Cultivate Connection - Christ Centred Meditation

What is in this Man's Words?The Miracles of JesusJesus’ words ushered in something new, something the people weren’t used to. What made Jesus different from all the other scribes and teachers?They went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach. They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all t

Who is this Man?The Miracles of JesusAnd then Jesus got into a boat, and His disciples followed Him. Out of nowhere, a vicious storm blew over the sea. Waves were lapping up over the boat, threatening to overtake it! Yet Jesus was asleep. Frightened (not to mention confused—how could anyone sleep through this?), the disciples woke Him up.Disciples: Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!Jesus: Please! What are you so afraid of, you of little faith?Jesus got up, told the wind and the waves to calm down, and they did. The sea became still and calm once again. The disciples were astonished.Disciples: Who is this? What sort of man is He, that the sea and the winds listen to Him?- Matthew 8:23-27 VOICEWe also read of this account from Luke 8:22-25 NASB and Mark 4:37-41 NLT.Are there storms in your life that you’ve been asking Jesus to calm? Perhaps He is saying, “You calm the storm, my spirit lives within you.”“Who is this man?” is a question all of us will be required to answer. Blessing you to spend so much time wi

Take Courage I am HereThe Miracles of JesusYou have nothing to fear when you are with the King of Glory.Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. - John 6:16-21 NASBWe meditate on two other versions of this story in Mark 6:47-52 NLT and Matthew 14:22-32 VOICE.Is there an area in your life where you are afraid, and Jesus is saying “Take courage, I am here."?May you be reminded to be still today, knowing Jesus is right there with you. Be filled with encouragement and comfort in His presen

You Feed ThemThe Miracles of JesusWhat is currently in your hands? When it seems like there is not enough, ask God how He would like to multiply it?Though Jesus wanted solitude, when He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, and He healed the sick and the lame. At evening-time, Jesus’ disciples came to Him.Disciples: We’re in a fairly remote place, and it is getting late; the crowds will get hungry for supper. Send them away so they have time to get back to the villages and get something to eat.Jesus: They don’t need to go back to the villages in order to eat supper. Give them something to eat here.Disciples: But we don’t have enough food. We only have five rounds of flatbread and two fish.Jesus: Bring the bread and the fish to Me.So the disciples brought Him the five rounds of flatbread and the two fish, and Jesus told the people to sit down on the grass. He took the bread and the fish, He looked up to heaven, He gave thanks, and then He broke the bread. Jesus gave the bread to the disciples, and the dis

What Do You Want?The Miracles of JesusWhen Jesus touched Bartimaeus, his response was to follow Him. Are there areas in your life where you are blind, and cannot see? How has God touched your life, and how has it caused you to follow Him?So finally Jesus and His disciples left Jericho and headed for Jerusalem; and, of course, a large crowd followed them. Two blind men, sitting on the roadside, heard the crowd approaching with Jesus.Two Blind Men: Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted louder.Two Blind Men: Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!Jesus (taking the two blind men aside): What is it that you want, brothers?Two Blind Men: Lord, we want to see.Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they could see, and so they followed Him. - Matthew 20:29-34 VOICEWe spend time reflecting on this story from Mark 10:46-52 NASB and Luke 18:35-43 MSG.Blessing you to follow Him today!Thank You!Becoming a PatronIf you are one of the m

BelieveThe Miracles of JesusAt the bottom of the mountain, they were met by a crowd of waiting people. As they approached, a man came out of the crowd and fell to his knees begging, “Master, have mercy on my son. He goes out of his mind and suffers terribly, falling into seizures. Frequently he is pitched into the fire, other times into the river. I brought him to your disciples, but they could do nothing for him.”Jesus said, “What a generation! No sense of God! No focus to your lives! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here.” He ordered the afflicting demon out—and it was out, gone. From that moment on the boy was well.When the disciples had Jesus off to themselves, they asked, “Why couldn’t we throw it out?”“Because you’re not yet taking God seriously,” said Jesus. “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be

Jesus Was ImpressedThe Miracles of JesusEven in the face of comments such as “get out of here,” “you don’t belong here,” “this isn’t for you,” the gentile woman’s faith was strong enough to keep her focused on Jesus.From there Jesus set out for the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house there where he didn’t think he would be found, but he couldn’t escape notice. He was barely inside when a woman who had a disturbed daughter heard where he was. She came and knelt at his feet, begging for help. The woman was Greek, Syro-Phoenician by birth. She asked him to cure her daughter.He said, “Stand in line and take your turn. The children get fed first. If there’s any left over, the dogs get it.”She said, “Of course, Master. But don’t dogs under the table get scraps dropped by the children?”Jesus was impressed. “You’re right! On your way! Your daughter is no longer disturbed. The demonic affliction is gone.” She went home and found her daughter relaxed on the bed, the torment gone for good. - Mark 7:24-30 MSGThis story

As Good As NewThe Miracles of JesusAs Lord of the sabbath, Jesus demonstrates His restorative power to make broken things good as new.A man was there whose hand was withered. And they asked Jesus, “Is it lawful and permissible to heal on the Sabbath?”—they asked this so that they might accuse Him and bring charges into court. But He said to them, “What man is there among you who, if he has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful and permissible to do good on the Sabbath.” Then He said to the man, “Reach out your hand!” The man reached out and it was restored, as normal and healthy as the other. - Matthew 12:10-13 AMPWe also read the same account from Mark 3:1-6 MSG and Luke 6:6-11 NLTIs there an area of your life where you’re believing for restoration? Will you come, just as you are? Blessing you to do good upon everything that comes across your path.Thank You!Becoming a PatronIf you are

Your Faith Has Made You WellThe Miracles of JesusAs we read this week’s scripture, meditate on how Jesus is showing you the character of who He is through this story.And Jesus went with him; and a large crowd followed Him and pressed in around Him [from all sides].A woman [in the crowd] had [suffered from] a hemorrhage for twelve years, and had endured much [suffering] at the hands of many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but instead had become worse. She had heard [reports] about Jesus, and she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His outer robe. For she thought, “If I just touch His clothing, I will get well.” Immediately her flow of blood was dried up; and she felt in her body [and knew without any doubt] that she was healed of her suffering. Immediately Jesus, recognizing in Himself that power had gone out from Him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched My clothes?” His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in around You [from all sides

AstonishingThe Miracles of JesusSome people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”And the man jumped up and went home! - Matthew 9:2-7 NLTWe also read this story from Mark 2:3-12 MSG and Luke 5:18-26 NASBGod is a God of astonishment. Where is He leading you to say, “I’ve never seen something so remarkable before!”Thank You!Becoming a PatronIf you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultivate Connection, please consider becoming a monthly patron.

Great ThingsThe Miracles of JesusEven demons must bow down before the authority of Jesus.Eventually Jesus came to the other side of the sea, to the region of the Gadarenes. There, two men who lived near the tombs and were possessed by demons came out to the seaside and met Jesus. They were flailing about, so violent that they obstructed the path of anyone who came their way.Demons (screaming at Jesus): Why are You here? Have You come to torture us even before the judgment day, O Son of God?A ways off, though still visible, was a large herd of pigs, eating.Demons: If You cast us out of the bodies of these two men, do send us into that herd of pigs!Jesus: Very well then, go!And the demons flew out of the bodies of the two flailing men, they set upon the pigs, and every last pig rushed over a steep bank into the sea and drowned. The pig herders (totally undone, as you can imagine) took off; they headed straight for town, where they told everyone what they’d just seen—even about the demon-possessed men. And so th

Lifted UpThe Miracles of JesusWith just one touch, Jesus can change everything.They told Him about Simon’s mother-in-law who was there in bed, sick and feverish. Jesus went to her side, took her hand, and lifted her up. As soon as He touched her, the fever left her and she felt well again—strong enough to bustle around the house taking care of her visitors. - Mark 1:30-31 VOICEWe also read this story from Matthew 8:14-15 NLT and Luke 4:38-39 AMPIs there an area in your life where you need a touch from Jesus to come alive again? Blessing you to receive it and be filled with His love!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 God in this busy world is so vital.As a patron, you empower us to continue producing and developing tools for people to connect with God, discover identity, and awaken purpose for their lives. Learn more on our website at CultivateConnection.comWe N

Jesus MarveledThe Miracles of JesusDid you know you can marvel Jesus with your faith?When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, he returned to Capernaum. At that time the highly valued slave of a Roman officer was sick and near death. When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some respected Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his slave. So they earnestly begged Jesus to help the man. “If anyone deserves your help, he does,” they said, “for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us.”So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to

Be HealedThe Miracles of JesusThen Jesus said, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Imagine what it was like watching this scene unfold right in front of you.When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. And a man with leprosy came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” - Matthew 8:1-4 NASBOther accounts of this miracle: Mark 1:40-44 NLT, and Luke 5:12-14 AMPHave you ever witnessed a miracle? If so, how did it impact you?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 God in this busy world is so vital.As a patron, you empowe

Daily PortionA Journey Through Psalm 37Jesus is the Savior of all who choose to hide themselves in Him. What does it look like to be hidden in Jesus and what is the difference between hiding yourself in Christ or from Christ?Every evil sinner will be destroyed, obliterated. They’ll be utter failures with no future! But the Lord will be the Savior of all who love him. Even in their time of trouble, God will live in them as strength. Because of their faith in him, their daily portion will be a Father’s help and deliverance from evil. This is true for all who turn to hide themselves in him! - Psalms 37:38-40 TPTThanks for joining us as we wrap up our 10th week on Psalm 37. We hope you’ve been blessed. Next week kicks off our Miracle series where we’ll spend time meditating on some of the amazing things Jesus accomplished during his ministry here on Earth. It’s going to be so good!Thank You!Becoming a PatronIf you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultivate Connection, please consider becoming a monthl

Keep Moving Forward SteadilyA Journey Through Psalm 37Is there an area in your life where impatience has been rising? Where you’ve been waiting for God to act, and you feel like it’s not happening quick enough?Evil ones spy on the godly ones, stalking them to find something they could use to accuse them. They’re out for the kill! But God will foil all their plots. The godly will not stand condemned when brought to trial. So don’t be impatient for Yahweh to act; keep moving forward steadily in his ways, and he will exalt you to possess the land. You’ll watch with your own eyes and see the wicked lose everything. I’ve already seen this happen. Once I saw a wicked and violent man overpower all who were around him, a domineering tyrant with his prideful and oppressive ways. Then he died and was forgotten. Now no one cares that he is gone forever. But you can tell who are the blameless and spiritually mature. What a different story with them! The godly ones will have a peaceful, prosperous future with a happy endi

Faithful Lovers of GodA Journey Through Psalm 37It is the faithful who inherit the earth. The world needs Godly lovers to bring His wisdom into every situation.The faithful lovers of God will inherit the earth and enjoy every promise of God’s care, dwelling in peace forever. God-lovers make the best counselors. Their words possess wisdom and are right and trustworthy. The ways of God are in their hearts and they won’t swerve from the paths of steadfast righteousness. - Psalms 37:29-31 TPTWhere has He been establishing you to release wisdom and truth? What spheres of society have you been given favor in? May you have solutions for perplexing problems facing the world. Blessings to you!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 God in this busy world is so vital.As a patron, you empower us to continue producing and developing tools for people to connect with God, discove

Psalm 37 #7A Journey Through Psalm 37God does not guarantee things will be easy or simple, He does guarantee he will provide for you. When we freely receive, we can freely give, for it is the godly ones who freely give to others.I was once inexperienced, but now I’m old. Not once have I found a lover of God forsaken by him, nor have any of their children gone hungry. Instead, I’ve found the godly ones to be the generous ones who give freely to others. Their children are blessed and become a blessing. If you truly want to dwell forever in God’s presence, forsake evil and do what is right in his eyes. The Lord loves it when he sees us walking in his justice. He will never desert his devoted lovers; they will be kept forever in his faithful care, but the descendants of the wicked will be banished. - Psalms 37:25-28 TPTIs there an area God is calling you to be a blessing to others? Go, and trust that God blesses those who wish to do His will.Thank You!Becoming a PatronIf you are one of the many who have been bles

Receive God's HandA Journey Through Psalm 37God is trustworthy and faithful. As one of His blessed children, are you able to fully receive all that He has for you?All the enemies of God will perish. For the wicked have only a momentary value, a fading glory. Then one day they vanish! Here today, gone tomorrow. They break their promises, borrowing money but never paying it back. The good man returns what he owes with some extra besides. Yahweh’s blessed ones receive the land, but the cursed ones will be cut off with nothing to show for themselves. When Yahweh delights in how you live your life, he establishes your every step. If they stumble badly they will still survive, for the Lord lifts them up with his hands. - Psalms 37:20-24 TPTAs He establishes your every step, can you walk hand-in-hand with God? For it is impossible to hold hands with someone and go in two different directions. Be blessed in your walk with Him today!Thank You!Becoming a PatronIf you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultiva

Much of GodA Journey Through Psalm 37The world tells us we need more, often to the point of forcing it upon us. Then there’s God, gently wooing us into His more. Never forcing, always faithful, and relentless in His pursuit of us.It is much better to have little combined with much of God than to have the fabulous wealth of the wicked and nothing else. For the Lord takes care of all his forgiven ones while the strength of evil men will surely slip away. Day by day the Lord watches the good deeds of the godly, and he prepares for them his forever-reward. Even in a time of disaster he will watch over them, and they will always have more than enough no matter what happens. - Psalms 37:16-19 TPTHow is God inviting you to experience more of Him? What action steps can you take to enter into this place with Him?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 God in this busy world