Check the Oil

Read Psalm 5

If you want to keep your car engine in good condition, it's a good idea to check the oil often. If you want to keep your relationship with God in good condition, it's a good idea to check in with Him each day. Many feel that the best time to check in with God is early in the morning: before the rush of the day distracts your attention. Time spent reading your Bible, meditating on the Word, praying and perhaps journaling is never wasted time. This 'Quiet Time' will set the mood for the rest of your day. You will experience God's presence throughout the day, once you've made contact early.
Now that I'm retired, I find it easier to have a morning time with God. Of course, not everyone has this luxury. I know when I was working, I had a hard time being consistent with a morning devotion ... often putting it off until after work or right before bed. Those days never seemed to go as well as the days I checked in early with my Lord.
I would encourage you to make time in your schedule to meet God early each day. As today's reading ... and many other Bible passages ... make clear, it is God's recommendation to meet with Him in the morning. Psalm 5:3, "In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch."
You might need to get up a half hour earlier (which, in turn, means going to be a half hour earlier). You might try to rearrange some tasks (prepare what you'll wear, set the coffee timer, make your lunch) the evening before, so that mornings aren't so harried.
Whatever it takes, just be sure to 'check the oil' every day so that you maintain your Spirit in good working order.

Meditation: A Review + Billy Graham

Today, I'd like to spend a few moments reviewing what we've learned about Meditation this week. First and foremost is deciding to make time for Meditation (and the other Spiritual Disciples to follow). Until we choose to put our lives within reach of Heaven, we will not progress in finding a deeper relationship with God. So, if you haven't already, set aside a particular time and place to have a Quiet Time. Many people prefer mornings ... before the cares of the day intrude. Others prefer the evening, after the day is done, to be alone with God. Whatever time works for you, it is important to be faithful in meeting with the Lord at the same time and place every day.

We also discussed the importance of Meditation: how can reach depths of love and heights of joy when we give ourselves over to things of eternal importance. There are several methods we discussed this week: meditating on scripture, on hymns or praise songs, on our problems and concerns or on current events. If after trying one method for a week, you find that it is just not working for you, then move on to one of the other methods.

Another important ingredient in having a useful time of Meditation is to put the rest of our day in the Spirit's hands. Our short time of Meditation will have little positive effect if the rest of the day is spent in strife or sin-filled activities. By living in balance and practicing "holy leisure," we can better appreciate our Quiet Time.

I pray that this blog has been useful to you and that you have been inspired to make Daily Meditation a priority.

I'd like to also mention a new book by Billy Graham: "The Reason for My Hope." Graham has stood as a spiritual giant over the past 50 years or more. Many Christians were first introduced to the Gospel by way of one of Billy Graham's crusades or through his writings. Now, toward the end of his life, he has summarized the reasons behind the hope he has in Christ. I encourage you to read this new book. Here is a link from the BGEA webite: http://billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=9708

I'd love to hear from you readers. Let us know how your are progressing on your spiritual journey and share your insights into Meditation or the other Disciplines.

Beginning tomorrow, we will spend a week introducing the Discipline of Prayer. I hope you will join us as we explore the function and purpose of Prayer in the Christian's life.

Meditation: Verses Tailor-made for You

One of the most accessible methods of Meditation is to choose a verse or passage from the Bible. But which verses? I have collected below some suggested Scriptures for common concerns. I recommend that you examine your life and decide where you are spiritually. Which topic appeals to you right now. Where do you need guidance? Once you have selected a verse or passage, use it during your Quiet Time for the coming week. Spend a full week on just one passage. Let it permeate your heart and reach into your mind and soul. I pray that you will find a fresh perspective on whatever concerns you.

You want to strengthen your faith: Genesis 15:1-6; Proverbs 3:5-9; Romans 5:1-11; I Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 10:19-25; Hebrews 11:1--12:13.

You struggle with addiction: Psalm 18:28-36; Proverbs 23:29-35; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 6:12-20; Philippians 3:17--4:1.

