"Passionatley Seeking & Speaking the Love of Jesus Christ"
Dateline: Phillips West
I can recall several times when I have been asked which verse of the Bible is my "life verse." I have heard this question from many fellow Christians and even a newspaper reporter. I probably have never answered the question the same way twice; usually just reciting a verse that had a particular contextual gravitas for me at that time... until now. There is a passage in 1 Corinthians that begins, "Brothers, consider your calling" and contains my "life verse."
God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something 1 Cor. 1:28
I have been reading the Bible daily for the past 13 years. Prior to that, I would read it on occasion. 5 years ago I began using a journal to reflect upon what I read. 2 years ago I started reading the Bible twice daily, in the morning and at night. I have been preaching the Word for nearly 9 years. I say all this to give some background regarding the search I have been on for my "life verse." Admittedly, at times I may have even forgotten that I was looking for it but when I found it, I knew something big happened to me. The Holy Spirit rejoiced within me and the peace that passes all understanding surrounded me as though God had lifted me up and embraced me, like a beaming Father overcome with joy for His child. I felt like Billy Batson the first time he said "Shazam!" and a lightning bolt came out of the sky and transformed him into Captain Marvel. To quote a Biblical example, I know what Simon thought when Jesus first called him Peter. Through His Word God has validated me and shown me purpose. I found myself in His Word, in a way that is more powerful than associating with a certain principle or being motivated by the truth. My "life verse" has brought me closer to Him. For anyone out there still searching for your "life verse" keep at it. It is not like a prospector panning for gold in the traditional sense because none of God's Word is meant to be sifted through and tossed aside. It is actually like a prospector in El Dorado the "city of gold" where each pan yields more treasure than before. You will know for certain when you find your "life verse"... until then keep digging. To all of you who know your "life verse" take this as an encouragement to live it today. Regarding my "life verse," those of you who know me well can validate the connection I have with those wonderful Words. I ask for your prayers that I will live out this verse every day, for the rest of my life on earth.
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013
News Hope Weekly 2/20/13
