I am going to be doing a series on connection over the next few Tamara’s Takeaway episodes, and we are first going to talk about how we can connect to God through a daily devotional.
Episode Discussion Points
- It is important to connect to God because the closer we feel to Him, the stronger and more courageous we feel.
- Religious leader Jeffrey Holland said about our connection with God that it is the “most important connection of all.” He continued, “As you forge a bond your Father in Heaven, He will forge a bond with you.” (Deseret News, March 6, 2021 page 24.)
- James 4:8, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
- John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
4 Daily Devotion Ideas
There are 7 categories I am going to be talking about over the next few weeks, but we will only discuss 1 today: Connecting to God through daily devotionals and what that can look like.
Prayer
- Kneeling (formal) or informal—mid-day, while driving, conversations, pleas for help, evening prayer, in moments of crisis, help to know how to handle a situation, to deal with strong emotions, etc.
- Colossians 4:2, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with Thanksgiving.”
- Examples of Jesus praying through the Lord’s prayer
Scripture Study
- Reading the word of God chapter by chapter
- Following a daily devotion prepared by someone else coupled with quotes/insights
- Memorizing Bible Verses
- Posting Bible verses around home, car, on phone
- Listening to scripture
- Open to a random verse/chapter and read
Meditation
- Meditation can be prayer
- It can be repeating a word over and over like peace, heaven, God, connect, hope, love etc.
- If you lose focus, just come back and keep going (everyone tends to get distracted while meditating—especially when they are first starting).
- Meditation can also be saying Bible phrases while breathing deeply like, “Be still and know that I am God,” or “Peace be still.”
- Story of Elijah and how after all the distractions he found connection with God through the “still, small voice.” (1 Kings 19:12)
- If you need help meditating, check out this podcast episode:
Gospel Talks/Speeches
- I love either reading or listening to people talk about the gospel
- This often helps bring be closer to God.
Call to Action
Incorporate a daily devotional in your life starting today! If you already do one, did God inspire to to add something or tweak your routine a little bit. Listen to and follow those promptings.
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Transcription
You can find the transcription of today's episode here: https://www.tamarakanderson.com/podcasts/devotional-ideas-to-connect-to-god-daily