Tag: Proverbs

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

What kind of servant are you?

In Matthew 25:14-30, we read the story of the Parable of the Talents. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man who went on a long journey. Before he departed, he called 3 of his servants and entrusted to them his possessions (v14). The text does not specify that he told them what to do with it (and based on the 3rd servants response, which we will see later, we can assume this to be the case). But it is clear that the master intended the servants to work diligently during his absence. And he gave them the resources to do that work.

What does this story tell us about how we are to live and serve?

This story is symbolic of the gifts and talents that God gives us. Truth be told, everything we receive is from God (James 1:17; John 3:27). He gives us the abilities we have (i.e. gifts and talents), the resources we need (e.g. time or money) and has left us to determine what to do with those things (see Deuteronomy 8:18).
The master gave to each servant “according to his ability” (v15). This suggests that the master had previously observed their work habit and ethics in order to determine their abilities. Were they lazy, excuse prone or complained a lot? Or were they diligent and resourceful in getting their work done? Proverbs 20:11 declares that “even a child is known by his deeds” and Jesus said we will be known by the fruit we produce i.e. the way we act (Matthew 7:16).

Option 1: Apply our talents to God's glory.

The one with 5 talents went and traded with what he had received and doubled the money (100% return). The one with 2 also made a 100% return although it is not clear in what capacity he invested the money.

Truth be told, it doesn’t matter. There are myriad ways and industries for us to be creative in applying our gifts and talents. But the goal ought to be 100% return on the gifts God has given us. Anything less is not ideal. Remember, God already knows what we are capable of and has given us gifts accordingly. So we can’t give Him an excuse as to why we weren’t able to be productive with what He has given us.

Option 2: Bury our talents to our own shame.

The last servant dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s talent. This may be a situation where you have a skill but instead of using it, you cover it up for whatever reason (in the case of the servant, he said it was because he feared his master).

Time to check the results.

After a long time, the master returned from his journey and settled accounts with them (v. 19). God will give us ample time to produce a result but He will show up eventually. We should be prepared to settle our accounts with Him at any time.
The reward for being faithful in little is being made ruler over many things (vv. 20-23). Conversely, if you can’t be faithful with the little, who will trust you with much? (Luke 16:10-12)
The “wicked and lazy servant” thought that giving back exactly what he had received was an acceptable result (vv. 24-27). But it is also telling his perspective and his motivation for what he did. He saw his master as a “hard man” and was afraid of him.
How we see God will impact our relationship positively or negatively.
If anyone should have been afraid, it’s the servant who got more talents not the one who got the least. We are considered wicked and lazy if we do not make the best out of the gifts and talents God has given us.
The talent of the 3rd servant was given to the first servant who had proven he would use it wisely (vv. 28-30). And the “unprofitable servant” was cast out of the master’s house.

Did You Know?

Unlike the master in this story, Jesus left specific instructions for His followers before He departed for heaven. We are to make disciples of all nations and teach them to observere all the things that He has commanded us. This is the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

What are you doing with your God given talents?

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.

Purchase BibleStorm Trivia Products
Posted on by

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.

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.

Shop BibleStorm Trivia Products
Posted on by — 5 Comments

BibleStorm Makes Bible Trivia Quiz Games With Purpose

What makes BibleStorm bible trivia quiz products unique and different?

After all, there are many bible trivia quiz products out there.

BibleStorm makes bible trivia quiz products with a purpose.

Shop Now

While learning random bible trivia may be interesting, it doesn’t teach anything of value. You may learn a bunch of facts but miss the context to understand the importance of the scripture. It’s like getting a letter from a loved one and caring more about the number of words, paragraphs and sentences than the content of the letter. That’s why BibleStorm trivia products won’t teach you the number of books in the bible (66), or how many chapters are in it (1189), or the shortest verse (John 11:35), or longest chapter (Psalm 119), or shortest chapter (Psalm 117), etc.

BibleStorm trivia products have one primary purpose – to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word. As such, our foundational scripture is found in Psalm 119:18.

Open my eyes [to spiritual truth] so that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.

Psalm 119:18 AMP

Why are we singularly focused on shining a spotlight on the bible?

Because our experience informs us that while many people may be familiar with the Bible and even encounter it on a semi-regular basis, many do not know or understand what it says. And this can have a significant negative impact in our walk with God.

