“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps.118:24).
That Psalm verse was placed on my heart because the Lord knows how blessed I feel to announce the gold medal winners of the Top 10 favorite Bible verses contest. Blessed because readers take the time to write and submit meaningful lists that enrich our Townhall Bible study virtual community. This contest is still open, and I plan on posting a faith-filled entry once a month.
A few housekeeping details before you see the winning list. Eagle-eyed readers will notice that I wrote “gold medal winners.” Yes, there are two. Let me explain. I narrowed the entries to two finalists and could not choose the winner. Then, over the weekend, I conferred with an 11-year-old family member who studies the Bible and is amazingly knowledgeable. (At his age, I was religiously reading MAD Magazine!) When I asked my young Bible scholar to break the tie, he also had difficulty and suggested two first-place “gold medals.”
So, drumroll: Congratulations to Ken from Ionia, Michigan, and Robert Littman from Savannah, Georgia! However, due to space limitations, I can only post one today and chose Ken’s because his list arrived before Robert’s. In fact, Ken’s was the first entry I received when the contest was announced on January 15 in Vol. 148.
Then, on March 19, Robert’s list will be featured.
And now, without further ado, here is Ken’s “Top 10 Favorite Bible Verses and What They Mean.” Ken’s commentary appears after the verse and, where applicable, a “Note from Myra” follows.
1. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
It would seem this verse was written specifically as an appeal to our nation at this time.
Note from Myra: If readers want to dig deeper into this famous verse, read Vol. 5 from March 29, 2020, headlined “God’s Warning.” Briefly, verse 7:13 before 7:14 sheds more light on God’s warning but is usually omitted. In bold, verse 7:13 reads:
“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves… (2 Chronicles 7:13 -14).
Thus, adding 7:13 makes what Ken described as “an appeal to our nation” even more poignant.
2. “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions” (Psalm 107:20).
This verse keeps me thankful.
3. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalm 32:8).
What better guide is there?
Myra’s Note: Ken’s verse reminded me of another Psalm “guide” verse: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
4. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16).
We can feel confident when reading of Messiah throughout the Old and New Testaments.
5. “The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 33:11).
My wife and I chose this as one of the verses read at our wedding. I read it as looking forward to the great wedding with Christ.
6. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
The creation of a universe out of nothing is miraculous by anyone’s definition. All miracles written thereafter in the scriptures are easy to believe when this is understood.
Myra’s Note: The most famous reading of Genesis 1:1 was when astronauts circled the earth on Christmas Eve, 1968. I remember hearing it live. Comment if you did too.
7. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Apparently, through trials and tribulations in this life, God is seeking character.
8. “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4).
If God created you, then He is your nearest kin.
Myra’s Note: He is “Our Father, who art in Heaven..”
9. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Read and study and try to live it.
10. “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
There is no one I know that is deserving of such consideration. But our heavenly Father does this anyway.
Myra’s Note: What an uplifting ending to Ken from Michigan’s co-winning entry. And again, congrats to Robert Littman, whose gold medal list will inspire us next month.
Myra’s Note Take Two: Writing your Top 10 favorite verses and what they mean to you is a godly exercise that can strengthen your faith, especially when you share your list with others who love the Word of God. Amen to that!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible,” reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. “Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of SignFromGod.org and the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. Both are donor–supported ministries dedicated to Shroud of Turin education. Contact: MyraAdams01@gmail.com and Twitter @MyraKAdams.
Cross-posted at Townhall and Substack.
