VCAA -- Year Verse 2004

Festival of Praise 2004

Romans 8:31b
"If God be for us, who can be against us?" This verse was brought to my attention recently during our Wednesday night Bible study. It's basis is found in Romans 5:10 where Paul reminds us, "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Paul's argument here is from the great to the much greater. His reasoning is that the Lord has a vested interest in us. If Christ died to save sinners, just think of what He will do for the redeemed. In other words, our Father plans to protect His investment by providing grace in every situation life so as to see us through. To do otherwise would be a loosing proposition. Steve Bagby, Pastor in IA

Psalm 16:8
My year verse this year is Psalm 16:8 - "I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (NASB) Take care, Beth Bagby

Galatians 2:20
This year I have chosen the verse I preached from two weeks ago: Galatians 2:20. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."Dr. Dale Holloway, Pastor, IA

Exodus 25:1-9 NLB
"The Lord said to Moses,"Tell the people of Israel that everyone who WANTS to may bring me an offering. Here is a list of items you may accept on my behalf:" (Then follows a specific list of skins, anointing oil, fragrant incense, onyx stones, etc.) "I want the people of Israel to build me a sacred residence where I can live among them. You must make this Tabernacle and its furnishings EXACTLY according to the plans I will show you." Why this passage, you may ask? In thinking back over the beginnings of Providence Mission Homes over thirty years ago, I realized that once God had given me the vision to do this project for Him and His missionaries that THAT was the way He led us: assemble the requisites (In our case people who might choose to be partners, money, furniture, furnishings). In good order things and people "came together" we might say casually. What really happened was that God touched enough people who were willing to give themselves and their goods to launch missionary furlough housing. Last year's 30th anniversary of the founding caused me to think of how God launched the building of the tabernacle. The principles applied to us and God was faithful in choosing to use novices who had no experiences to "have at it," and eventually admit that it was "marvelous in our eyes." God does all things well and will do that for us if we are willing to let Him. Mercedes Gribble

PSA. 13:5,6
Always so good to hear from you and just remember, You are loved and prayed for!!! My verse for 2004, Psa 13:5,6, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my hear rejoices in your salvation; I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me." Isn't He always good! Marion Lewton

Joshua 1:9
"Am I not commanded you, be strong and courageous. Do not be terried! Do not be Discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go!" Joshua 1:9 Blessings! Dave Engbrecht

1 Corinthians 15:57
My life verse for this year is 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Being back on the field we've found ourselves in the middle of great spiritual battles for the souls of a precious people. We're claiming this verse not only for our own spiritual lives but as well for God's ministry here. Larry and Sharon Carr

Isaiah 7:9
My year verse for this year is form Isaiah 7:9: "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." I hope it will be a constant reminder to me that the work I do is a ministry, not a job. Don Hotz

Hebrews 12:1 & 2
Year verses: Hebrews 12:1 & 2. Have a great day in the Lord! Ernie Smith

Gen 1:1
My wife is still pondering her year verse.... from 1983. Here is mine: Gen 1:1 "In the beginning, God created..." The year 2004 is holding a mighty big challange for the Bacon family. It looks as though we will break ground in Nevada, Iowa on our new funeral home and crematory. We believe that this project is an answer to prayer, and we trust that the Lord will continue to bless as we create a new facility. Also regarding our little church... the Lord continues to create it. We have doubled our size in the last 5 years. We actually had some testimonies from young men stating that that they had been saved. We also have a high school young man stating that he has a call to enter full time ministry. so, God coninues to create. Rob Bacon

Isaiah 43: 1b - 3a
It is wonderful to know we belong to Jesus and that He is with us no matter what. Here is our verses for the year. We have both claimed the same: Isaiah 43: 1b - 3a "Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord , your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Yvonne & Herb Anderson

II Peter 3:8 KJV
One day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. II Peter 3:8 KJV. Frank E. Rose -- CEI Lurker and Dietz employee, mid -'40s.

Philippians 4:13
My year verse for the year 2004 is: Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me." Am rejoicing in our great and awesome God...for His calling on my life...as I celebrate my 50th birthday. Jan Fischer Graduate of Vennard--1976 Ordained into the Ministry--1995 Pastor of Zumbrota Wesleyan Church for almost 7 years Zumbrota, Minnesota

Psalm 18
My year verse is an excerpt from Psalm 18, The Message. As you know, it's difficult to determine exact verses when comparing to the KVJ, so I wasn't sure whether to share this with the group. But I couldn't get away from the impact of this verse, so here goes: God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes. Sharon Cox

Proverbs 3:5-6
I still hang on to my life verse chosen my first year at C.E.I.: Proverbs 3:5-6. The one that holds my attention for 2004 in Matthew 9:38 "pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." I take that as my marching orders for this year and claim the implied promise it holds . Isn't God good to us all in His faithfulness at every stage of life here while we deal with our temporary assignment in history. Verne Summers

Proverbs 3:5&6 (NIV)
I love reading everyone's verse and would miss a huge blessing by not getting to read them.Proverbs 3:5&6 (NIV) " Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Joy Wease Boutakov

II Thess. 2:15
This year a part of II Thess. 2:15 has been blessed to me, "...stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our letter." II Thess. 2:15 Praying that the sense of God's presence will be felt daily in both of you. Dave Kushman

II Corinthians 12:9
II Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Ron Farnum

IICor. 2:14
Here is my verse for the year. "Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ. IICor. 2:14. Forrest Shuck

Isaiah 55:2b, 3a
The Lord spoke to me at the beginning of the year with the following invitation. I desire to listen and learn more and more of the Father's nature and heart. "Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live." Isaiah 55:2b, 3a. We are finally coming to a place of a little less activity after a full fall and winter schedule. It is good to know that we don;t have to pack a suitcase for a couple of months! Our time in Asia provided us with wonderful ministry opportunities and experiences. For instance, we ate hornet larvae - a delicacy in Nagaland, India - for the first time and survived! The secret is to swallow - not chew! : ) Remember experiences like that yourselves? Joyce Anderson

Isaiah 55:2b, 3a
My verse for this year is I Thes. 4:24 The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it. Coming on to home ministry assignment is scary for me. I claiming this verse this year while we travel. Sharon Hawk

Isa 41:13
I do rejoice that I do have a verse for this year: Isa 41:13 – “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” We carry many of the same concerns as last year so this verse really resounds with my heart. Finding the time needed to be with the Lord until answers arrives, at times proves to be a challenge. I rejoice the promise of the Lord’s help during the upcoming months. Glenna Dorothy

Jeremiah 29:11 Isaiah 41:10
God is still at work in us and through us. Kathy's 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." (NIV) Rod's Verse -- Isaiah 41:10 Fear though not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (KJV) Johnson

Psalm 24:3-5 NASB
Here is my year verses (I hope three are ok): 3. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? 4. He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully. 5. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Psalm 24:3-5 NASB. Troy Gentry

Philippians 4:4
Beverly (Madsen) Miller - CEI, 56 Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice!"

Isaiah 41:10 KJV
The following has been my life verse since my last year in Vennard. Late one summer evening in 1963, I was praying as I walked along the country road that went past our home. There beneath the night sky Isaiah 41:10, came to mind, almost word for word. I do not recall that I had ever tried to memorize it, though it was familiar. I also had the sense that I would need this verse in the near future. This proved to be very true. Since then I have quoted in thousands of times in prayer for my family others and myself. I have used in preaching and in counseling. It is still fresh and powerful. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 KJV Tim Driskell Pastor Church of the Nazarene Hewitt, MN.

Proverbs 4:23
I have been thinking and praying about my year verse and was so happy to hear that you are undertaking this task again. It is such a blessing to realize how something can become such a part of you--the year verse is one of them. Last night a program was on TV and a verse that was being highlighted was Proverbs 4:23. "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." Life Application Bible " Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Wesley Bible (I like this version). As I thought and prayed about it, I believe this is the verse that will guide me to keep things in proper perspective. Have a good day! Charlotte (Sherri) Williams

Isaiah 40:31
I guess that my verse at this time has to be Isaiah 40:31. With all that we are going thru at this time at church, this where I am today. Since Bob has this machine all set up , I have no excuse for delaying sending this very helpful verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding . In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5,6. Rena Atherton

Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3) from Earl Miller, CEI 59

Psalm 112:7b, NKJB Psalm 105:4
This year, we are both leaning on verses from Psalms. Carole's is from Psalm 112:7b, NKJB. Speaking of the righteous, it reads, "His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established." Isn't that neat?? Mine is from Psalm 105:4, speaking of God's anointing upon one's life, and taken from Wayne's New Paraphrased Edition of the NASB, saying, "Seek the Lord (for His perfecting), seek Him for His strength (for His power). Seek His face continually (for His presence)." Carole and Wayne Rapp

2 Cor.2:14, NKJV Numbers 18:20, NKJV 2 Peter 1:3, 5, 6, NIV Phil.2:5, NKJV
Our year verses are: Paul’s – “Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph is Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place” (2 Cor.2:14, NKJV). Pauline’s – “I am your portion and your inheritance…” (Numbers 18:20, NKJV) Nathan's -- “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him Who called us by His own glory and goodness. ... For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith ... self-control, and to self-control perseverance, and to perseverance godliness.” (2 Peter 1:3, 5, 6, NIV) Stephan’s – “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ.” (Phil.2:5, NKJV) The Gibson family

Joshua 1:9 Phipplians 2:12-13
Truly, thank you for giving us this opportunity for the Vennard family to share once again our year verses are: Sherri (Lindahl) Ledford Joshua 1:9 . . .be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Howard Ledford Phipplians 2:12-13. . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Sherri & Howard Ledford

Hebrews 10:23
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Dr. Bruce Moyer

