This article was screaming at me. It was saying, "Read me, you need to read me. This is you. You have done these things. Do you always seek God first in every situation?" Recently, we have been struggling with our budget and have come to the conclusion that I need to return to work by February. The first week, I did nothing but worry about it and fret over it. Then, a light went on. I knew I needed to trust that the Lord would provide and make something happen for me. Things are happening now that just might allow me to stay home with my son. Trust and Faith are all it takes.
Christians in America - An Unbelieving Generation?
In a lot of ways I'm pretty average. I may be a bit taller than some, and probably weigh more than I should, but there isn't really anything extraordinary about me. So when I read the stories in the Bible, and think about how the majority of the people who were there reacted, I assume that I would have done what everyone else was doing. One example is the story in Mark 9:14-29 about a father who brought his demon-possessed son to be healed. When the father came to the disciples, Jesus wasn't there. He was with Peter, James, and John and they were on their way back from the mountain where they had seen Jesus transfigured before their eyes. As they approached the other disciples they noticed that a large crowd had gathered, and that the teachers of the law were arguing with them. When Jesus asked what they were arguing about, the man whose son was demon-possessed came and explained to Him how his son was being tormented by the spirit, and that he had asked the disciples to cast it out, but they hadn't been able to. It's at this point that Jesus says, "O unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." (Mark 9:19) Like I said, I'm pretty average. If I had been one of the disciples it's a good bet that I would have been in the middle of the crowd, arguing with the teachers, and trying to figure out why I hadn't been able to cast them demon out. And it's not like casting out demons was a foreign concept to them. When we look at Mark chapter 6 we see that Jesus sent them out, two by two, and gave them authority over demons. This was actually something that they had done before. But when I look at my life, I realize that even though there are things that I've done before, it doesn't mean that it will be easy for me to do it again. All I have to do is look at how I spent the last few days, or weeks, in my life and realize that Jesus could very well look at me and say, "O unbelieving Rob, how long will I have to stay with you? How long will I have to keep reminding you of all that I've already taught you?" I don't know about you, but when I'm faced with a new problem, or just an ongoing old one, I tend to forget all that God has already done for me. When struggling with financial issues I usually get discouraged and depressed. I focus too much on the problem, or what I don't have, and I forget that all things are possible with God. One of the scriptures that I battle with the most is in Matthew 6:28-34, especially verse 33 which says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." I find myself worrying about what I'll eat, or wear, or how I'll pay my mortgage this month. In other words, I worry about "all these things." This verse isn't hard for us because God is asking to do something that is impossible. We have difficulties with it because it's so unnatural. If we look around us we can see dozens, hundreds, maybe even millions of examples of people who worry about how they are going survive, let alone doing any better than that. The fact that we worry about it is normal in the sense that it's something everyone does. But I wonder if Jesus would look at us, those of us in America and other countries where the Word of God is readily available, and just shake His head in frustration. Would He look at us and say, "O unbelieving generation, when are you going to finally understand? When are you finally going to believe?" We are surrounded with God's word, it's being preached in our pulpits, over the airwaves, and at us in our daily email devotionals, but do we believe it? In all fairness it is a frightening thing, the prospect of really believing God's word, or really trusting Him. And it's not about us having to do anything that is really crazy, or risky, but just trusting Him with our daily battles. It's sad to think that Christians in America are just as likely to get divorced, struggle just as much as everyone else financially, and are just as unhappy with their lives as people who don't believe in God at all. But I know that taking a step to trust God, to begin to pray with the expectation that He will answer and do amazing things in our lives, won't be easy. Too often we end up like the disciples who watched helplessly as a demon-possessed boy fell to the ground and foamed at the mouth. We end up overwhelmed by our circumstances and unable to see how God can change things. Because I'm not particularly extraordinary, I'm just an average Christian; I have to realize that the same thing applies to me that applies to everyone else. I have to allow God to change me. I need to ask Him to open my eyes so that I can see beyond what's happening to me and finally see what's possible with God. I must let Him put my faith to the test so that He can remove my doubts. And even though that will be hard, the reward is that I will finally begin to truly have faith in God. About the Author Get two chapters from Rob Marshall's book, "Taking On Goliath - How To Unleash The David In All Of Us" when you sign up for his free weekly Faith-Full Life Newsletter. Visit: http://www.takingongoliath.com/
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Friday, January 12, 2007
Monday, January 8, 2007
Meditation
This article is a lesson for all of us. We could all use more time in meditation.
