The Spirit highlighting Scripture is one way Jesus speaks: Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit ... He will declare My words to you" (Jn. 20:22; 16:14 paraphrased).
Linda - Lord what would you like to say to me about inspiration and revelation and how they relate in my life?
God – I blew the breath of Life into Adam, but with the fall came separation. Though my Spirit would rest on a few people here and there, there was no permanent dwelling for man, in his broken state. After the price for sin was paid by Jesus, a way was made for the breath of Life to enter mankind once again.
I have given physical breath to everyone. This is one of the gifts that I grant to all, the just and the unjust, but there will come a time when that breath will forever leave them.
However, I made another way… another breath that is for all who will accept my Spirit Life. This breath is my own Spirit resting on you and in you, teaching you, guiding your steps. The word "inspire" means to blow or breathe into. This breath of Life will continue on and sustain you when your flesh body can no longer function.
My Holy Spirit in you is what will fulfill what is written in John 16:4-15. Holy Spirit the teacher, counselor, and guide will lead you into all Truth. This beloved one is the revealing of what is hidden. My Spirit knows what you need and when you need it. When He highlights a scripture to you, focus on that…this will lead to the revelation.
Linda - Thank you, Lord, I will.
Mark Virkler shares some brief instructions about journaling.
Two-way journaling is capturing your dialogue with God on paper. "All this," said David, "the LORD made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, all the details of this pattern" (1 Chron. 28:19). So we are capturing revelation from God on paper, and this makes our lives so much richer and more fulfilling.
When I journal, I am not testing the journaling it as it is coming. Testing is NOT faith. It is doubt. Doubt cuts off the flow because those who come to God must come in faith and without faith we receive nothing from God (Heb. 11:6).
Journaling lets me stay in faith for an extended period knowing that I can test it later! This is a priceless gift and allows me to have extended conversations with God, all captured on paper. Some may use a recording device to record the flow or speak in flow into an iPhone that will type out what is said. I have used each of these modalities effectively. Historically, I normally simply type in flow, as I type with quickly and thus it is easy for me.
You should do what comes easiest for you, realizing of course that the first few times you try anything, it will be challenging. So, always give yourself 5-10 attempts before considering if this is the right tool for you to master through continued practice. We see David wrote out his dialogue with God in the Psalms, as did the prophets, and John in the book of Revelation. Therefore two-way journaling is a major biblical pattern. I always seek to follow the patterns found in Scripture.
I seek to keep the eyes of my heart fixed on Jesus as I journal, as this ensures a more pure flow. The flow comes from the vision held before your eyes. Of course, after our journaling is complete, we review it and make sure it is compatible with Scripture. In addition, if it is calling for a major change in my life or if I am uncertain about the journal entry, then I will always submit these kinds of entries to my two or three spiritual advisors, asking them if their hearts bear witness that this came from the Lord.
Although you can journal for a few moments anytime during the day, the Lord has told me to journal when I first get up, so I tune to flow and type. Of course, I always want to live my entire day in flow with my eyes fixed on Jesus at my right hand and seeking His input constantly.
God speaks: Mark, I bring verses to your attention. The ones I highlight and remind you of, those that flow into your consciousness naturally without you drumming them up, are the ones I want you to focus on as they are the right ones to release life to you for the moment you are in.
Now you get to journal.
- "Lord, what would You speak to me concerning the role of communion with God and journaling in my life?"
Additional journaling resources
- God speaks about the importance of journaling by Cathy Kawar
- I Hate Writing So How Can I Journal?
- Revival Occurs When the Church Offers the World Encounters with God
- Release Divine Creativity – King David Journaled Out the Design for Solomon's Temple!
- Four keys to communion with God
- Booklet: Journaling Questions
- Book: Conversation Starters with God Journal
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