Yesterday I sent the following email to the members of St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at St. John,
As you know our daughter-in-law, Nici and our whole family has been in a battle with cancer for the past 5 years. She is now in hospice care, and we continue to covet and appreciate your prayers in our behalf. Not too many weeks remain for her earthly life – barring a miraculous intervention of God.
Recently Mike Michaelis, a member of our church has come up with a wonderful idea. He shares how he recently has been asking people to share Bible verses with him as he watches his 14 month old granddaughter, Alexa, battle Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome. OMS is a rare (1 in 10,000,000) autoimmune neurological disorder.
Mike’s idea: invite/ask friends, neighbors, coworkers and others to send him Bible verses – favorites that will help him and his family through these times.
So, I’m asking in Mike’s behalf as well as mine. Please send us Bible verses that you believe would be helpful to us. Send them to us at:
codytomidland@hotmail.com (Mike) and/or david@bahnfamily.com (me).
You might also invite others to do so as you have opportunity. Read on to find out what this might do – as a witness and as an encouragement to people to open up their Bibles. Here’s part of a recent email from Mike:
Pastor;
Below is an email I had gotten from a friend at work today. She had wanted to know what she and her husband could do to help. She was probably expecting a reply for a meal or something. I asked her to send me her favorite Bible verse suspecting it isn’t frequently used. Silence…. Then agreement to do so. Yeah God!!!
[snip]
Here is the email I got.
Our God is an awesome God!!!
Take care,
Mike
Mike,
I haven’t read the bible much (true confession), but you inspired me to do so. I took a look last night and found this verse. I think it fits.
Mark 11:24
24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours
May the name of the Lord be praised! We look forward to hearing from you!
Here are the verses / emails I received in return: Overwhelming! God is good!
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My favorite is Philippians 4:13-14 especially verse 14.
I can do all things through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
Blessings
Melissa
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Rev 2:10. It has helped me in many times. It is also my confirmation verse. It may be out of context, but the underlying message is always powerful and provides strength.
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I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Regards,
Richard
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Grace alone ….
Ep 2.8
For it is by grace alone you are saved, not by good works so that no one may boast.
For some reason, I missed this for years and when I did catch on I was elated.
Pat
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Pastor Bahn, I am so sorry to hear about your daughter-in-law. I will be praying for her and your entire family. I hope this bible verse helps. It is definitely one of my favorites.
Shannon and Kelly
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
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What a wonderful idea! We are so sorry to hear that your daughter-in-law is not doing well. We will pray for her and also for you, Diane and your family. We are consoled in the fact that she will be with her savior. We will ask for healing for you and your family that are left behind as we know you will be brokenhearted.
Shawna, Patrick and Kaylie
(Psalms 147:3 ) He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
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Pastor,
My prayers are with you and Diane.
“God walks with us…He scoops us up in His Arms or simply sits with us in silent strength until we cannot avoid the awesome recognition that yes, even now, He is there.” Gloria Gaither
He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91;11
Jean
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let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Do not lose heart, Jesus is always with you, but the best news is that our wonderful savior holds our loved ones in the safety of his glorious embrace. Pray that they can feel the embrace and receive Peace in this way.
46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi,[a
] lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46
Do not forget that you can cry out to him when you or someone close to you is in pain. Jesus knew why he was on the cross. Cry out to him.
13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
I truly believe in His hope to fill you with Joy and Peace as you trust in Him. Be overcome by the Holy Spirit today and feel Joy for the Father has given us the Greatest Gift of all and Hope that the Holy Spirit is preparing your heart in Peace for what comes ahead.
In Loving Care,
Casey
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Please know that you, Nici, Matt, Diane, and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. When things are really tough and words don’t come, the ones that I remember and hold on even in the middle of absolute terror are Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who Love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Then I re-read Romans 8 and all is well.
I know that you know that even though you see only bleak times directly ahead, this promise will come true. I have lived long enough to see the fulfillment of this promise over and over again. I can only imagine what it will be like when finally we reach the end of this life and move on to the ultimate fulfillment! You can be sure that you and your family are loved by your people at St. John and that hundreds of prayers are going forth on your behalf.
