Christian Meditation Podcast

170 Beware of False Prophets A Guided Christian Meditation on Matthew 7:15-17 I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Matthew 7:15-20 NIV 15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ESV 15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Meditation on Scripture: The word here translated as false prophets is psuedopropheton. Pseudo is an imitation or deceptive version of something and propheton is for prophet, "a person gifted at expositing divine truth." Rightly so, I think most discussions of this scripture deals with guarding against false leaders; however, when I think back the bad theology I am exposed to, it is much more likely to come from conversation with someone not a formal church leader of any organization. I have been thinking a lot about this because I think it is a delicate subject. Perhaps it is not accidental that Chapter 7 of Mathew also includes a warning that we will be judged as we judge. For this reason, my main goal is to help us be thoughtful about how we receive truths of God not to disparage people who share things that may not be consistent with what I believe, even if their intentions are not the best. In statements like this Jesus is clearly asking us to be mindful of what we receive from others to help us stay spiritual safe. We can learn to be critical of ideas we let into our hearts and evaluate them based on their effect. Do they yield good fruit? Do they draw us nearer to Jesus? On the flip side, people can have a great effect without having true theology. I can directly tie the creation of this podcast to someone from a non Christian religion. If it wasn't for him I never would have discovered the rich tradition of Christian Meditation. I have had countless people reach out to me to tell me how they feel much closer to Jesus when they listen to this podcast. People have literally told me they have become Christians and accepted the way of Jesus, or returned to it, due to this podcast. This was all based on a seed that was planted by someone who does not recognize Jesus as the only way back to the Father. I consider the friendship of this man to be dear to me and, although we differ on how to understand God, I feel I have come to have a better relationship with Jesus because of him. By your fruits you will know them. I am a better Christain for having known Him, which I consider a good fruit. 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 consider to be good fruit? Final Thought: Perhaps this is the best paradigm we can. Does the idea in question bring me closer to my Savior Jesus Christ? That may not mean it makes us more comfortable but does it reconcile us more to Him? Are we closer to Jesus as a result? 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

1 Samuel 3:7-11 NABRE 7 Samuel did not yet recognize the Lord, since the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 The Lord called Samuel again, for the third time. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, "Here I am. You called me." Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the youth. 9 So he said to Samuel, "Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'" When Samuel went to sleep in his place, 10 the Lord came and stood there, calling out as before: Samuel, Samuel! Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening." 11 The Lord said to Samuel: I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears it ring. 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

168 Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening A Guided Christian Meditation on 1 Samuel 3:7-11 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: 1 Samuel 3:7-11 NABRE 7 Samuel did not yet recognize the Lord, since the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 The Lord called Samuel again, for the third time. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, "Here I am. You called me." Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the youth. 9 So he said to Samuel, "Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'" When Samuel went to sleep in his place, 10 the Lord came and stood there, calling out as before: Samuel, Samuel! Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening." 11 The Lord said to Samuel: I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears it ring. ESV 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant hears." 11 Then the Lord said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. Meditation on Scripture: The context of this scripture is helpful. Eli was a man of God and devoted to his service. Samuel had been entrusted to his care as a young boy, as an offering to God. While Samuel was young one night and the voice of the Lord came to him in the night. He thought it was Eli and so he woke him up and Eli said to go back to bed. On the third time Eli finally realized that the Lord was speaking to Samuel. Samuel responded with the refrain: "Speak Lord for your servant is listening." Interestingly enough the message that Samuel received was about the pending consequences for Eli for not living up to what he should have. This Many times I deal with people who struggle to accept the current reality they face. When they talk to their nurse and doctor they hear only what they want to and miss what the true message is. I feel that we do this with God too. Sometimes we ask him questions about life. We seek direction. We seek to know the will of God. Then we listen really hard for what we want to hear or we listen for God to answer in the way that we want instead of trying to discern his will. He communicates His will differently to each of us. Even the prophets of old received messages from God differently. Ezekiel would make dramatic metaphorical demonstrations to show Gods will. Isaiah proclaimed it as the will of God. Revelations is full of deep symbolism that modern believers and scholars continue to wrestle with. Our Savior spoke in parables. God can speak to us through the scriptures and also through life circumstances. God has a message for you. We can listen patiently for the will of God and then obey as best we can. Be patient with yourself and God as you attempt to discern His will for 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: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: How good are you at showing genuine loving pity? Final Thought: I think one of the most valuable things I do which prepares people for pastoral counseling is genuine pity. What I mean by that is that I show people that I deeply desire to hear of how bad they feel and that I will not be damaged by their feelings. I try and make people feel understood without trivializing their suffering. Above all I gently let them teach me how bad it is to be them for a littl

166 I Found No Pity A Guided Christian Meditation on Psalm 69:18-20 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. Bible verses for Meditation: Luke 17 KJV 17 And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. 18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies. 19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. 20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. NRSV 17 Do not hide your face from your servant, for I am in distress, make haste to answer me. 18 Draw near to me, redeem me, set me free because of my enemies. 19 You know the insults I receive, and my shame and dishonor; my foes are all known to you. 20 Insults have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. 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

166 I Found No Pity A Guided Christian Meditation on Psalm 69:18-20 I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Luke 17 KJV 17 And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. 18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies. 19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. 20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. NRSV 17 Do not hide your face from your servant, for I am in distress, make haste to answer me. 18 Draw near to me, redeem me, set me free because of my enemies. 19 You know the insults I receive, and my shame and dishonor; my foes are all known to you. 20 Insults have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. Meditation on Scripture: Do you like to have other people pity you? In my experience most people would answer no to this question. The idea of someone gloating over your sadness is too hard to deal with; however, this demonstrates a cheap form of pity. The actual definition of the world pity has to do with a feeling of compassion. Yet somehow in our language pity has taken on negative baggage and unintended meaning. I imagine two different situations. You are experiencing something challenging and someone responds with pity. They feel sorry for you but you have no feeling that they understand you or even that they are listening or care and it frustrates you. Now in a second situation you are going through something difficult and someone responds to your hurt with genuine kindness and compassion. They let you tell them about it or not, depending on what you may need in that moment. After ten minutes in either of these two situations it is likely that the pity without compassion would make things worse, and the compassion would likely make you feel better. The truth is, all of us would like to feel understood and accepted. Psalm 69 is considered a Messianic Psalm in Christianity. In other words it is foretelling aspects of the ministry and life of Jesus, the Messiah. This scripture was quoted in multiple places in the New Testament. Early Christians saw this whole Psalm in the context of Jesus. Here the Psalmist, who also refers to Jesus, shares their sadness that there is nobody to give them pity and comfort them. Jesus would have welcomed pity at the cross. So perhaps what we really want is compassion, love, and acceptance, and what we don 't want is judgement, selfishness, and condescension. Im my work with those who suffer, pity, in the true sense of the meaning, is actually something that most people desperately crave. It is the thing that I have spent the most time refining and correcting in my own tendency. Avoiding patronizing or minimizing language as I share suffering with people through pity, or compassion if you prefer. So as we look to follow the example of the cross here as Jesus was mocked and offered vinegar. When Jesus perceived that the face of the Father was turned from him, he just wanted pity. He wanted someone to show him compassion. 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 good are you at showing genuine loving pity? Final Thought: I think one of the most valuable things I do which prepares people for pastoral counseling is genuine pity. What I mean by that is that I show people that I deeply desire to hear of how bad they feel and that I will not be damaged by their feelings. I try and make people feel understood without trivializing their suffering. Above all I gently let them teach me how bad it is to be them for a little while. The surprising thing is that when people feel that you are

164 We Have Only Done Our Duty A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 17:7-10 Bible verses for Meditation: Luke 17 NIV 7 "Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? 8 Won't he rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? 9 Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" 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

