Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Download the free iOS and Android app called Recenter with Christ to listen to all podcast episodes.

Mar 1, 2020

210 Jesus Understands our Temptation A Guided Christian Meditation on Hebrews 4:14-16

I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina:

Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.

Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.

Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:

Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate.

Bible verses for Meditation:

Hebrews 4
NIV
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

NABRE
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. 16 So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help

Meditation on Scripture:

For many Christians this Wed was Ash Wed and this week began a period of 40 days of fasting called lent. In episode 75 I covered the beggining verses of Matthew 4 which is the temptation of Jesus which you may enjoy this week. This week’s scripture is in reference to the experience Jesus has while on earth, living life as a man. Jesus understands what temptation is like. He understands what it is like to give up the necessities of life. Sometimes our greatest sin is when we get consumed with desires that we feel overcome us, but this scripture gives us hope. Our experience with temptation does not need to drive us into the ground in shame, rather our understanding of how Jesus understands this human experience can give us hope in His ability to help us overcome sin.

During the weeks that lead up to Easter we can be mindful of this tension. We can observe our temptation within ourselves and plead with God to help us transform on a trajectory similar to His Son. We can approach the throne of grace confidently and as we attempt to overcome temptation and sin we can receive timely help if we consistently approach God in love and humility. As Jesus said, man will not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

In your efforts to reduce your submission to sin and focus on the Sacrifice and Resurrection of Jesus this season, keep the faith. Each time your heart feels discouraged, may it be lifted. Each time you think that you are too far gone or that you have done too much for God to forgive, remember his understanding and his desire for you to keep drawing ever nearer and abandoning sin. Use this time of prayer and fasting as a way to stay connected with Him in the middle of the tumultuous times so when we arrive at the gate he will invite us to enter into his presence because we have spent a life of trying to follow, although in a flawed way.

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.

Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:

I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials.
Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:
This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast

Updates:

Final Question: How does knowing that Jesus was tempted as we are help you to relate to God?

Final Thought: God has an overwhelming desire to help us overcome the natural effects of sin while helping us to develop and embrace his spirit of Grace. Fatih in God is also trusting in His process to transform us. Fortunately or unfortunately this includes a lot of trial and error as we attempt to clearly discern the will of the Lord then struggle against our rebellious natures to return each time we go astray. I firmly believe that it is important for us to take accountability for our sin while also not being bowled over by shame. Allow the peace of our understanding God to enter your heart as you attempt to give up sin in your life. That is what the Easter season is all about. Trust in new beginnings. Trust in an all powerful risen God that has power to transform you and I into His image.

FIND ME ON:
Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com
App Store App: Recenter with Christ
Voicemail - (602) 888-3795
Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com
Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast
Facebook.com/ChristianMeditationPodcast
Youtube.com/ChristianMeditaitonPodcast
Twitter - @ChristianMedPod