Jordyn Elizabeth Ashbeck

There is a time and place for everything. With everything I do in my life, I need to ask God for help and guidance to understand the purpose for every time and season. I chose this verse because it helps me understand the things I go through in my

life. That is important because when things are going well, it’s Our 2013 Confirmands easy to thank God, but when things are going bad, it’s just as easy Jordyn Elizabeth Ashbeck to blame him. The truth is God has a time for everything.. Ashley Carolann DeWilde “There is a time for everything, and a season for every Haley Caitlyn Engelbrecht activity under heaven… he has made everything beautiful in its Erin Mae Gast Julian Mark Hagen time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot Katie Elaine Livernash fathom what God has done from beginning to end” - Ecclesiastes Gavin Fredrich Nelson 3:1, 11 Logan Thomas Schoen The book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon. These McKenna Chanté Smith verses were written because he wanted us to be aware and Bailey Lynn Sukow understand that there is a purpose for every time and season. Everything happens at just the right time. He wants us to see that life’s joys and hardships are all part of his great scheme. He is always working for our good.

He adds one other thought. We have eternity in our hearts. We live in a world that that is filled with sin and sickness. We know that the wages of sin is death. We have an awareness that that this life is not the end. No matter how long we are here, something is missing and we cannot fill it. We have a longing for

2 an eternity that will last forever. This is the time and season that Ashley Carolann DeWilde God has given to us to trust in Jesus and have eternal life. It was nearly impossible for me to pick only one verse for a This verse is important to me because, there IS a time and confirmation theme, because each verse is special to me in place for everything. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, different ways. Matthew 10:16 strikes me as very insightful and God’s purpose for me doesn’t change. And since “there is a time encouraging because everyone will experience living in a world for everything and a season for every activity ”, now is the time to that is hostile to Christianity. trust in him and live for him. Along the way, I will need wisdom. I Jesus’ words, recorded by Matthew, in Matthew 10:16 are need wisdom to make and carry out wise decisions as a Christian. a warning to everyone who is in the faith. He says, “I am sending There is a time and place for everything. In the good times you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as and bad, I must thank God for everything. I must never forget him snakes and as innocent as doves.” Jesus spoke these words shortly or take him for granted. I have to remember God does all things for after he healed the dead girl and the sick woman. After the good of those who love him. experiencing these miracles, Jesus now sends them out to preach to the Jews. He warns them of what he would find. He uses this picture. If a wolf was in a flock of sheep, it would destroy many sheep. But if a sheep ventured into a pack of wolves, that sheep would face certain death, because the wolves would tear it to pieces. He tells them in this passage that as they go into the world, it will be like they are going in among wolves. Because of that, they should be like snakes and doves. They should be shrewd, sometimes quietly fleeing from danger at other times standing and fighting if necessary. They are to do it also as doves, symbols of peace, innocent and not attacking anyone or starting any trouble.

Jesus was talking directly to his disciples, but his words are for us too. This passage is a warning to us to be on our guard

