THE BLESSINGS OF KEEPING RECORDS
“Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed: and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4).
We know that the number of disciples in the early church was increasing because they kept good record of attendance in their fellowships. In Acts 1:15 the disciples were 120. In Acts 2:41 about 2,000 souls joined them so we know they are now more than 2,000 believers. The verse above informed us that from two thousand plus, the number of the believers had grown to 5,000. Yes, we know about their growth because they kept records.
Do you keep records? If you do not, you should, from today, begin to keep the following records:
Keep records of your communication with God. This is what is called a journal. Keep jottings of what you are learning everyday as you read the Bible and pray.
Keep record of your expenses. Try this for a month and you will be surprised to see how much money you spend and for what. Have you ever complained that your parents do not give you enough money? Try writing down every expense you make and you will be embarrassed to know how much money passes through your hand to other people.
Keep record of notable events in your life. Are there days you feel you were the happiest person on earth? Write down your experience and what made it so. Are there days too that you feel somehow because of what so and so did to you? Write that down too, although negative reports need more wisdom to record so that you will not ensnare yourself with any evil report.
Writing good reports will keep you focused and challenged. It will help you monitor your growth and spiritual developments. Above all, it will be a ready source of testimony for you. You must begin to write reports about your life today. Start and do not stop.
Challenge: Documents outlast their authors.
Prayer: Lord, help me to begin the good practice of keeping records today.