Your sister in Christ,
Barbara
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Pastor Bahn,
My heart and prayers go out to your family. The Bible verses are a wonderful idea. Here is my favorite and one I read everyday. I have it pasted on my bathroom mirror and on my desk at work. A reminder of no matter what happens in our lives; there is always help from God.
Psalm 121
“(1) I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? (2) My help comes from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth.
Thank you,
Terri
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I have just shared this verse with my 25 year old niece who has started her fight with stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. I have a friend who battled stage 4 breast cancer 12 years ago and she has such a testimony. Her Lord, her family and friends, and this verse with her eagle by her bed offered daily encouragement and strength to her through that year of treatment and still today, 12 years later, is still her reminder of the strength only God can give in whatever situation we must face. When I saw the beautiful picture of the eagle in the tree at St John I was so moved to share this.
..but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like Eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:3
May God be with you and your families, assuring you of His love and giving you strength as you face each day.
Jean
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His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!”
He [Job] replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. Job 1:9-10
After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10
Marlis
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Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you?? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
My confirmation verse and constant hope in distress.
Jaime
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Psalm 27:4-5
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
God Bless~
Misty
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Brian and I continue to keep both of your families in our prayers. The Bible verse below is one that I read quite often when Brian was so sick a few years back. God Bless both of your families.
Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
“Be quiet enough to hear God’s whisper.”
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Pastor Bahn and Mike Michaelis,
During the time after my Dad’s stroke & before his passing, I found the following verse very comforting.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
…Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
You and your families are in my prayers.
Trusting in Him,
Joanie
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I love them both. Peace to you and your family…
Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord and He heard me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Laura
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When my Dad died 12 years ago, I took 4 roses from the flowers at his funeral. I pressed them and put them in a frame for each one of my kids with these verses and quotes.
John 14:19 Because I live, you also will live.
John 11:25 He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
John Donne : “I shall not live till I see God; and when I have seen him, I shall never die.”
James Whitcomb Riley:
“ With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand, he has wandered into an unknown land.
Think of him faring on, as dear in the love of there as the love of here; think of him still as the same, I say;
He is not dead-he is just away!”
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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
This has been “my verse” since I was a little girl.
Pastor, I believe that in God’s economy nothing is wasted. It makes me sad when I think of all that your family has gone through, but then I also know that God is using it for His glory and for the good (somehow) of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. Someday, when we see clearly, it will all make sense. Until then, we trust and ask for grace to trust Him more.
Niki & Matt, Niki’s parents, and you & Diane are in my thoughts and prayers so often.
Sharon
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Jeremiah 29 11 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 hope and a future.
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Pastor Bahn,
Favorite verses…I’m not sure where to start…
Psalm 121:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you–the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Psalm 139:
“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in–behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
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.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
and also Romans 5: 1-5:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Philippians 4: 7-9:
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
I know you just asked for a favorite, but there have been so many. In each and every situation (small or large), I am grateful for God’s Word. I quit asking “Why?” a long time ago, as He always shows me “why.” Not always when I’m in the midst of the storm, but when the time is right. Another thing I have learned is that when YOU are in the eye of the hurricane, God is also dealing with the people with whom He surrounds you. Teaching, encouraging, admonishing them with whatever they need to grow. And they’ll never forget the life lessons because they become etched on their hearts and minds!
Thank you for including me in your request. These are just a few that came to mind.
Peace be with you and yours,
Kari
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Pastor Bahn, we have been praying fervently for Nici as Diane shares updates with us at Tuesday night women’s bible study. Our hearts go out to your entire family and Nici’s as well. Here’s our verse and we pray for God’s mercy and blessings.
Gina & Mark
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. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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Pastor Bahn and Mike,
I would like to share one of my favorite verses. While our son was hospitalized waiting for a liver transplant, I went home one evening to spend some time with Sarah, who was 14 at the time) and to take a good shower and get something from home to eat.
