Category: Rambling

Meditative Moments Day 5 – Psalms 23 #TheGoodBook

I thought I’d meditate through Psalms 23 with all of you this week.

This week at Kfirst, we are focusing on a meditative approach to the scriptures. “Meditation” is, perhaps, the most underused and misunderstood approach to the bible. Often, “meditation” is associated with eastern religions or New Age “disconnecting.” Scriptural meditation is not about disconnecting but engaging with the text in order to digest it.

Check out Day 1 HERE 
Check out Day 2 HERE
Check out Day 3 HERE
Check out Day 4 HERE

As we are taking a meditative approach to Psalm 23, we’re going to do it bit by bit. One of my favorite “meditation” tactics is using the 5 senses in the context of the scripture. Other tactics can include memorizing scripture, focusing on specific phrases, speaking aloud, journaling, and praying it.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell[ in the house of the Lord forever.” ESV
“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” NLT
“Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.” MSG
“So why would I fear the future? For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!“ TPT

My meditative thoughts today:

So often I’ve been told that if I pursue God harder, I’ll “get” more of Him in my life. So much of my theology/belief was very driven by what I can accomplish so that I can say, “look what I was able to discover based upon my abilities to chase down God.”

First, I don’t chase God. He passionately pursues me. His goodness and mercy/unfailing love are after me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. His Spirit draws me to Him. His Spirit reveals who He is.

Second, the things I do to “deepen me” (scriptures, prayer, worship, community, etc.) are not there to “get more of God” but to become more aware of Him. God doesn’t show up more than He is in this moment. He is omnipresent. BUT I can have a greater awareness of His presence and how He is at work in and around me.

Lastly, hope is now and forever. Because I am pursued by hope I can have it now. But I don’t have to worry about “using it up” here on this earth. A hope awaits me. I will rest in His hope now. I will rest in His Hope forever.

Amen

Check out the service from Sunday from the website or from the Facebook livestream. 

Other thoughts from the Youversion notes from Sunday:

 

Love you all.

 

Thanks for letting me ramble…

 

 

Meditative Moments Day 4 – Psalms 23 #TheGoodBook

I thought I’d meditate through Psalms 23 with all of you this week.

This week at Kfirst, we are focusing on a meditative approach to the scriptures. “Meditation” is, perhaps, the most underused and misunderstood approach to the bible. Often, “meditation” is associated with eastern religions or New Age “disconnecting.” Scriptural meditation is not about disconnecting but engaging with the text in order to digest it.

Check out Day 1 HERE 
Check out Day 2 HERE
Check out Day 3 HERE

As we are taking a meditative approach to Psalm 23, we’re going to do it bit by bit. One of my favorite “meditation” tactics is using the 5 senses in the context of the scripture. Other tactics can include memorizing scripture, focusing on specific phrases, speaking aloud, journaling, and praying it.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” ESV
“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.” NLT
“You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.” MSG
“You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight. You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit; you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows.“ TPT

My meditative thoughts today:

This grouping together of 3 distinct moments are brought together in Jewish hospitality.

Preparations are made for an honored/welcomed guest (especially from a long and challenging journey (v. 4).
Oil is both soothing to the head and reviving to the smell. It refreshes the sojourner.
I have more than I’ll ever need poured into a cup.

This is my Savior; this is my God.

He is the One who leads me through my journey but doesn’t leave me as a casualty of my journey.

When I feel surrounded by the darkness that wishes to consume me, in the face of my opposition, my Lord feeds my soul (table), revives my mind (oil), and refreshes my spirit (cup).

This is my Savior.

Check out the service from Sunday from the website or from the Facebook livestream. 

Other thoughts from the Youversion notes from Sunday:

 

Love you all.

 

Thanks for letting me ramble…

 

 

Meditative Moments Day 3 – Psalms 23 #TheGoodBook

I thought I’d meditate through Psalms 23 with all of you this week.

This week at Kfirst, we are focusing on a meditative approach to the scriptures. “Meditation” is, perhaps, the most underused and misunderstood approach to the bible. Often, “meditation” is associated with eastern religions or New Age “disconnecting.” Scriptural meditation is not about disconnecting but engaging with the text in order to digest it.

Check out Day 1 HERE 
Check out Day 2 HERE

As we are taking a meditative approach to Psalm 23, we’re going to do it bit by bit. One of my favorite “meditation” tactics is using the 5 senses in the context of the scripture. Other tactics can include memorizing scripture, focusing on specific phrases, speaking aloud, journaling, and praying it.

“He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” ESV
“He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” NLT
“True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.” MSG
“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” TPT

My meditative thoughts today:

My every intention was to stick to one verse, but words like “leads/guides”  “paths” and “walk” and “valley” could not be separated. There are some “paths” the Lord leads me on which most likely go through a valley.

The “valley moments” are not always evil in nature. Sometimes they are difficult seasons. But nevertheless, they are dark and challenging. But as I meditate on this, the promise is:

He leads me.
He is with me.
He protects me.
He will bring me through.

But He doesn’t do it so that I am glorified. It is for “His name’s sake.”

Here’s my life Lord. Lead me, my marriage, my family, and my calling according to Your honor. Guide me on a path that only can be traversed because I stuck close to you. I want no part of something I can do apart from you. Speak Lord, and I will follow. Mountain or valley, no fear will fracture the truth of Your presence. You are with me.

Amen

Check out the service from Sunday from the website or from the Facebook livestream. 

Other thoughts from the Youversion notes from Sunday:

 

Love you all.

 

Thanks for letting me ramble…

 

Meditative Moments Day 2 – Psalms 23 #TheGoodBook

I thought I’d meditate through Psalms 23 with all of you this week.

This week at Kfirst, we are focusing on a meditative approach to the scriptures. “Meditation” is, perhaps, the most underused and misunderstood approach to the bible. Often, “meditation” is associated with eastern religions or New Age “disconnecting.” Scriptural meditation is not about disconnecting but engaging with the text in order to digest it.

Check out Day 1 HERE

As we are taking a meditative approach to Psalm 23, we’re going to do it bit by bit. One of my favorite “meditation” tactics is using the 5 senses in the context of the scripture. Other tactics can include memorizing scripture, focusing on specific phrases, speaking aloud, journaling, and praying it.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” ESV
“He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.” NLT
“You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.” MSG
“He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life.” TPT

My meditative thoughts today:

Sometimes I do not realize the value of rest. Our bodies were not designed to run without rest. So I listen to the leading of the One who designed me. And the Designer leads me to a place(s) where I can find:

A quiet place for my soul.
A calm moment for my mind.
A resting place for my body.
Resources to refuel my innermost being.

In the Passion Translation, the words, “…He offers me a resting place…” pierces my heart.

He offers…and it is my choice to ignore it or embrace it.

Yet he still offers.

While I selah (stop, pause, reflect) on this a song begins to play in my ear. It perfectly meets me in this meditative moment of needing His refreshing winds in my spirit.

So today Lord, I let out the sails of my heart. Here I am, here You are.

Check out the service yesterday from the website or from the Facebook livestream. 

Other thoughts from the Youversion notes from Sunday:

 

Love you all.

 

Thanks for letting me ramble…

 

Meditative Moments – Psalms 23 #TheGoodBook

I thought I’d meditate through Psalms 23 with all of you this week.

This week at Kfirst, we are focusing on a meditative approach to the scriptures. “Meditation” is, perhaps, the most underused and misunderstood approach to the bible. Often, “meditation” is associated with eastern religions or New Age “disconnecting.” Scriptural meditation is not about disconnecting but engaging with the text in order to digest it.

This is what makes the bible so different. It is meditative literature designed to impact and shape our faith in Christ. Which means:

  1. You were not meant to get it all at once. 
    • We are given a text that doesn’t have every detail of every story. Why? Because the scripture is an invitation to a lifetime of learning and growing. It forces you to slow down and read carefully.
  2. It’s not about religious achievement.
    • Reading the bible isn’t about getting the “Christian checklist” done for the day to make God happy. This is about engaging in His story and narrative.
  3. It was meant to be worked through in community.
    • This is one of the beauties of scripture. While personal study is fantastic, there is something about how it unfolds in community when you enter into discussion with other believers.
    • The point isn’t to get someone to believe what you believe. The point is engagement with people so that the Kingdom of God is built and others are better because of what was shared and it was shared.

As we are taking a meditative approach to Psalm 23, we’re going to do it bit by bit. One of my favorite “meditation” tactics is using the 5 senses in the context of the scripture. Other tactics can include memorizing scripture, focusing on specific phrases, speaking aloud, journaling, and praying it.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” ESV
“The Lord is my shepherd;I have all that I need.” NLT
“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.” MSG
“A Psalm of David. Jehovah [is] my shepherd, I do not lack.” YLT
“The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.” TPT

My meditative thoughts today:

  • Jesus, do I allow you to lead?
    • How often do I want the role of the shepherd to lead you instead of resting in your guidance? How often do I wrestle you for my wants and blame my lack of happiness because my happiness is dependent upon my “wants” instead of being thankful for my “needs” being provided for.
  • My peace doesn’t rest in my hands but from the covering and care of an ever-present Shepherd.
  • “All that I needed thy hand hath provided.” – song “Great is thy faithfulness”
  • How much gratitude do I exercise in my life? Do I focus on what God has given me in Christ or what I feel I lack (or deserve)?
    • If I only had today what I was thankful for yesterday, would I possess anything?
  • I must approach what God gives as “blessing” and not “entitlement.”

Check out the service yesterday from the website or from the Facebook livestream. 

Other thoughts from the Youversion notes from Sunday:

 

Love you all.

 

Thanks for letting me ramble…

Monday Kfirst Kickstart: “Cows in the Pasture” #TheGoodBook

There are over a dozen names and titles the Bible is known as.

Following is a list of the most well-known: God’s Word The Holy Scriptures Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (B.I.B.L.E.) My blueprint for life” Biblia Sacra (Holy Bible) Sword of the Spirit.

Among the world’s great books, the Bible is without parallel. At Kfirst, we believe the Bible is the inspired word of God. It is authoritative, relevant and applicable to our lives. It is foundational for all we believe. February we journey into a new series called ‘The Good Book.’ And our heart is to help provide a practical approach to the Scriptures. We want to put a deep focus on, not just what the Bible is, but how to approach it in everyday life. Why? We see the Bible as more than doctrine and narrative, history and prophecy. The Scriptures are an invitation to experience God.

This series, we revisit this ancient book and experience the God who speaks through it.

Check out the service yesterday from the website or from the Facebook livestream. 

Other thoughts from the Youversion notes from Sunday:

  • The purpose of scripture isn’t just information to know of God but an invitation to experience God.
  • What you produce out of your life is a result of what you digest within your life.
  • Jewish Meditation Literature:
    • You were not meant to get it all at once.
    • It’s not about religious achievement.
    • It was meant to be worked through in community.
  • Scripture wasn’t meant to be an accomplishment to grasp but an experience that grasps us.
  • “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.”Martin Luther
  • Questions to ask when I’m reading scripture:
    • Why is this in here?
    • What is God revealing about Himself in this passage?
    • What does the passage teach me about myself and relationships?

Check out our new book! Click on the image to order!!

Love you all. Have an amazing week.

BTW: Here’s the song from the end of service:

Monday Kfirst Kickstart: “The Invitation” #TheGoodBook

There are over a dozen names and titles the Bible is known as.

Following is a list of the most well-known: God’s Word The Holy Scriptures Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (B.I.B.L.E.) My blueprint for life” Biblia Sacra (Holy Bible) Sword of the Spirit.

Among the world’s great books, the Bible is without parallel. At Kfirst, we believe the Bible is the inspired word of God. It is authoritative, relevant and applicable to our lives. It is foundational for all we believe. February we journey into a new series called ‘The Good Book.’ And our heart is to help provide a practical approach to the Scriptures. We want to put a deep focus on, not just what the Bible is, but how to approach it in everyday life. Why? We see the Bible as more than doctrine and narrative, history and prophecy. The Scriptures are an invitation to experience God.

This series, we revisit this ancient book and experience the God who speaks through it.

NOTE: The video of the service should be up on Vimeo soon. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Other thoughts from the Youversion notes from Sunday:

  • The purpose of scripture isn’t just information to know of God but an invitation to experience God.
  • Scripture Reading Practices:
    • 1. Read the scriptures.
    • 2. Find an anchor point.
    • 3. Do it in community.
    • 4. Ask questions.
    • 5. Pray.
  • Questions lead to conversations, and conversations lead to relationship, and that is what God is after with us.

 

Check out our new book! Click on the image to order!!

Love you all. Have an amazing week.

BTW: Here’s a new song from the end of service: