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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.
James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds
I do not get excited for trials, but I am thankful that the struggles and difficulties that I experience have and do continue to bring me closer in my relationship to God!
Proverbs 31:25
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
This is my favorite verse because it serves as a great reminder to place my faith in God and to derive my strength from Him no matter what. It also reminds me to be joyous in all things, even the bad things.
Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than these?
The care and attentiveness of God astonish me. He is our true source of all salvation, peace, comfort, and joy, and He truly and deeply loves us!
1 John 5:11-13
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Psalm 91:4
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
It is always comforting to know that God will protect us because of His faithfulness and love.
Philippians 1:6
I am certain that God who began a good work within you, will continue his work until on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
I am a work in progress, and God is not finished with me yet. To God be the glory for what he has done and continues to do!
Mathew 22:37-39
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
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.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
God does not promise that we will not have challenges as we walk through life! He does, however, promise that He will be with us! My life journey and professional journey has taken me through deep waters, across rivers, through fires, up mountains, and down valleys, and it is incredible to look back and see His faithfulness through that transformation and how He is using me now!
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Nothing here on earth could ever compare to what awaits!
Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Through these words from scripture, I’ve really learned to trust in the goodness of the Lord and His promises through all of life’s challenges. God is good…all the time!
James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Trials produce endurance, and endurance helps to be fulfilled in Christ.
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Our “light” shows who we are in Christ and how He is working in our life. As we let our light shine, doing good works & loving on others, we can glorify God by being an encouragement and beacon of hope to others showing how God’s love and grace is available to all.
1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
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.
Matthew 22:37-40
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
For me, I strive to make all my decisions, my interactions, and my testimony for Christ in the journey, to be founded on these verses. It’s always a work in progress (especially when I’m driving!) but it’s the foundation on how I should share the love of Christ to the world around me, no matter who they are.
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.
Proverbs 16:9
In a man’s heart, he plans his way. But the lord determines his steps.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
So hard to pick just one verse but this one brings me peace in times of worry, fear, loneliness, doubt, feeling overwhelmed… The Lord is the light, the way & always there!
1 Peter 4:2
As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
This is a beautiful reminder that when we go through the trials of life, God is always present. He loves us and we can trust Him to provide what we need.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
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.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
I always loved this verse and thought early in my ministry years that If I could live my life for Christ by following this mandate, that with God, anything could happen! PRAISE THE LORD!
Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
This verse reminds me that I am living according to His will. He leads. I follow.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Everything that happens, good and bad alike, can be woven together into something amazing by the hands of the Lord. Our God is an awesome God!
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.
Romans 8:1
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
It is so comforting to know that when I am anxious or worried, I can pray to God for peace that only He can provide.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
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.
Romans 10:13-15
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Jerimiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts I have towards you declares the Lord. Thoughts to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.
I love How God is always doing what is best for us. We may not always like what he does but we can always trust him that he has our best interest in mind.
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.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
I have grasped onto the peace of this verse, knowing that God not only has already planned my path, but He goes with me. I’m not in this alone. Ever.
John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
In a world of increasing turmoil, having bedrock knowledge of God’s unchanging goodness and love for us is a precious and absolutely essential gift.
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.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
So often we make a life lived for God a complex mess of rules and traditions, but that’s not what He asks from us. He wants our love; and if we love Him, we will obey Him! That’s a lot easier than trying to decipher a secret code of conduct that man invents for himself, and as for me, I choose the easy yoke of Christ. Why overcomplicate things?
Jeremiah 33:6-9
Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth. And I will cause the captives of Judah and the captives of Israel to return, and will rebuild those places as at the first. I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me. Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.
God heals, forgives, and makes everything good because He is a good God!
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Psalm 139:9-10
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Honestly the whole chapter is one of my favorites. It has helped me through all manner of stressful situations and tumultuous thoughts. God is with me. He knows me, and He loves me.
Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
It is a good reminder to show kindness to each person, and to perform those random acts of kindness.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
I love this verse because of its context in scripture: God’s chosen people have been exiled from the Promised Land and are suffering greatly. The promise isn’t that nothing bad will ever happen to us, it’s an assurance that THROUGH the hardest of times He’s still in control and working for our good. That truth has comforted me many times over the years.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
This verse encourages me to know that God is always with me and he strengthens me daily in my walk with Him.
Isaiah 54:5
For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
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.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
God knows what is happening in your life and knows what is coming next. Even when we are sent off to captivity God is working things for good.
John 3:17
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
So many people have heard John 3:16 but verse 17 is just as needed. Jesus came not to condemn but to save the world – and that includes you and me.
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
I am continually amazed that God uses ordinary people like us to do His work. He doesn’t have to do that, but He does. We are blessed!
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.
Acts 20:24
I consider my life worth nothing to me. If only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has for me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
I have been so incredibly blessed to witness the goodness of God over nearly five decades of serving Him at Family Life. His blessing is indeed our greatest wealth and nothing can be added to it!
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
As an artist, transition and change come with the territory. “The Lord is my AGENT, I shall not want” has been my mantra for years but knowing where the Lord is leading is so key. If you ask Him, He will lead!
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
So profound. The Trinity has comforted me time and time again – making this verse more and more real in my life.
Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior in my early 30’s, and until that time I pictured God as someone who was waiting for me to do something wrong and punish me. This verse reminds me that God is for me, not against me.
Jeremiah 9:24
But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.
Psalm 23:3
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
My favorite verse changes as I go through seasons of life, but currently this one gives me great comfort as I am reminded that my strength comes from the Lord. In Him I am revitalized and directed every day, and goodness knows I need all the strength and guidance I can get!
Hebrews 6:15
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
God gave me this verse during a women’s retreat in the Adirondacks. Life isn’t always easy. Endure the hard times patiently, because God is always faithful.
Ecclesiastes 11:5
As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.
Our very lives are a miracle beyond understanding. Faith is the only reasonable response to the God of life!
Psalm 16:11
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
The Lord intimately cares for you! He longs for each of us to be “close” in His presence. When that happens, joy overflows. We can have that deep joy, no matter the circumstances of life! I pray that you seek out time with Him! (He is caring and faithful!)
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.
Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
“Great is thy faithfulness” has always been one of my favorite hymns, based on these verses, especially these lines:
Morning by morning new mercies I see:
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.