Life Journal

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! One of the essential ways Christians can grow in their faith is by setting aside a time each day to read the Bible and pray. If we are to faithfully follow Christ, then we need to make participation in a daily devotional a significant part of our lives.

In October 2007, I was introduced to a devotional concept called “Life Journal.” It is a simple method of daily reading of the Bible, reflection and prayer. The “Life Journal” uses the S.O.A.P.Y. approach: S-Scripture (read the suggested lesson); O-Observation (make note of what is being said in the lesson); A-Application (consider how the scripture lesson impacts your life); P-Prayer (jot down a prayer concerning what you have read); and Y-Yieldedness (based on the reading, what do you need to give to God).

United Methodist Bishop Dick Wills of the Nashville Area has launched an online version of the “Life Journal.” Persons can register for a personal account at the website and can then do their devotional journaling online. The daily Scriptures are provided as well as the S.O.A.P.Y. outline. Your account is private although you are invited to post devotional thoughts on a message board in order to communicate with other Christians. At any time, you can print out hard copies of your devotional writings or you may simply store them online and access them at any time.

Bishop Wills has invited our Trinity United Methodist Church to provide a link to the “Life Journal” on our church website so that members and friends can use this excellent journaling tool. I have started using the “Life Journal” as part of my devotional life and have found it to be a wonderful way to grow in faith. It is my hope and prayer that persons of all ages in Trinity Church would participate in this method of daily devotions or in a way that is meaningful and significant to you. May God bless you as you dig into God's Word and grow in your faith!