Cultivate Connection - Christ Centred Meditation

The Names of GodElohim - The CreatorWelcome to number three in our The Names of God series. This week, we’re meditating on God the Creator.You have been created by the Creator.In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. - Genesis 1:1 NLTCreated in His image to be like him.Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” - Genesis 1:26 NLTHow then should we act? Jesus revealed the way; demonstrating to us who our father is and what he is like.No one has seen God [His essence, His divine nature] at any time; the [One and] only begotten God [that is, the unique Son] who is in the intimate presence of the Father, He has explained Him [and interpreted and revealed the awesome wonder of the Father]. - John 1:18 AMPBlessing you to walk in the fulness of your identity, just as Jesus demonstrated, so that you may release

The Names of GodJehovah Shammah - The Lord is ThereOccurring only once in the Bible, the prophet Ezekiel used Jehovah Shammah to describe God’s presence in the new Jerusalem. The same city depicted by John in the book Revelation. Both instances are to give us hope, that one day God will dwell with us, in his full presence forever.“And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there.” - Ezekiel 48:35 NIVAnd I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. - Revelation 21:3 NIVWhile the previous two verses seem to refer to God’s physical presence, the following Psalm speaks of God’s omnipresence, or spiritual presence being everywhere, all the time. We can still rejoice knowing God is “there” with us now, and will be with us “there” in his full glory when his dwelling place permanently becomes Earth.Where can I go from your Spirit?Where can

The Names of GodAbba - FatherWelcome to our series called The Names of God. Inspired by our online course, Connecting with God - An Eight Week Online Experience, this series is going to spend time meditating on some of the names God has been know by.It’s one thing to know you have a father in heaven; having “head knowledge” of this matter-of-fact statement. Yet there is a drastic difference in actually experiencing the relationship first hand.Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” - Galatians 4:6 NASBThe Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” - Romans 8:15 NIV“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” - Mark 14:36 NIVIf Jesus modeled the perfect relationship with his heavenly father, calling upon him as daddy, even when faci

What is Your Word?VesselThis week wraps up our final episode of the What is Your Word? series. Kassia sent in our last word, Vessel. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us Kassia!If your life were a vessel, what what it look like? What condition is it currently in? What are you filling your life with?Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and h

What is Your Word?Recover AllWelcome to week nine of our What is Your Word? series. We have this week and next, then we wrap things up, introducing our next series; we think you’ll like it!This week’s word is more of a phrase than a word. Recover All was sent in by Susi. Thanks for sharing Susi! For this one, we’ll be reading of King David’s Conflict with the Amalekites, as recorded in 1 Samuel 30:1-25.Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. [verses 1-3]So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small

What is Your Word?EnoughWelcome to week eight into our series called What is Your Word? This week's word was sent in by Julie. Thanks so much Julie for blessing all of us with your word!What comes to mind when you hear the word Enough? Do you believe that God is more than enough for you?When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said,“I am God Almighty;Walk [habitually] before Me [with integrity, knowing that you are always in My presence], and be blameless and complete [in obedience to Me]. - Genesis 17:1 AMPWe also read from 2 Corinthians 9:8 TLBHe is the God of more than enough. May the eyes of your heart be enlightened to see God as El Shaddai, which means “The God Who Is More Than Enough.” Amen!Thank You!Support Cultivate ConnectionCultivate Connection has reached listeners in 157 countries, averaging 1,100 downloads a week. Help us reach even more by sharing Cultivate Connection with others.If you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultivate Connection, become a monthly

What is Your Word?TruthWelcome to week seven of our series called What is Your Word? This week’s word, Truth, was sent in by Nikko. Thanks so much for sharing Nikko!There is truth, and there is the Truth. As you gaze upon the one who calls himself the way, the truth, and the life, what do you see?So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:31-32 NASBWe also meditate on John 16:13 NASB, John 17:17 NASB, and four different versions of John 14:6.What does it look like to move beyond having the head knowledge of the truth, and to behold, experience, and become God’s truth?Blessing you to know the Truth who is Jesus. May you experience more of Him today!Thank You!Support Cultivate ConnectionCultivate Connection has reached listeners in 157 countries, averaging 1,100 downloads a week. Help us reach even more by sharing Cultivate Connection with others.If you are one of th

