The Bible was written throughout a period of about 1,500 years by 40 authors. Have you ever thought about what its actually about? It’s not about stories and events, but about our amazing God. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God John 1:1. Our Christian life is about God and I believe that we should record the things that take place in it. A few reasons why we should keep a journal is for us to go back on different events and to move forward with where God is taking us. Also, its to record what we have learned and to for us to avoid making the same mistakes.
Jesus tells us that we will do the works He did and even greater things.
If we understand and remember where we have come from, we can move forward and overcome so many little things that may hold us back from going where God is trying to take us.
11-14 “Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do. John 14:12-14The Message (MSG)
Most of us have quoted the scriptures from Hebrews that say “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Let’s live by it. God is still parting the sea for us daily. Why not record the process. The Israelites had to go through a process to get to the Promised Land. Maybe if every single Israelite had recorded the way God had been taking them out of Egypt, they would have all made it to the end. Lets hold on to the promises from God:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
This scripture would avoid our cries of “Lord, why did you leave me?”
Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD. Psalm 102:18
God speaks to us through the Bible
I record what He says to me by writing down, circling, and highlighting scriptures as well as the key words on the dates that He is speaking to me.
I have found that God can speak in so many different ways through the same verse depending on the season I am in. There is one verse that God had been teaching me for the past 5 years. I am always surprised at the new revelations that still come from it. Just when I think that I understand it, God reveals a deeper meaning for me. This is because “the word of God is alive and active.” Hebrews 4:12
Bible journaling
During prayer time: listen and write down what He is speaking. If you are a bit skeptical about this concept, you are not alone. It was difficult for many of us start practicing this but once you do, it will become natural.
You only miss the opportunities you never take
Have you ever wondered how could we each relate to one sermon when we all go through different situations? God’s word is a living word and is spoken into my spirit for the situation I am going through and its speaking into your spirit and revealing things for your situation. This is why journaling is important because it helps us to go back to the revelation given to us and the promise no matter what we experience daily, we have hope.
We could have read the same scripture for 10 years and all of us sudden something will pop out and penetrate deep into our souls. This is part of God’s revelation and promise. God is always revealing new things to all of us but are we willing to STOP and listen?
He put a NEW song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3
Why is it important to write?
I started writing things down in my journal about 5 years ago. I challenge you to start a journal if you have not yet. Record your daily accomplishments, struggles, Bible verses, prayers, prayers of thanksgiving. Write down experiences and life situations that you are going through and praying about.
A few years ago I lost my keys and could not find them for a week. I prayed and still didn’t find them. My kids got involved and we prayer together. We got up from prayer and I walked to the place where the keys were and picked them right up. This was a miracle because I had walked passed that area a dozen times but because it was not in a visible place, I didn’t see them. Even though I did not hear anything from God, I had the knowledge of the place where they were. Remembering things like this raises our faith and allows us to believe for bigger things like health.
I have learned that because it’s God’s voice and not my own thoughts that I was hearing, I needed to write them down otherwise I would forget. This is why you may find me writing all the time. I write on what ever is in front of me. In my journal, on loose papers, or on my phone. This is how I discovered that I should start blogging.
Write down the promises
God promised to bring the Israelites to the promised land but they had quickly forgotten the actual promise. Maybe if they they had taken the writings from their doorpost, it would have help them remember. We can take our promises that we write in our journals to help us remember where we had been and where God was taking us next.
9"You shall WRITE them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:9
"Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'WRITE ALL THE WORDS which I have spoken to you in a book. Jeremiah 30:2
Write down all the dreams, visions, and prophecies. Keep in mind that some things that God reveals to us are for a different time and we simply need to hold on to them until the right time. This is especially important when we are learning to hear God's voice. I have had instances where I knew that God spoke but I jumped on it without really understanding God’s will and timing for it.
I have had instances where I knew that God spoke but I jumped on it without really understanding God’s will and timing for it.
Journaling will help you go back on all that God has been doing and help you deal with circumstances that you are still working through. As our country celebrates thanksgiving, start a thanksgiving journal.
May God bless each one of you as you begin or expand journaling as a means to record the things that God is doing in and through your life.
As always, it’s my pleasure to serve you. Contact me for any prayer needs or comments.
-Natasha