Theme: Spiritual Discipline of Journaling
John 8:1-11
1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Other than writing in the dirt with his finger (see John 8:6) we don't see Jesus do much writing. That said, there is great value in the spiritual discipline of journaling. Many Christians have attested to this over the centuries. Some use it to record prayers shared (and answered), to remember seasons of life or meditations that have touched the heart, or simply to get thoughts down on paper (or computer). There are times where people in the bible are told to write, but it's not a requirement. Consider the potential blessing during this week as we dig into journaling as a spiritual discipline option, try it – you might like it. Many have found it to be a tremendous way in which one’s prayer life is enhanced.
Journal Prompt:
What are your thoughts and feelings about journaling?
Are you shrinking back from the idea?
Ask yourself – and God – why.
Prayer for the Week
Father God, bless the Word to take root deeply in our hearts, like seed in fertile soil; may it grow without being inhibited by the pleasures or concerns of other aspects of life. I pray this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 32:8-11
- I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. - Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you. - Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the Lord’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him. - Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Pondering Point
While originally this is the Psalmist’s statement, behind his comment is that of God Himself. How are you receiving the counsel of God? Through whom are you receiving that counsel?