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Ptr. Robert Balibao
UBC Manila

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDITATION
Psalm 1:1-3

  • What is meditation? Meditation is a mental exercise that involves relaxation, focus, and awareness.
    • Meditate God’s word moment by moment
      • Meditation is connected to the word “Ruminate” Chew the Word of God continuously
      • This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8
      • *What does it mean by “shall not depart from your mouth?”
        • The phrase “from your mouth” refers to the custom of muttering while studying or reflecting.
          • - do not stop reflecting.
            • * But you shall meditate it day and night.
            • Day and night: All the time; continuously.
            • Ruminate / Chewing it again and again.
              “Nguya ng nguya na parang kambing.”
      • Why they eat again?
        • This may sound unappealing, but it provides this animal a way of getting the most nutrients from their food and also helps prevent hunger.
        • Application:
          • 1. Start your day with God’s Word.
          • 2. Find your sweet spot to remember “The WORD of the day.”
            • Correction: Meditation doesn’t end in your devotion time.
            • -Break time.-in the moment of busyness.-Walking
          • 3. Share God’s word to someone: The More you talk, the more it sinks in you.
          • 4.  Write and Post: What would be THE RESULT as we do these things?
    • Meditate to be sure what to obey (to ensure obedience)
      “so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. “ After the year of Joshua, worst years of the Israelites started. From Worst to worst the people of God acted wickedly. They do what was right in their own sight.
      Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
      They were not careful in obeying the commandments of God and the cycle of disobedience continues in their generations.
      • Meditation is your protection.
        • A believer who is not meditating God’s word is prone to false and dangerous teaching.”
        • But a follower who ponders it knows what is good in the plumb line.
  • Meditate to regain Strength and courage
    God has encouraged Joshua to be “Strong and courageous.”
    He said it three times to him. He saw fear in his heart and that along the way he will be shaken. Fear would cripple Joshua in doing his task and responsibility Fear is common problem. 600 references related to Fear. 19 prominent Bible Character were told “Do not be afraid.” Fear suppresses your progress.
    Church, God said “I am with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
    • Meditation is crucial to accomplishing your mission.
      • Meditation is crucial to accomplishing your mission.
      • Joshua1:6-9 (Mission of Joshua)
      • Cross the River, Win the Battles, Possess the Land.
      • The attitude of Success? The attitude of success is to be faithful in doing the God-given task and responsibility to you.
        May mga taong nakasandal sa atin. Mga taong maapehktuhan kung tayo ay hindi magbubulay ng Salita ng Diyos.
      • What is in our hands is not projects but people.
        • “Our Mission is people not projects.”
        • If you value people, meditate God’s word.
    • Meditation is crucial when facing doubts. Psa.77
      6I said, "During the night I will remember the song I once sang; I will think very carefully." I tried to make sense of what was happening.7I asked, "Will the Lord reject me forever? Will he never again show me his favor? 8Has his loyal love disappeared forever? Has his promise failed forever? 9Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has his anger stifled his compassion?"10Then I said, "It makes me feel sick that the power of the Most High is no longer the same."
      • Are you now in the season of doubts, hopelessness, season of dryness?
      • Doubting God’s favor, steadfast love, grace, promises. (vv.6-10)
        11I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 12I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds.
        Do you still remember how God save you from your problems?
        Do you still remember how He has provided for your need?
        Do you still remember how He healed your wounds and sickness?
        “Maiiwasan nating lumubog dahil iaahon tayo ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaalala Niya ng Kanyang kamangha-mangha Niyang gawa.”
    • Meditation is crucial in pursuing purity.
      “How can a young person maintain a pure life? By guarding it according to your instructions!” Psa.119:9
      15I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
      • -Meditation protects your mind
      • -Meditation cleanses your mind.
      • -Meditation strengthens godly desires.
        1 Tim4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth but set the believers an example … in purity. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” 1Cor. 6:19-20

Vision: To see equipped members fulfilling the Great Commission.