Cindy Rugg brought the message today and shared the 7 “I Ams” from the book of John. For those keeping score at home, they are:
» Bread of Life (John 6:35)
John 6:35 New International Version (NIV)
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
» Light of the World (John 8:12)
John 8:12 New International Version (NIV)
Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
» Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7)
John 10:7 New International Version (NIV)
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
» Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14)
John 10:11,14 New International Version (NIV)
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
» Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
John 11:25 New International Version (NIV)
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;
» The Way, Truth and Life (John 14:6)
John 14:6 New International Version (NIV)
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
» The Vine (John 15:1)
John 15:1 New International Version (NIV)
The Vine and the Branches
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
Jesus used all of the “I Am” statements to help people understand who he was. Cindy challenged us to live each day as if we are the light of Jesus.
Creator God – We praise You for the beauty all around us; in nature, in the smiles of people we meet and in the hugs and encouragement from friends. Thank You for the stories of blessings that are being received. We know there are so many more that we receive and fail to recognize or fail to share. Help us to be ever aware of Your unfailing generosity to be able to see You at work in our lives. May we find ways to share those blessings each day with others. May live our lives each day in such a way that the light of Your Son, Jesus, shines through us. Amen.