3 4 against the wolves of this world. Jesus also warns us in this Haley Caitlyn Engelbrecht passage about what we can expect in this world, so we will not be Mountains, iron, Samson, steel, and an ox. What do all surprised. Jesus warns us so that we will know what to do when these things have in common? They’re all strong. However, the we have wolves sneak into our lives. Jesus sends us like sheep strongest thing is not in this list. To find it, we turn to God’s Word among wolves; because, even though we face enmity and danger, in the verses of Psalm 18. When I started looking for my we can go with confidence knowing He would be with us always. confirmation verse I looked up Psalm 18:32,33, and I thought I Jesus sent his disciples to go to the lost sheep of Israel, and would keep looking to make sure this verse was the one I really we should do like-wise. We don’t have to go to Israel, but to the wanted. But, every time I looked at any other verse, Psalm many lost sheep around us. However, we will have to go into a 18:32,33 kept coming to mind. Its uniqueness with strong, world that is full of nasty, vicious wolves. We can be sure that God comforting, and encouraging words led me to pick the following is with us and bless our work among them. I understand how tough verses for my confirmation passage. it will be to stay strong in the faith, but I am confident that only “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way with God’s help I will be safe. I will take comfort in knowing that perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to nothing, not even the devil, the world, or my own sinful flesh, will stand on the heights.” Psalm 18:32,33. The book of Psalms is also ever separate me from my God. called the songbook of the Bible, and Psalm 18 is part of the 150 songs in this book. Psalm 18 is an independent psalm altogether. This psalm only has loose connections to other psalms and the hymn 434: Lord, You I Love with All my Heart. Psalm 18 was first written in 2 Samuel chapters 32 and 33 while David was in Jerusalem at the end of his reign and his life. David wrote this psalm as praise to the Lord for helping him through his battles and to show the joy he had in the Lord. This was one of David’s 73 psalms, which he wrote in the era of 1000 B.C. Philippians 4:13 states the same strength in simpler words: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” 5 6 When I thought about verse 32, it seemed obvious that God Erin Mae Gast is the one who strengthens me through my life and will continue What do you worry about? Is it that test you didn’t study strengthening me through the Lord’s Supper and through the other for, the outcome of a sports event, getting the bills paid or even blessings God will provide. Also, God makes everything I do in death? It’s okay to be concerned, but we shouldn’t be pulled apart Christ perfect. God makes me sure-footed and nimble in my life by worry. Matthew 6:34 has always stuck out to me and given me and in my faith, just like a deer in verse 33. Knowing this, I can great comfort and assurance on the toughest of days. I was positive stand up to persecution, sharing my faith, and stress and worries this would be my confirmation verse. from my daily life. This passage equips me with encouragement to continue my role in spreading the Gospel. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” My confirmation verse seemed to be just like me, we are both unique. I know God led me to pick this verse to provide me From the side of a mountain, Jesus spoke these words with the strength to live out my daily life. mainly to his disciples, but also to the crowds of people during his famous Sermon on the Mount. He didn’t tell them how to become a Christian, but gave them commands on how to live their lives as a Christian. This verse is found in the section called, “Do Not Worry.” For, if we are a worrying Christian, we are a sinning Christian. It’s like telling God you don’t trust him. And so we need forgiveness for the sins of worry.

Matthew 6:34 is special to me and brings me so much comfort, because God will take care of me. When I’m struggling in my life, he won’t abandon me, but will carry me through it. Every day I’m going to face temptation. Life isn’t going to get easier. But I shouldn’t worry; God will take care of me and give me everything I need. Don’t worry about tomorrow’s troubles, for tomorrow will worry about itself, each day has enough troubles of

7 8 its own. I will live each day to its fullest knowing that my worries Julian Mark Hagen will no longer be worries, because God will take them and never When I first sat down to choose this verse and to write this stop caring for me. He will provide. In the prior verse Jesus said, essay, the most daunting challenge I had to face was this; to read “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these the Bible and decide upon a verse which suited me and applied to things will be given to you as well.” We need to look to God’s my life. It was difficult at first, because I couldn't find a specific kingdom and forget the meaningless things of the world. We need verse which pertained to my life. In the end, my father directed me to seek heaven and share the promise of it with others. He cares for to look in the book of Ephesians. Right away, I spotted this verse, us here and now, so we should focus on our eternity. God will give and it spoke to me, telling me of the blessing that Christ gave to us us all we need. Our lives are in his hands. through his death. The verse itself was written to the people of What do you worry about the most? Does it help to worry? Ephesus to tell them the good news of the savior. Unfortunately, God will always take care of and provide for you and me. This they did not listen to Paul, and shut themselves away from him and verse doesn’t let me forget it. I can stop and think of all the ways his words. the Lord has blessed me and why I shouldn’t worry, but trust in These are the words of the apostle Paul: “Praise be to the him. This passage can get me through the most challenging days in God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in my life. I am so comforted by this verse. So, don’t worry, be the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” The hopeful. words “heavenly realms” are used to describe the grand blessing(s) that Christ bestowed upon us, the honor of entering the glorious kingdom when we die. Along with this, the words "spiritual blessings" are mentioned. This refers to all of the inspiring things that the Lord provides us with so that we may live a meaningful and blessed life on Earth. Apart from spiritual blessings, there are earthly blessings. These are the many objects that the Lord has provided us with so that we may live and be happy in our daily lives. These blessings can only be provided for us through the Lord, because only his son could have died for our sins and saved 9 10 us from our eternal suffering in Hell. The words of this verse tell Katie Elaine Livernash me to praise Him and serve him all of my life. Later in my life, I Choosing a confirmation verse may have been dreaded by some will especially take notice of this verse, because only through him students, but not for me. Joshua 1:9 has been at the back of my can I obtain life in His kingdom when I die. mind for quite some time. It brings me the assurance that God will In accordance with this verse, I shall praise Him for the rest always be by my side no matter where I go. of my life and be glad in him. Thankfully, I have many blessings Here is what the Lord said, “Have I not commanded you? which helped me to write this essay. My parents, the Bible, and my Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be pastors are just a few examples of these blessings. discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you I now wrap up this paper with gladness. Praise the Lord. go.” These encouraging words first gave assurance to Joshua, as he lead the Israelites to the promised land. We know that the Israelites were delivered from their bondage in Egypt with the help of Moses. But now Moses has died, and Joshua is taking his place. Joshua was most likely a bit hesitant about leading the Israelites, which is why God encouraged him numerous times. A few verses earlier, God had given Joshua more reassuring words. God told him that just as with Moses, he would never leave nor forsake him.

