Thank you to Angela at http://meetingintheclouds.wordpress.com for nominating me for the Candle Lighter Award. It is such a blessing to see how the Lord is using Angela to reach others. Both of us are like minded in realizing that without the Lord “(we) can do nothing”. The Lord has used Angela as a vessel to deliver to me wonderful, God-glorifying, thoughts for my day and encouragement thru her example of faithfulness to her blogging ministry.
Once, again I would like to emphasize that this award is dedicated to my Lord, for it is only through Him that this blog can exist. You see, I owe Him my everything: my physical life, my spiritual life, my ability to think and write, any talents I may possess .... John 9:33 describes me to a tee... "If this man were not of God, he could do nothing."
Oh how true that is... that is why I want to clearly state that this award is my Lord's. He is the poet... my life is simply the poem that He has written ... Eph 2:10 ...For we are his workmanship (or poem), created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
This award was created by Believe Anyway who says "I call my award The Candle Lighter Award. It is for blogs and bloggers that light a candle in the darkness with their blog. What does it mean? Whenever I see a post or blog that I think brings light to the world, I will put a copy of this post and give them The Candle Lighter Award."
Believe anyway writes: “What does the recipient have to do to accept it? Just accept it and put the Candle Lighter Award badge from my blog onto their blog. Please put the link from this post about my creation of the award in a post on your blog so people can read about it. What else do recipients have to do? Nothing. If they think someone else is a Candle Lighter, they can give them the award anytime they want and as often as they want. There is no limit to how many blogs you award The Candle Lighter Award to and no limit to how many times someone can receive it.”
If you are looking for good blogs to read, Believe Anyway has a list of recipients on her blog. She would like to be sent the links for anyone to whom you pass the award, so they can be added to the list.
Keeping with the spirit of the Lamp Lighters Award... I would like to nominate:
Tom and Charlie at http://photobotos.com/ for their unique photography blog. It displays the beauty of our Lord's creation along with adding some humor to my day as well.
I would also like to nominate http://groveonline.wordpress.com . This blog is written by a Bible College student who shares Bible teaching on various areas of doctrine. Although, I do not agree with everything that is said (so what else is new). Grove shares ALOT of good Scriptural information.
And finally I would like to nominate my wife's blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com/ Here, she uses her photographs and artwork to present truths about our Lord.
Thank you Angela, (a blogger who loves our Lord and glorifies Him in her writings), at ( https://meetingintheclouds.wordpress.com/ ) for nominating Settled In Heaven, for the Versatile Blogger Award.
Angela's blog features a unique presentation of the principles of God's Word that can be understood and beneficial to the young and old alike. Personally, her blog has been a wonderful blessing to me and an inspiration for my ministry.
THE RULES TO FOLLOW FOR THE VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD:
1. Add a picture of the award to your blog post. 2. Thank the blogger who nominated you and include a link to their blog. 3. Share 7 random facts about yourself. 4. Nominate other Bloggers and inform those they have been nominated.
Here are seven random facts about the role of my Lord in my life (in chronological order):
1. My Lord has graciously allowed me to live (and walk) on this earth for 53 years. After being born with multiple birth defects (congenital neuro-sacral defect) that normally cause early death or, at the least, paralysis of the lower limbs.
2. My Lord blessed me with a wonderful, supportive family (parents and 2 sisters) that sacrificed so much for me during my early years at home. I truly believe it was the Lord;'s use of their love and care for me that I am alive today. As I grow older, I am coming to a greater realization of all they have done on my behalf.
3. The Lord opened my sin-blinded eyes, broke my sinful heart, turned me to Himself, and granted me faith in Him and made my future secure in Him. I did not deserve His forgiveness, patience and love. I owe Him my everything.
4. My Lord is blessing me everyday with a wonderful, Godly wife that is supportive of my ministries and loves me with an unconditional love. (Trust me, her love HAS to be unconditional to put up with me!) After being married for 12+ years to Eva, I still wake up every morning thanking the Lord for bringing us together. Apart from the Lord Himself, she is my greatest source of encouragment, strength and care.
5. My Lord has also blessed me with a loving Mother-in-law that graciously puts up with me as well. To be honest, she breaks the typical "mother-in-law" stereotype. I actually enjoy spending time with her!
6. The Lord mercifully continues to work in my life, in spite of myself. He forgives my daily sins and He continues to show me truths from His Word. He graciously allows me to continue to preach, to write, and to study His Word. It is in His Word that I receive daily instructions for living my life on earth. I praise and honor Him for His Word. I truly do not know how I could live without it.
