Posted on April 28, 2021September 6, 2021 by biblestorm_admin

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.

Posted on October 12, 2020October 12, 2020 by biblestorm_admin

How Do You See?

2 Kings 6:8-17 recounts the story of Elisha and his servant being surrounded by the Syrian army. Elisha was a prophet of God and the Syrians were enemies of Israel. The king of Syria sent an army to the city where Elisha lived because he wanted to silence his prophetic gifts. Upon discovering the shocking sight of an army encamped against them, Elisha’s servant asked him “What shall we do?”.

Do not fear

Elisha’s first instruction was not to fear. There is something about letting our fears get the best of us. It causes us to act or respond in ways that do not please God or bring glory to His name.

There are many reasons why we can be at peace and calm in spite of the obstacles and challenges we face on this side of eternity. One reason is because “those who are with us are more than those who are with them (i.e. the enemy)” (v16).

We have to have the proper context!

God has already commanded His angels to protect and defend and guard us in all our ways (Psalm 91:11 AMP). There is a hedge of protection around us constantly and God is always fighting battles on our behalf.

See the situation through spiritual eyes

The next thing Elisha did was pray that God would open his servant’s eyes to see the unseen reality around them (v17). This is the reality that Elisha saw but was hidden from everyone else (including the Syrian army). There was a whole host of heaven ready to intervene on their behalf!

Why is this important and relevant today? There is a spiritual battle constantly taking place around us (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy fights against us with various strategies that all originate in the supernatural realm – marital conflict, financial lack, disease, suicidal thoughts, etc.

However, we too have the host of heaven ready to intervene on our behalf. There are countless examples from the bible of supernatural deliverance when things appeared to be dire. From the parting of the red sea to Daniel in the lion’s den and the 3 Hebrews boys in the fire among others.

It is important that we place more trust and confidence in God and His Word than in what we see. Find scripture references that relate to the situation you are facing and meditate on them day on night. Choose to declare God’s word instead of (and in spite of) what you see. And resist the urge to fear or believe there is no hope.

We live by what we believe, not by what we can see.

2 Corinthians 5:7 NCV

Will you live by what you believe or by what you see?

Our Prayer For You

And [we pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will know and cherish the hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints (God’s people),

Ephesians 1:18 AMP

Did You Know?

The Apostle Paul exhorted us not to be ignorant of the devil’s schemes and strategies (2 Corinthians 2:11). And we are instructed to put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand in the evil day (Ephesians 6:13).

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Posted on April 27, 2020May 18, 2020 by biblestorm_admin

Have you ever encountered a difficult situation?

Have you ever encountered a difficult situation?

John 11:1-4,38-44 recalls the story of Lazarus, his sickness, death and how Jesus raised him from the dead. It details the expectations of the sisters of Lazarus and their disappoinment that Jesus did not make it to him before he died. But there’s a deeper story here as well.

Perhaps you have received an evil report concerning your health, finances, loved ones, job, etc. This is not the time to panic and become hysterical. Instead it’s a great opportunity to seek God’s Word concerning the situation and the resolution. It’s also a great time to make positive, biblical based confessions concerning the situation.

In John 11:4, Jesus said

“This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

That’s how we should look at every situation. That it is for God’s glory so that Christ may be glorified through it.

We can substitute our difficult situation for the word “sickness” in this scripture. E.g. This financial difficulty will not end in foreclosure or bankruptcy. This challenge on my job will not end in job loss or loss of favor. This battle with addicition will not end in defeat. Etc.

Jesus said we should fear not and we should have peace. In this world we will have numerous trials and tribulations but He has already overcome them for our sake (John 16:33).

We already know how the situation with Lazarus turned out.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).

Just as surely as Lazarus was raised from the Lord, we have assurance that if we believe and have faith as little as a mustard seed, all things are possible to those who believes (Mark 10:27).

PS: You may also want to read our blog posts on “the consequences of fearful thinking” and “burdened beyond your abilities“.

Did You Know?

We can hold fast (tightly, unswervingly) to our hope [in God] because He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

Our confidence has great reward, so do not cast it away. (Hebrews 10:35).

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Posted on April 24, 2020November 23, 2021 by biblestorm_admin

Have you ever been burdened beyond your abilities?

Have you ever been burdened beyond your abilities?

Have you ever despaired of life? If so, you are in good company. The Apostle Paul experienced these same feelings as described in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

The truth is we all reach the limits of our human capacity from time to time or in particular areas of our life. Apostle Paul was not immune from this and neither are we. In fact, the bible has numerous examples of this. For example, prophet Elijah, after killing 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:22,40) fled for his life at the threat of Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-3).

Why does this happen and what should we do about it?

Jesus tells us that because we live in a fallen world, we will experience affliction (John 16:33). Trials, difficulties etc also make us realize we can’t do life on our own.

Like Paul, we must learn to “stop relying on ourselves, and learn to rely only on God” (2 Corinthians 1:9 NLT). When we get to the end of our abilities, we need to learn to rely on God’s strength, His grace, and His Holy Spirit to live out the call He has placed on our life.

God is our creator and He created us to be dependent on Him.

Even as Jesus told us we would have affliction, He also let us know He had already overcome the world through His death, burial and resurrection (John 16:33). When we seek the Lord, He hears us and delivers us from all our fears (Psalms 34:4).

In our walk with God, we can even get to the point that Apostle Paul did where we can “boast in our infirmities … and take pleasure in [them], in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

We can do this because we recognize that our trials and tribulations produce perseverance, strength of character (maturity) and hope in us (Romans 5:3-4).

