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some verse

These verses cover a now faded sticky note, living in my wallet for months awaiting this post. They struck me in new ways as I read them. Perhaps they'll do the same for you.

"First, help me never to tell a lie.
Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs." Proverbs 20:8
This verse epitomizes successful living for me. In a day filled with words about living our best lives now and believing for health and wealth, I'd prefer neither poverty nor riches. I'm rich by many standards and even now I struggle with wisely stewarding wealth. Really, what would I do with even more? Would I actually give it away? I hope to always be satisfied and never long for more. Let me believe that I do have everything God ordained me to have.

"Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies." Hebrews 13:3
Working at an anti-trafficking organization, this verse reminds me to go about my workday cognizant of what the youth we serve experience and working towards the end of exploitation.

 "Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?" Romans 8:32
I've missed the power in this scriptural punch too many times. May I never doubt the length to which God will go to restore me to communion with Him. He gave His very Son in order for me to experience a relationship with Him. Why wouldn't He also meet simpler needs in my life?

 Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10
Preceding this verse, Nehemiah the governor had overseen the completion of rebuilding Jerusalem then Ezra the priest had read the Law to the gathered Israelites. Convicted by the words, the people wept. Nehemiah told them, instead, to feast and share their rich foods and sweet drinks with those who had nothing because it was a sacred day before the LORD. This verse forced me to consider how and whether I derive strength from God's joy. I'll leave you with that question to ponder. :)

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