I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20

Over the years I’ve kept a journal. The goal has been to use this discipline to expand my relationship with God. I’m pleased I’ve done it. Journaling has helped me fixate on paper the stream of thoughts that the Spirit drops into my heart and mind. It’s also helped me view things with a measure of objectivity. I find that when I get my thoughts down on paper I’m no longer trapped within my own subjectivity. That’s why I recommend it. For in the act of writing I’ve discovered how my attention is channelled, my reflection cultivated, and my understanding deepened.

But I wasn’t intending to tell you about why I journal. What I had in mind was to share some discoveries from my personal reflections in the hope that they’ll bless you. So with no particular theme in mind, here are some extracts from my journal:

Being an authentic Christian demands that I honour my heritage as a pilgrim. The moment I strive to live permanently I have delayed the sacred journey. For, like the Israelites in the Exodus from Egypt, I must pass through the desert before reaching the Promised Land; I must live in a tent before dwelling in a mansion; I must stay on the move before settling in the New Jerusalem.

Kingdom builders must also be Kingdom defenders. One hand for work and one hand for war (cf. Nehemiah 4:16-18).

No matter where I search, where I turn, and what I discover; I’m destitute without Christ.

Our worst enemies are within us.

God’s will is revealed when I yield the right to be right.

The world says, “Improve yourself.” The Bible essentially says, “Crucify self.” (cf. Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:22-24).

God, the Supreme Artist, created a masterpiece of grace when He painted the cross as the central motif on the canvas of human history.

When you’re up – don’t lose your head, and, when you’re down – don’t lose your heart.

Faith is revealed in the depths, rather than the shallows of life. It is only when a drowning man recognizes his predicament that he cries out to the Rescuer (consider the story of Jonah).

You’ll never see Jesus if you’re looking at yourself.

Our world has many performance heroes but desperately needs character heroes.

Reflecting on Genesis 19 – When we constantly glance over our shoulder, we run the risk of turning into pillars of longing and regret, but when we look ahead vistas of hope and freedom are revealed.

A prayer of consecration: Father God, give me I pray: feet that will follow You; hands that will help others; lips that will know limits; a tongue that teaches truth; and a heart that always hopes. Amen.