We asked our readers: Thinking about 2018, what will be your North Star? On which Bible verse will you chart your course? Here are some of their responses. -Editors
Philippians 4:13:
“I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power” (TLB).1
Barbara D., California.
Ephesians 4:13:
“Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Blaine F., Indiana.
Isaiah 46:3, 4:
“You whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Carrol G., Washington.
Acts 13:47:
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”
Ruben J., Peru.
2 Corinthians 5:21:
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Chris D., Washington, D.C.
Deuteronomy 31:8:
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Lynda D., Arizona.
Ecclesiastes 12:14:
“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Daniel D., Michigan.
Hebrews 4:14-16:
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Jean T., Texas.
Deuteronomy 33:26, 27:
“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
Jeanne L., Idaho.
2 Corinthians 3:17, 18:
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces, contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Keisha M., Maryland.
John 14:27:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (ESV).2 With all the crazy stuff happening, I amcounting on God’s peace to carry me through. I can rely on His promises 365 days in 2018.
Willie O., Maryland.
Psalm 18:30:
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”
Emmanuel A., Ghana.
Ephesians 2:8-10:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I am saved by Jesus. Jesus creates good works for me to do. It is Jesus. It is Jesus. It is Jesus. That’s my passage for 2018.
Kermit N., Maryland.
Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Cheryl B., Maryland.
Job 19:25:
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth” (NKJV).3
Lovingson K., India.
Habakkuk 3:17, 18:
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Nathan K., Texas.
Matthew 7:12:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Rich D., California.
Matthew 25:37-40:
“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me’ ” (Message).4
Leslie K., Tennessee.
1 Peter 4:10:
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”
Ron D., Maryland.
Proverbs 16:3:
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Tina G., Nevada.
Mark K. of Utah, and Toni S. of Alaska, both chose the same verse—Jeremiah 29:11:
“ ‘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.’ ”