When God spoke these encouraging words to Joshua, I know he was speaking to me, as well. Joshua 1:9 has brought comfort to me, and I know it will in the future, too. In the next few years of high school and all through my life, I will hear ridicule and persecution that I do not hear at St. Paul’s. These words will remind me not to be scared, but strong and brave as I fight for what is right. I know that when I stand up for my faith and confront the persecutions I hear, God will be standing next to me. He will stand

11 12 by me and strengthen me as I take Holy Communion each and Gavin Fredrich Nelson every time, understanding the seriousness and meaning of In my short 14 years, my life has been all about me. As a receiving Jesus’ true body and blood. toddler, my first word was “mine”. As a young child, it was always As I venture out of the security of St. Paul’s, this verse will “why can't I have this or that”. As a teenager it's always “I really still be at the back of my mind, and it will mean more to me. I’ll need that, or, all my friends have it”. When I was choosing my realize that I can be even more strong and courageous for what lies confirmation verse, I was looking for a verse that mainly focused ahead, God by my side, leading the way. on one of my weaknesses. Matthew 22:37 doesn't revolve around me; rather it revolves around Jesus, and where he fits in my priorities.

Jesus replied: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” At this time, the Pharisees where trying to trap Jesus by asking what is the most important commandment, Jesus silenced them saying these words. In Deuteronomy, Moses is scolding the people of Israel and getting them to understand God’s demands. He uses similar words “love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength”.

We will face difficult times when it will be hard to admit we love Jesus, but we are to love God with all we have even if in some situations it may mean death. This verse popped out to me because of the connection I feel towards my Savior, and how I want to love to praise him. Even though I try everyday, because of my sinful nature, I fail to do just that. When I was younger, I would always pester my parents to go somewhere or to buy me

13 14 something. Now that I am maturing, I know that I don't have to Logan Thomas Schoen have all those things. I need to focus on God and learn how to Although there have been many Bible verses that have drown the old Adam daily. This is a total commitment, to love the given me great inspiration and have helped me through tough LORD your God with ALL, your heart with ALL your soul and times, Joshua 1:9 seems to stand apart from the rest. I’ve thought with ALL your mind. We can’t love God halfheartedly because he for a while about choosing Joshua 1:9, as it has proven time and deserves our all! Rather than my life being about me… me… me… again to be a great comfort in my times of weakness and trouble. this passage tells me that it’s all about him. When the Lord spoke these words to Joshua, He was reminding My whole life has been all about me. My human nature is Joshua that He, the Lord, would be by Joshua’s side everywhere he like the Pharisees who tried to justify their level of love to God. went, and that Joshua would not have to worry. Through my confirmation instruction, I better understand its all Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong about him and pray that the Holy Spirit move me to see that the and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for Lord is most important. the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God Himself spoke these words to Joshua after the death of Moses. Because Moses could not fulfill the task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, the Lord appointed Joshua, who was the son of Moses’ aide, Nun, to be the new leader of the Israelites. Joshua was then to guide God’s chosen people across the Jordan River into Canaan. During this time, he was camped with the people of Israel along the east bank of the Jordan River.

