Graduation 2017: Christian Inspiration, Quotes and Bible Verses.

Jun 16, 2017 12:18 PM EDT

Graduation is a special time marking a great accomplishment and milestone in the life of an individual, whether young or old. Every person's story of perseverance, dedication, and sacrifice is unique and deserves to be celebrated.

Whether the graduate is going off to college, accepting a job offer, or continuing with further education, what lies ahead is exciting and new - and a bit scary. As your graduate anticipates the future, offer them words of encouragement to prepare them for life's next big adventure. The Gospel Herald has compiled a list of the ten best Bible verses and inspirational quotes to help you do just that.

Bible Verses for Graduates

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

"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." Joshua 1:9

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.."  2 Timothy 4:7

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." Timothy 1:7

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5

"Listen to advice and accept discipline,  and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:20-21

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8 

Christian Quotes and Inspiration

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." - C.S. Lewis

"People are the stocks into which we are to invest our time ... the best of all investments you can make is to help people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. You can make a commitment right here and now ... I'm asking you today not to graduate but commence a new life for God every step of the way." - Rev. Billy Graham

"Education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. ... We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education."  - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don't forget to enjoy the journey." -Michael Josephson

"When we rely upon organization, we get what organization can do; when we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon eloquence, we get what eloquence can do. And so on. But when we rely upon prayer, we get what God can do." - A. C. Dixon

"Every person you meet knows something you don't; learn from them." -H Jackson Brown Jr.

"An unschooled man who knows how to meditate upon the Lord has learned far more than the man with the highest education who does not know how to meditate." - Rev. Charles Stanley

"When one considers our nation's educational foundations - Harvard, Yale, Princeton and most of our respected institutions were originally Christian - it becomes evident why we, as Christians, maintain a passion about remaining true to the foundations of Scripture." - Rev.  Jonathan Falwell