Journaling MY Journey [with Jesus]: A Never-ending Story

Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. Jude 1:3

Forty Days ago we started a journey and now we come to the end…or do we? I wrapped up the week with Jude and one chapter of sobering reality is written there. I found myself digging into my Matthew Henry Commentary, something I rarely do. One thing I try to do is compare scripture with scripture, but a decent commentary can be a help on occasion. It can also be a hinderance if one is not careful. See, God’s Word is a perfect illuminator of God’s Word. I have wrestled long and hard with certain passages of Scripture. I believe it was and is God’s will that I do so. There are reasons specific passages leave us wondering. The reason being, ultimately, it should lead us smack dab into His presence.

When you have a problem with God’s Word, it’s good to have a friend to discuss it with, but it is more important you discuss it with the originator.

Oh, you are thinking to yourself, Dawn, the originator is dead…a man wrote those words. Well, that is half right and ALL wrong.

The word of God is inspired. And I am not going to get into all the arguments on that topic, as I am sure there are many more versed in articulating it…but I will communicate it for you as best my little lay person mind can by directing you back to…that’s right, Scripture:

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation,  for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 1 Peter 1:20-21

So the fact is if you have a problem with a passage of scripture I believe you take it to the Lord in prayer. That requires a bit of faith. After all you have to believe that God exists and gives a hoot about you (Hebrews 11:6) and that would be correct.

The Holy Spirit moves in ways that are beyond our understanding, and what is stirring within has its own origin either in the flesh or Spirit. Like is able to draw out like. When we wrestle with the Word of God there is a battle being waged. It is a Holy War of Faith and Flesh. Which will win? I believe that the winner will be evident in our lives.

Clearly.

Jesus said that we can not serve two masters. We will bow to flesh or faith. It is a never-ending battle and one we must prepare for daily. We can suit up in the Spirit or be shut up by Satan. (Matthew 6:24; 1 John 2:15-18; Ephesians 6)

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21

So this Journaling Journey with Jesus…it does not end. Because Journaling Your Journey with Jesus is a never-ending story. It’s the story you need to keep coming back to. You open your Bible, wrestle with Scripture and cry out for truth. Don’t think that God will leave you crying, thirsty or hungry any more than a mother would ignore the wailing baby she loves. God will be found by the one who seeks Him with all of his heart. (Jeremiah 29:13; Deuteronomy 4:29)

God does not play hide and go seek. We do. If you can’t find God, it’s because you don’t want to find Him. If you can’t hear Him, it’s because your ears are blocked, not because he cannot be heard. God does not need your stamp of approval or mine. His existence is not based on my belief or disbelief. Or yours.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—  to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 1:24-25

So we have come to the end of our 40 day journey but a crossroads in our faith. Will we continue to pursue the answers our hearts desire or will we chase after momentary satisfaction in temporary things?

I’ve got a few more posts up my sleeves, a few more thoughts to share along the journey. Shall we meet up again? I would love to have you continue… at your own pace.

So this Journaling Journey we began…we must continue.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

Join me in July for the second leg of the journey. I will be sharing details of what that will look like in another post! Stay tuned. If you are looking for a bit more structure the path ahead might be helpful.

In the meantime, let me know how the journey is going for you. Share with me where your path took you. Any major epiphanies or stumbling blocks?

I will also be sharing what some of you shared as your biggest obstacles and giving some feedback to help as you continue to journal your own journey.