Week 343
Positive post Sunday, September 24, 2023- Week 343.
Inspired by my brother in Christ, Jay McCall, I have been reading the Holy Bible over the past several weeks thinking about some of my favorite verses and searching for what I consider to be foundational verses, those verses that speak to me deeply and that I have built my life around. Verses that provide guidance and wisdom as I continue to serve the Lord.
As a humble, passionate, and active servant of our Lord, Jay’s foundational Scripture is found in chapter 29 in Jeremiah, verses 11-13. The verses are also found at the top of Page 1 in his book, “Jeremiah’s Angel.” Jay told me he clung to the promises made by God in those verses early in his walk with Christ when it wasn’t easy for him to believe and, over time, God has proven exceedingly faithful to His Word.
Here is that Scripture: 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 hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Jay shared his heartfelt testimony that in his time of darkness, in spite of his fears and amid great doubt, he made the choice to believe God’s promise that if he would call on Him and pray to Him, seeking Him with all his heart, he would find Him. And God has faithfully fulfilled His promises as well as His plans for Jay of hope and a future. God wants our hearts. And He rewards our faith. How often in the holy Bible do we see Jesus perform miracles or heal the sick based on their faith. Believing in Him when it’s hard to believe and trusting in Him during difficult times increases our faith. Those conversations with Jay have inspired me to be intentional in identifying my foundational verses of Scripture.
Throughout my life, from 1st grade at St. James Elementary School in La Crescenta to this date, I have been blessed to have heard and read many verses in the Holy Bible, many of which have profoundly, sometimes subconsciously, influenced how I have lived my life. I also recall the early years in our marriage when Michele and I read the Holy Bible cover to cover, establishing faith as the foundation on which we have built our marriage and family.
Now, in the advanced years in my life, I once again turn to the Holy Bible. This time, in search of those foundational verses that best speak to me and upon which I have and will continue to live my life. Through this new quest, I have quickly learned (or relearned) that there are countless verses in the Holy Bible that speak to me and my life journey. That being said, and although I will continue to pray and read the Holy Bible in search of that special set of verses that I see as foundational and that deeply move me, there are a few verses that, at this time in my life, stand out to me.
Through much prayer and reflection and with a passion for serving others and with the Triangle of Life: Faith, Family and Fitness as my foundation, the verses below inspire and guide me.
Service
- Mark 10:45 – For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
- Joshua 24:15 – … As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
Faith
- Hebrews 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight.
- Ephesians 2:8. – For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God.
Family
- 1 Timothy 3:5 – For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?
- Proverbs 22:6 – Train the young in the way they should go.
- Ephesians 6:4 – Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord
Fitness
- 1 Timothy 4:8: – For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.
- Ecclesiastes 11:10: – So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.
I am truly blessed the Lord has instilled in me a passion to serve others in His name. I will continue to read the Holy Bible, and with an open heart and mind, gain a deeper understanding of His word and His plan for me.
What are your favorite Bible verses?
How do these verses influence how you live your life?