The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (Full Version)

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TMeeks -> The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/23/2009 5:08:25 PM)

We usually think of the 'the thief' in individual terms such as stealing our personal joy, etc.

But, in a very real sense, the thief is also a master at the MACRO level.

Take the concept of meditation. It's what I call a 'TWOFER' from Satan's perspective.

The Bible makes multiple references to meditiating. And, give us guidance for how to meditate and on what to focus as we meditate. It is an important part of stopping to deeply ponder the wonders of our Lord in quiet contemplation.

But, most of us are fearful of the very word. That is because Satan, knowing that meditation has a profoundly positive affect on our spiritual, emotional and physical well-being decided that he'd steal it from God's Children and give it to false religions. So, because it DOES work to calm people down and give them a feeling of peace, it fools people into thinking they don't need Jesus Christ. And, because he has so associated the very word meditation with polytheistic and animistic religions, Christians are fearful of being sucked into something evil and shun meditation altogether. So, in the end, Satan has stolen something from both groups of people.

Fortunately, the term "Quiet Time" IS acceptable to Christians and some people have recovered the Biblical presecription for meditiating on the Word of God in their Quiet Time.

Now, Satan is moving VERY quickly to steal another TRUTH from God's people by rapidly taking over the latest discoveries for healing painful memories and ensuring that they are tainted with New Age branding. Once again, it's a TWOFER for Satan. Non-Christians will enjoy the benefits of the latest discoveries about how bad memories can be changed and be fooled into thinking that they do not need Christ. Christians, on the other hand, will associate the TRUTH with the FALSE... and, steer clear of these new truths. Thus, missing real healing that truly is based on the Word of God.

I just recieved an email from a brain researcher notifying me that he was going to be on a free webcast and listed the other participants. It saddened me to see how quickly New Age authors have picked up on these new discoveries because I know that the TRUTH will be ever so slightly distorted to trick people into believing that they do not need Jesus Christ. They will be able to find more peace than they prevously had. But, they will miss the GOD of PEACE and in doing so their ETERNAL PEACE will be utterly destroyed.

But, it also saddens me to know that because Satan will be an expert in taking the TRUTHS of these new discoveries and ensure that they will be tainted with guilt by association that many, many Christians will mistakingly associate the restructuring of painful memories with New Age theology and remain in their pain.

Pray that those of us that see these new discoveries about brain plasticity, that so CLEARLY conform to God's Call for RENEWING our minds with the Word of God, will have the wisdom and the skill to help believers differentiate the true from the false.

Lord, you designed every single facet of the form and functions of our brains that we might use them to Glorify You. Now, as huge breakthroughs in our understanding of the miracle of the brain that you created are upon us, I pray that Satan will NOT be able to steal Your TRUTH from your people. Give those of us that see the marvelous implications of this new understanding, and how it fits into your call for us to take every thought captive and transform it by your Word, the wisdom and the words to be able to communicate this truth effectively to your people that they might be completely healed of rejection and freed from the power of the pain from the past.



RustyCarr -> RE: The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/23/2009 8:33:26 PM)

Here is a perspective from a man who does not know the teachings about meditiation, either biblical (old) or new discoveries.

In my experience, the Word of God will not leave me alone. It is constantly on my mind, and I am always seeking understanding and proper application of the Word. I might be able to call that meditation, but I don't.

I just call it "Walking with God, and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach me the Truth."

It also seems logical that someone may easily meditate on some verses in the Bible WHILE THEY HAVE AN INCORRECT UNDERSTANDING OF THOSE VERSES. This may lead them to error, and CONVINCE THEM that the error is true.

For instance, the verses on not judging can lead people to not discern right from wrong or lead them to aviod correcting a brother or sister in love. That is an error, leading to forgetting HOW to see right from wrong.

But, as you say, meditating on some versus is helpful to take them to heart. Prov. 3:5,6 are good to meditate on. "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength" is good. And many others.

New age meditation tends to point people to discovering happiness with themselves while accepting their sinful nature. Many New Agers are promiscuous, yet they find "happiness" accepting themselves and writing off any loving criticism.


The Bible teaches that we find happiness by serving God, not ourselves. "Ourselves" is what got us in trouble in the first place!

Blessings,
Rusty



TMeeks -> RE: The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/23/2009 11:22:03 PM)

RustyCarr,

Your reponse is, sad to say, exactly what happens when we allow Satan's counterfeit of something that God has given us to dominate our choices.

Many years ago, I used to do work for the U.S. Virgin Island government which would take me down there for extended periods of time. At that time, a popular car was a small jeep like vehicle with a removable top. It wasn't uncommon for the locals to come out in the morning to find the top to their car missing, or the seats missing or even the tires to be missing as all of these things were easy to remove on that vehicle.

When I read posts like the one above, I can visualize the owner of one of those cars that came out to find they were missing the top, the seats, the wheels AND the steering wheel and STILL be driving it around on the rims telling everybody that they'd found the secret to driving.

So much has been stolen... and, it's been stolen so long... that it's no longer missed.

You say that you do not know the teachings about Biblical meditation. I can't help feeling that a person who wanted to know if something had been stolen from him might have studied what the Scriptures had to say about meditation before commenting negatively. [&o]



IamLibertarian -> RE: The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/23/2009 11:28:09 PM)

Psalm 104:34 (New International Version)

34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.



IamLibertarian -> RE: The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/23/2009 11:29:32 PM)

One of my favorites...

Psalm 119:27
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.



RustyCarr -> RE: The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/23/2009 11:53:58 PM)

Lighthouse Trails Research Project - Mantra Meditation

TMeeks,
Google the above and check it out.

I am not saying that you are involved in "Mantra Meditation," but I am saying I don't give meditation too much thought. As I said in the previous post, "The Word of God won't leave me alone." The Bible keeps popping up in my head. I don't have time to meditate.

I feel sad, I think of a Bible verse to chaeer me up...Etc.

Blessings,
Rusty



TMeeks -> RE: The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/24/2009 12:01:27 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: tuckonline

Psalm 104:34 (New International Version)

34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.


Meditation involves time. That is probably the biggest difference between reading and meditating... taking time to marvel at the beauty of God's Word and the truths contained in it.

Can't you just visualize the writer of Psalm 119:27 taking the time to slowly and deliberately explore every nuance of the precepts of God and out of that deep and broad journey of thought being led to rejoicing in the full wonders of God.

Biblical Meditation almost always results in rejoicing in something about God's person or work.

Just reading the words that you chose to post, brought a smile to my face and memories of the joy of pondering the wonders of God. Thank you so much! [:)]



IamLibertarian -> RE: The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/24/2009 12:17:00 AM)

TMeeks, it was my pleasure. They always bring a smile to my face too! I just wish I set aside more time to meditate...maybe one day I will become more disciplined. [&:]



TMeeks -> RE: The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/24/2009 12:20:35 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: RustyCarr

Lighthouse Trails Research Project - Mantra Meditation

TMeeks,
Google the above and check it out.

I am not saying that you are involved in "Mantra Meditation," but I am saying I don't give meditation too much thought. As I said in the previous post, "The Word of God won't leave me alone." The Bible keeps popping up in my head. I don't have time to meditate.

I feel sad, I think of a Bible verse to chaeer me up...Etc.

Blessings,
Rusty


Rusty,

How ignorant do you think I am? Of COURSE I know the deception of mantra meditation. That is EXACTLY what I was talking about in that Satan stole a Biblical principle, distorted it and succeeded in stealing it from Christians because we look at the counterfeit rather than the BIBLE VERSES THAT CALL FOR IT!

So, what do you do? You don't go to the Bible to see what God had to say about meditation. No. You go to someone that looks at the counterfeit. And, whether you know it or not, deny the Bible's call for us to meditate!!!!

You have proven the point in trying to argue the point. [8|][8|]

Here. I'll do the work for you!

Ge 24:63
He (Isaac) went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching.

Jos 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Ps 48:9
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.

Ps 77:12
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

Ps 119:15
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

Ps 119:23
Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.

Ps 119:27
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.

Ps 119:48
I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.

Ps 119:78
May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts.

Ps 119:97
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Ps 119:99
I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.

Ps 119:148
My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

Ps 143:5
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

Ps 145:5
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

Ps 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Ps 104:34
May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.

Ps 119:95
The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.

Php 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.



keithyhuntington -> RE: The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/24/2009 4:17:47 AM)

my cousin and my mom had this argument last christmas... he said he couldnt drink dr. pepper this late at night, because he cuts off caffeine in teh evening so he can meditate, and she just went off on all this worldly asian religions and all that. but he was atlking about just being in prayer and being iwth god... but she took it he was almost going Bhuddist on her. lol.



RustyCarr -> RE: The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/24/2009 7:32:02 AM)

TMeeks,
Let's just say we agree on this WITH SUBMISSION TO AND GUIDANCE BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, a spirit that is apart from "self" and tied to love of God, His Truth, and His understanding.

There are many decieving Spirits out there and if someone heeds them while "meditating", they might unwittingly set aside the two Greatest Commandments.

Rusty



TMeeks -> RE: The THIEF Never sleeps. At it again. (7/24/2009 7:58:20 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: keithyhuntington

my cousin and my mom had this argument last christmas... he said he couldnt drink dr. pepper this late at night, because he cuts off caffeine in teh evening so he can meditate, and she just went off on all this worldly asian religions and all that. but he was atlking about just being in prayer and being iwth god... but she took it he was almost going Bhuddist on her. lol.

That is a perfect example of the confusion that happens when Christian terms and Biblical worship activities are hijaaked by Satan. [;)]

We can react one of two ways. We can let satan rob of us of the joy of the TRUE version of the original Biblical concept. Or, we can ceed the floor to satan and retreat.

When we refuse to ceed the floor to satan then we do have the responsibility to make VERY sure that we take extra cautions to ensure that we do not drift from the Biblical concept into the twisted, counterfeit concept.

There are several ways to do this with meditating and the first is to ensure that it is God's Word or God's person that is the focus of our mediation and worship. One is to name our God or describe our God with a unique identifier. For me, that is declaring that I am worshipping and considering the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. There is ONLY one God that is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and that is the One True God. The other is to make very sure that any thoughts that pop up while exploring the full ramifications of a verse, or revealed by one of the works of God, is to test that thought against the Word of God.



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