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Writing in a Bible Reading Journal |
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Thursday, 13 May 2010 14:42 |
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People ask me what and how to write in a Bible Reading Journal. I have tried many different systems in my years. Here are some of them. Whichever one grabs and keeps your attention at the time is the one to use. Use it for awhile and then when you outgrow it, find another. The important thing is to keep reading, thinking, writing, and remembering.
Free Association
It's alright to write and fill the pages with whatever comes into you head during and after reading the Bible. If I keep being "distracted" by thoughts of all I have to do today, I make a list in my journal and submit it to God. Sometimes He indicates deletions or entries I would not have considered. If feelings keep arising that need to be expressed, do it. Draw a picture, write a poem, or just dump.
Quotations
You can gather up quotations about your favorite Bible passages or topics and keep them in your journal. You can build a system of indexing and crossreferencing, for easy access later.
Presentations
You can build sermons or Bible studies or presentations around passages or topics that interest you or will interest your audience. You can include the outline or the entire presentation word for word.
Prayer
Some people like to make their journal writing be their prayer to God. Today's prayer can be long or short, whatever's on your mind. Tell God all about it. I encourage you to include praises, too, as long or short as the requests. Further, you can simply carry on a continuing discussion with God about some topic or event occupying your attention.
Organized Response
The Life Journal teaches an organized response to the Bible reading by the use of the acronymn "Soap." First copy the Scripture phrase or sentence or verse that caught your attention this day. Then make an Observation; perhaps paraphrase the Scripture you copied. Then record an Application of this idea in your own life, how you might be different today because of reading this Scripture. Then write a Prayer about what you read, observed, and applied.
However you organize your Bible Reading Journal, I encourage you to keep one. Someone has said the pen is the best aid to the eyes.
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