As a pastor, one of my most important tasks is to help people connect with God and follow Him completely.

I find the “following Him completely” to be the most complicated part. How can I connect with God on a daily basis so that I am ready to face the difficulties of life? We all know that life is full of difficulties. The troubles of life are always pulling us back from God. Recently, one of the women of our church asked me to help her give her all to God (again) and not take it back. Not taking it back is the tough part.

This is the practice that I use to stay connected with God.

I let God bracket my day. You know, those keys on the typewriter that your fingers won’t reach. They look like this [. . . . .].

This is what I mean. I want all of my day to be encompassed by God in my life. I want God and my love and service to Him to define my day and my life. Until God defines my days, He really can’t define my life.

A couple of years ago, I read of a man who said he wanted his first waking thought to be of God. Since reading the article I have consciously attempted to put God at the very first of everything that I do, but I must tell you it’s hard for me to think of God before I think of anything else.

As part of this process, I set aside a few minutes each morning to spend with God. My time with God (you can call it whatever you want such as “devos,” “quiet time,” or “devotional”) has three parts and sets the stage for my day.

First, I spend time reading Scripture. I try to read three chapters each day. Over the years I have found that to be the perfect amount of Scripture for me. Your life situation may mean that you should read three verses instead of three chapters.

Second, I meditate on what I have read, thinking through the implications for my life.

Third, I spend time in prayer, often praying through my schedule and asking God for His guidance. I often pray Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer” and Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. . .”

At the end of the day, I spend time again in prayer.

When I have followed this process, I feel energized by the Spirit of God to handle whatever life will throw at me.

If you would like to receive my daily posts, you can subscribe to waylonbailey.com at the top of the page. Simply type in your email address, and click subscribe. It’s free and easy. When you receive a return email, confirm your desire to subscribe by clicking on the link.

Waylonbailey.com is my ministry across the Internet. I would appreciate your subscribing and also forwarding this and other posts to your friends. Thank you!