The inspiration for this journal came suddenly in prayer, one day. I was journaling and reflecting on 2 Peter 1. Having just finished a one verse per day reflection on the book of 1 Peter. I opened 2 Peter and began a meditation on verse 4:
“By these he has given us valuable and superlatively great promises, so that through them you might come to share in God’s nature and escape the corruption which evil desires have brought into this world” – Complete Jewish Bible Version
Through these valuable promises, I can share in God’s nature? I set out to remind myself of the promises of God, searching the scriptures and noting the word:
- Hebrews 13:5 God will never leave me or forsake me.
- Romans 8:39 Nothing can separate me from God.
- John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.
- Psalms 103 As far as the east is from the west, so far he has removed my transgressions.
- Ephesians 1:7 In him I have redemption through his blood, forgiveness of my sins.
- 1 John 1:9 If I confess my sins, he is faithful and just to forgive AND purify me.
- Psalm 46:1 God is my refuge. He is very present in my times of trouble.
- Psalm 23:4 Though I walk in darkest valley, I will fear no evil because God is with me, his rod and staff comfort me.
- Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
- John 15:26 The helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father sends will teach me all things, and bring remembrance to all he has said.
As I studied and reflected on these promises I fell into deep prayer in the spirit and was given the name and the vision for this journal. I don’t know why exactly, I suspect it has to do with the importance of truly knowing his Word as a catalyst to sharing in God’s nature. I’ve continued to pray about it as it has taken shape and although it is a simple exercise, I believe that God will richly bless you as you write out his Word.
This is not a new concept, often when you search the New Testament about scribes they are synonymous with Pharisees. Scribes were experts in the Word but they failed to be doers, as James 1:22 warns us against. Still today, many people – likely most people at some point – will do this practice. I have for years and from early on I have believed that God was blessing my hands for his work as I obeyed this prompting.
Sometimes we don’t know what to write about, what to say, what to pray, or even what to do. But we can always, very simply, do this. Write God’s Word. Write it like you’re writing it on your heart.
“Do not let truth and mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3 – New English Translation
About the Author: Amber Rockey
