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Journaling the Bible...

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I've been talking with my oldest daughter about how to read/journal the Bible. Here's some notes from our conversations.

Instructions:
Take 30 minutes to read and think and write. ( Katy is starting Galatians Ch 1. )

You should have:
A bible, pencil, journal, and a dictionary.

Goal:

As long as you're busy thinking about about what you're reading and writing down what you think, you're using your time well. Use the act of writing to keep your mind focused.

Before you start to read:

  • Take a minute to get quiet in your heart.
  • Ask Holy Spirit ( H.S. ) to come and reveal the truth in the Bible to you. ( John 16:13 )
  • Expect that H.S is going to do what you asked. ( Matthew 7:7-11 ). When you ask, expect to receive. Expect a good gift. Believe He is alive inside you, and ready to teach you.

How to read a Bible verse
  • Have pencil and paper ready while you read
  • write down all the important words in the verse
For each of those important words, ask yourself:
  • Do I know what this word means? If you have any questions at all, look it up and write down the definition. It's better to look it up than think you know what it is.
  • Why is this word here? Why did the author of the book use THIS EXACT WORD, and not something else?
  • How does the writer feel? What emotion is being expressed? What reality is hiding behind the words on the page?
  • What does this word remind me of? Let the Holy Spirit fire your imagination to get at the truth you're reading.
For the whole verse, ask yourself:

  • Does this tell me anything about God? Say it back to him as praise.
  • Do I believe what this verse says? Ask God to increase your faith to believe it.
  • Does this verse ask me to do anything? Ask God for power to obey the verse.

Go slow.

Think about what you're reading.

Use your Holy-Spirit-empowered imagination to make it real.

Talk to Jesus, and listen to what he says back to you.

IMPORTANT: If you can think of a way to use the Bible verses as prayers, then pray them.

Go slow.

Comments

Heather said…
That is awesome teaching Darren! Your children are so blessed to have a father with such Godly insight. I think I gleaned a few tips myself. Hope ya'll are doing well! Blessings!!
June 16, 2009 at 11:31 AM
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