Christian Meditation Podcast

142 We Are Tempted By Our Own Desire A Guided Christian Meditation on James 1:13-15 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: James 1:13-15 NRSV 13 No one, when tempted, should s ay, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. 14 But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; 15 then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. NABRE 13 No one experiencing temptation should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God is not subject to temptation to evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 Rather, each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire conceives and brings forth sin, and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death. Our thoughts are the basis of action. Though they often begin very small they grow into worldviews as well as actions and habits. A few years ago I was in the Navy. I had a chance to go aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (which is an enormous 95,000 ton displacement air craft carrier. as an educational ride along. I landed on the flight deck while it was out to sea and had roughly 5 thousand people aboard. I was able to go all over and so I visited the bridge. I was allowed to take the helm (with the conning officer and helmsman standing over my shoulder) I held the relatively small steering wheel. The helmsman showed me the screen of the course we were on and the margin that I was allowed to stay within along that course. I thought it would be easy to stay within the allowable margin of the course of the ship at the time. It was not. With wind and underwater currents the wheel had to be constantly turned back and forth. Several times the ship rushed out of the acceptable margin. I have reflected on the irony of this many times. This floating city was controlled by a steering wheel that was about the size of my car steering wheel. When I finally gave the wheel back over to the helmsman I was physically tired from the focus and nerves of trying to maintain the course of that enormous ship. I came to appreciate the automated systems and the helmsman who normally were engaged to keep the ship on course. This is an analogy for us. Our thoughts and our desires are such small things, yet these things can drive us to violate the word of God and sin. Our self-discipline is the small steering wheel upon which our eternal course is managed. The most powerful being in the universe has given us control of the helm of our lives. He does not tempt us but he allows us to work against it. He allows us to struggle against our desire. He knows that we will not be able to do this. His mercy and grace allow us to overcome when we fall outside of the margins of His word. How do you manage your desire? When you feel desire, even for good things, how do you respond to it? I believe that God gives us this right and ability to help us develop and grow. As we learn to trust him and have faith in Him our relationship with Him grows stronger as we realize how much we need him. 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 currently work to not give in to your fallen desire? Final Thought: In Christian history many people have gone to extremes regarding desire. In many situations our human desire causes untold amounts of hardship for us. When we learn to yield our desire and realize that it is part of our fallen nature, we don't need to suffer so much. We can let the yearning of our desire pass by as we do not give in to it. As we humble our will before God, we will avoid the natural consequences of yielding to human desire. Similarly, when we fail to overcome temptation and we submit to our desires, we can recover with God's mercy. There is nothing

Bible verses for Meditation: Mark 5:25-29 NIV 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Android App Store: 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: Mark 5:25-29 NIV 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. KJV 25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. Meditation: What does it take to receive a blessing from God? When did Jesus ever teach anyone that his robe would heal? This one seems to catch him by surprise. As we read it we wonder how much Jesus' mind remained in eternity and how much in mortality. It makes it seem as thought this miracle was stolen from Him. When she responds to His question it is almost as though she is afraid as a thief would be. Did she trick Jesus? I find this scripture interesting because it seems to be so different than the way that most of Jesus' healings take place. The people come and ask Jesus for a miracle and he tells them what he expects from them and then does the miracle, or not. Jesus did not proclaim his power to descend on this woman, yet it is also clear that this woman had amazing faith. I find the placement of this scripture to be very interesting also. It is right in the middle of another story. The story where a powerful religious leader begs Jesus to come and heal his daughter. He sent servants to bring Jesus to his house to heal her with His words or actions. This woman does it the other way around. This scripture shows us that there is no one way to approach the Throne of Power. There is no one way that we need to pray or ask for his blessings. Some days we will run out of options and pray for him to come and rescue us. Other days we may think of an amazing thing to do or to try and it is blessed with His favor and everything works out. We may find ourselves wondering how to get that to come out the same every time. Imagine how this woman would have responded if she needed something else from Jesus. Would she sneak up behind him and touch his clothes again? Perhaps but she may find that this way didnt work this time. Just as when Moses used multiple ways t o make water to spring from the rock. God's power is not limited to a manual. If there is something that you need from God. Perhaps flip your style on its head and try it the other 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: What do you plan to change in your life as a result of God's discipline? Final Thought: God cannot be approached like a robot or a slot machine. He forms relationships with us and then pushes us as we need in that moment. He makes us uncomfortable and even when we receive his blessing sometimes we feel afraid that we did it the wrong way. The truth is, he knows this. He knows that we want an easy and predictable way to approach him for what we want. He knows we want to be spiritually lazy in pursuit of Him. He doesn't make it that easy or boring. It is always an adventure to discover how He is going to do it this time. How will things be the same and different from next time. I hope this message helps you challenge your rigid assumptions on what God will and wont do. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Android App Store: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Hebrews 12:10-13 NABRE 10 They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness. 11 At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. 12 So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. 13 Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed. ESV 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Android App Store: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Hebrews 12:10-13 NABRE 10 They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness. 11 At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. 12 So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. 13 Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed. ESV 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Meditation: Discipline. What is your response to hearing that word? Is it fear? Anger? Rebellion? Shame? Self Control? Motivation? Take what your initial response was and set that aside and explore what else it could mean. In what ways do you wish you could be more disciplined. Discipline has the same root as disciple. If we want to be Jesus' disciples then we are really asking for his discipline. At the midway point of this year I want you to think back on the things that you aspired to at the start of the year. Can you look at your goals for improvement with accountability but without negative judgement? God is our father and as such tries to correct us. The choice is left to us to gain by it or to wither from it. The truth is that everything meaningful is challenging at least at times. Even a meditation practice can be a challenge at different times. As we learn to stay to the path that God has shown then we truly find the blessings he has promised. If we avoid it then we may never find it. Instead of walking a rocky and jagged path and then asking for healing when we hurt ourselves against the rocks. Like samuel says "to obey is better than to sacrifice". Take a moment now and ponder what you can give up to more fully walk the path of Jesus. Accept the discipline of God with a grateful heart. 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 do you plan to change in your life as a result of God's discipline? Final Thought: God is your loving father, more wise and knowledgeable than anybody else. He knows what we need before we do. At times God's word can pierce us while it heals us. As we regain our dedication to walk His way we become more able to receive His healing. This healing is more than just correcting major grievous sins. It can correct our natures. After a disagreement with someone dear to me I found myself grateful for the chastening that I received (after the fact of course). It knocked me down a peg or two and helped me realize areas of growth for me. Humility before God is the most certain way we can prepare ourselves for His glory. When we are humble before God, we are willing to be corrected by Him. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Android App Store: Recenter with Christ Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

