The Shuff home no longer has any teenagers.
Happy 20th Birthday to our youngest, Cole!
I spent the morning looking back at journal entries for Cole’s birthday. Instead of me going on and on about Cole, I thought I’d let The Word describe him. These are verses that express what others have to say about Cole.
It is my prayer that we can read these God-breathed words and allow them to flourish in our lives.
Be friends with those who are wise, and you will become wise. Choose fools to be your friends, and you will have trouble. Proverbs 13:20
Choose your friends wisely.
Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect. Romans 12:2
Don’t change for others, change for God.
A friend loves you all the time, but a brother was born to help in times of trouble.” Proverbs 17:17
Be a true friend.
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Find your strength in Christ alone.
“The Lord is the source of wisdom; knowledge and understanding come from His mouth.” Proverbs 2:6
Gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from reading the Bible, life’s instruction book.
“So listen, my sons and daughters, to everything I tell you, for nothing will bring you more joy than following my ways. Listen to my counsel, for my instruction will enlighten you. You’ll be wise not to ignore it. Proverbs 8:32-33.
Follow God’s way. Be enlightened by listening to His wisdom.
And I pray that He would unveil within you the unlimited riches of His glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with His divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of His love will become the very source and root of your life. Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is His love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God! Ephesians 3:16-19
Amen! Reread those verses and feel the immeasurable love Jesus Christ has for you!
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11
Be generous.
“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them.” Proverbs 4:20-22
Always, and I mean always, seek God’s guidance.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
Life is too short to be anything but cheerful. Treasure each day.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Never give up on doing or being good. Do the right thing.
“The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety. He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection. He is my shield; by his power I am saved. He is my hiding place high in the hills.” Psalm 18:2
Find refuge in the Lord.
“Live like free people, but don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as those who are serving God.” 1 Peter 2:16
Live freely in Christ.
Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you a different kind of fishermen. You will bring in people, not fish.” Matthew 4:19
Fishing is fun. Fishing for men is rewarding. Share Jesus.
For all who obey His commands find their lives joined in union with Him, and He lives and flourishes in them. We know and have proof that He constantly lives and flourishes in us, by the Spirit that He has given us. 1 John 3:24
When you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, He lives in you. The Holy Spirit dwells within you. Succeed because He is in you.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
This verse was a go-to verse for me to share with our children while they were growing up. It continues to be a perfect reminder for daily living.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLE!
