Category: Christian Meditation

How Do I Soak in God’s Spirit?

How Do I Soak in God’s Spirit?

As I share in my ebook, Creating Greater Intimacy with God, many years ago I started a practice that today is taking the Christian community by storm. Back then, I didn’t have a name for it; it was just my time that I spent sitting in the presence of the Lord. Each evening after everyone had settled down, I would make my way to my sofa chair in my room, door locked behind me with a do not disturb sign on my door. Once seated and comfortable in my chair, I would put on some soothing music and then close my eyes. For the one to two hours I bathed myself in God’s love and glory. Almost immediately His sweet presence would enter my room. It was like having a daily appointment with God. I didn’t do anything in particular while I sat there. I was just abiding in Christ.

During this time sometimes I would imagine myself laying my head on Jesus’s knee as he sat or resting my head on his shoulder. Other times I would envision myself dancing with the Lord in a kind of waltz fashion. I would see his eye’s intently looking into mine with a piercing and penetrating love and power.

If anything was bothering me or on my mind, I would visualize myself giving it to the Lord or even nailing it to the cross. It was a time that I could cast all my cares upon him.

Sometimes the presence of God was so strong that I never wanted to leave this place. I felt I could sit there forever. I didn’t want to go back to reality. In God’s presence everything seemed okay. It was in God’s secret place that I was sheltered from the storms and where I received my rejuvenation and strength.

Little did I know that in just a few years I would find out that believers all over the world were engaging in this practice and that some had actually given it a name: Soaking in God’s Spirit or Soaking in the Spirit.

Just recently I held a Christian Meditation Retreat in the beautiful Shasta mountains where we, as a group, experienced what it means to soak in God’s spirit or his presence. The terminology for soaking in the spirit makes is similar to soaking up all of God’s attributes like a sponge or wading in his glory. It is a time that we are just “being” with God in the same way that Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day. The scriptures tell us that in God’s presence is fullness of joy.

Recently I have began again to incorporate the practice of soaking in God’s spirit into my Christian meditation practice and it is just as rewarding and meaningful as it was years ago. It, along with other forms of Biblical meditation, provides me with a variety of tools that help me to quiet my mind, tame my emotions, awaken my spirit, and subdue my fleshy nature. I can’t tell you how grateful that I am to be able to manage my thoughts and actions instead of them managing me. It is an ongoing process that will continue until I go to be with the Lord.

In the rest of this article I’d like to give you a few instructions or suggestions on how to soak in the spirit. I’ve given you many already, but here are a few more.

1.Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down where you won’t be disturbed for at least 30 minutes.

2.Choose a soothing music CD that ministers to your spirit or touches your heart, instrumental is best but you can alternate.

3.Set a timer for the length of time you want to dwell with God. It is easy for minutes to become hours and keeping a timer will keep you from missing important appointments.

4.Don’t use this time for Bible reading or doing anything other than sitting at Jesus’s feet. We are usually so busying doing for the Lord and trying to minister to Him and his people, that we don’t know how to let God minister to us.

5.You may use some of this time for prayer or journaling any inspirational words from the Lord to you, but let the majority of the time be just being.

6.The first 10-minutes are generally the hardest because our minds are often restless and filled with thoughts or other worries. Use this time to scan your body for any tension and use the power of deep breathing to breath into, release, and soothe away stress. If your mind won’t be still, keep it in the present moment by repeat the phrase “peace be still” or “Jesus is my peace,” (see side bar) each time you realize you’ve been caught in a mental drama.

7.If you have a particular care or worry, visualize yourself nailing it to Jesus’s cross or tell God about it and give it to him. He tells us to “cast every care upon Him because he cares for us” and “all you who are weary and of a heavy heart come unto me and I will give you rest.”

8.If you can, make your own appointment with God each day to spend quiet time with Him or make it a family affair. Soaking in the God’s Spirit has the power to transform you and your entire family.

Below are several of my very FAVORITE CDs that I currently use for my Soaking in the Spirit time. The first two CDs are by David Allan Anderson and I am so thankful that he has given me permission to carry them on my website. Both CDs are instrumental and will take you directly into the presence of God. Click on CD cover to learn more or to order.