NIV 2 "Honor your father and mother" which is the first commandment with a promise 3 "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Ephesians 6 NIV 2 "Honor your father and mother" which is the first commandment with a promise 3 "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. KJV 2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Meditation: In the US we celebrate Father's day today. This can be challenging because not everyone has a good relationship with their father. This can spill over into our adult relationships also. Even more important than this the way we view our own fathers has an impact on how we view God's role as father. In my case I grew up without a father in the home and I know this has made it more challenging to fully understand the relationship between father and son. The good news is that, as humans, we can change. We can learn to let go of the challenges of the past to develop in new and important ways. For example, with concerted effort I have come to feel the presence of a loving father in heaven. The reason I chose this scripture, which is basically a reinterpretation of the 5th commandment, is to give you perhaps a new way to interpret it. When the scripture says we should honor our parents we can be mindful about how to do this. Honoring parents doesnt have to mean degrading our relationship with God or demeaning ourselves. We can follow this commandment by living in a way that God would want. Honor in God's eyes is the only honor that truly matters anyway. So when you hear reference to this The scripture connects the role of parents to the need to be honored. When the scripture says not to provoke our children to wrath, I feel that statement keenly. I realize that my actions greatly influence the way my children respond to me. I feel accountable for my role in helping my children honor me. When I provoke them to anger, I should have no expectation that they will listen to me and obey me implicitly without question. The greatest appeal we can make to obedience that we can make is by being subject to the will of God, provided we can discern it correctly. May we ever seek to understand his will more clearly and may it be shown to us. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: How can your connection to God as your father improve? Final Thought: The meta lesson of this meditation for me has been that I have no claim on the honor of anyone. The only honor we can hope to receive is from grace. In other words if we are moved to do God's will and are able to gain holy honor from anyone including children, is it not really us that's being honored, it is God through us. Our goal then should be to submit our will to God's become open to receive his guidance, and then help spread his glory and honor to others. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

ESV 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

134 Shepherd the Flock of God A Guided Christian Meditaiton on 1 Peter 5:1-4 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: 1 Peter 5: ESV 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. KJV 1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Meditation: In scripture the church is referred to as a flock very often. There is reason for this. Sheep need to be led or they fall into danger. As Isaiah said, all we like sheep have gone astray, every one to his own way. Contemporary language uses terms like "live in your truth." Sadly this misses the greater nuance that the Truth of God is not subjective. Our flawed understanding of eternal truth does not create a new form of truth. In isolation our ideas and morals can become based more on convenience than on eternal truth. Similarly and equally important, us humans are social creatures. Even people with introverted tendencies like myself are designed to live in communion with others. If we isolate ourselves from the flock of God we may soon find ourselves lost in diverse theology or depressed without meaningful spiritual connections to help us overcome. A coal separated from the fire soon cools. Another aspect of being part of the flock of God is that we may end up being an example and help shepherd others. We should not have the expectation that Christianity can be a vague preference or an exclusively internal experience. That is not how Jesus taught the Kingdom of God. He meant it to be a life transforming dedication. We partake of the Glory of God as we strengthen others in their walk with Christ. The truth is, we all need all the help we can get. Others need your help and you need help from others. 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 f rom 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 seek help as both a sheep and a shepherd? Final Thought: There is a spiritual importance with genuine human connection and we should engage in the church as much as humanly possible. If you find yourself without a solid connection to a local church you can start a search. Let God's spirit guide you. There is profound benefits in finding wise, compassionate, and spirit filled leadership and community. Attendance at church is not the criteria that will determine entrance into heaven but there is a reason why the New Testament focuses so much on church and community building. We have so much to gain from each other, and from the wisdom of others. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Free Form Christian Meditation on 2 Chronicles 7:14-16 NRSV 14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house so that my name may be there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there for all time. FIND ME ON: 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: NRSV 14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house so that my name may be there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there for all time. KJV 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. Meditation: There are 3 aspects of this scripture that I was thinking about as I reflected on it. Many people feel that these calls for repentance in the Old Testament reflect a past time. In other words, God's grace makes the demands of the law void. This is a complex issue because it was Jehovah who placed these demands on the people. Yet it is very clear from scripture that the law is not what saves us. I feel that despite the salvation of Jesus, he still wants the best for us. Ridding our lives of sinful behavior remains an important thing in our lives. We can hold the two ideas in our hearts that God's mercy provides salvation AND he wants us to improve according to what he has asked us for. Humility before God can be a blissful way of learning from Him. This scripture focuses on the house of God. The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed but that does not lessen the value of making places holy and dedicated to God. If we allow God into every aspect our lives then our homes can become holy places to the Lord. Is your home a temple to God? What things could you change to make your home dedicated as a temple to God? In recent times there has been a lessening of the importance of church attendance. As we realize that our relationship with God is the most important thing, we may feel a lessened need for church attendance. Much of the New Testament refers to churches and church based communities. I feel that one main reason for that is because God knew the strength that community can provide us. Social isolation is a scourge that often comes along with a highly technologically advanced society. Christians are not spared from that if we isolate ourselves from our communities. Perhaps one way we can live this scripture is by congregating in churches that are dedicated to living the will 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 f rom 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 things can you change in your life to live before God in humility? Final Thought: I was visiting with a woman recently who I see on hospice. Because she grew up in a different time, this scripture spoke to her heart in a different way than it did mine. Despite that, the meaning has not changed. I rejoice that Christian theology has focused less on guilt and shame before God. One thing that I think we should be cautious about is that we dont minimize the benefits from living according to the way God has asked us to. I believe that as we reject sinful behavior we will experience more long term joy. FIND ME ON: 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: NIV 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

