Transformed in His Image

For years, my Bible notes sat untouched in my notebooks, never to be referred to again. I’d forget my sermon notes after a few days because my notes were so boring and hard to look at. I would look at pictures online of other people’s neat, easy-to-read colorful journals, with beautiful drawings, and think I wish my journal looked like that. And then one day, I decided to try something new, and it changed my life.

I let go of perfection.

The thing about bible journaling is everyone’s should be different. I remember trying to copy someone’s notes and getting frustrated because mine didn’t look as good. That’s because everyone’s style is going to be different.

My style is messy and colorful – with tiny notes, highlighted passages, extra flaps, arrows and just general chaos. But the thing is, whilst it looks chaotic for anyone else, to me it makes perfect sense because I created it and it’s my unique style.

You need to remember your personal Bible journaling is for YOU, not anyone else. And your style might be lined paper, a ballpoint pen, and neat printed letters. Your style might be the artistic drawing and pretty letters type, or like me, a messy, colorful creative mess that only makes sense to you. Because that’s all that matters. It makes sense to YOU. Bible study is a personal thing. You’re not creating the perfect page to show off – you’re studying God’s word.

But I know it can be intimidating to stare at a blank page. So here’s some tips to get started. Remember that these are just suggestions- you need to find what works for You.

1. I read the passage I’m studying in 2-3 different translations. I usually use NLT, NIV, and NKJV.
2. I start by writing the passage name. I usually write this in the middle of my page- but you could write it anywhere.
3. I add a date
4. I print out the passage, stick it into my journal and highlight it
5. I get context. This is really important. find out what the original language was, who wrote it, to whom, when, where, and why. To know what was happening in that place or to that person during that time is really important to understand what you’re reading.

And from there I just flow.

I usually add key verses, insights, commentary, what each part means, action steps, and a prayer. I use the Filament Bible app because my Bible is a participant for that and Gateway Bible (for commentary and Bible dictionary).

Something else really important: do not trust AI, Google, or random people/websites for reliable biblical facts or opinions. They can get it wrong, so be discerning and research your facts properly.

Let go of a perfect bible journal today and just flow. It might take a while to find your style, but keep at it! Studying God’s word is important.

Hope this helps,

 Love TransformedInHisImage