Saturday, October 6, 2012
Introduction: Very recently, I attended a Church of the Lutheran Confession pastoral conference. I was curious what favorite Bible verses these pastors cling to in their lives and why. So I asked. Twelve pastors responded.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES (6)
Matthew 12:20-21 A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory; And in His name Gentiles will trust.
"An amazing passage that shows God is ultra concerned and ultra careful in His dealing with me. He goes above and beyond. He is the definition of the word patient."
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
"My confirmation verse helps me when I am tempted to be proud. It is by grace that I'm saved and have been created to serve Christ!"
At times in my life it has felt that my faith has been nothing more than a spark or a small smoldering of flame. I have often denied God the credit and respect He deserves when I have failed to use His name in a way that would give Him honor and glory for all He has done for me. He has freely given me my salvation -- not because of any good deed I might have done! After all, a gift is no longer a gift if it has to be earned.
So thank You Father in Heaven for creating me and giving up Your Son for my redemption from sin! Thank You Jesus for being my friend and brother and coming to serve me even when I have so often walked contrary to Your Word! Thank You Oh Holy Spirit for creating faith in me and strengthening me through Your Word to be on fire to share the gift of Your gracious Gospel! Use me O Triune God, as Your tool that I may boast in You alone!
Awake, my soul; the fire of faith employ!
Breathe on oh Word, and fan its flames again!
Christ's victory has Satan's chains destroyed!
Oh Holy Ghost, keep me until the end!
Awake, my soul; created fire -- to glow!
Give forth His light and shine so all may know! Amen.
