I’ve read the Bible a bunch of times but can honestly say I don’t remember this verse. I made my peace with drink, but not food. It’s insane to think overeating is a better choice than the taste of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Bible Gateway link: Romans 14:17 (NRSVCE)

I suffered a lot of shame even after God intervened to save me from myself. He forgave me right away. It took many years for me to forgive myself.

Romans 10:11

The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.”

Bible Gateway link: Romans 10:11 (NRSVCE)

Who am I? When I start hating myself for the way I am, this verse reminds me that I am who God made me and He loves me. Do I really think I know more than He does?

Romans 9:20

But who indeed are you, a human being, to argue with God? Will what is molded say to the one who molds it, “Why have you made me like this?”

Bible Gateway link: Romans 9:20 (NRSVCE)

“Some assembly required.” If you ever tried to put something together using unclear instructions you know how it turns out. Frustration leads to half-assedness, which leads to eventual failure. Here are some clear instructions from God and some even clearer promised results.

2 Chronicles 7:14

if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Bible Gateway link: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NRSVCE)

There's nothing new under the sun. So I guess we've been here before! The apostle Paul quotes ancient scripture in these verses, true in those times, true in Paul’s time, true in our times. Being close to God is our protection.

Romans 3:10-13

as it is written: 

“There is no one who is righteous, not even one;

      there is no one who has understanding, 

            there is no one who seeks God.

All have turned aside, together they have become worthless; 

      there is no one who shows kindness, 

            there is not even one.”

“Their throats are opened graves; 

            they use their tongues to deceive.” 

“The venom of vipers is under their lips.”

Bible Gateway link: Romans 3:10-13 (NRSVCE)

Watching fireworks July 4th, I was caught between hope and dismay for my country. Luckily I have the Psalms to remind me where to find optimism and answers.

Psalm 3:3-4

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.

I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah

Bible Gateway link: Psalm 3:3-4

Smack in the middle of a long and tedious genealogy in the Old Testament one finds this miracle of an answered prayer. It sticks out like a sore but beautiful thumb in 1 Chronicles. This is why I read the Holy Bible from cover to cover over and over. It's worth it for gems like this.

1 Chronicles 4:10

Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from hurt and harm!” And God granted what he asked.

Bible Gateway link: 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NRSVCE)

If those protecting the status quo resort to violence to silence the messenger, God knows there must be powerful truth in the message. An indication of that power and truth is that Paul’s message lives on.

Acts 21:35

When Paul came to the steps, the violence of the mob was so great that he had to be carried by the soldiers.

Bible Gateway link: Acts 21:35 (NSRVCE)