Relax With God's Word And White Noise for Peaceful Sleep

Find rest as you listen to this peaceful bedtime story for more Bible stories that bring you refreshing sleep download the abide app in the iTunes or Google Play Store welcome to the survived meditation I'm James seawood have you ever been at a place where all hope seems lost Zechariah Chapter 14 begins with the prophet telling Israel that one day Jerusalem will be plundered but on that day when all hope seems lost it gives them hope Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9 says and the Lord will be king over all the Earth on that day the Lord

will be won in his name one take a big deep breath as you inhale the hope that Jesus brings to every situation in your life in a passage that prophesies the coming Of the Messiah Zacharias says on that day three other times on that day Jesus will return from where he left the Mount of Olives on that day all other sources of artificial light will be distinguished and only Jesus Will Shine and on that day Jesus will bring life-giving water that will always Quench and never fail When all hope seems lost imagine Jesus coming back

being all the light and provision you will ever need do you ache for that measure of Hope dear holy Sovereign and sufficient God there are so many days I have trouble seeing past the end of my nose I can't imagine my next step much less see down the road or around the corner on those days and every day give me the hope and assurance that Every day you are not enough you are sufficient and your son will light my path and it is in the name of your son Jesus that I pray amen take another

deep breath hold it for a moment and then let it go relax your muscles still your mind and your heart are you afraid of falling stumbling losing your way Fall back into his strong arms let his hand guide you as he prepares you for time with him in prayer examine your heart for a moment where are you most fearful afraid of losing your way unsure of your path as you come before him now in a time of confession and cleansing be aware of the presence of God Center on him Consider what it means for the

Lord to be king over all the Earth Focus your heart and your mind on the hope of God now listen carefully to Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9. in the English Standard Version and the Lord will be king over all the Earth on that day the Lord will be one and his name won what did you hear Take a moment right now to Center on that word thought or image God gave you just soak in it the theme of Zechariah Chapter 14 is the coming day of the Lord the chapter begins with the graphic imagery of

the Lord in battle over the city of Jerusalem Standing On Top of the Mount of Olives as his power and might splits the mountain in half Close your eyes and imagine it that the Lord God is in control on that day and he's in control of your day ponder it before him in prayer and reflection listen again to Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9. from the Amplified Bible and the Lord shall be king over all the Earth in that day the Lord shall be the only One worshiped and his name the only one what did you

hear this time take a moment right now to Center on that word thought or image God gave you just soak in it in the sixth verse of Zechariah Chapter 14 it mentions that light Will Shine from the Lord and not the Sun that living water will flow from new Springs That the Lord God in control on that day is in control of your day even providing Light and Water ponder it before him in prayer and reflection the rest of the chapter is another graphic description of utter destruction of the enemies of the Lord phrase holy

to the Lord will be inscribed across the land that the Lord God in control on that day is in control of your day Ponder that even deeper before him in prayer and reflection thank you listen one final time as I read and reflect on Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9. in the Contemporary English version then there will be only one Lord who rules as king and whose name is worshiped everywhere on Earth Zechariah was a prophet of God he was warning us of God's judgment to Come on that day chapters 8 through 11 of the Book

of Revelation it mentions seven angels blowing seven long straight trumpets each trumpet cues an apocalyptic event showing the mighty power and Judgment of God picture that scene in your mind hear the trumpets this is the ending of what the prophet Zechariah was referring to Look at the angels in heaven how do you feel as each trumpet is sounded how does it feel hopeful reassuring that the Lord God who chose you set you apart will care for you on this day Ponder this assurance this hope before God In Prayer listen carefully to the prayer that the

elders lift up to God as the seventh Trumpet sounds in Revelation chapter 11 verses 15 through 18. then the seventh angel blew his trumpet and there were loud voices in heaven saying Kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign forever and ever and the 24 Elders who sit on their Thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God saying We give thanks to you Lord God Almighty who is and who was for you have taken your great power and begun to reign foreign God

I confess quietly to you now I feel plundered at times right before my eyes I feel the enemy taking all that you have given me I can feel so discouraged But on those days on all days give me the faith to remember that on that day you are returning on that day you will be my light on that day you will provide for me on that day you shall be king over all the Earth on that day you Lord will be the only one worshiped on that day your name will be the only one and

on that day and every day I will Praise your name amen and amen search carefully today for an example of lost hope but rather than letting it cover you surrender your thoughts back to the Hope Authority and victory you have in Christ until next time may you abide in him what is your greatest need as you think about that take a deep slow breath and close your eyes if you can as you consider the Answer to that question so how did you answer that question personal health improved finances a new job healed marriage or relationship

all of these are incredibly important but none are the greatest needs that you and I have Ephesians 1 verse 7 says in him we have Redemption through his blood the Forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of his grace The greatest need that you and I share is to have God forgive our sins before we die and face an eternity without him Health financial blessings the perfect relationships will mean nothing if you and I die without God's forgiveness dear one do you know that you have God's forgiveness through Jesus the Assurance of his forgiveness

and love him for that now through faith in his son If you do and remind yourself of it again and again until the Assurance of your salvation is what's most important let's pray together dear saving Lord so easy to let the world guide my steps as I seek after salvation to what the world defines as Safety and Security let the steps I take in the world create an uneasiness in my heart An uneasiness that can that can only be satisfied when I take steps toward you when I lean in by faith to your salvation not

the worlds and it is in the name of Jesus our savior that I ask these things amen keep taking slow deep breaths in let's do it together in two three four And out two three four five again in two three four and out two three four five good now take a moment to focus even deeper still your mind your heart breathing in again two three four and out two three four five are you anxious about your own needs Right now that's normal but now is a good time to let them go fall back into his

saving arms let his hand guide you as he prepares you for a time with him foreign take a moment to examine your heart are you chasing after the world salvation ponder it as you come before him now in a time of confession and cleansing Be aware of the presence of God Center on him ask him to make you aware of a word a phrase a thought or image from this passage that you can use to Center yourself on him today listen carefully to Ephesians 1 verse 7 in the English Standard Version in him we have

Redemption through his blood forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of his grace What did you hear listen again in him we have Redemption through his blood the Forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of his grace what did you hear this time moment right now to Center on that word thought or image God gave you just soak in it Paul wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus but we can all relate to it the letter aimed to see them and US develop Into true children of God and help strengthen them so

they could fulfill the purpose and calling God had for them Church listened but in the second chapter of Revelation Jesus dictates another letter to the church at Ephesus that they had forgotten their first love have you come before him now in a prayer of honesty broken humility and repentance listen again as I read from Ephesians 1 Verse 7 this time from the Amplified Bible in him we have Redemption that is our deliverance and salvation through his blood which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in the forgiveness and complete Harden of our sin in

accordance with the riches of his grace what did you hear what did you notice that time anything new or unexpected take a moment right now to Center on That word thought or image God gave you let that envelop you foreign it's a big word think of a coupon you get in the mail you give up the coupon in exchange for a free pizza how are we redeemed what was given in exchange ponder that in prayer before the Lord listen to how the verse ends in accordance with the riches of his Grace you and I didn't

do anything to earn it it just showed up all you have to do is accept it that is Grace an undeserved gift in the next chapter of Ephesians it says that our Salvation is by Grace so that we won't brag about it how would you describe Grace listen one final time as I read and you reflect on Ephesians 1 verse 7 in the Contemporary English version Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free which means that our sins are now forgiven Christ did this because God was so kind to us God has great wisdom

