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A Faith Lesson from Mother Teresa

Be outrageous. Pray outrageous.

That was the thought that went through my head last week at a 30th anniversary celebration for the relief organization AmeriCares. The founder, Bob Macauley, died not long ago, but the one time I met him I remember thinking he was the most outrageously generous person I’d ever known. A true beggar for the poor, he learned from the best.

Bob Macauley with Mother Teresa

Shortly after he’d started AmeriCares, he was on a TACA Airlines flight with Mother Teresa to Mexico City. Their lunches came and to his surprise he heard Mother Teresa ask the flight attendant, “How much does this meal cost?”

The woman shrugged. “I don’t know. About a dollar in U.S. currency.”

“If I give it back to you,” Mother said, “would you give me that dollar to give to the poor?”

The flight attendant seemed startled. She disappeared to consult with the pilot, came back and said, “Yes, Mother, you may have the money for the poor.”

Naturally Bob felt he should give up his lunch too. Soon the rest of the people on the plane did the same. Mother Teresa now had $129 to give to the poor. But that was not enough. Just as they were about to land she turned to Bob. “Get me the food,” she said. “What is the airline going to do with 129 lunches?”

Hat in hand, Bob went over to some officials on the tarmac and explained, “Mother would like to have the lunches too.” After some conferring the airline officials complied. But she needed one more thing.

“Get me the truck,” she asked Bob. Huh? he wondered. “I want the truck,” she repeated.

Bob soon found himself sitting in the passenger seat of a TACA Airlines truck with Mother Teresa behind the wheel. She was so short she had to peer between the steering wheel and the dashboard to see. She was a terrible driver but by God’s grace she managed to get them to a poor neighborhood of cardboard shanties
As they were handing out meals Bob wondered how she had done it. What could he learn about giving and asking? How would this help him at AmeriCares? What could any of us learn about living boldly in faith?

Her answer: “It’s easy to ask when you’re doing it for the poor.”

Activate God’s Promises

The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17 (NLT)

Raindrops pelted my car windshield recently as I headed out of the dentist’s parking lot to finish my errands. Not a good day to shop for groceries! Ah well, my trusty umbrella rested beside me.

But just as I pulled onto the highway, the skies exploded with rain. I made a split-second decision to go for it and not return home, hoping the deluge would let up. Bad decision. As I turned onto the main street, water almost flooded the sides, sloshing near the curb. I could barely see the street. I slowed down, but pickup trucks raced by me, drenching my windshield and blinding my view. Entering the grocery store parking lot, I inched my way through a parade of other cars.

I’ve got to get home! Panic rose as the rain descended harder. I circled the parking lot, then exited onto the interstate service road. Through the blurred windshield, I could see nothing but a thin veil of light. I didn’t know what to do. There was no place to turn around or pull over.

Remembering the Bible promise I had just read earlier that morning in Psalm 34:17, I began crying out one word: Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! The more it poured, the louder I cried. My yells continued as I inched through the blinding rain, focusing only on the faint red taillights of a car that suddenly appeared in front of me.

The rain never stopped. About twenty minutes later, I arrived home and walked into the arms of my husband. I realized then what could have happened. But Jesus had heard my cries, delivered me safely out of my troubles, and filled me with peace—and a huge amount of gratitude.

Faith Step: Think about the times when Jesus heard your cries to Him. Offer a prayer of gratitude for His timely rescues in the midst of difficult circumstances.

A Calming Prayer for Every Feeling

My two children were preschoolers when my wife and I began teaching them a weekly memory verse. The first Bible verse they memorized (and no, it wasn’t “Jesus wept”) can also function as a suggestive and helpful prayer for every occasion and every emotion.

It differs only a little from one Bible version to another. At the time, the Bible we used for our family devotions rendered it, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psalm 56:3, NIV 1984).

Since then, I have prayed countless versions of that verse. It adapts easily and succinctly to any and every situation I encounter and every emotion I feel. Here are some examples that you can incorporate into your prayers:

Someone or something upsets you: “When I am angry, I will trust in You.”

