Writing and Journaling Challenge - 2026

March 2026 Writing and Journaling Challenge

Make a list of ways to share scripture with others.

This may seem like a slightly odd subject for a writing and journaling challenge. The reason I'm including it here is because sometimes one of the best ways to start taking action on something good you want to do is to make a plan - a workable plan.

There is an interesting passage of scripture in Isaiah chapter 55. We are inclined to quote various verses out of it, but it gives a fresh perspective when you read them all together.

Isaiah 55:6-11 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Look at the progression here. Seeking the LORD, forsaking wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts, returning to the LORD, understanding that our thoughts and ways are not at all like God's -- all that flows towards this interesting and profound truth: That God's word is what accomplishes change, refreshes, and brings forth growth and fruit.

Tracts are great in their way, but I have so often been disappointed at something in a tract that I felt I didn't really want to use it. I'm not saying we shouldn't use them, but sometimes they are so heavy on man's thoughts and so light on God's actual words, that it feels off, especially in light of this passage. Furthermore, tracts written by humans don't have the promise that stands behind the word of God.

So, thinking about and finding ways to get more of God's word into the hands and lives of others is what this month's challenge is about. It isn't a hard challenge. There isn't a list of "right answers." In fact, I would expect variations that are based on how we live our lives and interact with people. Your list may be short or long. It may include common ideas, or things that others might have never thought of, but the point is to write down and give yourself some motivation to act.

And while we're at it, let's remember that God sends forth His word where He wants it. We may give something somewhere where it isn't really wanted because eventually it will end up where the Lord Himself is sending it. It will accomplish what He sends it forth to do. It will not return void - empty. It will prosper in His plan, and His thoughts and ways are not ours.

Philippians 2:15-16 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

I will try to post a link to my list after I get it done.
In the mean time, here are some bookmarks, three of
which have scripture on them. This is good way to
share God's word with readers.

Free bookmarks.
Click the download icon on the upper left (as of this publishing).

background and graphics by Mary Stephens
vintage graphic: unknown source
photographs: Mary E. Stephens