130 God's Ways are Higher Than Our Ways, A Guided Christian Meditation on Isaiah 55:8-11 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: NIV 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. ESV For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Meditation: In our search for meaning and purpose in life we often come up with possible answers and perhaps partial solutions. We make goals and plans to create purpose around our lives without knowing the future. Even when we are prayerful and very thoughtful about our plans sometimes things dont go according to plan. Sometimes there are delays of things that we perceive as good for us, or others. We make necessities of things that are often preferences. Many times i have found that my desires have not been met in life. At times this has lead me to feel discouraged and disappointed, only to learn later than things would develop in a different way. On my road to my chaplain ministry I did a lot of different things from sales, to tech, and even multiple warehouse jobs. The failures I experienced as a result of these things led me to reimagine who I was and to break the mold of who I thought I was. As I was humbled God spoke to my heart and showed me more about myself I never would have seen without earlier setbacks. In my professional work as a chaplain I have seen immense suffering bring personal healing or more profound understanding. I have seen people walk to the edge of death and then in the last moments lose their fear. I have seen people find forgiveness from or for others as they were dying. Nothing is written in stone, except the word of God. If we stay humble as this scripture teaches we can learn from God what is most important in our lives and we can pursue those paths. 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 f rom 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 has your life been blessed by service? Final Thought: As we listen to the word of God and learn to draw near to him and follow in his ways we will find the healing that he promised. Many times our growth comes from our attempts in the face of difficulties and failures. Our goal though should be to seek to know the will of God and to do it wholeheartedly. As the rains begin to fall in many places, think about this scripture. The purposes of God, like rain, don't fall without getting things wet. Then they return to the heavens after they ahve accomplished their goal. No hardship is wasted if it draws us nearer to God and to each other. FIND ME ON: 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: NRSV 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." 46 Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" FIND ME ON: 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: NRSV 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." 46 Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" NABRE 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth." 46 But Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him." Meditation: Is there deceit in your heart? I find it very interesting that the thing that Jesus uses to praise Nathaniel is this question. Is he honest in his own heart? If there is no duplicity or deception inside of us then we don't tell ourself false stories about our actions or the true desires of our hearts. We can be honest about our temptations, not justify our sin but be honest with God and ourselves about what our challenges are. Honesty does not require us to proclaim every secret we have to every person we meet but it does me we aren't two faced. Most people strugle with some form of duplicity. Are you the same person at church as you are at work, or out with your friends? Like he did with Nathanial, God is calling you to something greater. He has more for us than the small and fragmented lives we make for ourselves. As we allow the love of God into our heart we don't need to fear being totally brutally honest with God and then relying on His power to heal us and help us overcome the darkness we are fighting against. God values our honesty so much that he does not force us to do it. He values the faith it requires for us to dump out all the darkness in our hearts before His feet with openness and trust that he will not reject us for it. We can be prepared to understand that he will want us not to hold on to the darkness anymore. Something that I think our culture is getting wrong is that we should not be seeking to do what feels good. Sometimes being honest with our own failings can be scary and it doesn't feel good. As we place our focus on aligning our hearts with God instead of what feels good, we clean the wound and allow our hearts to draw ever nearer to the love and peace of God which surpass all understanding. 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 f rom 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 has your life been blessed by service? Final Thought: Decide today that you will cease all duplicity. No more will you fragment your identity. Remove the walls in your mind and allow yourself to be the same person but don't stay that person. Allow God's grace to change you. Allow it to heal you. There is no fear greater than the joy of being loved by the most powerful God. He loves you even as you learn to turn your back on the demons that may surround you. When you feel fear instead feel his love. When you feel discouraged focus on his love and grace. He accepts us with our current struggles, all the while asking us to follow him to something better. He leads us to sill waters and by greener pastures. May our faith in Him grow as we receive His grace moment by moment. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Luke 8 NIV 1After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

126The Mighty Service of Women, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 8:1-3 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. We have our guest back today! We have been working hard this week to make a meaningful podcast episode together so I hope you enjoy. 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 8 NIV 1After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. KJV 1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, 2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. Meditation: In the united states we celebrate Mothers day the sunday this episode comes out. This is a time when people reflect on their experience with their mothers or their own role as a mother. For many this is a rewarding and fulfilling reflection but sometimes it can cause anxiety and pain either as our experiences with our own mothers or personal experiences as a mother. I have experienced As we reflect on the women in this scripture. Each had unique challenges and shortcomings. Despite these faults God used them to do His work and support his ministry. They were possessed of demons like Mary, or being the husband to a man who ran the house of Harrod, a man who would eventually be party to the death of Jesus. The important thing is they didn't let those things define them or prevent from giving what they could offer, which was exactly what Jesus needed. Sometimes we feel that we need to be doing something more amazing. Like them, We bring all that we have, flawed as we are, we have something to offer to God. Perhaps we are not the ones to work the miracles but we can work to make that work happen. Something I realize as I prepare these messages is that our own efforts fall painfully short form the true impact we have in this life. The reward is not immediate Support Him Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: 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 has your life been blessed by service? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

