Transcendental meditation (TM) refers to a specific form of silent mantra meditation first taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India in the 1950s. The Maharishi brought TM to the West in the 1960s, and it gained popularity as celebrities like The Beatles began practicing it. At its core, TM involves the use of a mantra – a word or short phrase – that is repeated silently during meditation. TM is considered a concentration technique, as it focuses the mind on the repetition of the mantra. The goal is to reach a state of relaxed awareness and inner calm by detaching…
Author: Mike Solis
The verse “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise” in Proverbs 6:6 is an exhortation to learn from the example of the ant. This proverb encourages us to observe the hard-working and diligent nature of ants and to emulate their wise and prudent ways in our own lives. In the verses leading up to 6:6, the writer warns against laziness and slothfulness, which lead to poverty and want. So in verse 6, the sluggard or lazy person is instructed to “go to the ant” and gain wisdom from its industrious habits. Just as ants work…
Experiencing joy in the Christian life starts with understanding what true joy is according to the Bible. The Bible makes a distinction between worldly, fleshly joy and the joy that comes from knowing God. Worldly joy is fleeting, superficial, and depends on circumstances. But biblical joy is much deeper and lasting. The joy spoken of in the Bible comes from having a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. When we know Christ, we have the hope of eternal life and the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. This brings a joy that cannot be taken away, even…
The Bible does not explicitly condemn torture, but it provides principles that suggest torture is morally wrong. The most relevant passages relate to how we should treat enemies, the sanctity of the human body, and respecting human dignity. The overarching message of the Bible is that we should love our enemies and do good to those who harm us (Matthew 5:43-48). While the Old Testament allowed violence in certain contexts like war, Jesus’ teachings emphasized nonviolence and mercy. Torturing a defenseless person seems to go against Jesus’ ethic of love. The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the…
The Bible tells us in Genesis 2:2 that “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” This verse raises an important question – why did God rest on the seventh day after creating the heavens and the earth? Here are several key reasons: 1. To set an example for mankind to follow God worked for six days in creation and then rested on the seventh. This set a pattern for mankind to labour for six days and then rest on the Sabbath. As Exodus…
The issue of abortion is a complex and divisive one in our society today. For Christians seeking to apply biblical principles to this issue, it is important to thoughtfully consider what the Bible teaches about the value of human life and the morality of taking life. While the Bible does not directly address the issue of abortion, it provides guiding principles that can shape a Christian perspective on abortion. The value and dignity of human life A foundational biblical principle is that all human life is precious and made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 states that “God created…
The Bible has a lot to say about heritage and our ancestry. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical themes around this topic: God shapes our heritage The Bible makes it clear that God is sovereign over all things, including our family lines and heritage. He intentionally forms each person and determines the time and place they will live (Psalm 139:13-16). Though we are shaped by our ancestors and upbringing, ultimately it is God who guides the circumstances of our birth and development. Honoring our parents and elders Several verses emphasize the importance of honoring our parents…
Advent is the season in the Christian liturgical calendar that leads up to Christmas. The word “advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus” which means “coming.” Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts for four Sundays, ending on Christmas Eve. Advent commemorates the anticipation and arrival of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world. It is a time of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The theme of Advent is hope and expectation as Christians look forward to celebrating the first coming of Jesus Christ at…
Trials and tribulations are an unavoidable part of the human experience. As Christians, we know that God allows suffering for a purpose, even if we don’t always understand what that purpose is. Here are some key biblical reasons why God permits trials in the lives of His followers: Trials Develop Godly Character Going through difficult circumstances provides an opportunity for spiritual growth and character development. Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because…
In the Christian tradition, engagement is seen as an important step in a romantic relationship, marking the period between the decision to marry and the actual marriage ceremony. While not explicitly discussed in the Bible, Christian teachings provide guidance on how to approach this special season. The overarching principles for Christian relationships and marriage laid out in the Bible – love, commitment, sacrifice, service, and faithfulness – apply to engagements as well. An engagement period is meant for a man and woman to deepen their bond, grow closer to God individually and as a couple, seek wise counsel, and prayerfully…