Cultivate Connection - Christ Centred Meditation

Happy New Year and welcome to the first meditation of 2018. We are going to spend the next seven weeks meditating through Psalm 107 (TPT). I believe this particular scripture is a "now word" for the season we are in. I pray it speaks to you and brings lots of encouragement as we begin this amazing year. Be sure to check out our Facebook page. Others are sharing their personal declarations and some are being transformed into beautiful graphics. Will yours be the next one?

Welcome to our last podcast of 2017. As the new year approaches, many of us look to 2018 with eager anticipation of new habits; new victories; new mindsets. But just like traveling you have to leave things behind as you pack your luggage, otherwise there isn't room. In order to make room for all the new things 2018 has to offer, we need to leave some things behind. Take time this week to ask God what He wants you to leave behind. "God, I give you all I've been holding onto in order to make room for every wonderful new thing you have for me." Here's to a year filled with freedom and exciting new things! This weeks meditation draws inspiration from Isaiah 43:18-19.

This is it, our last week of Advent. In just four days from today Jesus will be celebrated around the world. Even though many who celebrate Christmas may not necessarily celebrate Jesus, or even acknowledge Him, they operate in His spirit of love. Gifts are given, families and friends dine together, laughter is shared. This is the Advent week of Love, God's love for all humanity. As I read from Luke 1:67-79 (TPT) along with the Advent Devotional, Come and Behold Him by Dr. Brian Simmons, we hear Zechariah’s Song. Let us shout for joy as God has given us the greatest gift in the history of all eternity, His son Yeshua. Our great deliverer who has given us the knowledge of salvation. 

This Sunday ushers in the third week of Advent. Just a mere eleven days from now it will be Christmas; it's amazing how close it is. As we count down the days, we do so with joyful anticipation. Coincidentally enough our theme this week is Joy. The joy of knowing God never forgets to love us. He never forgets and He always fulfills His promises. This is where we draw our joy from, the promise God made to us through His son Jesus. Rejoice, shout aloud, and jump for joy! God never forgets and He keeps every promise He makes. I read from Luke 1:46-55 (TPT) along with the Advent Devotional, Come and Behold Him by Dr. Brian Simmons.

December 10th marks the second week of Advent and the theme we're meditating on is Peace. This week we look to the story of Mary. She's just been told by the angel Gabriel how she will become pregnant but not by man. In her day and age, this news could have brought reason to be fearful and guilt-ridden but that's not how Mary reacted. She was filled with a Peace that surpased all understanding. That same Peace is extended to you. What obstacles will you overcome this week because of the Peace that dwells within you? I read from Luke 1:26-38 (TPT) along with the Advent Devotional, Come and Behold Him by Dr. Brian Simmons.

Today is the last day of November which means the start of Advent is just a few days away. December 3rd marks the beginning of Advent, a time for reflection on hope, peace, joy, and love. Four themes rooted and grounded in the fact that God became a man, entering into His own creation. The story of Joseph, a man who stands in the shadow of his wife and son is a story abounding with hope. His story is such a powerful source of inspiration for us all. When life delivers news that isn’t the most convenient, think of Joseph and be filled with a hope that downs out all noise. This week I read from Matthew 1:18-24 (TPT) along with the Advent Devotional, Come and Behold Him by Dr. Brian Simmons.

This weeks meditation on Psalms 33:20-22 (VOICE) marks the end of our ten week journey through Psalms 33. I hope you have been blessed immensely by this series. May your heart be filled with joy as we wait on Him who is our Divine Help and Impenetrable Shield. The one who drenches us with His endless love.

Have you ever heard the phrase "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" before? Upon first hearing, it sounds like such a noble thought. You're strong; you're courageous; you're resourceful and smart. Only after the initial excitement wears off does one soon realize the absurdity of this statement. No one can actually pull oneself up by their own bootstraps. This week, focus on the areas of life where you're trying to rescue yourself by your own strength and realize it just can't be done. Luckily there is someone waiting to do it for you, God. Be blessed this week as we meditate on Psalms 33:16-18 (VOICE)

As God looks upon us from His heavenly throne, He sees us. When you think about this, what feelings arise within you? Do you feel concerned that the creator of Heaven and Earth sees you right where you are? Is there shame or guilt associated with this thought? Or do you feel a childlike joy of wanting to be seen? Like children who say “Daddy, daddy, look at me! Watch me now!” Our perspective on how we view our Father in heaven directly impacts how we approach Him. I bless you this week to discover a deeper awareness of your relationship with God. Our weekly meditation is drawn from Psalms 33:13-15 (NASB)

Just as every good parent pours into their children, each desires to also leave a legacy. God does much the same with us, His children. The thoughts of God's heart will awaken and stir all generations. What is He speaking to you in this season of your life? He is leaving you a legacy as your inheritance. Step into all that He has for you this week as we meditate on Psalm 33:10-12 (VOICE).

