It’s VERSE-O-RAMA 2012 this week on GUWG, where we’re examining some of the world’s favorite Bible verses and the impact they’ve had on people’s lives.
Here’s today’s selection …
He wrote more than a thousand songs and sold more than 50 million records. He’s the only performer who’s been inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He survived addictions to amphetamines and barbiturates and multiple jail terms. He won Grammys, he won Country Music Awards, he recorded best-selling albums when he was a septuagenarian.
His name? Johnny Cash.
In 1968, at the height of his popularity, Johnny tried to kill himself. Under the heavy influence of drugs, he descended into a cave, trying to get lost forever and “just die.” After passing out in the depths of the cave from exhaustion, he said he suddenly felt God’s presence in his heart and managed to find his way out by following a faint light.
Johnny gave his heart to Jesus a short time later in an altar call at a Nashville church. With the help of his future wife, June Carter Cash, he kicked his addiction to drugs. They married shortly thereafter and stayed together until their deaths in 2003.
Before he died, Johnny recorded several gospel albums and made an influential movie with Billy Graham about the life of Jesus entitled The Gospel Road. While he never stopped struggling with sin, Johnny repeatedly turned to God’s word for counsel. For him, it was a matter of life and death.
His favorite verse?
For if you live according to the sinful nature you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live … (Romans 8:13)
Got a favorite verse you’d like to share? I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below, tweet me @getupwithgod or email me at getupwithgod@gmail.com. Thanks!
Here are some more of your fave verses shared via Twitter, Facebook and email. For more, see this week’s previous posts. Thanks again for all the participation!
@sjskier: Phil 4:13 (“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”) Rom 8:28 (“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.”)
@jackieson07: My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9 because I am a weak person and God is my strength. (“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”)
@2adutchgirl: His Banner over us is Love. (Song of Songs 2:4) Rejoice in the Lord always. (Phil 4:4)
@DavidIsgood1: “For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.” (Ps 149:4)
@mumikhaghe: Isaiah 31:3 (“But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit.”)
Pamela J: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” (Heb 10:35) She added this helpful comment:
For me my main concern is to be established in righteousness before I die. I pray that God grants me repentance on all my “can’t help it” and junky sins. His Word says that He will establish us in righteousness and this verse gives me hope that God will do it. Like Joni’s favorite verse said, in Him is Yes and AMEN!
Joshua1:8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will prosper and succeed in all you do.
Amen! Thanks for sharing, Marianne!