Christian Meditation Podcast

Bible verses for Meditation: Romans 3:9-13 NIV 9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." 13 "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips." Meditation on Scripture: 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

252 Alike Under the Power of Sin, A Guided Christian Meditation on Romans 3:9-13 and 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Romans 3:9-13 NIV 9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." 13 "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips." NABRE 9 Well, then, are we better off? Not entirely, for we have already brought the charge against Jews and Greeks alike that they are all under the domination of sin, 10 as it is written: "There is no one just, not one, 11 there is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks God. 12 All have gone astray; all alike are worthless; there is not one who does good, [there is not] even one. 13 Their throats are open graves; they deceive with their tongues; the venom of asps is on their lips; Meditation on Scripture: Most of the time I focus on a message of God's love and this may seem out of sync with that. I recognize the power of this scripture. Many people receive it differently. I know many people who receive this message with shame. It can seem like this is a message of the wrath of God and his anger at us sinners. I don't think that needs to be our response to this message. This may seem counterintuitive but I think that a recognition of the darkness that resides in us can actually help us release shame. Many times as Christians and those who attempt to follow the master of peace, we feel some dissonance between our Godly aspirations and our heart at times. Each of us have within us the capacity for evil. When we can confess our hearts to God and are open about this there can be a sense of relief that He loves us despite our worst parts. I recently Read the book Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It is a compelling story of a man who attempts to create a potion that allows him to split his good will and sinful nature into two different manifestations. Little by little as he gives license to his sinful nature the portion of him that remains good deteriorates. This is what we stand in danger of in life. We have a choice to yield to darkness or light. The evil that surrounds us, or the still small voice of God. Modern psychological experiments like the Stanford Prison and Milgram experiments reiterate what we see echoed in history and scripture. Even regular people have a terrible capacity. Intimacy before God is an acknowledgement of reality. We don't need God and redemption for some hypothetical sins but very real ones. Yet here is where the light of God illuminates the darkness. We are are not grateful to God for overlooking some slight annoyances but for loving and redeeming us for profound darkness and an eternity subjected to evil. He provides the way out. We need not remain slaves to sin as we follow Him 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 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: How do you relate to the idea of our sinful nature? Final Thought: I want to mention something in the context of self honesty. For some people who suffer greatly from anxious negative self image the concept of being so blunt about our failings may seem like a black hole from which we can't escape. If you find yourself overwhelmed by these sorts of thoughts I recommend finding someone to help you work through this. Obviously praying directly to God about it and continuing to meditate on His love for you is helpful but you may also find it helpful to have someone walk alongside of you as you reconcile

Bible verses for Meditation: Isaiah 53 KJV 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. NRSV 4 Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 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

250 With His Stripes We Are Healed, A Guided Christian Meditation on Isaiah 53:4-6 (continued from episode 158) Recenter With Christ 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Isaiah 53 KJV 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. NRSV 4 Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Meditation on Scripture: This scripture came to me in an flash. I had nearly finished preparing another one when it became clear that I should change to this one. We need to be reminded that Jesus bore our grief. He carried our sorrow. Yet even in that, we don't see it. Some people find themselves asking God where are you? When we are in this mindset we are willing to ignore the horrors of the Cross because we are having a hard time of life. Yet even in the midst of this, Christ was wounded for our transgressions. The reason and the method of our redemption was a literal weight upon his back, that his mortal frame struggled to carry. Yet it is though those stripes that we are healed. This is far from a theological turn of a phrase. When we struggle to wonder were God is, this question is known to Him. He asked it too on the Cross when he cried "My God my God, why have you forsaken me?" Even in this declaration Jesus was quoting Psalm 22. Remember this, in the middle of our struggle, God declares that His stripes heal us. Ponder in this moment how the challenge of life would be much greater with the knowledge that our lack of purity would cause us to be cast out from God's presence forever the moment we die. As it is we struggle from time to time on earth. Sometimes we struggle more than we think we can overcome, yet even in the middle of that, we can trust in the Mercy of a God who forgives despite our failings. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. 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 did you experience today as you pondered on the offering of God's redemption? Final Thought: Many people have reached out to me due changing situations that have brought unfold emotional and even spiritual hardship. Even in the middle of this, there is hope. There is promise of a better day ahead as we have faith. This is not a time when we need be somber and sad. It is a time when we can regather our strength, rise up and put off the things of this world as we place our focus on the Lord and what He has done for us. May gratitude replace the struggle in our hearts and may we experience His peace. 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: 1 John 4:7-12 NIV 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 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

248 If We Love One Another, God Lives In Us, A Guided Christian Meditation on 1 John 4:7-12 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: 1 John 4:7-12 NIV 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. NRSV 7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. Meditation on Scripture: We know in our hearts that Love is the highest ideal for us to reach toward as we grown in our understanding of God. Unfortunately we all struggle with pieces of hate and rage in our hearts as well that can be provoked to come pouring out. In this moment let us take intention of embracing the love. It would be immature or incomplete for us to claim that we are free from hate. Yet John's epistle equates love with faith. As our faith matures it must move toward love, for God is love. What does it mean that God is love? I believe it means that God's presence is primarily defined as love. In other words wherever and whenever we are near Him, we are encompassed by love. It is comparing fire to light. When we are in communion with God, we are living in His love. I remember a time when I was a young man and I was praying. I had a notion of faith and was actively praying to God. In one moment I became incredibly aware and confident that God could hear my prayer. My heart was overcome with a feeling that I was loved. My goal became to live in such a way that I invited that experience into my life as often as possible. I have accomplished this with many failures but a dedicated focus for decades. It is a feeling that has become much more common to me to me know but at one point in my life it was a new surprise. I see the love of God as directly connected to the kind of faith that Jesus demands from us. Our goal should be then to live in that Love and to constantly pray and act to build that faith and love. 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 can you do in your life to more clearly reflect the love of God? Final Thought: My hope is that my repeated message focusing on love will not come across as unimaginative or unsophisticated. I firmly hold that there is nothing more important in our lives than God and His central message through Jesus Christ was a command to love and then to follow Him. It is my hope and expectation that the more focus we place on making our hearts open to the love of God, the more we invite God's influence into our hearts. When it arrives it is the most rewarding thing we can seek. This Love forms the center of an eternal relationship with God. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcas

Bible verses for Meditation: 2 Kings 6:14-17 ESV 14 So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" 16 He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, "O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see." So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.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: 2 Kings 6:14-17 ESV 14 So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" 16 He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, "O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see." So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.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

