Journaling
As we read God's words in the Bible, we begin to see how God responds to circumstances, get to know His character and concerns, and discover how much He wants our good. Reading the Bible every day, also known as "doing daily devotions," changes how we think and transforms the "spirit" of our minds. Then when we face life's situations, we begin to respond in the right way, just as Jesus modeled for us.
Daily devotions involve more than just reading the Bible. Think of it as a "conversation" in which God speaks to you through the Bible (His Word) and you respond with your own words in a journal.
Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It's also a useful tool to review later on, to reflect on and remind yourself of some of the assurances and wisdom that you received. Without writing these down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! While journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily journaling with your growth group or mentors. Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insight and even encourage others.
- Get A Journal. Lighthouse offers Life Story Journals that include a Through-the-Bible Reading Plan that will guide you through the entire Bible in just one year. This reading plan is also available online.
- Get Started. You'll need three items: a Bible, something to write with, and something to write on. This could be anything from a spiral bound notebook, to your PDA or cell phone, to one of the several great online resources.
- Set A Regular Time Each Day. It is a good idea to set aside a certain time in your schedule each day and find a quiet place where you won't be distracted. It's not important when you do your devotions, but that you make it a priority in your day. For morning people, it's a great way to start your day. For others, it's 20-minute lunchtime appointments with Jesus. For the night owls, it's your last item of the day, the time to quiet your heart and hear God's voice.
How long you spend each day is up to you and God. There is no set time frame. Each day can vary. The issue is to make a daily habit of it.