and understanding Charles Spurgeon a British Pastor from the mid-1800s once said the greatest enemy to human Souls is the self-righteous Spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation How does that feel to hear listen again the greatest enemy to human Souls is the self-righteous Spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation does that thought seem distant or nearby can you relate to it come to the Lord in prayer as you consider your own self-righteous spirit with your eyes still closed were you looking to yourself for your own salvation Pause the app if you

need and humble yourself before the Lord in prayer spend time now imagining Jesus letter to the Ephesians what or who is your first love bring your answer to him in prayer dear forgiving God thank you for the gospel the reality of the death burial and resurrection of your son that gives us forgiveness and a promise of eternal life but nothing in our life today be more Important than the truth that in you we have Redemption we have deliverance we have salvation through the blood of your son remind me every moment of every day of Jesus

and the gospel and it is in his name that I pray amen let the truth and freedom of the Gospel be ever present in your mind and heart and until next time may you abide in Christ How do you feel after completing a difficult task Romans chapter 11 verses 33-36 are a hymn of praise written after some of the most theologically dense chapters of the entire Bible I wonder what it would have been like to watch Paul writing this letter struggling with the Deep truths of the faith what would have been the look on the

Faces of those in this early church after reading the letter or hearing this sermon after thinking so deeply about our God it is fitting that Paul would break into a hymn of praise verse 33 says oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God how unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways take a deep breath As you think about those words celebrate with Paul it must have been like finishing a really hard workout and hearing the trainer say and break it's about being thankful for the depth riches wisdom and knowledge

found in God's word and then taking a moment to relax and soak in it how often do you take time just to think About God not to study theology or even to pray but just to meditate contemplate immerse yourself in the depths and wisdom of God asking him to reveal himself to you in a new way take time to do that today dear heavenly father bless my time in the gift of your word grant me understanding as your Spirit Guides me through the library of Love Letters you have given me in Scripture today help me

soak in it bask in its blessings even though your ways are inscrutable you reveal yourself to me in so many ways what I know is overwhelming but so is your love and your grace I bask in them today in the name of Jesus Amen relax and shake off the burdens and the tension that can sometimes be overwhelming shake out your arms relax your shoulders now breathe deeply slowly as you imagine resting in the entirety of God inhale deeply again hold it and exhale anything pulling you from praising God today offer your confession to him And

thank him for his unending love grace mercy and forgiveness God is worthy of our praise he's worth the time you spend just sitting in contemplation of his character just thinking that you can't possibly know him rest in his love and grace now listen to Romans 11 33-36 in the English Standard Version oh the depth of the riches and wisdom And knowledge of God how unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways for who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor or who has given a gift to him that

he might be repaid for from him and through him and to him are all things to him be glory forever amen there's so much there But what stood out to you listen to Just verse 36 again for from him and through him and to him are all things to him be glory forever amen today we are going to pray through this prayer let's begin by meditating on the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God see in your mind the deepest ocean Lift your eyes to heaven and see the heights the greatest expanse

you can imagine now see it all filled with his riches wisdom and knowledge stay there rest there soak there in quiet meditation and praise now listen to Romans 11 verses 34 and 35. for who has known the mind of the Lord Or who has been his counselor or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid Paul is quoting here and it's very similar to Isaiah 40 13. who has measured the spirit of the Lord or what Man shows him his counsel it is impossible to measure the extent of God there is

no end to his presence his love he is incapable of being fully explored Or understood and that's as it should be do you want to worship a god that is small enough to be fully explored soak there in quiet meditation and praise of the expanse of his presence we're used to having information at our fingertips how does this idea of such a big God make you feel listen again to verse 34. for who has known the mind of the Lord Or who has been his counselor your first instinct might be of course that's true no

one can be God's counselor his ways are higher than our ways his thoughts are higher than our thoughts but do you live like that do you ever claim to know more than God or have a better grip on how to live your life than God does or want to offer God advice on how to Handle a situation or people you disagree with let this be a time of reflection and confession foreign let's continue in prayer from Romans 11 35. or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid you may feel like

you never expect God to pay you back but have you ever thought God I have dropped money in the offering plate but now I need money please help or God I have been faithful to pay attention to you now I need you to pay attention to me or God I have helped others now I need you to help me has the phrase now I need ever drifted into your heart Once again let this be a time of reflection and confession foreign 11 36 in the Amplified Bible for from him all things originate and through him

all things live and exist and to him are all things directed picture the endless action of the tide or a wave on a beach to the beach and from the beach the tide into the bay and out of the Bay Close Your Eyes in meditation and see that see how all things flow out from him and all things flow back into him he is the source once again let this be a time of reflection and confession how has God used this passage in your heart today dear Sovereign God of creation who can measure the wealth

and wisdom and knowledge of you Who can understand your decisions or explain what you do has anyone known your thoughts or given you advice has anyone learned something to you that must be repay no but I confess I've tried all things were made because of you and will return to you Praise You Forever in the name of Jesus I pray Amen what an awesome truth you've meditated on today God is inscrutable and still as close as your breath rest in him today until next time may you abide in Christ do you feel in your gut

in unseen battle all of us at one point were slaves to sin the cruel master but Christ came and gave himself as a ransom so that we could live in Freedom so Are you living in Freedom are you walking in the way of the spirit take a slow deep breath steady your heart rate and relax your body as you think about that Galatians 5 24 says and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires that doesn't mean that there is no struggle Any honest Christian will tell you that

the fight against sin keeps on going while we live here on Earth but with the strength of Christ in US we can daily work to walk in the way of the spirit we have a new name a new family we have a new spirit with new desires today is a new day just a few verses before our verse today Paul writes but I say walk by the spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh and the Apostle John says greater is he who is in you than he who is in the

world New Life new desires with God's help the battle rages but God is our deliverer he will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to handle it Because he provides the way of Escape through the power of the Holy Spirit hold fast to him in your efforts to remain free in Christ dear holy righteous God by the undeserved gift of your grace to me and faith in your son I am new more than just repaired I am new more than simply replacing the parts that are broken I am an entirely New Creation And

part of my new creation is new passions new longings and new desires not of this world but of the world to come help me embrace and breathe in that truth and it is in the name of Jesus I boldly pray amen take another deep breath relax still your mind Your heart your spirit let your breathing become a prayer to God a plea for Stillness and quiet settle in now to a posture of Prayer examine your heart for a moment what sin do you have the most trouble surrendering to God ponder it as you come before

him now in a time of confession and cleansing be aware of the presence of God Center on him ask him to make you aware of his desires for you of his plan and purpose let his desires become yours as you humble yourself before him as you continue in a posture of openness willing to hear what God has to say to you in this time listen to Galatians 5 24 in the English Standard Version and those who belong to Christ Jesus Have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires listen as I read that again and

those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires what did you hear what did you notice take a moment right now to Center on that word thought or image God gave you just soak in it that's pretty graphic language if we Belong to Christ then our worldly passions and desires are crucified with eyes closed picture that see it imagine the desires and passions of your flesh being crucified destroyed not just asked to leave or shown the door they are dead ponder it in prayer listen now to Galatians 5 24

in the Amplified Bible Ask God to point out a word or a phrase to focus on from this verse and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites what did you hear this version goes one step further than your passions and desires being crucified it mentions even your appetites all of your sinful nature the word appetite is interesting how Does your body respond when you are hungry is your appetite strong or weak how does it drive you imagine not only your sin but your appetite for sin