Learn more about Prayer Peace #1 CD

Prayer Peace #1  and Prayer Peace # 2


Sep 30, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
Christian Meditations

Christian Meditations

Psalms 1:2 declares, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

It is obvious through the scriptures that God wants us to keep our mind stayed upon him.  In other words, God wants us to meditate on his Word, His Goodness, and His Glory.  When we come against difficult situations or circumstances, we can keep on mind and attention on the Lord to help us through. David said that he hid God’s word in his hearts so he would not sin against him. There are many benefits to having God’s word deeply rooted in our heart.  The more we are filled with God’s truth, the better equip we are to handle life’s challenges. When situations squeeze us, just like when squeezing an orange, what is in us will come out of us. Will it be faith or doubt, love or hate, patience or anger. It all depends upon what’s inside of you or what you meditate on each day. 

Below are a few of my favorite Christian meditations, passages, or inspirational text to meditate on.  You can find more by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. I use many of these during my morning meditation which includes 30 minutes of quiet time with God, most days. If you want to take my free scripture meditation course for more detailed instructions on using these Christian Meditations, just click on the previous link.

As you sit quietly before the Lord, slowly and silently repeat one of the passages or meditations in your mind. Each time your mind wanders off, bring it back to the meditation, passage, or scripture. You can also include a variety of verses, no need to stick with just one. Continue for a period of 20-30 minutes. You can also play soft music in the background if you prefer. It may take up to 10 minutes for your mind to begin to quiet and relax.  As you continue with the meditating on the passages, they will begin to take root and grow in your mind and heart.  Once fully rooted, your heart will automatically go them when in times of anxiety or distress.

The Lord is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

1 Corinthians 13- The Love Chapter1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3-12)3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6: 9-12)“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

Let Nothing Upset You
Saint Teresa of Avila

Find more Christian Meditations Here.


Jul 14, 2011 | 2 comments View Post

Scripture Meditation: Hiding God’s Word in Your Heart

We become what we meditate on. The scriptures tell us that a good man out of the good treasure of his heart creates that which is good. If we become or manifest what we continually think about, it is imparity that our thoughts and meditations reflect that which is good, holy, and loving. Fortunately, we have a whole arsenal of scriptures, verses, and passages right at our finger tips that we can meditate on daily. As we meditate on the scriptures or inspirational passages, these words begin to drop down in our spirit and transform us from within, beginning with our heart. As we continue with the practice, whether it takes days, months, or years, we will be changed. This is called Scripture meditation.

Through Scripture Meditation we learn how to quiet our minds and control our thoughts. The Bible tells us that the mind is the greatest enemy of the believer. Our minds are depraved. Our minds are unregenerated. Our minds are filled with all types of evil. Our minds war against the Spirit. Our minds want to be in control and if you are not controlling your mind, then your mind is controlling you and most of us are completely unaware of it. If we slowed down our thoughts and just listened, many Christians would hear a silent message playing over and over again. If these mental messages are uplifting and positive, then we are most likely attracting the good associated with our thoughts. But for many people, our mental messages our fear-based, debilitating and often laced with worry and other toxic emotions. These thoughts which areplanted deep within ourconsciousness cause us to miss out on the peace, joy, and prosperity that God wants to provide for us.If we are not monitoring our thoughts, it can lead us astray and out of the loving provision of God.

2 Cor. 10:4-5; 11:3 “But now I am fearful, lest that even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, so your minds may be corrupted and seduced from whole-hearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ!

Through meditation or Scripture Meditation, we learn how to:1) become an observer of our thoughts, 2) to quiet our minds and control our thoughts, 3) reduce stress, 4) uproot negative and destructive thoughts or patterns for positive and empowering ones 5) be still and connect with God, 6) be led by the Spirit instead of being lead by the flesh, 7) become more Christ-like, because we become what we meditate on, 8) subdue our flesh and reduce or eliminate compulsive behaviors or conditioning.

With all those benefits shouldn’t every Christian be a meditating Christian? Absolutely, and what can be more Godly than meditating on the Word of God. Joshua 1:8 tells us that meditating on God will cause us to have success in life.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1:8 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalms 119:11

What better way to hide God’s Word in your heart than to meditate on it everyday? And meditating on the scriptures is very different than just reading them. How many times have you read the scriptures and didn’t understand them or soon forgot what you read? By meditating on the scriptures, by slowing and silently repeating them in your mind, you are allowing the scriptures to seep deep down into your consciousness where they can take root and grow. It’s not even necessary that you think about the meaning of the words. The Bible tells us that God’s word cannot return void. As we hide God’s word in our heart, it will take root and grow a harvest of God’s kingdom right here on the earth. Jesus said I will keep thee in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on me.

Learn how to eliminate worry, negative thinking, stress, and bring your thoughts under Christ by meditating on the Lord. Visit The Christian Meditator for free scripture meditation course & Christ-centered meditation CDs. Need a Physical and Spiritual Makeover? Visit Detox Your Life Now!


Jul 01, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
What is the Difference Between Eastern and Christian Meditation?

What is the Difference Between Eastern and Christian Meditation?

With meditation being prescribed by doctors to relieve stress and spiritual leaders touting meditation as a way of spiritual growth, more and more Christians are becoming interested in this practice but are concerned as to whether it goes against their Christian faith. However, Christian and eastern meditation is very different in both their objectives and methods.

Eastern meditation is actually more common throughout the world than Christian meditation. Eastern meditation isn’t just something Buddhists do, it requires no belief in any sort of god, it does not require that you follow any specific belief system. Eastern meditation is much more of a personal experience than it is a religious experience.

Eastern meditation is often used as a path to spiritual enlightenment, but doesn’t necessarily prescribe to any particular affiliation. Regardless of your religious or non-religious tradition, individuals can attain the same personal benefits from meditation while embracing their own paths of spirituality.

The method of meditation is where the two forms differ most. In Eastern meditation, one empties the mind. You empty your mind, you think nothing, essentially, and allow yourself to simply be, to just exist. Western culture is very goal oriented, and this is reflected in everything from meditation to religion to art. Look at Asian films, paintings, music and comic books, and there’s more focus on “being” rather than “doing”.

This can be helpful for anyone of Eastern or Western descent alike, as it allows you to take a moment to simply appreciate life for what it is, to appreciate simply being, the gift of having been born or just being a child of God. For a Christian, this can even help one become closer to God by just taking in the gifts God has laid out for us, not trying to figure it out or understand it, but just to appreciate it and experience it, to allow the experience to flow through you rather than to be analyzed and studied and contemplated.

Christian meditation is more goal-oriented. It has to do with, specifically, finding a closer understanding of God and a closer understanding of self. It’s much more structured in terms of method.

A major component of Christian meditation is to reflect on the love, peace, provision, and goodness as well as the Word of God. This is also not a component of Eastern meditation.

For a Christian, meditating on God can be rewarding and life changing. Meditation can be contemplative (meditating on scripture, attributes of God, or a sacred word), for relaxation (to let go of stress and anxiety), or the practice of just abiding, waiting, and soaking in God’s presence.

Although different in both nature and practice, they have something integral in common. For the Christian, meditation helps you to find a deeper appreciation of the waking life, of yourself and can draw you closer to the Lord. By learning to meditate on God and quiet your mind, you give the Lord greater opportunity to speak to and guide you by his still small voice. Christians don’t empty their mind in meditation, but give their attention to the love, peace, and wisdom of God. Complete understanding of God is inherently impossible, but these methods of meditation can bring you ever closer to Him and to a better understanding of oneself. Meditation allows us to worship God in Spirit and in truth.

Is your life out of balance? Do you need a Biblical makeover? Feeling disconnected from God? Learn how to Detox Your Life Now & Awaken Your Inner Spirit. Rhonda Jones is the author of 22 Christian meditation and affirmation Cds, visit The Christian Meditator to find meditations and affirmations CDs on weight loss, healing, healthy living, peace, joy, and more.


Jun 29, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
The Value of Meditation in the Life of a Christian

The Value of Meditation in the Life of a Christian

I have been a Christian now for almost 30 years and can tell you that my Christian walk prior to practicing meditation and being still before the Lord doesn’t even compare to my life afterward.

Through the practice of meditation I have and continue to learn how to quiet my mind and free it from the mental distractions so prevalent today. I have gained greater authority over my thoughts and what I allow to penetrate my mind and heart.  I also feel much more in tuned with God through the Holy Spirit. Through meditation, I have created a greater space for God in my heart and mind because it’s not so bogged down with other stuff and a greater insight to the scriptures.

I don’t meditate because it’s a fad, in fact, on most mornings I’d prefer to do something else. Sitting in silence and meditating on the scriptures for 30 minutes in my natural mind seems unfruitful.  It’s no different than eating healthy or performing regular exercise. If I could just throw caution to the wind and live a life of self-indulgence with out consequences, I’d be the first in line. 

I meditate, not because I want to, but because I have to if I want to maintain my peace of mind, deny myself, get closer to God, detach from worldly philosophies and renew my mind. For me, entering into God presences is much like in the Old Testament, when Moses entered the Tent of Meetings or the priests entered the Holy of Holies to dwell in the presence of God. It is said that when Moses left the Tent that his body was so illuminated that no one could look at him. When I leave the presence of God, I often feel the same. God’s peace, joy, and love overtake me and I feel empowered.

Meditation is a tool that helps me to realize God in a more intimate and spiritual way. The Bible says that God is a Spirit. If we only try to understand God with our physical mind, we are missing out on so much of who God is because our mind is only one dimensional and of limited understanding. 1 Corinthains 2 tells us that The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.  For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God…This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

Romans 8: 26-27 declares, In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through “wordless” groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Meditating on God’s word, being still before him, and dwelling in his presence provides us with a wonderful opportunity to connect with God on a level deeper than mere words or thoughts can suffice. Just like a bike can be an instrument for promoting physical fitness- meditation promotes mental, emotional, and spiritual fitness.

As Christians, we can get caught up in the logistics of meditation, but the logistics really aren’t all that important. To meditate means to ponder, contemplate, reflect, and focus. Your objective for meditation will determine the method that you use. If you want to quiet your mind and eliminate toxic thinking, meditating on a mantra, sacred word, or passage of scripture is a good start. Meditation does not have to be a spiritual or religious experience. Many people meditate for stress relief and relaxation.

Jesus said that we must decrease so that God can increase in us. The Apostle said that we must die daily. God wants us to die to ourselves so that he can indwell us. However, if we are filled with self, it leaves little room for God to enter in. Through various methods of meditation, we can become a vessel that God can use.

Whether as Christians we meditate on a sacred word, inspirational text, the Word of God, or even just dwell in God’s presence or even use a guided Christian meditation Cd or recording, we are fulfilling God’s command to “be still and know that I am God” and to “wait upon him.” It is when we are still before the Lord that our knowledge, intimacy, and relationship with Him can grow.


May 12, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
Should Christians Meditate And If So, How?

Should Christians Meditate And If So, How?

Before I answer that question lets first define what it means to mediate. Dictionary.com synonyms for mediate or meditation include to ponder, to reflect, to ruminate, to contemplate, and to mull over.

If we’re honest, these are things that most people do everyday. The problems is however, that most people meditate, ponder reflect upon and mull over things that are not conducive to peace, joy, harmony, and God’s spirit.

Unfortunately, Christians are just as guilty as others for allowing negativity, worry, anger, fear, and doubt to rob them of their peace of mind and steal their joy.

God said, “I will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on me.” 

In Joshua 1:8, we are told to meditate on God’s word day and night if we want to have success in life.

Therefore, shouldn’t every Christian be a meditating Christian? But I think that the question isn’t should Christians meditate because the answer is an obvious yes. Even the Bible admonishes us to mediate. I think that the question that remains in the mind of many Christians is “how” are we to meditate?  And the answer to that question lies in what you want to achieve from your meditation experience.

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to, “Cast down every thought and imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Well as you know that is easier said than done. Many of us are holding unto ungodly mindsets that keep us from experience God’s best in our lives.

If you are plagued with worry, fear, and negative thinking, you must learn how to gain control over your mind and thoughts and meditation is one of the best ways to do this. By meditating on a sacred word or a passage of scriptures, you can learn to quiet your thoughts and take authority over and root out destructive thinking. This type of meditation, often referred to as scripture, passage, or mantra meditation can help us learn to train our mind.

Psalms 37:7 tells us to “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” Many Christians have a hard time being still. Busyness has become a cornerstone in American life. They don’t know how to relax or even to dwell in God’s presence without being distracted or their mind wandering all over the place. Again, meditating on the Lord for 30 minutes a day in silence and solitude can help Christians learn how to be still before the Lord. Being still and dwelling in God’s presence allow believers to be enveloped with God’s love and spirit, something many Christians have never experienced before. We can’t dwell in God’s presence and not be changed. Every person who had an encounter with Jesus didn’t leave the same.

The Psalmist said, I have hid God’s word in my heart that I might not sin against him. (Psalms 119:11)Through meditation on God’s word, we go beyond a cursory reading of the scriptures. Instead of grazing lightly over God’s word, through meditation, God’s word is able to deeply penetrate our hearts where it can actually take root and grow a harvest. There is a big difference between reading God’s and mulling over, pondering, reflecting upon, and contemplating it. One is superficial, the other is transformative. Meditating on God’s word makes it become real to us. We can meditate on God’s word by slowly and methodically reading the scriptures and then reflecting upon how they relate to our current life or situation. Or we can practice scripture or passage meditation, where we slowly and silently repeat a verse or passage of scripture as we sit in God’s presence for a period of 30 minutes. Both methods will change our lives.

I believe there is no greater and more important practice in the life of a Christian than being still before God. Until we separate ourselves unto the Lord and renew our minds, we will always struggle with the pulls and temptations of modern life. Meditation creates a greater space for God to fill our lives with more of him.

I love what the prophet said Isaiah 50:4, “He [God] awakens me morning by morning, awakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” Our fellowship and intimacy with God will always be in direct proportion to the time we abide in Him and subdue our ego- which begins with conquering and renewing our mind.

Try Christian Meditation for Free.


Apr 26, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
Meditate On These Things: Daily Word From Joyce Meyers

Meditate On These Things: Daily Word From Joyce Meyers

A good friend passed this message from Joyce Meyers onto me titled, “Meditate on These Things.” In the message Joyce is explaining the importance of Christian meditation and how deeply rooted it is in the scripture. I sure you will enjoy it as much as I did. – Rhonda

“Meditate on These Things

by Joyce Meyer – posted April 08, 2011

My mouth shall praise You with joyful lips when I remember You upon my bed and meditate on You in the night watches.
—Psalm 63:5b-6

Oh, how love I Your law! It is my meditation all the day.
—Psalm 119:97

Transcendental Meditation. Yoga. New Age. We hear these terms all the time, and they cause many Christians to avoid any reference to meditation. They’re afraid of the occult or pagan worship. What they don’t realize is how often the Bible urges us to meditate.

We can explain biblical meditation in a number of ways, but the one I find most helpful is to think of it as expressed in the Bible. If we read the verses above (and there are many others), we see three significant things about meditation in the Word. First, the Scriptures refer to more than a quick reading or pausing for a few brief, reflecting thoughts. The Bible pre¬sents meditation as serious pondering. Whenever the Bible refers to meditation, it speaks to serious, committed followers. This isn’t a word for quick, pick-me-up Bible verses or Precious Promises. I’m not opposed to those, but this is a call to deeper, more serious concentration.

Second, the biblical contexts show meditation as ongoing and habitual. “It is my meditation all the day,” says the verse above. In Joshua 1:8, God told Joshua to meditate on the law day and night. We get the impression that the people who spoke of meditating did so seriously and threw their minds fully into the action. Psalm 1:2 says that the godly person meditates on God’s law day and night.

Third, meditation has a reward. It’s not just to meditate or go through a religious ritual. In most of the biblical passages where the term occurs, the writer goes on to point out the results. Again in Joshua 1:8: “. . . For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.”

Psalm 1 describes the godly person who meditates day and night on God’s law (or Word) and says, “. . . and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]” (v. 3).

Despite what I’ve pointed out, we don’t talk or teach much about meditation today. It’s hard work! It demands time. Meditation also demands undivided attention.

If you want to win the battle for the mind, meditation is a powerful weapon for you to use. You must focus on portions of God’s Word. You must read them, perhaps repeat them aloud, and keep them before you. Some people repeat a verse again and again until the meaning fills their mind and becomes part of their thinking. The idea is that you won’t put the Word of God in practice physically until you first practice it mentally. Meditation is a life principle because it ministers life to you, and your behavior ministers life to others through you.

I could go on and on about the subject of meditating on God’s Word, because it seems there is no end to what God can show me out of one verse of Scripture. The Word of God is a treasure chest of powerful, life-giving secrets that God wants to reveal to us. I believe these truths are manifested to those who meditate on, ponder, study, think about, practice mentally, and mutter the Word of God. The Lord reveals Himself to us when we diligently meditate on His Word. Throughout the day, as you go about your daily affairs, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of certain scriptures on which you can meditate.

You’ll be amazed at how much power will be released into your life from this practice. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the more you will be able to draw readily upon its strength in times of trouble.

This is how we can stay filled with the Holy Spirit—stay with the Lord through meditation and through singing and praising. As we spend time in His presence and ponder His Word, we grow, we encourage others, and we win the battles against the enemy of our minds.

Holy Spirit of God, help me to spend time every day meditating on the treasures of Your Word. I thank You for showing me that as I fill my mind with pure and holy thoughts, I will become a stronger and better disciple. Amen.”

To see Joyce Meyer’s original post  excerpted from her Battle ield of the Mind Book visit http://www.joycemeyer.org/Articles/devotional.aspx.

———

Christian meditation is not mystical, magical, or ungodly. Christians can meditate in a way that does not compromise their Christian faith and completely honors God. Learn more about Christian meditation at http://www.thechristianmeditator.com.


Apr 08, 2011 | 1 comment View Post
Silence, Solitude, and the Christian

Silence, Solitude, and the Christian

From the moment we arise to the time we go to bed, we are on a race for time. Busyness fills every waking moment leaving no time for rest or relaxation. Even bedtime offers no respite as many Christians toss and turn throughout the night worrying about future events or unfavorable circumstances. In all the chaos and activities, we may be able to squeeze in an occasional Bible study or church service but have very little time for private and intimate devotion to God. Little do we know that our hectic lifestyles are not only affecting our spiritual life, but our mental and emotional well-being also.  As Christians, we must weave into our day times of silence and solitude if we want to receive the spiritual guidance and discernment that is necessary to tune into the Holy Spirit and to live in the love, purpose, and obedience of God. 

According to one preacher, life is like a domino effect. Generally, we begin our day will determine how our day will end.  If we will start the day with meditation, the word of God, and prayer, we create a space for the Lord’s guidance, wisdom, and blessing. On the other hand, we when begin our day rushing, frustrated, or worried, we will tend to carry these emotions through our day.  If Jesus is Lord of our life and we want to live a life surrendered to Him, it is imperative that we give time to daily devotions that include spiritual reading, meditating on the Word, and spending time waiting in God’s presence. What is the importance of daily devotions in the life of every believer?

Opens The Door of Communication

 The essence of Christian life is about personal relationship with the Lord. This bond will be nurtured through an open and constant communication initiated by God and ourselves. It is often said that prayer is when we talk to God; however, it is through meditation that God speaks to us. Prayer is more than just asking God to meet our needs, it also requires listening.  Yet listening requires times of silence and solitude. We are more likely to hear God speak to us when our mind is free from distractions. God tells us that we will seek him and find him when we seek him with all our heart.  

Deepens Our Relationship

Many Christians have a thriving church relationship and even great fellowship with other believers, yet their relationship with God is shallow and lacking. Although church attendance is wonderful for corporate worship and learning the scriptures, it can’t substitute time spent with God apart from others. It is during silence, solitude and meditating on God’s word that we open the door to a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. It may be difficult to trust God if he is unfamiliar to you. Therefore we should instigate daily meeting with Him. Habitual meeting will definitely build a closer relationship.

It Makes Us Christ-like.

The scriptures tell us that we become what we meditate on. If most of our attention is on sports, the Atlanta Housewives, or 48-hours crime show and very little time is spent on God and his word, we can easily become preoccupied with worldly cares at the expense of our walk with Christ.  The Bible says that “faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.” If worry, fear, or doubt are plaguing your mind, it may indicate the need to spend more time with God through daily devotions and less time on activities that drain your spirit.   

Increases Your Joy

The scriptures say that in God’s presence is fully of joy.  Any time we spend with God is never wasted. Through Christian meditation we learn to quiet our minds from fear, worry, negativity, and unnecessary distractions. Because our thoughts are linked to our emotions, toxic moods often follow toxic thoughts. In addition, our thoughts can be so jumbled that we don’t recognize them or there effects on our emotions. By observing our thoughts and bringing them under the obedience of Christ, we can learn to maintain peace of mind and joy. Daily devotions allow time to get still before the Lord so we can observe and eliminate faithless mindsets and cast every care on the Lord.


Mar 22, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
Can Christian Meditation Transform the Church?

Can Christian Meditation Transform the Church?

As I sat in church this past week listening to the pastor talk about clarity and contemplation, I wondered if the congregation really grasped the significances of what he was sharing. He spoke of prayer and spending time with God, but did it register or was it just another Christian ideal that sounded good but had no real practicality. Knowing what I have learned about contemplation, meditation, and prayer, it takes discipline to carve out time everyday to spend time with God in stillness and reverent solitude. As I continued to listen, I wondered if mere words were enough to demonstrate the magnitude of such a practice. Was a sermon about contemplation and meditation enough or must further steps be taken? Do pastors not only need to talk about reverent silence, contemplation, and Christian meditation, but practice it as a body as well?  And if so, how?

The service I attended consisted of praise and worship, some scripture reading, teaching, and ended with gospel music playing so loudly that you’d have a hard time hearing your neighbor talk to you. Where was the contemplation in that I thought? If we are to talk about meditation (or words similar to it), isn’t it just as important that we teach it and practice as a body of believers?

In the course of our church services, I imagine believers entering the main sanctuary in silence and holy reverence to God as they turn their hearts over to Him and enter into His presence. This would be followed by 10 to 20 minutes of scripture meditation with eyes closed and as we slowly grazed over the scripture passage selected for the day.  Christian meditation would allow God’s word to wash away every care and dissolve every weight that we carried in with us- the act of hiding God’s word in our heart. As we mentally repeated the scripture passage, following the principles of meditation, any time we discovered our minds wandering off in thought, we would gently returned our attention back to the verses, thus creating a greater space to hear God and fellowship with Him from within. For those who attend church for the entertainment factor or an emotional experience, this might not go over so well.


Jan 24, 2011 | 5 comments View Post
Christian Meditation Is Like a Shower of the Mind

Christian Meditation Is Like a Shower of the Mind

Each morning, usually before day-break, I tread to my meditation spot, an overstuffed comfy green chair in the corner of my bedroom. Some mornings it’s cold and I just want to hide under my covers, but regardless of the conditions, eventually I make my way to my chair, light a candle, wrap myself in a blanket, set my timer, and close my eyes. For the next 30 minutes I become completely absorbed by God’s word and his presence.

For me, Christian meditation is like a daily shower of my mind. It’s where I can dissolve any fears, worries, stresses, or the onset of negative or toxic emotions lingering near by. During meditation, I cast all of my cares upon the Lord and allow them to diminish in his light, Spirit, and love.  To forfeit my meditation practice any one day means that my flesh has gotten the victory over my spirit and now sits on the throne.  It is said that how we begin our day is how we often finish our day.


Jan 10, 2011 | 2 comments View Post
Can Meditation Really Help You Lose Weight?

Can Meditation Really Help You Lose Weight?

Recently, Deepak Chopra appeared as a guest on the Dr. Oz Show where he demonstrated a brief meditation practice that he says promotes weight loss. During the meditation he asked viewers to put their attention on their heart and think about anything they are grateful for. Chopra asked them to ask a series of questions like, “Who am I?,” “What’s my purpose,” and “What makes me happy?” Lastly, he instructed participants to become aware of any sensations in their body. He ended the meditation with having viewers bringing their attention back to their heart. Chopra explained that each of these activities stimulated different parts of the brain that promoted self-regulation of their behaviors which in turn would reduce emotional and binge eating and encourage weight loss.


Jan 06, 2011 | 0 comments View Post

A New Year, A New You: Going Deeper in God

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably made a few resolutions for the coming year. Perhaps, you’ll lose weight, exercise more, watch less television, or spend more time with God. The problem with resolutions is that they’re only skin deep.  You make a proclamation and then you use your willpower to try to fulfill it or make it happen. The Bible says that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Although our intentions are good, we lack the wherewithal or persistence to stick with our new year’s resolutions for the long haul and within days, weeks, or even months we’re right back where we started.


Jan 04, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
Removing the Mountains From Your Life

Removing the Mountains From Your Life

by Rhonda Jones

If You Have Faith of a Mustard Seed…

Jesus said that if you the faith of a mustard seed that you can tell this mountain to be cast into the sea and it must obey you. Many believers are living with mountains in their life that God wants to tear down. Often we see mountains as external forces that keep us from meeting our goals; however, many of the mountains we face our internal. These are mountains of fear, self-doubt, un-forgiveness, unbelief, and more. A mountain can be anything that keeps you from accessing all that God has for you.


Dec 14, 2010 | 0 comments View Post
Eat, Pray, and Love: Some Lessons for Christian Living?

Eat, Pray, and Love: Some Lessons for Christian Living?

 eat-pray-love-with-family                                                                                                            

Although I have yet to read the book, “Eat, Pray, and Love” I did see the movie and really enjoyed it.  Many friends and family members who have read the book also encouraged me to do so, stating that it goes into many more details and explanations that were difficult to depict on film. In any event, watching the movie generated some of my own ideas about how I, as a Christian, can incorporate some of these great disciplines in my own life. I left the theater thinking that even if I (or others)  had the luxury of taking a year-long excursion to far off places, it really isn’t necessary to learn the life lessons so eloquently depicted on the author’s journey.

I believe that we can incorporate the principles of Eat, Pray, and Love in our everyday life and learn to live more purposely and authentically from this day forward. Whether you are a Christian, or of any other faith, these life lessons can benefit us all. So, how can we Eat, Pray, and Love within the circumstances that we find ourselves today? I’ll tell you now.


Sep 19, 2010 | 1 comment View Post
Listen to “Meditation- The Power of Silence” Audio Series by Charles Stanley

Listen to “Meditation- The Power of Silence” Audio Series by Charles Stanley

  • powerofsilence charles stanley meditation

Many years ago I remember watching Charles Stanley weekly Intouch program and being so blessed. I have one of his cassettes titled, “Wait on God” that I have probably listened to over 100 times. Well recently a friend shared with me a 5-part series on Christian Meditation by Dr. Stanley and I just knew that it would be a blessing to you as well. In fact, he has two separate series that you can purchase, but the one below is actually available online to download or  listen to for Free!

 You can find these on oneplace.com. (Please note that the dates are in reverse)  

            The Rewards of Meditation

5/15/2009What is meditation in a biblical sense? It is stillness before God with a focus on His Word. In part three of Dr. Stanley’s series, “Meditation – The Power of Silence,” learn why busyness is no match for a close relationship with your heavenly Father.

The Rewards of Meditation

5/14/2009What is meditation in a biblical sense? It is stillness before God with a focus on His Word. In part three of Dr. Stanley’s series, “Meditation – The Power of Silence,” learn why busyness is no match for a close relationship with your heavenly Father.


Aug 13, 2010 | 0 comments View Post
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