Blogging has been one of my renewing of the mind projects for almost a year now.
I’m still not finished with the project (unfortunately!) but thought it might be helpful to post some of my entries here.
My first blogging problem was just forcing myself to put my writing out there for the world to see. Here’s one of my first journal entries on the subject. I’ll put it in a chart form so it’s easier to read.
3/4/12 Journal Entry (Note: If you’re not familiar with this type of journaling, you can read about it here: Truth Journaling.)
| Beliefs | Truth |
| 1. Who am I kidding? I can’t do this. | I can’t – this is very true – but God can. If I take the time to pray until He gives me an idea, I’ll be able to write. This is important. I’ve got to remember I can’t write without Him so that writing without praying would be like writing without a computer or a pen – ridiculous! (Unfortunately, I don’t always remember this.) |
| 2. It’s far too embarrassing. | Only if I let it be. The more I get in the habit of seeing myself through God’s eyes, the less I’ll be embarrassed. |
| 3. I’m too bad of a writer. | His strength is made perfect through my weakness. Why would I need to be a great writer when I have the Word as my helper? Ridiculous! |
| 4. Nothing will ever come of it. | Ahh – I’m looking at this from a worldly perspective. God will do whatever He wants with it. And His purposes are far better than my purposes. |
| 5. People are laughing at me behind my back because I’m such a bad writer. | Probably not many. Maybe 5 or 10%, if that. But it doesn’t matter. Am I willing to be embarrassed for God? Yes – and I should expect it. All the men of the Bible had to suffer to follow God. Should I expect anything less? |
| 6. They think I’m presumptuous for thinking I have something to say. | People always think exhorters are presumptuous. Yes, it might have been easier having a different gift, but this is what God has given me. So be it. |
| 7. They don’t like my blog. | Most people don’t know about it. Some really like it and some don’t. If I want to increase blog followers, I’ll need to be more active about it. |
I always feel better after I truth journal. It’s a great way to capture my thoughts and carry them captive to Christ.
I’ll post more entries when I get back from my two-week break. I was planning to do them all this week, but then I thought, that’s crazy, this is my chance to get ahead! So I’ll continue the journal entries on November 12th, God willing.
2 Week Break!
Not sure what to do without your posts. They speak so much life and truth into me.
But enjoy your time away, we all need breaks. You’re smart to realize it and to actually take it.
Love the example of Truth Journaling. I can see how this would be very helpful in dispelling the lies of satan and claiming the victory found in the truth of God’s word about us and to us.
Haha, that’s funny, TC. I will enjoy the break and time with family. I bet you would love truth journaling. I’ve been doing it now for 12 years I think and nothing has done more for my relationship with God other than reading His Word – in fact truth journaling was what got me excited to read the Word. Let me know how it goes if you try it.
I’ve dealt and still deal with these false beliefs. It’s been because of God and people who have encouraged me to keep going that I still write/blog.
It’s great to see that you keep going, Dan. I know your blog blesses so many. I also still deal with these false beliefs, but in part because I really am still a beginner writer. I wouldn’t have as much opportunity for embarrassment if I were an incredible, seasoned writer!
I had a wonderful time with God this morning, though, and I’m beginning to see His purposes for me in this ongoing struggle of blogging. It’s brought up weaknesses I didn’t realize I had and things that need to be brought captive to God. So I’m thanking God for the struggles – at least for today!
Thank you for the kind words:)
Glad your devotional was good and that you where able to see His purpose. Have a blessed day!
#4 is the one I struggle with. If I’m going to be pouring my heart and mind and time and sweat (metaphorically, haha) into this – then I want to know there’s going to be a return. But the more I think about it, the more I see that I just have to risk it. Put it out there and see what happens.
I think you’re right. If we want to do it we need to take the risk since it’s not possible to do it without risk. Unfortunately! I’m beginning to see,though, that on a personal level it’s a great opportunity for growth and even if I can help one person grow closer to God, it’s worth it.