What is Your Word?FatherWelcome to week six into our series called What is Your Word? Of all the words sent in so far, there has only been one duplicate, Father. It was first sent in by Amy (not me) and then by Anna. Thanks ladies for sharing your word with us!What does the idea of God the father mean to you? What kind of father do you see Him as?No one has seen God at any time; God the only Son, who is in the arms of the Father, He has explained Him. - John 1:18 NASBNo one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. - John 1:18 NLTNo one has ever seen God; but the one and only God, in the Father’s embrace, has made Him known.  - John 1:18 TLVWe also read from 1 John 3:1 NASB, and James 1:17 NLT.May you experience the love of God as your good father. To come to know Him rightly as a child of God. Blessings to you and those you love!Thank You!Support Cultivate ConnectionCultivate Connection has reached listeners in 157 countries, averagin

What is Your Word?PersevereWelcome to week five of What is Your Word? Such a great series where listeners like you send in your words for the year. This week’s word has been sent in by Travis. Thanks so much for sharing with us Travis!And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:3-5 NASBWe also read from 1 Chronicles 16:11 NASB, Philippians 1:6 NASB, and Romans 12:12 NLT/AMP/TLVWhat does it look like for you to persevere, to seek to be in God’s presence continually? Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to not give up?May you receive the grace to persevere in the face of all things.Thank You!Support Cultivate ConnectionCultivate Connection has reached listeners in 157 countries, averaging 1,100 downloads a week. Help

What is Your Word?PromiseWelcome to week four of What is Your Word? This week’s word was sent in by Jennifer. Thanks Jennifer!The word Promise, as a verb, means to assure someone that one will definitely do, give, or arrange something. How many times has the bible recorded the promises of God coming to pass?Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His faithfulness to a thousand generations for those who love Him and keep His commandments; - Deuteronomy 7:9 NASBWe also read from the following verses: Numbers 23:19 NLT, Hebrews 10:23 AMP, and Isaiah 55:8-11 MSGWhat promises has God spoken over you? Blessing you to know His promises will not return null and void. May they all come to pass in your own life! Amen.If you missed the first episode and wish to go back and listen, here’s the link: What is Your Word? and if you have not submitted your word to us, there is still time. Email us at hello@cultivateconnection.com and we will prayerfully consider each and

What is Your Word?ExpectantThis week’s word is Expectant; submitted by Amy. Thanks Amy for sending in your word for 2023!What are you expectant for this year? What tugs at your heart, stirring hope?My soul, wait in silence for God alone,For my hope is from Him. - Psalm 62:5 NASBLet all that I am wait quietly before God,for my hope is in him. - Psalm 62:5 NLTFor God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him,For my hope is from Him. - Psalm 62:5 AMPMy soul quietly waits for the True God alonebecause I hope only in Him. - Psalm 62:5 VOICEWe meditate on three additional verses, Psalm 5:3 NLT, Psalm 39:7 AMP, and Romans 8:25 NASB.Blessing you with the ability to wait quietly upon the Lord, and to discover eager expectation available for you. We are excited for you to receive holy expectation for this year. To shine bright with the love of God upon your life!If you missed the first episode and wish to go back and listen, here’s the link: What is Your Word? and if you have not submitted your word to

What is Your Word?CelebrateHappy New Year! This week’s word is Celebrate; submitted by DJ. Thanks DJ for sending in your word for 2023!Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! And let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. - Philippians 4:4-7 TPTWe also meditate on Psalm 95:1-5 AMPWhere is God inviting you to celebrate with Him? Blessing you to be filled with cheerful, joyous celebration in every season of your life.If you missed the first episode, here’s the link to last week’s podcast: What is Your Word? and if you have not submitted your word to us, there is still time. Email us at hello@cultivateconnec

What is Your Word?2023 SeriesWelcome to our newest series, What is Your Word? 2023Over the next several weeks we will be focusing on words sent in by you. This is one of our favourite series throughout the year and we hope it blesses you as much as it does us. There is something very powerful about words, especially when meditated on with the Lord. What is He saying to you in this new season?Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,And light unto my path. - Psalm 119:105 ASVWe also read from Proverbs 2:4-6 AMP and Exodus 3:1-4 NASBIf you have not submitted your word to us, there is still time. Email us at hello@cultivateconnection.com and we will prayerfully consider each and every word sent in. Thank you to all who have reached out to us already! Blessing each and every one of you as we close out this year and prepare to enter the new.Thank You!Becoming a PatronIf you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultivate Connection, please consider becoming a monthly patron. Creating space for people to connect with

LoveAdvent 2022God remains loyal to you because He loves you.Just as he promised long ago by the words of his holy prophets. They prophesied he would come one day and save us from every one of our enemies and from the power of those who hate us. Now he has shown us the mercy promised to our ancestors, for he has remembered his holy covenant. He has rescued us from the power of our enemies, fulfilling the sacred oath he made with our father Abraham. Now we can boldly worship God with holy lives, living in purity as priests in his presence every day! - Luke 1:70-73-75 TPTRemember God’s love for you this Advent season. Allow praise to rise up as you meditate on the ways God has been faithful to you. Merry Christmas!Come and Behold HimAdvent Devotional by Dr. Brian SimmonsFor this advent series, we are reading parts of this beautiful devotional. We find it to be a rich source of inspiration during this Christmas season. To begin each day drawing our attention to what this season is all about, our Lord and Savior

JoyAdvent 2022And Mary sang this song: “My soul is ecstatic, overflowing with praises to God! My spirit bursts with joy over my life-giving God! For he set his tender gaze upon me, his lowly servant girl. And from here on, everyone will know that I have been favored and blessed. The Mighty One has worked a mighty miracle for me; holy is his name! Mercy kisses all who fear him, from one generation to the next. Mighty power flows from him to scatter all those who walk in pride. Powerful princes he tears from their thrones and he lifts up the lowly to take their place. Those who hunger for him will always be filled, but the smug and self-satisfied he will send away empty. Because he can never forget to show mercy, he has helped his chosen servant, Israel, keeping his promises to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” - Luke 1:46-55 TPTWhere can you overflow with praises to God? How has God favored and blessed your life? Be filled with Joy today as you look upon our wonderful Lord and Savior!Come and Behold Him

PeaceAdvent 2022His birth will bring you much joy and gladness. Many will rejoice because of him, and he will be one of the great ones in the sight of God. He will drink no wine or strong drink, but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even while still in his mother’s womb. And he will persuade many in Israel to convert and turn back to the Lord their God. He will go before the Lord as a forerunner, with the same power and anointing as Elijah the prophet. He will be instrumental in turning the hearts of the fathers in tenderness back to their children and the hearts of the disobedient back to the wisdom of their righteous fathers. And he will prepare a united people who are ready for the Lord’s appearing.”- Luke 1:14-17 TPTWhat does it look like for you to tap into the Peace of God today? Blessing you to be a forerunner for Christ, spreading His peace everyone you go.Come and Behold HimAdvent Devotional by Dr. Brian SimmonsFor this advent series, we are reading parts of this beautiful devotional. We find it

HopeAdvent 2022God-Enthroned, be revealed in splendor as you ride upon the cherubim! How perfectly you lead us, a people set free. Loving shepherd of Israel—listen to our hearts’ cry! Shine forth from your throne of dazzling light.In the sight of Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, stir up your mighty power in full display before our eyes. Break through and reveal yourself by coming to our rescue.Revive us, O God! Let your beaming face shine upon us with the sunrise rays of glory; then nothing will be able to stop us.O God, the mighty Commander of Angel Armies, how much longer will you smolder in anger? How much longer will you be disgusted with your people even when they pray?You have fed us with sorrow and grief and made us drink our tears by the bowlful. You’ve made us a thorn in the side of all the neighboring lands, and now they just laugh at us with their mocking scorn.Come back, come back, O God, and restore us! You are the Commander of Angel Armies. Let your beaming face shine upon us with the sunrise ra

Fall at the Feet of JesusThe Miracles of JesusIs there an area in your life where Jesus is saying “arise!” Have you ever had a need so great, that you can’t help but throw yourself at Jesus’ feet? To realize you cannot do this on your own.While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went out into all that land. - Matthew 9:18-26 NKJVNote: Verses 20-22, the story of the woman with bleeding, are omitted in order to focus on the healing of Jairus’ daughter. We meditated on this story in podcast episode 348 - Your Faith Has Made You Well

It is the LordThe Miracles of JesusThe following account would not be in the Bible if Simon [Peter] had not trusted in the Lord, following His command to lower his net one more time. Is there somewhere God is asking you to "lower your net" just one more time this season?When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon [Peter], “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch [of fish].” Simon replied, “Master, we worked hard all night [to the point of exhaustion] and caught nothing [in our nets], but at Your word I will [do as you say and] lower the nets [again].” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets were [at the point of] breaking; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats [with fish], so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all his companions were completely astounde

They Served the PeopleThe Miracles of JesusWhere will anyone be able to find enough to satisfy?Then Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, “I feel compassion for the crowd, because they have been with Me now three days and have nothing [left] to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, because they might faint [from exhaustion] on the way [home].” The disciples said to Him, “Where are we to get enough bread in this isolated place to feed so large a crowd?” And Jesus asked them, “How many loaves [of bread] do you have?” They replied, “Seven, and a few small fish.” He directed the crowd to sit down on the ground, and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and when He had given thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples [gave them] to the people. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they gathered up seven full baskets of the broken pieces that were left over. [Among] those who ate were 4,000 men, not counting women and children. - Matthew 15:32-38 AMPWe re