I sat down to eat and got a call from Rick that Rob had taken a turn for the worse and I needed to come back. All the way back to Hermann from our home near Jones & West Roads, I wanted to pray. I couldn’t think of what to say. My mind was so full of everything, I just couldn’t think WHAT to pray for. All I could think of was the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles Creed. I “prayed” them both over and over all the way to Hermann.
Quite some time after that, I stumbled upon this verse. You can imagine what a comfort it was for me to read it.
I also want to share how I know from experience that “Thy will be done” is truly the hardest prayer to say at times like this. We know with our minds that the outcome will not always be what WE want – healing. We pray so hard that our Lord wills for our loved ones to be healed. Sometimes, He says No. We will probably never know why. But, with faith to build on, we can come out on the other side of tragedy stronger. Please know that both of you, Nici and Alexa and all their loved ones are in our prayers. Prayers for healing, of course. And, I think just as important, prayers for strength, faith and hope through it all.
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
Blessings,
Gwen
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Mike/Pastor,
Here are 4 of my favorite verses that I cling to in times of need. No one in particular is my favorite, but when I pray them in conjunction with each other they seem to always bring me peace and comfort and healing. God bless your days — Landa
Jer 33:6 “Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”
Mark 11:24 “…Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Is 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you….I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous hand.”
Jer 32: 27 “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
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Mike & Pastor,
A couple thoughts of encouragement to pass along to both you, in response to your requests for Bible verses. I have three…with some thoughts included:
Psalm 121:1-3
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Psalm 104
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
2 covering yourself with light as with a garment,
stretching out the heavens like a tent.
3 He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;
he makes the clouds his chariot;
he rides on the wings of the wind;
4 he makes his messengers winds,
his ministers a flaming fire.
5 He set the earth on its foundations,
so that it should never be moved.
6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.
7 At your rebuke they fled;
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.
8 The mountains rose, the valleys sank down
to the place that you appointed for them.
9 You set a boundary that they may not pass,
so that they might not again cover the earth.
10 You make springs gush forth in the valleys;
they flow between the hills;
11 they give drink to every beast of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;
they sing among the branches.
13 From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.
14 You cause the grass to grow for the livestock
and plants for man to cultivate,
that he may bring forth food from the earth
15 and wine to gladden the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine
and bread to strengthen man’s heart.
16 The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
17 In them the birds build their nests;
the stork has her home in the fir trees.
18 The high mountains are for the wild goats;
the rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.
19 He made the moon to mark the seasons;
the sun knows its time for setting.
20 You make darkness, and it is night,
when all the beasts of the forest creep about.
21 The young lions roar for their prey,
seeking their food from God.
22 When the sun rises, they steal away
and lie down in their dens.
23 Man goes out to his work
and to his labor until the evening.
24 O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
25 Here is the sea, great and wide,
which teems with creatures innumerable,
living things both small and great.
26 There go the ships,
and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.
27 These all look to you,
to give them their food in due season.
28 When you give it to them, they gather it up;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
when you take away their breath, they die
and return to their dust.
30 When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground.
31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works,
32 who looks on the earth and it trembles,
who touches the mountains and they smoke!
33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord.
35 Let sinners be consumed from the earth,
and let the wicked be no more!
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Praise the Lord!
It’s not a passage about stress or facing difficult times or perseverance. It’s simply a psalm of praise by David to the God of creation. One thing that has recently struck me is the fact that David had a lot of things going on (leading a nation, caring for a family, conquering lands, in the battle field, etc.), and yet, David still found time to stop and listen, write music and sing back to God. (I imagine it as being President of the United States and Chris Tomlin at the same time.) We know of at least 70 psalms that David wrote…all in the context of a busy life. With beautifully expressed language and poetry in this psalm, David saw God’s chariot in the clouds and he saw the sea as a garment for the earth. He perceived poetry in God’s hand feeding all of earth’s creatures. He paused long enough to hear the earth chanting God’s qualities – His enduring faithfulness, provision, forgiveness, protection, guidance, and most of all, His unfailing love.
In the face of stress and trials within both of your families, I have been continually amazed and encouraged by each of your God-focused perspective. I am being taught by God, through King David’s psalm and through both of you, to listen for the earth chanting God’s qualities, to find the beauty and hope of rescue in the ugliest of places, to take joy in the smallest of blessings, to recognize that we are saturated in God’s love, grace and mercy. As David says in verse 33, “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.”
Daniel 3:17-18
“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego faced death for not bowing to another god. In the face of trouble, they didn’t falter from their faith or bow down to the world…rather, they invited the king to ‘burn us up…we don’t care’. They trusted God as one who is mighty to save but they also acknowledged that God might not deliver him! They gave up control of their lives to God, trusting it to His hands and care.
Song: Check out the song ‘Burn Us Up’ by Shane & Shane…and incredible song that is tied to this story and is one of my favorites.
Proverbs 3:5-7
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.”
Also, another great song right now for me is ‘By Your Side’ by Tenth Avenue North…I think they play it on KSBJ…here is an excerpt of the lyrics.
…
Why are you looking for love?
Why are you still searching as if I’M not enough?
To where will you go, child?
Tell me, where will you run,
To where will you run?
‘Cause I’ll be by your side
Wherever you fall.
In the dead of night
Whenever you call.
And please don’t fight these hands that are holding you.
My hands are holding you.
…
‘Cause I, I love you.
I want you to know
That I, I love you.
I’ll never let you go, no, no.
Pastor Bahn & Mike…both of you along with Alexa, Nici, Becky, Brooks, Matt, Kristen, Diane, Pam, and the rest of your families continue to be in my prayers. God’s continued blessings to all of you.
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I pray for your family. The 23rd Psalm has always been my favorite. I use it when I am afraid, sad, happy and thankful….it has served me well in all my times of need.
SALLY
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Mike and Pastor,
I echo Gwen’s sentiments and remarks entirely. During our final time with Rob everyone struggled and prayed for answers. For me the most comforting engrained thought that came in Rob’s last moments was Numbers 6:24-26. The Benediction. May the Lord Bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; turn his face to you and give you Peace. That simple promise is what it is all about. How can we be sad when such Glory is given to those we really love and who love Him.
God is good all the time. If we trust and believe.
We are all blessed by special people, things and moments He has given us time to have in our lives. Comfort during Rob’s death and since has come for me when I accept that every being and thing is His. He shares everyone and everything for our joy and His. When that wonderful gift is reclaimed it is His not ours. While Rob is gone I am forever grateful that He blessed me to have him for a while. Now even ten years later when I consciously accept this fact Rob lives on, through everything Gods shares that is beautiful and a blessing to me. My Family, sunsets, people, awesome beautiful things, even my job. We are all so blessed by what God gives us. When something we cherish is gone it should remind us of how blessed we were to have it and then to give thanks.
I hope my ramblings bring some comfort and something to ponder. I certainly feel your anguish and sadness. I pray that God gives you the comfort and insight you and those you love need to find His Blessings in all this.
Rick
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Dear Pastor,
What a wonderful idea, my favorite is Psalm Chapter 121 but verse 8 says it all for me,
Blessings,
Margie
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Got your email about passing along some of our favorite bible versus. I work for the YMCA and every morning I open an email from our Y Chaplin…It’s very inspiring to start your work day like this. This was today’s message. I liked it, you may have seen it?
Blessings,
Karen
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”…Philippians 4:13
Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, and I am very pleased with him. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout; he will not raise his voice in public. He will not crush those who are weak, or quench the smallest hope, until he brings full justice with his final victory. And his name will be the hope of all the world.—Matthew 12:18-21
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of “Camp Complaining”
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To “thank” is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We’ll run the race with gratitude
X-alting God most high
Yes, there’ll be good times and yes some will be bad, but…
Zion waits in glory…where none are ever sad!*
*Author Unknown
As you probably know, life is not always easy. One of the greatest promises Christians have is in the joy and hope of Christ. We live not simply for today, but with an eternal perspective. As you go about your day today, think about all the ways you can be thankful. Try to live each day with gratitude!
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Pastor,
I have prayed for Nici and Matt and your whole family so many times especially this year. As time grows close to the end it is so hard to know what to say. I like this idea of sharing scripture. I feel like this is backwards as you are the one who knows the Bible so much better than me, but here is what I want to share with you now:
John 6:47 I tell you the truth, he who believe has everlasting life.
1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Carolyn
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Pastor Bahn…
My aunt gave me this verse years ago when I was having some health issues.
1 Peter 5:7-11
Lance’s favorite verses are: Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Romans 8:28
We love you guys and are praying for you all. May God be with you all during this time and may you all find peace falling into the arms of the ONE who loves you all so much!!!
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Lots of Love,
Lance and Leah
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Hi!
My favorite favorite Bible verse(s) — Proverbs 3: 5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”
This was someone elses favorite and mentioned in Sunday School when I first started coming to St. John. This moved me in a deep way that helped me through several stressful situations.
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“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Roman 8:38-39
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Fellas,
Ask a Born Again like me who was once darkness but now is light in the Lord and he will pour over all his New Testament favorites starting with lets say:
– 1 Peter about casting your anxieties on Him…
– or James about persevering when you face trials that you may be complete while asking God who gives generously…
– or a whole mess of Philippians including rejoicing always and not being anxious because the peace of God, which by the way, transcends all understanding, guards your heart and mind in Jesus while also reminding you that you can do everything through Him who gives you strength….
– Lets not even talk about all the great stuff in Matthew that he clings to in red….
– or the first part in Luke that when he reads it he starts to smile and think of Linus only to tear up when he reads “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”
No, he would have to say that his favorite is a little different. It is a Japanese translation of Psalm 23 that was his favorite uncle’s (a Lutheran farmer) verse:
“The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush. He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals, he provides me with images of stillness which restore my serenity. He leads me in the ways of efficiency through calmness of mind, and his guidance is peace. Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for his presence is here. His timelessness, his all-importance will keep me in balance. He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with his oil of tranquility. My cup of joyous energy overflows. Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours, for I shall walk in the pace of my Lord and dwell in his house forever.”
I don’t know if it helps…but I sure liked putting it down for you!
I love you both and will continue to pray daily for your families.
Your brother in Christ,
Pat
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Roman 8: 28 (paraphrased from memory): And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.
Monday & Tuesday I prayed intermittenly throughout the day for Nici, but today Wed. 11-18-09, I was not as faithful because a very busy day. I did of course include Nici in my morning prayers 7:30a-7:50a before descending down from 14th floor (my courtroom) to 3rd floor to clock-in. Always God’s will, but still praying for a miracle!
Love, Maria & Tevan
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“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.: Psalm 40:1-2
Psalm 121:1-2 – “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”
God bless you all.
Lorene
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“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.
John 3:16
Jolene
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Matt. 5:45 gives me comfort and is the only that keeps me sane when I don’t understand the why’s or the why not’s in life get a little crazy in my mind. Realizing the why or the why not’s are not important it is how can I become closer to You Lord through this. There may not be an answer, there may be an answer, but one thing is for sure we are never, never alone… Thank you Pastor for opening my eyes to this.
Matt. 5:45 ESV
For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ESV
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. ESV
Phil. 3:10 ESV
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death ESV
Phil. 3:10 Amplified
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [[a]which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]
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Pastor Bahn,
My favorite Bible verse and one that helps me through the hard stuff is…..
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I couldn’t find the it, but I also like the version that says “be of good cheer”.
We continue to hold you and your family in our prayers.
Blessings,
Monette
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Subject: Verse: (NIV) John 14:1-4
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. [4] You know the way to the place where I am going.”
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Pastor and Mike
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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Your families are in our prayers.
Mike, Nancy, Jacob and Kyle
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David Bahn - Reflections 
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