642 God Show Us What You Have Chosen, A Guided Christian Meditation on Acts 1:21-26 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.

Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.

Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate.

Scripture for Meditation

ACTS 1 NIV 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

NASB

21 Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22 beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." 23 So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all people, show which one of these two You have chosen 25 to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." 26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. Meditation on Scripture:

Upon the tragic betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, there were only 11 apostles. Peter quoted scripture referencing filling the office. God had plans and those included another apostle. Two names were brought forward for consideration, seeking the guidance of God. The 11 prayed and sought out God's guidance then left the decision in the hands of God. God guides his work according to God's needs. The Apostle was not chosen by the ways of the world or according to the means that humans reason. It was a choice of God. God guides His work, to include the grand and small parts.

God has plans for your life. At times we think our plans are what guides us. We think that because we have minds that can think, that what we reason and ration is the only matter for consideration. Or in those cases when we do defer to the knowledge of God we oftentimes think that it must be something we can understand. In reality most of the time God's plans are far beyond our understanding. It is left to us to do the best we can. With God's assistance we can understand enough to be able to guide our choices and then fiercely pursue abiding by it. Pause now for a moment and consider what God may be guiding you toward in your life. To what are you called? In what areas do you seek more clarity of His call and will?

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.

Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:

I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials.

Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:

This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast

Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?

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