NRSV John 15: 12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: NRSV John 15: 12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. ESV John 15: 12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: It is good and right to talk of love. To talk of loving others. The reality is that we don't always do this. If this was an easy thing to do we wouldn't need so much guidance and help to do it. If it was really as easy as wanting to love we wouldn't need God's continual grace to help us overcome these dark beating of our hearts. There are times when we hate. Times when we fail at our goals. When we rejoice in the feelings of rage in our hearts. We nurse our injuries and grudges. At this time consider these words. Consider the words of Jesus who said that we are his friends if we do what he commands. If we know what our master is doing and we follow it, Jesus says we will no longer be his servants. Imagine this imagery for a moment. What would it be to be Jesus' friend? Now imagine Jesus stretching out his hand to you, to invite you to open your heart and letting all the hate out. 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 someone you can do a better job of loving? Final Thought: As God loves you, love one another. As you go through your week and you experience resistance to love remember this message. Think of your experience with opening your heart to God during this time. As we make continual effort to reject hate from our heart and embrace God's love we will feel our joy be full as we truly abide in his love. This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His love will bring the Kingdom of God to our lives. This Kingdom will go on for all time and more specifically will begin in this life to the degree we live in his love. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

FIND ME ON: 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: ESV 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

122 Abide in My Love, A Guided Christian Meditation on John 15:9-11 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. We have our guest back today! We have been working hard this week to make a meaningful podcast episode together so I hope you enjoy. 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: ESV 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 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. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: What a powerful statement. As the Father loves Jesus, so He loves us. I don't know if we can fully understand how profound that is. We struggle to grasp even the depths of human love. Can anyone truly explain or understand the love of a mother for her children? Yet how much more the Father loves the Son. And with that same intensity he loves you. Abide now in this love. One of the things that I often counsel with people about is how to balance acceptance and determination. In other words, when something bad happens should we fight with all that we have and never stay down, or do we accept the will of God? Both choices seem like they are worthwhile at times. This scripture hints at another option. Abide in the love of God. It seems cliche to say that love is the answer but it is. Knowing this intellectually is not enough. We need to abide in it. Keep his two greatest commandments, which are love. Then will our joy be complete. As we learn to embrace the love of God and truly let it fill our hearts we will feel this joy of God. This can displace the need to fight while also moving us forward on His path for us. We don't need to choose a false dichotomy of faith and works. The only work is love. Every good work is love. Without love we miss the whole point. If you feel fearful, anxious, tempted, angry. Love. Don't lust for the love of others or the love of the world. Abide in God's 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 more fully embrace the Love of God? Final Thought: With this understanding our whole lives should be tied up in inviting love into our hearts. Not as an infrequent guest but as the host of our soul. The good news is that we dont do this alone. God himself has loved us first. He loves us as he loves his only begotten Son. In a way you will never fully understand, he loves you. He loves you forward. He loves you toward improvement. Embrace this love. Find time to sit in stillness with him and just feel this love. Embrace it. Dont grasp at it with clenched fists but with an open heart letting it come and go as God sees fit. Feed love and He will come. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

FIND ME ON: Patreon.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod NIV Matthew 28:5-7 5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you.

FIND ME ON: Patreon.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast 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: NIV Matthew 28:5-7 5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you. KJV 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: This is one of the most important declaration in all of scripture. "He is not hear, for he has risen." Of all the holidays that we celebrate, Easter is the most important. Christmas is valuable because we remember the birth of the baby Jesus, but Jesus did not save us as a baby. He grew and taught. He healed and performed miracles. Of all of these things the whole point of his ministry is to help his family return to him by overcoming sin and death. This scripture hints at the echoes caused by the deep valley separating the way God is and the way we are but also shows the first evidence of eternal victory over what assails us. Despite this God uses our human weakness and our failings to His purposes. I find it interesting that the most important news the world had been given was to two women. Jesus could have appeared to his apostles. He could have appeared to the many other people who would later see him in his resurrected form. He chose Mary a women from whom he had cast out an evil spirit. Unfortunately in that time, women could not even testify in court. Yet God chose these women to be the first to declare the message of the resurrection. The inclusion of this story is not an accident. It was this story that kicked off the telling of the resurrection story. It is the first. This story shows something of the way in which God values each person. Just like Mary, You have a special role that only you can fulfill because God or angles decree it so. God is aware of you. He has no favorites. Regardless of where you have been or where you are, you are redeemable. God's power is greater than our weakness. God can and will use you for his mighty purposes. We can participate in his work on earth. If you have felt like an outsider in the church, or anywhere else. May this Easter Day be your formal invitation to join God's team. We are part of a mighty community of people who attempt, although imperfectly, to love as He does. May God bless our efforts. 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 more fully join God's team this Easter. Final Thought: Nothing that you are or have done make you unlovable or unuseful to God because is already planning something better for you. Make a firm and irrevocable decision that you will no longer simply hang out at the edge of God's community but that you will dive head first and play whatever role He has in mind for you. You have the same right as any other human to receive His grace. More than metaphorically he died to give you that chance. Throw off your past hurt or hesitation and join in the fullness of fellowship of God. May this Easter provide you an opportunity to find peace, love, and joy in Christ.

Voicemail (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Website: christianmeditationpodcast.com NIV James 4 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." 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.

