“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalms 119:105 NIV

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalms 119:11 NIV

The Bible, God’s Word, is our light and a guide for our lives. We read our Bibles to find out more about God and Jesus. I got my first Bible when I was nine years old. My grandparents gave it to me for Christmas. I loved to read, and soon got lost in the stories and tales in the Old Testament. The creation story, Noah’s ark, the story of Joseph, the exodus from Egypt, the tumbling walls of Jericho and so many more. They all told of the power and wonder of God.

In the New Testament, Jesus, the Son of God, came alive for me. I wanted to know more and more. He didn’t seem real. That Jesus would come to earth to die for me, for each of us. His birth declared by angels, the miracles, the wisdom of His parables, feeding the 5,000, His willingness to die on the cross, but more than anything, His resurrection! He overcame death so that we can live with Him in heaven one day.

Over the years I have memorized the verses that speak to me most and help me to live my life like Jesus would want me to. One of my favorites is: “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10a NIV This verse always reminds me to slow down (we all seem to be so busy sometimes!) and recognize that God is my God.

A few of the other ones I have learned are:

“always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 NIV I try to stop throughout my day and give God thanks for all He does for me. Even when things don’t work out just as I would like, I thank God because His plan is always better than mine!

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 NIV I love to be outside in creation. I love seeing unusual creatures and beautiful flowers and sunsets. I wonder about our awesome God and His imagination as He created it all. He also created you!

““For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV This verse reminds me that even when I’m not sure what to do, God has a plan for me. I just have to read His Word and He will guide me.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 NIV I need this one a lot. It reminds me to treat other people like Jesus would – with love. Don’t judge people, don’t put others down, encourage and be kind to people.

This week, talk with your parents, read some different verses and then choose two verses to memorize this week. Try to pick verses that help you to live your best life, just like Jesus.

Blessings and a wonderful life with God!