There is just something about writing it down. In a distant era I briefly sold National Motor Club memberships door-to-door. When the sales team met, each person set a goal for how many doors he would knock. The goal had to be written down. It was "the power of the pen."
I've learned the power of the pen, not only to change the world but how writing results in clear thought. Applying this to my conversations with Jesus has been powerful.
The Struggle
In today's fast-paced world, distractions abound and time slips away unnoticed. Thus, setting and achieving spiritual goals can feel overwhelming.
Tools You Can Use
Introducing a devotional journal into your spiritual practice can serve as a tool that not only aids in having a clear goal but also continues educating and supporting you towards consistency. By dedicating time to read a simple, Bible-based devotion that is connected to your spiritual goals you create a clear roadmap forward.
Beyond reading a devotion, it is best to prayer journal. Journaling helps track your spiritual progress over time, providing tangible evidence of growth and change. When I review my prayer journals from twenty years in the past, I'm able to see the progress that has been made. Prayers have been answered. Jesus has kept His promises.
Moreover, keeping a record keeps me accountable. If too many days pass without a journal entry, I tell myself, "Carlton, the grass is growing." The phrase comes from a missionary's story about his work in Africa.
The Grass is Growing
The missionary's work was where the grass grew taller than a man's head. The men would go into the grass to pray. Each man selected an area for himself. His walking and kneeling in prayer soon created an area where the grass was beaten down.
Of necessity, men would walk near and through the prayer area of others. If someone had become negligent in spending time with Jesus, a friend might gently encourage him by saying, "Brother, the grass is growing."
When there are few entries in a prayer journal - figuraratively the grass is growing.
Discipline Matters
The consistent habit of journaling develops discipline and commitment—essential qualities for anyone seeking to achieve any goal. Christian growth demands more than Bible reading, there must be an intimate engagement that resonates on a personal level.
The Benefit of Devotional Journals
Devotonal journals encourage and active engagement with God's word through reflection and deeper analysis. This not only enhances comprehension but will also allow you to personalize your journey.
Your journaling, combined with what you have read in a devotion becomes an avenue for what amounts to a conversation with the scriptures themselves. On a consistent basis you have the exciting experience of uncovering fresh understanding or you revisit a familiar passage with a fresh perspective.
You are consistently documenting thoughts, emotions, and revelations sparked during study sessions. As you work through Bible passages in their context, you begin forming unique personal connections with the scriptures you explore.
In essence, devotional journaling transforms passive reading into an interactive experience where you can connect deeply with God's word—in ways that resonate uniquely within you.
Your commitment will grow and your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ will deepen both mentally and spiritually.
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Regardless of your use of my material, I ask you to try the two prongs - a devotion you read each day, and a journal. An abundance of such is available at Amazon. I've written two devotionals and one devotional journal. These receive positive reviews.
Consider my video course on Personal Devotion it includes two print copies of my book Keep it Simple Saints - Personal Devotion.
Living the Daily Things is a devotional journal that is part of the Daily Things of Christian Living suite. Print and eBook are currently discounted. There are seven things the New Testament speaks of someone doing on a daily basis. These provide a great pattern on how to live for Jesus each day. My material is always satisfaction guaranteed. FREE SHIPPING - USA, CA, UK, AU, NZ
Musings on Matthew - an eBook with a devotion drawn from each chapter in Matthew. Thought provoking, and great preaching nuggets. Discounted through this week $1.49
Unveiling the Heart of Jesus - an eBook with a devotion drawn from each chapter in the gospel of Mark. Usually $4.99 this week $2.99.
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