FAQ 5 - What if I miss a day?

FAQ 5 - What if I miss a day? I feel really bad about it!

Answer: Well, in some sense it is good that you feel bad about it because you want to be responsible for what you have committed yourself to. The worst that can happen to you is indifference, where you couldn't care less whether you have missed a day or not. So take to heart that you do care about how you are doing. But do not let a single set-back pulls you away from your objective, that is, to know God better through His Word daily. It is meant to be a liberation for our soul, not a burden, as John Foster aptly titled it in his book, "Celebration of Discipline". 

My suggestion is, no matter how many days you may have missed (hopefully lesser as you progress), celebrate the successes that you have. For e.g., instead of saying "I missed 3 days."

you proclaim "I completed 4 days!" It is a half empty or half full perspective.

So if you do missed a day, it's okay. Relax! It is not a test. Remember, journalling is for  our good. God never meant it to be legalistic and a burden. If it is, then we need to repent for suggesting it to be so! Keep to time following the dates of the reading even if you miss a day or more. You can catch up with the previous days’ reading later when you have the time. Your goal at this stage is to make it a habit to complete 21 days of reading. It may feel like it is regimented but it will soon become a joyous habit!

FAQ 4 - What if I get nothing?

FAQ 4 - There are times when I read the particular passage, I really can't glean anything out of it. It is almost like a blank. What should I do?

Answer: Relax-lah, bro (or sis)! I think we are just too performance oriented in some sense. If it's a blank, then tell the Lord so and I don't think He's going to fault you on that. I think you are more upset with yourself than anything else. If there's really nothing, then write on that page: "NOTHING TODAY!"

Is that okay? Perfectly so. Tell you what. Instead of getting frustrated, try relaxing and focus on the Lord. Speak to Him and you will be surprise to hear His gentle voice. Maybe something is troubling you. Maybe you are tired, or frustrated over something. Remember, it is not the form or method. It is about you setting aside a time with God. There may be times there's nothing to say. There will be times there are plenty to say. But set aside a time each day with this Lord that you love and that in itself pleases Him ,whether one full page or a singel line. Maybe write what's in your thoughts or write a simple prayer. Or just copy the whole or partial passage onto. that page. Remember, it's just a precious time with your Heavenly Father. He enjoys that time with you, not what you can produce for Him. :)

FAQ 3 - So many gems in one passage

FAQ 3 - There are so many gems in the passage I am reading. I am really confused which verse I should focus on for my journal.

Answer: I find many people very tensed up about this because they are coming from a Bible Study approach. You must remember this is not a Bible Study. My advice is, park the other gems somewhere for your own personal Bible Study. Just pick one thought (could be one verse or a few verses) for your journalling. Focus on what God is saying to you rather than what you are trying to "milk" out of the passage cognitively. Let it engage your heart more than your mind. If you are still confused, quieten your heart and pray, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. Remember, God knows the needs of your heart at every moment of your life. He will guide you into all truth (John 16:13)

FAQ 2 - The Notepad problem

FAQ 2 - The 5 things I am suppose to have in my journalling: Bible, Growth Journal, Pen, Bible Reading Plan and Notepad. I have a problem with the Notepad. I know I am supposed to write down on it anything that distracts me from my devotional time, to sort of park aside my thoughts so that I can focus on my time with God, rather than being distracted by what I have to do that day. I realized that I can keep going to these thoughts I have just penned down and it's not even something I needed to do. What should I do?

 Answer: Obviously, whatever the issues are, they are troubling you. Isn't this a great indication that there are some unresolved matters in your life? Because you are quietening or slowing down yourself enough for these matters to show you some warning lights, maybe you should pause and ask God why this is so. Nothing happens without a reason. Put aside your journalling for the time being. Even this notepad can be used by God to help sort out your issues. That’s why it is important for us to spend daily time with God, an important pit stop to repair, refuel and recharge. It is not about being legalistic with regards to your journalling. It is not about how many times you have done your journalling, or whether you are following the reading plan faithfully. They are important but what is even more pertinent is hearing the voice of God about your life. He can use anything to speak to us, whether your Bible, Growth Journal, an inner voice, or your Notepad! If you need further help, maybe you should seek for wise counsel with regards to your issues. Realization and awareness is the start to resolution.

Training on how to journal (22 Mar) - FAQ 1

There were about 35 people signed up and about half of them have not done journalling before. The other half wanted to sharpen their journalling skill.

I have arranged for another class to be done on 5 Apr. Please sign up if you need help.

I noted some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) in this class which may be of help to you:

FAQ 1. I have tried journalling for one month and I am loosing momentum. What do you think is wrong?

Answer: I simply blurted out: "Are you sharing with others what God is saying to you and written down in your journal during your devotion?" Often times words would come out from my mouth which contain certain wisdom which I know has to be from the Lord because it comes out almost spontaneously and when I catch my breath after that question, I could almost hear myself saying, "Where did that come from?" :)

I really believe the key to sustainability is the sharing and doing. When we can share with others what God is saying to us, there's a greater tendency to do it as well since we have just made ourselves accountable to someone. Sharing and doing bring to life the Word of God and devotion and journalling become dynamic.

I want to suggest that you find different platforms to share:

a. Cell Group time - volunteer yourself to share with the group (Keep it short! Don't preach a sermon)

b. Ask your CG leader to allow for weekly sharing of one key journal entry in sub-groups of two or three during CG time.

c. Your spouse or children on a regular basis.

d. Prayer or ministry group, men's or women's group, if you have one.

e. Seek out an accountability partner and share regularly over the phone or meet in person.'

f. Those who are internet savvy, blog it or email your thoughts to a group of friends who will read what you write. Again, keep it short.

A sister shared after the class that her family was rather confused in the what's and how's of journalling. She felt that the class has been extremely helpful in these two aspects. She can now go home and help the family.

See how a little training and equipping can bring about a little more confidence and clarity!

Now Everyone Can Journal!