Good morning ladies!

We’re on week 4 of our Bible Study on the Faithfulness of God this week.

This study is what I wrote for last years retreats, but as I’ve been putting it up on here each week I’ve been going through it again and adding to it or breaking it up into smaller sections for us. And I have to say it’s been so refreshing to take a look at God’s faithfulness yet again for our time together in this study. I hope it blesses you in some way, and you take time to go through each weeks devotional and art prompts. I’d love to see any of your creative journaling you’re doing along with this study, so send me an email if you want to share it with me.

But let’s get back in it today...

I’d like us to take a moment to look at Jesus’s ministry on earth for this weeks study.  We see from last week that our Triune God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) ordained from before the world was created, that Jesus would come down to earth and live a sinless life to cover our sins.  To do what we could never do. 

But He not only came to bear our sins, He came so that we might know God, to see His love demonstrated, and to show us how to live abundant lives for Him. 

We see this clearly in the gospel of John.

Take a look with me at the 7 “I am statements of Jesus:
~ I am the bread of life (John 6)
~ I am the light of the world (John 8)
~ I am the door to the sheep (John 10)
~ I am the Good Shepherd (John 10)
~ I am the resurrection and the life (John 11)
~ I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14)
~ I am the true vine (John 15)

The book of John is an incredible book to study in depth, and I highly recommend taking time to do that if you haven’t study it yet.  It’s great to have a commentary or study Bible to help you understand all that’s pact in there as well. But when we see these “I am” statements throughout the book of John, we are witnessing the heart of God for His people.  The depth at which He wants to be EVERYTHING to us. Look at how He holds, protects, sustains, lights our path, brings hope, and is the source of truth, knowledge and wisdom.

It’s so incredible to comprehend… I think we have a hard time actually doing just that!  But what wonderful truth to cling to.

This kind of connection, as we’re walking out this life, is such hope for our hearts! 

What a beautiful reminder that even amongst the things we don’t understand, or the waiting we have a hard time with, we see that He is our Rock.  He is the True Vine that is the lifeline we get to hold onto.  And, in this amazing connection that we have with the Creator of all things, we see HIS faithfulness always lighting our path.

I’ll end today with Proverbs 3: 1-8 because it reminds us not to forget the faithfulness of God that is a healing, refreshing peace in our lives.

“My son, (*or daughter) do not forget my teaching,
    but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for length of days and years of life
    and peace they will add to you.

3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
    bind them around your neck;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good success
    in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh
    and refreshment to your bones.”

Daily Prompt:
Take some time today to look through the “I AM” statements in John. Write down in your journal each one and take some time to focus on who Jesus is. Do you know the real Jesus that He Himself shares with us in these statements? Dig a little deeper if you can and look at a commentary or study Bible to see what these statements really mean to each believer in Jesus Christ.

Art Application
In your art journal or journaling Bible, pick out one of “I AM’s” and create a page that speaks to your heart about who Jesus is to you. Journal a specific memory of God’s faithfulness in your life. Write it out and thank Him for all that He has done and still IS doing. He is worthy to be praised friends!

Have a GREAT Monday! I pray this starts your week off in a place of praise and peace.

Hugs to all,

Laura McCollough