How to Journal
Discovering God: As you search His Word for Gems!
I. Be Disciplined in your devotions (80% of pastors do not have regular devotions)
1 Timothy 1:7-8 .......... discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
Your devotions will equip you for ministry
II Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteous; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
II. Discovering God’s Diamonds (if we just scratch the surface we will never go deep enough to find the diamonds. Journaling is the daily searching of (listening to) God’s Word and writing down His message to you.
A. Tools for your Journaling session
Bible, Pen/hilighter, Journal, Bible Reading program, Planner
B. How to Journal:
1. Pray – Quiet your mind as you focus upon God (Psalm 42:1, Ps 90:14)
2. Read – The daily reading (about 20 minutes). As you read a verse or paragraph will “hit home” for you. Highlight those passages that speak to you. You may continue reading all the verses for that day or stop to reflect on that passage.
3. Write – In your journal (about 20 minutes)
Scripture – The verses that touched your heart
Observations – What God is revealing to you through these verses
Application – What God is prompting you to do
Prayer – Write a prayer as your heart’s response to what God is saying to you.
4. Create a Title – At the top of the page write your title, and the date and the verses that spoke to you. The title will help you to remember what you wrote about when you glance through your journal.
5. Check off – The verses that you read for that day
Questions: What do I do if I miss a day of journaling? If you miss a day, just go to the next day. If you have time you can go back later to read what you missed. Do not burden yourself with the weight of missed journaling days. What if I don’t understand what I’m reading? That is fine, journaling is not a deep Bible study, but it the opening of your heart to allow God to speak to you. And if your heart is open God will usually give you a “gem.”