~Spiritual Sundays and Journaling~

Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger, wonderful hostesses of Spiritual Sundays.  Click on the SS button to the right to visit them and other wonderful friends that have something to share with you.

 I began jouraling when I was only 8 yrs. old, when I received my first diary.  I wasn’t talking to God at that time, only to myself, or so I thought.  As the years went by, it became apparent to me that someone was hearing my heart and  dreams, my hurts and my anger.  If you don’t already journal, I hope you will consider doing so…you will be blessed.

I once was Women’s Ministries Director for our church, and during that time, we had a monthly meeting for all the ladies, usually a brunch.    Each month, I brought a “lesson” and this is a portion of one of them.  I actually do not remember from what source this came, but I kept this on my computer, and wanted to share it with you.

JOURNAL WRITING: A TOOL FOR PERSONAL GROWTH

Establishing a closer communion with God is the very reason for fasting, so constantly seeking Him in prayer is absolutely vital. Prayer is expressing our devotion to our heavenly Father, inviting Him to talk to us as we talk to Him. Following are just some of the benefits of the spiritual exercise of journaling as we fast and pray

1. Over a period of several weeks or months, daily entries provide a means or reviewing God’s work in our lives.

2. Record the progress of a particular goal or the application and benefit of a new discipline or biblical truth.

3. Journals can serve as personal history books; leaving a legacy of your life is a wonderful gift for your family. Record daily prayers, and get in touch with and record personal feelings.

4. Journaling helps us slow down and refocus in a fast paced world.

5. Journaling provides a means of recording important lessons God is teaching us daily.

6. Journals provide records of God’s answers to prayers and other gifts received from Him.

7. Journaling give permanence to your life, rather than fleeting thoughts or memories that can be lost by passing time.

8. Journaling is a written dialogue with God, as you write with your heart, and write as He shares His with you.

9. Journaling lets you listen to God, and to communicate with each other.

The first step: DECIDE to keep a journal; purchase a special notebook especially for journaling

Next, if you have difficulty finding things to record in your journal, you may use this list as a guide:

1. What has God revealed to you about Himself?

2. What has God revealed to you about His purposes?

3. What has God revealed to you about His ways?

4. What has God done in your life or through your life that has caused you to experience His presence?

5. What scripture has God used to speak to you about Himself, His purposes or His ways?

6. What particular person or concern has God given you a burden to pray for? What has He guided you to pray for in this situation?

7. What has God done through circumstances that have given you a sense of His timing or direction concerning any aspect of His will?

8. What word of guidance or truth do you sense God has spoken to you through another believer?

9. What adjustment is God leading you to make in your life?

10. What acts of obedience have you accomplished this week? What further steps of obedience do you know God wants you to take?

Well known journalers: King David, King Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, the apostle Paul, the apostle John,

Without journalers, we wouldn’t have a Bible!!!

God bless you all.  Have a wonderful Spiritual Sunday!

Mary