But memorizing Philippians 4:4 redirected my life more times than I can remember.
(I’m in favor of quantity and quality when it comes to the Scriptures. It’s not an argument, just a both-and ).
I thought we could celebrate together how God has used the smallest things - a single Bible verse - to change our lives.
For me, I love the encouragement to “rejoice in the Lord” - and it is so emphatic - I will say it again, rejoice!
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like every day has boredom, frustration, disappointment, discouragement, and challenge.
In the midst of those inevitables, my heart is lifted by the invitation to enjoy God. To experience that he loves me - right now. To find satisfaction in his presence. To trust that he cares for me.
How about you? What’s ONE VERSE that has changed your life? Let’s celebrate together!
Thanks for starting the topic. Great reminder to “Rejoice in the Lord”. I am sure its not just you, for me a day may sometimes go by without discouragement but I dont think I have ever had a week go by without some sort of disappointment or discouragement. When I think of rejoicing in the Lord, I think of being content in the ultimate destiny God has given us while being free to express and process hurt feelings that challenges bring. I emphasize this aspect because sometimes honesty about discouragement is interpreted as a lack of faith.
One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3: 5-6
I memorized this verse as a college student when a friend set up her voicemail with this verse before asking to leave a message. It has been a source of hope everytime I feel down.
Oh wow, such a tricky question…there are so many scriptures that have massively impacted different seasons of my life for different reasons.
When I was much younger, and had been away from the Lord (or possibly had never fully understood the gospel when I first accepted it…), God drew me back to Him slowly. One of the passages that I studied and studied was Ephesians 1, which softened my heart and encouraged me in the faith. Particularly verse 17, which says
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
which I used as my prayer daily. I love how 2 Timothy 3:16 shows us what scripture does in our life, as it is
useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
I certainly became aware of my significant lack of wisdom and understanding. And I found that as I studied the Word more, I felt that God was answering this prayer and showing Himself to me.
I think I was discovering this invitation through Ephesians 1 and experienced a growing relationship with God that I’d not had before. To know that God always invites us in is incredible.
Gen 14:13 hasn’t changed my life yet but I hope it will. May I be Mamre, Aner or Eshcol to someone or ones, and may there be a Mamre, Aner and Eshcol there for me.
That’s so interesting. What a fascinating passage in Genesis. And I love how Abram immediately responds to the news that his nephew is in danger, and goes to rescue him.
I wonder if this kind of idea isn’t represented to us in John 1:40-42?
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), and he brought Simon to Jesus.
What keeps you from going to someone and telling them about Jesus?
To me, there is only one verse that really stands out.
Imagine the Bible is a wheel. A wheel is comprised of the rim, the spokes and the hub. A wheel is irreducibly complex. That is, the wheel fails if just one part is removed.
The rim of the wheel is like the cover of the Bible. It holds the whole book together. The spokes are the books, chapters and verses of the Bible and are attached to the rim. All the books, chapters and verses point towards and are attached to, the hub.
So what one verse in the Bible gives All other parts of the Bible relevance?.
John 3:16
‘And God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life’
I wanted to ask, how did you come to the conclusion that this one verse is the one by which we interpret everything else in the Bible? It would be helpful to hear your reasoning process.
When you look at the original sin of Adam and Eve, you can see that death came into the world. Did God know that Adam and Eve would sin?. I am pretty sure He did.
So, there was always going to be a need for a redemptive mechanism and a lead up to that mechanism coming into effect. When you read the Old Testament, there are so many areas that allude to the need for and the coming of a redeemer.
John 3:16 is that redeeming mechanism and comes from the love that God has for humanity. He gave His own Son, Jesus Christ, to bear the sins of the world that is effective to this very day.
The whole of the Old Testament was waiting for John 3:16 The whole of the New Testament bears witness to John 3:16.
In other words. The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed. The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed and John 3:16 is where it all changes.
I realize this topic has been posted over a year ago. But I’m encouraged by the response 11 months after.
May some thirsty soul be refreshed with these verses as it did mine…
Psalm 130:4 (KJV)
But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
(Only the Lord can forgive our sins.)
John 6:68 (KJV)
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
(There’s nowhere or no one else to go.)
John 6:37 (KJV)
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
(Christ never rejects a repentant sinner.)
Am I that filthy to be needing God’s forgiveness and hold on to these verses for dear life?
Yes I am.
I join the Apostle Paul and John Newton in their cries…
1 Timothy 1:15 (KJV)
This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.
This verse was going through my mind the other day. I just had a sense that no matter how many questions arise about God and life, no matter what doubts, nothing provides a better reassurance than Jesus. There is literally nothing and no one else that offers the security of eternal life. Where else would I go? Nowhere!
Romans 8:28
28 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.
I was 24 when I my heart was opened and I let the Lord in. God had been working his purpose his plan for me up to that point. Little did I know, God had been influencing me my entire life. I was just blind to his purpose. Once my heart was opened, my mind was cleared God was in control. I am still seeking Gods full purpose for my life and how I can help be a positive influence on others seeking Gods Grace.
So, I have two that changed my life.
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Revelation 3:16 “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.”
The first one happened when I finally embraced all the talent God truly blessed me with. I mean, so much so, that it can be overwhelming. LOL I am very good with my hands and creating. I am an artist using many different mediums. I am also a home remodeler that includes almost every aspect of it. Someone will ask me to do something for them, and I no longer hesitate, even if I haven’t done it before. Recently it was my neighbor asking me to reupholster her kitchen chairs. They turned out great, and it was my first time ever doing it. I definitely do some praying before I do projects and asking God to be my hands and my mind. If I start getting frustrated, I have learned to pause and pray. That frustration quickly leaves me and I see a better picture of my project.
The second verse came when I repented my past life. I fear I am lukewarm, and I am working on changing that. Maybe I am not totally clear on what it means. But, that verse to me, means, I love God and do not allow anyone to talk down on Him. I share his message as much as I can, but I still fail daily with my sins. Any input on this verse would be greatly appreciated!
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