I am a
Christian. It was in 1986 that I
remember that it became a fact that I accepted Jesus as my Savior. The Bible had been part of my life and my
training before that time, but after that time the Bible came to life. I learned scripture that contained
promises. Some verses held greater
insight or strength or direction for me.
What
are the verses that have given you great courage or encouragement? What verses from the Bible have you claimed
as Bible promises that have helped you have more faith? I’d like to share a few verses that have been
some of my favorites.
Colossians 3:2
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Set your mind on
the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
As a
teenager I remember going to a conference and hearing this verse. God spoke of me about holiness and about
becoming more like Jesus. It was like
God said if you want to know me and follow me then you must focus on me and not
on the things this world gives.
I’ve
been able to remember, claim and share this verse hundreds of times the last 30
or so years.
James 1:5
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If you need wisdom,
ask our generous God, and he
will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
That
verse came to life as I sought God about going to college. Since that time it has reminded me that real
wisdom isn’t from me or from other people.
Real wisdom comes from God.
Further, when I’m at a lose or in need, I have to go to the best
place. Go to God.
Philippians
4:6-7
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Be anxious
for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to
God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.
There
are so many times that I have claimed these verses as a Bible promise and have
seen God use it in my life. I have used
it so many times in counseling and sharing with others, and the verses have
brought strength and peace to those people.
But
the time that I remember these two verses making the biggest difference in my
life was when I first met Julie, the lady who I would marry. I prayed this verse over and over and over
again. Only one other significant time
in my life do I remember this verse being part of a great part of my days. It brought me to rely on God and to
experience His peace. Pull that verse a
part, and God will reinforce your life and your faith. I love it!
1 Corinthians 9:22
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To the weak I became
weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.
If you know me, you know that my heart is turned toward
people who are hurting, hungry and homeless.
I desire to serve people who are in deep need. But the reason I want to serve people is not
only to meet their needs. I want to
share Jesus with them so that He would radically change their lives.
God changes lives. He
told us that we are to love God with all we are and to love people. One of the best ways to love people is to
share God’s love with them by serving them and sharing. This is my heart.
I’ve found this verse to be marching orders for my life. I’ve found this verse to be a mantra of sorts
for the ministry that I am part of and lead.
These verses have meant a lot to me and have helped me come
to know and see God many times. What are
your favorite verses? I leave you with a
few of the favorite verses of some people you might know.
Billy Graham’s favorite verse … John 3:16
Barack
Obama’s favorite verses … Luke 6:20-49
El
DeBarge’s favorite verse … Jeremiah 29:11
Margaret Thatcher’s favorite verses … Psalm 46:1-7
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