Baptized Into the Death of Christ, A Guided Christian Meditation on Romans 6:3-5 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Romans 6 NIV 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. KJV 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection Meditation on Scripture: Today I led a baptismal service for a young man. It has been wonderful seeing his desire to transform his life. He lives in government housing and has been recently attempting to turn his life toward God. Right after he came out of the water, he was glowing and explained a wonderful feeling that filled him. I explained how this was the spirit and it was a signal of how God would continue to inspire him going forward. I then taught him how the Holy Spirit can guide his life. I find these types of moments to be precious beyond words. It is a manifestation of Gods love and power. As we give our lives over to God, we receive the promise of redemption by having our sin wiped away. As I saw this young man go down into the water and then rise up with joy filling his heart it reminded me of the joy of grace. Each of us are in the same need before God. Regardless of where we are in life or how long we have been walking with God, each of us rely on the same grace for our salvation. As such we should remember the goodness of God to us. I invite you to help encourage those who attempt to walk with Christ or those who don't yet know him, that we can help others revive the joy that comes from following Christ into the waters of baptism. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: How does God's grace empower you to be able to take accountability for your failings? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

NIV 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

374 We Don't Need to Defend Ourselves from The World, A Guided Christian Meditation on Daniel 3:16-18 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Daniel 3:16-18 NIV 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." KJV 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up Meditation on Scripture: This story is a miraculous display of courage. Many times when we say we trust God what we mean is that we trust He will do what we think is right. I think this is a wonderful thing to challenge inside of ourselves. It is a powerful thing to trust in God even if he doesn't deliver you how and when you think he should. In this story the King created an idol and tried to force everyone to worship. This act of courage is a clear demonstration of real and powerful Faith. Open your heart to faith now. In this moment open yourself to the courageous type of faith. Feel within yourself where you courage resides. Reflect on your courage in the Lord. Imagine yourself being courageous in doing the things you feel God wants you to do. I truly feel that courage is part of our personal development. God allows us to enter situations that require courage and tenacity, but when we come out the other end we can do so with even more faith and trust than before. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: How does God's grace empower you to be able to take accountability for your failings? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

James 4 NABRE 13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make a profit"— 14 you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. 15 Instead you should say, "If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that." 16 But now you are boasting in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

372 Doing What We Know To Be Right, A Guided Christian Meditation on James 4:13-17 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: James4 NRSV 13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money." 14 Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that." 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin. NABRE 13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make a profit"— 14 you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. 15 Instead you should say, "If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that." 16 But now you are boasting in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin Meditation on Scripture: In a great eternal irony when we feel shame and run from responsibility before our sin, we become even more disempowered and less able to overcome our failings. Who among us can truly say they do everything they know they should? When we are able to accept our wrong doing before the Lord for not doing what we should, while embracing His grace, we are in a much better position to actually do something about it. We are in a position to ask forgiveness, we are in a position to change. It is not enough to simply ignore that we do wrong things, but we need to come to terms with our fault before the Lord for the myriad things we do against His will. It can be paradoxical when we truly are able to be honest about our fallen state and petition the Lord for forgiveness at first we may feel as though we walk through fire but as we continue in faith, this fire is quenched by God. And yet all of us can receive God's grace as we trust Jesus as our savior. It seems that there is a connection to sin and the illusion that we are able to control the future in general. When we operate under the assumption that we control the world, we may think that we get to choose the consequences of our actions, which is a complete falsehood. We can not choose the actions of tomorrow no more than we can choose the effects of sin. There is a deep and eternal connection to truly receiving God's grace, and our willingness to be honest with our failings. And ironically we can become more willing to look our sin in the face when we trust God's grace. The Gospel is not a message of vanilla self acceptance but true redemption from the hellish consequences of choosing evil. Our peace then, does not come from covering our sin but from the assurance that God has indeed redeemed us from it all. This is the peace Jesus offers. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: How does God's grace empower you to be able to take accountability for your failings? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

