“‘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’” (Jer. 29:11, NIV).
I was 2-years-old when part of my finger was cut off. My parents had a boat, and I loved to play on it whenever my dad was working in the house. I was playing one day, when I suddenly fell off, and my finger got stuck in the motor. My dad rushed me to the hospital. My life hasn’t been the same since.
“For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:12, NIV).
This verse is important to me because it shows that God will help me when I need it. I can trust that He will help me to know what to do or say in times of trouble.
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion” (Prov. 28:1, NIV).
Think of a time when you were scared. What did you do? When I was younger, I went to a camp, and one of the activities was water tubing. Even though I was very excited to try it, I was also very scared. I was so nervous that I got butterflies in my stomach.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine” (Isa. 43:1, NKJV).
As a child, I grew up in an Orthodox family in Romania. Every Sunday, we went to church, and we kept all the Orthodox holidays. On weekends and vacations, I stayed with my grandparents, as they only lived 11 miles away.
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you” (Matt. 7:12, NLT).
The golden rule. When I was younger, I interpreted this verse a bit differently than most. Whenever my sister was unkind to me, I would be mean to her in return. Then I would try to justify my behavior: “Treat others the way they treat you!”
The intended meaning of the golden rule, however, is to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. How would you want to be treated if the roles were reversed? I know I’d prefer to be treated with love and respect.