As Christians turn their eyes to Christ during this Lenten season, faithful in Northwest Arkansas shared their favorite Bible verses.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

"For believers it means a lot. If God hadn't loved us as much as he did, he never would have sacrificed his Son in order for all us sinners to have the opportunity to be with him after we die.

-- Randy Hutchinson, Springdale

It's her favorite "because it shows how much he love us."

-- Katlin George, 11, Springdale

It's his favorite "because I can remember it."

-- Cameron George, 13, Springdale

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7, New Living Translation).

"This is my favorite verse because I'm a huge worrier, and this helps remind me that if I channel that energy into prayer, I'll feel much better about everything. Plus, it's all in his control anyway, so worrying really is a waste."

-- Sara Mansker, Bentonville

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

"This verse has always comforted me through difficult times, knowing that I could get through whatever challenge was ahead of me -- such as this latest battle with my health -- through Christ's strength not my own."

-- Wendy Wesson, Springdale

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

"It is a constant reminder that we must keep our relationship with God strong. We cannot receive his blessings if we are not constantly communicating with him and worshiping him."

-- Neikeita V. Mitchell, Fayetteville

Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand (Proverbs 19:21, New American Standard Bible).

"I have several favorites, depending on what season of life I'm going through. Currently, it is a verse from Proverbs. I am a planner. I have to remind myself that I can think I know what I want or need, but in reality, my God is in control of my life. I have a magnet on my fridge that sums up this verse to me. It says, 'We plan, God laughs.'"

-- Kimberly Brown, Springdale

"'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:31 New Revised Standard Version).

"I feel this verse that is often forgotten or ignored in many people's life. There are those that practice just the opposite of this commandment in judging others by the color of their skin, social or economic status or their lifestyle. Those who choose to ignore and not apply this most basic commandment are dishonoring the most basic belief that we all are created in the image and likeness of God. How can God's creation be anything less than perfect? If that were not true, God wouldn't be much of a God, would she? The "fall" from this truth begins when we start believing we are less than someone else. In this false belief of being less than, we begin to start judging others so we can feel better about our own inadequacies. We start judging others' belief systems and finding fault all in an effort to feel better about our own beliefs. I feel people who judge like this are very insecure about their own beliefs. I chose the Christianity belief system in my life, but that doesn't make any of the other religious belief systems wrong. In truth and reality, there is only one God. There are many paths to God, but only one God. There are many names for God and many facets of God that we will never come close to understanding. I cannot and will not judge anyone else's religion or belief system based on my belief system because we all are searching for the same thing, a better awareness of the presence of God in our lives."

-- The Rev. Edwin Williams, Fayetteville

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint (Isiah 40:31).

"This is one I have leaned on a lot during times when things seemed to be crumbling (including me). It speaks to hope ... to renewal ... to the ability to endure."

-- Kimberly Crumby, Springdale

A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters; he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23).

She had to memorize and recite this as a child throughout Sunday school, and it was used a lot in funerals. "Now I read it, and it brings back memories from my youth and growing up Southern Baptist, but the peace of the passage is my favorite."

-- Holli Smith Sublette, Rogers

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but (only) one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win (Corinthians 9:24).

"This is my daughter Kaitlyn's favorite and mine for her because she is a runner. It obviously can apply to a race but more importantly in life. Run the race (live your life) to win the prize (to make it to heaven)."

-- Greg Collier, Springdale

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

"It's positive, as well as hopeful, telling us what can happen in this world and in our lives. The verse is also empowering because it shows that great feats can be accomplished through us, while making sure that our focus is in the right place -- on him."

-- Oakleigh Elise Roberts, Fayetteville

"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:11-13, New American Standard Version).

"It has been a source of comfort for me when I truly didn't know where to turn. Long ago, a friend used the verses to reassure me that, even if I didn't know how a relationship and a first job would work out, God did. The passages have had special meaning for me ever since."

-- Debbie Miller, Bentonville

I have told you these things, so that in me, you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

"Both (Jeremiah 29:11 and John 16:33) are comforting verses in a world that is constantly changing and remind me not to be anxious, but to trust everything will work out for the best."

-- Abby Haigh Stanfill, Fayetteville

He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together (Colossians 1:17).

"It's my favorite right now because, wherever I am, or whatever I face that day, Jesus has gone before me and is literally holding my life together."

-- Sabrina Thiede, Springdale