Christian meditation involves focusing one's thoughts on God and his word through deliberate contemplation and reflection. It aims to strengthen intimacy with God through obedience to his commands. Unlike other types of meditation which seek to empty the mind, Christian meditation involves filling the mind with God's truths from scripture in order to know and obey God. Regular meditation transforms believers to become more like Christ through renewal of the mind and heart as they draw nearer to God, gaining wisdom, joy and guidance.
3. What is Foundational for Discipling Someone? Notes (Letter Sized)William Anderson
This is the third of four sessions of our “Being and Making Disciples” workshop held in Săcele on September 1, 2012. In this session we answered the question “What is Foundational for Discipling Someone? by looking at what to do to help build a strong foundation in the life of those we disciple. The topics covered included looking the big picture, being vs doing, the gospel of Jesus, three main tools Jesus uses, it’s all about Jesus, our heart motivation and our new identity.
3. What is Foundational for Discipling Someone? Notes (A4)William Anderson
This is the third of four sessions of our “Being and Making Disciples” workshop held in Săcele on September 1, 2012. In this session we answered the question “What is Foundational for Discipling Someone? by looking at what to do to help build a strong foundation in the life of those we disciple. The topics covered included looking the big picture, being vs doing, the gospel of Jesus, three main tools Jesus uses, it’s all about Jesus, our heart motivation and our new identity.
3. What is Foundational for Discipling Someone? Notes (Letter Sized)William Anderson
This is the third of four sessions of our “Being and Making Disciples” workshop held in Săcele on September 1, 2012. In this session we answered the question “What is Foundational for Discipling Someone? by looking at what to do to help build a strong foundation in the life of those we disciple. The topics covered included looking the big picture, being vs doing, the gospel of Jesus, three main tools Jesus uses, it’s all about Jesus, our heart motivation and our new identity.
3. What is Foundational for Discipling Someone? Notes (A4)William Anderson
This is the third of four sessions of our “Being and Making Disciples” workshop held in Săcele on September 1, 2012. In this session we answered the question “What is Foundational for Discipling Someone? by looking at what to do to help build a strong foundation in the life of those we disciple. The topics covered included looking the big picture, being vs doing, the gospel of Jesus, three main tools Jesus uses, it’s all about Jesus, our heart motivation and our new identity.
Growing spiritually is co-partnering with the Holy Spirit to transform us by removing the veil and revealing the glory (Christ) that is within us. Growing deep in faith spiritual involves two components, three dimensions and four principles.
The law and our pursuit of the perfection of christ jesussab21st
Just as when the X-ray has revealed the problem of an injury (or not); its work is finished: AS IT CAN NEVER BE THE CURE OF THE PROBLEM
So does the law reveal sin: But then have to get out of the way for THE GRACE THAT COMES FROM THE RULING OUT OF THE OLD CREATION BY THE CROSS OF CHRIST, and THE ENTIRELY NEW CREATION BROUGHT IN BY HIS RESURRECTION to deal with the root of sin
The Law of Sin and Death
As we continue our look at sanctification (The Law of Sin and Death & The Battle For The Soul of Man) taking into consideration that the main oppressor of man is sin in the heart, for hearts tainted by sin will not only oppress their owners, but will inevitably lead to oppressive systems as well. It will be apt to take a quick look at one other major way oppression may be facilitated; as in how relationships between the ‘leaders’ and the ‘led’ are defined in the quest for sanctification and some factors around it – this being passivity and the level of de-humanization it can lead to. We will in this presentation look at the need for the believer to take responsibility for what our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has left in us through His finished work at Calvary
Now these people were more noble and open-minded than those in Thessalonica, so they received the message [of salvation through faith in the Christ] with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11 Amp.)
Up to these point through this series, we have been addressing the inner spiritual oppression of sin, which is the fount of all other types of oppression a believer encounters. Now we will briefly have a look at passivity, a vehicle through which evil forces takeover a believer’s urge to act instead of him/her and examine actions that necessitate the credulity that in most cases trigger it. We will be looking at the horizontal aspect of the believer that being the one between the five-fold ministries and the believer at the receiving end of their work
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates (works against) his [Christian] brother he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. (1 John 4:20 Amp.)
This is a collection of some of the best writings on the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the Holy Scriptures to believers. He shines a light where there is darkness, and this is a special gift to those who become teachers of others.
We examine seven facets to the Spirit. He is one Holy Spirit whose seven facets describe who He is and what He does. As we develop communion and partnership with the Holy Spirit, we receive of who He is and manifest Him for who He is.
