I broke my own rule.
This morning I cracked open my prayer journal and noticed how long ago the last entry was penned. This got me
ruminating about the fact that I don’t prayer journal nearly as often as I used to. Early in my Christian life I fell into a legalistic muck with journaling, but I’m free from that now, and this isn’t about legalism anymore. I no longer journal because I have to, I do it because (and when) it’s helpful. Because I like it.
In theory, at least. My sporadic entries told a different story, and to be honest, were a mystery to me. The last two or three years have been the worst and are still going downhill. What’s going on? This morning, God showed me.
It’s this blog.
I’ve been using it to break my cardinal rule, which is that everything I preach and write and share must go through my own heart first. Simply put, I haven’t been journaling on paper because I’m doing it here instead.
What’s the problem with that? Well, it means a good chunk of my walk with God has become more public than personal. It means I’ve been doing my devotions in front of you, instead of in front of Him. What’ supposed to happen is, I walk with God, then I tell you about it if he lets me.
Which is why I journaled this before blogging it. Prayed about it before penning it.
Sorry, Jesus. But thanks for turning the light on. I repent. I receive your forgiveness.
I love you.
I think it is ok to blog as a journal outlet. Someone told me about my own blog that it is like a ministry… I had a hard time dealing witht that one but then I realized if God started the blog and created it then it has a purpose. Yours does too. It blesses many and in the process if they grow and become challenged by what you share that is a good thing. Private journalling is good too just how does one find the energy to do it all. God knows your heart and you definitely are not ignoring him. Your blog is a blessing.
Thanks Sharon. I agree that a blog can be a powerful ministry, I just don’t want my ministry to eclipse my walk with God. The one springs from the other, as you said. Peace!
Love this for so many reasons but basically in its simplicity it’s a reminder that it’s about Him before it’s about me (us). It’s about His words before it’s about my (our) words. When we replace His words for our words – the impact, the ministry, the challenge, the encouragement, the seeds – grow deeper and wider and spread further for Jesus’ sake. Thank you for the words that came about because His speaking through you – to me.
His light has been shown to me as well.
Blessings and may you continue to SHINE for Jesus.