Favorite Verses

Tonight I was at Casa Monte Plata for devotions in Casa de Fe (our girls home). Some of the older boys from Casa de Gozo joined us as well since we are still praying for house parents for them. Please join us in praying that the Lord provides two Dominican Christian couples to serve as house parents in our two boys homes!! 

Minerva, our house-mom in Casa de Fe, asked me to share something for devotions. I was completely unprepared and there were a lot of Dominican kids staring at me so I went to my "go-to" verse, Romans 8:38-39, which has been a personal favorite since I learned it in fifth grade AWANA. It says "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." I shared a bit about what these verses mean to me and then Minerva asked the kids if they wanted to say anything. It turned into a 30 minute Bible study of each child's favorite verse and it was absolutely beautiful to hear each child read (actually, most of them recited their favorite verses from memory) and then explain their verses and why they were special to them. I finally decided to write them all down so I could share them with our Casa Monte Plata staff, with you guys, and post them in my room. I hope these verses bring you as much encouragement as they bring to our sweet kids at Casa Monte Plata. 

Solanyi - Isaiah 54:7-8
For a brief moment I deserted you,
but with great compassion I will gather you.
In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you,
but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,”says the Lord, your Redeemer. 

Karen - Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lali - Deuteronomy 30:14
But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.

Yari - 1 John 4:8
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Sami - Joshua 1:8-9
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Kaina - Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Selena - Psalm 8:4
What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

Ysabel - Psalm 32, Psalm 112
Here's a couple excerpts from her favorite chapters:
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

Minerva - Jeremiah 33:33, Psalm 46:10, Lamentations 3:22-23
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Nicol - Psalm 4:8
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Lula - Proverbs 3
Here's an excerpt from her favorite chapter (verse 1):
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.