How many of you have a verse for the year? I saw this on facebook and thought it was a great idea.
Last year, my verse was: Ephesians 4:29-30 Don't say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you. Don't give God's Holy Spirit any reason to be upset with you. He has put his seal on you for the day you will be set free from the world of sin.
Now, this verse, made me stop and think. Speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. We never know how what we say may impact whoever hears us. And, sometimes, we may be talking to one person, but someone else may overhear us. Is our speech at all times edifying, or building up, the people who hear us? When you're standing in line, and it is backed up, it is so easy to blame the cashier for being slow, or a customer for having too many items. But, have we stopped to think about what the cashier may be going through? Maybe she is having trouble at home, or just having a bad day. Maybe the customer has a spouse in the hospital, or a sick child at home, or is just having a bad day. We should be praying for them instead of complaining about having to stand in line. Our talk, whether at home, or with friends, or with coworkers, or just standing in line, should be building up, not tearing down.
My verse for this year is: Philippians 4:6-7 Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.
God's peace. That is what I am seeking. In every situation, I can let God know what I need, not because he needs to know. He already does. But, sometimes, just talking about something, makes us feel better. And you're talking to God. It brings us closer. We don't have to worry. God is in control. We can experience His peace that will guard our thoughts and emotions. Can you control what you think or feel? No. But God can. Peace can cover us no matter what we are going through.
For this year, I also have a mascot. A cow. I love cows. When they are sitting in a field, under a tree, enjoying a breeze, chewing their cud, that is so peaceful to me. My sister shared a picture with me.
We get stressed when we are separated. After reading this, I realized if I have missed a service in church, or have not been around other Christians, I get stressed. God's peace surrounds those who know Him. God uses the pastor's messages, the worship team's songs, and what people say to you, to impart His Word, a word that you need for that day, or a word you will need in the very near future.
What scriptures have impacted you? How did they impact you? Was it because of a situation you were going through? Are there scriptures that you found while reading the Bible that spoke to you? What was going on that made that scripture dear to you?

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