7. My Lord has blessed me with His peace. Although I do not know what tomorrow may hold, I know that He has me in His hands and He will never let me go... I am eternally secure in Him.
Here are the nominations for the Versatile Blogger Award in no particular order:
It seems as if the practice of meditation is becoming more popular with the passing of each generation. And no wonder, the claimed benefits of habitual meditation are far reaching. They range from alleviating stress to helping to break smoking or drinking habits and to help reduce pain. It is claimed that “Meditation is wonderful in that it’s free, always available, and amazingly effective in short-term stress reduction and long-term health.” With claims such as these, is it any wonder that the number of those who practice meditation is growing throughout the world?
Mediation is described as:
“Meditation involves sitting in a relaxed position and clearing your mind.”
“Meditation encompasses a variety of practices that are somewhat different, while holding to the basic principles of consideration and quiet thought to bring about a state of rumination.
“Meditation is not a technique but a way of life. Meditation means 'a cessation of the thought process' . It describes a state of consciousness, when the mind is free of scattered thoughts and various patterns . The observer (one who is doing meditation) realizes that all the activity of the mind is reduced to one.”
Based upon the above, it seems as if meditation, in some cases, involves “clearing the mind’, while in other cases, it is said to centered on one centralized point of attention, while excluding “scattered thoughts and various patterns”. There seems to be lacking a uniform, consistent definition for meditation.
Is meditation mentioned in the Bible? If so, what is the Bible teaching on meditation?
THE SCRIPTURES:
Gen 24:63 - 63) And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels [were] coming.
Josh 1:8 (KJV) - 8) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Ps 1:2 (KJV) - 2) But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Ps 5:1 (KJV) - 1) To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
Ps 19:14 (KJV) - 14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Ps 49:3 (KJV) - 3) My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart [shall be] of understanding.
Ps 63:6 (KJV) - 6) When I remember thee upon my bed, [and] meditate on thee in the [night] watches.
Ps 77:12 (KJV) - 12) I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
Ps 104:34 (KJV) - 34) My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
Ps 119:15 (KJV) - 15) I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Ps 119:23 (KJV) - 23) Princes also did sit [and] speak against me: [but] thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
Ps 119:48 (KJV) - 48) My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
Ps 119:78 (KJV) - 78) Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: [but] I will meditate in thy precepts.
Ps 119:97 (KJV) - 97) MEM. O how love I thy law! it [is] my meditation all the day.
Ps 119:99 (KJV) - 99) I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies [are] my meditation.
Ps 119:148 (KJV) - 148) Mine eyes prevent the [night] watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
Ps 143:5 (KJV) - 5) I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
Isa 33:18 (KJV) - 18) Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where [is] the scribe? where [is] the receiver? where [is] he that counted the towers?
Mark 13:11 (KJV) - 11) But when they shall lead [you], and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Luke 21:14 (KJV)- 14) Settle [it] therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
1Tim 4:10-15 (KJV) - 10) For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 11) These things command and teach. 12) Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13) Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14) Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.15) Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
THE STUDY:
In the Old Testment, the word “meditate” or “meditation” is translated from three different words.
In Genesis 24:63 the Hebrew word means “to muse” or “to be absorbed in thought, to turn over in the mind”
In all the Psalm 119 references to “meditate” the Hebrew word means “to speak to yourself, to think deeply and thoroughly”
In all the other OT references a different Hebrew word with much the same meaning is used “to mutter, to ponder”
In all the New Testament references, the word “meditate” is translated from a Greek word that means “to revolve in the mind, to look over from every angle”.
What does the definitions for meditate teach us about Biblical meditation?:
In EVERY case, to meditate Biblically involves having our mind thinking about something. NEVER does the Lord tell us to “empty our mind” or “clear your mind” or “cease your mental processes”. I believe this is a point that needs emphasis… To empty our minds of every thought is a very dangerous practice. The dark (sinful, demonic) powers of this world seek to inhabit lives that are “emptied” (Matt 12:43-45) I believe, by emptying one’s mind opens up an opportunity for Satanic oppression of the emptied mind.
Biblical mediation involves active mental concentration and examination. If you notice in our definitions some of the terms used are “to turn over in the mind”, “to think deeply and thoroughly”, “to ponder, and to look over at every angle”. None of these words implies a state of rest or cessation of the minds activities.
To summarize our definition study we find that to meditate in a God honoring, Scriptural way involves a mind actively examining and thinking. NEVER does the Lord advocate a empty or inactive mind. This type of inactivity, very possibly, can open the door to demonic influence.
Now, let’s continue our study by answering the question what subjects should a Christian be meditating about?
“To meditate” or “meditation” is mentioned in the Bible 21 times… Gen 24:63; Josh 1:8; Psa 1:2, 5:1, 19:14, 49:3, 63:6, 77:12, 104:34, Psa 119:15, 23, 46, 78, 97, 99, 148, 143:5; Isa 33:18; Mark 13:11; Luke 21:14; 1 Tim 4:15.
If we study these references, in their context we find the following:
Subject of meditation not described: Gen 24:63
(Although we are not told, Isaac was thinking about something! Based upon the word used for meditation he was “absorbed in thought” over some subject, we are simply not told what that subject is.)
Subject of meditation Word of God: Josh 1:8, Psa 1:2, Psa 119:15, 23, 46, 78, 97, 99, 148
Subject of meditation burdens on heart seeking His mercy: Psa 5:1
Subject of meditation desires of heart being acceptable to the Lord: Psa 19:14,
Subject of meditation spiritual understanding: Psa 49:3
Subject of meditation The Lord and His works: Psa 63:6, Psa 77:12, Psa 104:34, Psa 143:5
Subject of meditation terror for disobedient facing Divine judgment: Isa 33:18
Subject of mediation the gospel message and need for service to Him: 1 Tim 4:10-15
Not to be a subject of meditation: Concern, worry about answering opponents of Lord : Mark 13:11, Luke 21:14
To summarize the above:
As faithful children… we are to be thinking about Our Heavenly Father, His works, and His Word. They should always be on our minds. We should seek quiet times when uninterrupted, we can solely place our minds and hearts on Him.
As burdened pilgrims on earth… we should be taking quiet times to concentrate on turning our trials over to Him seeking His presence, mercy and strength.
As faithful servants… we should be meditating on our desires, making sure they are pleasing to Him; we should be examining the understanding He has given to us to enable us to serve Him in greater ways. Finally, our meditations should also involve an examination of our lives making sure we are leading lives of holiness and separation to His work.
As witnesses of His grace in salvation,... we are to always have the gospel message of grace upon our hearts, remembering what He has done for us and our need to share it with others. We are to lay aside any worry about how to answer those who oppose our message.
As those who have never experienced God’s gracious salvation but are continuing to face His wrath… examine your current condition and allow terror to fill your mind, as you continue to face judgment from Almighty God. Turn to Him and trust in Him, realizing that the Lord is abundantly gracious, slow to anger and of great mercy.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
The Lord summarize what our daily meditations should be based upon….
May the Lord bless our times of Godly meditation when we turn our minds to these things….
Phil 4:4-9 (KJV)
4) Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand.
6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace
May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
Christ, and His sufferings on the cross, is a core theme of the Bible (John 1:45, John 5:39, Rev 19:10) .
Throughout the Old Testament the sufferings and death of Christ are presented through the sacrifices of the ceremonial law (Heb 10:10-18), as well as many Messianic prophecies looking ahead to His death (Isa 53:1-9, Luke 24:44 Acts 26:22-23).
In the New Testament, all four books of the gospels (Matthew – John) present the teachings of Christ concerning His upcoming sufferings (John 2:18-21, Matt 16:21, Matt 20:17-19 etc). These same books, then, present the historical account of His arrest, sufferings and death (Matt 26:-27:, Mark 14:-15:, Luke 22:-23:, John 18:-19:). In other New Testament writings, Christ’s sufferings are further explained, emphasized and recounted as the basis of salvation from mankind’s sin (1 Cor 15:1-11, Rom 4:24-25, 1 Pet 3:18 etc).
Let’s see, in detail, what the sufferings of Christ entailed…
THE SCRIPTURE:
Heb 2:9-10 (KJV)
9) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10) For it became him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
THE STUDY:
The sufferings of Christ can be categorized as three basic types: Psychological, Physical and Spiritual:
The Psychological Sufferings of Christ (the mocking and humiliation that He experienced)
1 The robe placed upon Him the reed in His hand, bowing to Him… all of this was mocking His Kingship (Matt 27:28-29)
2 Spiting upon Him … mocking His choosing to not defend Himself (Matt 27:30)
3 Putting Him on public display and allowing the public to decide His fate, thus exercising authority over Him… mocking Him as Creator and Authority Holder over all mankind (John 19:5-16)
4 He was forced to carry His own cross… humiliating Him in the eyes of all the citizens watching (John 19:17)
5 He was crucified with two thieves, one on either side… the sinless Son of God publically being displayed as a heinous criminal. (Mark 15:27-28)
6 The plaque placed above Him on the cross… mocking His Kingship (John 19:19-22)
7 While on the cross …the mocking of His claim to be God (Matt 27:39-44, Luke 23:35- 37)
8 The casting of lots for His garments… humiliating Him by taking His possessions and then publically, selfishly profiting from them. The attitude of the soldiers (selfishness at the expense of others) was in direct contradiction to Christ’s attitude of self-sacrifice for the benefit of others. (Mark 15:24)
The Physical Sufferings of Christ (the abuse upon His physical body)
1 Sweating great drops of blood, extreme physical agony (Luke 22:44)
2 Placing upon Him the crown of thorns (Mark 15:17)
3 Striking Him with the reed (Matt 27:30)
4 Scourging Him (a whip with bones and metal bits tied to its ends. These would tear out chunks of flesh with each strike. Many times, scourging would result in physical death.) (John 19:1)
5 His beard was plucked according to Isaiah’s prophecy (Isa 50:6)
6 He was struck by soldier’s hands (John 19:3)
7 The crucifixion (Mark 15:25) -
Nailed to cross through the wrists and feet to cross (causing burning pain and paralysis of hands and bleeding in both wrists and feet) During the course of hanging on the cross the shoulders, elbows and wrists become dislocated. The breathing becomes difficult and as time progresses almost impossible. His CO2 blood levels increase and the heart beats faster to rid the CO2 from the blood. Due to increased difficulty in breathing the heart races faster and faster resulting in heart failure and filling of the lungs with liquid. Eventually a gradual suffocation takes the life of the victim.
(For a much more detailed information on the physical effects of crucifixion please see this article written by Dr Mark Eastman http://www.khouse.org/articles/1998/113/)
The Spiritual Sufferings of Christ (His separation from God the Father)
“My God, My God why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt 27:46)
As Christ bore the sin of His people upon Himself, He was placed in a state of separation from His Father who can not look upon, nor stand in the presence of, sin (Isa 59:1-2, Prov 15:29, Ezek 39:24, 1 John 1:5-7).
This is the reason for the preceding period of darkness (symbolizing mankind’s wickedness and separation from God)… and Christ’s declaration that God had “forsaken” Him. (Isa 53:5-6,10-11, Gal 3:13, 1 Pet 2:21-25)
I believe this was the greatest suffering that Christ experienced on the cross.
The sufferings of Christ can never be fully described nor understood; they are beyond human mental conception. His sufferings go beyond anything ever experienced by man.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
For those who have been given God’s gracious salvation from sin …
1Sam 12:24 - “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great [things] he hath done for you.”
By remembering His great sacrifice on our behalf it should also remind us of the great privilege we have to “love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul” Deut 11:13.
For those who have yet to be given His saving grace...
What Christ has done for His people is a sacrifice that cannot be duplicated by man. Christ, the very Creator of the world, came to the earth, humbled Himself and became obedient unto the death of the cross. (Phil 2:5-11) Why did He do this? So that He could save His people from the penalty, power and presence of sin. (Matt 1:21)
He willingly took the punishment of His people’s sins upon Himself, so that they would be delivered from the dominion of sin in their lives. (2 Cor 5:16-21, Gal 3:13) By willfully forsaking your sin and turning to Christ (“repentance”) and trusting Him as your Savior and your Lord, you too, can experience His forgiveness, His abiding presence and His eternal security for your life. (Acts 20:21, Mark 1:15, John 3:15-18)
If you have any further questions about the salvation that our Lord so graciously gives, please feel free to read my blog page… “How to have a relationship with God”. Also, you are welcome to contact me via a blog comment or email for any further questions you may have.
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace
May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
Welcome to my Blog "settled in Heaven". By the Lord's grace I will be attempting to write short Bible Lessons / Devotions on a regular basis. Being a Baptist Pastor for over 15 years, my heart's desire is for this blog to be of spiritual benefit to any who might read it.
I trust this blog will render both encouragement and knowledge to those of us seeking to serve the Lord in greater ways as members of His spiritual family.
For those who have not yet trusted in Christ as their Lord and Savior, I hope this blog will help them to see the need and urgency to receive the Lord's gracious forgiveness.
May the Lord bless our future studies of His Word.
Thank you to Angela at http://meetingintheclouds.wordpress.com for nominating me for the Candle Lighter Award. It is such a blessing to see how the Lord is using Angela to reach others. Both of us are like minded in realizing that without the Lord “(we) can do nothing”. The Lord has used Angela as a vessel to deliver to me wonderful, God-glorifying, thoughts for my day and encouragement thru her example of faithfulness to her blogging ministry.
