37 Verses to Up the Ante

Turning another year older today, but moving on. I keep reminding my hubby that you only get older if your mind feels older. So since I still feel like 27 in my mind, though my body feels like I'm 47 (totally guessing here), I'm gonna stick with 27!

Not that this birthday is a major year, but I'm just needing to up the ante surrounding it. For me. I've been thinking about how all I really desire lately is just to know God's Word even more. I was always decent at memorizing when I was younger, but it seems I don't retain much lately, (not sure why?). I read so many good things, listen to amazing sermons, gather with precious friends and family who are sharp and I want to store it all up. Sometimes I do, sometimes not. But back to me wanting to soak up scripture more. I've had all kinds of verses memorized for years, but for this birthday, I wanted to gather some verses I know and some I don't have treasured in my heart, to solidify them there. It seems that these verses have been my favorites or shared lately, or that I've read them or found them or that they have really applied to our life in some way. I want them in one spot for now, and I have them printed off to be able to glance at daily. My desire is to have them roll off my tongue or have them pop into my mind instantaneously, so I can share them with our boys, friends, family or just anyone, but also for it to be a way for me to have my Lord's Word with me always!

It has taken me a while to compile this not so random number of verses, because there are obviously so many, but I'm starting with these for now ( in ESV).

-- Because all starts with giving thanks. . .1 Thessalonians 5:18-"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." And, Psalm 100.

-- Daily mindsets . . . Psalm 19:14-"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." And, Psalm 143:8-"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." And, Lamentations 3:22-23-"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." And Colossians 3:2. And, Zephaniah 3:17-"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."

--The Lord is my Shepherd. . .Psalm 23.

--Find His peace. . .Psalm 4:8-"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." And, 2 Timothy 1:7, and Philippians 4:6-7-"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." And, Psalm 46:10.

--Living it out. . .Micah 6:8-"and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" And, Colossians 3:12-17. And, Matthew 28:19. And, Romans 12:12-"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." And, Isaiah 58:10-11. And, Psalm 127:1-"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."

--Faith and hope and assurance. . .Hebrews 11:1-"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." And, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. And, Romans 8:28-"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." And, Corinthians 5:17-"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

--Teaching our children and reminding ourselves. . .Proverbs 15:1-"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh words stirs up anger." And, Psalm 139:14-"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." And, Philippians 4:13. And, Ephesians 4:32-"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." And, Joshua 1:9-"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." And, Galatians 5:22-23.

--The great and first commandment. . .Matthew 22:37-"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

Turns out there are 37 verses plus 2 passages, but that doesn't mean I'm 39! :) And if any of you stopping by this small space would like to add/share a verse that means something to you or that you have stored up in your heart, would you mind commenting (I ask so humbly)? I'd gratefully accept it as a birthday gift!