Comments
Steve
on 07/24/2022 at 01:36 AM
Amen.
AC
on 07/15/2022 at 04:50 PM
Thanks Brandon, I’m going to download that now.
Brandon Pembleton
on 07/15/2022 at 03:07 PM
@AC - not sure if that works to notify you..
I first saw a bunch of series on meditation on Netflix by Headspace. It spoke of how over time meditation sort of restructures the brains fight or flight mode and "default network" state. At the time my default network or resting state of my mind was in a horrible place. It was pretty much stuck in fight or flight at all times (I didn't fully trust in God at this point of my life either). So I started with those, but then downloaded headspace and started using their app to go through the beginner courses. Headspace is great. It teaches to focus on the breath as a focal point and then when the mind drifts to very gently remind yourself to refocus on the breath. Then with growing in love with God I sort of add a layer to it with my breaths and visually thinking of God's light coming into me and then on the exhale him pulling any darkness and sin from me. I'd highly recommend headspace for getting the basics down pat. I did them at bedtime a lot too because that's when that default network is active and can be trained. Tethering my prayer into my meditation made it that much more amazing and profound too. I hope this helps AC!!
Omar A.
on 07/14/2022 at 05:41 PM
Progress is the right measure. I’ve heard Jordan Peterson say…don’t compare yourself to others, compare yourself today to who you were yesterday. I remember when I fully gave my life to Christ 3 yrs ago when my marriage fell apart. The change in me has been incredible. Nothing I could ever do on my own. Unfortunately I was not able to save my marriage, but my thoughts, my choices, my character, my appreciation for everything is like day and night and ultimately I’m thankful for having gone through so much pain to be where I am today. Anyone going through hard times, I want to encourage you to keep walking. Our God is with us and will bless us, just do your part. Make the best choices you know how, when you mess up, ask God for forgiveness and forgive yourself, and keep taking it a day at a time. God WILL bless you in His perfect time. Have a blessed day brothers!
AC
on 07/14/2022 at 04:26 PM
My thoughts stray and they always lead to darkness, usually about myself. Brandon - was there an app or book you used to get started on meditation? I hear it’s a wonderful tool and very helpful.
William Gass
on 07/14/2022 at 04:25 PM
Lord, may I strive to be consistent and disciplined in my actions, words and deeds. 🙏🏻
Brandon Pembleton
on 07/14/2022 at 03:08 PM
Early in my journey of recovery and finding God I learned how to meditate. One of the reasons I wanted to learn it being it teaches the mind to recognize thoughts drifting. Which was something at that time I had zero control over where they went, and they always went to the dark. Through my meditative prayer of just trying to focus on what my concept of God's almighty power looks like in a visual sense and imagining looking at its glory. When my mind would drift as anyone's does as soon as I'd recognize the drift I'd gently remind myself it's OK you've drifted now focus on God's glory. Doing this daily sometimes multiple times a day it trained my mind to have some sense of control over my thoughts to keep them in the light because of the speed at which I trained it to see the thoughts drift away. What the readings says about thoughts become actions and actions become who we are. This is a big piece of how changed. As Ashley said progress, daily progress and you get wowed when you look back at where you were each month. This is the way brothers. God bless you all 🙏
kade krebaum
on 07/14/2022 at 03:07 PM
I want to be the best man possible
Ashley Jarvis
on 07/14/2022 at 02:57 PM
Early in my journey, and still today to some degree, I would worry about what others would say or think when talking about my Faith. So until I found the courage to be more open about my relationship with God, I read scripture talking about how our actions speak louder than any words we can say. I took to focusing on trying to emulate Jesus’s teaching in how to act and treat others, rather than worry about talking about it. Progress, not perfection, is what I’ve been taught. One day at a time, is another. Slowly, it’s become easier and easier to show kindness, seek to understand rather than be understood, and use my two ears and one mouth in more of the ratio God gave me… Today, I will do my best to be kind. Today, I will do my best to seek Gods will. Today, I will stay sober. God, will take care of the rest. Amen 🙏🏻
Dave S
on 07/14/2022 at 02:36 PM
Let the good stored up in you flow out of you like a river flowing from Gods throne.
Chris C
on 07/14/2022 at 02:35 PM
In this day and age, when there seems to be so much hate and ill will, people notice when we are kind, friendly and helpful. Loving people as Christ did does not go unnoticed. Living a life for Jesus gives us that Spirit. Praise God!
Boyce Moses
on 07/14/2022 at 01:57 PM
Let the good God has blessed us with flow out and touch others and bring joy to their lives. Love you Jesus! 💚💛❤️💙
Marv Eastlund
on 07/14/2022 at 01:17 PM
“Strive to be a man others wish to be near.” That statement says it all. That encapsulates what it means to be a real man in today’s world. We have the capacity to bring a lot of good to those around us. Included in that good is our Lord Jesus Christ. How are we representing Him today? Let’s strive to be men like Jesus - men others want to be near.
Aaron Smith
on 07/14/2022 at 12:52 PM
Our communities and our world need more joy, shown by us, Christ followers, from Him whom all blessings flow. Let us be that light into the world and joyous salt that gives great flavor to those we come into contact with today. Amen
195/365: How To Add Joy
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. ~ Matthew 12: 35
Our thoughts lead to our words. Our words lead to our actions. Our actions lead to our habits. Our habits form our character.
Dwell on hope, joy, and generosity. It will flow out of your life and the people around you will notice and reflect your joy back to you.
We are drawn to joy... it's a signature of God's love. Strive to be a man others wish to be near.
GO DEEPER: 2 Peter 1: 5-7
Next Step: Start by training your thoughts on God's grace today, then listen to how your words change tomorrow.