First, hit up the official Life Journal reading plan for today by clicking here (thanks New Hope). This site is based out of Hawaii so the reading plan doesn’t change each day until 6am Eastern time.

Read through today’s scripture, taking the time for your eyes and mind to catch verses that stand out to you.

If you’re new to Life Journaling and find the daily reading plan a bit overwhelming, just stick with the New Testament reading for that day. If that’s still too much, just read a paragraph or two (or at least until you find a verse that really sticks out to you).

Once done reading, pick the verse you want to journal on for today.

Next, you’re going to need somewhere to keep your journal entries. Your best bet is to use Evernote. It’s free and available for both Mac and Windows. Evernote indexes your entries in real time so it’s fast and easy to search and find information from your previous entries. Copy the verse or verses you want to journal around today and paste them into Evernote.

The other option is to use YouVersion. They have a fully-contained Bible Reader, one-year Bible reading plan (that’s different than the one we use in eXchange) and online journal (that only you can read) along with lots of user-submitted content. It’s also free.

Now, taking the verse that stood out to you, use the SOAP method. Below is the official description for Life Journaling in a paper journal using the SOAP method but the directions easily translate to journaling on your computer. You may notice some of the instructions below duplicate some of what I’ve written above but it’s still good to get exposure to the process.

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. Highlight, underline or place a mark in the margin of your Bible, next to the scriptures that stand out. When you are done, reread the verses you marked, look for one that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
Helpful hint: If you are having difficulty understanding what you’ve read, you may find a study Bible useful.

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.

As you become more familiar with the process, don’t be afraid to move away from the SOAP method if you find alternatives work for you. I’m simply presenting a method to use if you don’t already have one.

That’s it! That’s all there is to it. I can’t express how valuable Life Journaling is to me and how much its improved my relationship with God. It’s also made me more aware of what he has in store for me as I’m hearing him speak to me through His Word every day I Life Journal.

I had some solid journaling time today and thought I’d share. Today’s scripture is from Luke 9. Also, I’d love to hear what God’s been speaking into your life lately.

1-5Jesus now called the Twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases. He commissioned them to preach the news of God’s kingdom and heal the sick. He said, "Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. And no luxury inns—get a modest place and be content there until you leave. If you’re not welcomed, leave town. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on."

6Commissioned, they left. They traveled from town to town telling the latest news of God, the Message, and curing people everywhere they went.

7-9Herod, the ruler, heard of these goings on and didn’t know what to think. There were people saying John had come back from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, still others that some prophet of long ago had shown up. Herod said, "But I killed John—took off his head. So who is this that I keep hearing about?" Curious, he looked for a chance to see him in action.

10-11The apostles returned and reported on what they had done. Jesus took them away, off by themselves, near the town called Bethsaida. But the crowds got wind of it and followed. Jesus graciously welcomed them and talked to them about the kingdom of God. Those who needed healing, he healed.

Jesus had other plans when he took the apostles off by themselves. And yet, people heard of his presence and flocked to Jesus. He didn’t turn them away. He welcomed them, talked to them about the Father, and healed those needed healing.

While we can’t heal like Jesus did, sometimes people seek us just to listen and sometimes that healing is in our listening to them, hearing their hurts, and sharing their hurts with them.

This often happens when we have other plans. God happens at the most unexpected times and we have to be ready to share, to relate our story and His story, and to share the healing name of Christ with others when they seek. Don’t turn them away. Don’t huff because they interrupted your plans. Rejoice in the opportunity to share the name of the one that saved you.

Worship leaders lead worship. We don’t lead music. You can fake it for awhile. You might even be a fantastic musician and can read a room like a book, but sooner or later you will burn out on worship. You will be frustrated and the people you are leading will be frustrated. You simply can’t take people where you have not been.

Go read the whole thing here and be sure to visit Scot’s blog by clicking here.

If you’re not sure what Life Journaling is all about, check out my article on how to life journal on your PC.

I saw Los mention SOLO and decided I had to check it out. I’m a big fan of The Message translation of the Bible and seeing that Eugene Peterson was the one who put SOLO together (Eugene also put The Message together), I was sold.

Here’s a quick product description that might give you some more insight as to how SOLO does things:

This innovative devotional is designed to change how readers interact with God’s Word. Revolving around ‘lectio divina’, or ‘divine reading’, each devotion delivers a unique, contemplative study for the reader to uncover and contemplate.

I must say, I’m very glad I’m putting SOLO through its paces. It’s a fresh new way to look at and study scripture and Eugene offers unique avenues to stop and allow yourself to hear God speak to you.

Click here to get SOLO for $11.15 from BooksChristian.com.

Check it out today, I think you’ll be happy you did.

