Category: Righteous Living

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What are the Benefits of God?

What are the Lord’s benefits?

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits–
Psalm 103:2 AMPC
We are called to bless the Lord and not forget his benefits. In the storms and trials of life, it is easy to focus on the challenges ahead and forget about the prior challenges that God has successfully overcome on our behalf.
So what are some of the benefits that God has prepared for those that fear Him and keep his commandments  (Psalms 103:17-18).
1. He forgives our sins.
In the model prayer (Matthew 6:12), Jesus teaches us to forgive others even as we ask for God to forgive our sins.
2. He heals our diseases
God says”He will put none of the diseases He brought on the Egyptians upon us” (Exodus 15:26).
3. He redeems our life from destruction (hell)
Psalm 34:22 says “He redeems the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate”.
4. He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies (compassion)
See story of prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24.
5. He satisfies us with good things
He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. James 1:17 says “every good and perfect gift is from God”.
6. He renews our youth like the eagles
Isaiah 40:31 NIV says “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”.
7. He executes righteousness and judgment for all the oppressed
Jesus said come to me all who are heavy burdened and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:38-30).
8. He makes His ways and His acts known to us
For example, he revealed His plans to Abraham concerning his future (Genesis 12:1-3), Sodom (Genesis 18:17), and even the bondage of the Israelites in Egypt (Genesis 15:12-14).

Our Prayer For You

Father, we pray that your people will not forget all the benefits that you daily give to them (Psalms 68:19; Psalms 103:2). 

Did You Know?

The Lord is our salvation and daily loads us with benefits (Psalms 68:19 NKJV).

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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What does the Bible say about Thankfulness?

What does the Bible say about Thankfulness?

A lot actually.
Here are 5 verses to mediate on year round (and not just during Thanksgiving).
1. God’s will is for us to be thankful (in every situation/no matter the circumstances)
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
~1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
2. Approach God with thankfulness
“Enter into [God’s] gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
~ Psalms 100:4 NKJV
3. Give thanks with your whole heart
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds”
~ Psalms 9:1
4. Give thanks because God is good (all the time)
“Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.”
~ Psalms 136:1 NCV
5. Pray with thanksgiving (with the confident assurance that God hears our petitions and will respond)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
~ Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NKJV

Our Prayer For You

Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16 AMP

Did You Know?

We are to do all things without complaining. Why? So that we may prove ourselves to be children of God (Philippians 2:14-15). Instead of complaining, we are to do whatever we do heartily, as unto the Lord and not unto men (Colossians 3:22-24; Ephesians 6:5-8).

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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Why Great Women in the Bible Prayed: Esther

Why Great Women in the Bible Prayed: Miracle Stories of the Power of Prayer - Esther

Have you asked yourself why great men and women in the Bible, powerful as they were, still prayed? 

We’ll share stories from three prayerful characters in the Bible:

  • Joseph
  • Daniel
  • Esther

Esther - Once An Orphan

Esther was a member of a large Jewish community forced to relocate to Persia. However, she refused to return to Judah as it was a dangerous place.

As such, she remained in Shushan, Persia. Mordecai, a royal official, adopted and raised her with a good home and upbringing.

Have you experienced being adopted? Or, do you know someone who has grown up like this? What is it like?

Then A Beauty Queen

Beauty queen? How?

Continuing the story, the Persian Empire had a beauty pageant (Esther 2:1-4, ESV). It was something like what we know today as the “Miss Universe.”

Are you a fan of this show? How much do you follow and support your country’s candidate?

Going back, King Ahasuerus was looking for a new wife, hence, this search for the most beautiful woman. Esther joined the pageant (verses 5-14).

Guess what? You’re right! Esther won the crown (verses 15-18). Significantly, she succeeded by making friends and influencing people. Meanwhile, the other contestants served as concubines or perpetual widows.

And Eventually A Great Heroine

Five years later, Ahasuerus had Haman as his chief advisor (Esther 3:1, ESV). This advisor persuaded the king to sign a decree to kill all Jews. Why do you think he did this?

Mordecai knew about this decree (2:19-23). Hence, he was not on good terms with Haman. As such, it would significantly affect Esther and her nation.

Can you imagine how difficult it was for Esther? She was between two dilemmas being in a good relationship with the king and his stepfather.

With this, Mordecai pleaded for Esther to intercede for the Jews (chapter 4). However, she thought she had no right to reconcile since the king didn’t ask her for advice.

