SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: Sanctuary Revisited

11/18/12 In Genesis 12:8, Abraham built an altar after pitching his tent between Bethel and Ai. Bethel is a symbol for communing with God and Ai is the symbol of the world. That's right where we all live today---between quiet times with God and the clamors of the world. That's why we need a Bethel-type "sanctuary." A place to meet with God.

Inside St. George's sanctuary--seeking to capture His created "light." 

Even our soul can become a sanctuary where we fellowship with the Lord, the God and Father of our universe. Sometimes it just takes pulling away to a quiet place---an outside sanctuary to nurture our soul, an inside sanctuary.

Outside sanctuary--seeking "light" from His Word thru prayer and meditation.

Meditation Musings

2/27/12 When meditating on God’s Word, what is most important?  Scripture selection? Time? Place? Is amount of time more important than a place with no distractions? Is a long passage better than a few verses? Does posture matter? The answers to all these questions will vary from person to person based on individual situations and often even on one's season of life. Time frame might be decided based on one’s schedule or sleep patterns.  What matters is meditation. Spending time in God’s word.

Today I decided to read only 3 verses from Colossians chapter 3. Though it’s only 3 verses, Billy Graham emphasizes that the Lord can even use only “ a few verses at a time” to “reshape your life.” (Nearing Home p. 154)

Foster, too, states, “It is better to take small portions and digest them fully that to attempt to gorge yourself and get spiritual indigestion.” (Foster, p. 131)

I began by reading this passage aloud in its entirety----somewhat along the lines on an example given in Sanctuary of the Soul. (Foster, p. 124)

After reading aloud once, I went back and prayerfully asked God to focus my attention on verses that needed my attention. I reread, underlining words or phrases that stood out to me.

I waited in “listening silence” (Foster, p. 125)

Then I "steeped" some more by reading only the underlined words. 

The single phrase that stood out was “chosen of God” and that’s the 3 words I’m carrying with me to “think on” for the next few days. Already I’m asking myself if my actions are consistent with that privilege, “chosen of God” and what kind of heart does one “chosen of God” put on every day?

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

I’m still musing this verse. Muse with me. Let me know your meditation musings either on Colossians 3: 12-14 or whatever verses the Spirit has for you.