768 Our Gospel Did Not Come To You In Word Only, A Guided Christian Meditation on 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 with the Recenter With Christ app

The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.

Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.

Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate.

Scripture for Meditation

1 Thessalonians 1:4-6

NIV 4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

ESV 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

Meditation on Scripture:

You are beloved and chosen of God. Raw intellect is not the complete package in terms of faith. How is it that a testimony of God grows and develops? Is it expressly because a person acquires the right facts? I would suggest that knowledge is an element of faith but it is far from the most important. It is more important to experience God’s spirit. Sometimes we can say that we understand that then we live as though it is true.Through that spirit we receive faith. Through that spirit we are transformed. I think this means that it is important for us to focus on welcoming the Gospel and that Spirit into our heart. I certainly don't claim that our effort dictates the activity of God’s spirit but if we look past God speaking to our hearts we miss much of what he would say to us individually. As God speaks to our heart, this becomes the foundation of our faith.

So I think it is incredibly important that we prioritize our focus on the way God’s spirit speaks to us. A couple days ago I was praying for someone I love. I was praying that they could experience peace. In my heart I felt the answer from the Lord is that this was the phase of life they were in. I then had this distinct answer that any words of comfort would need to come from me. This inspired me to try and be even more thoughtful about my answers to this person. I certainly don't think this sets any systemic theology. In some ways the objective truth of this inspiration doesn't matter, it blessed my life, and as a result blessed the life of the person I was praying for. I think for me, this represented a connection with God’s spirit. The still small voice. It is both subtle but also power.

So in moments of meditation focus on listening to the Spirit of God. Also in moments of prayer and quiet that don't quite ascend to the depth of what we would call mediation, focus on listening also. It is not by words only that God through the gospel came to you and continues to transform your life.

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.

Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:

I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials.

Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:

This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast

Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?

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