Tag: Matthew

Posted on by

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 by

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.
Posted on by — 1 Comment

What’s In Your Wallet? (Part 2)

“God supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food (to the eater)”
(2 Corinthians 9:10).

In part 1 of this blog post, we learned that God is the giver. Whether seed or bread, everything we receive originates from Him (James 1:17). We also learned that it was important to ask God how we are to use every income that enters our hands (bank account, wallet, etc) – See Proverbs 3:5-6.

That said, have you ever considered why God provides seed and bread for us? In summary, it is so we can have everything we need and be generous and bless others.

Here are 10 reasons why God provides for us (from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15):

  1. Shows us an example of the generous life we are to live (v8, 10)
    • God didn’t spare His own Son but freely gave Him that we might live through Him (Romans 8:32; John 3:16)
  2. So that we have everything we need (v8)
    • God is Jehovah Jireh (our provider) and wants us to recognize that He is the source of everything (Deuteronomy 8:18; Matthew 6:31-33, Philippians 4:19; James 1:17)
  3. So we have plenty left over to share with others (v8 NLT)
    • Demonstrate compassion and God’s love for others (1 John 3:17)
  4. To increase the fruits (harvest) of righteousness in us (v10)
    • The more we sow, the more we will also reap (Galatians 6:7-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6)
  5. To enrich us (v11)
    • The generous soul will be made rich (Proverbs 11:24-25)
  6. So we can be generous in every occasion (v11)
    • See the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37)
  7. To supply the needs of the saints (i.e. God’s people) (v12)
    • Paul commended the Philippians for sharing in his distress by sending aid to him (Phillippians 4:14-18)
  8. To produce expressions of thanksgiving to God (v12)
    • When we give, it produces praises to God on our behalf (2 Corinthians 1:11)
  9. To glorify and praise God (v13)
    • Seeing our good works causes others to glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16)
  10. To produce prayers for us (v14)

Paul closes 2 Corinthians 9 by “thanking God for His indescribable gift” (v15). What is that gift you ask? It is the person of Jesus Christ, who came to earth, died, and was resurrected in order to atone for our sins and restore us to a right relationship with God the Father. It’s important that we receive the free gift that God has already given in his son, Jesus Christ, before we seek anything else from Him. Check out our salvation appeal page to learn more about Jesus Christ and how to receive Him as Savior.

References

#Money #Finances #MoneyPrinciples #Seed #Bread #FinancialFriday #Steward

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.
Posted on by

How Are We To Behave As Christians?

Many people seem to have an opinion of what it means to be a Christian. But what does the Bible say about how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians? We are to love sincerely and actively (without hypocrisy). Read more to learn how.

 

There seems to be a lot of confusion about what a Christian is. At a minimum, it requires a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and a decision to follow Him. Practically speaking, there should at least be some evidence of Christ in you as well.

So what does the bible say about how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians in our everyday lives? Jesus taught that “we should let our light shine so that men would see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

 

We are to love sincerely and actively (without hypocrisy).
Just as God has poured out His love unconditionally to us.

 

Here are several practical examples on what it’s like to behave like a Christian:
  • Hate what is wrong or evil
  • Cling to what is good
  • Love each other with genuine affection
  • Give preference to one another in honor
  • Be diligent and fervent in spirit
  • Enthusiastically serve the Lord
  • Rejoice in hope
  • Be patient in affliction
  • Continue steadfastly in prayer
  • Share with God’s people who are in need
  • Pursue the practice of hospitality
  • Bless those who cause you harm or hardship (and do not curse them)
  • Share each other’s joy
  • Share each other’s grief
  • Live in harmony with each other
  • Do not be proud
  • Associate with humble people
  • Do not be conceited
  • Never repay anyone evil for evil
  • Do what is right and honorable
  • Live at peace with everyone (as much as it depends on you)
  • Do not take revenge (and leave room for God’s wrath)
  • Give food and drink to your enemy if they need it
  • Do not be overcome by evil (but overcome evil with good)

 

So, how are you doing against the list above? The Bible exhorts us to “let the mind that was in Christ be in us too” (Philippians 2:5). No matter where you are, there’s always room for improvement. Ask yourself “What Would Jesus Do” (WWJD) and follow His example.

 

Note: All bullet points are from Romans 12:9-21.

 

PS: If you are interested in learning more about Jesus Christ and receiving Him as Savior, check out our salvation appeal page. That is the first step towards behaving like a Christian.

 

#HowToBehaveLikeAChristian #Love #LoveUnconditionally #Christian #Bible #BibleStorm #PracticalGuidance #Wisdom #Character

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 trivia game cards today from our online store.