246 Do Not Be Afraid, There are More With Ws Than With Them, A Guided Christian Meditation on 2 Kings 6:14-17 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: 2 Kings 6:14-17 ESV 14 So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" 16 He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, "O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see." So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. NABRE 14 he sent there a strong force with horses and chariots. They arrived by night and encircled the city. 15 Early the next morning, when the servant of the man of God arose and went out, he saw the force with its horses and chariots surrounding the city. "Alas!" he said to Elisha. "What shall we do, my lord?" 16 Elisha answered, "Do not be afraid. Our side outnumbers theirs." 17 Then he prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes, that he may see." And the Lord opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw that the mountainside was filled with fiery chariots and horses around Elisha. Meditation on Scripture: The story of Elisha in the Hebew Bible is fascinating, inspiring, yet also intimidating. It is amazing to see such direct involvement between God and humans. We see here his absolute confidence and awareness of the protection of heaven. As people who attempt to follow God, we are constantly assailed by forces trying to drag us down. Those take many forms. I have had many people write me emails explaining their struggles with grief and other emotions as well there struggles with mental health. I have had many people write me with depression. I have had more than one write me about psychosis where they tell me how the struggle understanding what is reality. Each of us has our own struggle that will help us grow in ways we need. When Jesus encountered a blind man his disciples asked who sinned to make the man blind. There was a built in assumption that the blindness must have been a curse from God. Jesus dismissed this idea and said it was to show the power of God. Similarly I think we should be cautious to think that people who struggle with mood disorders or mental illness have somehow invited it by sin. Perhaps it is to invite you to learn and grow. Mental health can challenge our expectations of fairness and it should. One in five people has or while have a diagnosable mental health disorder at some point in their life. There is no shame in struggle. If you are struggling with mental health, know this. Many good people are also. Many people of faith are weighed down by similar weights. The important thing to know is that you are not facing it alone. Those that are with you are far greater than those who oppose you. Adding to that, the God of the universe is on your side. I truly believe that each of us is surrounded by the forces of God to lift us up and help us. I suggest you seek whatever help you need to move through the though times in your life. Be humble and persistent to get the help you need. God loves you. This life with be a blessing for you in the long run if our struggle draws us to 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: What biases do you have about mental health? Final Thought: Having served as a hospital Chaplain, I have encountered many people with severe mental health disorders. I have meet more than one person who told me they were God himself. As humans it is hard to respond to things that are outside of our experience.

NRSV 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 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 10:23-25 NABRE 23 Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. 25 We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near. NRSV 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Meditation on Scripture: Hebrews is a powerful text. It teaches us that Christ is a High Priest that came to perform a redeeming sacrifice for us. This is a prevalent theme as is how we can serve each other. This scripture has a few powerful messages for us in that. First is to maintain an unwavering confession of our hope in Him even in the middle of such uncertainty. God's promise is trustworthy. Another powerful aspect is the idea that we provoke each other to love and good deeds. Generally provoking someone tends to be used as a negative. Sometimes we provoke others to anger or even sadness. As Christians our goal should be to help each other live the highest law that Christ gave, which is to learn how to love deeply. This scripture also talks of gathering together. As we ponder collectively what it looks like to gather together in our context let us be mindful of others that we don't provoke them to shame or rejection due to physical concerns. Gathering is a sacred tradition instituted by God even before the coming of Christ. We have more tools available to gather than ever before. How are we using them? Are we using our technology to reach out to those who are hesitant to meet due to physical health? As you and your congregation consider what is appropriate for meeting I hope we can find ways to make worship available to as many people as possible using all available technology and tools. I don't think technology can ever truly replace the value of physically worshiping together but I hope we can be mindful of reaching out to others who are isolated and vulnerable. Let us encourage one another and provoke each other to good deeds and love. 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: How can you provoke others to love and good deeds? Final Thought: This has been and continues to be a very stressful time for many people. I think in this context it is valuable that we are patient with others and ourselves. The love of God extends to us even when we make extremely poor choices. To act as Jesus would I believe includes aspiring to this kind of love. Perhaps over the next week at least you can ask yourself if the words you speak or write provoke love or shame. Do we use our words to try and show how others are ridiculous or to build bridges of understanding and love? We, as a world and community of believers, need compassion now more than ever before. Let us choose the example of Jesus Christ and pour out our love onto as many people as possible. 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: Romans 8:18-25 KJV 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Meditation on Scripture: I do not believe that the collaborative scourges afflicting the world right now are meant to destroy us or even divide us. That may be the case with some people. For us who have placed our trust in God and work to draw near to him, we can actually grow amidst this struggle. This scripture indicates how the sufferings of life will not matter when we see it compared to the Glory of God. I dare say we can even grow and learn things in this life in the midst of the difficulties of life which cause us to embrace the hope of God even more and which we could not have done without the struggle. These glories will be revealed in us through God's spirit. The aspect of us that is the creature, or the natural fallen nature, gives way to the glorifying spirit of peace which helps us rise up. Although we feel the labor pains of the birth of the new creature, the end result of the redemption of our God is glorious. Take a moment and feel the goodness of God well up in your heart now We can be free. Free. Free in every way that one can be free. Hope grows within us even when we can't see this end result. I encourage you to consider ways that you have already grown during this time of struggle. Look for the blessings and strength of God in your life today. If you feel that this time has caused you to slide backwards, rededicate yourself with the knowledge that this earthly suffering does not need to overcome your spiritual progress. If you have noticed spiritual progress, look how you can expand it with God's help. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Romans 8:18-25 ESV 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. KJV 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Meditation on Scripture: I do not believe that the collaborative scourges afflicting the world right now are meant to destroy us or even divide us. That may be the case with some people. For us who have placed our trust in God and work to draw near to him, we can actually grow amidst this struggle. This scripture indicates how the sufferings of life will not matter when we see it compared to the Glory of God. I dare say we can even grow and learn things in this life in the midst of the difficulties of life which cause us to embrace the hope of God even more and which we could not have done without the struggle. These glories will be revealed in us through God's spirit. The aspect of us that is the creature, or the natural fallen nature, gives way to the glorifying spirit of peace which helps us rise up. Although we feel the labor pains of the birth of the new creature, the end result of the redemption of our God is glorious. Take a moment and feel the goodness of God well up in your heart now We can be free. Free. Free in every way that one can be free. Hope grows within us even when we can't see this end result. I encourage you to consider ways that you have already grown during this time of struggle. Look for the blessings and strength of God in your life today. If you feel that this time has caused you to slide backwards, rededicate yourself with the knowledge that this earthly suffering does not need to overcome your spiritual progress. If you have noticed spiritual progress, look how you can expand it with God's help. 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: How have you responded to the difficulties you have experienced ove the last few months? Final Thought: Even now, inside us there are pieces of unresolved undeveloped creaturehood. The spirit of God is what roots that out of us and helps us continually reject the less than holy influences that attack us as we await a unified and complete adoption of the father. The simple fact is that these sufferings in our life are not a representation of the lack of God's love or understanding. They are obstacles that, with God's help we can learn to climb over and become stronger and close to Him. I know that God loves you and wants the best for you. May you feel that blessing in your life. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Medita

