When we read Scripture, it can be easy to disconnect ourselves from the personal potential of a text. It’s normal to read a verse and see its general application to believers as a whole, but the beauty of the Word of God is that it applies to all of us. Could it be that God is indeed imparting a message that is especially for you and me? We asked readers to share their favorite Bible verses but reimagined as if God were speaking directly to them through that text. We invite you to try this exercise for yourself. Go to the Bible and rewrite a text in a way that makes it directly and pointedly for you from the Lord. We are sure you will be surprised by how that new message impacts your life.—Editors.
THE REAL VERSE:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”*
REIMAGINED:
God is with me in all situations of this life; I will not fear.
—Hopewell Mandina
THE REAL VERSE:
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
REIMAGINED:
Call unto Me, Karen, and I will answer, and show you great and mighty things that you didn’t know.
—Karen Capers
THE REAL VERSES:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”
REIMAGINED:
Jamilah, this person is already infuriated. Answering with the same energy would be like throwing gasoline on a fire. Be the sand to a burning fire, instead of the gasoline that stirs the blaze.
—Jamilah Read
THE REAL VERSES:
“And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
REIMAGINED:
The Only Begotten Son is Jesus because He is the only One who descended from heaven and became the Son of man. We are all God’s sons and daughters, but we are not God’s Only Begotten. Jesus is the only One because He is holy and we are not, and it is He who has seen the Father and knows Him. He set an example of His life for us by never committing a sin. The physically focused and materialistic people served the Ten Commandments, but without love. It is the Father’s love for all of us that He self-sacrificed His only begotten son to save us unconditionally. There should not be a day when we forget this and spread not this eternal gospel message to everyone. It’s all about Him and nothing about us.
—V. Kamal
THE REAL VERSES:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” “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.”
REIMAGINED:
Pamela, fear not, for I am with you; Pamela, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Pamela. Yes, I will help you, Pamela. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Pamela, fear not; I will help you.”
—Pamela Rodriguez
THE REAL VERSE:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
REIMAGINED:
Gloria,
I want you to give thanks for whatever is happening in your life right now: both the good and the challenging. All that concerns you has been discussed with Christ Jesus, your friend and Savior, and is My will for your life. Trust Me.
Love,
God
—Gloria Dorsey
THE REAL VERSES:
“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
REIMAGINED:
Don’t be discouraged or grow weak from fear. I the Lord win victory after victory and am always with you. I celebrate and sing because of you, and I will refresh your life with My love. I will lead you home, and with your own eyes, you will see Me bless you.
—Larissa Greenwell-Smith
* Unless otherwise noted, verses are taken from the New International Version.
