your bible and your journal
One Habit That Will Transform Your Life
The most important spiritual habit for a follower of Jesus is to read the Bible daily. Through reading, meditating, and applying God’s Word, we get to know Jesus better and understand his will for our lives.
Hebrews 4:12 tells us:
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
The Word is our source of joy and encouragement, it gives us perspective and wisdom and it helps to shape our values and determine our priorities. Our greatest desire at The Urban Refuge is to help every person develop this all-important habit so that together, we may reap the benefits of knowing and following Christ more intimately.
To help us get more of reading the Bible, we encourage everyone to use a journal (there are some available at The Urban Refuge). The goal of Bible reading is not just to just check a box and move on; it’s to read, think, meditate, and to pray over what you’ve read, allowing it to sink in and change you. Take some time to study the text by utilizing cross references and Bible commentary. There are many great Study Bibles available. As you read, underline or highlight the verses that stand out. When you are finished reading, write one of them down in your journal. Begin each entry with the date. Try to do this each day of the week. If you miss a day, don’t worry about it; just keep going the next day. If you fall behind, simply start again in whatever month it is. God will be there, waiting to meet you, and the Holy Spirit will lead as you read and listen.
After you’ve written in your journal, take at least ten minutes to talk to God out loud. Ask Him to use this verse in your life and help you believe it with greater resolve. Tell Him your worries and concerns, and remember to thank Him for all He’s done in your life. Try to read over your journal of verses regularly and reflect on what God has been teaching you. Think about the verses and try to apply them to your life.
Bring your journals to church and to Small Group. At church, write down whatever insights God reveals to you through the messages or any questions you might have about what was said. At your Small Groups, we will discuss the weekend teaching and also allow some time for people to share verses from their daily journal entries. It is our hope that we will encourage and spur one another on in our faith and pursuit of loving and knowing God.