God is sending the “FRESH FIRE” of the new wave of His Spirit to earth to take hold in the Spiritual, Anointed Leaders that He has appointed for the End Time. Prophet Gregory Ellis End Time Healing Ministries International.
This is a study of just how earnestly the Holy Spirit prays for us. He is our Intercessor who pleads for us with groans. He want only the best for us, for He is the best friend of the believer.
There are gateways that connect the Holy Spirit with our spirit; the spirit with the soul and the soul with the body and the body with the external world. Do you know them?
Conviction Empowerment To See The Spirituality of God’s Law. sab21st
Conviction – Empowerment To See The Spirituality of God’s Law.
.Just as insufficient power from a dead battery to the starter motor of a vehicle renders it unable to start itself; as no food can in any way provide energy for a dead man; although it is the function food to give energy;
Spiritual truth cannot provide Spiritual liveliness to a mind that is dead to righteousness; as such the mind is unable to capture the essence of the truth and similarly, Spiritual truth cannot make an unregenerate will to believe.
So that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.’”
And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Mark 4:12-19)
Our God is neither seeking praise and worship singing specialists, nor is He seeking pastors, teachers of the Word, prophets, evangelists, servants, christian converts etc.. He is seeking sons and daughters who will spend quality time in the intimacy of His presence, beyond the veil, in His chambers, and take the time to lay their hearts against His and listen as He whispers kingdom secrets.
Part 38 ''The Judgement of this World Concerning God's House.'' Ralph W Knowles
The change from flesh to Spirit. He is taking away our veil of wretchedness. The identity of the Mountain of human obstacles. Looking for the silver lining in all things. Is stubbornness included in God's Victorious Judgement? The righteous purpose in God's judgement.
Intercession (Romans 8: 26-27)
The most powerful form of prayer, both personally and corporately is intercession. Intercession is when you pray on someone else’s behalf or when the Holy Spirit prays on your behalf through the gifts of speaking in tongues which is considered the language of Angels.
Growing spiritually is co-partnering with the Holy Spirit to transform us by removing the veil and revealing the glory (Christ) that is within us. Growing deep in faith spiritual involves two components, three dimensions and four principles.
The law and our pursuit of the perfection of christ jesussab21st
Just as when the X-ray has revealed the problem of an injury (or not); its work is finished: AS IT CAN NEVER BE THE CURE OF THE PROBLEM
So does the law reveal sin: But then have to get out of the way for THE GRACE THAT COMES FROM THE RULING OUT OF THE OLD CREATION BY THE CROSS OF CHRIST, and THE ENTIRELY NEW CREATION BROUGHT IN BY HIS RESURRECTION to deal with the root of sin
The Law of Sin and Death
As we continue our look at sanctification (The Law of Sin and Death & The Battle For The Soul of Man) taking into consideration that the main oppressor of man is sin in the heart, for hearts tainted by sin will not only oppress their owners, but will inevitably lead to oppressive systems as well. It will be apt to take a quick look at one other major way oppression may be facilitated; as in how relationships between the ‘leaders’ and the ‘led’ are defined in the quest for sanctification and some factors around it – this being passivity and the level of de-humanization it can lead to. We will in this presentation look at the need for the believer to take responsibility for what our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has left in us through His finished work at Calvary
Now these people were more noble and open-minded than those in Thessalonica, so they received the message [of salvation through faith in the Christ] with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11 Amp.)
Up to these point through this series, we have been addressing the inner spiritual oppression of sin, which is the fount of all other types of oppression a believer encounters. Now we will briefly have a look at passivity, a vehicle through which evil forces takeover a believer’s urge to act instead of him/her and examine actions that necessitate the credulity that in most cases trigger it. We will be looking at the horizontal aspect of the believer that being the one between the five-fold ministries and the believer at the receiving end of their work
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates (works against) his [Christian] brother he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. (1 John 4:20 Amp.)
This is a collection of some of the best writings on the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the Holy Scriptures to believers. He shines a light where there is darkness, and this is a special gift to those who become teachers of others.
We examine seven facets to the Spirit. He is one Holy Spirit whose seven facets describe who He is and what He does. As we develop communion and partnership with the Holy Spirit, we receive of who He is and manifest Him for who He is.
God is sending the “FRESH FIRE” of the new wave of His Spirit to earth to take hold in the Spiritual, Anointed Leaders that He has appointed for the End Time. Prophet Gregory Ellis End Time Healing Ministries International.
This is a study of just how earnestly the Holy Spirit prays for us. He is our Intercessor who pleads for us with groans. He want only the best for us, for He is the best friend of the believer.
