October - Scripture Journaling Plan
As we move toward the end of the New Testament I find myself journaling larger and larger sections of scripture. And specific words and phrases feel like a balm to my soul. Paul’s way of being bold, and even harsh at times with the truth of our sin and its effects is then tempered with his gentle and loving reminders of who we are in Christ, and the incredible love of God the Father for His children. I feel like I can almost hear the pleading in his voice calling us back to our true identity and position in the family of God. His letters to the various churches are feeling more and more personal, and I think that is the desired intent. For us to see ourselves in these letters, as members of these churches, even though separated by centuries.
As I was studying Ephesians 3 I came across this by Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones:
“Love is the foundation, love is the soil, not knowledge. Knowledge is, of course, absolutely essential; without knowledge there never can be any growth. But knowledge in the truly Christian sense is never merely intellectual. This is so because it is the knowledge of a Person. The purpose of all doctrine, the value of all instruction, is to bring us to the Person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ… So to know God and to know Christ, of necessity leads to love. If the knowledge we claim to have has not led to greater love in our lives we had better examine ourselves very seriously. Knowledge without love becomes what the Scriptures call ‘heady’ and ‘high-minded’…Let us realize then that the business of knowledge is to lead us to love.”
My point in including this is to remind you, Scripture Journaling is not meant to be another thing on your to-do list in the morning. It’s purpose is to afford you the time to slow down in your bible long enough to find the Person of Jesus Christ, and in finding Him, to grow in love for Him. That can’t happen quickly. Love takes time, and He’s worth it.
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