Christian Meditation

September 22, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Psalm 1:1–3, Ephesians 4:22–24, Psalm 5:1–2, Matthew 6:6, Psalm 19:14

Christian meditation is more than just reading the Bible or saying prayers. It's about connecting deeply with God through focused thought and reflection. Duane Sheriff teaches how meditation is a profound discipline that aids personal growth in our walk with the Lord. Psalm 5:1 says, "Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation," highlighting that meditation is similar to a conversation with God. Romans 12:2 talks about renewing the mind. Renewal doesn't come from simply hearing God's word but from meditating on it daily, letting it transform our thoughts and actions. Christian meditation helps us dwell on God's truths and promises, shifting our mindset from worldly problems to divine solutions. Jesus states in Matthew 4:4, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Just as bread nourishes the body, God's word nourishes the soul, and through meditation, we can deeply absorb and benefit from it. Regardless of our daily busyness, we can find time to meditate on God's word. Christian meditation involves pondering, imagining, and muttering scripture, thereby letting God's word penetrate deeply into our hearts, transforming us from the inside out. Psalm 19:14 says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord." Meditation involves both our thoughts and our words. Everyone meditates on something all the time - the key is choosing to meditate on God's truth rather than worries or lies. Through this practice, we learn to set our minds on things above and live lives that reflect our faith and God's love.

Christian Meditation | Part 2

September 29, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Psalm 1:1–3, Psalm 19:14, Ezekiel 3:1–3, Revelation 10:8–11, Romans 8:6

Seek the Lord in the secret place of your heart. Duane Sheriff teaches that Christian meditation is vital to our spiritual growth and understanding of God's Word. Meditation is not a mental exercise but a spiritual discipline that involves pondering, imagining, and speaking God's truth. Psalm 19:14 says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord." This verse highlights how meditation involves both our thoughts and our words. Everyone meditates on something all the time - the key is choosing to meditate on God's truth rather than worries or lies. Psalm 1:1-3 describes those who meditate on God's Word day and night are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season and prospering in all they do. Christian meditation is not about emptying one's mind but filling it with God's truth. Take time to ponder, imagine, and speak God's Word to allow it to transform your thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Christian Meditation | Part 3

October 6, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Matthew 6:6, Joshua 1:8, Hebrews 8:10–12, Hebrews 10:16–17, 1 Timothy 4:15–16

Christian meditation involves developing a personal connection with God's word, transforming how you think and live. Christian meditation is essential to renew our minds. Duane Sheriff teaches that there is a difference between simply memorizing scripture and allowing it to renew your mind through meditation. Mind renewal isn't about trying harder; it's about allowing God to transform you in the secret place of your heart. The secret place is where you commune with God, shutting out the world's noise and worries and creating a space for His love and transformation. In this sacred space, you learn to ponder, visualize, and reflect on His words, letting them sink deep into your heart. This message connects the old and new covenants by explaining how God wrote the Ten Commandments with His finger on stone tablets in Exodus, just as God writes His laws on our minds and hearts in the New Covenant. When we meditate on God's Word, we allow Him to renew our minds from within, aligning our thoughts and emotions with His will.