Several weeks prior to finishing each issue of Interpreter, we send a question to all readers for whom we have email addresses, asking them to respond with a short answer of 50-75 words. A select few are included here, edited for length as necessary. Find many more at Interpreter OnLine. We hope you will join the conversation.
We Asked
What Scripture guides your life and why?
FOR THIS ISSUE, YOU SAID ...
Several weeks prior to finishing each issue of Interpreter, we send a question to all readers for whom we have email addresses, asking them to respond with a short answer of 50-75 words. A select few are included here, edited for length as necessary. Find many more at Interpreter OnLine. We hope you will join the conversation.
We Asked
What Scripture guides your life and why?
FOR THIS ISSUE, YOU SAID ...
Several weeks prior to finishing each issue of Interpreter, we send a question to all readers for whom we have email addresses, asking them to respond with a short answer of 50-75 words. A select few are included here, edited for length as necessary. Find many more at Interpreter OnLine. We hope you will join the conversation.
We Asked
What Scripture guides your life and why?
FOR THIS ISSUE, YOU SAID ...
Proverbs 3:5, NRSV: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.” As I learn to trust God, I know he will lead me where I am to go. The way may not be the path I would choose, but trusting that God knows what is. Where is God working? Where is he saying “not now?”
Tom Atkins, Rupert (Vt.) UMC
Galatians 2:19b-20, NRSV: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.” I need constantly to be reminded that it is not about me; it is about Christ and others. When I live the crucified life, I live a happy and contented life.
The Rev. Kevin D. Barron, Farm Hill UMC, Osceola, Ark.
Matthew 22:36-40 and 1 Corinthians 13. Matthew provides Jesus’ succinct reply: Love God, and love your neighbor. The second Scripture describes the nature of love. If I remember just those two things – and put them into practice – then all of my other problems become insignificant.
Bill Bell, Ortega UMC, Jacksonville, Fla.
Mary’s words in Luke 1:47a, NRSV: “My soul magnifies the Lord.” I try to remember that I am/have a soul through no action of my own. Its only use is to commune with God.
Robin Burkhardt,
Central Valley (N.Y.) UMC
Jeremiah 29:11, NRSV: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.’” This is a powerful verse and pulled me through some difficult years. I believe it saved my life. It is my “go-to” verse.
Debra Higdon, Carteret Street UMC, Beaufort, S.C.
Philippians 4:4, NRSV: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” There are things that make me anxious, scared or troubled. Paul was in prison when he was writing this book to the Philippians, but he urged believers to rejoice and rejoice again. I try to practice this lesson.
Seonwoong Hwang, Nashville (Tenn.) Korean UMC
Psalm 46:10a, NRSV: “Be still, and know that I am God!” This reminds me that God is in control.
Grace Leighton, First UMC, Canoga Park, Calif.
Micah 6:8: I want my life to be a life of justice, acting with justice and fighting for justice for others; a life of mercy, acting with love, compassion and forgiveness for myself and others; and a life of humbly walking with my God, living in God’s presence and knowing everything that I am is because of God, to whom be the glory.
Barbara C. Miller, UMC at Newfoundland, N.J.
Acts 10:28b, NRSV: “God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean.” In every facet of my ministry and life, in every person I encounter, in all discourse with people who may think differently, on all issues of exclusion in the church, this verse should guide me. God does not make people profane or unclean; our attitudes and judgments do.
The Rev. Kirt E. Moelling, St. Stephen’s UMC, Broken Arrow, Okla.
Matthew 5:16, Good News Bible: “In the same way, your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” My name, Aurora, means “morning light!” When I was 10, this verse struck my heart. My soul embraced it! It is my motto for spiritual living. We need light for our path to Christ to help the world of darkness find paths of righteousness. Let there be light!
Aurora Piedad-Garcia, First Filipino-American UMC of San Gabriel Valley, Hacienda Heights, Calif.