By Linda Jones-White
Fruit of the Spirit Journal
By Linda Jones-White
Why is journaling so important? It is important that the people
of God begin to hear from God and capture what He is saying. This journal is the
fruit of that fellowship and intimacy process in my life. God chose me to go to
a new level in Him by journaling - one I had never known or reached before. God
placed in my spirit that I needed to go on a 21-day fast. I had never been on a
21-day fast in my life. But when God speaks, you listen. Or at least I do! For I
will never endeavor to be disobedient to God's will. When I began the first day
of my fast, I was instructed to have a pen, paper and Bible at my side. I
started my quality time with God praying, talking and speaking in tongues. This
allowed the Holy Spirit to enter and use me for His good. This also gave God and
me our personal time alone, and assured that the devil did not get in the mix!
When I finished praying, I picked up my pen and God just started pouring out
numerous instructions for me personally, and me alone. Now who knows better what
is best for me, but God? Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the thoughts and plans
I have for you saith, the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil; to give you
an unexpected end.) During these 21 days, when I completed writing, I had
finished a total of 66-and-three-quarter pages of instructions that God spoke to
my heart for my life exclusively! From that day to this day I have been writing
daily every since. What knowledge and revelation has come into my life just by
being obedient to God! God also continues to instruct me that I need to share
this message with others and encourage them to also begin journaling so that
they can also discover His great and unique design for their individual lives.
So as a small group leader at my church, I began by sharing with people in my
group my experiences, encouraging them to use this method so they could embark
upon their own journey with Him -- to grow in Him and allow Him to personally
give them the exclusive plan for their lives. Also, I continue to share my
journaling experiences with Compassion Women's Mentoring Ministries
International, a ministry which God has given to me, for His purpose and glory
alone, through writing with Him. Through this journal, I've made easy and
convenient for you to capture what God is saying to you personally. Now, I am
encouraging you to go to the next level in Christ as well. Allow the Holy Spirit
to speak life-giving words to you through journaling. "The words that I speak
unto you, they are spirit and they are life" (John 6:63). Embark upon your own
journey with your Heavenly Father, and discover His will for your life! I
encourage you to begin today! Recognize that God does indeed desire to speak to
you daily. Ask with expectancy to hear His voice. Then listen, and journal what
God speaks to you during your time with Him each day! There's no better time to
begin than now -- and encourage a friend to do the same. Linda Jones-White