Up until just a few years ago I struggled with the best way to study the Bible. I never knew how much to read, and what was I supposed to do with what I did read?

My family and I started attending eXchange in late 2003 and was introduced to a Bible study method called Life Journaling. It was like a breath of fresh air when it came to studying the Word of God and, once I got the hang of it, I’ve never looked back. Life Journals come with their own one year Bible reading plan and an easy method for converting what you’ve read that day into effective reflection and tangible results.

Initially I journaled using a paper journal but found I could pour out my thoughts more effectively sitting at a keyboard and using a PC (I type much faster than I write). However, it was a little tough reading a bound Bible then moving to the PC platform to pour out my thoughts and prayers.

This article details how to Life Journal using your PC for 100% of the process. No paper journals required.

First, hit up the official Life Journal reading plan for today by clicking here (thanks New Hope). This site is based out of Hawaii so the reading plan doesn’t change each day until 6am Eastern time.

Read through today’s scripture, taking the time for your eyes and mind to catch verses that stand out to you. Copy and paste those verses into Notepad (comes with every version of Windows) as you read so you don’t lose them.

If you’re new to Life Journaling and find the daily reading plan a bit overwhelming, just stick with the New Testament reading for that day. If that’s still too much, just read a paragraph or two (or at least until you find a verse that really sticks out to you).

Once done reading, pick the verse you want to journal on for today.

Next, you’re going to need somewhere to keep your journal entries. There’s all kinds of options, from Notepad and Wordpad (both built into Windows, both free) to Google Docs (available at docs.google.com, also free) to journaling software. I use My Daily Friend (pictured at left) which runs $9.95 and can be purchased here. Use the coupon code eXchange to get $5 off (yes, $5 off) making My Daily Friend only $4.95. That’s cheaper than a single paper journal, and it’s a one time cost, meaning you don’t have to spend $4.95 every time you “run out of paper.” My Daily Friend indexes all of your entries so you can easily go back and find any previous journal entry and also password protects your journal so no one but you can read the entries.

Now, taking the verse that stood out to you, use the SOAP method. Below is the official description for Life Journaling in a paper journal using the SOAP method but the directions easily translate to journaling on your PC. You may notice some of the instructions below duplicate some of what I’ve written above but it’s still good to get exposure to the process.

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. Highlight, underline or place a mark in the margin of your Bible, next to the scriptures that stand out. When you are done, reread the verses you marked, look for one that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
Helpful hint: If you are having difficulty understanding what you’ve read, you may find a study Bible useful.

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.

As you become more familiar with the process, don’t be afraid to move away from the SOAP method if you find alternatives work for you. I’m simply presenting a method to use if you don’t already have one.

That’s it! That’s all there is to it. I am not understating how valuable Life Journaling is to me and how much its improved my relationship with God. It’s also made me more aware of what he has in store for me as I’m hearing him speak to me through His Word every day I Life Journal.

Feel free to hit up the comments with questions. I’ll do my best to help!

[tags]life journaling, new hope, soap, bible study, shawnw[/tags]

So, where do we go from here? In reality, our focus isn’t going to change. I’m hoping I’ve made the site load a little faster for those of you on slower connections. Content wise, you may see a little more life journaling from time to time, more funny stuff, and ideally some tech articles that’ll help you get more things done than you get done now. Not that I’m accusing you of being lazy. If you were honest with yourself, you wouldn’t need me to point it out to you.

See what I did there? That’s called sarcasm. It’s all in good fun, though, I promise you.

As we sat sharing with each other what we had journaled, a gentleman walked by somewhat close to our table, leaned in and said, “Amen.” He looked a little rough, and having done enough work with Light House Mission here in town it was apparent he was something close to one of their residents.

It was then that God moved. John and Emily Wiggins were in attendance that night and John simply says, “hey man, what’s up?” Our visitor stops and turns to make eye contact with John. Then Emily. “Would you like to join us?”

I think everyone there could see it in his eyes. He didn’t hesitate in grabbing a chair and sitting down with us. We had essentially wrapped up for the evening but when our new friend sat down and we just started chatting. He talked about what he believed, asked some questions and even joked around some.

As we were talking with him another guy walked up to us and said, “hey guys, this is Robin. He’s a friend of mine. Everything ok?” We said certainly. I think it was apparent he was doing the opposite of imposing.

As we sat talking to Robin a girl at the counter said, “Hey, Robin?” Robin stopped talking, turned to see who said his name, realized who it was, then turned back to us and said, “you want me to go?” It was actually pretty funny because Robin detected that stare that women can give. We all piped up simultaneously; “Nope.”

