Good morning…
Many of you know and love the ministry of my husband Steve, as he has been the head chaplain and wrestling coach at The Lovett School since 1995 (minus two life-changing years in a tiny Pennsylvania town). Steve and I met at a small liberal arts school called the College of Wooster in Ohio. His chaplain message for this week begins during that college stage of our lives and ends as you and I interact personally with the sturdy Word of God.
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Chaplain Devotional by Rev. Steve Allen for March 16th, 2021
I joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program when I was in college. I had a little brother for the final two years of my time there. When I was leaving, I gave my “little” (as they call them) a few gifts – one of which was a Bible. I decided to give him a Good News Bible, a modern day/colloquial version of the Bible. I figured it would be the best translation to give a little kid.
As soon as he saw it he was so excited. He furiously leafed through the Bible proudly proclaiming the one verse he had memorized: John 11:35 “Jesus wept.” He wanted to show me the verse. When he arrived at John 11:35 – his face dropped. The Good News Bible stated it this way, “Tears came to Jesus’ eyes.” My little was stunned. He stared at me looking for some kind of an explanation for what was going on. I stumbled my way through an awkward attempt to explain how some versions of the Bible take passages and try to make them easier to understand. The look on his face seemed to say – easier to understand? How can anything be easier to understand than “Jesus wept.” His first attempt at scripture memorization and my attempt at gift giving had been a miserable fail.
This experience with my little notwithstanding – I do believe scripture memorization has value. The Bible is full of texts that are life-giving for many. Today’s reading from the gospel of John is one of those: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him might not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This verse captures the essence of the gospel message, God’s sacrificial love for his people. In fact, it is quite possibly the most familiar and memorized Bible verse of all time. This verse, along with so many others, has the ability to help us navigate life’s greatest challenges, to bring comfort in the midst of loss, to instill hope in the midst of hopelessness, and to offer peace in the midst of the storms of life.
I remember hearing the story of a woman who had memorized Psalm 46:10. “Be Still and Know that I am God.” As she aged and her memory began to fail, she could only remember half the verse: “Be Still and Know.” Then as she got older still and lay on her deathbed, she could only remember these few words – “Be Still.” Those two words provided her all the comfort she needed in her final moments of life.
As a little homework from today’s devotional I invite you to commit some Bible verses to memory, not so you can impress your friends and family but so that the words might seep into your heart, that they might bring you comfort, hope and peace as you face life’s twists and turns. You can start with today’s text John 3:16, or you can use the attached list of “favorites” verses that have proven to be meaningful for many in times of need. If you have another verse that you like, feel free to memorize that one and if you send it to me I’ll add it to my list of all-time favorite Bible verses. In the meantime, I hope you’ll find at least a few of these verses helpful and hopeful.
Twenty Favorite Bible Verses
1- God is our shelter and strength, our help in times of trouble. – Psalm 46:1
2- Be Still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10
3- I can do all things through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
4- Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. – Psalm 30:5
5- Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance in what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1
6- We know that in all things God works for good for those who love him. – Romans 8:28
7- Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28
8- I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us. – Romans 8:18
9- God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. – 1 Corinthians 10:13
10- Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him. – Psalm 42:5
11- Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. – Proverbs 3:5-6
12- Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you. – Isaiah 41:10
13- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
14- Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
15- Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will not fear, for you are with me. – Psalm 23:4
16- For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him might not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16
17- Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27
18- And who knows but that you have come to your position for just such a time as this? – Esther 4:14
19- Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and your neighbor as yourself. – Luke 10:27
20- For my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are your ways my ways says the Lord. – Isaiah 55:8
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As we interact with the dynamic Word of God, we are drawn by the Spirit with Jesus into intimate oneness with our living LORD.
…Sue…
