Christian Living Archives - Bible Journaling Ministries

I spent this week focused on the Word by faith art journaling. Although I used Scripture in my faith art, it’s not necessary.

What is Faith Art Journaling?

Faith art journaling is an expression of your faith through art. It’s like Bible journaling but in an art journal, notebook, or other books. It’s a form of worship designed to inspire you and encourage you to build a relationship with your Savior.

Like Bible journaling, there are no rules. However, you’ll typically be thinking of things mentioned in Philippians 4:9. “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

When I’m working in my faith art journal, I’ll typically work on a verse. However, it’s not required! The only thing that’s required is a heart for the Lord. It’s like a love letter, but written with a paint brush and may not necessarily include words or Scripture. Sometimes it just includes marks or paint splatters. As long as I’m thinking of things related to my faith, I’m faith art journaling!

How is Faith Art Journaling Different than Bible Journaling?

Faith art journaling is different than Bible journaling in a few ways:

Bible journaling is typically done inside of a Bible. Faith art journaling is typically not done in a Bible.
Bible journaling requires a verse that one considers prior to journaling. Faith art journaling does not always consider a verse.
Bible journaling sometimes leads to an in-depth study of a particular Scripture.

I use the word typically a lot, because again…there are no rules.

How is Faith Art Journaling Similar to Bible Journaling?

There are many similarities between the two art forms. They both:

Provide a means for expressing your faith
Are a form of worship
Help build your relationship with God
Bring joy, peace, and healing
Typically improve other areas of life including relationships, prayer life, and health

The benefits of faith art journaling and Bible journaling outweigh the costs. You can start either methods typcially with what you have on hand.

Faith Art Journaling Examples

Here are some of the faith art journaling entries I did this week. I used the margin elements that were left over from my Momentum printables. I don’t like to waste anything so I’ll often make bookmarks, cards, or place extra stickers in my planner. But, for today…I played with my art journal. I have to tell you that it’s such a freeing feeling and helps me de-stress after a long day. I hope you enjoy my examples!

James 1:2-3

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Faith Art Journaling James 1:2-3

Ezekiel 4:7-9

And you shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem, with your arm bared, and you shall prophesy against the city.And behold, I will place cords upon you, so that you cannot turn from one side to the other, till you have completed the days of your siege.

“And you, take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and emmer, and put them into a single vessel and make your bread from them. During the number of days that you lie on your side, 390 days, you shall eat it.

Faith Art Journaling Ezekiel 4:7-9

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith Art Journaling Hebrews 11:1

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Faith Art Journaling Genesis 1:1

Romans 10:17

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Faith Art Journaling Romans 10:17

Haggai 1:9

You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house.

Faith Art Journaling Haggai 1:9

Matthew 17:20

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Faith Art Journaling Matthew 17:20

As you can see, faith art journaling is extremely simple. Of course, you can go into more detail and spend hours on a piece. That’s totally ok! I have quite a few pieces that I’m working on, but on most days I just want to keep things simple. Do you have a faith art journal? How do you use it? I’d love to know in the comments below!

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Last week I had a discussion with my girlfriend about tolerance. Her mother is a strong believer in Christianity and absolutely will not tolerate anyone who disagrees with her. To the extent she calls them out on their false beliefs privately and in public. It never goes well. Often, the individual will leave thinking who is this Jesus that’s so hateful? Oh, how my heart breaks for those who feel this way.

Psalm 139 23-24

Having a Dialogue

It’s hard to dialogue with people who don’t share the same viewpoint as you do. But, if you want to help a non-believer, I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit how He would have you approach the person individually. For me, when called upon the Holy Spirit, I will address them privately through a conversation. Here’s how that goes…

I open up a dialogue with them one on one. Usually in person, although I have done this online and it takes much longer to establish a true friendship that way. But it can happen – I can testify to that!
I listen to what they have to say without interrupting them or telling them they’re wrong.
I ask them if it’s ok to share my beliefs.
I share my beliefs.
A few back and forth points are made.
We both agree to disagree.
I let him or her know that I’m always here when they’re ready to talk, and usually, they do the same as well.
We hug each other.
We love each other.

What I don’t do:

I don’t call them out publically and try to embarrass or shame them into Christianity.
I don’t talk behind their back and make them feel bad.
I don’t collaborate with others to gang up on them so that they feel lonely or outcasted.
I don’t argue with them or try to force them to believe what I believe. I’ve never seen this work. True obedience to God’s Word is only possible if it’s not forced upon the receiver.
I don’t share that they’re going to hell or that the wrath of God will be upon them. The wrath of God happens to me all the time and I’m saved! His wrath is usually allowing me to wallow in the mess I make every day.

I love them.
Jesus loves them.

At Bible journaling ministries, our mission is to help others grow in the Word creatively. But part of that growth in the Word is living it out in our daily lives.

What Does the Bible Say is a Good Approach?

You may be asking yourself, how do I live out my beliefs while allowing others to have a different belief at the same time? That’s a great question. There are so many great examples of confrontation in the Bible.

What would Jesus do? He turned over tables for his beliefs, right (Matthew 21:12-13)? Yes! But, read the context before you start turning over tables in your own home or church. Ask yourself who was there? Why were they there? What were they doing? Why did Jesus do what he did? Why did God allow this in the Bible? What can I gain from understanding this story?

Jesus also didn’t condemn the adulterous in the Bible (John 8:3-11). He said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her.” What’s the context here? Who was here? Why were they here? What were they doing? Why did Jesus do what he did? Why did God allow this in the Bible? What can I gain from understanding this story?

Why Does God Tolerate Other Religions?

Why does God tolerate other religions when he could clearly force others to believe in Him? I have one answer to this. FOR HIS GLORY. Of course, for the sanctification of Christians isn’t a bad answer either.

Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:15-16: The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life.

Paul was the chief of all sinners. He admits it, and we know what he did to Christians before his conversion because that also is in the Bible. Yet, God chose him to display patience as a leader to the Gentiles. Patience and grace is God’s character. Is it yours?

You Are Called

You are called to help non-believers! And you should try! Especially if the Holy Spirit has put it on your heart. In doing so, consider your approach. Are you doing it with the patience and grace that God extends to you?

Pray to God and ask Him to show you how to approach someone. There are many examples in the Bible that display this perfectly, most of them are in a one on one setting, and done with love and care.

It’s so important to share the good news! Ask yourself…did you come to know the Lord through fear or by love? I hope it was through love.

God will call you to witness to those in your life. Heed his calling. It is not easy and it will take time! Pray to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to share how you can do this with the individual. Then build a relationship with the person he’s placed on your path so that you both can have a respectful, and loving discussion about our Savior.

Jesus loves her (and him).
Jesus loves you.
I love you too.