370 Worthy Is The Lamb Who Was Slain, A Guided Christian Meditation on Revelation 5:11-14 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Revelation 5 ESV 11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" 14 And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped. KJV 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. Meditation on Scripture: I often have some message to apply scripture to our life. Here I want to take an opportunity to simply say. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. Blessing and honor and glory and power be unto him that sits on the throne and the Lamb. I almost can't hear this music without thinking of the music from Handel's Messiah. Such power in these words. That Lamb here referred to is Jesus Christ who went like a lamb to the slaughter for our behalf. How grateful I am for that. Glory to God. The goodness and greatness of God do not need our acts of worship and praise, yet God offers us the opportunity to recognize His glory. God's goodness is obvious and even the very stones of the earth could proclaim His goodness if He asked it. There is a peace that enters us as we acknowledge the eternal truth of the source of Goodness and light. Let the goodness of our God soften your heart to allow His love to touch your soul, to transform you in his image. Spend time today, in this moment, thanking God for his goodness, thanking him for bringing light to our universe, for bringing love into us who so desperately need it. God loves you. The God of heaven. The one deemed worthy to sit on the throne of the universe, who is full of glory and deserving of honor, who offers His blessing. Praise be to God. May we feel his glory deep in our heart. In the end, The heavens as well as the faithful on earth will declare together that Jesus is the Christ and is the only way back to the Father. Join in this worship by letting God touch your heart with this assurance today. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What does the rest of the Lord look like? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

368 I Will Meditate on the Work of the Lord, A Guided Christian Meditation on Psalms 77:6-12 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Psalms 77:6-12 NABRE 6 I consider the days of old; the years long past 7 I remember. At night I ponder in my heart; and as I meditate, my spirit probes: 8 "Will the Lord reject us forever, never again show favor? 9 Has God's mercy ceased forever? The promise to go unfulfilled for future ages? 10 Has God forgotten how to show mercy, in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah 11 I conclude: "My sorrow is this, the right hand of the Most High has abandoned us." 12 I will recall the deeds of the Lord; yes, recall your wonders of old. KJV 6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. 7 Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? 8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? 9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. 10 And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. 11 I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. 12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Meditation on Scripture: What does it mean to remember? What does it mean? What sorts of things do we choose to remember, or never forget. As we remember the tragedies from 20 years ago and the many other tragedies that have followed we can focus on the earthly actions. We can become embittered or fearful. The value in remembering should not be found in this. The value of remembering things is to help improve our lives and those around us. At some point, everyone we know and everything we own will be left on earth, and the only thing we will carry with us is our experiences and the records kept in heaven. When we think of always remembering, may we integrate these things with the most important thing to remember, which is our faith. What does it mean to always remember the Lord? That may seem like a basic question but ponder that for a moment. What does it mean to always remember the Lord? What impact would that have one our day to day life? How would that impact the way we experience conflict. It would also change the way we experience fear, and influence how we are motivated to follow God. And this would also overlap with how we remember tragedy. An equally important thing to consider is how God remembers us even amidst our trials and struggles. And how He chooses to forget our sins due to His mercy. Our entire existence is transformed through this chain of remembrance between God and us. How blessed we are to have such a God. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What does the rest of the Lord look like? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Psalms 77:6-12 NABRE 6 I consider the days of old; the years long past 7 I remember. At night I ponder in my heart; and as I meditate, my spirit probes: 8 "Will the Lord reject us forever, never again show favor? 9 Has God's mercy ceased forever? The promise to go unfulfilled for future ages? 10 Has God forgotten how to show mercy, in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah 11 I conclude: "My sorrow is this, the right hand of the Most High has abandoned us." 12 I will recall the deeds of the Lord; yes, recall your wonders of old. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