164 We Have Only Done Our Duty A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 17:7-10 I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Luke 17 NIV 7 "Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? 8 Won't he rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? 9 Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" ESV 7 "Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and recline at table'? 8 Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink'? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" Meditation on Scripture: Many times in this podcast I have talked about the amazing love that God has for us. For you. At times many people struggle with accepting that love and feeling it deeply. For that reason it is valuable to reflect on that. It is important that we are able to believe God when he tells us that. Equally valuable is that we realize that our position is one of grace. The love God extends to us is due to His decision to love us. His decision to do what is not required or necessary. We find ourselves in the middle. We realize that God's forgiveness and the offer to allow us to live with Him comes from His heart while at the same time that in His eyes we are worth it. It can be tempting when we hear outpourings of His love so often that we may lose the feeling of newness with it. At times the wonder that fills our hearts when we first hear of it may fade or worse we may think that it is a nice thing for others but not for us. In the deepest way this scripture speaks to those people who struggle with this idea. If God loves us because we are really so perfectly lovable then God's grace doesn't amount to much. If God only loves perfect people or people who are good enough, why is the central message of Jesus that of forgiveness and grace. Why does Paul teach over and over of the need for forgiveness? God's grace can allow us to make peace with our inner nature. We are worse than servants in the grand cosmos. These physical bodies were created from the dust of the earth and will go back to it as it says in Genesis. This doesn't mean that we don't ever do anything that God asks. Jesus uses this metaphor because the servant is asked to do many things and is expected to do them. In this way we are God's servants. Yet when we follow, he blesses us. The things we do never truly earn the payment we receive from God. As we reflect on this I pray that your heart is filled with gratitude instead of shame or guilt. The point of scriptures like this is not to make us feel bad but to help us recognize 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: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: In what ways are you a servant of God. Final Thought: In an indirect way God's statement that we are His servants represents a commission from God to serve. It is our duty. We can own that identity. We are servants of God yet we struggle to do what he asks us to do and we are unworthy if we expect to earn what we have not earned. The marvel is that God's love, grace, and forgiveness are extended to us who trust Jesus and follow Him. You are a child of God and if you follow the path Jesus has laid out for us then we will truly be blessed in spirit.

NIV 8 Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons will bow down to you. 9 You are a lion's cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? 10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs[d] shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. ESV 8 "Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down before you. 9 Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? 10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Meditation on Scripture: 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

162 The Lion of Judah A Guided Christian Meditation on Genesis 49:8-10 I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: NIV 8 Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons will bow down to you. 9 You are a lion's cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness' who dares to rouse him? 10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs[d] shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. ESV 8 "Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down before you. 9 Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? 10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Meditation on Scripture: How do you respond to challenges? When you feel failure staring in you in the face what do you do? As you think about the things you have to do or the things you fear many times we want to burry our head in the sand until God fixes it. Or even better we want to sit in blissful silence until then. The challenge of this mindset is that it is not the only manifestation of God. In this scripture Jehovah is referred to as a lion. He is known as the lion of Judah. Many other scriptures show God as a mighty warrior who will destroy our enemies and be our literal savior. Jesus rebuked the evil spirits that he encountered. There was incredibly violence and force in the creation of the earth. God's work is not devoid of ferocity. I propose there is a different option to trying to relax away our stress and fear. We can embrace the strength of the Lion of Judah. In your heart at this very moment God resides. The same God who is referred to as a lion is in your heart. Yet he is not advocating for us to do violence to each other but to overcome fear. In May I had reached the end of an 8 year journey where I was actively working to become a US military chaplain. I had poured myself into this goal. I had dedicated thousands of hours in training and preparation and it all came down to a face to face interview with a room full of senior officers and chaplains. I flew to Washington DC and was sitting inside the pentagon which was just as intimidating as its sounds. As I sat in the hallway I realized that I could not force myself to be calm in that moment. So I decided to retell myself the story that I was not fearful but excited. In this moment my relationship to the anticipation changed. I was not calm but I was also not afraid. I felt the twinge of anticipatory excitement and that made a huge difference for me and I felt completely different about it. The next time you feel fear, recognize that the God of heaven is not afraid to stand mightily in your heart. Part of our walk with God is learning how to live with the Lion. When God comes again the greatest joy is how we will experience the Lamb of God laying down with the Lion of Judah and we will realize that there is no contradiction in this. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: In what way are you a warrior of God. Final Thought: You are a warrior of God. Not against other people on earth, but against the worst part of yourself, against your fear, against sin, against those things that would cause you to violate the two most important commandments of loving God and loving our neighbor. Take strength in knowing that the same God who created the universe in an explosive miracle can lead you to overcome fear. Jesus said that if we have faith then we can move mountain

Bible verses for Meditation: 1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV 11 The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 1 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. 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

158 The Still Small Voice of God A Christian Meditation on 1 Kings 19:11-13 I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: 1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV 11 The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 1 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. KJV 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? Meditation on Scripture: When we turn to God it is often in desperation. Something happens to remind us of our need of Him. Sometimes we realize a distance between Him and us and we may with to bridge it. As we find ourselves in this state of deep spiritual need we often reach out to God for guidance and comfort. We may even approach Him with faith asking for him to do some grand gesture for us to make sure we know when He answers us. Elijah was a prophet of God in the Old Testament, long before the birth of Jesus. He was serving the Lord faithfully and had commanded incredible miracles to be done. One of which involved the fire of heaven coming down to consume the enemies of the prophet. This did not go over well with the earthly government and they were trying to kill Him. He escaped into a cave in the mountains as he prayed. He was seeking the guidance and blessing of God. He wanted an answer regarding what he was to do. As someone who had seen the fire from heaven, he knew God could be mighty and command the elements. Finally he received an answer "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by" There was a catastrophic set of things that happened, yet this was not God's answer. What his answer was came in the form of a gentle whispering. I think this is an important thing that we can encourage and foster inside of ourselves. I anticipate that this is the most frequent way in which we receive guidance from God. A gentle prick of our conscience, a gentle warmth of having our faith corroborated. As you seek God and His answers for your life remember this lesson. You don't have to wait until you receive some profound sign or test of your faith. You can allow it to steadily and constantly grow by increased intimacy. We need to practice listening to this small whisper of the Spirit for there are the beginnings of the mysteries 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: Do you need to understand your hardship? Final Thought: 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. Scripture for meditation NRSV 53 Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account. Meditation on Scripture: In preparing for this week's message I am absolutely certain that this is the message I need to cover today. Because this is what you need. God has been very clear about this one. I think you understand. This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: Do you need to understand your hardship? Final Thought: 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

158 A Man of Sorrows, and Acquainted with Grief A Guided Christian Meditation on Isaiah 53:1-3 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. 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: KJV 53 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. NRSV 53 Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account. Meditation on Scripture: In preparing for this week's message I am absolutely certain that this is the message I need to cover today. Because this is what you need. God has been very clear about this one. I think you understand. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross "The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths." Each one of us sees ourselves as somewhat of an expert on our own suffering. Not how to get out of it, or how to fully understand it, or even exactly what we feel at any given time. Yet somehow we feel we understand how bad our suffering is. The truth is all we possibly understand is one perspective at one given time. That is all we can ever have. This is even more clear as we look at the whole world. Of the other 7 billion people on earth at this moment we understand what they are going through even less. We don't understand our own feelings most of the time, much less the feelings of others. We don't understand why we perceive things so bad. The thing that I am reflecting on today is how we could possibly be useful to each other during suffering. If we don't fully understand our own emotions, how could we possibly be helpful to others? The reason is because suffering does conform to reason. Our perception of suffering does not have anything to do with objective facts. What we really want is for life to make sense. We want unending goodness for ourselves and those we care about, our whole lives long. Yet God has a different plan. It's not like He is being hypocritical about it either. When Jesus came he did not come to live as a detached royal in a large palace. He came to life as one of the people and to suffer and die. He was betrayed, he was hated, he was tortured, and the only thing He ever did to deserve it was to do miracles and to speak truth to those who needed repentance. Even his Apostles did not understand the purpose of His suffering until it was hindsight. Our life contains suffering, not because a life without suffering could not have been manufactured by God, but because this is the plan he laid out. Just as Jesus' disciples, most of the time we won't understand the purpose of our suffering until it is over and then some. I promise you this. No hardship will be wasted if it draws us nearer to God and helps us develop. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: Do you need to understand your hardship? Final Thought: 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/

ESV 2 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 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

156 The Kindness of God Leads to Repentance A Guided Christian Meditation on Romans 2:1-4 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: Romans 2:1-4 ESV 2 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? KJV 2 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Meditation on Scripture: When the scriptures talk of Grace it is active. The grace of God causes us to act and to return to Him. Sometimes we hope that we can passively sit and watch God do the miracle in our lives. We are so interested to destroy the pride of the law that we can become too passive to realize the commands he gives us to love and to follow. What do we do when we make an error? Do we sit and wait for God to fix it? What do you feel when you hear God tell you to not judge? We need to learn to love the truth and virtue of God and embrace it with every heartbeat while also loving those who fail to live it with ridiculous abandon. 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 stories and identities do you cling to perhaps too tight? Final Thought: 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: John 8:9-11 KJV 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. 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

154 Go and Sin No More - A Guided Christian Meditation on John 8:9-11 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. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: John 8:9-11 KJV 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. NABRE 9 And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. 10 Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 She replied, "No one, sir." Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin any more." Meditation on Scripture: How do you do at following what God has asked you to do? How do you treat those who you see failing to live as you think is right? How do you treat those who are successful at hiding their sins from you? This scripture is so powerful to me. The Law of Moses was given by God. It is the same Jehovah who gave Moses the law is the same one standing in Judgement of the woman. The woman who was brought before Jesus had been caught performing a sexually impure act. The law had a stated punishment for this offense. It was death by stoning. These people brought a trap for Jesus. If he excused the woman he would be speaking against the law. If he consented to her death he would miss a most valuable teaching opportunity and this woman could not learn from her sin. He told them that whoever is without sin should cast the first stone. The people perceived their own guilt and retreated without having cast stones at her. She must have been terrified and traumatized by some a horrible prospect to die in such a painful and gruesome way. What is worse is that she knew she had sinned. Jesus' command reflects the essence of His love. He didn't say it was OK. He didn't say "Oh don't worry about it." He found a middle way. He stressed the importance of purity while also teaching mercy. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What is a sin that you need to give up in your life? Final Thought: There are times when we need to give this kind of Mercy and probably more likely that we need to receive this kind of mercy from the hand of God. He does not tell us to go on our merry way. He tells us to sin no more as we receive his forgiveness. When he healed a lame man by the waters he told him to stop sinning or something worse than paralysis would happen. Jesus forgives us while he also fortifies us to reject sin in the future. Jesus' love in your life changes you. It changes me. It makes us better than we were before. It purifies us. It changes our heart and our decisions. This is the essence of his Grace. 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

NRSV 39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 40 "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 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

152 Lose Yourself for Christ's Sake A Guided Christian Meditation on Matthew 10:39-41 I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Matthew 10:38-40 NRSV 39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 40 "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; NIV 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. 40 "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. Meditation on Scripture: Tonight on a run I was listening to a book about consciousness. The book talked about some physical markers of different mental states. There is a region of the brain of the brain called the default mode network. This is the area of the brain that is active when the mind wanders. It is inactive when we place our focus on mentally rigorous tasks. Although brain science is far from complete, more information is available now than ever. This area of the brain processes information about ourselves and our identity. It is where we make sense of the separations and differences between ourselves and others. It is active when we ruminate and rehash old problems in our lives also. This region correlates to OCD, Depression, PTSD and other problems that involve worry and rumination. This region of our brain is connected to how we process and understand who we are and what our place is in the world. Some have called this the ego. This is part of our mind that creates narratives and simplifies our experience into an understandable whole. It is interesting to note that this is not necessarily a good or bad thing. For example this area show decreased functioning in people with Alzheimers and other types of dementia where people's concept self begins to slowly dissolve. If we had no activity in our default mode network our consciousness would be a meaningless. Children h We could not exert faith and it would be difficult to serve others if we had no concept of how others were different beings from ourselves. With that said if we have an overactive default mode network we can become obsessed about details in our lives, traumas, problems, negative self evaluations. All of this can lead to increased suffering. Also our maturation process is characterized by development of this area of our brain also. In other words Children have lower functioning of this default mode network. It is interesting to note that Meditation connects different parts of our brain. Just as the default mode network lessens in activity other areas of the brain connect. God's design of our brain leads us to respond to the calming effects of slowing down and letting go of our desire. This scripture says we should be willing to lose our life. Not just in the sense of faith in God but in a real way we should balance our own self concept. If we find our story telling brain to be hyper active we can calm it with meditation so we can experience the real unity we have with God and with each other. It is interested that in the very next verse Jesus correlates our acceptance in the world with His. He shows in a tangible way how our being is connected to Him. Also just as children have under developed default mode networks, Jesus tells us to be like little Children. It is important to make time in our lives for meditation where we let the racing, judging, controlling parts of our mind spin down and we sit with the quiet and calm parts. I pray that in this meditation that you feel that peace loosen how rigidly you attach yourself to the stories you tell yourself about yourself. That you become willing to let that version of yourself die and you accept the new creature God has made from you. One guided by love and by union with Him. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient

ESV 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through 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

150 Let the Peace of God Rule Your Heart A Guided Christian Meditation on Colossians 3:15-17 I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Collosians 3:15-17 KJV 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. ESV 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him Meditation on Scripture: What rules in your heart right now? How does that change throughout the day? Throughout the weeks, months and years? This scripture directly continues from the previous verses about forgiveness and about having compassion guild our lives. As we forgive, as we grow compassion in us, we lean let the peace of God rule our hearts. But it is more than this. I think there is a reason why we are asked to let this happen. The word choice certainly indicates choice and decision which is the greek root translated as "let". Here Paul is inviting the people to let God rule their hearts. Paul is trying to teach the people something that God wants for us. It seems God wants to transform us into a being that chooses what He would choose. The multiple times when he told his Apostles, and us by proxy, to follow Him was an invitation for us to change. Are you willing to change? Will you let him rule your heart right now? Through this meditation and all the others my goal has been to allow God's word to speak directly to you through an experience of peace, allowing us all to be more sensitive to God's word. Here we are being asked to allow this word to dwell in us. As we learn to live more with God's word dwelling in our heart, we will act and speak more like Jesus. We have our very nature transformed. God's decision to give us this ability to chose him as ruler is not a sign of strength but of supreme power and confidence that we could and would chose him, with the help of the Holy Spirit. As we live this way then we will truly do what we do in his name. It is hard to imagine how we can make intentionally bad choices in His name. It seems wrong to consider that we cut someone off in traffic in the name of Jesus or are envious of someone in His name. Although redemption those also can point to His name. This scripture includes gratitude as a guiding principle. I believe it is because gratitude is intimately connected to Christ ruling in our 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: Who can you forgive to experience more purely the love of God? Final Thought: I pray that you have found encouragement not chastisement in this message. If you have been deeply hurt by someone then I hope you do not feel guilt for bearing that in your heart. The message that I am hoping and praying that you walk away with is this. Because you are chosen and forgiven of God beyond what you deserve, you can forgive and love beyond your ability. Our lives will expand and be more full of peace as we learn to truly live this way. We all struggle with it. The more we are able to reject the unholy desires of our heart and we learn to forgive, the more we will understand God. FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Android App Store: R

148 Forgive as The Lord Has Forgiven You A Guided Christian Meditation on Colossians 3:12-14 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Meditation on Scripture: 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

148 Forgive as The Lord Has Forgiven You A Guided Christian Meditation on Colossians 3:12-14 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: Collosians 3:12-14 KJV 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness ESV 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Meditation on Scripture: In the circles I work in I hear discussion of compassion as being the cutting edge of cognitive research. Compassion has an amazing outcomes in better health and peace for those who practice it. I find this highly ironic since compassion has been a central aspect of so many ancient religions. Implicit in the discovery of compassion is that it is new or that it has not been vital for thousands of years. As though, now that it is discovered by the intellect of modern science it is valid. Compassion is and has always been the core of Christianity. If we cannot practice and understand compassion, what do we truly understand about God? Our aim should be to live compassionately as Jesus did and as He taught. How humbling it is to be called the chosen or elect of God. What have we done to be chosen? We were touched by the favor of a loving God who created a plan whereby we could overcome the effects and natural consequences of our sins. Our propensity for sin is not what impressed God to elect us but His goodness and knowledge that we can become far more with His help. On the positive side now, Compassion is the core of the greatest commandments that Jesus taught. Loving Him and Loving each other. Love binds everything together. Love binds the universe and binds our hearts to God's. Spend a moment to embrace his love. Now spend a moment to consider the phrase forgive as he forgave. 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 can you forgive to experience more purely the love of God? Final Thought: I pray that you have found encouragement not chastisement in this message. If you have been deeply hurt by someone then I hope you do not feel guilt for bearing that in your heart. The message that I am hoping and praying that you walk away with is this. Because you are chosen and forgiven of God beyond what you deserve, you can forgive and love beyond your ability. Our lives will expand and be more full of peace as we learn to truly live this way. We all struggle with it. The more we are able to reject the unholy desires of our heart and we learn to forgive, the more we will understand God. 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: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 NABRE 1 Concerning times and seasons, brothers, you have no need for anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night. 3 When people are saying, "Peace and security," then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief. 5 For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. NRSV Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 When they say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! 4 But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; 5 for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. 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

146 For You Are Children of Light A Guided Christian Meditation on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 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 Thessalonians 5:1-5 NABRE 1 Concerning times and seasons, brothers, you have no need for anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night. 3 When people are saying, "Peace and security," then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief. 5 For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. NRSV Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 When they say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! 4 But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; 5 for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. Meditation on Scripture: This weekend I had a chance to go on a camping trip with my Son's scout troop. He is special needs and he the best son in the world. On the drive up we talked about life. He told me about some of his worries about the future. This was my favorite part of the whole trip. I love that he trusted me enough to tell me how he felt. Many people I have talked to over the years have had similar worries about the future. In fact, fear is a huge part of anxiety which plagues so many people. I find this scripture to be interesting and special because it does two things at once. It pronounces words which could cause fear but then directly defuses them. It says that destruction will come upon those who are not prepared. Many people fear this kind of fire and brimstone idea but Paul immediately comforts us against that fear. If you are listening to this and you accept and follow Jesus, then you are a child of God, a child of light. Your struggle is not against the full weight of your lack of preparation to enter into the presence of God. You struggle is to trust God and receive the change he is willing to put into your life. You are children of Light, not children of darkness. When you are looking back on this life and this moment in a million years from now during the infinity of eternity you will see yourself enveloped by the love of Jesus going through the same struggles you have now but you will see how it ends up. Many times when I counsel with people and they arrive at a place of peace, I ask them what they would say to themselves as a child. Inside of yourself you have the same child you once were. What you would you say to yourself if you could go back? My hope is that you can get to a place where you could say something along the lines of "Everything is going to be OK in the end." When the infinite future arrives, I suspect that this is the message that we would want to send back to ourselves now. It is the message that God has been whispering to you for a long time now. He wrote it in many forms in the scriptures for us. You are a child of God. Jesus loves you and me that he would lay down his life for us because he KNEW, that in the end everything would be OK. He also knows you well enough that you can trust Him by telling him exactly how you feel today. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling 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 are things, if any, that we should be unwilling to receive from God. Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Android App Store: Recenter with Chri

NRSV 7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and inflicted loathsome sores on Job from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 Job took a potsherd with which to scrape himself, and sat among the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, "Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God, and die." 10 But he said to her, "You speak as any foolish woman would speak. Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. 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

144 Will We Receive Only Good A Guided Christian Meditation on Job 2:7-10 I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Job 2:7-10 ESV 7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die." 10 But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. NRSV 7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and inflicted loathsome sores on Job from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 Job took a potsherd with which to scrape himself, and sat among the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, "Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God, and die." 10 But he said to her, "You speak as any foolish woman would speak. Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. Meditation on Scripture: In last weeks scripture it stated that God does not tempt people. Here Job argues that we should be willing to receive both good and evil from God. I enjoy the nuance in understanding that this contrast provides. Many people speak of the patients of Job as though he did not complain or question what God allowed. I believe that these verses represent the true purpose of Job's story. When everyone he knew questioned his life and choices he maintained his integrity. Each one of us go through our own challenges in life which are a struggle for us. At times we may even feel as though we have failed against them. I have something to tell you. You have survived everything you have gone through. Regardless of our success or failure against our challenges we live on. We have been assured that through Jesus Christ we will overcome this world. All our struggles will be turned to victory. When you feel the weight of the pressure of the world heaped upon you, remember this. We can receive both the good times and the bad with the understanding that we can overcome with His help. There is nothing in heaven or hell that can stop us when Christ is with us. No matter what you fears tell you, you will survive. You will overcome. You will be able to develop more internal skills and resources also. God's goal does not appear to drag us into heaven as though we were being dragged by our hair. It seems more likely that he gives us goals, choices, and even commandments so that we can get up after we have been dragged for a while and learn to walk by His side. When we enter heaven with His grace it will be because he has created a new being in us with this work. God is doing this to you even today. You will survive and overcome. 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 are things, if any, that we should be unwilling to receive from God. Final Thought: When people write in to me through the podcast so many of them tell me about their struggles with fear, anxiety, and depression. Regardless of your own struggles you are not alone. You are not the only person who struggles, even while hearing messages of God's grace. I want you to know something. You were created by the most glorious being in the universe. You are His child and He calls you His friend. You are worth Him dying for you. My greatest prayer for you is that you, not only find a moment of calm in these moments of meditation but that you also come to more fully understand God's love for you and how that love can move in us to change us. His love motivates us to love others and to follow the words He gave us in the scriptures. We don't need to worry abou

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. 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

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.