Life Journals - Best Thing Since Biscuits and Gravy

My Life Journal is the best book I own next to the Bible itself! It will actually change your life. Never before have I dug this deeply into scripture. Developed by Wayne Cordeiro, pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Oahu, HI, this is more than just an old fashioned diary. The first thing you do is go to the bible reading plan and find the date. Next step is read the corresponding verses, noting any that grab you or all of a sudden become clear. If you do find a verse that has some meaning for you head over to the journal pages.

First:

1) Date the page
2) Come up with a memorable title (more on this later)
3) Number your page.

You'll now begin your entry using their program with the acronym S.O.A.P.

S - Scripture - Write out the verse verbatim, making sure to include the Book/Chapter/Verse.

O - Observation - What caught your mind and heart in this verse?

A - Application - In what ways can you apply anything you learned into your life?

P - Prayer - Write down a simple prayer, asking God to keep this new wisdom in you heart and help you apply any lessons from it.

The final step is going to the front of the Journal to the table of contents. As you will see, they are blank. Pop in the date, verse, clever name you came up with and the page number where it can be found! BAM, you now have your own devotional to look back upon in the future and to pass on to your children.

Speaking of children, there are 4 different versions. Child, Youth, New Believer and the standard Journal. If you are using your Journal as the focal point of your Life Group (or whatever you call your home groups) don't worry, all the versions will be centered around the same part of scripture each day, the only difference being the amount of reading done. The standard Journal is the only one that will get you through the entire bible in one year. Since everyone will be reading the same sections each week it really enhances the conversations as you share your insights and questions.

Last, but definitely not least, is a section for prayer requests. Fill in the request along with the date. As the days go by check on the list and see God working in your life as the prayers get answered. This is another great thing to share in your groups to encourage them as a whole.

This is an awesome tool. My wife, oldest daughter and I love it and get upset if we miss a day. Everyone should get one of these!

To read your daily scriptures go to New Hope Online Devotions.