Thursday, August 10, 2017 Meditation Styles: Meditation About Current Events With Biblical Perspective (Meditation, Part 10 of 10) (Inspired by Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster)

Thursday, August 10, 2017
Meditation Styles: Meditation About Current Events With Biblical Perspective (Meditation, Part 10 of 10)
(Inspired by Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster)

Scripture:
1 John 5:19 (ESV)
We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

Acts 17:30-31 (ESV)
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.

Acts 3:19-21 (ESV)
Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

Matthew 24:40-44 (ESV)
40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left.41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Devotional:
On our final day of studying meditation, we have come to a subject that for me can be challenging. I am very tender hearted, and confess that much of what happens in current events is too much for my heart to manage. To a certain extent, I choose to avoid knowing and filling my mind with the atrocities of today’s fallen world.  I believe this is wisdom when it is not avoidance nor a choice to be ignorant; however, I acknowledge the need for believers to have a sober and intentional awareness of current events.

When you meditate on what is happening in our world, be sure to take the time to ask the Lord to lead you to scripture that will show you God’s perspective. Allow Him to lead you into understanding. Practice this with your children, and teach them to see God’s hand in all things.

A final note: Pastor Foster also shares that we should be sure not to get discouraged if we don’t have earth shattering experiences every time we meditate, or if it takes time. This is expected and normal, and we can trust God that as we practice this deeper discipline that He will meet us where we are!

Prayer:
Father, I thank You for teaching me to have an understanding of meditation. I ask that this truth would sink into my spirit and strengthen my inner man. I bless You for Your desire to teach me to be more like You. Give me wisdom for how this discipline can be applied in my real life with my real responsibilities.

Intercession:
I lift my children. I ask that they would have an understanding as well of Your heart for them. I pray that their hearts and souls would be quiet before You, and that they would grow in maturity beyond their years through the discipline of meditation. (Spend time lifting needs and leaving them with the Lord. Journal as time allows, and be sure to note God’s hand and answers.)


Thank You, God, for Your faithfulness to our family. Cover our day with Your tender mercies. Bless You, Father! In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen. 

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