There are gateways that connect the Holy Spirit with our spirit; the spirit with the soul and the soul with the body and the body with the external world. Do you know them?
Conviction Empowerment To See The Spirituality of God’s Law. sab21st
Conviction – Empowerment To See The Spirituality of God’s Law.
.Just as insufficient power from a dead battery to the starter motor of a vehicle renders it unable to start itself; as no food can in any way provide energy for a dead man; although it is the function food to give energy;
Spiritual truth cannot provide Spiritual liveliness to a mind that is dead to righteousness; as such the mind is unable to capture the essence of the truth and similarly, Spiritual truth cannot make an unregenerate will to believe.
So that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.’”
And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Mark 4:12-19)
Our God is neither seeking praise and worship singing specialists, nor is He seeking pastors, teachers of the Word, prophets, evangelists, servants, christian converts etc.. He is seeking sons and daughters who will spend quality time in the intimacy of His presence, beyond the veil, in His chambers, and take the time to lay their hearts against His and listen as He whispers kingdom secrets.
Part 38 ''The Judgement of this World Concerning God's House.'' Ralph W Knowles
The change from flesh to Spirit. He is taking away our veil of wretchedness. The identity of the Mountain of human obstacles. Looking for the silver lining in all things. Is stubbornness included in God's Victorious Judgement? The righteous purpose in God's judgement.
Intercession (Romans 8: 26-27)
The most powerful form of prayer, both personally and corporately is intercession. Intercession is when you pray on someone else’s behalf or when the Holy Spirit prays on your behalf through the gifts of speaking in tongues which is considered the language of Angels.
The Bible is very clear as to what our purpose in this life should be. Men in both the Old and New Testaments sought for and discovered life’s purpose. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, according to scripture, discovered the futility of life when it is lived only for this world. He gives these concluding remarks in the book of Ecclesiastes: 13 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil”. - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
Slides for a talk given on July 7, 2018 at Blazing Fire Church blazingfire.org. To listen to the talk, go to: https://blazingfire.podbean.com/e/the-relational-gospel-russ-fochler/
Meditating on the Lord can be one of the easiest yet at the same time most difficult activities we can do to draw closer to God and grow spiritually. (James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.)
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
Homily: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday 2024.docxJames Knipper
Countless volumes have been written trying to explain the mystery of three persons in one true God, leaving us to resort to metaphors such as the three-leaf clover to try to comprehend the Divinity. Many of us grew up with the quintessential pyramidal Trinity structure of God at the top and Son and Spirit in opposite corners. But what if we looked at this ‘mystery’ from a different perspective? What if we shifted our language of God as a being towards the concept of God as love? What if we focused more on the relationship within the Trinity versus the persons of the Trinity? What if stopped looking at God as a noun…and instead considered God as a verb? Check it out…
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
1. Christian Meditation: Path to Spiritual Success
What is meditation?
Meditation literally means the focusing of the mind, the act of pondering on something, orthe
serious study of a certain subject. It also refers to the act of contemplation and reflection. There are
innumerable definitions of the word, depending on the context. The term is so broad that different
cultures and religions have varying practices. The modern world defines it as "… a family of self-
regulation practices that focus on training attention and awareness in order to bring mental processes
under greater voluntary control and thereby foster general mental well-being and development and/or
specific capacities such as calm, clarity, and concentration" (Walsh and Shapiro, 2006). The mentioned
benefits have popularized meditation in the present world.
In the Christian context, the act alsodoes require a person’s mental faculty, sinceChristian
meditation is the process of deliberate focus of thoughts on God’s Word. However, it goes beyond the
reasons of calmness, the reduction of stress, and the fostering of mental health. It is an act that requires
devotion to God and aims to strengthen one’s personal intimacy with the Lord.
Joshua 1:8 reveals that it is a commandment from the Lord. “Keep this Book of the Law always on
your lips; meditate on itday andnight, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you
will be prosperous and successful.” Meditation is simply not optional, since God commanded it.
Christian Meditation vs. Non-Christian Meditation
Non-Christians’ meditative practice vary from one to another, depending on the culture and the
organization. Their meditation involves chants, rituals, specific postures and uses tools.Eastern
meditations usually involve the emptying of the mind in order to achieve relaxation. Those who practice
this kind of meditationseek to achieve a self-induced state of tranquillity, a better condition of the mind,
or a secured position in the afterlife.
On the other hand, for believers of Jesus Christ and recipients of His salvation, there’s only one tool
for meditation and that is the Bible. Christians regard it as the handbook for Christian life. (“All scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2
Timothy 3:16-17). Believers accept the authority of the Bible since it is from God Himself, (“… thus saith
the Lord.”)
Also, Christian meditation is not the emptying of the mind, but rather the filling and of one’s mind of
God’s truths. It involves reading Bible passages several times with a purpose of hearing from God.
In meditation, the role of the Holy Spirit is very crucial to one’s accurate understanding of the
Scriptures. The Holy Spirit, God Himself, is the only One who can give us the ability to understand the
deep truths of His Words. (“… But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth
all things, yea, the deep things of God”. 1 Corinthians 2:10; “Reflect on what I am saying. For the Lord
will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:7.)
It does not require postures and rituals but prayer, a personal and intimate conversation with God,
is very necessary.
The ideal aim for Christian meditation is not primarily for the self but it is instead a selfless act that is
for God. It seeks to give God pleasure and honor through obedience. (“May these words of my mouth
and thismeditationof my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”Psalm 19:13-
14.) Yet despite the selfless motive, a Christian does not end meditation empty handed. In return, God
blesses His faithful people with intimacy with Him, heavenly peace, a renewed hope on His promises,
guidance,a changed heart, and a quiet but powerful confidence in Him.
Why meditate?
2. Meditation allows us to know God.
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
John Calvin wrote “Man needs the Scriptures to reach a true knowledge of his creator.” Man can
realize God’s splendor and majestic character through creation. However, it is God’s desire that we
know Him more intimately. He thus gave us the light of His Word.
We know that God is faithful. He is a jealous God, He loves obedience, He is Creator, He is Judge, He
is love, etc. because of His Word. Knowing who God really is will lead us to mature in our faith. We will
be able to comprehend how worthy God is of reverence and devotion.
Once we know God, we will be compelled to obey His Word and carefully abide in it. We will be
moved not to do it out of obligation, but out of love and honor for the Almighty. There will also be a
change in how we relate to Him, both as Father and as God.
Meditation renews our minds and hearts. It transforms us to be more like Christ.
“But be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may
prove what is that good, perfect, acceptable will of God.” Romans 12:2
“Andwe all, who with unveiled faces contemplatethe Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His
image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
The ultimate goal of Christianity is to pursue Christ-likeness. Only God has the power to enable us to
be more like His Son— to be more like Him. Meditation enables us to reflect and see the real conditions
of our hearts and helps us see the need to be changed for the glory of God.
Meditation causes us to be dependent on God alone.
“May your unfailing lovecome to me,LORD,your salvation, according to your promise; then I can
answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in Your Word.” Psalm 119:41-42
When we quiet our hearts in prayerful and worshipful meditation, we have renewed focus on the
abilities and character of God as revealed from His Word. This strengthens us to live powerfully,
dependent on Him alone.
We will alsobe able to discover and stand firmly on the “exceeding great and precious promises” (2
Peter 1:4) of God. As we understand God’s faithful character, we are able to claim God’s Word with full
confidence and hope.
Meditation yields wisdom and guidance.
“I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.” Ps 119:99
“Through Thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.” Psalm 119:104
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 3:6
One of the Psalmists, King David has repeatedly expressed his complete reliance on God’s Word for
wisdom. We too have access to the exact same powerful wisdom through meditation. It is the time
when we receive clear and specific instructions from God. The guidance that every believer desires is
given through meditation.
Meditation reveals God’s plans
3. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future..” Jeremiah 29:11
Realizing that God is sovereign and is in control of our circumstances gives us a heavenly peace—the
kind that “surpasses all understanding”. God’s plan for the world and eternity is all found within the
Bible. We begin to understand that life is beyond the physical realm through deliberate study of God’s
Word. We learn of God’s judgment and the future glory of His kingdom. These truths enable Christians
to endeavor to live for the future and not merely for the world today.
The Bible is full of comforting passages that encourage and uplift. God has so graciously given us a
tool that would help us press on in life. This may only be unlocked through meditation.
Meditation draws us nearer to God and gives us joy.
“But if from there youseekthe LORD your God,you will find Him if you seek him with all your heart and
with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29
“The precepts of the LORD are right, givingjoy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.” Psalm 19:8
Seeking the Lord through intense and deliberate meditation makes us feel the presence of God. Our
minds and hearts quiet down in the mere knowledge of His nearness. We naturally grow more in love
with those whom we are closest. Thus, faithful meditation leads us to love the Lord our God.
There is also inexplicable joy in being able to feel the Lord. Christians then experience delight,
comfort, and blissful pleasure. For those who feel desperation and discouragement, meditation is the
key to restoration and joy.
Meditation teaches us how to relate to God in prayer.
“This then is how you should pray…” Matthew 6:9
The Bible is crowded with individual events that show how God’s children commune with Him. God
has given us a model of how prayer should be (Matthew 6:9). Also, God has expressed how He wants us
to convey our hearts to Him. For example, Job has freely asked questions, the prophet Elijah expressed
his desperation, King David earnestly asked for deliverance, and the Psalmists uttered praises and
worship. Ultimately, the Bible records how Jesus Christ Himself prayed and gave importance to it.
Often, we shut our doors with the desire to seek the Lord but end up staring at the blank walls.
Meditating on God’s Word will teach us how to pour out our hearts to God in prayer and wait
expectantly for His answers.
How do we meditate?
Preparation for Meditation:
1. Commit to a dedicated time when you can be alone.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary
place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2
Our busy schedules are often the reason why we excuse ourselves from having meditations.
However, like everything else in life, we need commitment. The growth of our spiritual lives and our
ability to face the challenges of our physical existence depend on our commitment to meditation. Jesus
Himself made it a point to be alone with God.
4. Noise, family, television and other things will hamper our concentration on God’s Word. Seek to
focus on God and be alone with Him. He promises that we will find Him, “… if you search with all your
heart.”
The Bible has repeatedly revealed that we need to constantly ponder upon Bible truths more than
once a day. King David wrote on how he stays awake at night to meditate on God’s promises (Psalm
119:148).Meditation does not need to take two hours of your day, although that would be great. A few
devoted minutes in the morning and evening will be a good start. There is also no limitation as to where
and when we can remember the verses. We can think about what we learned in our morning meditation
all throughout the day, such as during the elevator ride, lunch break, and even a shower.
2. Make or use a devotional plan.
“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” I Corinthians 14:40
In order to have an efficient study of God’s Word, there should be an organized plan as to the topics
and on what areas of the Bible you will study. This helps us to grasp and completely digest specific truths
at a time, in contrast to reading any Bible passage randomly.
Actual Meditation Steps:
1. Place yourself in God’s presence through prayer. Ask for His help.
“Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that
I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” Psalm 119:33-34
Since meditation is taking time to hear God’s voice, it is very important to begin with a prayer.
Prayer allows you to properly condition yourself to be willing and humble to submit to whatever God
will reveal to you. Also, apart from the Holy Spirit, there will be no spiritual understanding of Bible
truths. Therefore,we need to ask help from the source of Scripture Himself. Doing so pleases God
because we accept our inability and express our dependence upon Him alone.
2. Study the Bible
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved …who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2
Timothy 2:15
Just like any degree or subject, there should be intentional study andinvestigation in order to learn.
Merely reading a passage may not be enough for us to completely and accurately understand the Bible.
We can make use of printed and online devotional materials or take time to study Scripture footnotes
and cross references.
Taking down notes also helps us to have better learning. We may also do constant reviews of the
truths that we have already learned so that we will not forget. Going back and reading our notes will
remind us of how God has so graciously taken the time to talk to us.
We should also memorize Scriptures. This will help us bring to mind God’s commands and truths any
time, any where. We will be able to victoriously combat any temptation and overcome problems if we
memorize God’s Word.
3. Contemplate on how you can practically apply God’s truth or command to your life and present
circumstances.
“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’” Luke 11:28
“Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!” Psalm 119:5
5. Sometimes as college students, we tend to have knowledge of some basic fact but we take no time
to learn how it may help us practically. The learning then becomes useless. It is the same with the Bible.
The Scripture is not intended for head-knowledge. God gave His Word for life application.
We have to ask God to teach us how we could use what He has revealed in different areas of our
lives. Application and obedience are the only ways we can fully appreciate and experience the power
and blessings of God.
4. End with prayer.
“At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.” Psalm 119:62
Since meditation is reliant upon the Holy Spirit’s revelations toyour heart and mind, God is worthy of
gratitude and He is the only one who deserves the credit for enabling us to successfully and obediently
meditate. We should thank Him for showing to us His divine truths, giving us advice. Through His Word
and Spirit, we have peace, hope, and help.
We also have to continue pleading God for empowerment. We have to remember that “… the flesh
is weak.” Therefore we have to end our meditation by articulating how much we need God to cause us
to abide in Christ and in His Words.
“The Bible is a vessel of heavenly truths for the children of God and meditation is its key.”