Bible verses for Meditation: Acts 2:17-19 NIV 17 "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. KJV 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: Meditation on Scripture: Recently many people celebrated Pentacost. The Bible remembers this as a miraculous time of miracles and speaking in tongues as recorded in Acts 2. There were many mighty things done. This was a clearly demonstrated outpouring of God's Spirit. For us it is written as miraculous history. It is the story many have heard retold for centuries. Yet when it occurred it is likely almost nobody expected it to be as it was. This event represents an amazing transition representing the outpouring of the spirit that Jesus foretold. Yet even still it was a surprise. This time was when we see a great change in Peter. Before this he was a fisherman who struggled to understand. The two most recent appearances of Peter in the narrative Luke records is Peter denying Jesus and then Peter running to the tomb in surprise. Then in the chapters after Acts 2 Peter proclaims with conviction, heals, and leads. The spirit has a glorious and transformational affect. This is good news and has become an often talked about experience. What I want to focus on is that nobody knew this was going to happen, before it happened. As we may be down and not very hopeful of change may we remember what God is able to do with people who are willing to strive in His Spirit. Due to things going on in your own life or across the world you may come to believe that things can't improve. This passage shows that is not the case. Although there were many struggles that followed Pentecost it was handled differently. It was handled with God's Spirit. Don't set boundaries for 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 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: Do you hope for a better future through the Spirit of God? Final Thought: Jesus proclaims hope. He will take care of us with an eternal focus. I was speaking with a person today who was experiencing tough times. For them it seemed like the future had been already doomed by the past. That is not how things are meant to be. When we feel that way I invite you to open your heart to trust in the promise of God. For those who trust in Him, the future is eternally bright. Let your heart be lifted up in the knowledge that your current troubles are not eternal. Nothing that you are now experiencing has the ability to darken your future if you trust in God to help you escape its effects. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

NABRE 8 Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

238 Love Each Other Deeply, A Guided Christian Meditation on Peter 4:8-10 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Peter 4:8-10 NIV 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. NABRE 8 Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. Meditation on Scripture: Many times we hope to think there is some kind of balance we can do to tip the scales of justice in our favor. For example as we think of our negative qualities we search for a counter balance of positive things as if this will undo the negative. Many times we seek to escape the evil in our own hearts. Perhaps if we love a certain subset of people it will justify us doing other sinful things. I think this scripture says something more interesting and enlightening. Peter equates sin and love as opposite. This reflects the greatest commandment Jesus gave to love. I don't think that this reflects any kind of moral calculation that we do where we can love a certain amount to undo any given amount of sin but there is an example of love that does overcome sin. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the greatest example of love and that covers all sin. There is no need to weigh your sin on the scales of justice rather it is far more important to love God and love your neighbor and to receive His love through faith which will wipe away all sin. Our world is full of darkness and hate but it is also full of love. I invite you to search for expressions of Love. When we search for it, we are more likely to find it. We as believers in Jesus Christ should seek to fill the world with God's love. As the love of God speaks through us perhaps we can help the world find more light. 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: How will your life be improved if you were more slow to anger? Final Thought: In some ways I am sorry to bring up such a strongly polarizing message in this meditation. I have seen so many of my friends have such wildly different and passionate perspectives about these things that I feel it is on many people's minds. These meditations are meant to help us make sense of the world of God which has clear messages for our times. The goal is not to help us compartmentalize the rest of our lives into the chaotic outside while the world of God is only discussed in idealized circumstances. Sometimes parts of us get mixed up in heated things which can be at odds with the peace we seek. I don't think the only way is to be silent and passive. May God give us guidance in how to help improve the world we live in. Slowing your body's natural anger response and finding healthy vents for it can be a powerfully helpful skill to learn. I invite you to trust in God's love to help us overcome the baser parts of our humanity and to rise up to make the change we want to see in the world. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

James 1:19-21 ESV 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

236 Quick To Listen, Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger, A Guided Christian Meditation on James 1:19-21 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: James 1:19-21 ESV 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. KJV 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Meditation on Scripture: The concept of anger is challenging to address. In this moment, be slow to form a judgement and listen to this short message which I believe God has put on my heart to share. Passion and intensity are often associated with making positive change in the world especially against established forms of evil. This scripture says that our anger is not needed to bring to pass the righteousness of God because that is not what produces it. As you remember times when you were angry I want you to think about how well you listened. How well did you consider a wide range of information needed to make complex decisions. Many problems our world faces right now need exactly those solutions to work, which anger will derail. I find myself personally very angry when I hear of people from the African American community die in direct opposition to justice. I also feel angry when the city I live in has a curfew placed because people are rioting and causing chaotic senseless violence in the streets. I feel frustrated to see people run to one of those two extremes while not listening to the other. So I stop. And I listen. and I think. I have so much to learn. Are angry snap judgements helpful and healing to this crazy chaotic world? Are our shortsighted impulses the messages that will bring the change we want to see in the world? I invite you to join with me and be prayerful and thoughtful about how to overcome any snap judgements we mahy form and replace them with clarity as we plead with God for guidance. Perhaps with this guidance, we can do our small piece to heal our world. Perhaps God has a way for you to change people's minds with love. Perhaps there is something that only you can do, it will take your best brain power. 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: How will your life be improved if you were more slow to anger? Final Thought: In some ways I am sorry to bring up such a strongly polarizing message in this meditation. I have seen so many of my friends have such wildly different and passionate perspectives about these things that I feel it is on many people's minds. These meditations are meant to help us make sense of the world of God which has clear messages for our times. The goal is not to help us compartmentalize the rest of our lives into the chaotic outside while the world of God is only discussed in idealized circumstances. Sometimes parts of us get mixed up in heated things which can be at odds with the peace we seek. I don't think the only way is to be silent and passive. May God give us guidance in how to help improve the world we live in. Slowing your body's natural anger response and finding healthy vents for it can be a powerfully helpful skill to learn. I invite you to trust in God's love to help us overcome the baser parts of our humanity and to rise up to make the change we want to see in the world. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christ

Bible verses for Meditation: John 15:9-13 NIV 9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. NABRE 9 As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. 11 "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