being crucified being killed destroyed bound and punished how does that truth resonate with you listen one last time to Galatians 5 24 this time in the Contemporary English version Consider how this translation strikes you differently than the others and because we belong to Christ Jesus we have killed our selfish feelings and desires this theme in Galatians 5. of our sins and appetite for sin being destroyed is also picked up in Romans 8. listen to Paul's words carefully for you have not received a spirit of Slavery to sin Spirit leading again to fear of God's judgment

but you have received the spirit of adoption as the sons of the Spirit by which we joyfully cry Amma father in Galatians Paul mentions we are slaves to sin in Romans we are forgiven of sin and adopted into the family of God do you feel like a slave or a child of God ponder it Praise him with your answer foreign for a moment a slave is owned the property of another forced to obey do you feel owned by sin at times weak and almost forced to obey it come broken and humbled before God now in

prayer calling for release for freedom in Christ compare that to Romans where we are Adopted children not birth children but adopted children what's the difference we are chosen picked out set apart with the full rights and privileges of being a child of the Creator God how does that feel different take time now to soak in the light of freedom from even the appetite of sin come to him again in Thanksgiving for Being chosen by God free to be his child with new desires new longings New Freedom New Hope and new promises Abba Father I am

your beloved child when you called my name you gave me grace and mercy and Hope help me to see how drastically you changed my life and my eternity let me rest in the knowledge that in you there is no condemnation there is a battle raging inside of me my Flesh wants what is against my spirit help me to seek the spirit and to be led by the spirit so that my life will be characterized by your fruit in Jesus name amen Let each choice you make be a reminder of new choices desires and longings you

have as a child of God until next time may you abide in Christ Authentic Christian Living begins with being yourself this is the pattern Jesus himself showed us Paul wrote to the Philippians you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had though he was God he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to instead he gave up his Divine privileges He took the humble position of a Slave and was born as a human being when he appeared in human form he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's

death on a cross Breathe In The Wonder of this Jesus fully God gave up every single privilege to be with us he came to serve and he willingly died alongside criminals Breathe in the Wonder dear one to find your life you may have to lose it the true life of Faith consists of taking on the attitude of Jesus becoming humble becoming willing being willing to give up anything in order to serve and love how does this invitation resonate in your heart today Perhaps admitting your emptiness and need can be the beginning of finding God's abundance

poured out in you but you have to begin by humbly acknowledging your need please pray with me God I'm coming to you because I need you I need to hear your voice I need to be changed by your spirit I need to be filled with you empty myself of me today Fill me with you in Jesus name I pray amen all right let's turn our attention to your breath notice it moving in and out let your breaths grow a little longer and a little deeper let distractions Fall Away and just attend to your breath in

And out let's borrow the words of John the Baptist to guide your breath breathing in he must become greater and breathing out I must become less again he must become greater I must become less confess to God the ways you let Pride rule you instead of letting Jesus rule You bring all your sins to the Lord now in Christ you are forgiven and healed and called to walk in newness of life listen to Philippians 2 verses 5 through 8 in the New Living Translation you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had though he

was God he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to instead He gave up his Divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being when he appeared in human form he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross as I read that again listen for a word that stands out to you you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had though he was God he did not think of equality with God as Something to cling to instead

he gave up his Divine privileges he took the humble position of a Slave born as a human being when he appeared in human form he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross what did you hear reflect on it prayerfully what do you tend to cling to as a source of meaning or identity listen to Philippians 2 verses 7 through 8 in the Amplified Bible Jesus EMD himself without renouncing or diminishing his deity but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and his rightful dignity by assuming

the form of a bond servant and being made in the likeness of men he became completely human but was without sin being fully God and fully man after he was found in terms of his Outward appearance as a man for a divinely appointed time he humbled himself still further by becoming obedient to the father to the point of death even death on a cross you know we tend to fight for our rights but Jesus was willing to give up his rights in order to reach us God right now to show you if there are ways

you too ought to be willing to give up your rights Jesus not only gave up his rights he also submitted to death that he didn't deserve it was more important to him to be humble and obedient than to prove to those watching that he was right how does this example speak to you today ask Jesus to teach you humility thank you listen to Philippians 2 verses 5 through 8 in the new revised Standard Version let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus who though he was in the form of God did

not regard equality with God as something to be exploited but emptied himself taking the form of a slave being born in human likeness and being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even death on a cross listen to this poem by Thomas Brown a Victorian poet and teacher If thou couldst empty all thyself of self like to a shell dishabited then might he find thee on the ocean shelf and say this is not dead filthy with himself instead foreign but Thou Art all replete with very thou test

such shrewd activity that when he comes he says this is enough Unto itself to her better let it be it is so small and full there is no room for me foreign are you too full of self-importance too quick to grasp at your own rights to make room for God invite God to empty you of vanity and pride and to fill you with himself please pray with me Jesus there is no one like you you gave up the glory of Heaven to take on human flesh you were born to a poor mother in a quiet

corner of an Empire and you lived your days there in perfect service and love you died without having committed a crime and you conquered Death Rising again and attaining eternal life for all who are In you help me to be like you a humble servant free me from my pride it's in your name I pray amen remember when you are emptied of yourself you can be filled with God until next time may you meditate and abide in Christ have you ever been at a place where all Hope seems lost Zechariah Chapter 14 begins with the

prophet telling Israel that one day Jerusalem will be plundered but on that day when all hope seems lost it gives them hope Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9 says and the Lord will be king over all the Earth on that day the Lord will be one and his name one take a big deep breath As you inhale the hope that Jesus brings to every situation in your life in a passage that prophesies the coming of the Messiah Zacharias says on that day three other times on that day Jesus will return from where he left the Mount

of Olives on that day all other sources of artificial light will be distinguished and only Jesus Will Shine And on that day Jesus will bring life-giving water that will always Quench and never fail when all hope seems lost imagine Jesus coming back being all the light and provision you will ever need do you ache for that measure of Hope dear holy Sovereign and sufficient God there are so many days I have trouble seeing past the end of my nose I can't imagine my next step much less see down the road or around The corner on

those days and every day give me the hope and assurance that every day you are enough you are sufficient and your son will light my path and it is in the name of your son Jesus that I pray amen take another deep breath hold it for a moment and then let it go relax your muscles still your mind and Your heart are you afraid of falling stumbling losing your way fall back into his strong arms let his hand guide you as he prepares you for time with him in prayer examine your heart for a moment

where are you most fearful afraid of losing your way unsure of your path ponder it as you come before him now In a time of confession and cleansing be aware of the presence of God Center on him consider what it means for the Lord to be king over all the Earth Focus your heart and your mind on the hope of God now listen carefully to Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9. in the English Standard Version and the Lord will be king over all the Earth On that day the Lord will be one and his name won

what did you hear take a moment right now to Center on that word thought or image God gave you just soak in it theme of Zechariah Chapter 14 is the coming day of the Lord the chapter begins with the graphic imagery of the Lord in battle over the city of Jerusalem Standing On Top of the Mount of Olives as his power and might splits the mountain in half close your eyes and imagine that the Lord God is in control on that day and he's in control of your day ponder it before him in prayer and

reflection listen again to Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9. from the Amplified Bible And the Lord shall be king over all the Earth in that day the Lord shall be the only one worshiped and his name the only one did you hear this time take a moment right now to Center on that word thought or image God gave you just soak in it foreign in the sixth verse of Zechariah Chapter 14. It mentions that light Will Shine from the Lord and not the Sun that living water will flow from new Springs that the Lord God and

