Dr. Lawson Bryan, Senior Minister at First United Methodist in Montgomery, furnished a timely verse for this issue. Lawson, a man of God in every respect, is a tremendous preacher of the Gospel. He says that Ephesians 1: 9-10 is one of his “very favorite Bible verses,” adding:
The Lord led me to it years ago at a time when I needed a fresh answer to the question, “What is God up to in the world?” In many English translations this passage is hard to grasp; but I was reading it in the New English Bible and knew that I had found the answer to my question when I read the words in these verses. Among all the many things I do not know, these verses remind me of what I do know – God is at work to unite all things in Christ; and I want to be part of that unity.
God has made known to us his hidden purpose, to be put into effect when the time was ripe, namely, that the universe, all in heaven and on earth, might be brought into a unity in Christ.
Ephesians 1:9-10
Jennifer Aughtman, the Director of Youth Ministry at St. James United Methodist Church, sent in a verse for this month. Jennifer does a terrific job with young people in our church.
Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
Matthew 18:5
Ben Gibbons, a lawyer in our firm, supplied two verses this month. He says these scriptures are what guided him to the profession of law. Ben had this to say:
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:17
Melinda Henderson, a legal secretary in our firm, also provided a verse for this issue. She says that Romans 8:31 always comes to mind for her and that it has totally changed her life.
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Beverly Larkin, another Beasley Allen employee, and a regular verse contributor to this part of the report, sent a verse in for this issue. It contains a good message for parents and one that we best listen to and follow.
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Wesley Smithart, a student at Huntingdon College, is working at the firm as an intern in the Web Services department and Consumer Fraud Section. Wesley says her favorite verse sums up who God is calling her to be.
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:17
Wesley says the second chapter of Philippians has also been a favorite passage throughout her Christian journey. She says it helps her understand who Jesus is and also who she wants to be. Specifically, Wesley says that Philippians 2:3 has been a constant “attitude-check” reminder in her daily life.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit; but in humility, consider others better than yourself.
Philippians 2:3
We appreciate all of the folks who send in Bible verses for the Report. We try to include as many as we can each month.