True enough, the king didn’t call her to the palace for a month. What would you think if you were in this situation?

Nevertheless, Esther spent time praying to God. Then, she went to the king and invited her to two successive banquets (chapters 5-7).

In the second one, Esther took the chance to present her matter privately. With this, the king discovered that the decree was Haman’s plot.

Hence, King Ahasuerus ordered Haman to suffer the same plot he had built against Mordecai. Then, Mordecai replaced him as the chief advisor.

Yes, Esther saved the Jews (chapter 8)! She had changed the future of her nation forever. What a great heroine!

Why did these great men and women feel the need to pray?

Joseph, Daniel, and Esther are just a few of the Bible’s best examples of prayer and faith.

In the case of Joseph and Daniel, you can see that prayer was significant in interpreting dreams. As humans like us, they had no power to determine their prophetic meanings.

Hence, they needed God’s wisdom because only He knows the future. He is in control of the universe and everything that happens in it.

Meanwhile, Esther knew she had no power to control her king’s decision. Neither could she convince Haman to take down his deceitful plan.

Thus, prayer was all that she had to get through the trial. As you have seen from her story, she did her part and surrendered the rest to God.

Heroes Bible Trivia Guest Blog Post

Heroes 2 is a Bible trivia game released by the Hope Channel. It is a sequel to the game, Heroes, which was released in 2013. The latest game version is on 3D graphics and animation, enhanced with unique features and more challenging Bible questions. It comes in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The game is available on both iOS and Android.

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Why Great Men in the Bible Prayed: Daniel

Why Great Men in the Bible Prayed: Miracle Stories of the Power of Prayer - Daniel

Have you asked yourself why great men and women in the Bible, powerful as they were, still prayed? 

We’ll share stories from three prayerful characters in the Bible:

  • Joseph
  • Daniel
  • Esther

Daniel - From A Captive

Daniel and his three friends were among the Israelite captives of Babylon (Daniel 1:1-7, ESV).

In the palace, they underwent training to become good servants of King Nebuchadnezzar. They also had the privilege to taste royal food and wine.

Unfortunately, the king’s food was unclean in God’s sight. More so that it was being sacrificed to idols, Daniel and his friends refused to eat (verses 8).

If you were these young men, could you stand up for what is right despite the temptation?

Going back, they requested the king to feed them vegetables and water for ten days. Surprisingly, after the test, they looked healthier and stronger than the rest of the trainees.

Can you imagine how handsome they looked?

Continuing their healthy diet, they even proved themselves ten times wiser (verses 9-15).

To A Trusted Adviser

One morning, King Nebuchadnezzar woke up from a bad dream (Daniel 2:1-16). He consulted his wise men, but they couldn’t interpret it.

Hence, the king ordered the execution of all wise men. Meanwhile, Daniel volunteered to interpret his dream, telling that he had God to give him wisdom.

If you were in this dangerous plot, would you also dare to do this?

Daniel and his friends prayed all night. Later, God revealed the meaning of the king’s dream (verses 17-30).

The following morning, he told the king he dreamed of a gigantic statue (verses 31-45). Its body comprised different metals representing different kingdoms. Then, a rock destroyed the statue.

Here, Nebuchadnezzar was the head made of gold. According to Daniel’s interpretation, the kingdom of Babylon would someday fall.

How do you think it made a difference in the king’s decision?

Fortunately, Nebuchadnezzar spared all the wise men. Significantly, Daniel made a good impression and thus became governor of Babylon (verses 46-49).

Based on what you’ve seen from this story, how has prayer impacted Daniel’s life?

Why did these great men and women feel the need to pray?

Joseph, Daniel, and Esther are just a few of the Bible’s best examples of prayer and faith.

In the case of Joseph and Daniel, you can see that prayer was significant in interpreting dreams. As humans like us, they had no power to determine their prophetic meanings.

Hence, they needed God’s wisdom because only He knows the future. He is in control of the universe and everything that happens in it.

Meanwhile, Esther knew she had no power to control her king’s decision. Neither could she convince Haman to take down his deceitful plan.

Thus, prayer was all that she had to get through the trial. As you have seen from her story, she did her part and surrendered the rest to God.

Heroes Bible Trivia Guest Blog Post

Heroes 2 is a Bible trivia game released by the Hope Channel. It is a sequel to the game, Heroes, which was released in 2013. The latest game version is on 3D graphics and animation, enhanced with unique features and more challenging Bible questions. It comes in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The game is available on both iOS and Android.