Your schedule (or life) seems to spin out of control: “When I am stressed, I will trust in You.”

Someone offends or hurts you: “When I am hurt, I will trust in You.”

Your physical, mental or emotional resources run out: “When I am exhausted, I will trust in You.”

Comparisons with others assail you: “When I feel insecure, I will trust in You.”

You lose someone or something: “When I am grieving, I will trust in You.”

Loneliness strikes: “When I am lonely, I will trust in You.”

You’re having trouble waiting for someone or something: “When I am impatient, I will trust in You.”

Someone lashes out: “When I am under attack, I will trust in You.”

You’re confused: “When I don’t know what to do, I will trust in You.”

See how well it works? And those are just a start. This Psalm 56:3 prayer can be adapted to practically any emotion or situation. Try it, and adapt it to your need-of-the-moment, in every moment.

A Bible Verse to Pray Every Month

I am always open to new tricks and triggers for prayer, so when a friend recently mentioned that today would be “8/28 day,” I was excited by a new prayer possibility for the month based in scripture from the Bible.

August 28 is today’s date, of course. But it is also the day a new church is scheduled to be dedicated, and that church’s leaders have chosen not only the date but a theme for the dedication ceremonies corresponding to 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” (Romans 8:28, NIV).

So, I thought, what other dates can spur my praying—and, I hope, yours? I came up with 12 dates to pray throughout the year. Here they are, with examples of short prayers based on scripture from the Bible. Scripture quotations come from the NIV:

1) January 1 (based on Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1)
“God, just as ‘in the beginning’ You created the universe and the world by Your Word, so make today a new beginning for me.”

2) February 15 (based on Philippians 2:15)
“Lord, let me shine today like a bright star in the sky, blameless and pure, a child of God ‘without fault in a warped and crooked generation’.”

3) March 16 (based on John 3:16)
“God, thank You for loving the world so much that you gave Your only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Let me live and breathe in that reality today.”

4) April 8 (based on Philippians 4:8)
“Teach me, Lord, to think on these things today and every day: ‘whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable [and] excellent or praiseworthy.’”

5) May 1 (based on Romans 5:1)
“Thank You, God, that since I have been justified through faith, I have peace with You through my Lord Jesus Christ!”

6) June 9 (based on Galatians 6:9)
“Lord, let me ‘not become weary in doing good,’ knowing that I will reap a harvest at the proper time if I do not give up.”

7) July 25 (based on Hebrews 7:25)
“Thank you, Lord Jesus, that You are able to save me completely because You are always interceding for me.”

8) August 28 (based on Romans 8:28)
“Whatever may come my way today, Father, remind me that in all things You are working for my good.”

9) September 10 (based on Ecclesiastes 9:10)
“Whatever my hand finds to do today, Lord, help me to do it with all my might.”

10) October 5 (based on 2 Corinthians 10:5)
“Lord Jesus Christ, let me take captive every thought I have today and make it obedient to You.”

11) November 19 (based on Ezekiel 11:19)
“God, thank You that You have fulfilled Your promise to me in giving me an undivided heart and putting a new spirit in me, removing my heart of stone and giving me a heart of flesh.”

12) December 3 (based on Isaiah 12:3)
“God, Your Word says, ‘With joy You will draw water from the wells of salvation.’ Help me to do that today and every day.”

Obviously, these dates only scratch the surface. There are many more opportunities throughout the year to “pray the date.” So why not start adding these and others to your calendar…perhaps beginning with “8/28 day?”

9 Favorite Bible Quotes of Presidents (and Others)

Here’s a way to mark the upcoming Presidents weekend. The source for all of these? Guideposts magazine, 1969.

John F. Kennedy
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)

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John Glenn
“If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:9-10)

Norman Rockwell
“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.” (John 8:7)

Dwight D. Eisenhower
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

Abigail Van Buren
The entire 23rd Psalm.

Charles Schulz
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (I Peter 2:9)

Roy Rogers
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Helen Keller
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

Herbert Hoover
The Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5:1 through 7:29)

9 Bible Prayers for Someone Nearing Death

My wife and I knew her mother was nearing her “promotion to glory,” as we say in our faith family. She’d been bedridden for weeks. She hadn’t spoken for some time but would occasionally open her eyes and respond to a voice or touch.

We spent hours at her bedside, visiting, sometimes singing and often reading aloud from the Bible. The passages we returned to most often were those that seemed to prompt a response from Mom. I find it comforting myself to read and pray the following Bible prayers; they seem appropriate and helpful for someone approaching the end of an earthly journey:  

1)  Eternal Pleasures (Psalm 16)
I often insert the other person’s name (and “him,” “her” or “us”) in the passages I read at a bedside. In this psalm, there are multiple opportunities:

Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

2)  Goodness and Mercy (Psalm 23)
Because the Twenty-third Psalm is so well known and beloved, I’ll usually read and pray it without alteration (sometimes from the King James Version, depending on the person’s background):

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

3)  Refuge and Strength (Psalm 46:1-7)
I especially love—and often dwell on—the central verse of this psalm, emphasizing the river whose streams “make glad” the city of God:

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,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

4)  Watching Over You (Psalm 121)
This is another psalm that is familiar to many. I’ll usually speak it directly to the person who is approaching life’s end, whether or not they show signs of hearing or understanding:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
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.

5)  Calmed and Quieted (Psalm 131)
Psalm 131 is a lullaby. I sometimes pray it for myself as I lay down my head on my pillow. It’s an especially beautiful lullaby for someone who is approaching the end of this life (again, I’ll substitute the person’s name, especially in the last line):

My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord
both now and forevermore.

6)  Trusting and Unafraid (Isaiah 12:2)
These lines are so reassuring, especially to the lonely and fearful soul: 

Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.

7)  You Are Mine (Isaiah 43:1-3a)
These strong verses stand on their own, but I’ll sometimes punctuate them with God’s words to Joshua in Joshua 1:5 (“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you”):

But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

8)  To Prepare a Place (John 14:1-3)
Jesus’ words to His followers, common at funerals, can supply deep comfort in a person’s last hours on earth:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 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.”

9)  Everything New (Revelation 1:1-7)
Among the last words in the Bible is this hope-giving vision of the redeemed soul’s future, when all will be new:

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

These are not the only things I’ve read for someone who’s nearing death. But they’ve often formed my prayers at such times. I hope they’ll be helpful to others as well.

7 Steps to Achievement

1. Desire: Here’s where it starts. You want something that is not presently with you it has to be achieved. “Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” —Psalm 37:4

2. Imagine: You must form a mental image of that thing or situation, which you desire—whether it’s a visible thing like a new car or an in- visible thing like love. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” —Ephesians 3:20

3. Goal: The image and the goal actually overlap. After you desire something, you form an image of it in your mind’s eye and then set it as a goal. Writing it down is important. Refer back to it often. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:14

4. Faith: The Bible has much to say about faith and belief. “According to your faith will it be done unto you.” And you must believe that you will have what you desire. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” —Hebrews 11:1

5. Act: This is the most important step. Most people stop here. Taking action gets you out of your comfort zone. Once you set your goal and hold that image before you, you must willfully step out in faith. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” —Matthew 6:34 “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” —James 2:22

6. Give: You must give in order to receive. This is a law of the universe. In business, you have to give a product or service in order to receive compensation. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” —Luke 6:38 Likewise, if you want love, you must give love. “Love covers over all wrongs.” —Proverbs 10:12

7. Receive: There must be no feeling of guilt or unworthiness. If so, there must be forgiveness—either for you or toward others. You must have a good self-image, or you will unconsciously sabotage your goals. “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks fi nds and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” —Matthew 7:8

7 Reasons to Write in Your Bible

About 15 years ago, I thought I was totally spent as a writer. I’d been through a three-year process of revision on one book that had left me doubting my ability and drained of all enthusiasm for writing.

So I prayed. I do that when I get desperate…and there’s nothing good on TV.

God sent me manna from heaven in the form of an assignment to work on a project called The Prayer Bible. For a couple of months, I spent my workdays praying through the second half of the Old Testament, verse by verse, a process that not only revived me, and stoked my prayer life—I believe it saved my writing ministry.

Since then, I’ve been blessed to learn many different ways of praying—and one of those is praying with a Bible and pen. I’ve done it a few different ways in a few different Bibles, but I’ll share one approach, knowing that you can adapt the details to fit your needs.

I also realize that not everyone feels comfortable writing in a Bible. Some, out of respect for God’s Word, have an attitude like my mother who (probably as a result of her own upbringing) didn’t even like us to put any other book on top of a Bible—not even a Bible study guide. I can’t argue with such reverent attitudes.

However, if you’re inclined to try praying with Bible and pen, I advise the careful selection of a ballpoint or other pen and highlighters that won’t bleed through the page. Test the pens first on paper that’s similar to that used in your Bible.

Once you’ve selected your pen or highlighters, here are a few ideas that will help to make your Bible reading an enjoyable and meaningful prayerful exercise:

1) Underline phrases or verses that you pray for yourself.

2) Add an underline when you pray it more than once.

3) Use a different color highlighter (or shape) for each person you pray that phrase or verse for (red=Adam, blue=Patty, etc., or circle for Adam and square for Patty).

4) Alternatively, write the name of the person you pray the words for in the margin or between lines.

5) Use a few key words to turn a phrase or verse into a prayer, such as “Yes!,” “Please” and “Amen.”

6) Write a date in the margin or between lines to indicate when a prayer was answered.

7) Use a symbol such as † to create a footnote at a passage and add a corresponding figure in the top or bottom margin where you write the prayer of your heart based on that passage.

These are just a few ideas, of course, but they’re offered as a starting point that anyone can use to create and develop a personal method for combining Bible reading with prayer. Why not try it?

7 Bible Verses to Keep You Steady and Strong

I felt my first earthquake recently. I was in my car, waiting for my wife outside a drug store, and I felt the car move back and forth. I turned around to see if someone was pushing on my car, rocking it. No one was there. A few seconds later the sensation passed but it was disturbing and disorienting—not unlike how confused and uncertain many of us feel these days as the ground beneath us seems to shift during this pandemic. Can I go out in public? Are the dangers too great? What are the rules today? Will I have a job? What can I depend on? How do I find—or achieve—some kind of even keel?

While none of us can control the shifts that are taking place around us—or under our feet—we can find a sense of equilibrium and stability by training our minds and hearts on what is real, solid, unwavering and enduring.

I find that some prayers—especially those found in the Bible—can calm and center me when I feel like there’s little I know or can count on. These are some of the prayers I turn to repeatedly. At times I’ve even adopted one to read, recite and repeat throughout the day when I find my heart racing or fears spiking:

1) I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8, NIV)

2) The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. (Psalm 29:11, NIV)

3) May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17, NIV)

4) Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:10, NIV)

5) May 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, NIV)

6) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, NIV)

7) God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are His.” (2 Timothy 2:19, NLT)

In times of change and uncertainty, it helps to focus and meditate on things that are sure and never changing. After all, most of the time, my greatest need isn’t for external circumstances to change, but to point my own attitudes and actions in the proper direction.

7 Bible Verses to Help You Forgive Yourself

Forgiveness can be one of the hardest things you have to do on your journey to growth and peace. When we hold on to hurt, pain, resentment, and anger it harms us far more than it harms the offender. Forgiveness frees us to live in the present. Forgiving yourself can be the hardest of all. Everyone makes mistakes and even worse, intentionally chooses the wrong way. But God’s love for us is overwhelming and covers a multitude of errors. Stop punishing yourself today with these 7 Bible verses to help you forgive yourself.

7 Bible Verses to Celebrate Pentecost

One spring Sunday, when I was living in Europe, a French friend startled me by wishing me (in French), “Happy Pentecost!” It wasn’t that I misunderstood her—I knew enough French—but I couldn’t imagine anyone saying the same thing back home.

“Happy Pentecost!” Why did we never greet each other like that in English, sharing the good news the way we did with Christmas and Easter? That’s too bad, I thought. Because Pentecost is a holiday that deserves much celebration. It’s often thought of as the birthday of the church (more on that). Let’s look at the Biblical record:

1)  When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. (Acts 2:1) Jesus had ascended into heaven and His followers were trying to figure out what was next. What did they do? They gathered “together in one place.” Things can happen when believers congregate.

2)  And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:2) God is big, beyond our comprehension. Just when we think we have figured things out, we can be startled out of our boots!

3)  Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. (Acts 2:3) Not just the ability to speak a foreign language but a visual symbol as well, “tongues, as of fire.” I’ll never forget the Sunday when the preacher, in his enthusiasm, suggested we eat special foods to honor Pentecost. “Shall we eat tongue?” whispered a friend. A Pentecost birthday cake!

4)  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:4) Take note that in their humility, the disciples gave credit where credit was due. Their linguistic powers were heaven-sent.

5)  Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?” (Acts 2:7-8) As the poet W.H. Auden pointed out, the astounding gifts of Pentecost weren’t just in speech but also in understanding. Isn’t that precisely where we could all use the Spirit’s help?

6)  Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38) Pentecost means “50,” coming as it did 50 days after Easter. Back then, on Good Friday, Peter denied he even knew Jesus. Not now. Not going forward. He can offer the gifts of the Holy Spirit because he has received them. He changed like we, too, can be changed.

7)  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) It happened just as Jesus predicted, and it continues to this day. No wonder that French friend could say, “Happy Pentecost!” It’s like wishing a happy birthday to the church.

20 Bible Verses About Spring and New Life

What Does the Bible Say About Spring?

Spring is a beautiful time of year when the winter weather subsides, and the flowers begin to bloom. Because of this, spring is often associated with hope and rebirth—two major aspects of the resurrection of Christ. Easter, the day to celebrate this resurrection, even happens during the spring season. Bible verses about spring can be found throughout Scripture, from Genesis to the Book of John. These verses exemplify that positivity and renewal.

READ MORE: 16 Spring Activities for Couples, Families, Kids

During this time of year many people feel rejuvenated, both in their lives and in their faith. As they shake off that winter chill, they might consider starting a new positive habit or recommitting to their prayer life. Reading Bible verses about spring can be a powerful way to draw closer to God as we are presented with the possibility of new beginnings.

Scenic view of crops while the sun rises.

Popular Bible Verses About Spring

1. Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone. —Zechariah 10:1

2. Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. —James 5:7

3. And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years.” —Genesis 1:14

4. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps. —Psalm 85:11-13

READ MORE: 25 Joyful Spring Quotes to Inspire You

Raindrops against blue glass.

Spring Bible Verses About Hope

5. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. —Hosea 6:3

6. May 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

7. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. —Proverbs 23:18

8. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:21-23

READ MORE: 7 Spring Prayers for Hope and New Beginnings

A bouquet of wild daisies.

Spring Bible Verses About New Life

9. For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. —Song of Solomon 2:11-12

10.Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. —Romans 12:2

11.But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. —Isaiah 40:31

12. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —John 8:12

Crocus flower sprouting from the ground with a Bible verse for spring

Spring Bible Verses about Flowers

13. The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. —Isaiah 35:1-12

14. Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. —Luke 12:27

15. I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women. —Song of Solomon 2:1-2

16. All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. —Isaiah 40:6

A blue umbrella against a light blue backdrop.

Short Spring Bible Verses

17. They waited for me as for showers and drank in my words as the spring rain. —Job 29:23

18. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. —Romans 12:12

19. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:23

20. When a king’s face brightens, it mans life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. —Proverbs 16:15

READ MORE ABOUT BIBLE VERSES AND SPRING: