Reason to Journal #1
So you remember what God has done for you, your family and your church.

Let’s face it. Most of us are bad at remembering things. When we forget what God has done in our lives it’s easy to doubt he’s walking with us and we can become ungrateful.

When we journal, it is a way of treasuring what God has graciously done for us.

It’s like when we keep some valued item in a special place – we treasure it.

And this will generate thanksgiving, praise and worship in our personal lives!

Reason to Journal #2
When you review and remember what God has done, you, your family and your brothers and sisters in Christ will continue to be so moved to turn to God!

Just before Moses died, he repeatedly warned the people not to forget what the Lord had done, as forgetfulness would result in leaving God.

For this very reason, see how the Psalmist commits to reviewing what the Lord has done with the succeeding generations.

Psalm 78:4-11 (NIV) … we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done ... 7  Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands … 9  The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned back on the day of battle; 10  they did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by his law. 11  They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them.

A Kyle & Alecia Story:

In the Klassen family (Alecia’s side) we have a New Years Eve tradition: we gather as a family and tell each other the story of our past year!

In the days leading up we go back to our journals and review what we’ve noted down from the year. Every year we are always amazed at what God has walked us through and every year we’re struck by how many significant things we’d forgotten! Looking back usually connects dots for us. We look back and see Gods plan and purpose more clearly!

They’re meaningful times of laughter and tears, encouragement and prayer and they’re made possible by a regular journaling practice through the year.

Reason to Journal #3
You remember approx. 70% more if you write something down

Reason to Journal #4
So we don’t forget the guidance or promises he has already given us, while we are waiting on Him to move.

The Lord may be guiding us through a situation that will take weeks, months or even years to navigate.

Much happens in our lives while we are waiting, and the promises or guidance may fade.

We may lose hope, or we may forget what He already instructed us to do.

But if we have it journaled, we can quickly recover and review what He has already shown us.

Reason to Journal #5
When we’re super aware of what God is doing in our life and share it with friends, it can really encourage others around us

It’s energizing to be around people who are inspired and passionately working to build their own faith!

When you’re building your faith through devotions and reviewing what God is doing in your life and when you share it with others it can be inspiring!!

Cool thing is God so often speaks in themes. What He’s moving you towards He may very well be moving your friend towards as well! When you share what God’s doing in your life you can walk together in these journeys.

Reason to Journal #6
Time has a way of revising history. When you record it, you will remember what God actually did.

This is important in a church where a pastor has obeyed the Lord and done the difficult things God asked her to do. Or when people walk through really intense times, good or bad.

Some, who may have been around at that time, may wish for the history to be forgotten, or the story modified to suit their own sensibilities or to receive credit.

We then forget what God actually accomplished!

Reason to Journal #7
When you rehearse what God has done for you, those around you will begin to trust you’re being careful to live under God’s direction.

From Pastor Ray, founder of Church Renewal:

My wife wrote me a card one day and it said, “I have had no problem following you, because I have seen Who you are following”

Matthew 5:15-16 says “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

For GOD’S glory, not our own, we are called to live openly! Sharing what God is doing in your life through devotions is a great way of doing that.

Reason to Journal #8
To leave behind as a recorded legacy for the next generation, whether in your family or church.

There is no greater inheritance that parents can leave their children than a godly heritage and example.

We already mentioned the benefit of being able to share stories with one’s children and grandchildren.

However, there is another important point: if we journal, we have an accurate record to pass on to many generations long after we are gone.

Further, a journal can also speak into the life of the church long after the pastor is gone.