| DEVOTIONS OR MEDITATION? |
There has been a subtle move over the past hundred plus years to introduce ungodly idolatrous practices into the
church of God disguised as sound doctrine. The word 'devotions' occurs only once in the Bible in Acts 17:23: “For
as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom
therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” Athens was a city filled with pagan altars and idols;
devotions in the context of Acts 17:23 meant the worship of pagan gods and idols; it was idolatry. The pagan
Athenians adored their idols and were devoted to their false gods much as Catholics adore images of Virgin Mary.
Coming from India I am very familiar with the practice of 'devotions' towards idols. The word devotee generally refers
to a person who is devoted to a certain false god invariably portrayed as an idolatrous statue or image. The Bible
never commands or requires us to do devotions. God however requires and commands us to MEDITATE day and
night as for example in Joshua 1:8. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate
therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt
make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
The word meditation in the Bible means to dwell on something, to think on that which we read, to mull on it, to roll it
over and over in our minds and to mutter; literally to speak to ourselves – this is why the Word must needs be in our
mouths at all times as commanded in Joshua 1:8. UNDERSTANDING COMES ONLY THROUGH MEDITATION and
meditation requires no special time or hour, it can be and should be practiced at all waking hours and if possible
even when sleeping. Read psalms 119 and notice how many times the psalmist uses the word MEDITATION. This
meditation is not Eastern transcendental meditation which is an occult ritual designed to open the practitioner’s mind
to evil spirits disguised as angels of light. TM is vain repetitions against which Jesus warned us in Matthew 6:7: But
when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much
speaking. Repeating the same word such as OM over and over again will give you a sore jaw at best and make you
devil possessed at worst.
What did the apostle Paul require the Philippians to do in Phil 4:8? He asked them to "THINK ON THESE THINGS"
meaning to meditate on them. Meditation is a mental exercise in which we involve our minds and brain in solving
the mystery of the Word of God much as a scientist applies his brain to solving a problem or a mathematician to
solving an equation. There is nothing mysterious about meditation but it will provide the answers to the mystery of
God. The answers are provided to us by the Holy Spirit because Jesus said “Seek and ye shall find” and we seek
through meditation. Meditation is the labor that we are required to exert in order to enter God’s rest and peace for
as we meditate we come to the UNDERSTANDING of God through the Holy Spirit. Understanding God is what brings
us rest, peace and comfort. Jeremiah 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither
let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this,
that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and
righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Devotions on the other hand are ritualistic exercises much in the vein of Jesuitical spiritual exercises that may have
a show of godliness on the outside but are unable to change a person on the inside. God does not require me to be
a devotee but he has commanded me to be a disciple by understanding and following His Word. I can see plainly the
introduction of many Pagan Eastern practices into the church by false prophets and wolves but God has given us
the discernment not to be ignorant of the wiles of the devil. Words and terminology that we use are very important
and we must understand why we do what we do and why we say what we say. I am not condemning sincere people
who sincerely desire to know and worship God for using the word devotions but I cannot bring myself to use it since I
know it is an idolatrous practice introduced to God’s people as ‘Christian.’ I only wish to use Godly words that are
found in the Bible. You may not agree with me but if I don’t feel right in my heart about something how can I in good
conscience practice it or advice others to do so?
There has been a subtle move over the past hundred plus years to introduce ungodly idolatrous practices into the
church of God disguised as sound doctrine. The word 'devotions' occurs only once in the Bible in Acts 17:23: “For
as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom
therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” Athens was a city filled with pagan altars and idols and
devotions in the context of Acts 17:23 was the worship of pagan gods and idols; it was idolatry. The pagan
Athenians adored their idols and were devoted to their false gods much as Catholics adore images of Virgin Mary.
Coming from India I am very familiar with the practice of 'devotions' towards idols. The word devotee generally refers
to a person who is dedicated to a certain false god invariably portrayed as an idolatrous statue or image. The Bible
never commands or requires us to do devotions. God however requires and commands us to MEDITATE day and
night as for example in Joshua 1:8. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate
therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt
make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
The word meditation in the Bible means to dwell on something, to think on that which we read, to mull on it, to roll it
over and over in our minds and to mutter; literally to speak to ourselves – this is why the Word must needs be in our
mouths at all times as commanded in Joshua 1:8. UNDERSTANDING COMES ONLY THROUGH MEDITATION and
meditation requires no special time or hour, it can be and should be practiced at all waking hours and if possible
even when sleeping. Read psalms 119 and notice how many times the psalmist uses the word MEDITATION. This
meditation is not Eastern transcendental meditation which is an occult ritual designed to open the practitioner’s mind
to evil spirits disguised as angels of light. TM is vain repetitions against which Jesus warned us in Matthew 6:7: But
when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much
speaking. Repeating the same word such as OM over and over again will give you a sore jaw at best and make you
devil possessed at worst.
What did the apostle Paul require the Philippians to do in Phil 4:8? He asked them to "THINK ON THESE THINGS"
meaning to meditate on them. Meditation is a mental exercise in which we involve our minds and brain in solving the
mystery of the Word of God much as a scientist applies his brain to solving a problem or a mathematician to solving
an equation. There is nothing mysterious about meditation but it will provide the answers to the mystery of God. The
answers are provided to us by the Holy Spirit because Jesus said “Seek and ye shall find” and we seek through
meditation. Meditation is the labor that we are required to exert in order to enter God’s rest and peace for as we
meditate we come to the UNDERSTANDING of God through the Holy Spirit. Understanding God is what brings us
rest, peace and comfort. Jeremiah 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let
the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that
he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and
righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Devotions on the other hand are ritualistic exercises much in the vein of Jesuitical spiritual exercises that may have
a show of godliness on the outside but are unable to change a person on the inside. God does not require me to be
a devotee but he has commanded me to be a disciple by understanding and following His Word. I can see plainly the
introduction of many Pagan Eastern practices into the church by false prophets and wolves but God has given us
the discernment not to be ignorant of the wiles of the devil. Words and terminology that we use are very important
and we must understand why we do what we do and why we say what we say. I am not condemning sincere people
who sincerely desire to know and worship God for using the word devotions but I cannot bring myself to use it since I
know it is an idolatrous practice introduced to God’s people as ‘Christian.’ I only wish to use Godly words that are
found in the Bible. You may not agree with me but if I don’t feel right in my heart about something how can I in good
conscience practice it or advice others to do so?
Scriptures on MEDITATION
1. Genesis 24:63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and
saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.
2. Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and
night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way
prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
3. Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
4. Psalm 5:1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
5. Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O
LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
6. Psalm 49:3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
7. Psalm 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
8. Psalm 77:12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
9. Psalm 104:34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
10. Psalm 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
11. Psalm 119:23
Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
12. Psalm 119:48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in
thy statutes.
13. Psalm 119:78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will
meditate in thy precepts.
14. Psalm 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
15. Psalm 119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
16. Psalm 119:148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
17. Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
18. Luke 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
19. 1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
20. Phil 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.
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