Tag: Phillippians

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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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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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What characterizes religion that is pure and genuine?

What characterizes religion that is pure and accepted by God?

According to James 1:27, religion that God accepts as pure and genuine involves just 2 things.

1. Care for orphans or widows who need help

Jesus said that when He returns, He will reward His righteous servants who fed the hungry, took the stranger in, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and the imprisoned (Matthew 25:31-40).
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,
And He will pay back what he has given.
Proverbs 19:17 NKJV

2. Keep yourself free from the world’s evil influence (and refuse to let the world corrupt you)

The bible tells us not to love the world or the things in it. Because all that is in the world is not of the Father and the world is passing away. If we do love the world, the love of God the Father is not in us. (1 John 2:15-17)

We are also commanded not to conform to (copy the behavior and customs or by shaped by) the world but rather to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2).

What does your religion command? And how does that compare to God’s standard? 
Here’s God’s command to us:
Learn to do right;
Seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
Plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:17 NIV

Our Prayer For You

[We] pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9‭-‬11 NKJV

Did You Know?

God desires the knowledge of Him more than offerings and sacrifices (Hosea 6:6).

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.