Hello Gloria Dei,
What are some of your favorite Bible verses? How have they helped you? Why are they favorites? For me, Romans 1:16-17 have been instrumental. So has Acts 1:8. Psalm 23 and Psalm 121 are always close at hand. And I love Isaiah 43:1-3. I could go on. Passages in Romans 8 and Romans 12 have been helpful. John chapter four which tells of Jesus’ Holy Encounter with the woman at the well has been a favorite. I frequently read Proverbs 3:5-6, which were my confirmation verses. And I can’t skip over John 3:16.
Having key passages from the Bible readily at hand is an important part of the Christian walk of faith. Think about some of your favorites. If you don’t have any, then dig in and find some.
I mention this because this weekend is the first of two weekends when over eighty of our young people will affirm their faith in what we call the rite of Confirmation. And as they make public profession of their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, they have all chosen a Bible verse which has been meaningful to them. I’ve had fun reading many of the verses they’ve chosen. Some are reflective of God’s great love for us in Jesus Christ. Others send a message of comfort. Some focus on the future and the plan God has for us. Still others give us purpose as we love others in Jesus’ name.
For your own life, choose a verse or two this month and read it and ponder it each day. In a world where we are inundated with many voices and news feeds clamoring for our attention, it is so essential for us to hear the voice and good news God has for us.
I hope to see you in worship or online this weekend as we, together with our confirmation students, give witness to the faith and trust we have in Jesus. For this weekend in worship, read Luke 18:1-8.
One more thing. If you haven’t heard, the vote last weekend was overwhelmingly in favor of calling Pastor Chris Zuraff to serve as Executive Pastor at Gloria Dei. We are excited about him beginning the transition into this new role.
Pastor Tim