118 Draw Near To God and He Will Draw Near to You, A Guided Christian Meditation on James 4:6-8 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. We have our guest back today! We have been working hard this week to make a meaningful podcast episode together so I hope you enjoy. 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: NIV James 4 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." 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. NABRE James 4 6 But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 7 So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Something that I work on both professionally and personally perhaps more than any other thing is forming and improving a personal relationship with God. I talked with a woman this week who told me of her son who is always praying but never receiving an answer from God. I would never supposed to declare that all people who experience this have the same problem that causes it all, but if you find yourself in a place where you feel you don't feel God's presence in your life then it is natural to wonder why. Ultimately we cannot expect God to do the magic of salvation to us passively. He does it "with" us. James knows the value of Grace. He clearly states it here. I don't think James and Paul would disagree about grace when talking together. Perhaps in presentation but not in the concept that we are saved by God. Here James says that grace is poured out on the humble. For a moment consider this question. What is the difference or similarities between humility and faith? The way that humility is portrayed in scripture seems to be very close to faith. We trust God. We believe what He says. We trust His desires for us more than our own will. To draw near to him we cleanse our hands. We leave behind our double mind and join with the mind 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: Are you truly humble before God. Final Thought: When we don't get the response from God that we want our natural human response is often laced with rebellion. The more we can let that part of our nature go and truly draw near to God, the greater we will feel his presence in our life. If we want him near we need to be willing to repent of our sinful nature and humble ourselves before God. Not because He wants to make us feel inferior, but because the process of his grace is learning to trust him, to have faith in Him. We cannot separate these two things. Faith and a humble heart are the process by which we receive God's grace. We trust to follow God and God does the amazing work in us that we cannot. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Free Form Christian Meditation on Luke 12:1-3 Voicemail (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Website christianmeditationpodcast.com NABRE Genesis 1 26 Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the earth. 27 God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

116 We Are Created In The Image of God, A Guided Christian Meditation on Genesis 1:26-27 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. We have our guest back today! We have been working hard this week to make a meaningful podcast episode together so I hope you enjoy. 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: NABRE Genesis 1 26 Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the earth. 27 God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. KJV Genesis 1 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Our guest chose this scripture and is going to tell us why. I chose this scripture because, I felt Some people might have needed the feel of being made like our Heavenly Father. We are all made 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: What does it mean to be created in the image of God? Final Thought: We are all made of God. We are all God's creations. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Free Form Christian Meditation on Luke 12:1-3 Voicemail (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Website christianmeditationpodcast.com Luke 12:1-3 NIV 1 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

Click here to join the email newsletter or visit Christianmeditationpodcast.com/about ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Support the Podcast at Patreon.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Voicemail (602) 888-3759 [email protected] Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Leaven is yeast. Various places in the scriptures Jesus uses this analogy. Here he tells us to beware of the hypocrisy of others. Despite the fact that this is phrased as a caution against the actions of others it also speaks directly to each listener. Yeast was preserved and passed around so that it would spread through a community. Similarly can bad behaviors. This scripture is just as much of a caution to those who believe. There is a common struggle in the church called imposter syndrome. Many people worry that if they took of their perfect Christian mask, that who they are underneath would be abhorrent and unlovable. This is a pure deception, and accompanies a life lived in shame. God wants your heart. He doesn't want your shame. In fact as we are honest with Him the role guilt has in our heart significantly decreases. The truth is that each of us have things we have done that we are embarrassed of. If you don't feel that at least occasionally perhaps you need to think about it a little harder. Take off your mask before God and bear your heart to Him. I am not sure how things work in God's presence but based on scriptures like this, I suspect that our regular notions of full privacy of thought will not remain. As we think of the nasty things we may have written on social media, or the times when we lose our temper, or struggle with virtuous thoughts we can realize that the veil of secrecy is running out the closer we get to the end. There is no benefit to hiding ourselves from God. The beauty of God's plans is that he forgives us of our wrongs. He asks us to be honest with him and bear or whole hearts to him and He will forgive us and just as important, His grace will change 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: Details: Final Question: What do you most fear others learning about you? Final Thought: As I reflect on how I share this message. I have been thinking about how I share who I am with the internet. This brings me some anxiety but I have been thinking recently that I can't let this slow the message I am putting out. My fear of being known will not stop me from doing what I need to do. I am fully committed to living what God has in mind for me. Each of us can reevaluate our lives to see if we are living according to our God-given conscience. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Patreon.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast [email protected] Voicemail (602) 888-3795 1 Corinthians 3:10-13 NABRE 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, 11 for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 the work of each will come to light, for the Day will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire [itself] will test the quality of each one's work

Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. NIV 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. NABRE 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, 11 for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 the work of each will come to light, for the Day will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire [itself] will test the quality of each one's work What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: As I have been listening to other traditional sources of Christian Meditation I have been realizing that there is a huge value in learning to let go of controlling thoughts. This is not in a effort to dilute moral principles. This is not meant to explain that that all thoughts have equal merit and value. It is a greater teaching that we can learn to let the constant chatter of our mind be viewed as something other that who we truly are. Each one of us is a spiritual creation of God. As such we have an inestimable worth. We are lovable by the greatest being in the universe. A being we cannot comprehend in this life. When we sit in quiet contemplation it is to train us to realize that the chatter of our minds is something that is happening inside of us. We have an ability in all moments to trust God. His grace blesses us with spiritual gifts. Peace during meditative time can be one of those gifts. Our efforts to control our internal chatter will be put to the test of the fire of our experience. The contemplative silence will reveal the uselessness of this effort. If we could just stop our thoughts we would be far less troubled. It is by the fire of our daily practice that we realize that we are something much deeper than our continual inner chatter. 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: Details: Final Question: What on your life would be destroyed by fire? Re Zaza Final Thought: In a moment of personal reflection I have realized that God has used my spiritual gifts to bless people. It is a humbling feeling and strange in a way. Our gifts are given by his grace. As we enhance them through concerted effort, strengthened by the spirit and grace of God, we improve. Similarly as we learn to sit in silence separate from our internal chatter we learn a little more about the mystery and miracle that God is working in us. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. NRSV 21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 22 I was stupid and ignorant; I was like a brute beast toward you. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me with honor.[e] 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength[f] of my heart and my portion forever. I now have an email newsletter you can join by clicking here. Donate at Patreon by clicking here. My podcast page has been revamped christianmeditationpodcast.com christianmeditationpodcast.com/about christianmeditationpodcast.com/contact Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast [email protected] (602) 888-3795 5235 E. Southern Ave. Ste D106-125 Mesa, AZ 85206

