Wonderful Wednesdays, Part II

Last week, I gave the folks gathered an assignment: to think of a favorite Bible story or verse. I amended that during my preparation for the service, and said it would be ideal to have more than one verse.

Why is it important to have verses like these? It’s kind of like carrying something around to refer to in your hip pocket, for you to draw on when you’re at a loss for how to reconcile something troubling, when you want to be inspired, feel overwhelmed, or want to give God thanks and praise.

When you need God’s strength and hope:

Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

When you need inspiration for faith:

Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Need guidance on how to care for others?

John 13:34, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”

What about times when you need forgiveness, for others, or yourself?

Colossians 3:13, “Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Psalm 51

“ Create in me a clean heart, O God,

 and put a new and right spirit within me.

When you want to give God praise:

1st Chronicles 16:34, “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

 for his steadfast love endures forever.”

See you at church!