Psm 91:1
My year verse is Psm 91:1 He that dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. As we face another year of travel and responsibilities, I found this reassuring. I can rest in Him as I draw close to Him. Ruth Moyer

John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Mattie Jane Birch

Psa. 37:3 Matt. 6:21
Dr. Merne Harris Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Psa. 37:3 Sue Harris For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also Matt. 6:21

Psalm 119:17-20 Psalm 119:174, 175LB
My year verses ready. They are Psalm 119:17-20 from the Living Bible. "Bless me with life so that I can continue to obey you. Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. I am but a pilgrim here on earth; how I need a map -- and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell." Psalm 119:174, 175LB -- "O Lord, I have longed for your salvation, and your law is my delight. If you will let me live, I will praise you; let your laws assist me." Betty Chow

Romans 8:28 Proverbs 3:5, 6
I chose my " life verse " in 1951 in Chicago: Romans 8:28- And we know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ( JOHN ) Proverbs 3:5, 6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. (JEWEL ) Our best wishes and many thanks, Merne. Love in Christ and a BLESSED NEW YEAR . Jewel and John McClimans

Psalm 17:15
Here is the verse the Lord has given to me this year: Psalm 17:15 "As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness." Sue Martin

Isaiah 43:4-5a
My verse is Isaiah 43:4-5a "Since your are precious in my sight, and have been honorable, I will give souls in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you." Interesting right? I surely do want more souls won for Christ. God is blessing me in the Victory Wesleyan Church (baby of the Haitian Church. It is 11 months old now and I average around 33 each Sunday. Betsy Schott

Psalm 62:1,2
"My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1,2 In my fifties I am learning what it means to "rest from my labors" and to "rest in God alone." Dale Barrett

Psalm 139:13,14,16b-- vs.13-14
My verse for the year is Psalm 139:13,14,16b-- vs.13-14:"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. vs.16b: All the days ordained for me were written in your book before oneof them came to be." I really consider the whole chapter as my year thought but these verses stand out the most.Mary Roozeboom

Psalm 139:23, 24
Here is my scripture passage for 2004. It is the last two verses in Psalm 139, a Psalm I have been using for years when visiting people in the hospital or any other time they are dealing with physical problems. If they are physically able, I ask them to read the whole Psalm. This is often a very moving experience for them. The most recent instance was when I was visiting a young man in the "de-tox" unit of a local Hospital after he had attempted suicide while on Cocaine. Both he and his dad were in tears as the son slowly read the entire Psalm. God miraculously delivered him a few days later and he is on the road to complete recovery... Thanks be to God! "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23, 24 (NLT) John F. Wilson CEI - 1947-49

Malachi 4:2
My 2004 verse comes from Malachi 4:2 (NIV) "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteouness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. " Timothy McGuire

Joshua 1:9
My verse for the year is the life verse given to me by Dr. Vennard back in 1943. Many is the time that I've gone to that verse especially when there were tasks required of me when I knew that I did not have the wisdom, knowledge or human strength to see the task through. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Gordon Bacon

Jer. 29:11 Proverbs 23:18
Here are our "year verses" for 2004: Vicki (Harper) Drude -- Jer. 29:11 -- "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Ted Drude -- Proverbs 23:18 -- "For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off." God Bless, Ted & Vicki Drude

Psalm 68: 3-4
The verse which I claim as my year verse is from Psalm 68, verses 3 and 4: " But let the righteous be glad, and rejoice before God; let them also be merry and joyful. O sing unto God, and sing praises unto his Name; magnify him that rideth upon the heavens; praise his Name JAH, and rejoice before him." The verses are from the appointed Psalm for the 13th day, Morning Prayer, as found in the old Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. The version is Bishop Miles Coverdale, mid- sixteenth century. Carl Smith, Ph.D., Music Education. Praise the Lord!

Philippians 1:9-10 (KJV)
My year verse is: Philippians 1:9-10 (KJV) "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;" It is my desire to love others as Christ loves me. Rachel (Nygren) Maki Vennard College 1989

Matthew 24:14
Here is my verse for the year and you will be hearing from me later why this is my verse. "And the good news of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then will come the end." Matthew 24:14 Al Wagner

Psalm 100 Psalm 118:28
Here are the verses we have chosen for this year. Linda: Psalm 100 (the whole chapter) Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his court with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Jim: Psalm 118:28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Jim and Linda Hulett

I Peter 2:2 The Message
My year verse is "Drink deep of God's pure KINDNESS. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God." (I Peter 2:2 The Message) "'I am the Lord who exercises KINDNESS, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight', declares the Lord." (Jer.9:24b NIV) Delinda Bishop

Proverbs 3:5,6 (NIV)
Dora's verse for the year is: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5,6 (NIV) Bob and Dora Wesche

Matthew 7:11
'If you you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him." Sandy Harris

Peter 4:10 and Romans 12:15.
Paige Conat