Tag: "bible"

Using Christian Affirmations to Recreate Your Life

Using Christian Affirmations to Recreate Your Life

Christian affirmations are positive statements that you tell yourself to believe. They can help you create the life that you want because your actions are governed by your thoughts. You will find the most powerful and beautiful affirmations from God’s own book, the Holy Bible.

Be Strong and Confident in Life

“I can do all things through Christ.” Norman Vincent Peale, a world renowned lecturer and author of many books call this verse from the Bible as “the seven magic words”. Many times you are faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life. Saying this affirmation constantly to yourself will give you the realization that there is nothing you can’t do with God by your side.

Have Peace and Contentment in Life

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” This verse from Psalm 23 of the New Testament of the Bible can bring so much peace to one’s heart and mind especially in times of trouble. It creates the feeling of assurance that you are always safe with the Lord. You know that He will never let you go astray from the path of righteousness if you follow Him.

Be Healthy and Overcome Diseases

“I am the Lord that healeth thee.” What a consoling affirmation for people faced with illness. A visit to the doctor can scare you out of your wits. Or he may sap your energy with his frightening findings about your health. God promises healing to those who seek Him. There are so many stories of miraculous recoveries from life threatening diseases which are attributed to faith. What is indeed impossible with man is possible with God. Even doctors acknowledge that they are merely instruments of God. Spiritually healthy people are healthier according to findings. They also recover faster from sickness compared to those who don’t practice their faith.

Delight in God and Get the Desires of your Heart

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” This beautiful verse from Proverbs 37:4 brings cheer and joy. Just like a loving father, God bestows blessings to those who love Him. God wants you to be happy because you are His child. When you have a joyful heart because of loving the Lord, you radiate this joy to other people Positive feelings can result to so many good things and happiness in life.

Positive affirmations cost nothing unlike synthetic drugs used to treat depression and other psychological problems. Why not try them? They can make your life more meaningful. You only need to believe the truth behind these words to help you create the life you want.

Are you ready to transform your life and live with more purpose and passion? Visit Detox Your Life Now and & Awaken Your Inner Spirit to learn about this 10-week Christian faith-based program. God wants you to be healthy and whole.  Find Christian Affirmations, CDs, and downloads on weight loss, health, marriage, business, protection and more.


Jul 15, 2011 | 1 comment 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
How to Break Free From Negative Thoughts

How to Break Free From Negative Thoughts

A mind that is filled with negative thoughts is like a dark cave that limits positive and faith-filled thoughts from entering in. Having a chronically negative thought life is a mental mindset that focuses more on what is wrong, than all that is right in our life. Generally negative thinking isn’t something that just happens overnight. Most people have been thinking the same thoughts for years without even realizing it. If you were to take an inventory of your mind, you would see that your mind plays the same messages most of the time. So how can you break free from negative thinking?

Focus on the Positive

Although we all have many unpleasant experiences at one time or another, there are just as many positive experiences as well, we just forget to recognize them. Our positive experiences get lost under our negativity and despair, yet they are all around us. Begin by keeping a gratitude journal to record 3-5 positive events that happen everyday. It could be a simple as getting a great parking space or eating a great cookie. As you notice or focus on the positive, you will not only attract more positive situations but you’re eyes will be open to seeing them more prevalently as well.

Practice Meditation

Many people don’t understand the beauty of meditation. Although meditation creates fear in some people, it really is unfounded. Meditation simply is a way to quiet our minds and teach us how to get control over our thoughts. It is also effective in making us aware of what we think about on a daily basis so we can change our thoughts if they really aren’t promoting peace, joy, and love. The Bible tells us to renew our minds and to bring every thought under God’s control. You can find all types of meditations on a variety of topics. There are guided meditations, Christian meditations, and meditations that use nature to help us relax. By practicing daily meditation you will learn to free yourself from your compulsive thoughts, that record in your head that bombards you with constant negativity.

Have Faith In God

Another way to squash negative thoughts is to have faith in the presence greater than you. When you believe that God is in control and that all things are working together for your highest good, you can let go of negative thoughts that create fear and doubt. Reading the Bible or stories of people that have overcome through their faith will inspire you to trust God more and help to restore your own peace of mind. Also, knowing that you are not alone and that others have suffered the same experiences have overcome will give you a sense of empowerment and inner joy.

Spend Time in Nature

It’s hard to spend time surrounded by the beauty in nature and hold onto negative thinking. That is because nature is healing and soothing to the soul and spirit. Therefore, spend time regularly just sitting in a park, driving through the country, or watching a sunset. Somehow our problems just don’t seem as big and we can easily get a better perspective on our problems. In even nature the storms come, but once they pass, a blanket of peace returns. We must learn to anchor ourselves to God through the storms and then once they pass, allow our peace to prevail.

Learn about Guided Christian Meditation CDs and resources that will enhance your life and relationship with God. Are you ready to transform your life and live with more purpose and passion? Visit Detox Your Life Now and & Awaken Your Inner Spirit to learn about this 10-week Christian faith-based program.


Jun 26, 2011 | 1 comment View Post

Should Christians Visualize?

Question:  As you know, I have used and shared your meditations for the past couple of years with great success. This week a lady raised a question I could not answer, so I am turning to your for help with it.

She asked if visualization is involved with your meditations? I said yes, and mentioned about seeing troubles floating down the river or leaving with balloons. When I got home I researched visualization and saw a lot of material that I know you are opposed to.

Please help me know the difference between the visualization you include in your Christian meditations and the visualization involved other forms of meditation. What scriptures can guide Christians in selecting safe forms visualization? Or is there such? Thanks in advance for your helping me with my search.

Answer: Sometimes I think we really get caught up on semantics.  We begin to want to banned any word that has been associated with another religion or movement.  We forget that words have various practices and can be harmful or helpful depending upon how they are used and who is using them. Visualize is just a more focused form of daydreaming.  In fact, visualization is much more powerful than daydreaming in that it is  a conscious act of directing our attention on what we want to achieve.

The scriptures tell us to live a life of faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Everything that we see in the physical world was first manifested in the spiritual world. In fact, Jesus said whatever we bind on heaven is bound in earth and whatever we loose in heaven is loosed in earth. There is a direct correlation between what happens in the earth and the spiritual realm.

As Christians, God wants us to speak those things that are not as though the were. An extension of that would be to “see” those things that are not as though they already existed.  Renewing our mind also involves renewing our vision. Without a vision the people perish. God told us to write the vision on the all and make it plan. Visualization can be a positive tool in helping us to stay focused on our dreams  or alter negative or debiliating mental movies or patterns.

Yes, some of my meditations are interactive and do contain visualizations.  We all absorb information in different ways. In school, we learn that we learn things easier if we are involved in the process as opposed to watching someone else show us or tell us what to do. Visualization is like a trial run of the mind and is a powerful tool for change.

Don’t get hung up on the word because it is often associated with new age philosophy. Every concept in the new age movement isn’t bad. Let’s stop throwing out the baby with the bath water and learn to distinguish between good and evil. There are some practices that we can adopt that can transform our life and relationship with God. Meditation is one of them. I say, let’s begin to look at things at face value instead of putting a good or bad label on everything we don’t understand.


Jun 25, 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
A Godly View of Love and Relationships

A Godly View of Love and Relationships

 

 

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 Christian single, have you been pondering whether the man or woman you are involved with is Mrs. or Mr. Right? If so, this lesson takes a Biblical approach to looking at love relationships and will give you some clear answers as to whether the man or woman you are with is the real thing and the best that God has for you.

Now I’m going to assume that you are already abiding my the biblical dating formalities, that is to “be not unequally yoked with an unbeliever,” and that you are to marry someone who is “in the Lord.” So, if your significant other is not of the faith you really don’t have to read any further. 2 Corinthians 6:14:15 asks us, “What fellowship has light with darkness?”  Do you really want the enemy as your father-in-law? Of course, he or she may be a wonderful person, but when the going gets tough who or what will they put their faith in if not God?


Apr 14, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

Try a Power Meditation

Lately I have been practicing one of my meditation sessions a little differently.  Generally I try to meditate twice a day, one guided meditation (usually one of my Cds) and then a Centering Prayer meditation (a silent meditation using a sacred word to anchor my mind).  There are many benefits to meditation and meditating on God and His word. I believe one of the most important reasons is to quiet our mind so we can hear and build relationship with God on a spiritual level. I enjoy both types because they provide me with different experiences and results.

Well I kind of stumbled on a new way to meditate on God that is empowering me spirituality, renewing my mind, and increasing my joy and well-being. I wanted to share it with you.


Aug 04, 2009 | 0 comments View Post
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