Inspiration from Scripture

Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, since we have justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.  And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Jeremiah 1:4-8

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."  "Alas, Sovereign Lord," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am too young."  Bu the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.'  You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord.

Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

At this time the disciples came to Jesus and said, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?'  So he called a little child to him whom he set among them.  Then he said, 'In truth I tell you, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.  And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.  Anyone who welcomes one little child like this in my name welcomes me.  See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in Heaven.  Tell me.  Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray?  In truth I tell you, if he finds, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all.  Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in Heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.'

Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples scolded them, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.  In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'  Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.

Wisdom 3:1-9

But the souls of the upright are in the hands of God, and no torment can touch them.  To the unenlightened, they appeared to die, their departure was regarded as disaster, their leaving us like annihilation; but they are at peace.  If, as it seemed to us, they suffered punishment, their hope was rich with immortality; slight was their correction, great will their blessings be. God was putting them to the test and has proved them worthy to be with him; he has tested them like gold in a furnace, and accepted them as a perfect burnt offering.  At their time of visitation, they will shine out; as sparks run through the stubble, so will they.  They will judge nations, rule over peoples, and the Lord will be their king for ever.  Those who trust in him will understand the truth, those who are faithful will live with him in love; for grace and mercy await his holy ones, and he intervenes on behalf of his holy ones.