How to Use
1 Timothy 4:7-8 “Keep yourself in training for a godly life. Physical exercise has some value but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way because it promises life both for the present and for the future.”
“Keep yourself in training for a godly life”—the apostle Paul’s advice to a young pastor (Good News translation) —carries with it a timeless principle and is an ancient secret of spiritual strength: “I will never grow by trying. I must train to be Christ-like.”
“Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way,” Paul continues, “because it promises life both for the present and for the future.”
The My Walk With God Journal you are holding in your hand is a tool for you to use every day in training to be Christ-like. Like free weights, a bicycle or a new pair of running shoes are to be used for physical exercise, so the MWWG Journal is for daily spiritual workout.
How?
Begin with daily reading in the Word.
There are many through-the-Bible-in-one-year reading programs available, but so that Beachcities folk can all be “on the same page” (as it were), Pastor Kent has selected the one that appears elsewhere in this journal. Generally speaking, each day includes reading from the Old Testament, the New Testament and a Psalm or maybe two.
As you read, pay attention to ways God may be speaking directly to you in the text.
Then, follow Pastor Kent’s “B.I.B.L.E” plan:
STEP 1:
Find the Scriptures for today in the Bible Reading Plan.
STEP 2:
Read the passages. Read with an open heart and Jesus will give you words of encouragement, direction and correction. (2 Tim. 3:16)
STEP 3:
When Jesus gives you a life lesson, turn to a fresh page in your “Daily Pages” to record what He has just shown you.
a) Write down today’s date.
b) Write down the main Scripture. (Bible verse)
c) Write down what you see in the Scripture (Interpretation)
d) What is the Big Idea or Ah-HA! here? Write it down. (Breakthrough)
e) Write down how you will be different today because of what you have just read.
(Life Application)
f) Then, write out a short prayer. (Entreaty)
g) Finally, at the top, write down the topic—what subject this life lesson is in.
STEP 4:
Turn to the Table of Contents. Write your entry by date, Scripture, topic and page.
STEP 5:
Conclude your daily devotional time by praying for what you have written.
Remember:
This My Walk With God Journal is designed to serve you in your growth with Christ. You can be flexible in how you use it, but be sure to develop a healthy habit of spending time daily with the Lord.
“When is the best time for my devotions?”
Some have asked, “When is the best time for my devotions? In the morning or in the evening?”
The best time is when you’re at your best! If you’re a morning person, do your devotions in the morning. If you’re an evening person, do your devotions at night.
The bottom line is: “Jesus deserves your best, so give Him the best part of your day!”