You are greedy: Psalm 62:1-2, 10; Ecclesiastes 2:1-11; Luke 12:13-21; II Corinthians 9:6-15; Ephesians 5:3-7; I John 3:16-18.

You are angry: Genesis 4:1-12; Psalm 4:4; Matthew 5:21-22; Matthew 18-21-35; Ephesians 4:25--5:2; James 1:19-21.

You are starting a new job: I Kings 2:1-4; Proverbs 10:4-5; Matthew 5:13-16; Romans 12:1--14:25; I Peter 4:7-11.

You struggle with lust: Deuteronomy 22:22-24; II Samuel 11:1-12--12:14; Matthew 5:27-30; Romans 7:7-25; Romans 13:8-14; James 1:13-18.

Things are going well: Job 31:24-28; Proverbs 15:27; Luke 12:13-21; I Timothy 6:13-19; Hebrews 13:5; James 2:1-17.

You need to forgive others: Genesis 33:1-4; Genesis 50:15-20; Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:21-35; Colossians 3:12-14; James 2: 12-13.

You seek God's direction: I Kings 3:1-14; Proverbs 2:1-6; Romans 12:1-3; Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 1:9-14; James 1:5-8.

You have lost all hope: Isaiah 54:1-7; Lamentations 3:19-24; I Corinthians 15:20-28; I Peter 1:1-9; I Peter 5:10-11; Revelation 11:15-19.

You are prone to judge others: Matthew 7:1-5; I Corinthians 4:1-5; James 2:1-13; James 4:11-12.

You are filled with pride: Proverbs 8:12-14; Matthew 25:34-40; Mark 10:35-45; Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:1-11.

You struggle with laziness: Proverbs 6:6-11; Proverbs 10:4-5; Ephesians 5:15-16; Philippians 2:12-13; I Thessalonians 4:1-12; II Thessalonians 3:6-15.

I hope you see yourself in one of these areas of conflict. I pray that one of these suggested passages brings comfort and hope to your soul. None of us is perfect; we'll always have things that we want to change. Bring your cares to the Lord and let him bear your struggles. There is joy waiting for you ... you need only seek it.

Meditating Every Minute of Every Day

A few days ago we talked about the 'mechanics' of Meditation: when and where to have our quiet time, alone with God. But, in another sense, we are to have the Mind of Christ throughout our day. It will do us little good to spend time meditating in the morning, then use the rest of the day in vain pursuits. If our days are filled with strife, anger, lies, jealousy, gossip and lust, how can we expect the time spent in Meditation to possibly bring us closer to God?

The scriptures tell us to "...pray without ceasing." I Thess. 5:17. I think it is within reason to expand that to mean "meditate without ceasing." Psalms 1:2 says, "his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night." Brother Lawrence is an excellent example, as retold in his "Practicing the Presence," of someone who was in constant contact with God. In our own time, Thomas Kelly, stands as a testament to a life lived within the presence of God. Frank Laubach's "Game of Minutes" proposes thinking of God for at least one second out of every minute! While we may not be at that place yet, we can bring our attention back to God throughout our day.

Richard Foster, in Celebration of Discipline, writes about Holy Leisure: "The church Fathers often spoke of Otium Sanctum, “holy leisure.” It refers to a sense of balance in the life, an ability to be at peace through the activities of the day, an ability to rest and take time to enjoy beauty, an ability to pace ourselves. With our tendency to define people in terms of what they produce, we would do well to cultivate 'holy leisure.' "

We can bring the rest of our day under God's control. We can calm our minds and bring our thoughts back to Him. Our whole day can be a preparation for the times we spend in Meditation. Imagine how our lives would change if we were living in union with the Spirit every minute of every day.

Who can Meditate? You can.

When we speak of Meditation, some people immediately dismiss the idea that they are 'qualified' to meditate. They may think that Meditation is for the Spiritual Giants among us: priests or saints, pastors or 'Prayer Warriors.' We rob ourselves of a wonderful spiritual exercise when we believe we aren't "good enough" to meditate.

I think it is wise to approach this Discipline with humility ... but not with a feeling of unworthiness. God desires to commune with you no matter where you are on your spiritual journey: beginner or advanced. It just may be that the beginner has a more profound experience than  those who are 'professionals.' However we do need to believe that we can hear the voice of God. We don't have to go through someone else: we can approach his throne directly. We need only turn our attention to the Father. Richard Foster quotes Thomas Merton in Celebration of Discipline: “This desire to turn is a gift of grace. Anyone who imagines he can simply begin meditating without praying for the desire and the grace to do so, will soon give up." 

Spiritual Meditation is a gift of grace. We can receive it fully and freely if we ask. Yet we hold back, like shy, frightened children. Foster states, "That is why meditation is so threatening to us. It boldly calls us to enter into the living presence of God for ourselves. It tells us that God is speaking in the continuous present and wants to address us."

Will you set aside some time today to begin? Will you still your mind and wait for God to speak? What He tells you may not be earth-shattering. It could be as mundane as "Call your friend Emily" or "Make that appointment to see a doctor." We can't expect states of ecstasy every time. But we can expect to be changed when we put ourselves within hearing distance of God.

We will talk more about how God speaks to us and how we can hear Him more clearly when we discuss the Spiritual Discipline of Prayer next week. Today we can be assured that God desires to communicate with us: the lowly or the great, men or women, rich or poor, young or old. Who can Meditate? You can.

Singing Your Meditation

Yesterday, when I outlined some of the ways you can incorporate meditation into your life, I neglected to mention the value of using songs. If you love music or like to sing, finding an appropriate song to use for meditation can be a real blessing. Even if you can't carry a tune, just pondering the words of some of the great hymns of faith ... or some of the newer Praise songs ... can fill your heart with comfort and joy.

If I may make some suggestions, here are a few hymns for you to consider:
Great is Thy Faithfulness
It is Well with My Soul
Because He Lives
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
What a Friend We Have in Jesus

These are only a sampling of the traditional hymns which which we grew up. If you prefer, perhaps one of the more modern "Praise Songs" would be more to your liking. There are so many good ones, it is hard to choose.

Here I Am to Worship
Above All
Open the Eyes of My Heart
The Power of Your Love
Awesome God by Rich Mullens

This coming Sunday our church choir will lead the congregation in singing "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)." I'm using the song for my meditation this week. Here are the words:

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name

What a great thought: 10, 000 reasons to sing for 10,000 years!

If you haven't heard this song before, here is a YouTube link: http://youtu.be/qcgemftnBo4 

(You may have to skip the YouTube advertisement.)

Whatever song you pick, I hope your spirit is blessed by singing your meditation.

How to Meditate

Yesterday we what & why and the where & when of Meditation. Today I'd like to propose some methods we can use to get started in our practice of Christian Meditation. As I mentioned before, Christian Meditation differs from Eastern Meditation in that, instead of emptying the mind and trying to become "nothingness," Christian Meditation involves filling the mind and spirit with God's presence. We can do that in several different ways.

The most common method is to meditate on Scripture: pick one verse from the Bible (the Psalms are a rich source of useful lines of scripture), or chose one word (Mercy, Peace, Love), or you might want to use an event (one of Christ's parables, the Beatitudes, an example of healing). The practice then entails delving deeply into the portion of the Bible you have selected.

This is not the time for study ... comparing translations, reading commentaries ... but a time for just sitting and working the scripture into your soul, seeking intimacy with God. Don't rush from passage to passage but stick with just one. Use all your senses to experience the text your working with. Spend a week, if you like, contemplating on the verse, word or event throughout the day ... not just during your quiet time.

Another method people have used is to meditate on God's creation. Evelyn Underhill recommends, "... begin with that first form of contemplation which the old mystics sometimes called 'the discovery of God in his creatures.' " As Psalms 19:1 tells us, "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament (i.e.earth) does show forth his handiwork." Select a tree or a flower: allow its beauty and form sink deep into your mind and heart. Listen to the birds or watch the little creatures that creep through your garden. Richard Foster says, "These are humble acts, to be sure, but sometimes God reaches us profoundly in these simple ways if we will quiet ourselves to listen."

There is another form of mediation: selecting a current event or something from our recent past. Seek to perceive its significance in the larger scheme of things. Thomas Merton writes that the person “… who has meditated on the Passion of Christ but has not meditated on the extermination camps of Dachau and Auschwitz has not yet fully entered into the experience of Christianity in our time." You might want to approach this form of meditation with a Bible in one hand and a newspaper (or your iPad's New York Times app) in the other. You might want to meditate on the current government shutdown or the conflict in Syria. What is God's design in these events? What action do you feel called to take in response?

One final suggestion for meditation is suggested by Foster in The Celebration of Disciplines: "... what the contemplatives of the Middle Ages called “re-collection,” and what the Quakers have often called “centering down.” It is a time to become still, to enter into the recreating silence, to allow the fragmentation of our minds to become centered." In this form of meditation, sometimes called "palms down, palms up," we bring whatever is troubling us that day (a project at work, an illness, a troubled relationship), anything that you are anxious about, and simply say, "Palms down," and release it into God's care. Surrender your fear, let the Lord handle it for you. Then, turn "Palms up" ready to receive what you need (peace of mind about the project at work, comfort and healing for your illness, a solution for your troubled relationship) . Once you have "centered-down," spend the rest of your meditation time in complete silence. Don't ask for anything else. Let God commune with you, to simply love you.

In all these methods of meditation, this is what we are waiting for: a fresh experience of God's love. What an overwhelming wonder to know that the God of the Universe is listening to me, caring about the things I care about, offering His acceptance and peace in my life.

I pray that one of these forms of Meditation appeals to you. I hope you will try one of them in the week ahead. Please share any thoughts or difficulties. I'd like to hear if you are troubled or if you find peace. Together we can help each other gain a deep connection to the Father.

Meditation: The Basics

In the week ahead we will take a brief look at the Spiritual Discipline of Mediation. This will serve as an introduction to the Discipline. In January of 2014, we will spend the entire month looking at the Discipline of Meditation in greater depth.

Today I'd like to cover the basics: the what and why, plus the when and where of Meditation. Tomorrow we'll talk more about the "how."

Richard Foster, in Celebration of Discipline, describes Christian Meditation as "simply ... the ability to hear God’s voice and obey his word." Christian Meditation differs from Eastern and secular mediation in that, instead of emptying our minds, we are filling our minds with ... and obeying ... God's word. We will explore more of the differences in the week ahead and also in more depth in January. For now, we need only see that Christian Mediation calls us to seek God through the various ways he talks with us and to act upon the lessons we learn. God longs to communicate with us. He stands at the door and knocks. When we let him in, through the practice of Meditation, we grow more sensitive to his voice. Meditation is hearing, then obeying.

Foster also explains: "In meditation we are growing into what Thomas à Kempis calls 'a familiar friendship with Jesus.' We are sinking down into the light and life of Christ and becoming comfortable in that posture. The perpetual presence of the Lord (omnipresence, as we say) moves from a theological dogma into a radiant reality. 'He walks with me and he talks with me' ceases to be pious jargon and instead becomes a straightforward description of daily life."

To know the mind of Christ ... what a worthy goal and wonderful experience. Christian Meditation allows us to, quoting Foster again, "create the emotional and spiritual space which allows Christ to construct an inner sanctuary in the heart" Foster, Richard Celebration of Discipline, HarperCollins, p. 20
This week I hope we can begin this inner journey together.

The "when and where" are individual decisions. I'll be using my morning quiet time, in my "Sacred Chair," to begin my practice of Christian Meditation. As Foster suggests, "Find a place that is quiet and free from interruption. No telephone should be nearby. If it is possible to find some place that looks out onto a lovely landscape, so much the better. It is best to have one designated place rather than hunting for a different spot each day."

I hope you will find a specific time each day and a special place to put your heart and mind within God's reach. Meditation calls us away from the busyness of our lives into a quiet space where we can hear the 'still, small voice' of the Lord. Are you listening?