Happy Birthday! Praying that your special day is truly special. Most of life consists of ups and downs- great, special days and some not-so-great days. Until that glorious day when we are ushered into heaven, we will sometimes struggle. One way to enjoy the special days and to overcome those “down” days is to rely on God’s promises. Genesis 9 is God’s promise to Noah’s family (and all of mankind) that He will never again judge the earth via a flood. The rainbow is the sign of His promise.

I encourage you to find some special promises of God in the Scriptures and commit them to memory. The verses below are some of my special verses that confirm God’s love and sovereignty. You can search your Birthday Bible Verses for some good ones but don’t restrict yourself to just those verses. All Scripture is inspired by God so utilize many verses. If you would just read 1 promise verse a week you could probably memorize it by end of that week. That’s a lot of verses memorized in a year.

Here are some of my favorite promises from God Almighty. God is good all the time.           

Feel free to share your verses on our FaceBook page – https://www.facebook.com/BirthdayBible/

Phil 1:6 – being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

 John 1:12 – But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:

 Zephaniah 3:17 – Yahweh, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.

Ephesians 3:20-21  – ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Listen for the Trumpet

Dave R

’69 / ’83 Quarryville PA

“Once for all” Jesus entered into the Holy Place through the blood of His death on the cross. If you really dwell on that, it can boggle the mind, and I highly urge reading this entire chapter for more mind-boggling implications of what Jesus’ death truly accomplished for everyone who has ever believed in Him. Many of us think of the Old Testament believers being saved by a different salvation than we are. The idea we tend to have is that they were saved by sacrificing animals and offering their blood on the altar of God, and once a year the priests would enter the Holy of Holies to offer the sacrificial lamb for the sins of every Israelite. And we who live on this side of the cross, believe we are saved by Jesus, with a different salvation based on grace and faith. But this is not the case – it is the exact same salvation! We must remember that every believer that came before the Law of Moses had no form of sacrificing animals in the tabernacle to Yahweh. Just like us, their faith was credited to them as righteousness (seen with Abraham: Genesis 15:6, Romans 4: 1-3). It was by grace they were saved, through faith, and not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:9). 

What we see spelled out in Hebrews 9 is that the temple rituals were put in place as a model for God’s people, a way to see that blood is required for salvation and redemption, in order to enter into God’s presence. And while they used the blood of a sacrificed lamb as that model, Jesus is the fulfillment of that, our sacrificial lamb that willingly offered Himself to bring eternal redemption. Not only that, but he also served as the High Priest, who entered into the Holy Place, the presence of Yahweh, to bring His own blood in to cover all of us, from Adam and Eve until the end of this Earth (Hebrews 9: 24, 25, 27). And so, the ritual of the Old Testament sacrifices did serve an important purpose – but it wasn’t the actual work of salvation. It was to point us to a saving faith in Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected, even though they didn’t understand all the details like we do. They looked forward to the 1st coming of the Messiah, just as we now look forward to the 2nd coming (Hebrews 9:28). So, we, not through the blood of goats and calves, but through the blood of Jesus, entered into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption. Once for all. How glorious that is! Rejoice in the salvation we have been given!

Brittany Hynson

’94 / 08 San Jose Costa Rica

CoLaborers International Missionary

www.colaborers.com/Hynsons

Doris Jean H

’44 / ’55 Manheim PA

There is a strip of stores in downtown San Jose, Costa Rica where a person can buy “knock-off” products. These are items made in such a way as to appear like the original name brand product. At first glance, it appears to be the actual name brand item. With a closer look, you can see slight differences and the quality is rarely as good as the original. When you hold the original next to a “knock-off” you can see which is made by the original manufacturer and which is made by other hands. 

For me this brings to mind Hebrews 9:11 where Jesus is described as a high priest of a greater and more perfect tabernacle. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle and later the temple were built by men inspired by God’s design. These structures were used to facilitate a relationship between God and man through the law, offerings, and sacrifices. A lot of sacrifices. All of this was necessary because an imperfect man was not capable of maintaining a relationship with a perfect God. 