As Robin asked questions and probed our faith, it was awesome to just sit back and watch God work. He was working through everyone at the table as they asked Robin questions. He was working through Robin, stretching us as Christ followers, not only in sharing what we believed but welcoming a stranger to our table without hesitation.

We closed with a prayer for Robin and as he got up to leave, shook all of our hands. He went outside to one of the tables and lit up a cigarette in the warm evening air.

Thanks for the refresher, Robin.

[tags]joe muggs, books a million, juan pablo, shawnw[/tags]

Today’s reading is from Matthew 9 (MSG).

12-13Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.”

This is my favorite verse in all the Bible. The way The Message translation words it is so relevant to today’s culture (not that Jesus has to be relevant to today’s culture, by any means; he’s relevant because he’s the Son of God and the savior of mankind) that, the first time I read it, I was captured by it, and have hung onto it ever since.

Mat 9:12-13 summarizes, to me, the problems with today’s church mentality, and where the church needs to go. The days of Sunday afternoon potlucks and Wednesday night chicken noodle dinners, where the only people in attendance are the same people you see week in and week out, and no one new, have passed. These serve no purpose.

You want to have a potluck? Get everything together, your foodstuffs, utensils, manpower, everything: then find some people who need the food, and serve them. Crack addicts, porn stars, gamblers, cheaters, the poor, the homeless, the downtrodden. They’re all God’s kids. He loves them just as much as those who spend every Sunday in church, and every Wednesday in prayer meeting. A great addition to Matthew 9:13 is Hosea 6:6, which says:

I’m after love that lasts, not more religion. 
I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings.

It’s time, folks. It’s time we get off of our dead butts and do something about those who don’t know the life changing truth of Jesus the Christ. Are you with me?

[tags]life-journaling, matthew, jesus, christ, mercy, religion, shawnw[/tags]

Today’s reading is from 1 Samuel 17.

45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

The above is David’s response to Goliath as they prepare to battle one on one. It’s verse 47 I find interesting. “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves”.

David is standing toe to toe with an enemy that’s quite possibly, literally, twice his size. He has the entire Israelite army behind him, and the entire Philistine army sprawled ahead of him. The constant yells and screams of warriors ready to do battle, armor and weapons clanging, mayhem…

And yet, David knows that it’s not by sword or spear that God’s people are saved. It’s by the grace of God. It’s by his enduring love. It won’t be because David’s good with a sword or shield or sling. It won’t be because there are more (or fewer) Israelite warriors. It will be by God’s generous hand.

Lord, thank you for today’s humbling reminder. You are not made more famous by our doings. You are not made more famous by talent, or aggressiveness, or luck, or temperment, but by who you are, God. You are the Creator God of the universe. I seek your will, Father, and want to do only what you want me to do. Thank you God.

[tags]david, goliath, samuel, bible, life journaling, grace, philistines, shawnw[/tags]

1 It said, “Son of man, stand up. I have something to say to you.” 2 The moment I heard the voice, the Spirit entered me and put me on my feet. As he spoke to me, I listened. 3-7 He said, “Son of man, I’m sending you to the family of Israel, a rebellious nation if there ever was one. They and their ancestors have fomented rebellion right up to the present. They’re a hard case, these people to whom I’m sending you—hardened in their sin. Tell them, ‘This is the Message of God, the Master.’ They are a defiant bunch. Whether or not they listen, at least they’ll know that a prophet’s been here. But don’t be afraid of them, son of man, and don’t be afraid of anything they say. Don’t be afraid when living among them is like stepping on thorns or finding scorpions in your bed. Don’t be afraid of their mean words or their hard looks. They’re a bunch of rebels. Your job is to speak to them. Whether they listen is not your concern. (emphasis mine) They’re hardened rebels.

O: How often is this the case, but we try to take too much on ourselves. How often do we think we have to “close the deal”, when it’s never really in our hands to begin with? Sure, it’s up to us to be God’s church on earth, and to spread the Good News, but ultimately it’s Jesus that saves, not us. Perhaps if we’d just focus on passing on the good news, and showing genuine love to others, instead of doubting whether we have it in us to “make a difference”, and in turn doing nothing at all, the world would be vastly different.

A: Just take that step. Show Jesus’ love to others by being genuinely concerned for them. Find things out about them. Get to know them. Follow that small, still voice inside. Pray. Fast. Seek God’s face.

P: LORD GOD, I am continually amazed at how you use your word to speak to us, even in this day and age. Your writings are eternal and everlasting, and as long as we leave our hearts open to your word, you will continue to speak to us. Soften our hearts to your word. Maybe this historical record of who you are, and how you do things, permeate our being. Less of us, God, and more of you.

life journaling, ezekiel, outreach, ministry, speaking, old testament, god