368 I Will Meditate on the Work of the Lord, A Guided Christian Meditation on Psalms 77:6-12 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Psalms 77:6-12 NABRE 6 I consider the days of old; the years long past 7 I remember. At night I ponder in my heart; and as I meditate, my spirit probes: 8 "Will the Lord reject us forever, never again show favor? 9 Has God's mercy ceased forever? The promise to go unfulfilled for future ages? 10 Has God forgotten how to show mercy, in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah 11 I conclude: "My sorrow is this, the right hand of the Most High has abandoned us." 12 I will recall the deeds of the Lord; yes, recall your wonders of old. KJV 6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. 7 Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? 8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? 9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. 10 And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. 11 I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. 12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Meditation on Scripture: What does it mean to remember? What does it mean? What sorts of things do we choose to remember, or never forget. As we remember the tragedies from 20 years ago and the many other tragedies that have followed we can focus on the earthly actions. We can become embittered or fearful. The value in remembering should not be found in this. The value of remembering things is to help improve our lives and those around us. At some point, everyone we know and everything we own will be left on earth, and the only thing we will carry with us is our experiences and the records kept in heaven. When we think of always remembering, may we integrate these things with the most important thing to remember, which is our faith. What does it mean to always remember the Lord? That may seem like a basic question but ponder that for a moment. What does it mean to always remember the Lord? What impact would that have one our day to day life? How would that impact the way we experience conflict. It would also change the way we experience fear, and influence how we are motivated to follow God. And this would also overlap with how we remember tragedy. An equally important thing to consider is how God remembers us even amidst our trials and struggles. And how He chooses to forget our sins due to His mercy. Our entire existence is transformed through this chain of remembrance between God and us. How blessed we are to have such a God. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What does the rest of the Lord look like? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

1 Timothy 1 KJV 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

366 God Trusts Us With His Gospel, A Guided Christian Meditation on 1 Timothy 1:11-13 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: 1 Timothy 1 KJV 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. NABRE 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. 12 I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry. 13 I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief. 14 Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Meditation on Scripture: What is success in life? What is it that we want out of life? How much of that success is due to our own efforts and how much is due to luck? When we look at our life and our eternal destiny we can consider the same balance. We are enormously fortunate that the blessed God chose to scoop us out of where we have been and invite us into a path of Love and transformation.He considers us trustworthy of His gospel. Despite our failings he loves us and offers His abundant grace. When things are difficult all around and we feel frustrated, sad, tired, or overwhelmed, consider that we have been counted faithful by Jesus Christ. Herein is our faith, not that we trust in our adherence to perfection, but we rejoice that the God of heaven has chosen to love us. How blessed are we. Part of the good news of the Gospel that Paul is preaching here is that we do not need to constantly destroy ourselves for who we have been or things we struggle with. We learn to let those go to our loving God who deals with us with mercy as we place our faith in Jesus. As we trust our Savior we overcome our human weakness and rise up in the trust of the Lord. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What does the rest of the Lord look like? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Bible verses for Meditation: Matthew 7 NIV 24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

364 Build Upon A Rock, A Guided Christian Meditation on Matthew 7:24-27 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Matthew 7 NIV 24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." NRSV 24 "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!" Meditation on Scripture: So many different compelling challenges are in front of us that at times we can be swept away by the fear and strain they cause. There is so much to draw us away from the peace of God, too much to list here. I find it interesting that in this story there is a recommendation that we build on a solid foundation. Why does that matter if it is not meant to rain on the righteous. Good people have storms come at them as well. For this reason Jesus says we need to start with a solid foundation. Belief in Christ as our savior is the foundation. Christ himself is the chief cornerstone. After the foundation we must build. What do we build with? The things Jesus has asked us to do. If we want to be safe from the storms of life we need to do what Jesus asks us to do. Not because that will cause us to escape them, but that it will allow us to weather them. We do not need to fear the collapse of our soul or character if we constantly strive to do what Jesus asks us to do, and he does ask us to follow Him. With that said, if we follow Christ's commandments without really trusting in Him or having our faith founded on Him then our house is weak. What things do you know that you need to be doing more of in your life? What things do you need to be doing less of? These are the ways in which we build our house through Christ. Ponder on what things those are. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What does the rest of the Lord look like? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

362 Live Peaceably with Everyone, A Guided Christian Meditation on Romans 12:17-19 with the Recenter With Christ app Romans 12 NIV 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

362 Live Peaceably with Everyone, A Guided Christian Meditation on Romans 12:17-19 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Romans 12 NIV 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. KJV 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Meditation on Scripture: Vengeance is an experience that has been present since the earliest days of human existence. It's intoxicating lire can be tempting for all of us who have been harmed by someone. It temps is to intentionally hurt another for nothing other than the enjoyment of that pain. It is a sort of directed masochism. Here Paul says it is paying evil for evil. In a more clear statement, revenge is evil. Most of the time it is understandable why we feel the dramatic pull toward revenge but that is not our place to cool claim that it should be welcome in our heart. When we let those feelings hold sway in us, it negatively impacts us. Even we feel unable to let go of the feeling, we can begin by at least wanting the feeling to leave instead of nurturing it. We can trust our all powerful God who will ensure that justice is done. God knows exactly how and when to give mercy and justice. His decision are infinitely better than ours. As our faith in God grows so does our faith that All that is wrong and evil will be avenged. The great irony comes when we consider our need for mercy from the offenses we have done to others. Those same acts that may have instilled feelings of revenge in others. True faith in God grows into an understanding that His grace and forgiveness should not apply only to us, but to all those who come to him and repent through faith. Thankfully God is not as vengeful as we may occasionally deserve. Thanks be to God for His unending grace. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What does the rest of the Lord look like? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

362 Live Peaceably with Everyone, A Guided Christian Meditation on Romans 12:17-19 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Romans 12 NIV 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. KJV 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Meditation on Scripture: Vengeance is an experience that has been present since the earliest days of human existence. It's intoxicating lire can be tempting for all of us who have been harmed by someone. It temps is to intentionally hurt another for nothing other than the enjoyment of that pain. It is a sort of directed masochism. Here Paul says it is paying evil for evil. In a more clear statement, revenge is evil. Most of the time it is understandable why we feel the dramatic pull toward revenge but that is not our place to cool claim that it should be welcome in our heart. When we let those feelings hold sway in us, it negatively impacts us. Even we feel unable to let go of the feeling, we can begin by at least wanting the feeling to leave instead of nurturing it. We can trust our all powerful God who will ensure that justice is done. God knows exactly how and when to give mercy and justice. His decision are infinitely better than ours. As our faith in God grows so does our faith that All that is wrong and evil will be avenged. The great irony comes when we consider our need for mercy from the offenses we have done to others. Those same acts that may have instilled feelings of revenge in others. True faith in God grows into an understanding that His grace and forgiveness should not apply only to us, but to all those who come to him and repent through faith. Thankfully God is not as vengeful as we may occasionally deserve. Thanks be to God for His unending grace. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What does the rest of the Lord look like? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Romans 12 NRSV 9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

360 Let Love Be Genuine and Hate What is Evil, A Guided Christian Meditation on Romans 12:9-16 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Romans 12 NRSV 9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. NABRE 9 Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. 11 Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Meditation on Scripture: Hate what is evil and hold fast to what is good. Evil is not defined as other people in this scripture, as though it were some eternal villain. It is evil acts and tendencies: the rejection of God. Paul taught us to not become conceited. We are not meant to separate ourselves above others, even if, or especially if, we have the truth of God in our hearts. We are meant to bless our enemies and love sincerely and deeply. We are meant to develop our gifts and share them. Why do we need to hold fast to what is good? Why does God want us to avoid conceit? Is it to prove to God that we belong in heaven? Or is It is because he wants us to be the best version of what we are capable of? That comes through God's word speaking truth into our lives as we learn to avoid evil and hold fast to the good. We learn how to compassionately connect with others. As we do we gain a community of people who are there for us when we hurt. This is one of the roles that the church community plays. If you find yourself longing for happiness, commit to ways in which you can live this scripture. How can you love more, how can you be connected to others, how can you serve others? How can you do your highest service? This brings a fulfillment in life. As we are surrounded by love, the other aspects of life which are hard, are improved. We gain strength and endurance to do the work God has for us. God's love leads to loving action. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What does the rest of the Lord look like? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Bible verses for Meditation: Hebrews 4 NIV 19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? 20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

358 No One Will Take Your Joy, A Guided Christian Meditation on John 16:19-23 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Hebrews 4 NIV 19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? 20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name NRSV 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, "Are you discussing among yourselves what I meant when I said, 'A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me'? 20 Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. 22 So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Meditation on Scripture: What do we rejoice about in life? What causes us to mourn? What are you pursuing in life? In my experience joy is deeply connected with what we pursue. The most simple summary I could give is that joy is the pursuit of light. Pursuit of eternal good. If we chase feelings instead of a relationship with the God of joy, how do we expect to have long lasting joy. If we are only concerned with this current moment without a concern for where we want to get long term, we will be unable to follow the path of God. Those early disciples likely could not imagine anything worse than having Jesus go way. If the choice was left to them they would have prevented Jesus' departure and thus would have halted His victory over death. Luckily God was willing to make them uncomfortable for a while and to put them through pain so that all humanity could live. Luckily he allows us to go through seasons of pain and struggle so we can draw closer to His Light. Jesus points to Motherhood as a supreme example of this kind of painful joy. When they received the holy spirit, they finally understood and became able to rejoice in the earthly mission of Jesus. Our joy will be to be reunited with God. When that happens we will have nothing left to ask of Him because He will pour out His Love on us forever more. So for now, may we press forward in following His light, and sharing His loving light with all those we meet. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What does the rest of the Lord look like? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Bible verses for Meditation: Hebrews 4 NRSV 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later about another day. 9 So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; 10 for those who enter God's rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

356 Entering in God's Day of Rest , A Guided Christian Meditation on Hebrews 4:8-11 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Hebrews 4 NRSV 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later about another day. 9 So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; 10 for those who enter God's rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs. NABRE 8 Now if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterwards of another day. 9 Therefore, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God. 10 And whoever enters into God's rest, rests from his own works as God did from his. 11 Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience. Meditation on Scripture: Joshua helped deliver the people of Israel from their captivity in Egypt. He assisted them and helped lead them as they marched through the desert. He led them into the promised land God had promised them. And yet here, scripture states that this was not the rest that was the highest form of rest. To be delivered to a land prepared specifically for them is not the deliverance destined for the Messiah. The Messiah came to deliver rest from our human weakness. He helps us overcome our weaknesses. This rest comes not by luxurious living according to the way of the world. We can be sitting on a fancy beach or along a mountain stream and be overwhelmed by the fear of this world and the fear of ourselves. God offers rest, true rest. How does He do this? He offers rest through trusting in Him. Can we be at peace without truly believing that God will make everything turn out OK. Can we have rest when we feel that the current life situation we are in is permanent and there is no hope to change it? Are you in agreement with God about His ability to transform the things you think are so unmovable in your life? Faith in God is not meant to be some abstract theology. It is meant to be a deep trust that moves us to action through the Spirit. As you enjoy the Sabbath day, resting from your labor, ponder how you trust God. Not if you are in alignment to facts of the life of Jesus, but if you trust God to be your redeemer. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What does the rest of the Lord look like? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Ephesians 3 NIV 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 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, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

354 Be Rooted and Grounded in Love, A Guided Christian Meditation on Ephesians 3:17-21 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Ephesians 3 NIV 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 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, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. ESV 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Meditation on Scripture: When we look at our lives and what we are unable to do we often feel discouraged. When we hear about our fallen nature, or think about our sin we can be tempted to feel shame or worthlessness. This scripture gives an amazing perspective. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is rooted in love. When we look at forgiveness as the outpouring of God's love it changes it. When repentance becomes an act of receiving God's love through grace, we can be transformed by God. Shame is not a necessary thing for those who love God. When we are rooted deep and wide in the love of Christ, our actions are motivated by living as God would want. Not out of fear but rooted in love. Love is the central theme of the gospel and it propels us forward even in the middle of events we never would have chosen. Sometimes it is long after these moments that we realize God's purposes God is able to do more for us that we could ever really know to ask for. When we get through this life I am certain when we are standing in heaven with Christ that we will see the wisdom of what He allowed us to go through and we will see how He used those experiences to transform us in ways we never would have thought to ask for. He gives more abundantly than all that we ask or think. This is by way of His spirit working in us. Then when we glorify God it is not to make us feel worthless but it is out of gratitude for him building us up in ways we never before had understood. Creating in us something greater than we ever could. His goodness may not be seen right away but in the end all creation will acknowledge the goodness of God to His children. Glory be to God for his unspeakable gifts, some of which we didn't even understand at the time. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: Why did God give you freedom of spirit? Final Thought: There is a kind of authenticity we can learn from what Paul says here. Intimacy is more than physical, it is emotional and spiritual as well. As we learn to be one with God as it says in John 17 (as Ge is one with the father) we also are one with each other both in intimate relationships, friendships, families, and every other kind of relationship. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christian