           Thankfully God had another plan. The first tabernacle and temple were just “knockoffs” of a better tabernacle that God will build with His own hands. This tabernacle will be perfect unlike the others that were made by human hands. The high priest of this perfect tabernacle is Jesus who died and rose again to give us the opportunity for imperfect people to have a relationship with perfect God. I am so thankful for this perfect plan and this perfect tabernacle made by the hands that created EVERYTHING. As you enjoy your special day and thank others for their gifts and well wishes, I pray that you remember to give thanks to the One who makes all things. The One who made you, me, and a perfect way to dwell with Him forever through His son Jesus Christ. God’s grace is the real deal. Everything else is just a “knock-off”. God Bless.

Frank Hynson 

  ’80 / ’94  San Jose Costa Rica

Happy birthday! For some people, these words scare them.  They truly FEAR getting old. Fear is an emotion that is a survival mechanism. It is disturbing and a very unpleasant feeling. We FEAR a lot of different things. Most of these things are good for us to be fearful about, because it can keep us safe. But Proverbs 9:10 gives us a different outlook on fear. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”. Only God can take something bad and make something good come out of it. To fear the Lord allows us to be enlightened and have clear thinking. This allows us to have stability in our knowledge. To continue in Proverbs 9 verse 11 says “For by me your days will be multiplied and years of life will be added to you”.  The Bible says the glory of the young man is his strength, but splendor of old men is their gray hair. Bible says God will carry you in your old age. Enjoy each day, it’s a gift, a gift from God. That is why it is called the present! Happy birthday.

Michelle Ragland

  ’67 / ‘ 84  Jacksonville  FL

Doris Jean H

’44 / ’55 Manheim PA

This speaks to me because God does not give up on me. Even in life today we are still slaves to something, yet God still loves us. We can be slaves to our phones, jobs, relationships and so much more. Through this bondage, He does not give up showing up in our lives and reminding us that He loves us. Even when I try to ignore the signs, they still happen to remind me of His love

Leanne R

  ’95 / ‘ 02  Jacksonville FL

Have you ever felt like you messed up too much and God cannot forgive you for that sin? I know I have felt like this before since I have messed up big time. I have had this thought many times “I messed up, God won’t forgive me for that”. God makes all grace abound to us. There is nothing that we can do that will separate us from God’s grace. That worst thing that you did, that no one knows about or just a few people. Well, God knows and he forgave you for that already. His son Jesus died on the cross for that sin already. He knew in advance you would do that sin and he still said yup, I will die so that he can be a follower of mine. There is nothing that you can do or anything that you have done that will take you away from his grace. He is a forgiving God for sure and it is incredible to know that fact; that he will forgive you no matter what you do or have done. Be careful as well. Just since we are forgiven doesn’t mean we should continue in our sin. Romans 6: 1-5 talks about this idea a lot. God forgave us, he gives us grace that has no ends. But God gives us more grace.    

Daniel R

   ’96 / ’01  Jacksonville  FL

Doris Jean H

’44 / ’55 Manheim PA

(Dedicated to our mom, Edie Richard who turns 80 today)

       In the early 1960s America was in the midst of an identity crisis (not unlike today). The children of the baby boomers were starting to grow up and looking for meaning in a land of “milk and honey”. One such girl from a small town in Indiana traveled to a college in New York to pursue her dreams. She became an RN and went to work at NY Presbyterian hospital as an ER nurse in the cardiac unit (one of the first of its kind). As sometimes happens to young aspiring professionals, she fell in love and got married. She had a choice to make – continue her successful professional career or go another route.

            In today’s America, the common choice is to continue a career and try “to have it all”. It’s not an easy choice and there are many factors that go into each person’s career path. For Edna Louise (Hall) Richard the choice she made was grounded in her love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  As a teenager she had accepted Christ’s gift of eternal life and wanted to make choices that would have an eternal impact. She “gave” up her career as a nurse and chose to engage in the battle of raising a family and using her gifts in the local church. She decided it was more important to invest in the lives of others as a mom, friend, and disciple maker than as a nurse.

            She gave birth to 4 stubborn, sinful children but by God’s grace and years of consistent parenting alongside her faithful husband, Dale, all 4 kids gave their life to Christ. Our home was not perfect or even happy all the time, but we knew a few things – mom & dad loved each other, us, and Jesus. We learned that God’s grace covers everything. Mom is a true prayer warrior. She has spent thousands and thousands of hours literally on her knees by her bed in earnest supplication to her Lord. We get tired of hearing it sometimes, but she always asks – “how can I pray for you”.  We are so grateful for her ministry of prayer. Dad and Mom currently have 15 grandchildren (ages 29 to 1) and 3 great granddaughters (ages 5,22 months & 1 due in January).  Their rich Christian heritage has been passed down to 4 generations and by God’s grace it will continue.