Is Christian Meditation a way to speak to God? by Jake Aubin
Christian meditation is a way of communicating with God. Christians can use this meditation to clear their minds of the busy thoughts of the day and concentrate solely on worshipping God and learning the truths of the Bible.
Centuries ago, monks began practicing Christian meditation by reading over verses in the Bible and then thinking about the truths in these verses. Often, they would say the verses to God as a prayer. In this way, the monks learned to speak to God in prayer, and learned how to tell God their own thoughts and concerns. By meditating on Bible verses and praying to God, the monks trained their minds to always think about God. They called this "contemplation", and it helped them to have a close, loving relationship with God.
By following this method of communicating with God, the monks created what is called the "ladder of prayer". The rungs of the ladder included reading Bible verses, thinking about the truths in the verses, praying to God, and learning to think about God always.
In the 1900s, two types of Christian meditation were used. Using a mantra, or word that is repeated to help the Christian focus on God, was one type of meditation. An example of a mantra would be the word Maranatha, which is an Aramaic word for "come, Lord". Christians would also use what is called a Centering Prayer, which uses a sacred word or words to bring the Christian into God's presence. These two types of Christian meditation helped the people using them to take their focus off their own problems and to turn to God to hear what He had to say to them.
A woman named St. Theresa of Avila created five steps to help Christians focus on God when praying. These five steps are known as the five R's.
- The first R is Ready: this is the step in which the Christian realizes that he/she is in the presence of God. To be ready to continue in prayer, the Christian thanks God for the many blessings He gives, and confesses any sins. - The second R is Read, and includes reading prayers, spiritual books, and the Bible. - The third R is Reflect. In this step, the Christian focuses on what he/she has just read in order to come closer to God. - The fourth R is Respond. It is at this step that the Christian speaks with God in an open and honest way about what he/she has been reading and thinking about. It is the most important step, as this is when God can share His wisdom and thoughts with the Christian. - The fifth and final R is Resolve. This is when the Christian thanks God for what he/she has learned, and closes the time of prayer.
These different types of Christian meditation can all be useful in helping Christians to meet with God, come close to Him, and learn His truths. Christian meditation does not save a person from their sins; it is a tool that can be used by people who are already saved to build a stronger relationship with God.
Is Christian Meditation a way to speak to God? by Jake Aubin
Christian meditation is a way of communicating with God. Christians can use this meditation to clear their minds of the busy thoughts of the day and concentrate solely on worshipping God and learning the truths of the Bible.
Centuries ago, monks began practicing Christian meditation by reading over verses in the Bible and then thinking about the truths in these verses. Often, they would say the verses to God as a prayer. In this way, the monks learned to speak to God in prayer, and learned how to tell God their own thoughts and concerns. By meditating on Bible verses and praying to God, the monks trained their minds to always think about God. They called this "contemplation", and it helped them to have a close, loving relationship with God.
By following this method of communicating with God, the monks created what is called the "ladder of prayer". The rungs of the ladder included reading Bible verses, thinking about the truths in the verses, praying to God, and learning to think about God always.
In the 1900s, two types of Christian meditation were used. Using a mantra, or word that is repeated to help the Christian focus on God, was one type of meditation. An example of a mantra would be the word Maranatha, which is an Aramaic word for "come, Lord". Christians would also use what is called a Centering Prayer, which uses a sacred word or words to bring the Christian into God's presence. These two types of Christian meditation helped the people using them to take their focus off their own problems and to turn to God to hear what He had to say to them.
A woman named St. Theresa of Avila created five steps to help Christians focus on God when praying. These five steps are known as the five R's.
- The first R is Ready: this is the step in which the Christian realizes that he/she is in the presence of God. To be ready to continue in prayer, the Christian thanks God for the many blessings He gives, and confesses any sins. - The second R is Read, and includes reading prayers, spiritual books, and the Bible. - The third R is Reflect. In this step, the Christian focuses on what he/she has just read in order to come closer to God. - The fourth R is Respond. It is at this step that the Christian speaks with God in an open and honest way about what he/she has been reading and thinking about. It is the most important step, as this is when God can share His wisdom and thoughts with the Christian. - The fifth and final R is Resolve. This is when the Christian thanks God for what he/she has learned, and closes the time of prayer.
These different types of Christian meditation can all be useful in helping Christians to meet with God, come close to Him, and learn His truths. Christian meditation does not save a person from their sins; it is a tool that can be used by people who are already saved to build a stronger relationship with God.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Spend Your Morning With The Lord
It's amazing to me how a gentle reminder to spend time with the Lord can be such an inspiration. My husband gets out of bed at 5:30 each day to get ready for work. Instead of continuing to sleep until 7:30 when my son gets up, I should (and plan to) get up and spend time with the Lord. Like the author says, I will do this for 21 days and see how things change.
Practicing Early Time With God by Demetria Zinga
"Spending time with God is something every Christian woman should set aside time for." Perhaps this is a fairly common statement that we've heard all too often. We all know this to be true, and yet it still seems to be a most incredible struggle to obtain that blessed time with God each and every day of our lives. So, how do we wear all the hats and still have time to be still and quiet in God's presence? How do we make the time to sit quietly before our Savior when our toddlers are stampeding through our living rooms with permanent markers only inches away from our furniture and walls? When do we find the time to say a prayer long enough to our Savior before we are interrupted with "MOM! She hit me!", or "Honey, I can't find my keys!" True, we all wear different hats--some of us are mothers, some of us are married, many of us work from home or have full time jobs outside of the home…but one thing we all have in common is our need for the peace of God in our lives. We ALL need the Lord!With that said, let's talk for a minute about some practical things we can do each day to allow the Lord first place in our lives. We are not only discussing our time in general with God each day, but the fact that we can also give God the first of our day. "Impossible!" you might exclaim…but it's true. We can do this! I am a living witness that despite the busy-ness of each morning, it is VERY possible for me and anyone else to give God the very first few minutes of each of my day. Try the following steps for 21 days and see if you'll notice a difference in your outlook on life. Also note any changes in your relationship with God (you'll most definitely feel more aware of how close the Lord really is to you, especially during many of your stressful times)! In addition, take note of your relationships to your family and friends, and to people around you. As you spend time, and EARLY time with the Lord, you will find your relationships with others changing as YOUR heart changes. Your heart will change because you start to become more like Christ as you draw closer to Him in fellowship each and every morning when you first awake. Here's how I do it:1.)Upon awaking each morning, thank God for a brand new day. Believe it or not, this very small act of gratitude takes you a long way during your stress throughout the day. 2.)Look out your window. Appreciate the nature. Thank God for what you see. Observe the weather. Whether it be raining or sunny, thank God for the weather. If it's raining, don't complain, but thank God for the rain. Thank Him for the sun. Thank Him for the birds in the air, and the trees. Thank God for His handiwork. 3.)If your children and husband are still asleep, that means you still have time to spend with God! So get started! Open your bible and read some scripture, then MEDITATE on it. Think about what it means to you. Consider how you might apply the scriptures to your life that day. 4.)Journal your thoughts and prayers to the Lord. Haven't invested in a journal yet? Get yourself one--it doesn't have to be the cutest and most expensive journal. You could even buy an inexpensive notebook…but do keep one on hand for your prayer times. Keeping a journal will help you monitor your growth in your relationship with Christ throughout the years. 5.)And if you are STILL the only one up for the morning, NOW you can take the time to retreat to a place in your house where you won't awaken anyone, and talk out loud to the Lord. Talking out loud does several things for you. Haven't you noticed that when we simply keep our thoughts inward and never verbalize them, many times they don't feel real to us? But once we verbalize our thoughts, they become tangible. It's the same with our prayers to our Savior. When we can, we should try talking out loud to Him as we would anyone else. It helps us to realize the tangible-ness of our Lord, and that He is as real as talking to our friends and family, and actually hears us. Talking out loud also cements our prayers and thoughts in reality. As our voice echoes our resounding prayers and conversations with God, we are able to hear these prayers with our own ears, and are confirmed with our hearts the truth and reality of our relationship with God, because after all, we were just talking to Him! Do you see how spending time with God first thing upon awaking each morning is not only possible but quite do-able, even for those of us with the most hectic schedules? We can do this! The benefits of spending time with our Savior each morning are awesome. We'll begin to notice our hearts become more pliable to His word. We'll start to notice a difference in our feelings toward others and our relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. We'll find the peace of God transcending our thoughts and minds. We'll begin to notice how strong and steadfast we are as we stand firm in our faith. As God becomes our rock and our fortress, we'll find ourselves unmoved by the chaos and stressors of life. Let's aim to strive for EARLY time with our Savior. Once you begin to implement this discipline, your life is sure to change!-- Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.
