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Welcome to a great journey. Life Journaling is a simple system of daily Bible reading and writing. Don’t be intimidated, it is easier than you think! God has spoken deeply into my life because I take time to read the Bible and write. Life Journaling has made me a better husband, father, and friend. Above all, it has made me a better follower of Christ. Some remarkable changes have happened in the lives of many of us because of our Life Journaling experiences. It has made us a better community of people, closer followers of Christ, and more effective in his cause.

If God really speaks through the Bible, then get ready for a great conversation. If he really whispers in your ear, then hang on; I have no doubt that he has some things to share with you.

Journeying together,

Scot Longyear

Life Journals are available at the Scroll Shop before and after the Exchange gathering each Sunday.

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“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” -2 Timothy 3:16

As we read God’s words, we begin to see how God responds to things. Doing daily devotions re-patterns the way we think and transforms the spirit of the mind. Then when we face similar situations as Jesus did, we begin to respond in the same way. We begin to understand that His words always build, strengthen, affirm, and give life.

Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It’s also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the ‘gems’ that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! And while journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily journaling with your small 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.

Journaling Step-By-Step Instructions

Let’s Get Started:

You’ll need three items: a Bible, a pen/pencil and a journal. There are many journals you can purchase at a bookstore or a plain notebook will do. The New Hope Life Journal is handy because it offers “how to journal” instructions to help you get the most out of your daily readings and devotions. There’s a section for special prayer requests where you can record the day you began praying and the day God answered your prayer. It also has New Hope’s Through-the-Bible Reading Plan, using daily scripture readings from the old and new testaments to guide you through the entire Bible in just one year. Life Journals may be purchased from our Online Resources site or you can pick up one at our New Hope Bookstore. You can also use our online daily devotional.

Next, set aside a certain time in your schedule each day and find a quite place where you’re not likely to be distracted. Many find peaceful meditation sites in nature, by the beach, in the back yard, or in a favorite lawn chair. It’s not important when you do your devotions, but that you make it a very important part of your day. Pastor Wayne encourages us to give God the best part of our day, whatever time that is. 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 the final act of the day, the time to quiet their hearts and hear God’s voice.

Now, open up your journals and let’s get started. Let’s see, today’s date is…….

Now what? Who talks first, me or God?

One way to do your devotions is to follow the simple acronym, S.O.A.P. which stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer.

S for Scripture
Open your Bible to the reading found under today’s date of your Bible bookmark. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. Highlight, underline or place a mark in the margin of your Bible, next to the scriptures that stand out. When you are done, reread the verses you marked, look for one that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
Helpful hint: If you are having difficulty understanding what you’ve read, you may find a study Bible useful.

O for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.

A for Application
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.

P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It’s also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the ‘gems’ that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! And while journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily journaling with your small 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.

If this seems a little overwhelming, take it slow and keep it simple. No matter how you decide to do your devotions, the important thing is to show up for your daily appointment, because God is always waiting for you!