Sunday, December 26, 2021

CULTIVATING A VIBRANT INNER LIFE

 CULTIVATING A VIBRANT INNER LIFE

 

Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

 

Luke 2:51

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart

 

I. MARY WAS DIFFERENT
1. Response to the Angel

Luke 1:38

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

 

 

2. Miracle at Cana

John 2:1-5

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it

 

3. Didn’t go with other women to the Tomb

Luke 24:1-2

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

 

 

II. BENEFITS OF CONTEMPLATION
1. Increased Faith/Optimism

 

 

2. Increase in Health
• increased positive mood
• improved concentration
• improved immune function
• less anxiety and depression
• slower aging

 

3. Enlarged Pre-Frontal Cortex

 

Long-time contemplators tend to have an enlarged frontal cortex (part of the brain responsible for intelligence, personality, sensory information, motor functions and thought) and a smaller amygdala (responsible for experiencing emotions). Contemplative practice allows emotions such as fear, agitation or anger to diminish.

 

4. Greater experience of Positive Emotions

 

 

 

III. HOW TO CONTEMPLATE MORE
1. Speak less, listen and think more

James 1:19

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath

 

Prov 10:19

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise

 

Prov 18:2

He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction

 

James 1:26

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless

 

Matthew 12:36-37

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned

 

2. Slow your roll

Matthew 11:28-30

 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light

 

Luke 10:38-42

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her

 

Eccl 3:1

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven

 

 

3. Meditate (God, His Word, Truth)

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper

 

Phil 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

 

a. Get quiet
b. Focus
c. Turn the thought over
d. Breathe Deep
e. Bring Mind Back if it wanders

1 comment:

  1. Thank You Lord God for Your Word...and the platform of my Church FAHOW...Continue to strengthen. and pour your spirit and gliry to Bishop Kyle and Apistle Kemi

    ReplyDelete