A few of my favorites

               2 Timothy 1:12, “…for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that Day.”

               How many sang that as you read it?  It’s a song we sing in church from time to time and knowing that it comes directly from scripture makes it even more special.  This is one of those verses that makes my heart happy in knowing that I BELIEVE, and I will until that “Day”.

               There are several verses that mean a lot to me.  Some of which you may have never thought about being special, but I do.  I’m sure most of you have those special verses that, well…just make you realize who you are and Who you belong to.

               Luke 2:19, “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart”.  This verse caught my attention one day and after I read it (for about the 10th time), I began to remember some of the things in my life that I’ve kept close to my heart.  Things we did when we were young; special times that make me smile.  Things that my kids did, or said, that makes my heart happy; things that put a smile on my face when I think about them. And, I remember some of the sad times that we’ve gone through, but actually came out better for them.  Things I’ve never mentioned to anyone but, like Mary…those memories are mine and I ponder them from time to time.

               Colossians 1:15, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”  Sometimes we read the Bible so fast that we miss some of the most insightful verses.  This is one of those.  If the statement “…the image of the invisible God” doesn’t send a shockwave through your soul, then the statement “…the firstborn over all creation” should.  It does for me!  The best description of Jesus as God couldn’t be described any better way.  God “showed” Himself to us through Jesus Christ.  The fact that He is “…the firstborn over all creation” tells us beyond any doubt that He was present during the creation and through Him all things consist (Colossians 1:17).  Then, being the firstborn over all creation tells us that He was the first One who experienced the true resurrection, assuring us that one day the church will also be resurrected.  Make sure YOU are a member of Christ’s church!

               Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands”. Many of us were able to experience the fantastic display of the eclipse.  Did astrologists or scientists cause it to happen?  Did any living being have a hand in moving the moon across the face of the sun?  Of course not, because the hands of God are the only things that can do that.  As I watched it through my little paper glasses, while also seeing the beauty of the flowers that have popped up after a long winter nap, and hearing the comforting sounds of the birds songs, I knew that only through the powerful wonder and awesomeness of God’s power could this happen.   Glory to God in the “Highest”!

               Then there is that verse in Micah 6:8, “…and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”  Justice is a principle of righteousness, equity, controlling our conduct, showing love, mercy, graciousness, generosity and securing a due regard for the rights of others.  Mercy is an extension and expression of love; an act of kindness, compassion, or favor.  Mercy is a characteristic of the One True God.  Humble (humility) is an emphasis on godliness.  When we walk humbly with God we see ourselves as we truly are; fallen in sin and helpless without God.  He leads us in what is right and teaches the humble His way.

               Last, although there are many more, is Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.  Can you think of any better way to describe faith?  This is just an awesome definition!  Webster’s definition is pretty good as he states that faith is a complete trust or confidence in someone or something, a strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, and a strong belief or theory.  Now, read Hebrews 11:1 again and tell me which you think gives the best description.  I’ll take Hebrews over Webster.

               There are so many that just seems to jump out at you when you read them.  I’d like to hear which scriptures that really hit home for you.  Email me and let me know and how they affect, or influence, your life.  We may share many of the same ones, but they may affect our lives differently.

               In the meantime…do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. 

Nancy Stoppe

Stoppe123@comcast.net