Staff Favorites: Scripture We Hold Close

As we continue to settle into this year’s rhythms and get back to routine post-spring break, what better way to refocus our hearts than by turning to Scripture? We asked our staff to share their favorite Bible verses—passages that have encouraged, sanctified, and uplifted them. Whether you’re looking for hope, wisdom, or inspiration, these verses are sure to lift your spirit and encourage you to dive deeper into the Word of God.

“Matthew 16:24 – When I read this verse and truly understood it for the first time, it helped me to understand the gospel in a real and personal way! I understood real quick that my life is truly not about me and that has been a cool idea to live my life by ever since. If I want to live for Christ, I need to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow Jesus daily!” —TJ “Philly” Connor, Executive Director of CTX

“Psalm 27 has been my go to! It is a great reminder of God’s presence with us now and the goodness that is ahead for us as believers!” —Annelise “Smilin’” Morrison, Silverado Camp Director

“When I think about a favorite Bible passage, I always come back to Zephaniah 3:17. It was actually our theme verse during one of my first summers as a camper at the Shores, and I really credit camp with opening eyes to the beauty and impact of that verse! The picture of the Lord loving us so much that He SINGS over us? It’s so meaningful, and really speaks to the unending heights and depths of His love.” —Valerie ‘Ouch Potato’ Morby, Social Media and Copy Manager

“One of my favorite verses is Romans 12:12! This has been a great reminder to me throughout my life in good times and in hard times to rejoice in the hope of my salvation, be patient in tough times, and then always bring things to the Lord!” —Faith “Flora” Shinsky, Risk and Safety Coordinator

“A passage that daily impacts my heart is Hebrews 9:13-14. This passage serves as a reminder that Jesus’ sacrifice is superior because it was perfect, voluntary, rational, and motivated by love. As I reflect on how this applies to my daily life, I’m challenged to ask myself: Is my heart divided, or do I serve the Lord with an undivided mind? It is such a sweet opportunity to invite the Lord into the mundane moments of life and allow Him to transform them into something extraordinary for His glory.” —Rachael “Sugar Power” Anderson, Registrar

“Psalm 90:12 has been on my mind a lot lately. I want to grow in wisdom! I want to understand the fleeting nature of life and time, and grow in being more aware of God’s presence as I am more present with others.” —Conor “Flow” Barry, Ridge Camp Director

“I appreciate Luke’s opening verses in ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭4‬. After taking an apologetics class in the Forge, I learned to appreciate the thoughtfulness of knowing how to share why Christianity stands amongst all other religions. Luke’s thorough examination and documentation of what happened was so important. He did it with a passion to make sure people were given the facts in hopes that they would believe. Such a strong example for us to do the same!” —Faith “Tumbledore” Banford, Media Specialist

“I love Psalm 73:28 – simple. It is good to be near God. It is the best medicine, He is all that I need! Really have found a lot of truth in understanding what it is like to be in refuge with God! And then the best part, being encouraged to share what God has done!” —Anna Kate “Sthkiis” Inman, Bluffs Women’s Director

“As someone who tends to strive—always seeking the next goal, always trying to accomplish more—Psalm 116:7 has kept me grounded. It’s a reminder that my soul was created to rest in the Lord, to trust Him with my story and my life. It reminds me that I’m not meant to always be on the go, and I don’t have to strive in order to receive His abundance. God’s character is one that invites rest; He is worth resting in.” —Alyssa “Flee-on-huh?” Andreone, Staff Support Generalist

“I am currently reading through Hebrews in my Bible reading plan, and a verse that continuously sticks with me is Hebrews 14:4. It constantly reminds me that we are capable of waging the war against our flesh and resisting any present temptation!” —Parker “Boomer” Shinsky, Communications Project Coordinator