            Over the years she has used her gifts to teach, write and disciple to further the kingdom of God. She has been a humble servant as she taught Sunday school, Bible studies, worked in libraries, opened her home to hundreds of missionaries / friends and supported her family every step of the way.  Throughout the years she has seldom, if ever, received any notoriety or applause for her “accomplishments”.  Her rewards will be in heaven as she sees her Savior’s face and He says, “well done, well done”.

   We believe mom chose wisely all those years ago and invested a lifetime in service to her Lord, without fanfare and glory. She would have had a great career as a nurse and impacted many, but we are extremely glad she decided to be a full-time mom. She has truly lived a Pro Christ Life; I just hope that others can say that about me.

Love from her children – products of the 60s & 70s

Phil 1: 21- 26

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes. 25  Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your pride in Christ Jesus may be abundant because of me by my coming to you again.

Dave R

   ’69 / ’83  Quarryville PA

Have you ever been taught something, maybe in school or by your parents and many, many, many years later you remembered it? Until this point you did not even care to remember or assumed you had forgotten, but then one day you remember, and it is life changing In that moment. That is what the Israelites are going through in Nehemiah 9. For so many years they had forgotten, or decided not to remember, their forefathers and what they did through the Lord. But now they see the Lord is willing to use them if they repent. They are reminded they are the people of God and He can use them if they allow.

In the same way Israel had strayed from the will of God, we have also decided to forget the promises of the Lord. The American church in many cases has forgotten what the Lord has commanded, or many choose not to obey. This is heartbreaking because we see the constant suffering Israel goes through throughout the Old Testament and as believers, we can see it happening in America.

The encouraging thing is that we know verse 6 is true. We know who God is. We know we can go to Him and pray on behalf of our nation. We know He is God alone and will do as He pleases. As we go through our everyday lives let’s take specific time to pray for our nation and the church to be a light in a lost world.

Cody R

    ’96 / ’08  Jacksonville FL

Doris Jean H

’44 / ’55 Manheim PA

In the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” Marcus Brody, played by actor Denholm Elliott, says the line “my reputation precedes me” when he first meets the character Sallah, who is surprised to see Marcus in Egypt. Marcus says this line to suggest that he’s well-known in academic and archaeological circles, and that Sallah has likely heard about him before. It’s a humorous way to acknowledge his reputation, albeit limited, as an academic and archeologist. I watched this movie with me daughter recently and remembered another encounter of reputation.

     In 2 Chronicles 9:5 an interesting encounter takes place between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. She heard about Solomon’s wisdom and prosperity and had traveled a great distance to see if the reports were true. After everything she had witnessed, she exclaimed, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true.”

     This verse highlights the impact of a godly reputation and a life lived in accordance with God’s principles. Solomon’s dedication to God’s wisdom and his commitment to justice had become widely known. His example influenced others to seek him and, by extension, the God he served.

      In our lives, how is our reputation impacting the world around us in which we live? We can draw inspiration from Solomon’s story. Our conduct, choices, and character should reflect God’s goodness so that others are drawn to Him through us. Just as the Queen of Sheba sought Solomon, may our lives prompt others to seek the source of our wisdom and blessings—our faith in God. Let our reputations be a testimony to His grace and wisdom.

Tim S

   ’81 / ’99 Middletown NY

Doris Jean H

’44 / ’55 Manheim PA

Psalms 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber,

Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand:

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life: the Lord will watch over you coming and going both now and forevermore

How many times do we feel like we are on an island of sorts. We can be in a group of people and still feel alone. There have been many times in my life when I’ve felt this way, like I was the only one who’s ever been through a time like this. I know in my head that there’s very few “new experiences” in our lives, but we still feel scared or worried. And that’s okay if we run to God and allow Him to reassure us and show His love to us. I’ve often heard it said that there’s nothing happening that makes God hang over the railing of heaven and be surprised at what’s happening on earth. God is infinite and all-knowing. Nothing in our lives is a surprise to Him. Rest assured He will see us through whatever is going on in our lives today. He is in control, and we have lessons to learn. I’ve often wished God could send me a sticky note instead of the hard lessons.  Today let’s all buck up, shut our mouths and listen to God. He’s our shade, our traveling companion, and our best friend! He’s got this!

Denise Richard

  ’67 / ’80  Quarryville  PA