What is another word for splendour? | Splendour Synonyms

Warning: pedantry.
This article floated up on my Facebook feed yesterday:
The Belle Epoque Body-con Dress that was too Sexy for Paris
I commented on it on FB briefly at the time, but it's a great candidate for a post here because it has some issues.

In the Spring of 1908, three women walked onto the Longchamp racecourse in Paris and jaws dropped. The elite society event was known for debuting the latest couture creations to the public, but no one had seen fashion quite like this before. Dressed in blue, white and havane brown creations, according to newspapers, spectators called the three women a “monstrosity”, accused them of being semi-naked and showing revolting décolletage. It was these three dresses however, which would forever change fashion that day and launch the twentieth century silhouette. As for the designer? Well, no one really bothered to remember her name…

One of the troubles with primary sources in this area is that there's never a lot of attention paid to being factual. Fashion is business, and publicity is publicity. Here's an account from the French paper Gil Blas on May 16, 1908 (my translation):

There was a scandal at Longchamp, last Sunday. [...] Four superb young ladies walked Sunday at Longchamp. The air was tepid, the season pretty, the décor ravishing. [...] So, four superb young women were walking. They provoked the sharpest stir. They passed, a little haughty, laughing, proud of their success. And they had charming little pouts of contempt at the ends of their pink-painted lips for the persons of their sex they met.
They were followed with curiosity. The men were admiring, the women stupefied and sometime indignant. Some ladies cried: "it's a scandal!" And they roused other women who almost caused a riot.
These sensational girls spread under the Sunday sun gowns of the latest model that Mme Margaine-Lacroix, a dressmaker very in vogue, it seems, wants to offer to us. Empire or Directoire gowns, say some; greek robes, say others. They aren't fixed. Pagan gowns, in any case, I think ... And this original quartet went with tranquility among the masculine homage and feminine denigration. The thin and silky fabrics, uncovering the neck and allowing their admirable shoulders to be admired, wound from the chest to the ankle in a harmonious mixture which was designed to delight their contours, arched the waist, descended in delicate spirals and let one guess at the gracious movement of a fine leg on the open side.

Here's an English account from The Truth, May 27. Just between the two of these, there are discrepancies. For one thing, the naked backs and chests in The Truth don't show up in the photographs of the event. It's understandable that the writer went with the English one - it's a lot more accessible - but it's very sensationalist and plays on the "dangerously sexy Parisian women" stereotype. And the images from the MessyNessyChic article are dated on Gallica to May 10, so the Sunday that Gil Blas refers to as the day of the riot - but they all have sheer or white insets in their gowns that cover their chests - no décolletage, no naked skin. (Although from the photos, one woman did manage to show cleavage through her dress.) The English source is also fairly clear that it was the bright, attention-getting colors and the fact that these were dresses suited for fancier, indoor events that caused part of the stir, rather than just shock at how tight and revealing they were on an absolute scale. Lastly for that first paragraph, everyone remembered the designer's name - both of my primary sources name Margaine-Lacroix. It was a successful stunt.

Long before Lycra or Spanx came along, she soon began making dresses made from stretchy elastic silk jersey, outlining the hips and thighs and slimming the figure.

Silk jersey is nothing like Spanx - a jersey dress does not slim your figure. To the contrary, it's horribly unforgiving.

The gawking crowd at Longchamp could see that the women were not wearing what they considered to be underwear, which in those days of course consisted of bulky under-garments including a full corset, petticoat and chemise.

The thing is, they probably were. By this point, it was A Thing to proclaim, as in The Truth, that a fashion required no corsets or that you never wore one ... but the women in the pictures have figures that are impossible without corsetry. They are wearing underwear. (Corsets of this period were usually made of a single layer of coutil, and petticoats and chemises were very light muslin. Not bulky.)

You could now see their real, natural, soft bodies, rather than stiffly corseted, heavy-bosomed artificial silhouettes.

Er ... those are some pretty heavy bosoms in the photographs.

Their skirts were also oh-so-shockingly split to the knee

Yes, but. The Truth explains how the outfit is actually two parts, a pleated dessous or underdress and a overgown with a slit up the side. The spectators at Longchamps weren't seeing legs, they were seeing underskirts (that clung to the leg).

These “marvellous women” or “fabulous divas” scandalised [Revolutionary] Paris with revealing dresses and tunics modelled after the ancient Greeks and Romans, cut of light or transparent linen and gauze, often too tight to even allow pockets.

At that time, pockets were large, deep bags (essentially) that were tied to the waist under a gown and accessed through slits in the skirt. They could be very bulky, since they filled the function of a handbag - it wasn't that any woman's clothes ca. 1800 were too tight to allow anything underneath, it was just that the slimmer line and sheerer fabrics made wearing pockets under the gown impractical.

And it was Margaine-Lacroix’s dresses that floated across those Lonchamps racetracks in 1908 which sparked the desire for change.

Fashion is always changing - at the end of the 19th century, the vast majority of bodices were made very fitted to the shape. Then around 1900 a looser fit began to predominate, sometimes over a fitted lining and sometimes not. It was natural for the characteristic Edwardian blousy bodice to fall out of favor without any spark. By about 1906, it had become desirable for tailored suits to be smooth down the front rather than showing an echo of the gathered bodice in front; by 1907 there were advertisements for ordinary dresses that were fitted instead of fluffy. This fashion illustration dates to March 1908, a month before the Longchamps event, but the dress it shows looks an awful lot like Margaine-Lacroix's. It's almost never true (I say "almost never" because you're not supposed to say "never", but it's not like I can think of any exceptions) that widespread fashion changes occur because of a single designer's brainchild.

Almost overnight, every impressionable young lady longing for a change from the rigid Victorian dress wanted to be those three women in the sassy slimline dresses.

Argh, not Victorian! Victoria was queen until her death in 1901; her son Edward became king in that year. It's sadly common to erase his reign in pop fashion history because "Victorian" has instant name recognition as a synonym for "uncomfortable and dowdy". Victorian fashion was hardly rigid, but I'm struggling to think of how this stereotypical Edwardian dress could be considered "rigid".

But throughout all the sensation and the press reports, Margaine-Lacroix’s name was left out of the headlines; not even given a footnote, and she was subsequently written out of fashion history.

Margaine-Lacroix did get the publicity for her dresses, as linked above, but I will allow that she's been written out of fashion history. The thing is, though, pretty much everyone was written out of fashion history. You would think that Rose Bertin (Marie Antoinette's marchande des modes) was the first designer, and then there were shabby and unmemorable seamstresses for decades until Charles Frederick Worth invented the fashion industry, followed by Chanel inventing modern clothes in 1920. There are SO MANY dressmakers and couturiers who deserve to be remembered and none of them are. It really sucks. Even among people who are more interested in fashion history, only a few more names are added to the list.

“Margaine-Lacroix has been forgotten, cast into shadow by the splendours of the Russian Ballet, and the exquisite illustrations of Poiret’s gowns. But influential as these were, it was Jeanne Margaine-Lacroix who brought about the general adoption of the lean, modern look. She deserves to be recognised as one of the most influential designers of the late Belle Époque.”

Promoting Margaine-Lacroix as The One Who Did It is just as much of a mistake as leaving her out, see above.
At least one of my former classmates is fighting the good fight in the comments.

Realize god is not one sided. God has a personality and can be your best friend. God can give you everything if you give up everything. God has given use Free will which is very powerful. God does not control your free will. It is like a parent once your child is 18 they can technically do whatever they want. You can love them, guide them, call them but they make their own choices.
For the joy of the LORD is my strength (Neh 8:10)! I trust in Yahweh with all my heart; and lean not unto my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge Him, and He shall direct my paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Jesus keeps me in perfect peace, as my mind is stayed on Him: because I trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). Patience in God. I wait upon the Lord, and He renews my strength; I mount up with wings as eagles, I run, and am not weary; I walk, and am not faint (Isaiah 40:31). My delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law do I meditate day and night. And I shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season, my leaf also shall not wither, and whatever I do, shall prosper (Psalms 1:2-3).
God Provides and Abundances in God. My God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19) God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to His power that works in me (Ephesians 3:20).
I keep the words of God’s covenant, and do them, that I may prosper in all that I do (Deut 29:9).
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)!
I seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto me (Matthew 6:33).

1. SUBMITTING TO GOD Because of all You have done for me, I present my body to You as a living sacrifice for this day. I want to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, affirming that Your will for me is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
   
2. ADORATION AND THANKSGIVING
   

Offer a brief word of praise to God for one or more of His attributes (e.g., love and compassion, grace, mercy, holiness, goodness, omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, truthfulness, unchanging character, eternality) and/or works (e.g., creation, care, redemption, loving purposes, second coming). Thank Him for the good things in your life. Thank god for everything in your life. Big and small, for example be thankful for your breathe, eyesight, legs, and you can be thankful for the material blessings also.If you have a nice house, Rolex or whatever else you should be thankful for that also. Realize god is the reason for your abundance. The bible talks about the wicked being wealthy. Many Christians feel it bad to have money. Money is just a source of power if you are not using it wisely someone else will take it.
EXAMINATION Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of un confessed sin. Ask god to forgive of sins you may not aware you have committed. Also ask to forgive and break any curses you might have in your family history and future. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness. (Psalm 139:23-24)
Tattoos are demonic. They are blood covenants with the devil. Tattoos are directly tied to sexual sin also. People who are living in Sin feel the need to acquire more tattoos on thier body to cover the shame they feel. When you get a tattoo
MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST. I choose to walk with the Lord. My life is filled with Christ.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

• I have forgiveness from the penalty of sin because Christ died for me. (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3)
  
• I have freedom from the power of sin because I died with Christ. (Colossians 2:11; 1 Peter 2:24)
  
• I have fulfillment for this day because Christ lives in me. (Philippians 1:20-21)
  
• By faith, I will allow Christ to manifest His life through me. (2 Corinthians 2:14)
  

1. FILLING OF THE SPIRIT Ask the Spirit to control and fill you for this day. I want to be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18) When I walk by the Spirit, I will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) If I live by the Spirit, I will also walk by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
2. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT Pray on the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol. (Galatians 5:22-23) “Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
   
3. PURPOSE OF MY LIFE. Many believers still struggle with depression, life purpose and other issues. Who wins soul is wise. If you do not know what to do in life ask god to show you.
   

I want to love the Lord my God with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my mind, and I want to love my neighbor as myself. (Matthew 22:37, 39) My purpose is to love Yahweh completely, love self correctly, and love others compassionately. I will seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. (Matthew 6:33) I have been called to follow Christ and to be a fisher of men. (Matthew 4:19) I will be a witness to those who do not know Him and participate in the Great Commission to go and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8) I want to glorify the Father by bearing much fruit, and so prove to be Christ's disciple. (John 15:8)

1. CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DAY / Work Related Issues. Give your life to the lord.

Daily Issues I will trust in the Lord with all my heart, and not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I will acknowledge Him, and He will make my paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28; also see 8:29)
I acknowledge that You are in control of all things in my life, and that You have my best interests at heart. Because of this I will trust and obey You today. Review and commit the events of this day into the hands of God.

