Monday, May 17, 2010

Daily Devotional


"I lift up my hands to Your commands, which I love, and I meditate on Your decrees."

Psalm 119:48

"Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God." - J. I. Packer

One of the benefits of God's Word is a cleansing and renewing of our minds. How does that happen? Our minds and hearts are pulled away from problems, disappointments, challenges, temptations, failures, resentments, and other negative thoughts and emotions and are redirected to God's thoughts, God's feelings, God's promises, God's principles. But this isn't just an exercise in self-help and guided thoughts. We are told in Hebrews that the Word of God is "living and active" (4:12). God's words aren't just ink on a page or bytes on an electronic device. Because they have been spoken by God Himself, they have a special way of touching us and renewing us in our inner core.

Are you worried, angry, tempted, distracted, resentful? Why not bathe in God's Word right now? It’s good to read through the full range of writings from the Bible, but for this activity, pick a short passage from the Psalms or New Testament. Read it slowly a couple of times. Ask God to speak to you while you read each time. Memorize a key phrase or two. Repeat those phrases throughout your day. Truly bask and soak in the heart of God as you savor His words to you.

God, today I choose to ignore all distractions and focus my mind on truths from Your Word. Let Your words sink deep into my spirit. Amen.

[from Inspired Faith]

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