Meditation Affirmation

9/9/13 Tonight begins the first night of BSF's new year. 

My prayer for Cathy, our Bible Study Fellowship teaching leader, is from the last verse of the last chapter of our focused book, Matthew. It's also my verse for this "Meditation Monday." I value the truth contained in the verse. The truth of my need to not only understand the commands of the Lord through more study of His word BUT also to obey what I already understand from Jesus's words:

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20, NLT)

As Christians, ministry is ongoing for all of us. We are to be His hands and feet as we love Him and obey His teachings. That love for Him will overflow allowing us to love and benefit others. Yet, as this verse reminds us He is always with us in this endeavor. 

His Presence always! His continual Presence---we can be sure of this. That's affirming and worthy of continuing meditation.

Musing Scripture Interrogatively

10/29/12 Sometimes I gain insight as I muse scripture interrogatively. That might sound like a mouthful, but it usually means that I follow the BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) line of questioning as I ponder a passage of scripture. In 2004, at “The Cove” (Billy Graham Leadership Training Center) Anne Graham Lotz taught me to ask these questions when meditating on scripture.

• What does it say? (Facts listed is the way I see this first step.)
• What does it mean? (A comprehensive, in context, going deeper approach.)
• What does it mean to me? (Sort of a how can I apply it to my life approach. A James 1:22-25 reminder to be a “doer” of the word.)

The hearts of the people 
cry out to the Lord.
You walls of Daughter Zion, let your tears flow like a river day and night; give yourself no relief, your eyes no rest. Arise, cry out in the night,
as the watches of the night begin; 
pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. 
Lift up your hands to him 
for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger 
at every street corner. (Lamentations 2:18-19)

This passage was a hard one for me. From previous verses, I know that beautiful Jerusalem had seen great destruction. Destruction in every area of their lives---physical, mental and spiritual. The prophet Jeremiah was crying out to them. I can only imagine his frustration and drained emotions as he wept for †he Jews. But God had brought this destruction upon them because of their unfaithfulness as a nation.

I sensed pain as I read this and wondered about the starvation and hunger at every street corner. From the context it seems as if it was mainly physical hunger. But could there have been a spiritual starvation present as well?

Though difficult for me to understand, I knew immediately that I could apply this passage to my life by calling out to God. Prayer for my own town and my own nation, where many are starving both physically and spiritually, was my answer. But more than that, I can pick up that envelope off my kitchen table, the one for the Union Mission at 383 Poplar, and send in a donation toward meals for the homeless.

I was encouraged to read in verse 20, that Jeremiah called out to God once again. So there’s another example to follow---perseverance in prayer.

Continue to ask God questions about this “hard” passage throughout the week. He’ll show you the answers He has---answers just for you.

Priestly Encouragement

11/29/11 Last night's BSF lesson gave me lots of "meat" for thought. I have to say "meat" because at this point, I need to be on solid food and not milk. Cathy's lecture on our High Priest was so thorough and kept emphasizing the "big idea" of a priest who understands our weaknesses.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 14:15)

Yet, it's two verses before that which, when paired with verse 15, really spoke to me today.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 14:13)

Knowing all there is to know about me (and you) inside and out. From my bad habits and waylaid good intentions to my fears and deep seated hurts, He sees it all. (v. 13) Not only does He understand, but He sympathizes with what He sees and knows. (v. 15)

That's real comfort. He knows me completely---all is laid bare---and yet he empathizes rather than rejecting. That's encouragement of the highest order from my High Priest.

Hark and Harken...........

12/13/10---the seasonal words for listening attentively to God’s word and then applying it in your own life. It’s meditation, December style.
Tonight at BSF “my” favorite carol, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, was chosen for singing. It was the perfect backdrop for my meditative reflections.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:10-14)

Click on the title and you too can have the instrumental rendition of this glorious carol as you set your mind on this truth.