1. PROTECTION IN THE WARFARE AGAINST THE WORLD: RENEW. Keep your mind and hear on the lord. This Life is temporary but we have to stay rooted in the Lord. It is easy to fall under attacks from the Enemy. Demonic attacks can come from music, movies, video games. The media is the main tool of the enemy. Watch your children’s habits on their iPad and devices. We know that the Devil was the leader of worship music. Music is a powerful tool for both the Kingdom of God and the devil alike.

I will set my mind on the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:5)
Since I have been raised up with Christ, I will keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of Yahweh. I will set my mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:1-2; also see 3:3-4 and Hebrews 12:1-2) I will be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving I will let my requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, I will let my mind dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:6-8; also see 4:9)
AGAINST THE FLESH: RECKON I know that my old self was crucified with Christ, so that I am no longer a slave to sin, for he who has died is freed from sin. I will reckon myself as dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. I will not present the members of my body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but I will present myself to God as one alive from the dead, and my members as instruments of righteousness to God. (Romans 6:6-7, 11, 13)
AGAINST THE DEVIL: RESIST As I submit myself to God and resist the devil, he will flee from me. (James 4:7) I will be of sober spirit and on the alert. My adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But I will resist him, firm in my faith. (1 Peter 5:8-9) I will take up the full armor of Yahweh, that I may be able to resist and stand firm. I put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness; I put on my feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; and I take up the shield of faith with which I will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. I take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Jehovah. With all prayer and petition I will pray at all times in the Spirit and be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:13-18)

1. THE COMING OF CHRIST AND MY FUTURE WITH HIM. We are living in the end times. We are able to see signs of this every where. Jesus will be returning for his church the bride. Many believers will be deceived in the end times. It is important to stay sober and vigilant as believers.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done. (Matthew 6:10) You have said, “I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20) I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to me. (Romans 8:18).
I will not lose heart, but though my outer man is decaying, yet my inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for me an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while I look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
My citizenship is in heaven, from which also I eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20) (Also consider 2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 11:1, 6; 2 Peter 3:11-12; 1 John 2:28; 3:2-3.)
I hope this book helped you. I hope you become a strong warrior for Yahweh. Seek God's Kingdom and all you will have everything you want in life. If you want to come to god Repent of your sins and find a good community of believers. Join a small group in church. This is very important so you are engaged in Fellowship on a smaller level.
Green Tea Book Release Book today iBooks A book a week We are aiming for execution not perfection. ow to Meditate on God's Word Free Christian Software Free Scripture Memory Software My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. (Ps 119:148) Perhaps one of the most neglected disciplines in the Christian life these days is that of Meditation. I believe that very few Christians have been taught how important it is to pay close attention to what they think about. Consider the following: We have all heard the expression, "you are what you eat", but is also true to say "you are (and are becoming) what you think." Here is a challenge for you. Over the next few weeks take special note about what things you spend your time thinking about. Consider the following questions. Are you critical of others? Do you mope because you do not receive the praise you feel you deserve? How much time do you spend worrying about this or that? How much time do you spend grumbling or complaining or feeling sorry for your self? How much time do you spend thinking about the TV shows you watched last night? How much time do you re-live the bad things people do to you? Do you list out all your misfortunes? Do you allow yourself to be angry for long periods of time? Do you think about bad things happening to the people you are angry with? Do you think about bad things happening to yourself? Do you rejoice in the misfortunes of others? Do you dwell on lustful and impure thoughts? Do you glory in the important position you hold in church? Do you review reasons why you are better than others or better suited than others? Do you list reasons why others you know are deficient in some way as compared to yourself? Did you know that you are what you are right now - not what you would like to be, nor what you ought to be, nor are you what you used to be. You are what you are today. Today, the 'real you' is shown by what you do and by what you think about in your heart - what you meditate on. Further, the things that you allow your heart to dwell on today is building what you will be for tomorrow and the tomorrow after that. Let's look at some verses which illustrate that you act out of and can be judged by the state of your heart. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Lu 6:45) But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man unclean'. (Mt 15:18) "What comes out of a man is what makes himunclean'. For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man `unclean'." (MA 7:20-23) As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. (Pr 27:19) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Pr 4:23) Your 'inner life' is an accurate representation of the real you. No matter what service you perform for God, or what you appear to be to others, the important thing is the purity of your inner self. Consider the words of Christ as he speaks to the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. (Matthew 23:25-28) The Pharisees were an obvious case of hypocrisy. But not so obvious that they noticed. They spent all of their time making sure that they obeyed the letter of the law perfectly. From the outside, it appeared that they were keeping God's law perfectly and were therefore righteous men. In spite of all their work, they are all dismissed as being filled with greed, self-indulgence, hypocrisy and wickedness. What a shock this accusation must have been to them. You see, our God is not impressed with what we appear to be. We are all very good at 'playing Church'.
No, God is most interested in what we are like on the inside. He wishes to change us from the inside out. His goal is to make us clean on the inside so that we would naturally be clean on the outside. If you are clean in your heart, then you will automatically be clean on the outside. Paul talks about the importance of having a loving heart. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) Paul says that I can have great gifts, give everything I have away to the needy, and even give up my life for Christ, but if I do not have love, it counts for nothing at all. But what does all this have to do with meditation? Let's start by asking the question 'what is meditation?'. This is what Webster's says concerning a few related words: Meditate: to engage in contemplation or reflection, to focus one's thoughts on: reflect or ponder over. to plan or project in the mind Think: to form or have in the mind, to have as an opinion, to regard as or consider, to reflect on or ponder, to determine by reflecting, to call to mind or remember, to center ones thoughts on or form a mental picture of, to have in the mind engaged in reflection, to consider. reflect: to think quietly and calmly ponder: to weigh in the mind, to think about, reflect on, to think about - esp quietly, soberly and deeply. Also, according to Webster's: The words Ponder, Meditate, Muse, and Ruminate are synonyms and mean to consider or examine attentively or deliberately. PONDER implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter; MEDITATE implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something as to understand it deeply; muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance; RUMINATE implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption. Meditation is a function of the mind and the heart. It is what we think about in our hearts and it is something we each do every day. Whether we realize it or not, we all spend a large portion of our time in some form of meditation. The thing is, what we meditate on may or may not be worth while. In fact, what we habitually think about is frequently unhealthy for our growth as Christians. Often it is simply sinful. This is why I asked you earlier to spend some time making notes about what you thing about. This is the first step in the process of training ourselves to think correctly. Firstly, let us look at what the Bible says about meditation: Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (2TIM 2:7) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Ps 19:14) Do not let this Book of the 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. (Jos 1:8) Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. (Ps 48:9) I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. (Ps 77:12) I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. (Ps 119:15) Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. (Ps 119:23) Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. (Ps 119:27) I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. (Ps 119:48) May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. (Ps 119:78) Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. (Ps 119:97) I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. (Ps 119:99) My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. (Ps 119:148) I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. (Ps 143:5) They will speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. (Ps 145:5) May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. (Ps 104:34) Finally, brothers, 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. (Php 4:8) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Romans 12:1-3) The verses quoted above describe to us what we should be doing. But this type of meditation does not come naturally. By nature, we stir up and act out that which is in our hearts. If your heart is filled with good things, you will have a tendency to meditate on good things. If your heart is filled with bad things, you will naturally think about and meditate on these things. Here are some comments on the thoughts of heart of the 'natural' man: The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time (Ge 6:5) The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have (Ge 8:21) Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. (Isa 55:7) Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are evil thoughts; ruin and destruction mark their ways. (Isa 59:7) O Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbour wicked thoughts? (Jer 4:14) Like it or not, this is what the heart of the natural man is like. Some more and some less noticeably depraved, but depraved just the same. But we are children of God and have been called to something better. We are told to live lives of true purity, and this purity must start from the inside out. I firmly believe that through God's grace and the power of his spirit, and through the prayers and ministry of our brothers in the Lord, we can (and must) train ourselves to have a pure thought life. If we do this, we will start to see changes in our attitude and behavior. Our hearts will start to become pure and we will enjoy the pleasure of the Lord. But how do we accomplish this? First, we must become consciously aware of what we spend our time meditating on now. We must take a detailed account of what we think about and based on biblical principles decide whether it is good or bad. When you catch yourself meditating on something undesirable, renounce it and cast it away. Imagine yourself throwing it to the ground and stepping on it to kill it. Then immediately choose to replace the thought with a good one, such as a prayer, a memorized scripture or song. Do not be discouraged if you find yourself thinking about that same thing only a minute or two later. Simply recognize sin as sin, renounce it again and choose to replace the thought with something worthwhile. You will find that many of your personal idols are firmly attached to your hearts as if with elastic bands so when you through them away they just snap back at you. But eventually the elastic will break and you will be free. Similarly, do not think it strange if you find it difficult to cast off the undesirable thought pattern. Remember that your heart has a basic tendency to enjoy such things; you will be fighting with yourself. But you do not have to give in. Consider Paul's attitude about discipline in the Christian life: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Cor 9:24-27) Please note that the Greek word translated 'beat my body' has a literal meaning of 'to bruise under the eye'. So, if you desire to overcome a certain sin, and are fighting it, why not choose to bash your head against the wall (figuratively speaking) and say "I will not do this". For we are told if we resist the Devil, he will flee from us. Jesus took an extreme view of the fight against sin. This is why he said: If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. (Matthew 5:29-30) Some days you will win and some days you will lose, but do not give up! Feed your mind, feed your heart ... Your mind and your heart are both like clay - being shaped and formed with each passing day. There are some questions to be asked: Whose hands are forming my heart and mind? What are they being formed into? What is my responsibility in the process? Whether your realize it or not, your character is being formed and solidified with each passing day. This is true whether you plan through what you want to be or if you just let life happen. Some of the most powerful influences on the development of your character come from the following sources: What you read What you look at What you listen to The people you associate with What you think about All these things feed your brain and together are a significant influence in the way your mind is programmed. Piece by piece, like bricks in a wall, this programming trains you how to respond, how to think, what to think, what to value and pursue, how to treat others and what you should/should not do. Do not be deceived, even small amounts of negative input has a noticeable effect over the long run. You have heard the expression that applies to computers - "garbage in, garbage out". This applies to your mind as well. You can be holy in an unholy world, but it's hard to avoid being effected by the ungodly influence that society has on you. It's all around us every day. Society does not teach godly behavior. Each day we are exposed to a great deal of negative reenforcement. But, we can limit this negative input by carefully selecting the things we do when where there is a choice. For example: Avoid watching television shows which suggest ungodly behavior is acceptable. Do not rent or go to see movies which expose your minds to crude and unacceptable behavior. The images on a TV screen are very strong and have a powerful teaching influence on the mind, especially young minds. Many things we see on television are entertaining, but not helpful for building ourselves up in the Lord. Do not read books which glorify ungodliness. Avoid pornography of all forms. Artwork and anything else we have in our houses should be in good taste and not conflict with the teaching of Christ.
Refuse to listen in on dirty jokes or gossip. Do not participate in the activities of crude people. I hesitate to say do not be friends with crude people, because our primary goal is to be witnesses for Christ. Rather, don't participate in or enjoy their activities. Be salt and light. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Eph 5:4) Do not listen to music which promotes sin and ungodliness. Much of the above should be repulsive to a Christian anyway because they are opposed to God. But now to the point of it all. Instead of filling your mind with even more rubbish than you get from the world everyday anyway, see to it that you fill your mind with good things instead. And do not nurture the bad which is already there, rather get rid of it as garbage. There is plenty for us to do. Do not feel obligated to watch much television. In Canada and the US there is literally an unlimited number of good Christian books to read. There are many Christian tapes and videos as well. There is no shortage of good Christian music as well. There is a lot of programs, books, music, activities and other things which are not known as 'Christian things', but are still good. Participate in fellowship with Christians and associate yourself with godly people. The point is, you need to deliberately avoid certain types of input and replace it with others. In doing so you will begin to find that you are free to live a life pleasing to God. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Col 3:1-3) Do not consume ungodly media. Sleep. The following are only some of the additional things we can do to support a healthy heart. Productive work/Christian service. Bible Study Prayer Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs Fellowship with other believers Meditation on the things of God The value of Christian meditation What then is Christian meditation? It is the deliberate practice of turning our hearts and our minds to the full time task of bringing the word of God to life in the daily activities of our lives. As I said earlier, God wants to change us from the inside out. He wants to renew our minds and hearts so they will become more like his own. However, it is only by God's grace and power that this could ever happen. We cannot change ourselves. God uses a number of things to accomplish this. But the primary tool he uses is his own word recorded in the Bible. If we ignore it, he cannot work in us. If we use it and put it to use, he will be able to enter into our lives and form us into what he wants us to be. Meditation on the word of God allows its transforming power to renew our minds and change our hearts. Meditation as a lifestyle (How do I meditate on God's word?) Meditation on the things of God yields wisdom and purity. It yields spiritual maturity and communion with God. Here are a few of the things we can meditate on. The things God has done for me and others I know. The holiness and perfection of God. The Beauty of Christ Our meeting with God after our life here is complete Our eternal fellowship which we will have with Him The meaning/application of any specific passage of scripture. Focus on your breathe and close your eyes.
Anything God has just taught us or made us aware of Questions regarding the will of God. The salvation he has given us The life he has freed us from You see, much of this is reflection on the relationship we have with God, it is thinking about His love and influence in your life, it is wondering about His awesome power and mighty deeds. It is joyfully giving thanks to Him for all he has done. It is sitting in awe and appreciation of his works. It is using all your energy to understand and obey his word.
Just as your digestive system processes the food you eat so it can be of use to your body, so also meditation digests all things concerning God and makes them a power which can renew your heart.
Meditation centers on the relationship we have with God that comes through Jesus Christ. It seeks to improve this relationship by allowing God to use his word to renew our minds and our hearts through knowledge of his will. The word of God plays a central role in meditation because it is the place where our knowledge of God originates. We must therefore determine to know the word of God so that we have the material we need for meditation available to us.
This involves diligent study and memorization of the scriptures. This will make sure that everything in the scriptures will be at your fingertips when you want it. Memorized scripture plays an important role in the art of meditation. I have written two articles on the subject of memorizing scripture: Why Memorize Scripture How to Memorize Scripture Meditation can be done at all times of the day.
It requires a bit of planning and extra effort to keep focused becuase it is work. It is also foreign to the natural state of your heart. It is something you choose to do. Meditation can be done both on planned, pre-arranged times and informally, whenever your mind is free. During your morning quiet time While you do household chores or waiting for something While you drive to work While you are waiting to sleep When you wake in the middle of the night

Realize god is not one sided. God has a personality and can be your best friend. God can give you everything if you give up everything. God has given use Free will which is very powerful. God does not control your free will. It is like a parent once your child is 18 they can technically do whatever they want. You can love them, guide them, call them but they make their own choices.
For the joy of the LORD is my strength (Neh 8:10)! I trust in Yahweh with all my heart; and lean not unto my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge Him, and He shall direct my paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Jesus keeps me in perfect peace, as my mind is stayed on Him: because I trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). Patience in God. I wait upon the Lord, and He renews my strength; I mount up with wings as eagles, I run, and am not weary; I walk, and am not faint (Isaiah 40:31). My delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law do I meditate day and night. And I shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season, my leaf also shall not wither, and whatever I do, shall prosper (Psalms 1:2-3).
God Provides and Abundances in God. My God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19) God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to His power that works in me (Ephesians 3:20).
I keep the words of God’s covenant, and do them, that I may prosper in all that I do (Deut 29:9).
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)!
I seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto me (Matthew 6:33).

1. SUBMITTING TO GOD Because of all You have done for me, I present my body to You as a living sacrifice for this day. I want to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, affirming that Your will for me is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
   
2. ADORATION AND THANKSGIVING
   

Offer a brief word of praise to God for one or more of His attributes (e.g., love and compassion, grace, mercy, holiness, goodness, omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, truthfulness, unchanging character, eternality) and/or works (e.g., creation, care, redemption, loving purposes, second coming). Thank Him for the good things in your life. Thank god for everything in your life. Big and small, for example be thankful for your breathe, eyesight, legs, and you can be thankful for the material blessings also.If you have a nice house, Rolex or whatever else you should be thankful for that also. Realize god is the reason for your abundance. The bible talks about the wicked being wealthy. Many Christians feel it bad to have money. Money is just a source of power if you are not using it wisely someone else will take it.
EXAMINATION Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of un confessed sin. Ask god to forgive of sins you may not aware you have committed. Also ask to forgive and break any curses you might have in your family history and future. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness. (Psalm 139:23-24)
Tattoos are demonic. They are blood covenants with the devil. Tattoos are directly tied to sexual sin also. People who are living in Sin feel the need to acquire more tattoos on thier body to cover the shame they feel. When you get a tattoo
MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST. I choose to walk with the Lord. My life is filled with Christ.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

• I have forgiveness from the penalty of sin because Christ died for me. (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3)
  
• I have freedom from the power of sin because I died with Christ. (Colossians 2:11; 1 Peter 2:24)
  
• I have fulfillment for this day because Christ lives in me. (Philippians 1:20-21)
  
• By faith, I will allow Christ to manifest His life through me. (2 Corinthians 2:14)
  

1. FILLING OF THE SPIRIT Ask the Spirit to control and fill you for this day. I want to be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18) When I walk by the Spirit, I will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) If I live by the Spirit, I will also walk by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
2. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT Pray on the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol. (Galatians 5:22-23) “Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
   
3. PURPOSE OF MY LIFE. Many believers still struggle with depression, life purpose and other issues. Who wins soul is wise. If you do not know what to do in life ask god to show you.
   

I want to love the Lord my God with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my mind, and I want to love my neighbor as myself. (Matthew 22:37, 39) My purpose is to love Yahweh completely, love self correctly, and love others compassionately. I will seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. (Matthew 6:33) I have been called to follow Christ and to be a fisher of men. (Matthew 4:19) I will be a witness to those who do not know Him and participate in the Great Commission to go and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8) I want to glorify the Father by bearing much fruit, and so prove to be Christ's disciple. (John 15:8)

1. CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DAY / Work Related Issues. Give your life to the lord.

Daily Issues I will trust in the Lord with all my heart, and not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I will acknowledge Him, and He will make my paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28; also see 8:29)
I acknowledge that You are in control of all things in my life, and that You have my best interests at heart. Because of this I will trust and obey You today. Review and commit the events of this day into the hands of God.

1. PROTECTION IN THE WARFARE AGAINST THE WORLD: RENEW. Keep your mind and hear on the lord. This Life is temporary but we have to stay rooted in the Lord. It is easy to fall under attacks from the Enemy. Demonic attacks can come from music, movies, video games. The media is the main tool of the enemy. Watch your children’s habits on their iPad and devices. We know that the Devil was the leader of worship music. Music is a powerful tool for both the Kingdom of God and the devil alike.

I will set my mind on the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:5)
Since I have been raised up with Christ, I will keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of Yahweh. I will set my mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:1-2; also see 3:3-4 and Hebrews 12:1-2) I will be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving I will let my requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, I will let my mind dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:6-8; also see 4:9)
AGAINST THE FLESH: RECKON I know that my old self was crucified with Christ, so that I am no longer a slave to sin, for he who has died is freed from sin. I will reckon myself as dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. I will not present the members of my body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but I will present myself to God as one alive from the dead, and my members as instruments of righteousness to God. (Romans 6:6-7, 11, 13)
AGAINST THE DEVIL: RESIST As I submit myself to God and resist the devil, he will flee from me. (James 4:7) I will be of sober spirit and on the alert. My adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But I will resist him, firm in my faith. (1 Peter 5:8-9) I will take up the full armor of Yahweh, that I may be able to resist and stand firm. I put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness; I put on my feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; and I take up the shield of faith with which I will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. I take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Jehovah. With all prayer and petition I will pray at all times in the Spirit and be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:13-18)

1. THE COMING OF CHRIST AND MY FUTURE WITH HIM. We are living in the end times. We are able to see signs of this every where. Jesus will be returning for his church the bride. Many believers will be deceived in the end times. It is important to stay sober and vigilant as believers.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done. (Matthew 6:10) You have said, “I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20) I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to me. (Romans 8:18).
I will not lose heart, but though my outer man is decaying, yet my inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for me an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while I look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
My citizenship is in heaven, from which also I eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20) (Also consider 2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 11:1, 6; 2 Peter 3:11-12; 1 John 2:28; 3:2-3.)
I hope this book helped you. I hope you become a strong warrior for Yahweh. Seek God's Kingdom and all you will have everything you want in life. If you want to come to god Repent of your sins and find a good community of believers. Join a small group in church. This is very important so you are engaged in Fellowship on a smaller level.
Green Tea Book Release Book today iBooks A book a week We are aiming for execution not perfection. ow to Meditate on God's Word Free Christian Software Free Scripture Memory Software My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. (Ps 119:148) Perhaps one of the most neglected disciplines in the Christian life these days is that of Meditation. I believe that very few Christians have been taught how important it is to pay close attention to what they think about. Consider the following: We have all heard the expression, "you are what you eat", but is also true to say "you are (and are becoming) what you think." Here is a challenge for you. Over the next few weeks take special note about what things you spend your time thinking about. Consider the following questions. Are you critical of others? Do you mope because you do not receive the praise you feel you deserve? How much time do you spend worrying about this or that? How much time do you spend grumbling or complaining or feeling sorry for your self? How much time do you spend thinking about the TV shows you watched last night? How much time do you re-live the bad things people do to you? Do you list out all your misfortunes? Do you allow yourself to be angry for long periods of time? Do you think about bad things happening to the people you are angry with? Do you think about bad things happening to yourself? Do you rejoice in the misfortunes of others? Do you dwell on lustful and impure thoughts? Do you glory in the important position you hold in church? Do you review reasons why you are better than others or better suited than others? Do you list reasons why others you know are deficient in some way as compared to yourself? Did you know that you are what you are right now - not what you would like to be, nor what you ought to be, nor are you what you used to be. You are what you are today. Today, the 'real you' is shown by what you do and by what you think about in your heart - what you meditate on. Further, the things that you allow your heart to dwell on today is building what you will be for tomorrow and the tomorrow after that. Let's look at some verses which illustrate that you act out of and can be judged by the state of your heart. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Lu 6:45) But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man unclean'. (Mt 15:18) "What comes out of a man is what makes himunclean'. For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man `unclean'." (MA 7:20-23) As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. (Pr 27:19) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Pr 4:23) Your 'inner life' is an accurate representation of the real you. No matter what service you perform for God, or what you appear to be to others, the important thing is the purity of your inner self. Consider the words of Christ as he speaks to the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. (Matthew 23:25-28) The Pharisees were an obvious case of hypocrisy. But not so obvious that they noticed. They spent all of their time making sure that they obeyed the letter of the law perfectly. From the outside, it appeared that they were keeping God's law perfectly and were therefore righteous men. In spite of all their work, they are all dismissed as being filled with greed, self-indulgence, hypocrisy and wickedness. What a shock this accusation must have been to them. You see, our God is not impressed with what we appear to be. We are all very good at 'playing Church'.
No, God is most interested in what we are like on the inside. He wishes to change us from the inside out. His goal is to make us clean on the inside so that we would naturally be clean on the outside. If you are clean in your heart, then you will automatically be clean on the outside. Paul talks about the importance of having a loving heart. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) Paul says that I can have great gifts, give everything I have away to the needy, and even give up my life for Christ, but if I do not have love, it counts for nothing at all. But what does all this have to do with meditation? Let's start by asking the question 'what is meditation?'. This is what Webster's says concerning a few related words: Meditate: to engage in contemplation or reflection, to focus one's thoughts on: reflect or ponder over. to plan or project in the mind Think: to form or have in the mind, to have as an opinion, to regard as or consider, to reflect on or ponder, to determine by reflecting, to call to mind or remember, to center ones thoughts on or form a mental picture of, to have in the mind engaged in reflection, to consider. reflect: to think quietly and calmly ponder: to weigh in the mind, to think about, reflect on, to think about - esp quietly, soberly and deeply. Also, according to Webster's: The words Ponder, Meditate, Muse, and Ruminate are synonyms and mean to consider or examine attentively or deliberately. PONDER implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter; MEDITATE implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something as to understand it deeply; muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance; RUMINATE implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption. Meditation is a function of the mind and the heart. It is what we think about in our hearts and it is something we each do every day. Whether we realize it or not, we all spend a large portion of our time in some form of meditation. The thing is, what we meditate on may or may not be worth while. In fact, what we habitually think about is frequently unhealthy for our growth as Christians. Often it is simply sinful. This is why I asked you earlier to spend some time making notes about what you thing about. This is the first step in the process of training ourselves to think correctly. Firstly, let us look at what the Bible says about meditation: Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (2TIM 2:7) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Ps 19:14) Do not let this Book of the 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. (Jos 1:8) Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. (Ps 48:9) I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. (Ps 77:12) I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. (Ps 119:15) Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. (Ps 119:23) Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. (Ps 119:27) I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. (Ps 119:48) May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. (Ps 119:78) Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. (Ps 119:97) I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. (Ps 119:99) My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. (Ps 119:148) I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. (Ps 143:5) They will speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. (Ps 145:5) May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. (Ps 104:34) Finally, brothers, 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. (Php 4:8) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Romans 12:1-3) The verses quoted above describe to us what we should be doing. But this type of meditation does not come naturally. By nature, we stir up and act out that which is in our hearts. If your heart is filled with good things, you will have a tendency to meditate on good things. If your heart is filled with bad things, you will naturally think about and meditate on these things. Here are some comments on the thoughts of heart of the 'natural' man: The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time (Ge 6:5) The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have (Ge 8:21) Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. (Isa 55:7) Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are evil thoughts; ruin and destruction mark their ways. (Isa 59:7) O Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbour wicked thoughts? (Jer 4:14) Like it or not, this is what the heart of the natural man is like. Some more and some less noticeably depraved, but depraved just the same. But we are children of God and have been called to something better. We are told to live lives of true purity, and this purity must start from the inside out. I firmly believe that through God's grace and the power of his spirit, and through the prayers and ministry of our brothers in the Lord, we can (and must) train ourselves to have a pure thought life. If we do this, we will start to see changes in our attitude and behavior. Our hearts will start to become pure and we will enjoy the pleasure of the Lord. But how do we accomplish this? First, we must become consciously aware of what we spend our time meditating on now. We must take a detailed account of what we think about and based on biblical principles decide whether it is good or bad. When you catch yourself meditating on something undesirable, renounce it and cast it away. Imagine yourself throwing it to the ground and stepping on it to kill it. Then immediately choose to replace the thought with a good one, such as a prayer, a memorized scripture or song. Do not be discouraged if you find yourself thinking about that same thing only a minute or two later. Simply recognize sin as sin, renounce it again and choose to replace the thought with something worthwhile. You will find that many of your personal idols are firmly attached to your hearts as if with elastic bands so when you through them away they just snap back at you. But eventually the elastic will break and you will be free. Similarly, do not think it strange if you find it difficult to cast off the undesirable thought pattern. Remember that your heart has a basic tendency to enjoy such things; you will be fighting with yourself. But you do not have to give in. Consider Paul's attitude about discipline in the Christian life: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Cor 9:24-27) Please note that the Greek word translated 'beat my body' has a literal meaning of 'to bruise under the eye'. So, if you desire to overcome a certain sin, and are fighting it, why not choose to bash your head against the wall (figuratively speaking) and say "I will not do this". For we are told if we resist the Devil, he will flee from us. Jesus took an extreme view of the fight against sin. This is why he said: If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. (Matthew 5:29-30) Some days you will win and some days you will lose, but do not give up! Feed your mind, feed your heart ... Your mind and your heart are both like clay - being shaped and formed with each passing day. There are some questions to be asked: Whose hands are forming my heart and mind? What are they being formed into? What is my responsibility in the process? Whether your realize it or not, your character is being formed and solidified with each passing day. This is true whether you plan through what you want to be or if you just let life happen. Some of the most powerful influences on the development of your character come from the following sources: What you read What you look at What you listen to The people you associate with What you think about All these things feed your brain and together are a significant influence in the way your mind is programmed. Piece by piece, like bricks in a wall, this programming trains you how to respond, how to think, what to think, what to value and pursue, how to treat others and what you should/should not do. Do not be deceived, even small amounts of negative input has a noticeable effect over the long run. You have heard the expression that applies to computers - "garbage in, garbage out". This applies to your mind as well. You can be holy in an unholy world, but it's hard to avoid being effected by the ungodly influence that society has on you. It's all around us every day. Society does not teach godly behavior. Each day we are exposed to a great deal of negative reenforcement. But, we can limit this negative input by carefully selecting the things we do when where there is a choice. For example: Avoid watching television shows which suggest ungodly behavior is acceptable. Do not rent or go to see movies which expose your minds to crude and unacceptable behavior. The images on a TV screen are very strong and have a powerful teaching influence on the mind, especially young minds. Many things we see on television are entertaining, but not helpful for building ourselves up in the Lord. Do not read books which glorify ungodliness. Avoid pornography of all forms. Artwork and anything else we have in our houses should be in good taste and not conflict with the teaching of Christ.
Refuse to listen in on dirty jokes or gossip. Do not participate in the activities of crude people. I hesitate to say do not be friends with crude people, because our primary goal is to be witnesses for Christ. Rather, don't participate in or enjoy their activities. Be salt and light. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Eph 5:4) Do not listen to music which promotes sin and ungodliness. Much of the above should be repulsive to a Christian anyway because they are opposed to God. But now to the point of it all. Instead of filling your mind with even more rubbish than you get from the world everyday anyway, see to it that you fill your mind with good things instead. And do not nurture the bad which is already there, rather get rid of it as garbage. There is plenty for us to do. Do not feel obligated to watch much television. In Canada and the US there is literally an unlimited number of good Christian books to read. There are many Christian tapes and videos as well. There is no shortage of good Christian music as well. There is a lot of programs, books, music, activities and other things which are not known as 'Christian things', but are still good. Participate in fellowship with Christians and associate yourself with godly people. The point is, you need to deliberately avoid certain types of input and replace it with others. In doing so you will begin to find that you are free to live a life pleasing to God. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Col 3:1-3) Do not consume ungodly media. Sleep. The following are only some of the additional things we can do to support a healthy heart. Productive work/Christian service. Bible Study Prayer Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs Fellowship with other believers Meditation on the things of God The value of Christian meditation What then is Christian meditation? It is the deliberate practice of turning our hearts and our minds to the full time task of bringing the word of God to life in the daily activities of our lives. As I said earlier, God wants to change us from the inside out. He wants to renew our minds and hearts so they will become more like his own. However, it is only by God's grace and power that this could ever happen. We cannot change ourselves. God uses a number of things to accomplish this. But the primary tool he uses is his own word recorded in the Bible. If we ignore it, he cannot work in us. If we use it and put it to use, he will be able to enter into our lives and form us into what he wants us to be. Meditation on the word of God allows its transforming power to renew our minds and change our hearts. Meditation as a lifestyle (How do I meditate on God's word?) Meditation on the things of God yields wisdom and purity. It yields spiritual maturity and communion with God. Here are a few of the things we can meditate on. The things God has done for me and others I know. The holiness and perfection of God. The Beauty of Christ Our meeting with God after our life here is complete Our eternal fellowship which we will have with Him The meaning/application of any specific passage of scripture. Focus on your breathe and close your eyes.
Anything God has just taught us or made us aware of Questions regarding the will of God. The salvation he has given us The life he has freed us from You see, much of this is reflection on the relationship we have with God, it is thinking about His love and influence in your life, it is wondering about His awesome power and mighty deeds. It is joyfully giving thanks to Him for all he has done. It is sitting in awe and appreciation of his works. It is using all your energy to understand and obey his word.
Just as your digestive system processes the food you eat so it can be of use to your body, so also meditation digests all things concerning God and makes them a power which can renew your heart.
Meditation centers on the relationship we have with God that comes through Jesus Christ. It seeks to improve this relationship by allowing God to use his word to renew our minds and our hearts through knowledge of his will. The word of God plays a central role in meditation because it is the place where our knowledge of God originates. We must, therefore, determine to know the word of God so that we have the material we need for meditation available to us.
This involves diligent study and memorization of the scriptures. This will make sure that everything in the scriptures will be at your fingertips when you want it. Memorized scripture plays an important role in the art of meditation. I have written two articles on the subject of memorizing scripture: Why Memorize Scripture How to Memorize Scripture Meditation can be done at all times of the day.
It requires a bit of planning and extra effort to keep focused becuase it is work. It is also foreign to the natural state of your heart. It is something you choose to do. Meditation can be done both on planned, pre-arranged times and informally, whenever your mind is free. During your morning quiet time While you do household chores or waiting for something While you drive to work While you are waiting to sleep When you wake in the middle of the night