CHRISTIAN MEDITATION PODCAST & DEVOTIONALS

ONE THING 

Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.  Colossians 1:6 MSG 

I have found it to be a lifelong struggle to give consistent space and time to the ONE who longs to meet and communicate with us in the place of solitude. 

But I have also discovered it is the most fulfilling of disciplines to pursue.

Tending to our inner life — the very essence of who we are — is how we experience the Presence of God. 

Spirit to spirit. 

This inner communion with God, is a communion with LOVE itself. A place where we can KNOW we are a Beloved Child of God. 

In the stillness of our hearts. 

Sitting at His feet. 

Steeping in His Presence. 

It always begin with desire. 

Ours for God. 

And God’s for us. 

Because He made us for LOVE. 

As this new year begins, may we seek first the ONE who knows the purpose for our lives and calls us His Beloved. 

MOMENT OF STILLNESS 

My soul waits in silence for God only. Psalm 62 

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.  Matthew 6:33 The Message 

THE GIFT 

Now thanks be to God for His Gift, [precious] beyond telling [His indescribable, inexpressible, free Gift]! 2 Corinthians 9:15 

Angels announced it in a choir of praise. 

Shepherds believed and followed the star. 

The Gospels recorded it for all to know. 

History confirms it. 

The Christmas story. 

A gift of HOPE for all mankind. 

Delivered in the smallest of packages. 

A baby. 

JESUS . 

A child is born to us! A son is given to us! Isaiah 9:6 . 

The Word became Flesh. 

God dwelling among us and with us! 

So how do we keep the story of Jesus alive? 

By being carriers of His Presence as we live out His Word and ways. 

His way is LOVE and His gospel is PEACE. 

When we make space in our hearts for LOVE — we become modern day witnesses of the most indescribable Gift ever given. 

God in us! 

PRAYER: 

Lord Jesus, dwell in me. I pray my life would overflow with your Love and Hope and Joy and Peace. Amen 

MOMENT OF STILLNESS: 

Meditate on who God is to you. 

MESSENGERS OF LIGHT 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 1:5-9 

Christmas is so much more than a day. It’s the continual Presence of the Light of Christ in the world.

As I write this post, I’m returning from Christmas in California. While flying home, the wing of the plane catches the reflection of the sun and brilliant beams of light shoot in the window, causing me to close my eyes.  

The wing was not the source of Light— only a reflector of it, just like John the Baptist. But oh the brightness that can radiate from a receptive object! 

Our lives are prisms of God’s Light too — allowing others to get a glimpse of Him. A prism receives light and reflects it back in different and colorful ways. 

We each have a unique voice as messengers of Jesus. He sends us out to be witnesses and carriers of His Presence. 

Where is He sending you today? Wherever you go, let your light so shine! 

MEDITATION 

Enjoy a few moments of stillness as you reflect upon the following verse: 

A HOLY NIGHT 

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Sometimes we capture a holy moment that fills us with the thrill of HOPE.

And we are reminded of that Holy night when Christ was born. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

OH HOLY NIGHT 

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS 

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers. Philemon 1:4 

My pile of Christmas cards went out today. I thumbed through them quickly to be sure all were stamped before I dropped them in the mailbox. 

But the most important part of sending my Christmas wishes is praying over them. My husband I and pray for every person and family we send greetings to. Each card represents a treasured gift of family, friendship and neighbors God has placed in our lives through the years. 

People who have touched our lives. 

For some it has been a year of abundant blessings and happiness. For others, a year of hardship, sickness, loss and loneliness. 

So our Christmas cards become Christmas prayers for all. And it has become one of my favorite traditions! 

Who needs your prayers and well wishes today? 

PRAYER

BATHED IN LIGHT 

The Lord is my light and my salvation. Psalm 27:1 

Brilliant beams of Light poured through my windows this December morning, and I basked in the warmth of the metaphor as I sipped my coffee. 

Advent season is here. The expectant waiting and preparing of our hearts for the arrival of Jesus — the LIGHT of the world. 

And in these quiet moments I ponder the mystery — God with us! 

God bathes Himself in Light when we patiently and hopefully seek to know Him. He delights in knowing we believe He is worth pursuing. 

And so we must create a sacred cadence of pausing and preparing room to breathe in God’s Presence, as we look for the Light that is always shining for searching hearts to behold. 

DAILY STILL MOMENT 

Create space to pause and embrace the Light and Spirit of Christmas. 

PRAYER 

HAPPY HARVEST 

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:36-37 

One of the definitions for harvest is: the process or period of gathering in the season’s yield or crop. The product or result of an action. 

We are all called to play an action role in God’s harvest. It looks different for each of us, depending on the season in our life. It may be as simple as a prayer for someone we encounter along our path. Or a kind word or action — leaving footprints of God’s love throughout our day. 

So what is your part in the harvest in this season? 

 PRAYER: 

Lord Jesus, help me to be a faithful laborer in this season’s harvest. 

SOLITARY PATHS 

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. —Acts 2:28 

I don’t always know where I’m going — and I often wander off the intended path. 

Truth be known — I am easily distracted. 

I’m certain God choose me to write about solitude and stillness because I desperately need to practice it!

We all do. 

And yet it is a struggle to be still. And to KNOW God is with us. (Psalm 46:10)

To make space for quiet moments. 

God still speaks. But the world is loud and calls us in a million different directions. If we don’t pay close attention, we can miss His Whispers.  

The Wisdom guiding us.  The good works prepared for us.  Joy singing over us.  Love embracing us.  Peace longing to fill us.  The reminder we are never alone.  

God’s Presence surrounds us. And His Spirit lives in us! Making us a holy temple for the Lord. 

How incredible is that? 

Pause for a few moments — let that thought sink deep down into your soul. 

God. In. You. 

And we are most aware of His nearness in the solitary places. 

So where do you need to make space in the temple of your life for Love and Joy and Peace and Wisdom to guide you today? 

PRAYER: 

Lord, help me follow You in the daily of life and to listen for Your Voice above all others. Amen

JUST PAUSE 

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 

Where is your gaze today? 

What we look at encourages what we think.

Press the pause button for a few moments. 

Be still. 

Breathe deeply. 

And simply gaze upon God’s beauty. 

WHATEVER 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. —Philippians 4:8 

Whatever. 

It’s a spoken shrug of the shoulders. 

A “who cares” attitude of indifference. 

I must admit to using “whatever” when I have been angry, or hurt, or disappointed. 

And quite frankly, those are not the moments where I see God clearly.

The Bible shows us a very different use and picture of the word. 

“Whatever” speaks of our wholehearted obedience and commitment to God’s Word. 

When we choose the path of Holiness, it comes with a wonderful promise that the God of peace will be with us!

And so we must ask ourselves— 

What “whatever” of Scripture do I need to steer towards and put into practice today? 

It just might make the world a little nicer place. 

REFLECTION 

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.—Philippians 4:9 

LOOK UP 

Our Father in heaven,  Reveal who you are.  Set the world right;  Do what’s best— as above, so below.  —The Lord's Prayer, The Message 

Prayer matters. 

The God of the universe invites us to call to Him, and tells us He will answer! (Jeremiah 33:3)

What if we prayed throughout our day? 

For hope. 

For healing. 

For grace. 

For God's will to be done. 

On earth, as it is in heaven. 

To be in partnership and collaboration with God. 

And what if it changed the world around us?

But mostly us. 

PRAY: 

A PSALM OF PROTECTION 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  —Psalm 91:1-2 

I’m not too good at memorization. 

But there are a few Psalms and scriptures I have hidden in my heart, so I may declare their promises wherever I am. 

Psalms 91 is one of those scriptures. 

This Psalm reminds me to bring my worry and concerns to the place of Refuge. 

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. —Psalm 91:4 

Where is life bearing down hard on you today? 

Self sufficiency tempts us into thinking we have to manage the weight of our cares alone. 

But God is faithfully at work on behalf of all those who love Him — even when we don’t see or feel it. 

And He invites us to seek shelter in His refreshing shade. 

God tucks us right under His protective wings and keeps us close to the comforting beat of His heart. As we choose to reside in God, He offers us rest and protection. 

I love that visual. 

Next time you are in need of some Divine assistance, memorize and dial up Psalm 9-1-1. 

PRAYER OF DECLARATION 

IN BETWEEN SPACES 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! —2 Corinthians 5:17 

I often find my heart is in the "in between" places in life. 

Seasons of transition. 

New plans and purposes calling to me. 

Yet wanting to be fully present and engaged in the “now” moments. 

As summer drifts away and fall arrives, my soul is conflicted. I yearn for pieces of both seasons at the same time. 

And so it is with life. 

And I have to remind myself — don't look back — you're not going that way any longer. The new is here! 

There is One who brings order and purpose to every season — one day at a time. What we glean and hold dear from the past carries into the new. All a part of who we are and God's unfolding plan. He alone is unchanging and His faithfulness goes before us. 

So come beautiful autumn! For this I know - there will always be a lovely piece of summer in my soul. 

REFLECTION

PEACEFUL MOMENTS 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” JESUS -John 14:27

PEACE. 

A Gift for the soul. From the One who gave His life for us.

An assurance of continual Presence that leaves us well and whole. Regardless of circumstances. 

The chaos of the world— and our own little swirling corner of it — still responds to the Voice of the Peace Giver. 

Listen for the gentle Whispers over you today. 

“Peace, be still.” 

MEDITATION: 

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. —Colossians 3:15 

Become still for a few moments in awareness of the Peacemaker with you. See Him handing you the Gift of Peace. 

Receive it. 

Breathe in: “Peace be still.” 

Exhale: “All fear is gone.” 

Breathe in: “Peace is with me.” 

Exhale: “I will not be afraid.” 

Breathe in: “Christ is for me.” 

BLESSINGS 

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.  Isaiah 65:24 

This sign rests on my prayer room window sill — a daily reminder to keep moving forward in the newness of God’s blessings. 

And this powerful prayer has been resting on my heart:

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!" And God granted him his request.  —1 Chronicles 4:10 

This bold request is tucked away in one little verse of the Bible listing the descendants of Judah. 

It doesn’t say how God specifically answered Jabez, but it tells us God heard and granted his request. 

So I’m praying this prayer believing God wants to bless me and my genealogy.

And He wants to bless you too. 

What are you praying for today? 

What is your heart’s desire? 

Know God sees and hears and delights in answering bold prayers of faith with His MORE. 

PRAYER: