Observe & Record

Scientists record their observations for their experiments in a report. Sporting scouts jot down thoughts about potential team prospects. Even students take notes in class so they can remember any insights gleaned. If writing down the significant pieces of life are important in the examples above, how much greater is it to keep a journal of the work of God in our lives?

Many people hesitate at the word journal; like they are being asked to keep a spiritual diary. However, that is not the case at all. A journal is simply a compilation of what God has spoken as well as a place to reflect on how His words effect our current circumstances. It doesn't have to be a long detailed account or a run on sentence of prayers. A spiritual journal can be tailored to the desires and needs of it's keeper.

I would strongly recommend keeping a journal, and here are a few pieces to consider putting on the pages:

1) Scriptures. What are the verses you have been reading as of late? What words or phrases have jumped off the page as you read them. Those may be places that God is wanting you to focus, turn your attention.

2) Questions. What are the questions you have for God right now? Are you in need of wisdom? Do you desire discernment? Are you wrestling with the nature or plans of God right now? Are you in a relationship quandary? Record any and all questions as a matter of seeking Jesus as your answer. Plus then you know what to pray about and what to rejoice when truth from God takes the question away.

3) People. Who are the people in your life right that are blessing you, and who are you blessing? Who has spoken truth to you, provided for you? Record their names and give thanks to God for providing these people in your life.

Who are the people you have regular contact with that could use a helping hand, are in a season of storms, or need the hope of salvation? Record their names and being praying for opportunities to bless.

4) Markers. There are always spiritual markers that serve as major checkpoints for our faith. One such moment is baptism. You may include leading a friend to Christ, seeing the healing hand of God in a family member, or a miracle that has stretched your faith to new limits. The book of Joshua is like a journal of all the mighty word and works of God that He spoke and accomplished on Israel's behalf in Joshua's day.

5) Wisdom. We often hear godly wisdom from the mouths of others; whether it be in song, sermon, or conversation. Record those nuggets of wisdom that you might reflect on them later. More importantly, write it down so that you can best share the find with others.

So whether you buy the dollar composition notebook or spring for the fancy leather-bound journal, I challenge you to keep a record of all that God is doing in and around you. You won't regret it.

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