A little over a week ago, I heard about the Illuminated Scripture Journals from Crossway. These books have the Scripture on the left hand page (ESV) and lightly dotted blank pages on the right, perfect for writing or drawing or however you best interact with Scripture. (There are also the same journals with plain black covers where the right hand pages are lined.)
The Illuminated Scripture Journals have beautiful covers, and each cover represents something within the book itself. Inside, the book names and chapter numbers are gold, matching the gold on the covers. There are individual journals for every book of the Bible, with the exception of a few really short ones; those are combined (i.e. 1-3 John).
I bought the book of Psalms and the entire set of the New Testament journals. (I believe you can find all of the individual journals on Amazon. ChristianBook also has both Old and New Testament sets.)
While I love to Bible art journal, I bought these journals to write my thoughts and prayers in as I work through the Scriptures. It’s possible that more artistic entries will find there way onto these pages, but I anticipate that these journals will be more words than anything else. I want them to help me go deep and gain new understanding.
For most of my Christian life, I’ve been writing teeny-tiny notes in the narrow margins of my study Bible. I’m excited to think what I might glean from the Scriptures with so much room to write out my meditations. (Did you know the Hebrew word that is translated “meditate” can mean devour, like a lion eating its prey? I want to devour God’s word like a ravenous lion!)
Have you heard about these journals? How would you put them to use?
~robin
Robin Lee Hatcher
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Robin, I’d never seen these before, but I just ordered the New Testament set! They are beautiful and I love the whole idea of having the pages directly across from the Scripture for my notes. Thanks so much for telling us about them! Just the thing I need to light a fire under my personal Bible study!
Hope you enjoy. I broke down and ordered the Old Testament set. My church studies books of the Bible, so I thought these might prove handy to use for my Sunday notes as well.
I have not heard of these journals before. Thank you for sharing about them. I love the definition of meditate and think that’s exactly how the Lord expects us to use His Word – to be hungry, ravenous even and devour it. Have a great Saturday!
I loved learning that definition as well. It really changed my perspective on meditation.
Oh but these are wonderful. Thanks for sharing. So much more room for notes. Thanks. I love the meaning of meditate in Hebrew.
Absolutely. I’m more than two weeks in with using them, and loving this space more and more.
I have not heard of these before but will definitely check them out. Thank you for sharing.
If you decide to invest, I hope you enjoy as I am.
Thanks for sharing, I feel
Like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this! Going on my Christmas list.
Merry Christmas in advance. 😄
I am happy to see this new information today. This is a wonderful idea for a special gift!
So glad to be of help!!
I just learned about these journals last Saturday during a ladies Bible study workshop. I didn’t realize they had colored covers (as they showed us the black covered one as an example). Thank you for sharing this with us. I’m excited to “devour” God’s word in this way. 🙂
I know the plain black covers would be just as effective while writing, but the Illuminated ones are so lovely and the cost is the same. Happy devouring!