Investigating Scripture

This morning while doing my quiet time with God at church, I was caught by this one verse that had meaning in almost every word it had. Here it is:

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." - Romans 12:12-13

What I saw was that there was something to find in every single phrase, and it has seemed to help me understand the Bible already a lot better. I'll put up two of my favorite verses - including this one - and individualize the meaning of each phrase and how it is applicable to our lives as people.

Romans 12:12-13

Be joyful in hope - Be happy in knowing that God knows your future and provide for you the best life if you commit to having faith, which is hoping.

Patient in affliction - (this is the one that gets me) - Wait for God's work despite hardships in life, because there is a better road ahead. Although there will always be struggle, trusting in the Lord is the one way that can pull you out.

Faithful in prayer - When in prayer, be justified and humbled before the Lord - (Luke 18:9-14). Don't pray for other people to see, pray so that it is your request of heart to God.

Share with God's people who are in need - Believer or nonbeliever, provide accountability and love which can support the believer in his or her walk with Christ, and can shine a light for the nonbeliever.

Practice hospitality - Open you house - and most of all - your time to absolutely anyone in a time of need or struggle.

2 Timothy 2:22

"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

Flee the evil desires of youth - Literally run from temptations and desires that are for now, but will not benefit your future. Leave behind your youthful sins. If you are no longer youth - proof comes through this - was following those desires more worth it than obeying God?

And pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace - Escape from the worldly passions and live in mission with Christ by following His ways to be a missionary in the world - whether it be in another country or simply with the friends you have now.

Along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart - Surround yourself with strong accountability from Christians who will challenge you to be the person you can be.

So in all of these, which verses can you narrow down and see yourself applying to your life?