Life Journal Reading Plan
Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us through His word. It's also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the 'nuggets' 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.
How to Life Journal
Step 1:
Find the Bible reading corresponding to today’s date from the Bible reading program (link above) or from the back of your Life Journal.* Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you as you read. Mark off each completed daily reading to keep yourself accountable.
Step 2:
Read the passages. As you are reading, underline or mark anything the Lord impresses on you as a personal word to be applied. When you read with an open heart, the Lord will give you words of encouragement, direction and correction (2 Timothy 3:16).
Step 3:
When God has revealed a special lesson of life to you, turn to a fresh page in your Daily Pages to record what God has just shown you.
- Enter the date and page number.
- Record a topic that generally describes the lesson.
- Title your entry.
- Record the main (S)cripture.
- Record your (O)bservation of the scripture.
- Think of an (A)pplication to be different today because of what you read.
- Record your (P)rayer.
Step 4:
Turn to the Table of Contents in your journal and catalog your entry by date, scripture/topic, title, and page number.
Step 5:
Conclude your daily devotional time by turning to the Prayer List to record your personal prayer requests and praise reports to God. Then have a time of prayer about what you have written.
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!