234 Greater Love Has No One Than This, That He Lay Down His Life for His Friends A Guided Christian Meditation on John 15:9-13 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: John 15:9-13 NIV 9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. NABRE 9 As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. 11 "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. Meditation on Scripture: What is a friend? May 25th is Memorial Day for us. It is a time when we can remember our fallen warriors who gave the last full measure of devotion and died in military service. There is a certain mystery and awe that people speak about those who have died in combat. When done to protect the innocent and prevent further oppression, it is honorable and a high ideal. The cause of peace should be an even higher priority. The message that was even more important here for Jesus did not actually have to do with soldiers in combat. It was a prophecy about his own pending death. He knew he was intentionally laying down His life for His friends. Jesus is the tip of the spear in taking the fight to the enemy. This is not an enemy that seeks to just kill us, but far worse. Jesus appeals to this concept directly even before his death was known to his disciples. In the Old Testament God was often portrayed as a Lion of Judah and there is a common metaphor there of God as a warrior. As you battle the darkness that creeps into your life to destroy you, know that you have a warrior who is strong enough to rescue you when you most need it. Your God continually protects you against the forces of evil and can continue to do so. 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 is a friend? Final Thought: As you ponder that this week I want you to be mindful of how earthly friends can help you overcome hardship. Equally important, consider how the role of God's friendship is similar and also different from other humans who are your friends. Our friends have influence over us and help shape us into the people we will become. What things would you hope for in a person who would walk with you and help you stay out of danger. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Bible verses for Meditation: NRSV 24 But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God's grace. 25 "And now I know that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again. 26 Therefore I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. ESV 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

232 Your Life's Value and God's Whole Purpose A Guided Christian Meditation on Acts 20:24-27 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: NRSV 24 But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God's grace. 25 "And now I know that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again. 26 Therefore I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. ESV 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Meditation on Scripture: Purpose is something that can bridge the disconnect between human frailty and the love of God. This is perhaps one of the more important truths we need to learn as we navigate life. The way in which we hold the value of our life is profoundly important. If we hold our lives of too high an importance we may miss the purposes God has for us and act selfishly. If we hold our lives of too little importance, without proper focus, we can loose purpose and be vulnerable to abuses in this life. This scripture provides a strong statement that may be misinterpreted to be careless about the sanctity of life. That doesn't seem to be Paul's intent. I have talked with people in the hospital who experienced death and then came back. Although I have many unanswered questions about these experiences, the very often filled people with Godly purpose for years afterward. If we could see into our future reunion with God I am confident we would feel this same purpose. For now we are left to look forward to that reunion in faith. God loves you profoundly and wants you to trust him and then apply the gifts he has given you, to better your life and those around you as much as possible. The Gospel of the Love of God does not require us to feel horrible about ourselves, in fact rightly interpreting our fallen condition can fill us with joy and gratitude that God chooses to love us. You can be fallen and flawed while being lifted up and loved by God at the same 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: What is the value of your life? Final Thought: This week has been an extremely intense emotionally taxing week in my ministry. I have come head to head with the struggles of others regarding the purpose of life in the midst of suffering. I can promise you that God has his perfect purposes which will be fulfilled. He blesses us with the ability to follow the path he has laid out and regardless of our fallen nature and our nearly constant sin, he has decided there is something greater for us. His hope for us that is higher than what we are currently living. The way to do that is by trusting him, and then developing our spiritual strength and maturity. Unfortunately, oftentimes, that comes through suffering and hardship. Despite the temporary nature of life, it has profound eternal purpose. I feel that meditating on the word of God can help reveal that purpose to our hearts. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitte

230 Mary the First Witness of Jesus Luke 1:1-4 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Luke 1 NIV 1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. NABRE 1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, 3 I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. Meditation on Scripture:FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

230 Mary the First Witness of Jesus Luke 1:1-4 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Luke 1 NIV 1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. NABRE 1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, 3 I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. Meditation on Scripture: The book of Luke and Acts was written as letter. Luke spoke to eyewitnesses as stated in the scripture. Consider the parts were the account of Mary was given. For example, later when she experiences the angelic visitation. What other eye witness account could have been given other than hers? In this sense, Mary's experience with the angel and then feeling Jesus in her womb was the first testimony of the living Christ. Although prophecy abounds, her words represent the first physical testimony of the life of Jesus. For most people on earth this trend continues. Your life was likely first discovered by your mother while you were in her womb. Since we live with ourselves all our lives we don't see what a consistent discovery that is. The discovery of our life was made by the women who bore us. Today many people celebrate Mother's day. I want you to understand that I am aware of the complexities of many people's family relationships. In fact there are so many different possible combinations of how you could have been raised. My hope for you today is that you can experience the miracle that is your life from the perspective of a discovery. At one point there was a person who suddenly discovered that your life was new. In some ways that same being that we were in that moment is what we still are. The full ramifications of our lives are still being discovered. When Jesus revealed himself to the Apostles and to congregations and gatherings he was the same being that was born a baby and laid in a manger. Despite where we have been and what we are now. Our whole life is an opportunity to mature spiritually and fully realize God's plans for us. God continues to work in us to do amazing things. 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: Who is an eyewitness to your life? Final Thought: Many people are separated from family today. Perhaps your mother is not with us, perhaps you didn't know her or she has died. There are so many complex ways our days play out. I want to invite the peace of God into your heart as you work through the gratitude and longing of your feelings about your mother. If you are a struggling mother, know this that God loves you and your efforts are amazing and godly. Your testimony of the life you attempt to rear will last on throughout the eternities, however despite the best efforts, each person is given the freedom to Choose God and follow him or stumble. As we trust in the wisdom and love of God we can trust in the just and merciful plan that He has for the betterment of all, including distant children. May God pour into your heart the balm of joy in the understanding of His great plan for you. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jar

229 Free Form Christian Meditation on Genesis 2:4-7 Bible verses for Meditation: Genesis 2 NIV 4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens. 5 Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground, 6 but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground. 7 Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. ESV 4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens. 5 When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, 6 and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

228 God Put the Breath of Life in Us A Guided Christian Meditation on Genesis 2:4-7 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Genesis 2 NIV 4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens. 5 Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground, 6 but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground. 7 Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. ESV 4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens. 5 When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, 6 and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. Meditation on Scripture: One thing I love to learn about is God's creation as illustrated through scientific discovery. I have seen planets, nebulae, and galaxies through my telescope. I have seen a full eclipse with my bare eyes, and recently I have been getting into learning about microscopic life. It is amazing to see the complexity and diversity of life that can exist in a single drop of water. I often wonder how God created life. I often wonder what that looked like. Was it done in a flash of light? Did he use similar methods for ways he is continuing to be involved with creation, by using the laws he set up in the beginning? Based on my understanding, it seems that God created the earth through an immense and elaborate system of causation continually guided by His will. The advance of science can never answer the questions of why the Earth exists, or even why would our earth be able to support life that could be conscious. Only God can fully answer that question. The ability for us to exist on earth as we are is dependent now, and has always been on an innumerable number of microscopic life forms that God created for this purpose. There is evidence that a certain kind of bacteria called Cyanobacteria was responsible for converting the water on earth to energy and Oxygen many many years ago resulting in a global production of oxygen. God converted the iron based toxic wasteland that was the pre-oxygen earth, into a Garden teeming with life and in that moment, breathed life into us. You are alive because God created this extremely complex earth for you to live on. You live because he created you to live. God provided processes and laws that would govern the earth, making it possible to support your life throughout time. He has been forming this moment for you. The very air you breathe has been prepared for you for a very long time. His life fills you. Breathe in and feel the breath of God in your lungs. He created this world for us because he loves 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 create the Earth? Final Thought: God molded the confines of our world to give us an opportunity to glorify the name of the Lord even when the world seems to be set up against you. It isn't. It has been created for your ETERNAL good, even if it is hard right now. The scriptures say very little about many fundamental laws of science because that doesn't impact our ability to follow him. For example the fundamental forces of physics that God created in the first moments of our Universe are not explained in Scrip

