Preparing with the Word

As we plan and wait to go on this mission trip to Honduras, there are steps that we take to prepare our hearts and minds for the work that we will do.  The most important thing is to have the Word of God deeply rooted in our hearts so that we will be able to "do all things through Him who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13)".  So, I search the Bible for verses that speak to me about the preparation necessary for my heart and mind.  I write these down on green index cards (to set them apart from the other index cards) and I read them and pray them and ponder them.  These are the very words of God and they strengthen me and encourage me ... I thought I'd share some of them with you and maybe you will be strengthened and encouraged as well.  If you have a verse you'd like to share with us, we'd love to know it! 

Stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the LORD, because you know that your labor in the LORD is not in vain.  ~1 Corinthians 15:58

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever ... Let those who fear the LORD say "His love endures forever."  ~Psalm 118:1, 4

You, O God, will never leave me.  Never will you forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)  You are the only absolute guarantee I have in all of life.  Help me to cling to the one thing I can never lose.

You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:9b-10

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it."  ~Isaiah 30:21

But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.  ~1 Samuel 12:24

This is what the LORD says -
  he who created you, ...
  he who formed you, ...
      "Fear not, for I have
       redeemed you; I have
      summoned you by name;
      you are mine."
           ~Isaiah 43:1

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.  ~Joshua 1:9

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.  ~Philemon, verse 6

Father God, we thank You for the power of Your Word and we pray that when they receive it, when they hear it from us, that they will accept it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the Word of God and that it will be at work in those who will believe.  ~1 Thessalonians 2:13