I’m sure that as I get older, God will present many opportunities for me to stand up and lead for Him. But there will also be times when someone will defame Christ right to my face, or will try to tear me down for my beliefs. At those times, there will be a need to stand up for Jesus. That will take a vast amount of

15 16 strength and courage, which Jesus will give to me so that I will not McKenna Chanté Smith have to be afraid. Joshua 1:9 reminds me that it is easier to be My confirmation verse is a verse that I have always liked. I brave when you have Jesus by your side, and that I should always remember growing up we had to memorize Jeremiah 29:11. At the trust in God’s word; just like Joshua. From time to time, sadly, I time, I thought it was a nice verse. But it wasn't till I was older that will wander and want to give up like the children of Israel; but I it started to understand what it really meant for my life. It offers have God who promised to guide and strengthen me through the comfort, gives hope, and peace. It is a promise that God alone Word and Holy Communion. Knowing that, I don’t have to worry knows our future and will always help us, never do anything to means that I can express and share my faith boldly and confidently hurt or harm us in any way, shape or form. when I am faced with challenges. Strengthening my faith through this word and sacrament, Christ assures me of his presence Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” wherever I go. That brings me peace; knowing that God is there to declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, strengthen me along the way. plans to give you hope, and a future.” Jeremiah the prophet said those words to the surviving elders, prophets, priests, and all the other people that Nebuchadnezzar took into exile in Babylon. He was basically telling the people to go on with their lives because God is in control, and it was His will, not theirs. This verse comforted not only them, but it comforts many Christians still today. God has plans for each and every one of us. God has planned for us exactly what we need for our lives. He will prosper all the plans that he has for us, and he will bless us.

This verse offers comfort, especially to those who are going through some tough times. I know that it has definitely helped me in the past, and still does everyday. When I am not having a good day, I remember that God has a plan and that just because something bad happens, doesn't mean that God doesn't

17 18 care about us or love us. There is a reason behind it. He loves us so Bailey Lynn Sukow much, that he sent his son to earth to be tortured and killed, so that The idea of choosing one verse for my confirmation theme proved he would pay the price that you and I should have paid for our own to be more challenging than I expected. In Galatians 5:22-23, sins. But not only did Jesus die, He rose again and lives to carry Paul’s word gave me confidence that I had chosen the correct verse out those plans. for my confirmation essay. These words were written by Paul as Knowing that God is always by my side, every believer’s letters to the Christians in Southern Galatia, which is now Turkey. side for that matter, is a great thing to know. He will always love us and do what is best for us, even if it is a bad thing or if we don't But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, understand why. He might be testing our faith. He knows our kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. future, and we must always remember that. Against such things there is no law. Paul wrote this letter to clarify and uphold the true gospel that we are justified by grace through faith without the words of the law and to prevent the Christians in Galatia from losing their faith and salvation. His words are equally noted in Ephesians 2:8- “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Also in Ephesians 5:9-“for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” Paul speaks about the gift of the Spirit, which is the faith that makes us a Christian. He speaks about the fruit of the Spirit, which deals with our character. Both are the work of the Spirit. Paul now lists the fruit that Christian faith produces. It includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.

No matter where life will take me, I know I will be faced with ongoing temptations to follow my sinful flesh instead of God’s Spirit. I know there will be times of anger and bitterness

19 20 instead of love. Instead of joy, there will be times of hopelessness and despair. And sometimes instead of patience there will be impatience. At such times I will remember that God produces such fruit as the Spirit works through his word and sacrament. Fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I know the fruit of the spirit is produced only because of God’s Spirit. That is the reason for a fruit filled life.

The freedom we have in Christ is not a license to sin but the ability to love one another, there is no law against that. There is no law against being compassionate, loving, kind, joyful, and good. These are the Christian characteristics that we all possess by faith. As I take this next step in my Christian faith, I hope others can see these characteristics even more clearly as I grow. I believe that I can use each of the fruits of the spirit to show thankfulness for what Jesus did for me. And where I fail, what a blessing to know I am forgiven.

Being confirmed encourages me to grow in my spirit- filled life and to help others believe in Jesus as their one true God and King. This is the next step in my journey of life, I feel confident in what I have been taught and my connection to God is even stronger.

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