20 Feb Mastering the Bible – Part 4
Three weeks ago we began looking at the 4 Steps to Master The Bible So Well That The Bible Masters You, with Step 1: Read the Bible for breadth of knowledge.
Next we we looked at Step 2: Study the Bible for depth of knowledge.
Last week, we looked at Step 3: Memorize to Master the Bible
This week, we look at the 4th and final step, Meditate for the Bible to Master You.
Step 4: Meditate for the Bible to Master You
Biblical meditation is quite different from traditional meditation. In traditional meditation, the goal is to empty the mind of external distractions, focus on breathing, and bring the mind to a state of inner calm which will eventually generate a sense of peace and joy.
In biblical meditation, the goal is to fill the mind with Scripture and other truth about God, to repeat memorized verses, to mentally think about the words and truth in them, looking for additional and deeper insights, exposing our minds to truth which the Holy Spirit can use to transform our lives.
David said, “Oh how I love your law, it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). And, “My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on your word” (Psalm 119:48).
But David also meditated on God’s:
- Work and deeds (Psalm 77:12).
- Precepts and ways (Psalm 119:15).
- Statutes (Psalm 119:23).
- Wonders (Psalm 119:27).
- Testimonies (Psalm 119:99).
There is no magic “meditation” wand. There is no formula to follow. When we think a thought, it goes through specific paths in the brain. As we repeat Scripture over and over again, letting the truth go through our mind repeatedly, the truth sinks deeper and deeper into our mind and heart. The principle is that we fill the mind with renewing truth, over and over again, which the Holy Spirit then uses to renew our minds and transform our lives.
Having established that point biblically, there is also compelling evidence from science to back it up. Neurological research tells us why biblical meditation works so well. There are 100,000 miles of electrical wiring in the brain. If we think a thought repeatedly, it always takes the same path along that wiring, making it easier and easier to remember and think that thought. So, we can “be our own brain surgeons,” reconstructing our brains by thinking new thoughts over and over again instead of the untrue or unhelpful thoughts that we’ve been thinking. And, as the old thought patterns deteriorate through lack of use, we begin to experience a surge of spiritual progress that cannot happen any other way.
Of course, this is the way God has created us to change, which is why Scripture encourages us to “meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:1 – 3). And that is why Romans 12:2 promises that we can be “transformed by the renewing of our mind.”
So, I encourage you to spend time each day on each of the four steps to Master the Bible So Well That the Bible to Masters You.
Update on the YouTube Channel
Still forging ahead, getting an inventory of videos “in the bank” before actually launching. I keep thinking “it won’t be long,” and it shouldn’t be much longer – it’s just taking longer than I’d anticipated!
I’ll keep you updated as we continue to forge ahead for moving from this blog to a YouTube channel. So you don’t miss any updates, if you’re not already on my email list, sign up here and you’ll also receive my free video of the 4 Steps we’ve been talking about to Master the Bible So Well That Thee Bible Masters You! As always, we appreciate your ongoing prayers for this endeavor.
While I’m getting the YouTube channel ready, all of the past blog posts are still available – and you know that “repetition is the key to mental ownership!”
If you’re new here, we recently finished a series titled “Moving from Checkers to Chess ~ 5 Steps to Unleashing the Power of an Eternal Perspective,” in which I “connected all the dots” from posts over the years and combined them into a “spiritual game plan.” That series is a great place to start.
I look forward to seeing all of you on my new YouTube channel soon, to further discuss how to walk closer with God and live better in life.
Two resources I’ve created to help build your biblical base for a closer walk with God:
Strengthen your knowledge of Biblical Truth: Our “Discipleship In a Box”, the Brave New Discipleship System, is on a Super Sale, discounted from $249 to $49!
Accelerate your Spiritual Transformation:
Brain science meets the Bible in The Change Zone. Based on Romans 12:2 and modern neuroscience, I’ve created a new membership resource, a daily mental renewal system to help motivated Christians transform their lives. Learn more here.
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