I now have an email newsletter you can join by clicking here. Donate at Patreon by clicking here. My podcast page has been revamped christianmeditationpodcast.com christianmeditationpodcast.com/about christianmeditationpodcast.com/contact Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast [email protected] (602) 888-3795 5235 E. Southern Ave. Ste D106-125 Mesa, AZ 85206

ChristianMeditationPodcast.com/contact Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. NRSV 21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 22 I was stupid and ignorant; I was like a brute beast toward you. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me with honor.[e] 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength[f] of my heart and my portion forever. NIV 21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Like many of you I have been struggling recently. I have been working toward specific goals. Health outcomes that I want. I have felt guided to a specific course of action. I have prayed and have felt God guiding me toward something that I feel inspired to do. The problem is that I don't see any real way for this thing to change. I feel in some ways that I dont know any way forward to do the thing God has directed me to do. I find myself asking if my faith is enough or if it just God's will that I struggle. Many times we alternate between illusions of grandeur and feelings of low worth. Either we imagine the God of heaven loving us so deeply or we think that we are unlovable and irrevocably flawed. I am trying to find the middle way. I am trying to hold my flaws and failings while still embracing the radical love that God has for me, a sinner. This is not a veiled attempt to confess any particular sin, just a reference to a struggle that I am having. We all have them. The important thing isnt to avoid being honest with this fact or to minimize them when it does happen. THe important thing is that we learn to humble ourselves before the Lord. Who is there in Heaven but him or without him? 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: Details: Final Question: What is a time that you have felt down? How did you reconcile that? Final Thought: Nobody is invincible to feeling down. Jesus himself feared the task before him. He wanted spiritual support from his Apostles outside the garden as he prayed. He cared and cried for Lazarus. He desired to be accepted and loved like us all. Even he experienced absolute rejection and isolation. As we overcome the things we stumble on in our life, we can be stronger and more spiritually mature. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

ChristianMeditationPodcast.com/contact Patreon.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Bible Verse For Meditation NASB 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. KJV 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. NASB 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: This scripture was recommended by my wife. It also lined up with a conversation I had with a friend. She told me of a story where her brother didn't speak to her anymore because she didn't hold the same denominational beliefs. She expressed her sadness that someone who professed Christian faith could hold such harmful views about her and her eternal prospects. Unfortunately as humans we have a long successful history of excluding others. People selectively separate themselves into tribes, groups, nations, or ideologies. People make arguments that religion has caused so much conflict such as religious extremism, I disagree profoundly. I think human power struggles and conflict are at the root of all of these conflicts and they are inherent in the way we, as fallen humans, deal with each other. This is evident in current political discourse. There is nothing inherently wrong with humans wanting to come together to set policy but it is at the root of human control and power and therefore causes deep dischord. I went to hear an orthodox priest from Jordan speak. He said something about extremism that has stuck with me. The extremism you have the most control over is your own. You have the freedom even right now, to jettison hate from your heart right now. You have the ability to become radically loving. 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: Details: Final Question: How can being honest with God about your failings help.? Final Thought: Despite all the conflict that we perceive, you can choose to love. You can choose to let go of human differences and power struggles at allow God to be the judge for others. Our goal as Christians should be to follow the greatest two commandments, Love God and Love each other. May we embrace this mindset and allow others to be different from us. We can become more self aware of how we view people who hold different beliefs. If the situation requires it, we can correct each other with love. Christ's greatest legacy is love. May we follow this example and place our fellow neighbors. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

You can listen anywhere podcasts are found and also at my website ChristianMeditationPodcast.com You can send me a personal note at ChristianMeditationPodcast.com/contact Support the podcast at Patreon.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast ESV 35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.

ESV 35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. NABRE 35 While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?" 36 Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." 37 He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Here a Jewish leader named Jairus had requested Jesus heal his daughter. In this scripture the man is asked to overcome the bad news of hearing of his daughters death. Jesus ignored this news and talked directly to Jairus. Jesus knew he felt fear and doubt, not knowing what would happen now. Jesus proclaims something that is so applicable to each one of us. "Do not fear, Just Believe." This can be a powerful message for each of us. This week I was talking to 2 different people who were struggling with what they see as unanswered prayers. They wanted to be able to walk and were very unsettled that God had not answered their prayers to do this. It presents a difficult question. How can we keep faith, knowing that God can answer questions in whatever way he chooses? Ultimately His will is done. If we ask things of God that are not in accord with His will, we may feel disappointed. A powerful purpose we can seek then is to find a way to reconcile our normal human feelings with what actually happens. Regardless of any other response we can see that fear is not a helpful feeling. Many people died when Jesus was alive who did not get healed. God's plan for you may lead you to places you never thought you would be and you never thought you would get out of but in any case we need not fear. 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: Details: Final Question: How can being honest with God about your failings help.? Final Thought: Despite whatever our expectations are or what our desires are we can embrace this message. We need not fear. We can let go of our fear and have faith that God's will for us will provide the best option for our eternal benefit. We can trust our loving God to do what we most need. This may be exactly what we ask for or it may present new challenges. If we respond correctly, it will cause us to draw closer to God in the long run. Our goal then should be to align our will with God's and then accept what his plan is for us. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

Christianmeditationpodcast.com Patreon.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast Christianmeditationpodcast.com/contact This is a free form Meditation on Mark 9:26-27 NRSV 26 Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, "He is dead!" 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. 28 When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, "Why could we not drive it out?" 29 He said to them, "This kind can only come out through prayer."

Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. NRSV 26 Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, "He is dead!" 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. 28 When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, "Why could we not drive it out?" 29 He said to them, "This kind can only come out through prayer." KJV 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Continuing immediately from our massage last week. We can reach out to God in our moments of weakness and doubt. That message is continued in these following verses. Here Jesus performs this miracle in the face of bare honesty about the man's reliance on God. Jesus had the ability to purify what is inside this young man. He has similar power to purify you and I. This power is squarely in the hands of Jesus. What's more, this scripture also demonstrates that we do not form a passive role in this process. Jesus was asking more of the disciples than just to wait for him to solve otheir problems. On the flip side, he did not expect them to do it on their own. He wants to establish a relationships. He wants to establish trust. He wants to teach us how to fully know God and have unending faith in our all powerful creator. This kind comes not out but by prayer. The solution was further reliance on God, not on what power or importance they thought they had. Not in passively waiting for God to do his will. How does this message relate to you? 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: Details: Final Question: How can being honest with God about your failings help.? Final Thought: Applying this message in our life. There are problems that we can solve only by reliance on God. God can show us how to overcome. We can overcome any obstacle that is part of God's plan as we learn to trust. It may not be in the way we want. It may not be what we expect. It may take time for us to fully understand God's purposes, but the important part is that regardless of what we think God should do, that we trust that things will get better. John Lennon said wise words when he said: It will all be OK in the end, and if its not OK, then its not the end. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

Visit my website ChristianMeditationPodcast.com for more information. Leave me a voicemail at 602-888-3795 NRSV 22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us." 23 Jesus said to him, "If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes." 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!"

Mark 9:22-24 Call and leave me a voicemail at 602-888-3795 [email protected] ChristianMeditationPodcast.com NRSV 22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us." 23 Jesus said to him, "If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes." 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" KJV 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Each and every person must face doubt in their life. This can take many forms or occur at distinct times in our lives but none of us escape it. The question is how we should respond. This is made easier when we realize that each and every thought that we have is by its very nature transitory. We are not thoughts. We are therefore not what we think about ourselves. Nevertheless there is a deeper message here. Jesus is teaching us that perfect faith is not a prerequisite to receive his blessings. He does not expect that our minds will forever remain free of doubt, rather that we are willing to work it out and approach him with those doubts. Jesus tells the father of this boy possessed of a devil that God can do all thing for those that have faith. The man's response is that his faith is true but not perfect. Jesus performs the miracle. As we continue to request blessings from God in each prayer may we have the same qualifier in our hearts regarding the response. Lord I believe, bless my unbelief. 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: Details: Greatest number of downloads. Final Question: How can being honest with God about your failings help.? Final Thought: We are not limited by temporary thoughts. When those thoughts become recurrent and frequent visitors they become more likely to affect our actions. With God's help we can overcome even troubling thoughts. We do not need to feel like we have secrets from God. When he asks for faith we don't have to pretend that we have more than we actually do. He knows anyway. I think he is please when we approach him in honest humility and ask for his help. Our efforts alone will yield failure compared to the potential available to all those who are strengthened from asking for what we truly need from God. This honestly is the core of repentance which we need in our lives. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

My wife and I have an unscripted conversation about prayer followed by a short meditation on prayer.

Bible verse for meditation:1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Love is so much more than the single dimensional portrait we get around Valentine's Day. The greatest love of all is the Love of God, also called Charity. The New Testament was written in Greek. For those familiar with the original texts there are 4 different words which translate into the English word Love. Philos - The love shared by brothers and sisters and the basis for the city of Philadelphia. Eros - Love between intimate romantic partners. Which is the basis for the word Erotic. Storge - the love of adults for their children. Agape - which is The greatest love is the Love of God. It is interesting that each of us experience such a wide range of love throughout our lives. As we celebrate love we can remain dedicated to living up to the model shown by Paul here in this scripture. As we work to improve in all the areas he has outlined such as patience, kindness and in overcoming anger. We can work to become more forgiving to free our hearts and open us to love in the future. We can work on improving the quality of every form of love that we feel. As we work to improve our experience with love, we will be more able to receive the Love 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: Details: Greatest number of downloads. Final Question: What type of Love can you work to improve? Final Thought: During this week consider all the forms of Love that are active in your life. Consider how you can improve these relationships and apply God's wisdom in every relationships that you have. Something I admire about my wife is that she involves non-romantic loving relationships in her celebration of Valentine's day. We should not allow romantic love to override other equally important aspects of love. Many times we can have one relationships fill many roles of love. For example my wife and I share friendship and romance. My hope is that for each one of us we can continually work with God to bring more love into our lives. May we remember the greatest expression of Love imaginable: Greater love hath no man than this, than Jesus who laid down his life for us, his friends. May we ever feel greater gratitude for this pure example of love, and may that inspire us to live a life more full of Love. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

ChristianMeditationPodcast.com/contact Patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast The Glory of God is Evident Through All Creation. Psalms 19:1-6 ESV 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. Have a blessed day.

097 The Heavens Declare the Glory of God - A Christian Meditation on Psalms 19:1-6 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 to be changed by the Spirit of God. by using a centuries old form of Christian Meditation called Lectio Divina. It consists of: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation, Visualization Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should 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. Bible verse for meditation: 1 John 3:1-3 NABRE 2 The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the works of his hands. 3 Day unto day pours forth speech; night unto night whispers knowledge. 4 [b]There is no speech, no words; their voice is not heard; 5 A report goes forth through all the earth, their messages, to the ends of the world. He has pitched in them a tent for the sun;[c] 6 it comes forth like a bridegroom from his canopy, and like a hero joyfully runs its course. 7 From one end of the heavens it comes forth; its course runs through to the other; nothing escapes its heat. ESV 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above[a] proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice[b] goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: I have spent many hours looking through telescopes with my brothers. Winter is an amazing time for me. The constellation Orion is out all night and I have memories of my father showing me Orion. I have never lost a sense of wonder about the stars. The closer I look, the more amazed I am with them. There is an amazing Nebula on Orion's sword. It amazes me that light has traveled over a thousand light years from that nebula to be focused by some glass to be pointed into my eye. For example I have seen M31, the Andromeda galaxy, through a telescope. It amazes me to think that Andromeda is estimated to have over a trillion stars. It is 110,000 light years across. It is over a million light years away. Meaning the photons of light that have hit my eye left Andromeda over a million years ago. Yet God could scoop those trillions stars up in one swoop if he wanted. He could also wisk the earth off and plop it down in the middle of Andromeda if he chose to. Yet he lets the laws he has created into the universe declare the might of creation. We are not sitting on some crusty rock next to nothingness. We are surrounded as far as light can travel by creation. If our ears are open to hear the wisdom of God in all creation it can fill us with wonder and amazement at the glory of God. I trust that God's hand has crafted our universe. As believers in the God of the Bible we can solidly reject the idea that change and creation occurs by randomness. The entirety of space is full of the witness 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: Details: Greatest number of downloads. Final Question: What in creation and nature fills you will awe? Final Thought: Try looking at the night sky intently. Be careful my friends in Canada and the Northern States. If you can do it safely see if you can find a pair of binoculars and look at the constellation of Orion. From the northern hemisphere it is visible to the south. If you find the three stars of his belt then you are halfway there. Look down from his belt and you will see a small line of stars forming his sword. The bottom one of these is surrounded by a cloudy haze. That is a Nebula. Even at very low power it whispers the wisdom of God. Enjoy creation around you and God's handiwork. If we learn to relish these moments of sublime wonder they will grow in our heart and we will feel an increase of gratitude for God. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodca

ChristianMeditationPodcast.com 1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure

ChristianMeditationPodcast.com ChristianMeditationPodcast.com/contact Patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Bible verse for meditation: 1 John 3:1-3 NIV 1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. KJV 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Who are you? What title or description would you give yourself? How many other titles can you think of for yourself? This scripture points out an important identity of who we are. We are children of God. This is perhaps the most profound paradigm with which we can view ourselves but even this falls short to help us fully understand. Even with the knowledge that we are joint heirs with Christ and we were created in the image of God is limited by our ability to understand intellectually and experientially what this means. I am not certain that we as mortals can fully appreciate and understand what this means. Ask yourself the question again. Who are you? The longer we ponder this question we realize that a human brain is doing the pondering and will not be able to fully know the will of God in our fallen state. There is some deeper aspect of who you are that you can't fully observe. It is the thing that made the God of the universe willing to come and die for you on a cross. This mysterious inner ellusive part of ourselves is always inside us and this is the perspective from which we listen to what our mind tells us. Let us be mindful when we listen to our mind and not believe the first thing that it tells us about our limited value 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: Details: Greatest number of downloads. Final Question: Who are you? Final Thought: Perhaps the most complete answer that we can understand with our limited human understanding is that as Children of God we are the being that can ponder this question. You are the being that can hear these words and think these thoughts. God can guide our hearts to have a deeper sense of who we truly are and what value we have. Our mind may try and trick us that we are not fully loved by God. When he appears we will be like him. He roots out what is wrong inside of use all the while loving us completely and wholly. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

ChristianMeditationPodcast.com ChristianMeditationPodcast.com/contact Patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Bible verse for meditation: NABRE 12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

Bible verse for meditation: John 16:12-14 NABRE 12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. ESV 12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. What does this scripture mean to you? Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past? How does this scripture make you feel? Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning. Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Many times we realize how limited is our understanding of eternal things. We sense the great gulf between what we understand and what we wish we could. Sometimes we assume that the role of the spirit is to teach us all of those things. Their are times when we are short of understanding and we reach out to God and he resolves it for us. There are also times when we think what we need is more facts and that is not what we need at all. I want to share an example Last week my daughter was experiencing fear right before going to bed. She was crying. She was worrying about the future and bad things happening to her and people she cared about. My son came to tell me this. When I came to her room, I didnt say a word. I just gave her a hug and held her for a few minutes. She stopped crying really quickly and the assurance of my hug calmed her heart. She stopped worrying about the future. After she felt better we started talking. She thought she needed more facts, but in reality she most needed a peaceful feeling. So it is with God and us. We may think that we need to understand his mysteries. These questions can really get us thinking. Perhaps we wonder about some detail in scripture that is not fully explained or we wonder about what eternity will be like. We think that knowing these things will fill us with peace. But the inverse is actually true. We are more able to deal with incomplete human understanding when we are filled with God's 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: Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life: Details: Greatest number of downloads. Final Question: How can God Spirit speak peace to out hearts? Final Thought: I have spent a lot of time thinking about what happens in a black hole. I have also thought about what makes mass have gravity. These fundamental things are actually fairly easy in comparison to deeper questions like infinite and universal love or what is the purpose of life. All of these are God's truths. The Holy Spirit can teach us of them and more importantly be guided to live in the Truth of God. This is the thing that speaks peace to our hearts when we feel inexplicable beauty in the word of God. I pray that God's spirit can abide with us. FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist