Journaling 101 As a part of our study on living Unstoppable lives @ Worship @ The Warehouse we supplied journals to each person. Now you may not have been here to get a journal but included was a page on “how to” journal. So use this as a helpful hint guide and get started today jotting down some details on the pathway God has for you.

Journaling 101

Let’s Get Started
You’ll need three items: a Bible, a pen/pencil and a journal (which is what you are holding right now) 

When Should I Journal?
It is a good idea to set aside a certain time in your schedule each day and find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted.

It’s not important when you do your devotions, but that you make it a very important part of your day. For morning people, it’s a great way to start your day. For others, it’s 20-minute lunchtime appointments with Jesus. For the night owls, it’s the final act of the day, the time to quiet their hearts and hear God’s voice.

 

The How-To-Journal

As we read God’s words, we begin to see how God responds to things. Doing daily devotions re-patterns the way we think and transforms the mind. Then when we face similar situations as Jesus did, we begin to respond in the same way. We begin to react as Jesus wants us to react because we know Him better.

Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It’s also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the ‘gems’ 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 others along the way. Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insight and even encourage others.

 

The  Pathway Principle
Direction…not intention…gets you to your Destination
Somewhere in this journal jot down what you are trying to accomplish. What is your goal in the process.

 

Use A Little SOAP

S for Scripture
Open your Bible to the reading found under today’s date of your Bible bookmark. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal. 
 

O for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.
 

A for Application
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
 

P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out. You will also want to use the journal to write down prayer requests of others that you might here at CCC Mid-Week.

 

Downloads

Each Sunday during Celebration Worship or during Sonrise Studies, or Mid-Week this journal becomes a great place to take notes. When you fill it up then pick up another and keep going.