Why the Gospels? Getting Starting With Bible Journaling in the Illustrating Bible: The Gospels

**I received a complimentary copy of this Bible for consideration. Post contains affiliate links. All thoughts are my own. 

 Outside of topics like supplies and such, one of the most frequently asked questions I've been asked when it comes to Bible journaling is simply: where do I begin?

It sounds like a simple enough question... but it's a good one, isn't it? 

And one that I understand completely! 

When I first began Bible journaling several years ago, it was quite overwhelming. There are 66 books in the Bible. Countless verses to choose from. Countless stories to read and reflect on. 

Where do I begin?

As I have dealt with health issues over the last year, I have found I have had little time and energy to devote to jounaling as I would like to, and as I work to try to prioritize that time and energy to start back up, I once again find myself asking that question.

Where do I begin?

With the new release of the Illustrating Bible: The Gospels, I cannot help but feel this is the perfect time to start again... and more importantly the perfect place to start too.



So... why The Gospels?

First, let's take a moment to consider exactly what Bible journaling truly is. On it's surface, it's pretty simple... we're creating a visual expression of what we have read. We're using paint and stamps, stickers or drawings to creatively showcase those words. Beyond the artwork though, it is also a form of worship. We do not just splash paint on the paper. Bible journaling encourages us to linger longer in God's Word. We are not just reading through the passages, but taking the time to truly think about what we have read and what it means to us, and how we plan to express that on our pages. 

I don't know about all of you, but this year... I need more and more Jesus. 

As we journal through the Gospels, we are lingering with Jesus as we follow through his life. From his birth, to the miracles he performed, to the death on the cross... the Gospels are all about Jesus. So, really... what better place is there to start? 



Still need some inspiration? Here are a few specific scripture ideas to get you started:

John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Matthew 11:28-30: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 5:16: In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Luke 11:9-10: And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Mark 10:27: Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."

I love these verses because they tend to evoke a strong emotion and/or visual that are ideal when journaling, making them ideal options... but the Gospels are full of many more great verses to choose from as well. 

Ready to get started journaling your way through the Gospels? You can purchase your copy of Illustrating Bible: The Gospels at Dayspring now. Whether you're new to Bible journaling or a pro, this is a great Bible to allow you to linger longer while exploring the life of Jesus and I cannot wait to take this journey with Him.