In what areas of life have you reached the end of your rope? Is it in a relationship – a difficult spouse/marriage or an addicted parent or a disobedient, wayward child? Is it in the area of finances and struggling to make ends meet for yourself or family? Is it in the area of your health where you may be dealing with persistent issues that have you living less than God’s best for you? Or something else entirely?

Take those things to God in prayer. Search His Word for the answers you need. Proverbs 3:5-6 perfectly sums up the response we should have.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6

Did You Know?

“God … comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

So be encouraged. Someone is depending on your testimony.

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Posted on March 29, 2020April 27, 2020 by biblestorm_admin — 2 Comments

What are the consequences of fearful thinking?

Scared to death!

The Free Dictionary defines the expression “scared to death” as “hyperbolically alludes to having been frightened so badly as to have died from it.” Can you really be “scared to death”? While the phrase is a colloquialism, “humans can be scared to death. Being scared to death boils down to our autonomic response to a strong emotion, such as fear.” [Encyclopaedia Brittanica]

In the bible, there was a man named Job. In one day he lost everything he had – his livestock was stolen and burned and worst of all, all 10 of his children were killed in one fell swoop.

Here is the interesting thing about his response when he was informed of his great loss. Job said:

For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me.
Job 3:25 NKJV

Our thoughts and imaginations are wonderful gifts from God. We can use it to project a better future for ourselves or use it to lock ourselves into a prison of our making.

There is no point in incessantly worrying about (and meditating on) all the possible things that could go wrong during this crises. There is so much that is outside our control and imagining the worst doesn’t help us at all.

Instead, fix your eyes on God and meditate on His Word day and night. In so doing, you replace fear with faith and you make your own way prosperous (Joshua 1:8).

What are you meditating on?

Remember: As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).

Trust (in) God. Do not be afraid. Have faith. Encourage yourself.

Did You Know?

God has not given us a spirit of fear,

but of power and of love and of a sound mind (or self control)

(2 Timothy 1:7).

This spirit we have been given is the Holy Spirit which Jesus promised to His disciples before He ascended to heaven. He said we would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon us (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49). Also, love and self control are 2 of the 9 fruits of a spirit led life (Galatians 5:22-23).

However, this gift of the Holy Spirit is only given to the children of God. And you can only become a child of God by accepting His Son, Jesus the Christ. To learn how, check out our salvation page.

#TrustGod #FaithOverFear #BeEncouraged #FaithStrong

Check out more of our blog posts on fear including why fear is ungodly.

About 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.

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

Posted on March 29, 2020April 27, 2020 by biblestorm_admin — 2 Comments

God has not given us a spirit of fear!

We at BibleStorm feel that it is important for Christians to share their faith and confidence during this season. The reality is the peace we have is found in none other than God and His Word. Our prayer is that these posts will be educational and an encouragement for someone as we individually and corporately deal with the damaging effects of the coronavirus.

Did you know that the first mention of fear in the bible occurred after Adam and Eve sinned and ate from the tree God told them not to (Genesis 3:10)? This spirit of fear (and yes, fear is a spirit) is a consequence of sin and disobedience and is from the devil.

The bible says:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

As children of God, fear is not our inheritance. We are heirs to the promises God has made to us in His Word. When God says He hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, it means it’s our choice (like Adam and Eve) to either accept or reject the lies of the devil (and the feelings of fear brought on by him).

My pastor says fear is twisted faith. Will you put more confidence in the things you see, hear, or think (or what “they” say)? Or will you believe what God says?

Trust (in) God. Do not be afraid. Have faith. Encourage yourself. And yes, obey the authorities, be wise, and practice social distancing.

Note: The promises of God are for the children of God. You can only become a child of God by accepting His Son, Jesus the Christ. To learn how, check out our salvation page.

#TrustGod #FaithOverFear #BeEncouraged #FaithStrong

About BibleStorm:

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Posted on March 25, 2020April 19, 2021 by biblestorm_admin

How do we know that God is at work?

How do we know that God is at work?

Because the bible tells us so.

But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”

John 5:17 NKJV

Sometimes it seems as if “God isn’t doing anything, as when Jesus delayed visiting Mary and Martha’s sick brother”, Lazarus (John 11:3-6). Or when Abraham waited 25 years between receiving the promise and when Isaac was actually born (Genesis 12:1-4; 21:1-7).

But “our Father has given us the Holy Spirit to help us recognize His presence and handiwork. But discerning God’s work also requires patience since the Lord operates according to His timetable, not ours.”

Jesus said

“whatever things you ask when you pray,

believe that you receive them,

and you will have them.”

Mark 11:24 NKJV

In between the time we pray for something and when we see the manifestation of it, we should trust in the Lord with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5). Why? Because:

God never changes (Hebrews 13:8).
His word is always true (Matthew 24:35).
God is our helper, our light, our salvation, and the strength of our life (Psalms 27:1)

“When we recognize the ways in which God is operating, we will be encouraged and strengthened in our faith.”

Be encouraged. Jesus already took all death, sickness and disease in His body upon the cross and by His stripes we are healed and we are healthy (1 Peter 2:24). The coronavirus will be no different.

Note: Based on a devotional reading from InTouch Ministries.

Posted on August 25, 2019April 27, 2020 by biblestorm_admin

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?

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)
Our Father knows how to give good gifts to those who ask Him (Matthew 7:11; James 1:17)
Whatever we ask the Father in Jesus name, He will give to us (John 16:23-24; 15:16)
Whatever we ask the Father in Jesus name, Jesus will do for us (John 14:13-14)
Everyone who asks receives, who seeks finds, and who knocks the door will be opened to him (Matthew 7:7-11)
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)
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)
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.
God will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalms 84:19)
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:

Wikipedia: “Prayer in the Hebrew Bible“, n.d.

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.