My "Meditation" Journey- The First Steps

My 2016 ONE WORD is "Meditate." After reading Psalm 4, the latter part of verse 4 resonated with me:

"...Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still."

 

I prayed the Holy Spirit would remind me to meditate in the night. During the night, when I awoke, I thought of the baby raccoon that took shelter on our front porch earlier that morning. Separated from its mother, the young raccoon appeared healthy, uninjured, and unafraid of people. It also seemed the little creature was lost and unsure how to care for itself. Animal control picked it up, and it would either be turned out in a field, or cared for by a wildlife rehabilitator until it was older.



As I remembered the raccoon cub, I considered these truths about creation:

 

God feeds the sparrows.

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6: 26.

 

All creatures belong to the Lord. 

"For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills." Psalm 50: 10.

 

Man has God-given dominion over animals.

"Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Genesis 1: 28b.

 

All creation groans as it waits for Christ's return.

"The whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." Romans 8: 22.

 

All creatures will praise God.

"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!' " Revelation 5: 13.

 

The baby raccoon was alone and out-of-place. It took refuge from the cold, and huddled on the door mat. However, our Creator cares for this little cub.

 

God' people have a shelter when we're alone, distressed, confused, or wounded. The Lord God is our refuge and strength. Our Creator loves and cares for us.

 

As I meditated in  my bed, I considered my Awesome God. I felt peace and reassurance. It is good to remember the Lord in the night.

 

 

 



Meditate - My ONE WORD New Year's Prayer

 



I read on social media the word that kills relationships is BUSY. I'm good at BUSY. My calendar is full of BUSY-ness. Often, I BUSY my mind with grievances, fear, and anxious thoughts about circumstances I cannot control. I need improvement on MEDITATING on God's Word. MEDITATE is my ONE WORD for the New Year.

 

The Bible says, "Do not let this Book of Law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1: 8 (NIV). "Hagah" is the Hebrew word for "meditate." It means "to groan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak." Biblical meditation involves speaking God's Word, as well as contemplation, hearing from the Holy Spirit, and applying truth to our lives. Biblical meditation fills our minds with God's truth. Benefits include fruitfulness (Psalm 1: 1-3), understanding (2 Timothy 2: 7), wisdom (Psalm 119: 97- 99), and peace (Isaiah 26: 3).

 

Each New Year is filled with challenges and blessings. As I focus my thinking on God's truth, I can face these challenges with confident expectation in God's promises and blessings. My prayer is that God's people will keep their focus on the LORD of their salvation.

 

Father God, you are our loving Creator, and we are awesomely, wonderfully made in your image. Your works are wonderful! Great is your faithfulness!

Forgive us for making BUSY-NESS our idol. Forgive us for concentrating on our hurts, fears, anxieties, and troubles. Forgive us for complaining and ingratitude. Thank you for your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. We rejoice in your salvation!

In this New Year,  motivate your people to meditate on your commands and promises. Help us to focus our thoughts on things that are true, honorable, and right. May we consider things that are pure, lovely, and admirable. Help us to think about things that are excellent, and worthy of praise.

Thank you for the peace we experience when we keep our minds on you. Thank you for blessing our obedience.

We thank you for your protection, provision, and presence! Guide us in the New Year. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior...amen!

 

 

Happy New Year! May 2016 be filled with God's blessings for you and your family!

 

What is your 2016 ONE WORD?

My INTENTIONAL Journey

My 2015 "ONE WORD" is INTENTIONAL.

I will be INTENTIONAL about memorizing Bible verses. I chose to participate again with the SSMT. Memorize 2 verses a month in 2015, and post these verses as comments to the Living Proof Ministries blog.

For my first verse, and because applying it requires an intentional attitude,  I chose Ephesians 5: 15, "Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, ..."

My second verse is the rest of that sentence: "... making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5: 16 - NIV). One translation puts it this way: "Use every chance for doing good, because these are evil times." (NCV).  Will I be intentional about "making the most of every opportunity"?  I must intentionally choose to do good.

I pulled  into the coffee shop's drive-through and ordered a vanilla latte. I noticed a police vehicle two cars ahead of me, and sensed a "God-nudge"- one of those moments you think maybe God is trying to tell you something. "Pay for the officer's order." 

In that brief window of opportunity to do something good, something kind, something to show appreciation for law enforcement, I rationalized. I justified. I told myself the business probably gives free coffee to police officers. So, I did nothing. And when I got home, I wanted a do-over. Another chance. But the opportune time was...gone.

I'm disappointed I missed an opportunity. But today, is a new day. God's mercy is new. Because evil exists, there will be God-given moments to overcome evil with good. I will be intentional, and do good.

How have you overcome evil with good recently?

One Word 2015

God desires His People to be conformed, not to the world, but to the image of His Son Jesus (Romans 8: 28- 30; Romans 12: 1-2). As considered areas for growth and improvement in 2015, I asked the Lord to give me "ONE WORD" to represent an area where I can mature in Christ. "ONE WORD" is easier to remember than a list of resolutions, that I'm not likely to keep.

My "ONE WORD" is:

"Intentional" resonates with me. As I read, I'm amazed how frequently that word occurs! Uncertain of what I am to be "intentional" about, I will continue to ask God to guide me in this area, yielding my plans to His good plan for me.

Prayerfully consider choosing "ONE WORD" to focus on in 2015. Write your word on an index card, and keep it in a prominent place. Ask God to help you grow in this area, and then take steps to put it into practice. Choose a supportive friend to help and encourage your growth. Throughout the year, review your goals, and restart if necessary. I'm cheering for you!


What's your "ONE WORD" for 2015?

One Word 2014: WRITE

 

Her Facebook post read, "My one little word for 2014 is "PLAYFUL".  My friend intends to live  playfully, not missing any blessed moments of 2014.

 

"Hmmm...interesting," I thought. "What's this 'one word' thing all about?' My curiosity led me on a journey. In a nutshell, it's about choosing one word to define you the entire  year. One meaningful, challenging word to provide focus and direction,  and encourage growth - rather than a list of well-intended, but often broken resolutions. One little word. That's it...one. And I was inspired.

I tend to make some kind of resolution or goal for each new year. And I've learned...the fewer the better. I hate to call a resolution, a resolution, because resolutions get a bad rap. But this "one word" thing.. I have to say friends, has me excited!

Scanning a list of words, the word "WRITE" jumped off the page. It resonated. "That's it...that's my word." I was pleased.

But, I started to over think (another thing I tend to do). Maybe "WRITE" isn't the right word. I'm a blogger, after all. "WRITE" is something I already do. The truth is, I don't write every day. I get distracted and lose focus. "WRITE" also has spiritual significance. Those are the reasons  I chose it as my "one word".  I'm looking forward to the journey!


What's your "one word" for 2014? Please WRITE it in the comments section. And may you accomplish all God has planned for you in 2014! I wish you success.