About the Author
Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.
Practicing Early Time With God by Demetria Zinga
"Spending time with God is something every Christian woman should set aside time for." Perhaps this is a fairly common statement that we've heard all too often. We all know this to be true, and yet it still seems to be a most incredible struggle to obtain that blessed time with God each and every day of our lives. So, how do we wear all the hats and still have time to be still and quiet in God's presence? How do we make the time to sit quietly before our Savior when our toddlers are stampeding through our living rooms with permanent markers only inches away from our furniture and walls? When do we find the time to say a prayer long enough to our Savior before we are interrupted with "MOM! She hit me!", or "Honey, I can't find my keys!" True, we all wear different hats--some of us are mothers, some of us are married, many of us work from home or have full time jobs outside of the home…but one thing we all have in common is our need for the peace of God in our lives. We ALL need the Lord!With that said, let's talk for a minute about some practical things we can do each day to allow the Lord first place in our lives. We are not only discussing our time in general with God each day, but the fact that we can also give God the first of our day. "Impossible!" you might exclaim…but it's true. We can do this! I am a living witness that despite the busy-ness of each morning, it is VERY possible for me and anyone else to give God the very first few minutes of each of my day. Try the following steps for 21 days and see if you'll notice a difference in your outlook on life. Also note any changes in your relationship with God (you'll most definitely feel more aware of how close the Lord really is to you, especially during many of your stressful times)! In addition, take note of your relationships to your family and friends, and to people around you. As you spend time, and EARLY time with the Lord, you will find your relationships with others changing as YOUR heart changes. Your heart will change because you start to become more like Christ as you draw closer to Him in fellowship each and every morning when you first awake. Here's how I do it:1.)Upon awaking each morning, thank God for a brand new day. Believe it or not, this very small act of gratitude takes you a long way during your stress throughout the day. 2.)Look out your window. Appreciate the nature. Thank God for what you see. Observe the weather. Whether it be raining or sunny, thank God for the weather. If it's raining, don't complain, but thank God for the rain. Thank Him for the sun. Thank Him for the birds in the air, and the trees. Thank God for His handiwork. 3.)If your children and husband are still asleep, that means you still have time to spend with God! So get started! Open your bible and read some scripture, then MEDITATE on it. Think about what it means to you. Consider how you might apply the scriptures to your life that day. 4.)Journal your thoughts and prayers to the Lord. Haven't invested in a journal yet? Get yourself one--it doesn't have to be the cutest and most expensive journal. You could even buy an inexpensive notebook…but do keep one on hand for your prayer times. Keeping a journal will help you monitor your growth in your relationship with Christ throughout the years. 5.)And if you are STILL the only one up for the morning, NOW you can take the time to retreat to a place in your house where you won't awaken anyone, and talk out loud to the Lord. Talking out loud does several things for you. Haven't you noticed that when we simply keep our thoughts inward and never verbalize them, many times they don't feel real to us? But once we verbalize our thoughts, they become tangible. It's the same with our prayers to our Savior. When we can, we should try talking out loud to Him as we would anyone else. It helps us to realize the tangible-ness of our Lord, and that He is as real as talking to our friends and family, and actually hears us. Talking out loud also cements our prayers and thoughts in reality. As our voice echoes our resounding prayers and conversations with God, we are able to hear these prayers with our own ears, and are confirmed with our hearts the truth and reality of our relationship with God, because after all, we were just talking to Him! Do you see how spending time with God first thing upon awaking each morning is not only possible but quite do-able, even for those of us with the most hectic schedules? We can do this! The benefits of spending time with our Savior each morning are awesome. We'll begin to notice our hearts become more pliable to His word. We'll start to notice a difference in our feelings toward others and our relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. We'll find the peace of God transcending our thoughts and minds. We'll begin to notice how strong and steadfast we are as we stand firm in our faith. As God becomes our rock and our fortress, we'll find ourselves unmoved by the chaos and stressors of life. Let's aim to strive for EARLY time with our Savior. Once you begin to implement this discipline, your life is sure to change!-- Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.
About the Author
Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.
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