Recently, we had the opportunity to watch a tape of the funeral service of the Rev. Billy Graham.  One of the speakers at the service shared a bit of advice that Dr. Graham had shared with him.  Dr. Graham said that most people want to talk about themselves and as a pastor, he would be tempted to share his personal stories.  Dr. Graham told him to share Jesus with people that he met, what Jesus said and what Jesus did; not the pastor’s personal experience. This advice isn’t always the easiest thing for a blogger to do, but in honor of Dr. Graham, we’d like to share some verses that have meant a lot to us in our journey. No commentary, just the verses. Take a moment to hear what God is telling you through His Word. These are verses that we don’t need to look up, they have been verses we’ve clung to in our lives. We hope that these verses will help you as you journey together.

  • John 9: 1-3  As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”  “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.”
  • Luke 14: 12-14  Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.  But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
  • Philippians 4:6-7  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.
  • I Corinthians 12:12,22-27  The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body.  So it is with the body of Christ … In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.  And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care.  So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care.  So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity.  This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other.  If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.  All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
  • I Peter 5:10  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.
  • James 1:2-5  Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
  • Psalm 40:1-3  I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
     He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground
    and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord
  • Psalm 139: 13-14  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well
  • Psalm 34:18  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
  • I John 4:4  … greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world
  • Mathew 11:28-29  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.
  • Isaiah 35:5-6  And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf.  The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!