There are many reasons to be thankful for the Christian faith, and to celebrate the gift of salvation. We've seen the articles filled with scripture to get you through finals and encourage college students. Now, can we just take a moment to share verses that make you incredibly proud of your God?
"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:5.
It's hard to be patient, and to "be the bigger man," at times. When you most need to hold onto hope is when all seems hopeless. How encouraging is it to know that our hope in times of adversity is so treasured by our Father?
"All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish." Isaiah 41:11.
Again, it's hard to be the bigger man. But at least we all know who the real Bigger Man is and how mighty we are in His refuge.
"...But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14.
We are called to run our own race, according to God. In a world that obsesses with comparing ourselves to others, God calls us precious, loved and invaluable. If that doesn't get you pumped, I don't know what will.
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12: 6-8.
God has bestowed upon us gifts that contribute to a functioning society. Thanks to your gift, you are part of the reason this world thrives. We are blessed.
“Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" Matt 6:25-27
The Bible warns us at least 119 times (rumored up to 365) not to fear. No matter how it is phrased, God's reassurance is enough to calm oceans. It'll do wonders for you, too.
"For where sin did abound, grace did much more abound." Romans 5:20
Understand this: You can never deserve God's grace. And you can never be such a sinner you are unloved by Him. His grace is unending and His mercy is incomprehensible.
"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you." Thessalonians 3: 12-13.
To put it simply: having Jesus in your life just makes you a happier person. You have a genuine love for people, and live a more peaceful life. In fact, this Columbia University study found that those who highly value religion have a thicker brain cortex, protecting the part of the brain where major depression occurs. In every tough situation, remember there's something to celebrate: You are loved by the creator of the universe.
