Have you ever heard someone say, “Practice what you preach”? Doctors often say things like “Eat a healthy diet, consume vegetables, exercise regularly, and make choices that promote your mental health”. However, Doctors often live in a fast-paced world of heavy pressure and the overall physician suicide rate cited by most studies is two to four times higher than the general population. Similarly, teachers tell their students to be kind to one another, and then struggle to be kind to their colleagues. We all do it, we say one thing and do another … authenticity takes intention. Church leaders encourage people to read and put into practice the Word of God. But the practice part is hard for all of us because it simply doesn’t fit our fast-paced, microwave-ready world. Transformation takes time, commitment, patience and practice.

On a frigid November day, my friend Erin sat at my kitchen table. She and her husband are the directors of Casa De Luz Ministries in Primo Tapia, Mexico. I wanted to hear about the buildings, the people, the development, and the amazing growth they have been experiencing! Instead, every topic we began to tackle led back to her love for Jesus. I would ask a question, and Erin would somehow connect her answer to the empowering, awe-inspiring time she spent in connection with God. She set aside time to think deeply on the things of God. She talked about early mornings in the presence of God. She erupted with excitement as she told about the local church in Primo Tapia and the early morning prayer services. She described the sustaining life Jesus fills her with daily to carry out her purpose on the earth. Although I had originally wanted to know about the buildings, I was most captivated by the ways Erin’s life was being built by Christ. The authenticity of her life, actions, choices and ministry was undeniably compelling.

Months later, I had the opportunity to visit Erin at Casa De Luz Ministries and I saw the physical growth of buildings, soccer fields, and homes that reflected Erin’s heart growth. I saw the beauty of Erin’s home that had been constructed in stages over years. She had trusted Jesus for each beam and dollar. Her heart growth also spilled into the lives of those impacted by Erin and Casa De Luz Ministries as well. I dined with a luminous local woman named Betty Lou who and gained confidence and skills to launch her own business through her faith in Jesus. She employed several other women in her community at her lovely restaurant. Heart growth expands into the physical world and is the greatest joy producer.

On that November winter day months ago, when Erin sat down at my kitchen table, I had wanted to hear about the wonders of God in terms of ministry, growth, and buildings. Instead I was reminded: The greatest wonder in the world is to experience God’s heart-changing presence, and to remember that it is fully available to every soul, at all times, in all places. Whether you woke this morning to the waves of a Mexican beach or the songs of Saskatchewan springtime chirps, you can have more of Him. You can have heart growth that will be reflected in your world, relationships, opportunities and future, too.

So, where do you start?

Have you tried to practice Christian meditation?

Christian meditation differs from Eastern meditation practice in that instead of emptying our minds, we choose to think deeply on the things of God.

Check out this simple Christian Meditation Guide to help you experience the transforming power of God.

YOUR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GUIDE – 5 MINUTES A DAY!

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love…” – Colossians 3:14-17 NLT

“If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love…” – 1 Corinthians 13:3-7 MSG

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD and on his law he meditates day and night.” – Psalm 1:2 ESV

TRY IT: Set a timer for five minutes each morning! Allow yourself to relax – play music or enjoy the scent of a diffuser. Whatever allows you to relax in His presence – mind, body and soul. Invite His Spirit to empower you during this time.

THREE POWERFUL TRUTHS

1. I am Accepted in Christ

John 1:12 (God’s child)
1 Corinthians 6:17 (United with Him)
Ephesians 2:18 (Direct access to God through Christ)

Journal: Write your thoughts after meditating on these passages

2. I am Secure in Christ

Romans 8:1-2 (Free from condemnation)
Colossians 3:3 (Hidden with Christ in God)
2 Timothy 1:7 (I have been given a Spirit of power)

Journal: Write your thoughts after meditating on these passages

3. I am Significant in Christ

John 15:16 (Chosen)
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (Minister of reconciliation)
Ephesians 2:10 (I have purpose)

Journal: Write your thoughts after meditating on these passages

May your heart growth be reflected in your world today!