06-02-2013

Bible Verses for Worry

I find great comfort in the Bible and especially in certain verses that help me with whatever I am dealing with.  I have been known to worry a time or two and the Bible is a great comforter when you are worrying.  Worrying is something that women (and men!) tend to struggle with.  There are so many things outside of our control that it can feel overwhelming sometimes.  I have been meaning to post these verses for a while and just discovered my sheet again and wanted to post them.  I figured some of you may find comfort in them.  This list was compiled by Women’s Bible Cafe.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matt 6:34 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Phil 4:13 NIV

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 NIV

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Matt 6:25-27 NIV

But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.
Luke 21:14 NIV

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIV

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken..  Psalm16:8 NIV

Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:6 NIV

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings
Psalm 17:8 NIV

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalm 91:4 NIV

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.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV

“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.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

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.
Romans 8:28 NIV

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
Psalm 28:7 NIV

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

They will have no fear of bad news;  their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7 NIV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5 NIV

There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.
Deut 1:31 NIV

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.
Phil 4:6-7 NIV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NIV

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”
John 14:1 NIV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matt 11:28-30 NIV

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3 NIV

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deut 31:6 NIV

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10 NIV

Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:14 NIV

I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Psalm 34:4-7 NIV

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:7-10

As for God, his way is perfect:  The LORD’s word is flawless;  he shields all who take refuge in him.
2 Samuel 22:31 NIV

“The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2 NIV

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19 NIV

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 NIV

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,  so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6 NIV

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Romans 4:22-24 NIV

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:26 NIV

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12 NIV

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  Romans 8:31 NIV

As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.  Psalm 18:30 NIV

Are God’s consolations not enough for you, words spoken gently to you?
Job 15:11 NIV

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.
Psalm34:17-19 NIV

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:5 NIV

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes;  its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:8 NIV

For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
Psalm 33:4-5 NIV

Filed Under: Faith, Verses Tagged With: , , ,
03-24-2013

[Blessed]

Blessed… we hear it all the time and we say it all the time but what does really being blessed mean?  Do we overuse the word Blessed (I don’t think so), do we have the wrong idea of what it means to be Blessed (maybe).

bless·ed

adjective
1.  consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified: the Blessed Sacrament.
2.  worthy of adoration, reverence, or worship: the Blessed Trinity.
3.  divinely or supremely favored; fortunate: to be blessed with a strong, healthy body; blessed with an ability to find friends.
4.  blissfully happy or contented.

According to dictionary.com – because that is where you are supposed to find definitions… :)

I think, as humans we sometimes get narrow minded and think we are only blessed if we are the last one, blissfully happy or content, but that isn’t true.  We are blessed just by being Children of God (1 John 3:1-See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him).

I think we have our definition of what it means to be blessed confused sometimes.  We are blessed just for being alive.  We are blessed just for being given one more day to live by our Heavenly Father.  He doesn’t owe us anything, not a new car, a new job, more money, and definitely not another day.

The Bible is full of verses about blessings, blessings God gave to His followers and promises of blessings for us.  God loves to bless us in many different ways and He blesses us in little ways and in big ways!  I tend to think getting another day to live is a big one but also smelling the flowers, seeing a rainbow, the smell after a spring rain… all of those are God’s little blessings that He gives to His children because He loves us.  There are so many verses about God blessing His people.  Here are some of my favorite but I know there are many, many more…

Ephesians 1:3-  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Matthew 5:2-12- “and he began to teach them.  He said:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  Blessed are the merciful, =for they will be shown mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Just know that you are blessed just by being a Child of God.  One of my favorite songs is 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redmond.  Check it out.  Bless the Lord, oh my soul, oh my soul, worship His holy name.  Sing like never before, oh my soul.  I’ll worship your Holy Name. 

Just a side note, I hope this posts makes sense.  It was something that was weighing on my heart to write and so hopefully I got it across in a somewhat intelligent manner :)

 


 

Filed Under: Faith, Inspiration Tagged With: , , ,
03-17-2013

What is Your Life Verse?

How would you answer the question if someone asked you, What is your life verse and why is it meaningful to you?  How would you answer that?  I don’t think that you have to have one specific life verse that is your only life verse per say but that you may have different verses that are currently your life verse at different times in your life.  I think your life verse can change depending upon what you may be currently going through or dealing with or what trials you are having.  I have had different verses in my life that I have considered my verse at that moment but none have continued to speak to me and to be laid upon my heart like the one that I consider to be my life verse.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice Evermore.  Pray without ceasing.  In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  (KJV)

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  (NIV)

 

The entire chapter of 1 Thessalonians 5 is one that is quoted often regarding final instructions that Paul was giving the church of Thessalonica to clear up some information about not only the return of Christ but also on holy living.  This is where my life verse comes in.  It is a verse that I keep close to me as a way to live each and everyday, no matter what.  It is instructing us to be joyful in all circumstances, always pray and no matter what happens be thankful.  No matter what we are going through peace is going to come through giving thanks to our Father.

Being joyful always doesn’t mean just when we feel like it but all the time.  Of course we are going to be grumpy sometimes and upset others but I feel when I keep this verse as my life verse and use it as an instruction to live (the Bible is Life’s Greatest Instruction Book :) then I keep it at the forefront of my life to be joyful, pray always and give thanks to my Father for everything.  Not just the things I am happy with but everything.  God doesn’t ask us to be joyful only when things are going our way or when we are given things but to be joyful because everything comes from Him.  Us having joy doesn’t come from what we get but it comes from God alone.

We can also look to Galatians 5:22 to see the fruit of the spirit and see that Joy comes from the spirit.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

What about you?  Do you have a life verse?

Filed Under: Faith, Verses Tagged With: , ,
01-08-2013

[Wide Awake] Being aware of God’s Presence

Wide Awake- “Earth is Crammed with Heaven” is the message we are working through at church.  The series is about how there is so much going on but we need to take time to look at the little things and see heaven in our everyday lives.  I think this message is fabulous for the beginning of the year, when everything seems so crazy and life is going a million miles a minute it is so easy to lose focus on what really matters.  The first sermon was about Your Burning Bush looking at Exodus 3:1-6 and Moses seeing the burning bush.  

Pete talks about how Moses had probably walked past this bush or bushes just like it over and over again and probably never thought anything of the bushes but after this burning bush moment he probably never thought about a bush the same.  The Message, Wide Awake is about getting to the place where you are constantly living with your spiritual eyes open and you are seeing God in this world in ways you never have seen God and in places you never have before.

“Earth is crammed with heaven and every burning bush afire with God but only he who sees takes off his shoes.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning.  There are many, many moments here on earth that are just filled with God’s presence but we miss them.  We miss sunsets and rainbows and ladybugs and butterflies, children laughing and so much more because we are too focused on our lives or work or what we need to get done and we just miss the God Moments because we are not paying attention.  We need to look at the ordinary moments because they are filled with His presence.

How can I begin to live with the conscious presence of the awareness of God in my life?  In all the different aspects of my life?  To be wide awake to  God’s presence in this world.

I left this sermon inspired.  You can watch it here.  I am inspired to look at every moment differently and see God in everything, including the mundane and the ordinary.  This sermon really reminded me of the book, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  I am currently in the middle of reading this book and it makes me think how ironic it is I am reading the book when the series comes up.  They fit perfectly together and remind me that God truly is in the ordinary, in the everyday, in every moment of my life and I am going to find Him.

 

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Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: , ,
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