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Why keep a journal? The most important reason is that the Lord encourages it. I wonder if it is because we simply forget things. It is difficult to remember yesterday, let alone last week or ten years ago. Another important reason is that it provides us with a roadmap of where we have been and how we arrived where we are. When we go back in our journal and read the chronological events we discover more clearly that He really is our Good Shepherd. He leads us daily. He has graciously led us along life’s pathway. Our journal serves as a reminder of the revelation and insights that God has given us. There is a time element in God’s plan for our lives. I have often taught that there are three components to seeing and experiencing the release of God’s will in our life. The first is being in the right PLACE. The second is being there at the right TIME. The third is being there with the right PEOPLE. Your Journal will confirm these principles. Seeing What God Says One of the most frequent comments I receive from Christians in regard to intimacy with the Lord is, “God is not speaking to me. I am not hearing anything. I am so frustrated.”
The scripture provides us with some clear answers regarding this dilemma. The prophet Habakkuk reveals several keys that are vital to communion with God and hearing His voice. Habakkuk writes, “I will stand my watch and set myself upon the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me and what I will answer when I am corrected.” Then the Lord answered, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it because it will surely come. It will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:1-3)
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After arriving in Sydney, Australia, my driver asked me a pointed question as we drove toward the hotel. “What is your story?" I replied, “What do you mean?”, somewhat shocked by his straightforwardness. He answered, “Everyone has a story. Our lives are stories to be told and discovered. Tell me about your journey in the Lord.” His response has remained in my heart ever since. He was genuinely interested in my spiritual journey. What is a Journal? A journal is the written or recorded account of our journey in life. It is our story. Many famous people have recorded their journeys. John Wesley wrote volumes regarding his life and experiences. The early Christian mystics such as St Augustine, Fenelon, and Madam Guyon, as well as contemporary God seekers, have recorded their intimate encounters with God. These priceless volumes are guideposts and handbooks helping us to discover the reality of intimacy with God and the transforming power of His presence.
Much of the scripture must be considered as a personal journal. While it is true that the Torah is history, we cannot dismiss the fact that it was written like Moses’ personal journal. Consider the entire book of Revelation. What John saw on the island of Patmos was his personal experience on a spiritual journey into heaven and the presence of God. He had difficulty at times describing his God encounter. Words were inadequate to express all that he experienced. What he heard and saw he wrote about in his journal. It became the last book of the Bible. We live in an age of information where keeping records and recording events is a part of our every day lives. What could be more important than keeping a Spiritual Journal? Whether it is written with paper and pen or digitally recorded, this personal record is a travelogue of your prayers, dreams, prophetic visions and God encounters. It is the dialogue of your conversations with God. The questions you ask and the answers He gives are all a part of your life’s’ journey. Have you ever been invited by a friend on a journey? Many questions immediately flood your thoughts. What will it cost? Where are we going? Are there any precautions I need to take? How will we travel? Where will we stay? How do I need to pack? And my wife’s favorite question, what is there to eat and drink?
That is exactly what I am doing now. I want to invite you on a journey that will transform your life. I promise that you will see things that will astound you. You will encounter heavenly creatures and angelic hosts. And if you pay close attention, you may even see Jesus. In fact, I know that he is waiting for you in this very special place. Yes, it is off the beaten path. It is isolated and hard to reach but those who persist through the ages have found it, and entering in have been forever changed. What will it cost you? Time! Where are we going? To a Secret Place. How should you pack? This is very easy. Not much is required where are we going? You will need a Bible and a personal journal with a pen and perhaps some colored pencils if you like. A favorite chair will help make the journey more comfortable. Oh, and one more thing, you need quite, pure, wonderful, refreshing, crystal clear silence! Yep. That’s right. You’ll have to turn off all of your electronics and enjoy the real universe! What is there to eat and drink? There is a daily portion of the most amazing bread you will ever taste. It is baked fresh daily and served to those who ask. It is fortified with special ingredients that can heal every sickness and disease. It nourishes the soul and the mind. It is revolutionary. That is to say when you eat it it rises in side of you and the energy and strength you feel is unlike any other available from the finest manmade sources. The beverage is pure living water. This water is draw from a living well and creates a river inside of you. Once you taste and drink this water you will never thirst again. So then, are you ready? Spirit Wind is about to take us on the ultimate adventure. |
AuthorDr. Dale Fife has served the Body of Christ for over 50 years as a caring pastor, insightful teacher, gifted musician, and best-selling author. His wisdom, maturity, and genuine spiritual concern for others have caused many to regard him as a "spiritual father" in the Lord. His insightful teaching has inspired and blessed thousands around the world. Archives
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