352 Be of One Flesh, A Guided Christian Meditation on Ephesians 5:30-33 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Ephesians 5:31-33 New American Standard Bible 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, as for you individually, each husband is to love his own wife the same as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Meditation on Scripture: I made an emergency visit to San Diego with my work. An extremely devoted husband suddenly had lost his wife. As we spoke I pondered the beautiful thing that was lost. Extremely often in my line of work I find myself giving gratitude for the those in my life that I love, especially my wife. I am exceptionally aware that many people live life without this in their life through a wide variety of reasons, yet the principles are profoundly instructive. Paul uses devoted marital love as a metaphor for the Love of God over the church. He equates this to a great Mystery. There is a connection between all Love. It is all rooted in Christ's love. He then goes a step further to give recommendations to people based on their need, not to set relative value. In the same way the book of Corinthians includes a focus on sexual purity while the book of Hebrews focuses on explaining the symbolic prophecy of Christ. God gives us the concerto we need. God loves us all and yet each one of us have different needs before the Lord. It is my experience in counseling with couples that husbands more often want more respect in relationships and wives want more love. Paul states that here by way of guidance. God gives us what we need to be challenged and grow but he usually gives guidance we can learn from if we try hard enough. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: Why did God give you freedom of spirit? Final Thought: There is a kind of authenticity we can learn from what Paul says here. Intimacy is more than physical, it is emotional and spiritual as well. As we learn to be one with God as it says in John 17 (as Ge is one with the father) we also are one with each other both in intimate relationships, friendships, families, and every other kind of relationship. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Bible verses for Meditation: Luke 22 KJV 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

350 Not My Will But Thine Be Done, A Guided Christian Meditation on luke 22:40-45 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Luke 22 KJV 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. NIV 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." Meditation on Scripture: Sometimes we find it easy to philosophize about scripture and God's word. The terrible leveler is pain. Over the last week someone I care about more than almost anyone on earth is suffering with immense pain.in moments like this fancy theology seems unfocused. The depth of Gods truth begins to be seen not in complexity but by faithfulness. How completely do we believe and trust God? This question is far more important than how deeply we understand the academic aspects of the gospel. Even the most simple faith is profound when it runs deep into the soul. How deeply in us is our understanding of God's mercy and purpose? Do you need to understand God's purpose in your life in order to trust Him? Perhaps this was the root of what Jesus meant when he began and ended with an admonition to the apostles that they pray to avoid entering temptation. He repeated it twice. God is intimately familiar with the challenge of suffering. Pain tears down the false scaffolding of speculative doctrine. It tears open our hearts and exposes them to sunlight. These moments most often only gain clarity of purpose after the moment has passed when we most wanted to understand purpose. When we trust God, in these moments we can let go of instantaneous demands for purpose and trust that it will come. Then we have a very small piece of understanding of what Jesus said when he said, not my will but thine be done. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: Why did God give you freedom of spirit? Final Thought: God's plan was meant to try us and to push us to rely on Him. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

350 Not My Will But Thine Be Done, A Guided Christian Meditation on luke 22:40-45 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Luke 22 KJV 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. NIV 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." Meditation on Scripture: Sometimes we find it easy to philosophize about scripture and God's word. The terrible leveler is pain. Over the last week someone I care about more than almost anyone on earth is suffering with immense pain.in moments like this fancy theology seems unfocused. The depth of Gods truth begins to be seen not in complexity but by faithfulness. How completely do we believe and trust God? This question is far more important than how deeply we understand the academic aspects of the gospel. Even the most simple faith is profound when it runs deep into the soul. How deeply in us is our understanding of God's mercy and purpose? Do you need to understand God's purpose in your life in order to trust Him? Perhaps this was the root of what Jesus meant when he began and ended with an admonition to the apostles that they pray to avoid entering temptation. He repeated it twice. God is intimately familiar with the challenge of suffering. Pain tears down the false scaffolding of speculative doctrine. It tears open our hearts and exposes them to sunlight. These moments most often only gain clarity of purpose after the moment has passed when we most wanted to understand purpose. When we trust God, in these moments we can let go of instantaneous demands for purpose and trust that it will come. Then we have a very small piece of understanding of what Jesus said when he said, not my will but thine be done. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: Why did God give you freedom of spirit? Final Thought: God's plan was meant to try us and to push us to rely on Him. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Bible verses for Meditation: Galatians 5:13-15 NIV 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Galatians 5:13-15 NASB 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. NIV 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Meditation on Scripture: What is freedom? How do we obtain true freedom? According to this scripture, what should we do with our freedom? Many times when we think of freedom it is something that fills us with the ability to do what we want. The scriptures mention freedom various times. Here it says we are called to freedom, to be free. Yet what is that call? It is the call of Christ. Jesus is who offers us the ability to be free of the most serious consequences in existence, that of sin and human weakness. Here we are corrected from using freedom as an excuse to do whatever it is that we want instead God offered freedom to us to help transform us to his image. The way Paul suggests that here is to say that we should use our freedom in service and love. He reiterates the pronouncement of Jesus who said that the second great commandment was to love our neighbor as ourselves. Loving God with all our heart, mind, might, and strength was the first. Our freedom allows us to do those things that would improve us and make us more in His image. We are called to love, we are called to freedom to allow us to do that. As we faithfully follow Christ, we have power to answer this call. We receive true freedom which is to do what is most important for us to do, not necessarily what our current desires dictate to us. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: Why did God give you freedom of spirit? Final Thought: God's plan was meant to try us and to push us to rely on Him. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Bible verses for Meditation: Matthew 18:1-5 NABRE 1 At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst, 3 and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

346 Become Like a Little Child, A Guided Christian Meditation on Matthew 18:1-5 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Matthew 18:1-5 NABRE 1 At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst, 3 and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. KJV 1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. Meditation on Scripture: This week I have been spending time with some family members with very small children and babies. Since my children are teens now, it reminded me of the unmitigated joy children can share into our lives. This got me thinking about this teaching of Jesus. There is some much wisdom in what Jesus said, yet also much more is learned as we reflect on it deeper. Childhood is a unique state that each person is a child at one point although it is drastically different. This experience, however, varies widely between us. This leaves us with the question of what we need to do. What is it about Childhood that Jesus spoke about? In what ways are we meant to emulate children? What similarities do you have with children? What makes you different from a child? In many ways maturity is positive. We gain the ability to think more abstractly and have more power to work for the good of others. We have the ability to learn how to soothe ourselves when we experience negative emotion. But we also learn deceit and selfishness. We learn to be more close minded and determined in our own ways. Perhaps one thing to note is that Jesus asks us to be child-like, not child-ish. It can be helpful to note the ways in which Jesus was child-like. Jesus has the perfect balance of Childlike innocence and maturity. Ponder for a moment in what way you can become more child like as Jesus is asking for here. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: In what ways do you struggle with seeing people as objects at times? Final Thought: God's plan was meant to try us and to push us to rely on Him. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Bible verses for Meditation: Hebrew 12:7-11 NIV 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. ESV 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

344 We Share in God's Holiness Through Discipline, A Guided Christian Meditation on 1 Peter 3:15-17 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Hebrew 12:7-11 NIV 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. ESV 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Meditation on Scripture: You have everything you need to do what you need to do. God has given you exactly what you need. Greatest of all He has helped us overcome sin. He created a plan whereby we would grow well beyond our limitations. We receive His holiness through faithfully receiving His grace. Here, that transforming power of Grace, is called discipline. If we think we will receive His grace without being changed we are missing something. Yet it is important that we learn to recognize God's discipline and be trained by it. When we learn it's lessons we are prepared to receice the peaceful fruit of righteousness. God is our Holy Father. Better than any earthly father and more loving. Sometimes images of earthly fathers can provide a metaphor for how God loves us, sometimes those examples are unhelpful. More caring and compassionate than any you know. Regardless of your personal experience spend a moment to imagine the ideal image of a loving amd caring father. Someone who cares about their children and works for their betterment. Now image god in that role. Now recognize that whatever the best image you could conjure it does not compare to what God feels for you. You are loved by a perfectly loving God. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: In what ways do you struggle with seeing people as objects at times? Final Thought: God's plan was meant to try us and to push us to rely on Him. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. NRSV 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod