Cultivate Connection - Christ Centred Meditation

The Holy Spirit is the Power of the gospel. Jesus needed the Holy Spirit and so did his disciples.John responded to them all, saying, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but He is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the straps of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.- Luke 3:16 NASBAnd when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”- John 20:22 NASB 1995And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”- Luke 24:49 NASB 1995We also read about The Day of Pentecost from Acts 2.What does it look like to be clothed with power from on high? Blessing you to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Become a PatronThe Cultivate Connection podcast has been downloaded nearly 500,000 times and counting!If Cultivate Connection has blessed you, please consider becoming a monthly patron. Your generosity helps us to continue creating resources

Jesus is currently seated in Heaven at the right hand of God, therefore He is not here with us. It’s better for us that He left this planet, as He himself said so to his disciples.Nevertheless I tell you the truth, It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.- John 16:7 NKJVBut the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.- John 14:26 NASB 1995We also meditate on John 16:7 from the Amplified Bible, John 15:26, and Romans 8:26.We have the Holy Spirit, who has been sent to help us in all things. What does it look like to draw near to Holy Spirit, walking in close relationship with Him?Blessing you to enter into a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, understanding just how precious a gift He is to us who know him. Become a PatronThe Cultivate Connection podcast has been downloaded nearly 500,000 times and counti

Jesus needed the Holy Spirit to complete his mission, just as we need the Holy Spirit to complete ours. It is impossible for us to live our lives as Christians without the Spirit of God.After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him, and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”- Matthew 3:16-17 NASB“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,    because he has anointed me        to bring glad tidings to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives    and recovery of sight to the blind,        to let the oppressed go free,- Luke 4:18 NABREWe also meditate on Matthew 1:18 and John 5:19.Because Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit, he was able to connect to his Father in Heaven. If Jesus needed the Spirit of God, how much more do we?Blessing you to be empowered and anointed by the Holy Spirit of God. Become a PatronThe Cultivate Conne

How did Joseph know Pharaoh’s dream? Where did Daniel get the wisdom to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar’s? Who can you look to for solutions to the problems you face?So Daniel was rushed in to see the king. The king asked him, “Are you the Daniel brought from Israel as a captive by King Nebuchadnezzar? I have heard that you have the spirit of the gods within you and that you are filled with enlightenment and wisdom. My wise men and astrologers have tried to read that writing on the wall and tell me what it means, but they can’t. I am told you can solve all kinds of mysteries. If you can tell me the meaning of those words, I will clothe you in purple robes, with a gold chain around your neck, and make you the third ruler in the kingdom.”- Daniel 5:13-16 TLBWe also read of Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream in Genesis 41:25-40, and Bezalel’s Holy Spirit inspired craftsmanship in Exodus 31:1-5.What does it look like for others to say about you, “obviously, they are filled with the Spirit of God.” What prob

The Holy Spirit was there, even before the Earth was formed. If you look closely, you will find Him present throughout the entire Bible.He was hovering over the waters at the dawn of creation.In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. - Genesis 1:1-2 NASB 1995He was there as God breathed the breath of life into man.And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. - Genesis 2:7 NKJVHe was there, leading God’s people with a cloud by day and fire by night.Exodus 13:21-22 NASBHe made a way, parting the Red Sea with His glorious arm.Exodus 14:21-31 NASB 1995 (Note: In the podcast we incorrectly mention verses 19-31)He was, is, and will always be present.Then His people remembered the days of old, of Moses.Where is He who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of

Just as we think, feel, and behave, so does the Holy Spirit. He has a personality just like you and I. How familiar are you with the personality of the Holy Spirit?The Holy Spirit has a mindNow He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. - Romans 8:27 NKJVThe Holy Spirit has a willBut one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. - 1 Corinthians 12:11 NKJVThe Holy Spirit has emotionsBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, - Galatians 5:22 NKJVHe can be sad and sorrowfulAnd do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. - Ephesians 4:30 NKJVHe speaksTherefore, as the Holy Spirit says:“Today, if you will hear His voice, - Hebrews 3:7 NKJVHe teaches“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your re

Who is this Holy Spirit? He is the third person of the Godhead, and the very first to be mentioned in scripture. He is the Spirit of God, the Helper, the Comforter, the Holy One, and the Lord.In this series, we will spend time meditating on the Holy Spirit, creating space for Him to reveal himself to us in wonderful new ways. We hope you enjoy it!In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.- Genesis 1:1-2 NASBThen God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth.”-Genesis 1:26 NASBYou know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by th

Death and ResurrectionEaster 2024As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15, if Jesus had not been raised from the dead, all preaching would be in vain and our faith worthless. It is for this reason we celebrate Easter, proclaiming victory! We have been saved from sin and death.Thank you Jesus, for your sacrifice, your resurrection, and gifting your spirit to us; giving us the very same access to Father God that you yourself experienced.This week, as we focus on the crucification, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we read from Luke 23:32-56 TPT and Luke 24:1-11 TPTBlessing you to behold Jesus in a fresh, new way as we rejoice together this Easter weekend!Episode Summary:This weekend, millions around the world celebrate Easter. In this episode, we take time to meditate on the reason for all this celebration. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and what it accomplished for all of mankind. Become a PatronThe Cultivate Connection podcast has been downloaded nearly 500,000 times and counting!If Cultivate

What is Your Word?ComfortThanks for joining us as we wrap up our What is Your Word? series this week! It has been fun sharing over the last 12 weeks. Thanks to everyone who submitted words this year.Where do you look for comfort? What is filling your need to feel peace and protection?Do not fear: I am with you;    do not be anxious: I am your God.I will strengthen you, I will help you,    I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.- Isaiah 41:10 NABREThe Lord is good,A strength and stronghold in the day of trouble;He knows [He recognizes, cares for, and understands fully] those who take refuge and trust in Him.- Nahum 1:7 AMPEven when your path takes me throughthe valley of deepest darkness,fear will never conquer me, for you already have!Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear.I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.- Psalms 23:4 TPTWhat a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfu

What is Your Word?WonderWhen it come to God, there are no comparisons. Nothing comes close to the awe and wonder of His majesty. Can you see His great work all around you?There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,    nor are there any works like yours.All the nations you have made shall come    and worship before you, O Lord,    and shall glorify your name.For you are great and do wondrous things;    you alone are God.- Psalm 86:8-10 ESVBy the word of the Lord the heavens were made,    and by the breath of his mouth all their host.He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap;    he puts the deeps in storehouses.Let all the earth fear the Lord;    let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!- Psalm 33:6-8 ESVWe also read from Psalm 33:6-8 and Psalm 105: 1-5 TPT.Allow yourself to meditate on the wondrous works of God until your eyes are opened to the awe of His glory. Amen!Episode Summary:Welcome to our annual What is Your Word series, where listeners send us their word for the new year, and we c

What is Your Word?ProvisionEach of us have needs. Do you know what you need in this season of your life? As provider, God is not a vending machine nor a genie in a bottle. He is our loving Father who provides for all of our needs.And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:19 NASB 1995The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;But they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.- Psalm 34:10 NASB 1995Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything — every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do.- 2 Corinthians 9:8 TPTYAHWEH is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.- Psalms 23:1 TPTHoly spirit, show us what we actually need, not just what we think we need. May we make room and space for God to show up and provide in our lives. Amen!Episode Summary:Welcome to our annual What is Your Word s

What is Your Word?GroundedWould you consider yourself to be firmly rooted and grounded in God’s love? What foundation are you standing on?This week we’re meditating on several versions of Ephesians 3:17Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life. - Ephesians 3:17 TPTWe also read from Ephesians 3:16-19 TPTMay God show you how to take one practical step today to become more rooted and grounded in His love. Blessing you to experience his love in a greater measure. Amen!Episode Summary:Welcome to our annual What is Your Word series, where listeners send us their word for the new year, and we choose some to meditate on. It's always a fun series and we hope you enjoy it, especially if we picked your word! This week's word is Grounded, sent in by Julie! Thanks for sharing your word for 2024 with us. Become a PatronThe Cultivate Connection podcast has been downloaded nearly 500,000 times

What is Your Word?BoldnessWe are called to be bold and courageous. What would change in your life if you had greater boldness? How would your prayer life change?And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.- Acts 4:31 NASB 1995So let us step boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help when we need it most.- Hebrews 4:16 VOICEFor You are my hope; Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.- Psalms 71:5 NASBTherefore, having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech,- 2 Corinthians 3:12 NASB 1995Where is God calling you to be bold and confident? What is He raising you up for? Blessing you to step out in boldness, receiving all you need from the Lord to do so!Episode Summary:Welcome to our annual What is Your Word series, where listeners send us their word for the new year, and we choose some to meditate on. It's always a fun series and we hope

What is Your Word?Fully KnownThere is nothing you can do to make God love you more, and there is nothing you can do to make God love you less. You are fully known by God, just as you are.Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.- Psalms 139:1-4 TPTFor this week’s meditation, we read verses 1-18 of Psalms 139 TPTWhat are the thoughts God is thinking towards you today? Blessing you to step into a greater awareness of being fully known and fully loved! May you encounter God’s love.Episode Summary:Welcome to our annual What is Your Word series, where listeners send us their word for the new year, and we choose some to meditate on. It's always a fun series and we hope you en

What is Your Word?MiraclesThere are 163 recorded miracles throughout the Bible. Do you believe God is a god of the miraculous and still performs miracles today, and if so what does it look like for you to walk in miracles?For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.- 1 Corinthians 4:20 NLTAnd they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.- Mark 16:20 KJV“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”- Mark 9:23 NIVWe also read from Luke 18:27 and Mark 16:17-18.It is ok if these words challenge you. Press in and talk to God, about it. God, we ask you to lead and guide our steps where we do not understand. May we truly believe You are the God of miracles! Your kingdom comes not only in word, but in power!P.S. In 2022 we recorded a 17-week series on the miracles of Jesus. Go check out episodes 343-359. Enjoy!Episode Summary:Welcome to our annual What is Your Word series, where

What is Your Word?ListenAre we as equally good at listening as we are at praying? Communication, even with God, is a two way street. May we be quick to listen and slow to speak in our relationship with our Heavenly Father.My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.- James 1:19 NIVHe replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”- Luke 11:28 NIVCall to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.- Jeremiah 33:3 NIVSometimes we ask God for a word, having forgotten He has already spoken. Blessing each of us to take time to remember the things God has already spoken over our lives. Amen!Episode Summary:Welcome to our annual What is Your Word series, where listeners send us their word for the new year, and we choose some to meditate on. It's always a fun series and we hope you enjoy it, especially if we picked your word! This week's word is Listen, sent in by Marianne!

What is Your Word?BelovedWelcome to week 4 of our What is Your Word series!This week’s word is Beloved, which means esteemed, dear, favorite, and worthy of love. When we take hold of who we are as God’s beloved, we become unshakeable; standing on the firm foundation of knowing who we are in God’s eyes.Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.- Ephesians 5:1-2 NASB 1995For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”- Romans 8:15 NASB 1995I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine,- Song of Solomon 6:3 NASB 1995So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;- Colossians 3:12 NASB 1995Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.- 1 John 4:11 NASB 19

What is Your Word?OverflowWhen God blesses, it isn’t just enough, His blessings spill over in exceeding abundance.The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].- John 10:10 AMPYou serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.- Psalm 23:5 MSGNow may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.- Romans 15:13 HCSBWe also read from 2 Corinthians 9:8 HCSB.What does life in abundance and overflow look like for you? Where is God pouring His blessings into your life?Be filled with so much joy, hope, and peace today, that your cup overflows, blessing all those around you!Episode Summary:Welcome to our annual What is Your Word series, where listeners send us their word for the new year, and we choose some to meditate on. It's always a fun series a

What is Your Word?HumilityJesus is the king of the universe, and yet is the most humble of all. He is the one we look to as our model of perfect humility.Listen, if you lift yourself up, you’ll be put down, but if you humble yourself, you’ll be honored.- Luke 14:11 VOICEDo nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.- Philippians 2:3-4 NASBWe also meditate on James 4:10, Romans 12:3, and 2 Chronicles 7:14.What is God stirring in your heart in the area of humility?Praying for Holy Spirit to set you free from any areas of false humility in your life. May you be bold, yet humble, as you walk with God.Episode Summary:Welcome to our annual What is Your Word series, where listeners send us their word for the new year, and we choose some to meditate on. It's always a fun series and we hope you enjoy it, especially if we picked your word! This week

What is Your Word?GraceEverything you need is found in the grace and favor of Jesus! It is only by His grace we are saved.For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].- Ephesians 2:8-9 AMPEach time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLTWe also read from John 1:16-17 NASBWhere do you need to