Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Even when bad things happen, we can rest in the assurance that they are part of God's plan, and He knows what He is doing in our lives. Sometimes, the only way we can get the best things God has for us is by going through trials. It's hard to see any good in the valleys when we are in the middle of them, but when we get to the other side, we can look back and see how God has used them to get us where He wants us. I thank God for all the situations He allows me to go through.

Romans 8:38-39 - For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Every time I read these verses, my first response is "Wow!" People can be so fickle with wishy-washy affections. I'm so glad God isn't like that. His love is forever, and nothing exists that can change it. When other people disappoint me, I thank God that I can depend on His love for me.

Song of Solomon 5:6b - I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.

Sometimes, it seems as though God does not hear our prayers. He does hear them, and He will answer in His time. We don't always get the answer we want, when we want it; but if we truly seek God's will, we will get what is best for us at the perfect time. Often, when God makes us wait for an answer, He is trying our faith. Other times, He is moving everything in place so that the answer will perfect. I need to learn that I can trust in God to make everything right as long as I wait on Him.

Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

How do I show my love toward others? God showed His love by sending His only Son to die for us, even though we were undeserving sinners. As a Christian, I should strive to be like Christ, and that would include loving some very unlovable people. At work, I have plenty of opportunity to be kind to those who are distasteful to me. How often am I Christlike? I thank God for loving me and showing me how to love others in return.

Psalm 73:25 - Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.

The Psalmist, Asaph, sounds so much like me in the beginning of this chapter. He is lamenting the prosperity of the wicked. In the end, though, he feels grieved for them when God contrasts their end with his. The wicked will suffer eternal punishment, while the children of God will enjoy eternal blessing. Despite my lack of earthly possessions, I can rest in God's promise of a home in Heaven for all eternity.

Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

When I was a young girl, I loved the song "He's Still Working on Me". I just didn't know then how true it would be for the rest of my life. Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I am far from perfect. I thank God that He hasn't given up on me, and He will keep working on me all my life.

Psalm 19:14 - Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

A wise man once said, "As birds are known by their songs, so are men known by their conversation." I've been convicted lately about what I say. I want people to know I'm a Christian when they hear me talk instead of being surprised if someone tells them I am one. I want to be known for encouraging others and praising God with my words. God, please help me to guard my tongue and get rid of any vulgar speaking.

I Corinthians 13:13 - And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Sam had to memorize this verse for youth group at church. As I helped him, I was reminded of the time my parents made my brother and me memorize the entire chapter, hoping it would instill some brotherly love in us. I did love my brother, but I also loved fighting with him. Nevertheless, this chapter I learned as a little girl has stuck with me all my life. I especially like this last verse. No matter what we try to accomplish for God, it means nothing if it is not done out of love. I am so thankful to God for His love for me and for the wise parents he gave me.

Colossians 1:27 - To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

"Christ in you" - what a concept! I have something big coming up next week, and I feel so unworthy. Right after I had prayed and asked God to help me be a fit vessel for this ministry opportunity, He led me to this verse. In myself, I will never be worthy to be used of God, but I have Christ in me. As long as I yield to Him and let Him work in me, I can do whatever He calls me to do.

Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Lately, I've been going through a lot of tough situations. Truthfully, some of them I've brought on myself, but not all of them. The past few months, I've been getting closer to God and opening myself up more to serve Him in my church. Obviously, the Devil doesn't like it when we do that, and he has been doing his best to hinder me. Thank God, the rest of this chapter goes on to tell us how to arm ourselves to withstand the Devil.

Micah 6:8 - He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Sometimes, it is hard to know what God's will is for our lives. This verse tells us where to start. When we don't know the direction to take, we can start with the basics. Do what is right, be quick to forgive others, and do not exalt ourselves and our own interests.

Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

It is race weekend in Bristol. I want it to remind me that I am in a spiritual race. In the past couple weeks, I have lain aside weights that were holding me back in my race for God. Although it was painful, now I am more free to serve god and run the race before me.

Job 23:10 - But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

We often wonder why bad things happen to good people. Sometimes, it is so God can purify them. We know that, no matter what, God has a plan for everything that comes into our lives; and if we rely on Him no matter what, we will become more and more like Him. The fire may be hot right now, but I want to come forth as gold in the end.

Psalm 27:10 - When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

My son Sam has experienced the first part of this verse, first by his real father, then his grandfather, and finally his step-father. He has also experienced the last part of the verse. God has always been there for him! Although he likes to complain that he doesn't get everything he wants, he has been so blessed and has been able to have more than I had as a child and has had so many rich experiences. I am so thankful for a God who is also a Father to His children!

Psalm 27:13 - I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

One of my favorite songs lately has been the Whisnants' song entitled "Even in the Valley". It says that when we go through trials, that's when we get closer to the Lord and get to know Him enough to say that even in the valley, God is good. Sometimes, when we're going through tough times, it seems like God is far, far away. However, once we get to the other side, we can look back and see that He was right there with us the whole time, helping us through the darkest hours. What a blessing it is to know that God is always good!

Psalm 27:1 - The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

I don't know why, but I was a scared child. I often had nightmares of people chasing my friends and me in the school playground. (In my dreams, the people after us were either giants or Indians in war paint and feathers.) I also was constantly terrified that something would happen to my parents, leaving my brother and myself all alone.

In second grade, my teacher taught us a song with this verse in it, and it instantly became my favorite verse and has remained so ever since. What a comfort it has been to me to know that I do not need to be afraid because the Lord, who is bigger and stronger than any man, is on my side!