How to Use This Journal
So now let’s talk practically about how to use this daily devotional journal. The first thing to know is that this is about spending time with Jesus, so this needs to be the first thing you do to start your day. To really get the most out of this experience you need to see the tangible difference this makes in the rest of your day. Also remember, we are followers of Jesus and as we already discovered, this is how He began His day. So let’s begin!
Before You Start...
Sing. Sing to God or listen to one song of praise, worship or devotional meditation that draws you close to Him. This is great for setting the atmosphere and shifting your heart and mind towards God.
Pray. Pray a short prayer of thanksgiving, that welcomes God’s presence. Ask Him to reveal to you what He is like in what you read. Ask Him to give you the assurance of salvation in Jesus through what you read. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the Bible reading and give you understanding. These are some of the things that are helpful and meaningful to ask as you talk to God before you read.
Enter the Story...
Read. Read the portion of Scripture you’ve been given from the Bible reading plan for the day. Read at a pace that allows you to absorb what you are reading. Is what you are reading poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature or narrative? These are just some of the things to think about as you read. However, there are four specific things that you are looking for as you read. These are things you will want to highlight. 1) What did you see in God’s character of love? 2) As the greatest revelation of God’s love, what picture of Jesus or Him crucified gave you assurance of salvation? 3) In light of your assurance in Christ, what did the Holy Spirit say to you or ask you to do? 4) Based on what He said, write at least one verse you will meditate on and memorize today. These are important, because this is what you will journal about.
Meditate. After you have read the reading for the day it is really important and highly beneficial to soak in it through silent meditation. Allow yourself to be drawn into each scene. If it is a story, allow your mind to use your senses in each scene. What do you smell, see, taste, touch or hear? Do you identify with the experience of one of the characters? You are also being still in quiet reflection in order to listen. This is essential to learning how to discern the Voice of the One who loves you and who is actually speaking personally to you through the Scriptures. I have found that the Scriptures call us to mediate on God’s word far more than it calls us to study it, as important as that is. So take the time to meditate after you read for as long or as short as you are able as long as the experience is quality and you have heard from God. I’ve personally found going for a walk outside, as close to nature as possible, takes meditating, in order to listen, to another level of intimacy with Jesus.
Journal. After reading and meditating, I’ve found one of the most powerful and life transforming things to do is to journal based on the insights you found and highlighted in reference to the four entries. You will write them in your journal under each of these four entry statements/questions, each of which I explain below…