In fact, the bible states,

“My people are destroyed because they don’t know Me”

and “lack knowledge [of My law, where I reveal My will]”

Hosea 4:6

But God has left his Word/law (i.e. the bible) for us to get to know Him. Not being familiar with His Word means that we aren’t familiar with who He is; how He operates; what He has instructed us to do; or even what promises and gifts He has given to us that we are missing out on. The bible is full of interesting information, stories, events, characters, wisdom, knowledge, etc.

What if you could not only learn new information in a fun way but understand the context of it?

At BibleStorm, we believe that trivia is a great way to (re)introduce the bible, biblical themes and concepts. BibleStorm trivia products not only teach you new facts but reveals the application of those facts to our day to day life. It reveals the who, what, why, when, and how questions you may have about a subject, theme, or story.
BibleStorm trivia products are fun, educational, and biblically sound (i.e. based on scripture). Each product contains multiple trivia questions and answers (in various formats – multiple-choice,  true/false, fill in the blank, etc). Each answer is derived directly from God’s Word (i.e. the bible) and we include one or more scripture references so you can confirm the Word for yourself and expand your knowledge further.

Multiple uses and ways to play BibleStorm trivia game products

BibleStorm trivia products can be used in many ways. You can play it like a game among friends and family. Or you can use it as part of personal or corporate bible study. For example, my kids ask all the time can we play BibleStorm Trivia quizzes and my wife and I will compete with them to answer the most trivia questions correctly. We may also use that as an opportunity to expand and share more details on a particular subject based on a simple trivia question.
BibleStorm trivia products can also be used for evangelism. You can ask a trivia question as a way to initiate a conversation about the bible and what it says.
Our desire is that BibleStorm trivia products are a resource to (re)introduce people to the one true God and leads them to Christ. That’s why every product includes a salvation appeal to invite the lost into the kingdom of God. It’s the kind of gift you can give to family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, enemies, whomever.
Our prayer is that these resources help you develop and increase your hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word.

If you “[seek after] knowledge,

then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives Wisdom;

From His mouth come

knowledge and understanding”

(Proverbs 2:3-6).

Purchase BibleStorm Trivia Products
You can also contact us, like us, follow us, and share our site through your various social media outlets.

Learn more about BibleStorm and check out our blog posts where we address other questions and answers online.

We thank you in advance for partnering with us on this journey.
Posted on by — 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).

Meditate on God's Word day and night and do all that is written in it. Then you will make your way prosperous and have good success.

 

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?

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 by — 2 Comments

What are the fruits of giving?

In our blog post, What’s In Your Wallet, we discovered that God is the source and giver of everything we have. Whether seed (i.e. resources) or bread (for food), it all originates from Him (2 Corinthians 9:10). In What’s in your Wallet? Part 2, we discussed 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.

So what happens when we respond properly to God’s generosity?

For those that have responded properly to God’s generosity (i.e. by liberally giving as described in v8-9 vs. consuming all the seed for our own lusts/self), God has promised to also:

  • Supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. v10 NIV
  • Supply and multiply the seed sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness. V10 NKJV
  • Provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. v10 NLT

Our proper response also results in God enriching us in everything and every way so that we can always be generous on every occasion (v11).

Our giving produces fruits of praise, prayer and thanksgiving to God from the recipients on our behalf (v11-12). Just as importantly, it supplies the needs of God’s saints so that the work of the Kingdom of God can continue.

This is the same principle Jesus described in Luke 6:38 – “Give, it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over shall men give into your bosom”. Strangely enough, the more we give, the more we have. In fact, King Solomon wrote:

“There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more;
And there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty.”
~Proverbs 11:24

We are to show this generosity first to those in the household of faith i.e. fellow Christians but also to everyone (Galatians 6:10). “Moved by the extravagance of God in our lives, they will respond by praying for whatever we need” (v14 – MSG).

God exhorts us to not be weary in well doing for in due time we will reap/receive our harvest if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9). The truth is God has already promised increase in His Word (2 Corinthians 9:10) so we should rest on His promises and ignore the process trusting that God is faithful and will bring His Word to pass.

“The math of heaven isn’t a calculation of scarcity but of abundance. We can share joyfully because God promises to care for us even as we are generous to others.”
~Our Daily Bread.

 

References

 

#Giving #Money #Finances #MoneyPrinciples #Seed #Bread #FinancialFriday #Giver
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.