Tag: Colossians

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What is the Will of God?

What is the will of God?

In the model prayer (commonly referred to as the Lord’s prayer), Jesus taught us to pray for the will of the Father to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
The bible also exhorts not to be foolish with our lives, but to understand the will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:17).
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:17 NKJV
And the Apostle Paul prayed for us that we would know fully (be filled) with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9).
In fact, God has made known to us the mystery of His will (Ephesians 1:9).
So, what is the will of God for your life?

What does His Word (aka the Bible) say about it?

Here are a few to ponder:

  • Deliverance from evil – Galatians 1:4; Matthew 6:13
  • Sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
  • Transformation – Romans 12:2
  • Do good – 1 Peter 2:15
  • Stand perfect and complete – Colossians 4:12
  • Attitude of thankfulness – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
How do I know God’s will for specific situations?

Through His Spirit (Holy Spirit) Romans 8:26-27

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the  will of God.
Romans 8:27 NKJV

Our Prayer For You

[We pray] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 1:9‭-‬10 NKJV

Did You Know?

The expression “will of God” or “will of the Lord” appears 18 times in scripture.

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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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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What did Jesus give us Victory over? Part 2 of 7

What did Jesus give us victory over via the cross?

As we celebrate Easter week, it is helpful to consider the impact of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross of Calvary over 2,000 years ago. His death, burial, and resurrection isn’t just an event we commemorate and celebrate once a year. It is actually a celebration of the greatest triumph in history. It is also a reminder that God is true to His Word because He promised this triumph would occur thousands of years before His only Son would come to live on this earth.
So we thought we would share 7 things (areas) that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross gives us victory over. Yesterday, we discussed our Victory over Sin.
Victory over Fear
Fear was one of the first responses to sin. When God called to Adam when he was hiding, he said to God “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid” (Genesis 3:10). However, the power of Christ’s sacrifice (His love) defeated all side effects of sin in the world including fear.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts our fear because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
1 Peter 4:18
In fact, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7)
When fear comes up, you have a choice – to yield to it and let it overtake you. OR reject it knowing that Jesus already won the battle for our peace (John 14:27).
In Jesus, we have peace (John 16:33)
Check out our other posts on the subject of fear.
How do you access this victory for yourself?
Salvation is a free gift that has already been paid for. All we have to do now is receive this free gift by faith. To learn how, check out our Salvation page.

Our Prayer For You

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Did You Know?

(If you) draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8).
Our response to fear should be to turn towards God’s loving arms; not away from Him.

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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10 reasons to have confidence in God through prayer

Jesus said men ought to always pray and not lose heart or give up (Luke 18:1). The Bible also tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to continue steadfastly and earnestly in prayer (Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2).

 

What is prayer? I like this definition from Wikipedia:

 

Prayer “is an evolving means of interacting with God, most frequently through a spontaneous, individual, unorganized form of petitioning and/or thanking”.

 

Prayer then is simply a dialogue between ourselves and our Heavenly Father. It is an opportunity for us to communicate – to talk to Him and to hear from Him.

 

Why then do we have problems praying consistently (and not just when a crisis hits or we have a need that we are unable to meet in our own strength and ability)? I heard a pastor say that he believed prayelessness was an issue of faith and I can see the reasoning behind that. If you had full confidence (faith) in the one you were asking and *knew* you would get what you asked for, I expect most people would definitely ask.

 

So that caused me to wonder – Why can we have confidence in talking to God the Father through prayer?
  1. Our Father is omniscient and knows what we need before we ask (Matthew 6:7-8). For example, God already knows we need life’s necessities (food, clothing, shelter, etc) (Matthew 6:31-32)
  2. Our Father knows how to give good gifts to those who ask Him (Matthew 7:11; James 1:17)
  3. Whatever we ask the Father in Jesus name, He will give to us (John 16:23-24; 15:16)
  4. Whatever we ask the Father in Jesus name, Jesus will do for us (John 14:13-14)
  5. Everyone who asks receives, who seeks finds, and who knocks the door will be opened to him (Matthew 7:7-11)
  6. If we ask anything according to God’s will, He hears us and we have the petitions we asked for (1 John 5:14-15)
  7. Whatever we ask, we receive because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:21-22)
  8. God did not spare His own Son for us. In addition to giving us His Son, He freely give us all things (Romans 8:32). Afterall when you have given your most precious possession, giving anything less is much easier.
  9. God will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalms 84:19)
  10. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20)

 

The reality is God has already given us everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). And He has promised to supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

 

So what is the key to having a successful prayer life?
  • Have faith in God (in who He is) (Hebrews 11:6). God is a rewarder of those who diligently (earnestly, sincerely) seek Him. See also James 1:6-8.
  • Seek the Lord (Psalms 34:10). Those who seek Him shall lack no good thing.
  • Seek God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) and all the other things we want will be added unto us.

 

Most importantly, prayer is a great opportunity to discover who God is and what His will for us is as we develop a relationship with our Heavenly Father. He has said He will not withhold any good thing from us. Conversely, He won’t give us something that will become a weight or stumbling block to us either. So don’t bother asking for anything with wrong motives (e.g. out of selfishness or an unrighteous agenda) because He won’t answer those requests (James 4:3).

 

#prayer #petition #faith #confidence #ask #seek #knock #believe #receive #gift

 

Scripture References:
  • Luke 18:1
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • Romans 12:12
  • Colossians 4:2
  • Matthew 6:7-8
  • Matthew 6:31-32
  • Matthew 7:11
  • James 1:17
  • John 16:23-24
  • John 15:16
  • John 14:13-14
  • Matthew 7:7-11
  • 1 John 5:14-15
  • 1 John 3:21-22
  • Romans 8:32
  • Psalms 84:19
  • Ephesians 3:20
  • 2 Peter 1:3
  • Philippians 4:19
  • Hebrews 11:6
  • James 1:6-8
  • Psalms 34:10
  • Matthew 6:33
  • James 4:3

 

References:

 

About BibleStorm:

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truths 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.

 

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia game cards today from our online store.
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Why was Jesus Christ born (Christmas)?

Nativity scene
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1‭, ‬14 NKJV

 

On December 25th, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Did you know that Jesus always existed and has always been with the Father? (1 John 1:1-2). When God said “Let there be”, the Word that went forth was Jesus Himself. “All things were made through [Jesus], and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 1:3) “[This includes] all things … that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)

 

“God showed how much he loved us [mankind] by sending his one and only [begotten] Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” (1 John 4:9) “That whoever believes in [Jesus] should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16‭-‬17)

 

This same Jesus left His deity to come to earth and take on the stature of a man to fulfill God’s desire for reconciliation with man. Jesus was obedient to the Father, even to the point of dying on the cross and taking on the sins of the entire world.

 

Why did Jesus do this?

  1. To redeem [mankind] from the curse of the law (having become a curse for us by being crucified on a cross).
  2. That the blessing of Abraham might come on us [gentiles].
  3. That we might receive the promise of the Holy Spirit through faith.

 

Note: Bullet points are from Galatians 3:13-14.

 

So this Christmas season, let’s celebrate the love of our heavenly Father, who did for us something that we couldn’t do ourselves – atone for our sin nature and make us right(eous) through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:3-4).

 

Merry Christmas!

 

PS: As we enjoy the festivities of the season and spend time with friends and family, it’s important that we not forget the reason for the season. God has given us the most important gift of all – the gift of redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ. Check out our salvation appeal page to learn more about Jesus Christ and how to receive Him as Savior.

 

References

 

#Jesus #Christ #Love #Christmas #Salvation #Nativity #GodsWord #BibleStormTrivia #BibleStorm

About BibleStorm:

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truths 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.

 

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia game cards today from our online store.