For He spoke and all things came into being. How awesome is that? The same God who spoke everything into existence is the one who has filled you with His breath of life. It's in our very nature to be creative given who our father is. As we meditate on Psalm 33:6-9 (VOICE) this week, what begins to stir in your heart? Step into the creativity given by Him who whispered the stars into existence.

Do you take God for His word? Do you believe that His promises are faithful? Are there unfulfilled promises in your life causing you to doubt Him? This week we're going to meditate on two powerful verses. What comes to light as you sit with these? For the word of the Eternal is perfect and true;     His actions are always faithful and right. He loves virtue and equity;     the Eternal’s love fills the whole earth. Psalm 33:4-5 (VOICE) & (TPT) I bless your spirit to connect with Holy Spirit and receive all that He has for you.

What sort of praise is there deep down inside of you? Have you ever wondered how sweet your sound is when it hits your Father's ears? King David, a man after God's own heart, is known by many of his accomplishments including unabashed praise. Don't hold back this week as you discover the freedom and joy in worshipping Him with everything you've got. While it may not seem like much to you, rest assured it's everything to Him. This week's meditation comes from Psalm 33:1-3 (TPT and VOICE).

What is the foundation you’re building upon? Can it withstand the trials and tribulations life hurls its way? It’s not easy to look back at something we’ve been building only to take it all down and start over. Our Father loves us too much to sit back and watch us continue building something that will crumble. Ask Him to show you where you’re not rooted and grounded on that firm foundation. These are His truths that will steady you in the face of any storm. We read of Jesus’ words from Matthew 7:24-29 (NSAB & MSG).

If we desire a deeper relationship with God, then what are we doing to cultivate it? Jesus, perhaps the only one who has ever had perfect relationship with the Father said this, “I only do what I see the Father doing. He loves me and includes me in everything He does.” In this resurrection life of ours, how are we eagerly and excitedly coming before our Father? Take a pause this week and brace yourself for adventure as you ask the greatest father in the world, “What’s next, Papa?” This weeks meditation comes from Romans 8:15-17 (The Message)

Are there areas in your life right now where you’re striving to make things happen? This week we’re going to pause and listen closely. Is God saying “Watch Me, and see all that I’m about to do for you.”? As we meditate on Jeremiah 33:6-9 (NASB), here are some of God’s amazing promises we can declare over ourselves. “I will restore your wealth.” “I will cleanse you of your sins.” “Your name will be a name of joy, praise and glory.” Take heart my friend, our God’s love knows no bounds. I’m blessing you to experience a deeper connection with Him this week.

Hope, in our modern day vocabulary misses the mark of its original intent. It is not meant to describe wishful thinking as a way to make ourselves feel good. No, hope is when we allow our minds to become occupied with Heaven. It is something we are meant to do in all circumstances. When we fix our gaze upon Heaven, the hope which fills us cannot be contained. Not only does it satisfy our own needs, it overflows spreading righteousness, peace, and joy everywhere we go. Go, and spread the good news of hope today to everyone you encounter. This week weeks meditation is from Romans 15:13 (The Message).

We love comfort. We love doing the things that help bring normalcy and routine, even if those very things are “busy work” and not always fun. There’s a funny catch though, is God calling us out of our normal in order to call us into His? Is God highlighting areas in your life where you are trying to serve like Martha, rather than sit like Mary? If we’re not supposed to experience discomforts in life then what is the purpose of a comforter? Discomfort is not the enemy. It is the very thing that drives us into the arms of our Father. This week weeks meditation is from 2 Corinthians 4:16 and Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV) I also read from Beholding and Becoming by Graham Cooke.

To be rooted and grounded in love, we must immerse ourselves in the love of Christ everyday. - Graham Cooke As God continuously draws us out into His love, we cannot remain where we currently are. Maybe we’re camped out in a field of bitterness or unforgiveness. Take heart! What may seem daunting for us to overcome is easy for Him.  So what are you being drawn out of in order to be drawn into Love? This week weeks meditation is from Ephesians 3:14-21 (NKJV). I also read from Beholding and Becoming by Graham Cooke.

Even when our soul is depressed and downcast God remains our mountain of strength. As we lament we place our love for God above even the worst circumstances in our lives. How wonderful it is to praise Him in the midst of our sorrows. How much more to praise Him when He delivers us from tragedy! Because He, is our mighty deliverer.  This week weeks meditation is from Psalm 42 (NKJV). I also read from Beholding and Becoming by Graham Cooke.