Year of the Bible

Love—one of the fruits of the Spirit—is represented in the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke 15:11–32.

This verse tells me that I can be content with the life that God gave me. I don’t have to envy anybody else’s life.

I told God how I felt and asked Him to answer me as my Friend: “God, how can I overcome this situation?” Immediately, a thought came to mind: Go read Hebrews 12:3–4.

We are worthy for the simple reason that our Creator says we are.

In anger, frustration and deep brokenness, I went to God expressing my sincere disappointment. And that’s when He gave me Matthew 28:20 to not only strengthen me in that moment, but to carry me for years to come.

This promise gave me security and strength, and made me see that my case was not a matter of life or death, but a trial from which I would emerge victorious.

I have a lot of favorite scriptures. Verses that give me hope, courage, inspire me, convict me, challenge me to action. Favorite promises from God’s Word for different areas of my life. In Jeremiah, God spoke a new favorite verse directly to my mama-heart as I lifted my sons to Him.

As a young Christian, I came across verse after verse in the Bible about forgiveness and praying for your enemies, but I ignored theses verses and would just turn the page. I was so deeply hurt; I didn’t want to forgive or pray for my nemesis.

The thought that Christ spares no blessing or good thing for His people is why we praise Him today. But to realize that He divested Himself of everything and became obedient unto death, even death on the cross— for you and me—is why we bow in surrender to Him.