Bible Marking and Journaling

System of Renewal

If you don’t feel much like the image of the perfect Proverbs 31 woman lately, you’re not alone. We’re all weighed down by endless daily demands on our limited time and emotions. Our efforts to live up to everyone’s expectations are often hindered by the burdens of discouragement, frustration, and exhaustion. Piled on top are all the secret hurts, insecurities, and complaints we carry around embedded in our hearts like splinters. The devil would love to see us attempt to continue limping along under our own power until we give up, but God has promised a better plan and a way of escape for us. (1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 5:12-14 - 6:3, Matthew 4:4 ).

We know we’re renewed spiritually through daily Bible study and prayer; however, putting this into practice can feel like one more item on your impossible to do list. The truth is, your attitude determines what you experience. Our time with God in His word and seeking Him in prayer is far more essential to our wellbeing and satisfying to our weary souls than a daily shower or regular meals. We’d never dream of skipping such necessary parts of physical self care when we know the consequences, yet the results of spiritual neglect are worse, even though they’re invisible. Like an athlete training for a competitive event or a soldier training to survive battle, commitment to filling ourselves with God’s word daily provides the strength we need. Part of sticking with a daily routine is having a method and making it enjoyable. Following a Bible study plan, memorizing verses, using a Bible marking system, and keeping a prayer journal are some of the ways to make the most of your daily Bible study time.

Based on the typical highlighter colors, here's one way to try Bible marking.

Pink

God's love & personality

Verses about God's love for us, His many great works, providence, justice, power, wisdom, and all other facets of who He is

Green

Hope of Heaven

Verses that show us the promise of Heaven and remind us of the Christian's eternal perspective

Yellow

Living faith

Verses concerning the lifestyle and attitudes of a follower of Christ

Blue

Grace of God

Verses about the plan of salvation and God’s grace toward His people

Purple

Prophecy

Prophecies and their fulfillment, especially relating to Jesus

Orange

Relationships & stewardship

Stewardship of God's blessings and guidelines for relationships such as marriage, parenting, and friendship