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Why Great Men in the Bible Prayed: Joseph

Why Great Men in the Bible Prayed: Miracle Stories of the Power of Prayer - Joseph

Have you asked yourself why great men and women in the Bible, powerful as they were, still prayed? 

We’ll share stories from three prayerful characters in the Bible:

  • Joseph
  • Daniel
  • Esther

Joseph - Once An "Ambitious" Dreamer

You’ve probably already heard of Joseph “the dreamer.”

He grew up to be his father Jacob’s favorite son. Jacob even made him a beautiful, colorful coat (Genesis 37:3, ESV). Hence, his eleven brothers became jealous of him.

Besides, Joseph would share his dreams, wherein his family would someday worship him. 

For instance, eleven bundles of grain bowed to his pile. Also, the sun (his father), moon (his mother), and eleven stars (his brothers) worshipped him (verses 7-9).

For his brothers, Joseph was a very ambitious dreamer. Would you also call him such?

One day, they plotted to kill him. Specifically, they threw him alive into a well and sold him to the Egyptian merchants as a slave (verses 12-36).

If you were Joseph, what would you do?

Character Tested

Joseph’s life as a slave in Egypt was tough. For instance, Potiphar’s wife imprisoned him for a crime he didn’t commit (Genesis 39).

Can you imagine this?

Nevertheless, Joseph became a blessing to his inmates by interpreting their dreams through prayer and divine wisdom. Significantly, his predictions came true (Genesis 40).

Do you know someone with this God-given talent and wisdom?

Later, one of Joseph’s inmates, who was a cupbearer, was released. When Pharaoh dreamed, the cupbearer remembered Joseph and recommended him to interpret the king’s dream.

Through prayer, Joseph determined the dream’s interpretation (Genesis 41:1-36). Specifically, there would be seven years of abundance and another seven years of famine all over Egypt and neighboring nations.

As such, he advised the king to store up grain in preparation for the famine. Convinced by this counsel, Pharaoh made him governor of Egypt (verses 37-57).

Became The Fulfillment of His Dreams

One day, ten men from Israel came to buy food (Genesis 42-46). Joseph recognized them as his brothers, but they didn’t yet. So, he took the opportunity to test how they had changed through the years.

Convinced by their honesty and sincerity after a series of tests, Joseph finally revealed himself. Can you imagine how dramatic this revelation was?

More so, when he asked his brothers to bring their father and youngest brother, it was an unforgettable reunion.

 

Have you experienced something like this? How much do you think prayer helped Joseph get through all these?

Became The Fulfillment of His Dreams

Joseph, Daniel, and Esther are just a few of the Bible’s best examples of prayer and faith.

In the case of Joseph and Daniel, you can see that prayer was significant in interpreting dreams. As humans like us, they had no power to determine their prophetic meanings.

Hence, they needed God’s wisdom because only He knows the future. He is in control of the universe and everything that happens in it.

Meanwhile, Esther knew she had no power to control her king’s decision. Neither could she convince Haman to take down his deceitful plan.

Thus, prayer was all that she had to get through the trial. As you have seen from her story, she did her part and surrendered the rest to God.

Heroes Bible Trivia Guest Blog Post

Heroes 2 is a Bible trivia game released by the Hope Channel. It is a sequel to the game, Heroes, which was released in 2013. The latest game version is on 3D graphics and animation, enhanced with unique features and more challenging Bible questions. It comes in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The game is available on both iOS and Android.

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How will the world know we are Christ’s disciples?

How will the world know we are Christ's disciples?

If we have love (and unselfish concern) for one another! John 13:35 AMP
It’s that simple. It’s not by how loud we profess Christ. Or our membership in a local church. Or how much we pray and fast. Or the ability to speak in other tongues or prophesy. Or by our good deeds or charitable giving.
In fact, the Apostle Paul notes that if we have all knowledge and all faith, but don’t have love, we are nothing and have gained nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2-3).
So if we say we love God, we should keep His commandment (John 14:21-24). When we do so, the love of God will be perfected in us (1 John 2:3-6). Then we will exhibit that love by loving one another (John 13:34-35). And the world will see that we are truly Christ’s disciples.
Agape!
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
By this all will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34‭-‬35 NKJV

Our Prayer For You

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV

Did You Know?

It is impossible for us to love God whom we have not seen, if we do not love our fellow humans who we do see.
1 John 4:20-21.

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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The Value of Pleasant Words

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweet and delightful to the soul
and healing to the body.
Proverbs 16:24 AMP

Where do words come from?

Jesus said “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45 NKJV).
Our words reflect the condition of our hearts. So then, it is impossible to speak pleasant words to others if our heart is not in the right place. In fact, our thoughts determine the condition of our heart and subsequently, the words that we speak.
Be careful what you think,
because your thoughts run your life.
Proverbs 4:23 NCV
What kinds of words should we speak?
  • Words that are wholesome
  • Words that build up and never tear down
  • Words that bless others (Ephesians 4:29)
  • Words that are full of grace, kind and pleasant (Colossians 4:6)
Do you want to speak pleasant words?
  • Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23)
  • Watch what you think about or meditate on (Psalms 19:14)

Our Prayer For You

Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalms 19:14 NKJV

Did You Know?

We will give an account for every (careless or useless) word we speak on the day of judgment.
Jesus said “But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak.”
Matthew 12:36 AMP

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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Why should you live righteously?

Why should you live righteously?

Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.
Matthew 5:6 AMP
I don’t know about you but I want to be blessed (joyful and nourished by God’s goodness). So how do we get to experience this perpetual state of blessing?

By hungering and thirsting for righteousness.

Righteousness indicates a right standing with God. There is nothing we can do ourselves to be righteous in the eyes of God. Our self effort and actions to do good to others, live ethically, etc are not enough. In fact, the bible states that our righteousness is like filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6).
The truth is, the only way to really be in right standing with God is to accept His perfect sacrifice on our behalf, Jesus (Romans 3:21-23).
Jesus is the righteousness of God who freely exchanged His righteousness for our unrighteousness (even while we were yet sinners and enemies of God) – Romans 5:6-8 – so that we could become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus invites us to a life of abundance in Him (Isaiah 55:1-2; John 10:10). Jesus is the bread of life that came from heaven to give life to the world (John 6:33-35). Those who come to Him shall never hunger or thirst again (John 6:35,51-58).
Jesus said we are not to worry (be concerned or consumed with) what we shall eat or drink. Our Heavenly Father already knows we have need for those things. But if we seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, not only will we receive His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 7:7-8) but we will also have all other things added unto us (Matthew 6:31-33).
How do you live righteously? 
It’s simple really. Just seek the righteousness of God (Jesus) and receive the free gift of His righteousness by faith. To learn how to receive this free gift, check out our Salvation page.

Our Prayer For You

[We pray that you be] filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:‬11

Did You Know?

It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him (Hebrews 11:6 NLT).

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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How to enter God’s Rest!

How to enter God's Rest!

Labor Day is here again. One day a year set aside to honor the American worker and their contributions to society by granting them a day of rest.
But for the believer, everyday can (and should be) labor day.
In the beginning, God made man on the 6th day. His first experience was the 7th day on which God rested. And man could rest as well because of the finished works of God.
That is what God is calling us to even now – a life of rest in the finished works of His only begotten Son, Jesus. When Jesus said “It is finished” (John 19:30), He meant it. Every trial, tribulation, sickness, lack, trouble, problem – everything that has a name and is contrary to God’s perfect will and way has been finished on the cross of Calvary.
The question is whether we will go on carrying those burdens (that we were never designed to carry in the first place) or whether we will choose to go to Jesus with them.
Jesus said “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 NKJV
The world system says we need to work hard to get the things in life we want. But God says His “blessings make rich and adds no sorrow” (Proverbs 10:22). If we seek God first, if we prioritize His kingdom and His righteousness, all the things we need and want will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).
Why can we have this assurance?
  • God knows exactly what we need – not what we think we need (Matthew 6:7-8, 32)
  • Jesus told us not to worry – that life consists of more than material possessions and pursuits (Matthew 6:25-31)
So REST!
Release
Every
Single
Thing
Cast all your cares on Jesus because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Strive to enter God’s rest (Hebrews 4:11) because that is His very best for you and I.

Did You Know?

There is a rest that has been reserved for the people of God (Hebrews 4:1-11). And as Christians, the bible exhorts us to make every effort to enter that rest.
This promise is for all believers to receive. The first step however, involves accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord over your life. To do so, check out our Salvation page.

Our Prayer For You

[We pray that you] come boldly to the throne of grace, that [you] may obtain mercy and find grace to help [you] in [your] time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.