by Jinianne Lutz

Created on: March 31, 2009

I have so many favorite verses, it would take a Bible to contain them all. In truth, I find the word of God inspiring, challenging, authoritative, and fascinating. There are words of love, peace, war, death, destruction, judgement, righteousness, concern, care, and faithfulness. God's promises are interspersed throughout the Bible, and His promise of salvation is bright and beautiful.

I do have some favorite verses, however. The 23rd Psalm is one that I have committed to memory. I think of myself as one of the sheep in Christ's flock, and there is great comfort in knowing that Jesus walks with me and cares for me at all times. Like the sheep who is scared of the rushing water, I am often prone to being afraid of circumstances. It is in those times that the peace of Christ is evident. Christ, as my shepherd, moves the rocks from the stream into a circle, creating a calm pool from which I can drink. His arms are actually the rocks holding back the fierceness of whatever is coming against me. I can step into that calm pool of water and see His protection. Even though I know the storm rages just on the other side of His arms, I know He will never leave me. I think of the rod and staff of the shepherd and how he uses them for correcting the sheep and keeping them safe. Christ is the true Shepherd. His rod is used to destroy the evil and His staff is used to pull me close to Him for safety. If only I will stop and hear His words and see His love through these actions.

I have also committed the Ten Commandments to memory. Exodus recounts the drama of God writing on the stone tablets. When Moses returned to the people, they were caught up in idolatry and filth. Moses threw the tablets to the ground, breaking them into tiny pieces. Moses spent another forty days on the mountain receiving the words of the Lord. These Ten Commandments are impossible for us to keep on our own; but with Christ we can do it. Every day I remind myself of each one of them: there shall be no other gods before Him; we shall not make false idols; we shall not use the Lord's name incorrectly; we must remember to keep the Sabbath day holy; honor our father and mother; do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal, do not bear false witness; do not covet.

A short list with eternal implications. Understanding the depth of these commandments is as important as knowing them. The first commandment, there shall be no other gods before Him if we worship money, we are placing something above God. If

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