control on that day is in control of your day even providing Light and Water ponder it before him in prayer and reflection the rest of the chapter is another graphic description of utter destruction Of the enemies of the Lord phrase holy to the Lord will be inscribed across the land that the Lord God in control on that day is in control of your day ponder that even deeper before him in prayer and reflection listen one final time as I read and reflect on Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9. in the Contemporary English version then there will

be only one Lord who Rules as king and whose name is worshiped everywhere on Earth Zechariah was a prophet of God he was warning us of God's judgment to come on that day chapters 8 through 11 of the Book of Revelation it mentions seven angels blowing seven long straight trumpets each trumpet cues an apocalyptic event showing the mighty power and Judgment of God Picture that scene in your mind hear the trumpets this is the ending of what the prophet Zechariah was referring to look at the angels in heaven how do you feel as each trumpet

is sounded how does it feel hopeful reassuring that the Lord God who chose you set you apart will care for you on this Day Ponder this assurance this hope before God In Prayer foreign listen carefully to the prayer that the elders lift up to God as the seventh trumpet sounds in Revelation chapter 11 verses 15 through 18. then the seventh angel blew his trumpet and there were loud voices in heaven saying Kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign forever and ever and the 24

Elders who sit on their Thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God saying we give thanks to you Lord God Almighty who is and who was for you have taken your great power and begun to reign dear sufficient and Victorious God I confess quietly to you now I feel plundered at times right before my eyes I feel the enemy taking all that you have given me I can feel so discouraged but on those days on all days give me the faith to remember that on that day you are returning on that day you

will be my light on that day you will provide for me on that day you shall be king over all the Earth on that day you Lord will be the only One worshiped on that day your name will be the only one and on that day and every day I will praise your name amen and amen search carefully today for an example of lost hope but rather than letting it cover you surrender your thoughts back to the Hope Authority and victory you have in Christ until next time May you abide in him what is your

greatest need as you think about that take a deep slow breath and close your eyes if you can as you consider the answer to that question so how did you answer that question personal health improved finances a new job healed marriage or relationship all of these are incredibly important but none are the greatest needs that you And I have Ephesians 1 verse 7 says in him we have Redemption through his blood the Forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of his grace the greatest need that you and I share is to have God forgive

our sins before we die and face an eternity without him Health financial blessings the perfect relationships will mean nothing if you and I die without God's forgiveness dear one do you know that you have God's Forgiveness through Jesus if you don't have the Assurance of his forgiveness and love then ask him for that now through faith in his son if you do then remind yourself of it again and again until the Assurance of your salvation is what's most important let's pray together dear saving Lord so easy to let the world guide my steps As I

seek after salvation to what the world defines as Safety and Security let the steps I take in the world create an uneasiness in my heart an uneasiness that can only be satisfied when I take steps toward you when I lean in by faith to your salvation not the world's and it is in the name of Jesus our savior that I ask these things amen keep taking slow deep breaths in Let's do it together in two three four and out two three four five again in two three four and out two three four five good now

take a moment to focus even deeper still your mind your heart breathing in again two three Four and out two three four five are you anxious about your own needs right now that's normal but now is a good time to let them go fall back into his saving arms let his hand guide you as he prepares you for a time with him take a moment to examine your heart Are you chasing after the world salvation ponder it as you come before him now in a time of confession and cleansing be aware of the presence of

God Center on him ask him to make you aware of a word phrase of thought or image from this passage that you can use to Center yourself on him today listen carefully to Ephesians 1 verse 7 in the English Standard Version In him we have Redemption through his blood forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of his grace what did you hear in him we have Redemption through his blood the Forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of his grace what did you hear this time right now to Center on that word thought

or image God gave you just soak in it Foreign Hall wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus but we can all relate to it the letter aimed to see them and US develop into true children of God and help strengthen them so they could fulfill the purpose in calling God had for them and the church listened but in the second chapter of Revelation Jesus dictates another letter to the church at Ephesus that they had forgotten their first love Have you come before him now in a prayer of honesty broken humility and repentance listen again

as I read from Ephesians 1 verse 7 this time from the Amplified Bible in him we have Redemption that is our deliverance and salvation through his blood which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin in accordance with the riches of his grace What did you hear what did you notice that time anything new or unexpected take a moment right now to Center on that word thought or image God gave you let that envelop you foreign it's a big word think of a coupon you get in

the mail you give up the coupon in exchange for a free pizza how are we redeemed What was given in exchange ponder that in prayer before the Lord listen to how the verse ends in accordance with the riches of his grace you and I didn't do anything to earn it it just showed up all you have to do is accept it that is Grace an undeserved gift in the next chapter of Ephesians it says that our Salvation is by Grace so that We won't rag about it how would you describe Grace listen one final time

as I read and you reflect on Ephesians 1 verse 7 in the Contemporary English version Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free which means that our sins are now forgiven Christ did this because God was so kind to us God has great wisdom and understanding Charles Spurgeon a British Pastor from The mid-1800s once said the greatest enemy to human Souls is the self-righteous Spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation how does that feel to hear listen again the greatest enemy to human Souls is the self-righteous Spirit which makes men look to

themselves for salvation does that thought seem distant or nearby can you relate to it come to the Lord in prayer as you Consider your own self-righteous spirit with your eyes still closed looking to yourself for your own salvation pause the app if you need and humble yourself before the Lord in prayer spend time now imagining Jesus letter to the Ephesians what or who is your first love bring your answer to him in prayer dear forgiving God thank you for the gospel the reality of The death burial and resurrection of your son that gives us forgiveness

and a promise of eternal life let nothing in our life today be more important than the truth that in you we have Redemption we have deliverance we have salvation through the blood of your son remind me every moment of every day of Jesus and the gospel and it is in his name that I pray amen Let the truth and freedom of the Gospel be ever present in your mind and heart and until next time may you abide in Christ how do you feel after completing a difficult task Romans chapter 11 verses 33-36 are a hymn

of praise written after some of the most theologically dense chapters of the entire Bible I wonder what it would have been like to watch Paul writing this letter Struggling with the Deep truths of the faith what would have been the look on the faces of those in this early church after reading the letter or hearing this sermon after thinking so deeply about our God it is fitting that Paul would break into a hymn of praise verse 33 says oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God How unsearchable are his judgments and

how inscrutable his ways take a deep breath as you think about those words and celebrate with Paul it must have been like finishing a really hard workout and hearing the trainer say and break it's about being thankful for the depth riches wisdom and knowledge found in God's word And then taking a moment to relax and soak in it how often do you take time just to think about God not to study theology or even to pray but just to meditate contemplate immerse yourself in the depths and wisdom of God asking him to reveal himself to

you in a new way take time to do that today Dear heavenly father bless my time in the gift of your word grant me understanding as your Spirit guides me through the library of Love Letters you have given me in Scripture today help me soak in it bask in its blessings even though your ways are inscrutable you reveal yourself to me in so many ways what I know is overwhelming But so is your love and your grace I bask in them today in the name of Jesus amen relax and shake off the burdens and the

tension that can sometimes be overwhelming shake out your arms relax your shoulders now breathe deeply slowly as you imagine resting in the entirety of God Inhale deeply again hold it and exhale anything pulling you from praising God today offer your confession to him and thank him for his unending love grace mercy and forgiveness God is worthy of our praise he's worth the time you spend just sitting in contemplation of his character instead of just thinking that you can't possibly know him Rest in his love and grace now listen to Romans 11 33-36 in the English

Standard Version oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God how unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways for who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid for from him and through him and to him Are all things to him be glory forever amen there's so much there but what stood out to you listen to Just verse 36 again for from him and through him and to him are all things to him

be glory forever amen today we are going to pray through this prayer Let's begin by meditating on the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God see in your mind the deepest ocean lift your eyes to heaven and see the heights the greatest expanse you can imagine now see it all filled with his riches wisdom and knowledge stay there rest there soak there in quiet meditation Praise now listen to Romans 11 verses 34 and 35. for who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor or who has given

a gift to him that he might be repaid Paul is quoting here and it's very similar to Isaiah 40 13. who has measured the spirit of the Lord or what Man shows him his counsel it is impossible to measure the extent Of God there is no end to his presence his love he is incapable of being fully explored or understood and that's as it should be do you want to worship a god that is small enough to be fully explored soak there in quiet meditation and praise of the expanse of his presence we're used to

having information at our Fingertips how does this idea of such a big God make you feel listen again to verse 34. for who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor your first instinct might be of course that's true no one can be God's counselor his ways are higher than our ways his thoughts are higher than our thoughts But do you live like that do you ever claim to know more than God or have a better grip on how to live your life than God does or want to offer God

advice on how to handle a situation or people you disagree with let this be a time of reflection and confession let's continue in prayer from Romans 11 35. or who has given a gift to him that he Might be repaid you may feel like you never expect God to pay you back but have you ever thought God I have dropped money in the offering plate but now I need money please help or God I have been faithful to pay attention to you now I need you to pay attention to me Or God I have helped

others now I need you to help me has the phrase now I need ever drifted into your heart once again let this be a time of reflection and confession now here Romans 11 36 in the Amplified Bible for from him all things originate and through him all things live and exist And to him are all things directed picture the endless action of the tide or a wave on a beach to the beach and from the beach the tide into the bay and out of the Bay Close Your Eyes in meditation and see that see how

all things flow out from him and all things flow back into him he is the source once again let this be a time of Reflection and confession how has God used this passage in your heart today dear Sovereign God of creation who can measure the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of you who can understand your decisions or explain what you do has anyone known your thoughts or given you advice has anyone loaned something to you that must be repaid No but I confess I've tried all things were made because of you and will return to

you Praise You Forever in the name of Jesus I pray amen what an awesome truth you've meditated on today God is inscrutable and still as close as your breath rest in him today until next time may you abide in Christ Do you feel in your gut in unseen battle all of us at one point were slaves to sin the cruel master but Christ came and gave himself as a ransom so that we could live in Freedom so are you living in Freedom are you walking in the way of the spirit take a slow deep breath

steady your heart rate and relax your body as you think about that Galatians 5 24 says and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires that doesn't mean that there is no struggle any honest Christian will tell you that the fight against sin keeps on going while we live here on Earth but with the strength of Christ in US weakened daily work to walk in the way of the spirit We have a new name a new family we have a new spirit with new desires today is a new

day just a few verses before our verse today Paul writes but I say walk by the spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh and the Apostle John says greater is he who is in you than he who Is in the world New Life new desires with God's help the battle rages but God is our deliverer he will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to handle it because he provides the way of Escape through the power of the Holy Spirit hold fast to him in your efforts to remain

free in Christ dear holy righteous God by the undeserved gift of your grace to Me and faith in your son I am new more than just repaired I am new more than simply replacing the parts that are broken I am an entirely New Creation and part of my new creation is new passions new longings and new desires not of this world but of the world to come help me embrace and breathe in that truth Is in the name of Jesus I boldly pray amen take another deep breath relax still your mind your heart your spirit

let your breathing become a prayer to God a plea for Stillness and quiet settle in now to a posture of Prayer examine your heart for a moment What sin do you have the most trouble surrendering to God ponder it as you come before him now in a time of confession and cleansing be aware of the presence of God Center on him ask him to make you aware of his desires for you of his plan and purpose desires become yours as you humble yourself before him as you continue in a posture of openness Willing to hear

what God has to say to you in this time listen to Galatians 5 24 in the English Standard Version and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires listen as I read that again and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires what did you hear What did you notice take a moment right now to Center on that word thought or image God gave you just soak in it that's pretty graphic language if we belong to Christ then our worldly passions and

desires are crucified with eyes closed picture that see it imagine the desires and passions of your flesh being crucified destroyed not just asked to leave or Shown the door they are dead ponder it in prayer listen now to Galatians 5 24 in the Amplified Bible ask God to point out a word or a phrase to focus on from this verse and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites what did you hear this version goes one step further than Your passions and desires being crucified it mentions

even your appetites all of your sinful nature the word appetite is interesting how does your body respond when you are hungry is your appetite strong or weak how does it drive you thank you imagine not only your sin but your appetite for sin being Crucified being killed destroyed bound and punished how does that truth resonate with you listen one last time to Galatians 5 24 this time in the Contemporary English version consider how this translation strikes you differently than the others and because we belong to Christ Jesus we have killed our selfish feelings and desires

this theme in Galatians 5 Of our sins and appetite for sin being destroyed is also picked up in Romans 8. listen to Paul's words carefully for you have not received a spirit of Slavery to sin Spirit leading again to fear of God's judgment but you have received the spirit of adoption as sons of the Spirit by which we joyfully cry AMA father in Galatians Paul mentions we are slaves To sin in Romans we are forgiven of sin and adopted into the family of God do you feel like a slave or a child of God ponder

it praise him with your answer stay with that question for a moment a slave is owned the property of another forced to obey do you feel owned by sin at times Weak and almost forced to obey it come broken and humbled before God now in prayer calling for release for freedom in Christ compare that to Romans where we are adopted children not birth children but adopted children what's the difference we are chosen picked out set apart With the full rights and privileges of being a child of the Creator God how does that feel different take

time now to soak in the light of freedom from even the appetite of sin come to him again in Thanksgiving for being chosen by God free to be his child with new desires new longings New Freedom New Hope and new promises foreign father I am your beloved child When you called my name you gave me grace and mercy and Hope me to see how drastically you changed my life and my eternity let me rest in the knowledge that in you there is no condemnation there is a battle raging inside of me my flesh wants what

is against my spirit help me to seek the spirit and to be led by the spirit so that my life will be characterized by your fruit in Jesus name Amen Let each choice you make be a reminder of new choices desires and longings you have as a child of God until next time may you abide in Christ authentic Christian Living begins with emptying yourself this is the pattern Jesus himself showed us Paul wrote to the Philippians You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had though he was God he did not think of equality

with God as something to cling to instead he gave up his Divine privileges he took the humble position of a Slave and was born as a human being when he appeared in human form he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross Breathe In The Wonder of this Jesus fully God gave up every single privilege to be with us he came to serve and he willingly died alongside criminals breathe in the Wonder dear one to find your life you may have to lose it the true life of Faith consists

of Taking on the attitude of Jesus becoming humble becoming willing being willing to give up anything in order to serve and love how does this invitation resonate in your heart today perhaps admitting your emptiness and need can be the beginning of finding God's abundance poured out in you but you have to begin by humbly acknowledging your need Please pray with me God I'm coming to you because I need you I need to hear your voice I need to be changed by your spirit I need to be filled with you empty myself of me today and

fill me with you in Jesus name I pray amen all right let's turn our attention to your breath Notice it moving in and out let your breaths grow a little longer and a little deeper let distractions Fall Away and just attend to your breath in and out let's borrow the words of John the Baptist to guide your breath breathing in he must become greater And breathing out I must become less again he must become greater I must become less confess to God the ways you let Pride rule you instead of letting Jesus rule you bring

all your sins to the Lord now in Christ you are forgiven and healed and called to walk in newness of life listen to Philippians 2 verses 5 through 8 in the New Living Translation you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had though he was God he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to instead he gave up his Divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being when he appeared in human form he humbled himself in obedience to God died a criminal's

death on a cross As I read that again listen for a word that stands out to you you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had though he was God he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to instead he gave up his Divine privileges he took the humble position of a Slave and was born as a human being when he appeared in human form he humbled himself in obedience to God and Died a criminal's death on a cross what did you hear reflect on it prayerfully what do you tend

to cling to as a source of meaning or identity foreign listen to Philippians 2 verses 7 through 8 in the Amplified Bible Jesus EMD himself without renouncing or diminishing his deity but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality And his rightful dignity by assuming the form of a bond servant and being made in the likeness of men he became completely human but was without sin being fully God and fully man after he was found in terms of his outward appearance as a man for a divinely appointed time he humbled himself still further

by becoming obedient to the father to the point of death Even death on a cross you know we tend to fight for our rights Jesus was willing to give up his rights in order to reach us God right now to show you if there are ways you too ought to be willing to give up your rights thank you Jesus not only gave up his rights he also submitted to death that he didn't deserve it was more important to him to be Humble and obedient than to prove to those watching that he was right how does

this example speak to you today ask Jesus to teach you humility listen to Philippians 2 verses 5 through 8 in the new revised Standard Version what the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus who though he was in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited but emptied himself taking the form of a Slave being born in human likeness and being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even death on a cross listen to this poem by Thomas

Brown a Victorian poet and teacher if thou couldst empty all thyself of self like to a shell dishabited then might he find thee on the ocean shelf and say This is not dead filthy with himself instead thank you foreign T all replete with very thou cast such shrewd activity that when he comes he says this is enough unto itself to her better let it be it is so small and full there is no room for me Are you too full of self-importance too quick to grasp at your own rights to make room for God invite

God to empty you of vanity and pride to fill you with himself please pray with me Jesus there is no one like you you gave up the glory of Heaven to take on human flesh you were born to a poor mother in a Quiet corner of an Empire of your days there in perfect service and love you died without having committed a crime and you conquered Death Rising again and attaining eternal life for all who are in you help me to be like you a humble servant free me from my pride it's in your name

I pray Amen remember when you are emptied of yourself you can be filled with God until next time may you meditate and abide in Christ have you ever been at a place where all hope seems lost Zechariah Chapter 14 begins with the prophet telling Israel that one day Jerusalem will be plundered but on that day when all hope seems lost It gives them hope Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9 says and the Lord will be king over all the Earth on that day the Lord will be one and his name one take a big deep breath

as you inhale the hope that Jesus brings to every situation in your life in a passage that prophesies the coming of the Messiah Zachariah says on that day three other Times on that day Jesus will return from where he left the Mount of Olives on that day all other sources of artificial light will be distinguished and only Jesus Will Shine and on that day Jesus will bring life-giving water that will always Quench and never fail when all hope seems lost imagine Jesus coming back Being all the light and provision you will ever need do you

ache for that measure of Hope dear holy Sovereign and sufficient God there are so many days I have trouble seeing past the end of my nose I can't imagine my next step much less see down the road or around the corner on those days and every day give me the hope and assurance that every day you are enough You are sufficient and your son will light my path and it is in the name of your son Jesus that I pray amen take another deep breath hold it for a moment and then let it go relax

your muscles still your mind and your heart are you afraid of falling stumbling losing your way fall back into his strong arms Let his hand guide you as he prepares you for time with him in prayer examine your heart for a moment where are you most fearful afraid of losing your way unsure of your path ponder it as you come before him now in a time of confession and cleansing be aware of the presence of God Center on him consider what it means for the Lord to Be king over all the Earth Focus your heart

and your mind on the hope of God now listen carefully to Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9. in the English Standard Version and the Lord will be king over all the Earth on that day the Lord will be one and his name won what did you hear take a moment right now to Center on That word thought or image God gave you just soak in it foreign the theme of Zechariah Chapter 14 is the coming day of the Lord the chapter begins with the graphic imagery of the Lord in battle over the city of Jerusalem Standing

On Top of the Mount of Olives as his power and might splits the mountain in half Close your eyes and and imagine that the Lord God is in control on that day and he's in control of your day ponder it before him in prayer and reflection listen again to Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9. from the Amplified Bible and the Lord shall be king over all the Earth in that day the Lord shall be the only one worshiped And his name the only one did you hear this time take a moment right now to Center on

that word thought or image God gave you just soak in it in the sixth verse of Zechariah Chapter 14. it mentions that light Will Shine from the Lord and not the Sun that living water will flow from new Springs that the Lord God and control on that Day is in control of your day even providing Light and Water ponder it before him in prayer and reflection thank you the rest of the chapter is another graphic description of utter destruction of the enemies of the Lord the phrase holy to the Lord will be inscribed across the

land that the Lord God in control on that day Is in control of your day ponder that even deeper before him in prayer and reflection listen one final time as I read and reflect on Zechariah Chapter 14 verse 9. in the Contemporary English version then there will be only one Lord who rules as king and whose name is worshiped everywhere on Earth Zechariah was a prophet of God he was warning us of God's judgment to Come on that day chapters 8 through 11 of the Book of Revelation it mentions seven angels blowing seven long straight

trumpets each trumpet cues an apocalyptic event showing the mighty power and Judgment of God picture that scene in your mind hear the trumpets this is the ending of what the prophet Zechariah was referring to look at the angels in heaven How do you feel as each trumpet is sounded how does it feel hopeful reassuring that the Lord God who chose you set you apart will care for you on this day Ponder this assurance this hope before God In Prayer listen carefully to the prayer that the elders lift up to God as the seventh trumpet sounds

in Revelation chapter 11 verses 15 through 18. Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet and there were loud voices in heaven saying the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign forever and ever and the 24 Elders who sit on their Thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God saying we give thanks to you Lord God Almighty Who is and who was for you have taken your great power and begun to reign dear sufficient and Victorious God I confess quietly to you now

I feel plundered at times right before my eyes I feel the enemy taking all that you have given me I can feel so discouraged but on those days on all days give me the faith to remember that on that day you are returning On that day you will be my light on that day you will provide for me on that day you shall be king over all the Earth on that day you Lord will be the only one worshiped on that day your name will be the only one and on that day and every day

I will praise your name amen and amen search carefully today for an example of Lost hope but rather than letting it cover you surrender your thoughts back to the hope Authority and victory you have in Christ until next time may you abide in him what is your greatest need as you think about that take a deep slow breath and close your eyes if you can as you consider the answer to that question so how did you answer that question personal health Improved finances a new job healed marriage or relationship all of these are incredibly important

but none are the greatest needs that you and I have Ephesians 1 verse 7 says in him we have Redemption through his blood the Forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of his grace the greatest need that you and I share is to have God forgive our sins before we die and face an eternity without him Health financial blessings the perfect relationships will mean nothing if you and I die without God's forgiveness dear one do you know that you have God's forgiveness through Jesus if you don't have the Assurance of his forgiveness and love

then ask him for that now through faith in his son if you do remind yourself of it again and again until the Assurance of your salvation is what's most important Let's pray together dear saving Lord so easy to let the world guide my steps as I seek after salvation to what the world defines as Safety and Security let the steps I take in the world create an uneasiness in my heart an uneasiness that can that can only be satisfied when I take steps toward you when I lean in by faith to your salvation not the

worlds and it is in the name of Jesus our Savior that I ask these things amen keep taking slow deep breaths in let's do it together in two three four and out two three four five again in two three four and out two three four five good Now take a moment to focus even deeper still your mind your heart breathing in again two three four and out two three four five are you anxious about your own needs right now that's normal but now is a good time to let them go fall back into his saving

arms Let his hand guide you as he prepares you for a time with him good take a moment to examine your heart are you chasing after the world's salvation ponder it as you come before him now in a time of confession and cleansing be aware of the presence of God Center on him ask him to make you aware of a word phrase a thought or image from this Passage that you can use to Center yourself on him today carefully to Ephesians 1 verse 7 in the English Standard Version in him we have Redemption through his

blood forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of his grace what did you hear listen again in him we have Redemption through his blood The Forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of his grace what did you hear this time make a moment right now to send word thought or image God gave you just soak in it foreign Paul wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus but we can all relate to it the letter aimed to see them and US develop into true children of God and help strengthen them so they could

fulfill The purpose and calling God had for them and the church listened but in the second chapter of Revelation Jesus dictates another letter to the church at Ephesus that they had forgotten their first love have you come before him now in a prayer of honesty broken humility and repentance listen again as I read from Ephesians 1 verse 7 this time from the Amplified Bible In him we have Redemption that is our deliverance and salvation through his blood which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin in

accordance with the riches of his grace what did you hear what did you notice that time anything new or unexpected take a moment right now to Center on that word thought or image God gave you let that envelop you Foreign it's a big word but think of a coupon you get in the mail you give up the coupon in exchange for a free pizza how are we redeemed what was given in exchange ponder that in prayer before the Lord listen to how the verse ends in accordance with the riches of his grace You and I

didn't do anything to earn it it just showed up all you have to do is accept it that is Grace an undeserved gift in the next chapter of Ephesians it says that our Salvation is by Grace so that we won't brag about it how would you describe Grace listen one final time as I read and you reflect on Ephesians 1 verse 7 in the Contemporary English version Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free which means that our sins are now forgiven Christ did this because God was so kind to us God has great

wisdom and understanding Charles Spurgeon a British Pastor from the mid-1800s once said the greatest enemy to human Souls is the self-righteous Spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation how does that feel to hear Foreign listen again the greatest enemy to human Souls is the self-righteous Spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation does that thought seem distant or nearby can you relate to it come to the Lord in prayer as you consider your own self-righteous spirit with your eyes still closed looking to yourself for your own salvation Pause the app if you

need and humble yourself before the Lord in prayer thank you spend time now imagining Jesus letter to the Ephesians what or who is your first love bring your answer to him in prayer dear forgiving God thank you for the gospel the reality of the death burial and resurrection of your son that gives us forgiveness and a promise of eternal life But nothing in our life today be more important than the truth that in you we have Redemption we have Deliverance we have salvation through the blood of your son remind me every moment of every day

of Jesus and the gospel and it is in his name that I pray amen let the truth and freedom of the Gospel be ever present in your mind and heart and until next time May you abide in Christ how do you feel after completing a difficult task Romans chapter 11 verses 33-36 are a hymn of praise written after some of the most theologically dense chapters of the entire Bible I wonder what it would have been like to watch Paul writing this letter struggling with the Deep truths of the faith what would have been the look

on the Faces of those in this early church after reading the letter or hearing this sermon after thinking so deeply about our God it is fitting that Paul would break into a hymn of praise verse 33 says oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God how unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable is Waze take a deep breath As you think about those words and celebrate with Paul it must have been like finishing a really hard workout and hearing the trainer say and break it's about being thankful for the depth riches

wisdom and knowledge found in God's word and then taking a moment to relax and soak in it How often do you take time just to think about God not to study theology or even to pray but just to meditate contemplate immerse yourself in the depths and wisdom of God asking him to reveal himself to you in a new way take time to do that today dear heavenly father bless my time in the gift of your word Grant me understanding as your Spirit guides me through the library of Love Letters you have given me in Scripture

today help me soak in it bask in its blessings even though your ways are inscrutable you reveal yourself to me in so many ways what I know is overwhelming but so is your love and your grace I bask in them today In the name of Jesus amen relax and shake off the burdens and the tension that can sometimes be overwhelming shake out your arms relax your shoulders now breathe deeply slowly as you imagine resting in the entirety of God inhale deeply again hold it and exhale anything pulling you from praising God today Offer your confession

to him and thank him for his unending love grace mercy and forgiveness foreign God is worthy of our praise he's worth the time you spend just sitting in contemplation of his character instead of just thinking that you can't possibly know him rest in his love and grace now listen to Romans 11 33-36 in the English Standard Version oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God how unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways for who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor or who has

given a gift to him that he might be repaid for from him and through him and to him are all things to him be glory forever Amen there's so much there but what stood out to you listen to Just verse 36 again for from him and through him and to him are all things to him be glory forever amen today we are going to pray through this prayer let's begin by meditating on the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge Of God see in your mind the deepest ocean lift your eyes to heaven and

see the heights the greatest expanse you can imagine now see it all filled with his riches wisdom and knowledge stay there rest there soak there in quiet meditation and praise now listen to Romans 11 verses 34 and 35. for who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid Paul is quoting here and it's very similar to Isaiah 40 13. who has measured the spirit of the Lord or what Man shows him his counsel it is impossible to measure

the extent of God there is no end to his presence His love he is incapable of being fully explored or understood and that's as it should be do you want to worship a god that is small enough to be fully explored soak there in quiet meditation and praise of the expanse of his presence thank you we're used to having information at our fingertips How does this idea of such a big God make you feel foreign listen again to verse 34. for who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor your

first instinct might be of course that's true no one can be God's counselor his ways are higher than our ways his thoughts are higher than our thoughts But do you live like that do you ever claim to know more than God or have a better grip on how to live your life than God does or want to offer God advice on how to handle a situation or people you disagree with let this be a time of reflection and confession let's continue in prayer from Romans 11 35. or who has given a gift to him that

he Might be repaid you may feel like you never expect God to pay you back but have you ever thought God I have dropped money in the offering plate but now I need money please help or God I have been faithful to pay attention to you now I need you to pay attention to me Or God I have helped others now I need you to help me has the phrase now I need ever drifted into your heart once again let this be a time of reflection and confession now here Romans 11 36 in the Amplified

Bible for from him all things originate and through him all things live and exist And to him are all things directed picture the endless action of the tide or a wave on a beach to the beach and from the beach the tide into the bay and out of the Bay Close Your Eyes in meditation and see that see how all things flow out from him and all things flow back into him he is the source once again let this be a time of reflection and confession How has God used this passage in your heart today

dear Sovereign God of creation who can measure the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of you who can understand your decisions or explain what you do has anyone known your thoughts or given you advice has anyone loaned something to you that must be repaid no But I confess I've tried all things were made because of you and will return to you Praise You Forever in the name of Jesus I pray amen what an awesome truth you've meditated on today God is inscrutable and still as close as your breath rest in him today until next time may

you abide in Christ Do you feel in your gut in unseen battle all of us at one point were slaves to sin the cruel master but Christ came and gave himself as a ransom so that we could live in Freedom so are you living in Freedom are you walking in the way of the spirit flow deep breath steadier heart rate and relax your body as you think about that Galatians 5 24 says and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires that doesn't mean that there is no struggle

any honest Christian will tell you that the fight against sin keeps on going while we live here on Earth but with the strength of Christ in US we can daily work to walk in the way of the spirit We have a new name a new family we have a new spirit with new desires today is a new day just a few verses before our verse today Paul writes but I say walk by the spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh and the Apostle John says greater is he who is in

you than he who is in the world New Life new desires with God's help the battle rages but God is our deliverer he will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to handle it because he provides the way of Escape through the power of the Holy Spirit hold fast to him in your efforts to remain free in Christ holy righteous God by the undeserved gift of your grace to me And faith in your son I am new more than just repaired I am new more than simply replacing the parts that are broken I

am an entirely New Creation and part of my new creation is new passions new longings and new desires not of this world but of the world to come help me embrace and breathe in that truth and it is in the name of Jesus I boldly Pray amen take another deep breath relax still in your mind your heart your spirit let your breathing become a prayer to God a plea for Stillness and quiet settle in now to a posture of Prayer examine your heart for a moment What sin do you have the most trouble surrendering to

God ponder it as you come before him now in a time of confession and cleansing be aware of the presence of God Center on him ask him to make you aware of his desires for you of his plan and purpose let his desires become yours as you humble yourself before him as you continue in a posture of openness Willing to hear what God has to say to you in this time listen to Galatians 5 24 in the English Standard Version and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires

listen as I read that again and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires what did you hear What did you notice take a moment right now to Center on that word thought or image God gave you just soak in it foreign that's pretty graphic language if we belong to Christ then our worldly passions and desires are crucified with eyes closed picture that see it imagine the desires and passions of your flesh being crucified Destroyed not just asked to leave or shown the door they are dead ponder it

in prayer listen now to Galatians 5 24 in the Amplified Bible ask God to point out a word or a phrase to focus on from this verse and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites what did you hear This version goes one step further than your passions and desires being crucified it mentions even your appetites all of your sinful nature the word appetite is interesting how does your body respond when you are hungry is your appetite strong or weak how does it drive you imagine not

only your sin but your appetite for sin being Crucified being killed destroyed bound and punished how does that truth resonate with you thank you listen one last time to Galatians 5 24 this time in the Contemporary English version consider how this translation strikes you differently than the others and because we belong to Christ Jesus we have killed our selfish feelings and desires This theme in Galatians 5 of our sins and appetite for sin being destroyed is also picked up in Romans 8. listen to Paul's words carefully for you have not received a spirit of Slavery

to sin Spirit leading again to fear of God's judgment but you have received the spirit of adoption as sons of the Spirit by which we joyfully cry Amma father In Galatians Paul mentions we are slaves to sin in Romans we are forgiven of sin and adopted into the family of God do you feel like a slave or a child of God ponder it praise him with your answer stay with that question for a moment a slave is owned the property of another Forced to obey do you feel owned by sin at times weak and almost

forced to obey it come broken and humbled before God now in prayer calling for release for freedom in Christ compare that to Romans where we are adopted children not birth children but adopted children what's the difference we are chosen picked out Set apart with the full rights and privileges of being a child of the Creator God how does that does that feel different take time now to soak in the light of freedom from even the appetite of sin come to him again in Thanksgiving for being chosen by God free to be his child with new

desires new longings New Freedom New Hope and new promises foreign Father I am your beloved child when you called my name you gave me grace and mercy and Hope me to see how drastically you changed my life and my eternity let me rest in the knowledge that in you there is no condemnation there is a battle raging inside of me my flesh wants what is against my spirit help me to seek this spirit and to be led by the spirit so that my life will be characterized By your fruit in Jesus name amen Let each

choice you make be a reminder of new choices desires and longings you have as a child of God until next time may you abide in Christ authentic Christian Living begins with emptying yourself this is the pattern Jesus himself showed Us Paul wrote to the Philippians you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had though he was God he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to instead he gave up his Divine privileges he took the humble position of a Slave and was born as a human being when he appeared in

human form he Humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross Breathe In The Wonder of this Jesus fully God gave up every single privilege to be with us he came to serve and he willingly died alongside criminals breathe in the Wonder dear one to find your life You may have to lose it true life of Faith consists of taking on the attitude of Jesus becoming humble becoming willing being willing to give up anything in order to serve and love how does this invitation resonate in your heart today perhaps admitting

your emptiness and need can be the beginning of finding God's abundance poured out in you But you have to begin by humbly acknowledging your need please pray with me God I'm coming to you because I need you I need to hear your voice I need to be changed by your spirit I need to be filled with you empty myself of me today and fill me with you in Jesus name I pray amen All right let's turn our attention to your breath notice it moving in and out let your breaths grow a little longer and a

little deeper let distractions Fall Away and just attend to your breath in and out let's borrow the words of John the Baptist to guide your breath Breathing in he must become greater and breathing out I must become less again he must become greater I must become less confess to God the ways you let Pride rule you instead of letting Jesus rule you bring all your sins to the Lord now in Christ you are forgiven and healed And called to walk in newness of life listen to Philippians 2 verses 5 through 8 in the New Living

Translation you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had though he was God he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to instead he gave up his Divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being When he appeared in human form he humbled himself in obedience to God died a criminal's death on a cross as I read that again listen for a word that stands out to you you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had though he was God he did

not think of equality with God as something to cling to instead he gave up his Divine privileges he took the humble position of a Slave And was born as a human being when he appeared in human form he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross what did you hear reflect on it prayerfully what do you tend to cling to as a source of meaning or identity listen to Philippians 2 verses 7 through 8 in the Amplified Bible Jesus EMD himself without renouncing or diminishing his deity But only temporarily

giving up the outward expression of divine equality and his rightful dignity by assuming the form of a bond servant and being made in the likeness of men he became completely human but was without sin being fully God and fully man after he was found in terms of his outward appearance as a man for a divinely appointed time he humbled himself still further by Becoming obedient to the father to the point of death even death on a cross you know we tend to fight for our rights Jesus was willing to give up his rights in order

to reach us God right now to show you if there are ways you too ought to be willing to give up your rights thank you Jesus not only gave up his rights he Also submitted to death that he didn't deserve it was more important to him to be humble and obedient than to prove to those watching that he was right how does this example speak to you today ask Jesus to teach you humility listen to Philippians 2 verses 5 through 8 in the new revised Standard Version let the same mind be in you that was

in Christ Jesus who though he was in the form of God did Not regard equality with God as something to be exploited but emptied himself taking the form of a slave being born in human likeness and being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even death on a cross listen to this poem by Thomas Brown the Victorian poet and teacher if thou couldst empty all thyself of self Like to a shell dishabited then might he find thee on the ocean shelf and say this is not dead and

filthy with himself instead foreign all replete with very thou and Hast such shrewd activity that when he comes he says this is enough unto itself to her better let it be it is so small and full There is no room for me are you too full of self-importance too quick to grasp at your own rights to make room for God invite God to empty you a vanity and pride and to fill you with himself please pray with me Jesus there is no one like you you gave up the glory of Heaven to take on human

flesh You were born to a poor mother in a quiet corner of an Empire and you lived your days there in perfect service and love you died without having committed a crime and you conquered Death Rising again and attaining eternal life for all who are in you help me to be like you humble servant free me from my pride It's in your name I pray amen remember when you are emptied of yourself you can be filled with God till next time may you meditate and abide in Christ I feel like when I listen to the

sleep meditations that I have a friend next to me foreign [Music]