Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts

Bible Verses on Strength

Looking for strength quotes? These Bible verses on strength will help any believer grow strong in the Lord.

Everyone faces times of doubt, discouragement, anxiety, or depression. The Bible is full of inspiration and wisdom to help people in such situations claim the strength God wants to give them. The following Bible passages will help anyone in need of strength:


"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV


"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go." -Joshua 1:5-7, NIV


"The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence." -II Samuel 22:3, NKJV


"God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect." -II Samuel 22:33, NKJV


"Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!" -I Chronicles 16:11, NKJV


"Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the LORD charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed." -I Chronicles 22:12-13, NKJV


"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" -Psalm 27:1, KJV


"For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy." -Psalm 61:3, NKJV


"Be my strong refuge,To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress." -Psalm 71:3, NKJV


"My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word." -Psalm 119:28, KJV


"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe." -Proverbs 18:10, NKJV


"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." -Isaiah 40:31, KJV


"O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me." -Daniel 10:19, KJV


"Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." -II Corinthians 12:8-10, NKJV


"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and the power of his might." -Ephesians 6:10, KJV


"I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." -Philippians 4:13, KJV


"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." -I Peter 5:10, NKJV


The Bible verses provided above will help anyone grow stronger in the Lord. Of course, it's important that people not simply be "hearers of the Word," but also "doers" (as James says so poignantly). By meditating on the above passages, praying over them, and incorporating their promises and principles into your life, you can enjoy the strength God wants to give you.


Those who enjoyed this article should also check out "Lift Your Spirits With These Encouraging Bible Verses."

Copyright Brian Tubbs. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.Brian Tubbs, Personal Photo

Brian Tubbs - Brian Tubbs is a minister, writer, and former educator living in Northern Virginia. He writes on personal development, faith, and ...


View the original article here

How to Read and Understand the Bible

People often ask, "How can I read the Bible and understand it?" By following these rules for interpreting the Bible, one can understand and enjoy the Bible.

The Bible is the world's bestselling book, and yet it is also one of the most intimidating, controversial, and misunderstood books. Not surprisingly, many people are afraid to dive too deeply into it and some don't even know where to start. For such people, it isn't simply "What's the best way to read the Bible?," but rather "How can I read the Bible and understand it?"


Those choosing to read the Bible, especially for the first time, should follow these rules for interpreting God's Word:


Before reading the Bible, it's important to know the answer to the following question: What is the Bible?


In his letter to the church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul assured his readers that they were as much a part of the Christian faith as those who had been converted in Jerusalem. Paul wrote: "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone..." (Ephesians 2:19-20, NKJV).


Paul described the Christian faith as having been "built on the foundation" of divinely-inspired teachings, given by the apostles and the prophets - and by Jesus Christ himself, who is the "chief cornerstone" of the faith. Today, Christians have a written record of those teachings in the Bible. The Old Testament constitutes the teachings of the prophets, while the New Testament contains the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as well as "the apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42).


Simply put, the Bible is the written record of God's revelation to the prophets (Old Testament), through Jesus Christ (the Gospels), and to Jesus' appointed apostles (the New Testament).


Without a healthy, reverential fear of God, the quest for wisdom and knowledge will be thwarted. That's one of the core themes of the book of Proverbs, and it's emphasized in several of its passages, including:

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7, NKJV)"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10, NKJV)"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility." (Proverbs 15:33, NKJV)

Having a reverential attitude toward God means that such readers will approach the Scriptures with humility and a readiness to submit. They won't come at the Bible with chips on their shoulders or with a determination to twist its meaning to serve their own agendas and purposes. To properly understand the Bible, one must have a heart of worship, obedience, humility, and reverence toward its Author.


While there are certain doctrines or themes within Christianity that can be easily grasped by even a child, there are many other aspects of Christianity and passages in the Bible that take patience, discipline, focus, and work to decipher and fully appreciate. It is for this reason that Paul urged Timothy to "[s]tudy to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV).


The Bible was not dictated by the Holy Spirit to ancient scribes, so that it could be easily understood, with little effort, by audiences from all cultures and time periods. In fact, only a few, very small portions of the Bible were formally dictated by God. As Christian scholars Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe explain, the writers of the Bible "were not secretaries of the Holy Spirit." Though inspired by God, they were nevertheless "human composers, employing their own literary styles and idiosyncracies." (Geisler, Norman and Thomas Howe. When Critics Ask: A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2004).


Not only were the writers human writing according to their style and personality, their writing was also influenced by the culture in which they lived as well as their level of education.


What's more, readers of the Bible must also take into account the translation they are reading. The classic and ever popular King James Version, for example, contains words that have changed their meaning over time. For example, in Philippians, Paul tells his readers to "be careful for nothing" (Philippians 4:6, KJV), yet people say "Be careful" to each other all the time today. The reason for this linguistic confusion is that, in 1611 (when the KJV was originally published), the word "careful" meant "full of care" as in "full of worry." Today, it simply means to exercise due caution.


For all these reasons (genre, context, translation, etc.), one must take the time to study the words of the Bible, understanding not simply their meaning to a modern audience, but rather their meaning in the original language and culture of the day they were written. This takes time, and it takes work.


Those wishing to dive into the Bible are no doubt motivated by the prophet Jeremiah's promise: "Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, but whose confidence is in him." (Jeremiah 17:7, NIV).


By understanding the nature of the Bible, fearing God, and investing the time and effort into the Bible which it requires (and deserves), one can begin to read the Bible with understanding and unlock the blessings it has to offer.


Those who found this article interesting should check out "What Do Christians Believe?" and "How to Compare Christian Denominations."

Copyright Brian Tubbs. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.Brian Tubbs, Personal Photo

Brian Tubbs - Brian Tubbs is a minister, writer, and former educator living in Northern Virginia. He writes on personal development, faith, and ...


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Lift Your Spirits with These Encouraging Bible Verses

Feeling down? Open the Bible. Here are some great Bible verses on encouragement to help boost your spirit, lift your mood, and increase your faith.

Life can be full of challenges -- things that can sap people of happiness, energy, confidence, or faith. Those feeling the anxiety and pressure of life's toughest times should know that, at least in most nations today, they have easy access to arguably the most encouraging and inspirational book ever written. The Bible is the world's bestselling book, and with good reason. The Bible contains the most inspiring and uplifting teachings and promises ever written. Its truths can lift any faithful and sincere heart. Here are some great encouraging Bible verses (provided in the classic King James Version):

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)"When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." (Psalm 27:10)"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:24)"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)"In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me." (Psalm 56:11)"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." (Psalms 138:7)"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2)"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3)"Be careful [anxious] for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." (II Corinthians 4:8-9)"Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9)"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15)"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." (John 14:1)"Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)"Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:31-34)

The preceding Bible verses on encouragement are just a few of the great passages contained in the Bible. Those who wish to increase their faith and lift their spirit should open the Bible and read it. Within its pages are the most inspiring and profound truths ever written -- truths that can encourage any heart.


Those who found this article interesting should also read "10 Ways to Improve Your Self-Esteem" and "How to Read And Understand The Bible."

Copyright Brian Tubbs. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.Brian Tubbs, Personal Photo

Brian Tubbs - Brian Tubbs is a minister, writer, and former educator living in Northern Virginia. He writes on personal development, faith, and ...


View the original article here

Bible Verses on Strength

Looking for strength quotes? These Bible verses on strength will help any believer grow strong in the Lord.

Everyone faces times of doubt, discouragement, anxiety, or depression. The Bible is full of inspiration and wisdom to help people in such situations claim the strength God wants to give them. The following Bible passages will help anyone in need of strength:


"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV


"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go." -Joshua 1:5-7, NIV


"The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence." -II Samuel 22:3, NKJV


"God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect." -II Samuel 22:33, NKJV


"Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!" -I Chronicles 16:11, NKJV


"Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the LORD charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed." -I Chronicles 22:12-13, NKJV


"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" -Psalm 27:1, KJV


"For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy." -Psalm 61:3, NKJV


"Be my strong refuge,To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress." -Psalm 71:3, NKJV


"My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word." -Psalm 119:28, KJV


"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe." -Proverbs 18:10, NKJV


"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." -Isaiah 40:31, KJV


"O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me." -Daniel 10:19, KJV


"Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." -II Corinthians 12:8-10, NKJV


"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and the power of his might." -Ephesians 6:10, KJV


"I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." -Philippians 4:13, KJV


"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." -I Peter 5:10, NKJV


The Bible verses provided above will help anyone grow stronger in the Lord. Of course, it's important that people not simply be "hearers of the Word," but also "doers" (as James says so poignantly). By meditating on the above passages, praying over them, and incorporating their promises and principles into your life, you can enjoy the strength God wants to give you.


Those who enjoyed this article should also check out "Lift Your Spirits With These Encouraging Bible Verses."

Copyright Brian Tubbs. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.Brian Tubbs, Personal Photo

Brian Tubbs - Brian Tubbs is a minister, writer, and former educator living in Northern Virginia. He writes on personal development, faith, and ...


View the original article here