Tag: Psalms

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What are the Benefits of God?

What are the Lord’s benefits?

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits–
Psalm 103:2 AMPC
We are called to bless the Lord and not forget his benefits. In the storms and trials of life, it is easy to focus on the challenges ahead and forget about the prior challenges that God has successfully overcome on our behalf.
So what are some of the benefits that God has prepared for those that fear Him and keep his commandments  (Psalms 103:17-18).
1. He forgives our sins.
In the model prayer (Matthew 6:12), Jesus teaches us to forgive others even as we ask for God to forgive our sins.
2. He heals our diseases
God says”He will put none of the diseases He brought on the Egyptians upon us” (Exodus 15:26).
3. He redeems our life from destruction (hell)
Psalm 34:22 says “He redeems the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate”.
4. He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies (compassion)
See story of prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24.
5. He satisfies us with good things
He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. James 1:17 says “every good and perfect gift is from God”.
6. He renews our youth like the eagles
Isaiah 40:31 NIV says “but those who hope in the Lord  will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”.
7. He executes righteousness and judgment for all the oppressed
Jesus said come to me all who are heavy burdened and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:38-30).
8. He makes His ways and His acts known to us
For example, he revealed His plans to Abraham concerning his future (Genesis 12:1-3), Sodom (Genesis 18:17), and even the bondage of the Israelites in Egypt (Genesis 15:12-14).

Our Prayer For You

Father, we pray that your people will not forget all the benefits that you daily give to them (Psalms 68:19; Psalms 103:2). 

Did You Know?

The Lord is our salvation and daily loads us with benefits (Psalms 68:19 NKJV).

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 Lord daily loads us with benefits

Did You Know?

The Lord is our salvation and daily loads us with benefits
(Psalms 68:19)
What are some of these benefits, you may ask? Psalm 103 has a bunch:
  1. He forgives all our sins
  2. He heals all our diseases
  3. He redeems our lives from destruction
  4. He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies
  5. He satisfies us with good things
  6. He renews our youth (makes us feel young and strong again)
  7. He does not treat (or punish) us as our sins deserve
So when you pray “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3), think about all the benefits God has already promised to provide to us.
Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily loads us with  benefits,
The God of our salvation!
Selah
Psalms 68:19 NKJV

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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How can you get the desires of your heart?

How can you get the desires of your heart met?

There are 3 simple steps according to Psalms 37:3-4
  1. Trust in the Lord and do what is right in His eyes
  2. Fix your heart on the promises of God and feast on His faithfulness
  3. Delight in the Lord
That’s it!
If you do those 3 things, then God will give you your heart’s desire and not withhold the requests you have spoken (Psalms 21:2).
However, there’s an even more direct way.
Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.
Matthew 6:33 NCV

Our Prayer For You

[We pray] that you will find your delight and true pleasure in Yahweh, and he will give you what you desire the most (Psalms 37:4 TPT).

Did You Know?

Jesus Himself said “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Mathew 7:7-8)

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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God is an ever-present help in trouble

Did You Know?

There is a popular song with the lyrics “He may not come when you want Him; But He’ll be there right on time”.
But is that statement actually true? What does the word of God say?
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1 NIV)
[God] will not leave you, nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5)
For [God] Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. (Psalms 145:18 NKJV)
But you might ask, what about the time Mary and Martha asked Jesus to come to Bethany because their brother, Lazarus, was sick? (John 11:1-44). Isn’t this an example of God not coming when He was needed/wanted?
Well, 2 things apply to this unique situation. Jesus was in human form and so carried the Holy Spirit within Him, which limited His ability to be in multiple places at once. This is one of the reasons why He said He had to go back to Heaven so He could send the Helper (Holy Spirit) to us directly (John 16:5-11).
Secondly, Jesus intentionally tarried so that God would get the glory and the people would know that God has power even over death (John 11:4-6,40-44). As a result of this miracle, “many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him” (John 11:45).
So be encouraged. God certainly is an on time God. But that’s because He is right there with us no matter what we may face.

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 1 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.
Victory over Sin
As a result of Adam and Eve’s decision to disobey God in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3), sin has become part of the nature of all humans (Psalms 51:5). Because God is holy and just and cannot be in the presence of sin, He punished and expelled Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24).
In the same way, sin separates us from God.
In the Old Testament, an unblemished lamb was used to atone for sin annually (Leviticus 16). Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God (John 1:29) who shed His precious blood (1 Peter 1:19) to atone for the sin of all humanity once and for all time.
Because Jesus covered our sin, we are free from the power of sin in our lives (Romans 6:14; 8:2).
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

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
II Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV.

Did You Know?

Through one man’s disobedience (Adam), many were made sinners. So too by one Man’s obedience (Jesus), many will be made righteous (Romans 5:18-19).

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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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.