Growing Closer to God with Guided Meditation
Welcome to the new season of the podcast, now titled "Growing Closer to God with Guided Meditation"!
Join your host, Pastor Robert Young, as we embark on a journey of spiritual exploration and renewal. This podcast is designed to help you deepen your faith and find inner peace through calming, reflective, and transformative meditative practices inspired by scripture.
Our Evolution
While the podcast, formerly known as Not Your Parent's Religion, focused in Seasons 1 and 2 on correcting misinformation and myths about religious beliefs and the teaching of Jesus Christ, the program has evolved. In Season 3, we began drawing closer to God with guided meditations, exploring all the details of why and how to meditate, and discussing the Biblical origins of Christian meditations.
With over 30 years of experience in Church planting and mentoring other Pastors, and 30+ years of training leaders in evangelism/discipleship, Pastor Young is here to guide you through these moments of stillness and connection with God.
What to Expect in Season 4
We are excited to return with Season 4 starting Sunday, October 5. We will continue to offer a structured weekly schedule:
- Sundays: Our weekly guided meditation episode.
- Monday through Friday: Daily devotions and reflections that expand on the topic of the Sunday meditations.
- Wednesdays: Audio episodes of our House Church series. This series reflects the Bible's teaching that believers should gather together for corporate worship, fellowship, encouragement, and even admonishment.
For those seeking an enhanced experience, we are adding video versions of the meditations and devotions to our Patreon page. These videos are designed to give you a more immersive experience as you meditate on the Father, His teachings, and His presence.
Tune in each week as we lead you on this path to connecting more deeply with God.
Growing Closer to God with Guided Meditation
#129 Guided Meditation: Discovering Inner Peace by Storing Up Heavenly Treasures
Ever feel like the weight of the world is bearing down on your shoulders? Join me as we embark on a transformative exploration, where muscle relaxation meets spiritual enrichment. We're not just easing physical tension; we're unlocking a sanctuary within, guided by the profound wisdom of Colossians 3:2 and Matthew 6:19-22. In our serene space, learn to lay aside earthly burdens and refocus on the treasures of heaven, cultivating a heart that is a doorway to divine peace.
This episode is an invitation to a journey within a journey. As your guide, I lead you through a practice that not only promises relaxation but also a refreshment of spirit. We'll consider what it means to store up heavenly treasures, allowing these spiritual investments to anchor our hearts amidst life's tempests. By the end of our time together, you'll emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and the calming presence of God's love and grace as your constant companions.
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Now that you're in a quiet place, sit comfortably and relax, close your eyes and take a deep breath in for a count of seven. Hold the breath for a count of five, now exhale for a count of seven. Let's perform muscle relaxation by simply tensing each muscle group for three seconds and then releasing the muscle. Remember, don't hold your breath for this portion of the meditation. Let's begin with the calf muscles. Lightly tense the calf muscles for a count of three and release. Moving upward to the hamstring, quads and glutes Lightly tense for three seconds and release. Moving to the chest and back areas, lightly tense for three seconds and release. Finally, moving to the arms and shoulders, lightly tense these muscle groups for three seconds and release. Some research has shown that muscle relaxation sessions can help to lower anxiety and stress, lower blood pressure, reduce pain, aid in sleeping better and more.
Pastor Robert Young:Now that you're centered, let's focus on the words of Colossians 3, verse 2. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. This verse reminds us to concentrate on things in heaven, like peace and joy forever. It also reminds us to not be so fully invested in the things of this world, where everything is temporary and chaotic. Let this verse guide you as you let go of the worries and concerns of the world around you. Picture your heart as a doorway to heaven. Imagine yourself entering into God's presence, leaving behind the chaos and noise of this world. Now focus on your breathing again, as you inhale and exhale slowly with each breath invite the peace of God to fill your mind and heart. Let go of any negative thoughts or distractions that try to pull you away from heavenly things. Recite the complete thought of Matthew 6, 19-22 to yourself.
Pastor Robert Young:Don't store up treasures on earth. Moths and rust can destroy them and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them and thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will always be where your treasure is. Allow these words to guide your thoughts and keep your focus on what is good and pleasing to God. Continue to breathe deeply and meditate on the beauty and majesty of heaven. Let this time of stillness and reflection renew your spirit and strengthen your faith in the midst of an uncertain world. As you conclude your meditation, thank God for the gift of His presence and the peace that he gives that surpasses all understanding. Carry this sense of heavenly focus with you throughout your day, knowing that God's love and grace are always with you. You.