226 In God I Trust and am not Afraid A Guided Christian Meditation on Psalms 56:10-13 NABRE 10 My foes turn back when I call on you. This I know: God is on my side. 11 I praise the word of God, I praise the word of the Lord. 12 In God I trust, I do not fear. What can man do to me? 13 I have made vows to you, God; with offerings I will fulfill them, 14 For you have snatched me from death, kept my feet from stumbling, That I may walk before God in the light of the living. Meditation on Scripture: FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

226 In God I Trust and am not Afraid A Guided Christian Meditation on Psalms 56:10-13 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Psalms 56 NIV 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise— 11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? 12 I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. NABRE 10 My foes turn back when I call on you. This I know: God is on my side. 11 I praise the word of God, I praise the word of the Lord. 12 In God I trust, I do not fear. What can man do to me? 13 I have made vows to you, God; with offerings I will fulfill them, 14 For you have snatched me from death, kept my feet from stumbling, That I may walk before God in the light of the living. Meditation on Scripture: This week I have been struggling with stress with a particular thing I was working on. Perhaps you can identify with that at some point in your life. I am not new to stress and I am not new to trusting in God, yet in this case I really struggled working through the worry that things would not turn out. I knew that I should trust in the Lord and I knew that God would watch out for me and love me. I knew that in his eyes things were fine and would turn out alright. Yet despite what I knew in my head and I have experienced the peace of God so often in my life I knew of it as a reality. Yet for some reason I was struggling in this case. Sometimes I have seen people get down on themselves when they struggle with an emotional experience. Especially when I have a long streak of success with stress I forget that it is not the default position. It takes intentionality to let go of human neurotic worries. We can practice this and be gentle with ourselves as we work on coming back to peace. There despite whatever action I took I continued to feel stress. I did have the distinct impression that God could help me draw near to him through this struggle and I came to believe that. I had prayed and pleaded with the Lord to provide me feelings of peace and guide my actions. At that point I remember not feeling it. Similar to this the Psalmist called out to God in support from real stress. I remember not getting the answer of peace I was seeking, yet I continued to pour my heart out to God. Days past and I continued to struggle. I listened to my own podcast episodes to help me get to sleep at night which helped but when I awoke it continued. Then, at one specific moment that I can still visualize it came. God sent his peace into my heart in one specific moment. The sudden onset of the peace let me know with certainty it came from God. I was grateful. Since then when this worry has tried to creep back into my heart I can remember the peace that God sent and it returns. This peace is a gift from God that we do not get to control. Glory to God for the gift of 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 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: When was a time when God sent you his peace? Final Thought: I hope that as you make gentle yet profound and positive steps toward drawing nearer to God spirit of peace that you don't feel failure or judgement if you at times struggle to feel that. I have talked to people who struggle to feel that consistently. It would be pure pride to argue that your or my experience with peace are somehow related to superior performance, yet there are things we can do consistently to attempt to invite that spirit of peace into our lives. My hope and prayer is that together we can work on those things as we invite God's word and spirit into our lives and then pour out gratitude on Him when we experience them. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ

224 Lord is it Time? A Guided Christian Meditation on Acts 1:6-8 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Acts 1:6-8 KJV 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time arestore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. NIV 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Meditation on Scripture: From the very first moments after Jesus was resurrected the people wondered when the global salvation of the Messiah would be seen. I have heard this as long as I have been alive, that Jesus' second coming is right around the corner. One thing I can tell you for certain is that we will see the face of Jesus within one generation but perhaps not in the way we think. When everyone living now dies they will go before the judgement bar of God and see his face. Many times we can be tempted to answer this question that lingers in the hearts of many Christians. Many people spend a lot of emotional and intellectual energy on trying to discover this thing that Jesus said would not be known to us. God intentional has left this question answer and yet has answered a far more important question. As the world wonders how to escape the darkness of soul caused by moral corruption there is a clear answer. Jesus. As we wonder how to overcome overburdened anxiety and conscience there is a clear answer, Jesus. We can learn how to invite the Holy Spirit into our lives then rejoice in gratitude when the gracious presence is felt and we experience God. This is what gives us a profound witness which we can share. This is our mission and goal, to share the most real form of Love in existence, the eternal and all revealing acceptance of the God of Grace. As we wrestle with the question of purpose, we can be encouraged by the support offered by a God more focused on transforming us into the Holy image of the God. God's timing will prevail. Instead of heeding the normal curiosity and perhaps even anxious desperation of God's pending coming, we can focus on the absolute and resolute answer He gives. We have a Savior who lives and will redeem us from whatever is in our way. As we feel the influence of the Holy Spirit our hearts can be aided in sharing the hope 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 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: How do we best invite the presence of the Holy Spirit? Final Thought: I feel a lot of compassion for the anxious energy surrounding the signs of the times. I know many people who have struggled for decades with fear of the evil prophesied about the end times. Regardless of the way you understand the theology of the end times I invite you to perceive all this prophecy in the context of the illuminating Love of God. Fear is not from God. We have nothing to fear as we place our trust in the only one who is mighty to save. If you are still working on feeling God's answer to this question I invite you to follow him. Leave the things of this world. Leave your favorite worry and anxiety. Leave your pet fear and follow the Master who claimed that he can place our burdens on Him. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail

Luke 24:28-31 NIV 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

222 Jesus Stay With Us A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 24:28-31 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Luke 24:28-31 NIV 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. NRSV 28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. Meditation on Scripture: This scripture occurs right after the resurrection. As these two people were walking along Jesus sneaks up on them and intentionally talks with them without them knowing it is Jesus. Perhaps this may not seem like the most direct Easter message. I trust that in your thoughts and prayers you have been considering the Passion narrative and the meaning of the resurrection. This reflection is meant to ask the question of why God chose to do it this way. The most glorious and important of events in all the history of the earth occurred in such a way that we only have ancient writings of people who summarized it years after the fact. Why? Why are you living the life you are living right now? Why do you have the set of trials that you do? Why does God sneak into our lives and impart just enough hope to continue? I think this is tied to the very purpose of life in general. Why we were born on earth was not an accident. There is a deep purpose to your life. God knows it. As you spend time walking with him on your own road to Emmaus then you gain glimpses of His love and teachings. Keep walking the path. No matter how many dark days or confusing moments keep walking and searching for the purpose God has put into you. Cocider this purpose now. 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: How can you continue to search out God's purpose for you? Final Thought: When we realize the bizarre nature of life and how much suffering it can contain, we can be tempted by being satiated by the true and easy answer that our purpose is what God tells us our purpose is. As we read scripture many people will declare to know what God's purpose is for you. They may be totally right, but I think part of what this scripture teaches us is that God will walk with us and guide us in extremely unobvious ways. When we find the answer that our lives are meant to glorify Him, we can continue to grow spiritually by searching for how to do that. As we continue to live with integrity in our faith and understanding of God's commands this can be a deeper purpose. Learning what it means to be challenged and still choosing him is of value. There are thousands of other lessons we learn that are more complex than the answers you would give a child about God's purposes for you. In this time of chaos realize that God has a purpose for you now. I don't think the specific nuance of it is meant to be clear from birth to death. It is meant to be a personal road to Emmaus. Keep searching, keep living the faith, keep receiving God's grace as you work toward the highest ideals that He has for you. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts

ESV 29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord,[e] have mercy on us, Son of David!" 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, "What do you want me to do for you?" 33 They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him. Meditation on Scripture: FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

220 Lord Have Mercy on Us, Son of David A Guided Christian Meditation on Matthew 20:29-34 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Matthew 20 NRSV 29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, "Lord,[h] have mercy on us, Son of David!" 31 The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, "Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!" 32 Jesus stood still and called them, saying, "What do you want me to do for you?" 33 They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him. ESV 29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord,[e] have mercy on us, Son of David!" 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, "What do you want me to do for you?" 33 They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him. Meditation on Scripture: This will come out on Palm Sunday. The day in which our Lord was celebrated a few short days before his crucifixion. It must have been a confusing and polarized time. Some people were throwing down their clothes for him and some demanding he be killed. This scripture is found immediately before Jesus's entrance into Jerusalem. I am not sure if it occurred exactly like this Chronologically but I think it is important in the narrative. I think it is appropriate to speak of God with respect, deference, and reverence. Yet it sounded like these men abandoned all civility as they shouted to Jesus to be heard. Sometimes we are bothered by the normal sounds of children as we try and focus on important things. On bad days we may be so distracted trying to be good that we miss serving others who are less polished in their petitions. I think there is more personal way of looking at this; perhaps we are the ones that are the blind. Perhaps we are the ones that desperately need to shout a little louder as we approach God. Perhaps we need to abandon our normal docile and overly formal ways of trying to relate with God and bare our souls as we shout out our plea. Not to force him hear us, but to let us know how much we need Him. Like in this story, I believe that Jesus will have compassion on us in our requests. Perhaps the most difficult times of suffering and difficulty best help to brake away the stale and safe ways we have come to compartmentalize the parts of us that believe from the are ambivalent and sinful. Perhaps we need to smash these fake boundaries in our mind, until we are one unified heart shouting out to God in desperation. May any barriers between our hearts and God be broken down by feverish zeal as we proclaim our need of Him. In this we gain spiritual integrity. 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 boundaries keep you from spiritual integrity? Final Thought: I invite you in your prayers to be like these blind men. God does not fear your desire for him. I don't even think he fears our frustrations or passion. As we become honest and genuine with God He can help us soften our hearts with more reality. Things like this can help us realize that scripture is not the words of old dead guys but the guide to helping us build our faith in God. I know when I am more honest with God, I feel more understood. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Chri

Bible verses for Meditation: Isaiah 58:6-8 NIV "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness[a] will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

218 Join With Me In Fasting For The Our World A Guided Christian Meditation on Isaiah 58:6-8 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Isaiah 58:6-8 NIV "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness[a] will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. NABRE Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking off every yoke? 7 Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own flesh? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Meditation on Scripture: This scripture points out our role in the world when there is suffering. As we experience the fear and worry associated with a world in panic, we can realize that we may be able to serve in unique ways. We have more options than to choose between ignorance and debilitating fear. If you are searching for something that you could do to help this world, I have an idea. Each of us who are healthy enough to fast can conduct a special fast for the healing of our world. As we do we can be prayerful of the medical providers who need guidance, sustainment, and rest. We can be prayerful for those who are afflicted and suffering physically from disease. And we can pray that the financial consequences of this disease don't cause additional suffering. Fasting does not twist God's arm into listening to us, but it can help us by helping us focus on God and those in need. While fasting we can learn to put down our immediate needs by confronting one of our most consistent urges. As we connect with the discomfort of fasting we become aware of the realities of those who are in want and our hearts can grow to find additional ways to serve. Eventually this particular bizzare and tragic situation will end and we will see the light of the dawn we as a world will be healed. Never forget that God's light penetrates the darkness. There is nothing that happens now that will not be shown in the full understanding of God's light. The effects will be felt as we move on with life, as it always is with tragedy but hopefully we can do it while keeping the desire for service to our fellow human beings. 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 practice of the fast teach you about God? Final Thought: I invite you to Join me in fasting today, of course exercising good judgement if you are healthy enough to fast. But if you are this may give us something we can do. When I fast, I normally do a dry fast for a day. It is a physical challenge some days but it reminds us of our need before God. As we intensify our prayer during a fast it is a way to focus our intent and try our resolve. It is also a way that we can serve tangibly. If you forgo eating then you ideally have a surplus of food that translates into money. Perhaps find a worthy charitable cause and donate to that cause as a result of the fast. I would recommend looking at charities that need help during this time and giving to one of them. Although our leaders tell us to stay physically distant that doesn't mean there isn't anything we can do to help. Let us help God

217 A Free Form Christian Meditation on James 4:7-10 James 4 NIV 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. KJV 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

216 Draw Near Unto God and He Will Draw Near Unto You A Guided Christian Meditation on James 4:7-10 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: James 4 NIV 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. KJV 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Meditation on Scripture: Some of my Chaplain friends have been sharing this scripture almost as a joke but then I realized how profound it is. In some ways I am hesitant to share this message but I feel profoundly that this is what we all need right now. For everyone who has access to my voice right now, also has access to communicate with hundreds of people across the globe on the internet. Despite that, the efforts we make for health reasons may leave people feeling more isolated and lonely. This scripture points to an even greater need. As we are feeling the effects of social separation, we can remember that God invites us to draw as close as we want to him. He sets the conditions for what that will look like. It requires us to humble ourselves much of the time. Even as we believe that we are doing pretty good we can receive even greater love from God by submitting ourselves to Him. Peace comes from humbling ourselves before God. When we feel out of control. When we feel like there is nothing we can do, we can draw near unto him. When health officials ask us to wash our hands, God asks us to purify our actions and our hearts. What an encouraging thought that God invites us to draw near to him and provides a way to do that. I am not saying that somehow we need to believe that our actions make us pure, God makes us pure. God is teaching us how to draw near to him. We draw near to him as we learn that the things that we think are most important are not. As we are kind to others and speak with genuine hearts and help those that mourn, we take on the heart of God. Earlier in this scripture it basically says God is extremely interested, even jealous, to see the spirit in us that He put there. Each time we wash our hands may we also remember to wash our hearts. What a symbol of love this is. I fervently hope that this message brings joy to you as you realize the way to be exalted is to submit to God. I believe that this scripture is not meant to depress us but to lift us out of the trap of the carnal mind that each and every one of us are constantly wrestling with. As you reflect on this message I hope above all that this stirs in your heart a glimmer of the immense love that God has for you in wanting to lift us to a higher plane where His love will take 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: How can you humble yourself before God, purify your heart today and draw near to God? Final Thought: God loves you so much. Even in the midst of tough times. I live in California and things are being locked down over here, and yet the heavens remain open. As we find ourselves bored we can find so many positive things to do if we spend the time to look. I have found myself to be more easily frustrated than normal. I have felt a need to course correct. A lot of people I have been talking to have been feeling this same mix of calm and chaos. This is a perfect envi

Bible verses for Meditation: Matthew 10 ESV 16 "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

214 Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves A Guided Christian Meditation on Matthew 10:16-18 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Matthew 10 ESV 16 "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. NABRE 16 "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. 17 But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. Meditation on Scripture: Jesus foretold that the would would experience tribulation. This included both persecution of Christians but also physical hardships. In light of the worldwide panic that is occuring right now due to COVID-19 I think this scripture brings insight into this situation. Many people struggle between the two extremes of complacency and terror. In this scripture, Jesus suggests another option. Be wise and thoughtful while also being open to the peace that comes from staying faithful to God. God does not desire us to be fearful. Later in this same chapter Jesus says not to fear people who can only destroy your body because God is in control of our immortal souls. The interesting analogy is that the serpent is used as a metaphor for the enemy because of its cunning, the Dove is a metaphor for the spirit of God. Here Jesus says it is good to be wise as long as we yield to the Spirit of God. We can be thoughtful and cautious while not being fearful. This can be helped by being mindful of where you get your information. There are many people who profit from making people fearful. God is not in that camp. It says in 2 Tim 1:7 God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and love, and a sound mind. We should not embrace a spirit of panic. In fact we can actively choose the peaceful way while taking appropriate precautions. Take a breath right now and let go of any remaining fear that is in your heart. Open yourself to the peace of God. When you go throughout your week and you notice fear rising inside of you, remember this moment and remember to allow the spirit of the dove to guide your thoughts and actions. When you feel emotional fatigue of taking wise action, remember to accept wisdom. 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: How do you respond when feelings of fear well up inside of you? Final Thought: There will be many opportunities in the coming days and weeks for exercising this mindset. As you encounter sensationalized news reports remember to trust the spirit of God as a dove. When you are tempted to with apathy about medical wisdom, embrace screwedness and take appropriate action. As others place their entire focus on a microscopic organism, place your focus on the God of the universe. Our fallen world has disease which will affect many good people. Trust that God has our eternal good in mind and He will always care for that as we remain faithful in Him as the source of our salvation. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Luke 12:13-15 13 Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." 14 But he said to him, "Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?" 15 And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Meditation on Scripture: FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

212 Life Does Not Consist in The Abundance of Possessions A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 12:13-15 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Luke 12 KJV 13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. NRSV 13 Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." 14 But he said to him, "Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?" 15 And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Meditation on Scripture: This scripture is interesting in many ways. Jesus asks who made him a judge, yet in the book of John he clearly states that the Father gave all judgement to the son. Also his focus and context was not on justice. There are times constantly when I parent that I have to decide which of the two children to correct first when they are in a disagreement. There is a value when the law protects the weak and powerless but there is also a need to help correct proud hearts. There are times when Jesus speaks to this. What he seems to be teaching above all is about greed and scarcity. Perhaps it is because he detected pride and greed in his heart and chose to focus on that because it would have more of an impact on his eternal soul than the possessions they were fighting over. There are times when we clamour for justice. We expect God to resolve things for us and take care of those in the wrong when our hearts are not set on his ways. We seek peace when we place too much importance on the things of this world. We can be tempted to see the world as a fearful place. We seek control. We seek indicators of meaning and value. We seek stability and to remove fear in our hearts. All of these things lead us to seek abundance of possessions. Jesus' message to us is extremely timely. As we have too little money or too much God remains in control. Regardless of our earthly possessions God sent his son to die for us. Regardless of our physical need we will end up in an eternal heaven with a loving Father who cherishes us and will pour out his glory upon us as much as we are willing to receive it through faith. Justice is clearly important. It is also important that we act in wisdom regarding our stewardship of financial resources to reduce our suffering and the suffering of others, but it is far more important for us to root out fear and pride out of our own hearts. Similarly 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: How do you feel you should adjust your relationship to earthly things? Final Thought: Trust in God. He is eternally faithful. Even if we feel that he does not respond to our earthly need, as he did when interacting with this person. We can learn to put off our faith in money and our faith in possessions and we place greater faith in the eternal goodness of the God of the universe. Bad things do happen to good people. And sometimes those bad things teach us extremely valuable lessons. As we develop our faith in God we can fear and cling less to the things of this world. We can learn to detach from our desires and our things. Spend some time specifically placing the focus of our hearts on feeling the love of God and minimizing the fear and greed we experience in life. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditat

Hebrews 4 NIV 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

210 Jesus Understands our Temptation A Guided Christian Meditation on Hebrews 4:14-16 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Hebrews 4 NIV 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. NABRE 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. 16 So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help Meditation on Scripture: For many Christians this Wed was Ash Wed and this week began a period of 40 days of fasting called lent. In episode 75 I covered the beggining verses of Matthew 4 which is the temptation of Jesus which you may enjoy this week. This week's scripture is in reference to the experience Jesus has while on earth, living life as a man. Jesus understands what temptation is like. He understands what it is like to give up the necessities of life. Sometimes our greatest sin is when we get consumed with desires that we feel overcome us, but this scripture gives us hope. Our experience with temptation does not need to drive us into the ground in shame, rather our understanding of how Jesus understands this human experience can give us hope in His ability to help us overcome sin. During the weeks that lead up to Easter we can be mindful of this tension. We can observe our temptation within ourselves and plead with God to help us transform on a trajectory similar to His Son. We can approach the throne of grace confidently and as we attempt to overcome temptation and sin we can receive timely help if we consistently approach God in love and humility. As Jesus said, man will not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. In your efforts to reduce your submission to sin and focus on the Sacrifice and Resurrection of Jesus this season, keep the faith. Each time your heart feels discouraged, may it be lifted. Each time you think that you are too far gone or that you have done too much for God to forgive, remember his understanding and his desire for you to keep drawing ever nearer and abandoning sin. Use this time of prayer and fasting as a way to stay connected with Him in the middle of the tumultuous times so when we arrive at the gate he will invite us to enter into his presence because we have spent a life of trying to follow, although in a flawed way. 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: How does knowing that Jesus was tempted as we are help you to relate to God? Final Thought: God has an overwhelming desire to help us overcome the natural effects of sin while helping us to develop and embrace his spirit of Grace. Fatih in God is also trusting in His process to transform us. Fortunately or unfortunately this includes a lot of trial and error as we attempt to clearly discern the will of the Lord then struggle against our rebellious natures to return each time we go astray. I firmly believe that it is important for us to take accountability for our sin while also not being bowled over by shame. Allow the peace of our understanding God to enter your heart as you attempt to give up sin in your life. That is what the Easter season is all about. Trust in new beginnings. Trust in an all powerful risen

NIV 1 This is what the LORD says: "Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take along some of the elders of the people and of the priests 2 and go out to the Valley of Ben Hinnom, near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. There proclaim the words I tell you, …. 10"Then break the jar while those who go with you are watching, 11and say to them, `This is what the LORD Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just as this potter's jar is smashed and cannot be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

208 Will The Lord Break His Pottery A Guided Christian Meditation on Jeremiah 19:1, 2, 10, 11 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Jeremiah 19 NRSV 1 Thus said the Lord: Go and buy a potter's earthenware jug. Take with you some of the elders of the people and some of the senior priests, 2 and go out to the valley of the son of Hinnom at the entry of the Potsherd Gate, and proclaim there the words that I tell you. …... 10 Then you shall break the jug in the sight of those who go with you, 11 and shall say to them: Thus says the Lord of hosts: So will I break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter's vessel, so that it can never be mended. In Topheth they shall bury until there is no more room to bury. NIV 1 This is what the LORD says: "Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take along some of the elders of the people and of the priests 2 and go out to the Valley of Ben Hinnom, near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. There proclaim the words I tell you, …. 10"Then break the jar while those who go with you are watching, 11and say to them, `This is what the LORD Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just as this potter's jar is smashed and cannot be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room. Meditation on Scripture: This scripture is stern. It represents a fierce threat from God. As we learn and develop our relationship with God it can be tempting to look at Jesus and think that God would never truly bring punishment on anyone. Perhaps we see Him as a permissive and passive parent. This Jesus of Nasareth is the same Jehovah who sternly warned others of pending destruction. Many people struggle with notions of Gof because of how they interpret the Old Testament. Is God love or does God demand obedience? Which view is accurate? what if they are one and the same. I have a fervent conviction that God prefers us not to fear. Scripture teaches that God does not give us the spirit of fear but of power. Yet he is not permissive of sin. When he healed a lame man at the waters of Bethesda he said to the man "Stop sinning or something worse will happen." Jesus said many times that we need to believe and follow Him. If we make mistakes, we can come back. We can overcome sin with His help. In this moment I want you to imagine sitting in front of a loving smiling God. As you look into his loving face you begin to ponder on your current sins. What feeling rushed over you? My goal with this excersize is not to help you excuse your sin but to realize that any guilt we feel has one purpose. To draw us to the throne of grace and help us overcome that sin. Imagine now that as you look God in the eyes he strengthens you enough to leave your sin. 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 sins do you need to release from your heart? Final Thought: as I said the purpose of guilt is to draw us to God and reconcile with each other and prevent us from sin in the future. It had no useful purpose outside of that. Satan knows that persistent guilt distracts and demotivates us from loving in the love of God. As you strive to love and live as God would have you do, embrace the fact that you can release the guilt required to draw you to repentance and trust God to forgive as He has said. He loves you and wants you to feel his peace. Embrace Hos peace as you accept his help in overcoming sin. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Jeremiah 18 NASB 1 This word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 Arise and go down to the potter's house; there you will hear my word. 3 I went down to the potter's house and there he was, working at the wheel. 4 Whenever the vessel of clay he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making another vessel of whatever sort he pleased. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done?—oracle of the Lord. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

206 Can I Not Treat You As The Potter a Guided Christian Meditation on Jeremiah 18:1-6 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 contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Jeremiah 18 NASB 1 This word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 Arise and go down to the potter's house; there you will hear my word. 3 I went down to the potter's house and there he was, working at the wheel. 4 Whenever the vessel of clay he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making another vessel of whatever sort he pleased. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done?—oracle of the Lord. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel. NABRE 1 This word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 Arise and go down to the potter's house; there you will hear my word. 3 I went down to the potter's house and there he was, working at the wheel. 4 Whenever the vessel of clay he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making another vessel of whatever sort he pleased. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done?—oracle of the Lord. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel. Meditation on Scripture: Much of the time when us humans consider the word of the Lord we ponder what it means to us. We try and figure out what the Lord is doing in our life. We have a tendency to expect that what we think about something is important perhaps because much of God's focus when he speaks to us is to help move us along to follow in His path. Consider things from God's perspective. As he shapes the cosmos and has formed this earth at times he has declared that things are not how he wants them. The Old Testament is filled with this kind of language. How often do we consider God's justice from His perspective? How often do we see the struggle he has with our wickedness and disobedience. In being all powerful God could force each of us to follow the commandments. Yet he doesn't do this. Instead he lets things develop and at times problems grow, such as in the time of Jeremiah when the whole nation was punished for idol worship. Consider your life as a delicate glob of clay in the hands of a true master craftsman. As God works to shape you and change you into what he wants of you, He knows what he wants it to look like. At times that may mean that certain areas will be stretched and pushed. Certain areas will be pinched or ground down. Even with all of this at times His goals for us may take more. Perhaps you have experienced a moment in your life that has felt like a clay jar was finally starting to take shape and then everything came crashing down around you. Perhaps it was because God had different expectations for you. Perhaps as you allow him to rework you again, your relationship will him will continue to develop. Perhaps he will be more satisfied with the outcome, even though it has caused a lot of frustration or heart ache. 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: Do you trust God to sculpt your life? Final Thought: As we give up on holding God to our human standard and expectation we can find peace in knowing that his goal for us, is spiritual growth. He does not care about the things we are able to obtain in this life. He wants to know if we learned to live and love. If not then we may need to be tossed again and sculpted again. If you are in the middle of a smooth period, or plateau give thanks to the God who is forming you and search deep within your heart for what your expectations are about life. Does God owe you this smooth period? I truly feel that as we spend our smooth periods learning to be grateful we can escape some of the snares of pride. Your life's design may not make sense to y

Bible verses for Meditation: Matthew 25 NRSV 8 The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise replied, 'No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Meditation on Scripture: FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com App Store App: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod