Tag: "christian meditation"

Why I Love Christian Yoga

Why I Love Christian Yoga

Recently I entered my yoga studio feeling restless and anxious. Each week, the instructor asks us to check in with what we’re feeling and then to set an intention for our practice. On this particular evening, I was feeling off-balanced and my intention was to get grounded and centered in Christ. As we transitioned through session, she continued to remind us to connect with our intention and to bring our minds back to the present moment. By the end of the hour long session, my mind was at peace.

Many Christians see yoga as an obstruction to Christianity. I see it as an enhancement. Like meditation, Christ-centered yoga (and other various forms) acts as a chasm or tunnel that ushers me to enter into the deeper chambers (the presence) of God. It does this by helping me to clear away the weights, worries, and the negative mindsets that so easily latch onto me as I go through the day and then to release them to Christ. Colossians 3 tells us to put off the old man. Through subduing of the body and controlling the breath, the choreography of yoga can calm the restless beast in each of us, allowing us to open our hearts more fully to our Creator.

Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 10:29-31 regarding food offered to idols, “For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” That’s how I see yoga. In 1 Corinthians 8:4, Paul goes on to say, “We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so called gods, whether in heaven or on the earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords) yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live and there is but one Lord…”

Currently I am in a yoga teachers training program. At one point I was an instructor for a Christian yoga alternative program, which was good; however, I wanted greater skill and confidence in this practice. I wanted to know proper form and alignment to prevent injuries. I would have attended a Christian yoga training program but I needed something local as I’m not a very good online learner. I needed a classroom and structure.

Although am learning about yoga philosophy there is no emphasis on serving or worshipping pagan gods. In fact, the bulk of my training is on teaching the asanas (poses) safely, beautifully, and with the greatest health benefit to my students. If I had one complaint about yoga, it is that yoga (as a spiritual practice) does not profess that Jesus Christ is Lord, but neither do Zumba, Pilates, Kickboxing or the martial arts. Worship comes from the heart of the participant. The Bible says, whatever you do, do it unto the Lord. God leaves that decision up to us.

In yoga they have what are called yamas or niyamas. These are principles for living. A few of them include “do not covet,” “practice chastity,” “promote non-violence”, “practice truthfulness,” “be content,” and “surrender to your higher self (God).” In every yama or niyama I hear the words of Jesus, God, or the disciples. These truths strengthen me and support my beliefs in Christ, not take away from it. It cosigns everything I know about God and the Bible. We are taught that the ultimate goal of yoga is to clear away our false self, our ego and all its conditioning, so that our true self, our God-self can come through. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re Christian, Buddha, or of some other faith, I believe we all struggle with keeping our eyes on what is divine and what is truly important: love, peace, joy, contentment, faith, and truth.

Yoga, as an exercise and discipline helps us slow down. It is the integration of strength building exercises aligned with breath. As the breath slows down, so does the mind. As the mind slows down, we can cast out negative thoughts and fears that overshadow our faith. As we begin to clear out our doubts and fears, we can renew our minds and embrace all of God’s promises to us. Can we do this without yoga? Absolutely! The real question is, “Do we have too?” Absolutely not! Many people, as well as Christians flock to yoga several times a week, not just for the physical benefits, but the mental benefits as well. Yoga provides another opportunity for quelling the mind and centering the soul. Yoga can be a moving meditation to God. For me and many other Christians, that is exactly what it is.

I’m not saying that all types of yoga should be practiced. There are some yoga classes that most Christians wouldn’t be comfortable in and thank God that we have the Holy Spirit to help us discern this. But in the same light, there are some books we should avoid, some music we shouldn’t listen to, and some foods we shouldn’t eat. Does that mean we should ban the whole darn lot of them? No, just use good judgment.

The only thing better than yoga, is yoga that openly honors Jesus Christ! How delightful it would be to walk in a yoga studio with a huge cross and scripture on the wall? How awesome it would be to give glory and honor to God for every movement and thought as we progress through our yoga practice or to meditate on the scriptures while standing as a warrior for Christ? Anyone who condemns Christian yoga hasn’t practiced it. I can think of no better combination than yoga exercises integrated with God’s word and Christian principles. It is like the best of both worlds.

Yoga is just a tool. Meditation is just a tool. We, who love the Lord Jesus Christ and practice yoga or meditation, see them as exactly that. They are not our gods and we’re not confused or deceived by them. We are striving to love God with all of our heart, soul, and strength and if yoga or meditation can help us do this, then I say, “more power to us.”

I take comfort in knowing that God draws us into his kingdom. I have heard testimonies of how God has saved people who were drenched in the yoga religion and who now openly condemn yoga with a passion. Yet could it have been their sensitivity to the spirit after practicing years of yoga that opened them to hear Christ’s voice? The Bibles says that “no man comes to God unless the spirit of God draws him.” I know that many of my yoga colleagues are not Christians, but I also know that they are seeking and through their seeking they may find the true and living God, the God who is able to really save their souls. They may not ever enter a church, but they might just be curious enough to go to a Christian yoga class and see what it’s all about. Let’s stop putting God in this humanly crafted and limited box. He is so much bigger than what we can see, understand, and perceive.

Roman 14:2 says, “One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man whose faith is weak eats only vegetables.” Should we therefore all become vegetarians? Perhaps those who oppose yoga believe that “they” themselves lack the strength to practice yoga without being seduced away from the Lord. Verse 13 declares, “Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards the day [yoga] as special does so to the Lord. He who eats meat [or practices yoga], eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who doubts is condemned [if he practices yoga], because his eating [yoga practice] is not of faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.”

The Bible gives us liberty. It tells us that we must individually live out our own soul salvation. Therefore let’s spend more time listening to what God tells us regarding our own personal lives, instead of dictating and condemning those who don’t sin like we do. Even Jesus said, “Who made me a judge or ruler over you? For I have not come to condemn the world, but to save it.”

Learn more about upcoming Christian Meditation and Yoga retreats at http://secretplacemeditation.com . Also visit http://www.thechristianmeditator.com to listen to free guided Christian Meditations and more.


Mar 06, 2012 | 0 comments View Post
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

How Can I Integrate Christian Meditation into my Counseling Practice?

Question: How Can I Integrate Christian Meditation into my Counseling  or Coaching Practice?

Answer: If you ever read my testimony you will know that Christian meditation helped me overcome years of depression. Prior to this I had sought out counselors and was even on medication for awhile. But what I didn’t understand at the time was that my negative thinking was contributing to my low and depressed moods. By this time negative thinking had just become a way of life.  It wasn’t until I began to quiet my mind that I began to observe what I was thinking.  Once I began to monitor my thoughts, I was able to use God’s word to squash my destructive thinking. I believe this is a powerful tool for any counseling theraphy. Just think if my counselors had shared this information with me? I would have learned to monitor my destructive thinking and then take authority of them using God’s word.  Although individuals come to counseling for many problems, I believe  that most of our problems stem from the thoughts we think.  Christian meditation can help support your counseling efforts by helping your clients to better understand the mind, body, and spirit connection. I believe that this knowledge can be empowering.  Through Christian meditation your clients gain many benefits. They will learn to observe their thoughts and take authority over them, surrender their mind to God for healing, plant God’s word in their heart, and receive the transformative power of dwelling in God’s presence. I would encourage practioneers to select meditation topics close to the needs of the client and then encourage them to meditate at least once per day.  If purchasing Cds isn’t possible, then scripture meditation is also encouraged.  Christian meditation integrated with Christian  counseling is a powerful tool for change, healing, and spiritual growth.


Jul 15, 2011 | 0 comments View Post

Is Christian Meditation New Age?

Question: Is Christian Meditation New Age?

Answer: Although on the surface Christian Meditation might appear to be New Age, it is not. New Age philosophy does not honor the One and Only Living God which is Jesus Christ.  2 Timothy 3:15 tell us that there are those who have a form of godliness but deny or don’t attritube this power to the true God, from such we are to turn away.  During Christian Meditation, we’re  not meditating on some unknown deity or the cosmos. Instead, we are meditating on God’s Word and His Power, Glory, and Presence.  We use this time to enter into God’s presence and to fellowship with Him in Spirit. If you are meditating on a scripture, it will help you to hide God’s word in your heart and bring your mind under the authority of Jesus Christ.  There are many forms of meditation. Some have religious principles, others are purely secular. You can choose which type of meditation you do based upon your desired outcomes.


Jul 15, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
Scripture Meditation: Hiding God’s Word in Your Heart

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

When Is the Best Time to Meditate?

Question: When is the best time to meditate?

Answer: The very best time to meditate or spend time with God is when you FIRST wake up in the morning.  I try to make my time with God the very first thing I do before I get preoccupied with other tasks.  Once you start your day it is very difficult to stop and be still.  If you can’t meditate first thing in the morning, then I would encourage you to select a meditation time each day and then stick to it. You may decide that between 10-10:30 am or 6-6:30p.m.  you will begin your meditation practice. Make meditation a “must” and not a “should” to encourage you to keep the practice.

One of the reasons to meditate in the morning is that our minds are often more peaceful and open to the spirit.  That means that you will be less distracted and can enter into God’s presence more quickly.  We are also giving God the first fruits of our day and we can expect him to lead and guide us through it. Also, meditating gets us centered in Christ, so we will make better decisions throughout the day and not be pulled into urgent or distracting activities.

I know many Christians think that meditating 30 minutes  every morning will steal time from our already busy day, but just like when we give of our finances, God has a way of giving us back so much more and multiplying it back  to us with increase.


Jun 29, 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

What are some of your favorite scriptures to meditate on?

Question: What are some of your favorite scriptures to meditate on?

Answer:  I practice a variety of Christian meditation techniques depending upon what outcome I want to achieve.  One of my favorite techniques is Scripture Meditation and the name speaks for itself. During scripture meditation, you spend up to 30 minutes slowly and silently meditating on a scripture passage or passages of choice. You can also meditate on inspirational passages as well. I have created a list of great scriptures to meditation on in my free course on Scripture Meditation. You can find them by clicking here.


Jun 27, 2011 | 0 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

How Long Does It Take Christian Meditation to Work?

Question: How long will it take before I begin to reap the benefits of Christian Meditation?

Answer: The majority of Christians will begin to see the value of meditation beginning with their very first session.  Christians new to the practice will begin to observe their mind and thoughts and discover just how distracted and fragmented their mind is. This is a wonderful discovery in that now you can use the practice of meditation to take control of your thinking. As with any new practice or activity, it will take continuous practice before you begin to reap greater benefits, benefits you will actually see.  However, usually you won’t notice them right away. What tends to happen is that you just begin to notice that you don’t react to situations quite the same way. One day you may observe that the same situations don’t upset you with the same intensity or you just let stuff go that in the past would really upset you. In addition, you will begin to hear the voice of God speaking to you more clearly.  As your mind becomes quieter, you create a greater space and capacity to hear the voice of the spirit.  It will come as words, impressions, or knowings in your heart.  The longer you practice Christian meditation, the more transformation will take place within you.  In addition, there is no such thing as a bad meditation session, because every session, no matter how difficult, is helping you gain control over your mind little by little.


Jun 26, 2011 | 0 comments 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

Does Christian Meditation Really Create Intimacy with God?

Question: Does Christian Meditation Really Create Intimacy with God?

Answer: Christian meditation is a tool that Christians can use to create greater intimacy with God. Through Christian meditation, we create a greater capacity to experience God as we learn to quiet our thoughts, renew our minds, and meditate on God’s word. Just think about a cup that is filled with our own human thoughts and understanding. We don’t leave much room for God to enter in and fill that space.  To really hear and fellowship with the Lord, we need to be able to hear his still small voice.  Through Biblical meditation we create an environment that invites God into our life.

Another type of Christian meditation is called Soaking in the  Spirit.  Soaking in the Spirit is just learning to abide quietly in God’s presence. We can’t linger in God’s presence and not be changed. I believe it is the highest form of  spiritual fellowship we can have with God. All other fellowship requires our minds or actions. When we abide in God’s presence and “soak in” his spirit, we are not praying or asking God for anything. We are just “being” with Him and abiding or resting in His love and light.


Jun 25, 2011 | 0 comments View Post

How Can I Use Christian Meditation as a Bodybuilder?

Question: How can I use Christian meditation as a part of a bodybuilding lifestyle?

Answer: Christian meditation will help you create more focus and discipline in reaching your bodybuilding goals. Although meditating on the Lord can help to deepen your relationship with Him, learning to take authority over your thoughts and quieting your mind can help you to eliminate limiting beliefs and faulty mindsets.  This is important especially for preparing for competition.  In addition to meditation, you may want to spend some time visualizing your success. The Bible tells us to speak those things as though they already were, meaning see your success before it materializes in the natural.  Everything, even creation, began with a thought. By clearing out our mental clutter as well as chatter, we keep our minds laser focused on goals.

For bodybuilders, I would suggest scripture or mantra meditation or even centering prayer.  Some good scriptures to meditate on would be:

  • I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
  • Because God is for me, He is more than the whole world again me.
  • God is my refuge and my strength.
  • I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus who loves me.

Other specific  titles are Quieting a Restless Mind, Peace Meditation, or Nurturing Your Vision Meditation.  As I suggest for other, just incorporate 20-30 minutes of meditation into your day, first thing in the morning is best. You can also benefit from creating your own success affirmations.    See the meditation and affirmation recordings  at http://www.thechristianmeditator.com/christian_meditation.html


Jun 25, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
How Do I Keep My Christian Meditation Practice Going?

How Do I Keep My Christian Meditation Practice Going?

Question: How can I keep my daily Christian Meditation practice going? I often get frustrated.

Answer: It is a great goal to spend time with God daily; however, it is important that we don’t turn anything into a law that puts us under bondage.  Our time with God is a priviledge and a great benefit to us as believers.  Approaching my meditation time with this is mind helps me to push through when my mind tries to convince me to skip it and yes, I do skip it at times.

The best advice to making sure that you spend time with God in meditation, silence, or just being is to do it first thing in the morning and before you do anything else. Just pop out of bed and get to it.  If you make this your daily habit, you will avoid the frustration of trying to squeeze it in after you’ve already started your day.


Jun 24, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
The Importance of Deep Breathing

The Importance of Deep Breathing

Deep breathing has many health benefits which include relieving stress, strengthening the immune system, accelerating the healing process, burning calories, and promoting peace of mind, among others. We don’t hear a whole lot about deep breathing unless we are practicing meditation or yoga-type postures. In fact, most people don’t know that these calm-producing practices are built on the foundation of taking deep breaths. Unfortunately, most of us are more accustom to shallow breathing which only fills the upper area of the lungs with air. And although shallow breathing is easier, deep breathing is the proper way of breathing if you want to promote overall health.

Deep Breathing Promotes Relaxation

Practicing deep breathing exercises are the first line of defense when you need help your body relax. If you are feeling really stressed out, deep breathing can help you calm your senses and hence regain composure. Since more oxygen will be flowing through your blood, endorphins will be produced which will help in bringing the calming feeling.

Deep Breathing Releases Toxins

Secondly it can help in removing emotional as well as physical toxins from your body. Many health practitioners will encourage they patients to focus on their breath in an effort to release toxins that may have built up in your bodies. In fact, through deep breathing you can release pain, anxiety, and fear. As you exhale, imagine these toxins being released from your body along with each breath.

Improves Alertness

Improving alertness is another major benefit of deep breathing. Most people lead lives in which they have to work long hours sitting at a particular place. Since there is not enough body movement, breathing patterns also start varying. Since the right amount of oxygen is not reaching your blood and in turn your brain, your attention levels will diminish. You will not be able to concentrate on the task at hand. Deep breathing exercise will increase your blood’s circulation and as a result you will not feel sleepy as more oxygen will be reaching your brain.

Cleanses Waste from the Body

The lymphatic system is an important component of the body which helps in cleaning out all the waste material in the body. Because of shallow breathing, the lymphatic system does not work as effectively to remove waste materials from our lungs. Deep breathing exercises will help in reviving the lymphatic system causing it to eliminate more effectively.

How to Deep Breathe

Start by putting your right hand on you belly. As you inhale allow your belly to rise with air. If you want to use your breath to create peace and calm, hold the breath for the count of five and then release it as slowly as possible through your nose. Repeat. Studies show that just observing your breathing is known to alleviate stress. Start each day with 3-5 deep cleansing breathes before you even get out of bed for better health and well-being.

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 articles and resources that promote fitness, weight loss, and relationships from a Christian perspective at Christian Health Online.


Jun 24, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
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