Saturday, May 17, 2014

GOD'S PROMISES - ASHAMED

We have all done things in our past and present lives that we feel embarrassed and ashamed of.  But when you ask God for forgiveness of you sins, He washes all your sins away and you don't have to be ashamed and you can be free from the things that torment your  mind.

"You Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."  Psalm 18:28

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."  Psalm 51:10-12

"For your have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life."  Psalm 56:13

"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength....the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion."  Isaiah 30:15b, 18

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him'"  Lamentations 3:22-24

"The time has come,...The kingdom of God has come near.   Repent and believe the good news!"  Mark 1:15

Bible Trivia Questions
1.    What happened to Elimelech in Moab?
2.    What does the shepherd in the parable of the lost sheep do once he realizes one is missing?
3.    What is the name of the disciple who betrayed Jesus?
4.    What golden animal did the Israelites make as an idol?
5.    Who did Jesus appear to first after his resurrection?
6.    What job did Peter and Andrew do?
7.    Which prophet tried to flee from God when asked to preach God's message in Nineveh?
8.    What is the collective name of the stories Jesus told to convey his message?
9.    What was noticeable about Jacob's twin brother, Esau, at birth?
10.  Who wanted to kill Jesus when he was a baby?

Inspirational Bible Verse of the Week
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Bible Trivia Questions Answers
1.    He died - Ruth 1:3
2.    Goes and looks for it - Matthew 18:12
3.    Judas Iscariot - Mark 14:10
4.    Calf - Exodus 32:4
5.    Mary Magdalene - Mark 16:9
6.    Fisherman - Matthew 4:18
7.    Jonah - Jonah 1:2-3
8.    Parables - Matthew 13:10-13
9.    He was red and hairy - Genesis 25:25
10.  Herod (the Great) - Matthew 2:13


Sunday, May 11, 2014

GOD'S POWER - PEACE

Are troubling thoughts invading your mind, spirit, and soul?  Do you lie awake at night with life's events running constantly through your mind making you lose sleep and rest?  

If this sounds like your life, pray and ask God for the peace to help you hold on while he is working on every stressful situation that you might encounter during life's journey. Do not give up hope!

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for your alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."  Psalm 29:11

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."  Psalm 91:1

"Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."  Psalm 116:7

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."  Isaiah 26:3

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

"You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all."  Acts 10:36

"It if is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."  Romans 12:18

"He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near."  Ephesians 2:17

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit though the bond of peace."  Ephesians 4:3

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful."  Colossians 3:15

Bible Trivia Questions
1.    Where did Jesus meet the woman of Samaria?
2.    Which disciple tried to walk on water, as Jesus did?
3.    Why did Elimelech go to live in Moab with his family?
4.    Who lied about the price they received for a piece of land and died as a result?
5.    With whom did David commit adultery?
6.    When the Prodigal Son returned, his father gave him a robe, shoes and what other item?
7.    How many books are there in the Bible?
8.    What are the names of Lazarus' sisters?
9.    Where did Jonah go after being thrown overboard and reaching dry land?
10.  For what did Esau sell his birthright to Jacob?

Inspirational Bible Verse of the Week
Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Bible Trivia Questions Answers
1.    By a well - John 4:7
2.    (Simon) Peter - Matthew 14:29
3.    Famine in his home town - Ruth 1:1-2
4.    Ananias & Sapphira - Acts 5:1-11
5.    Bathsheba - 2 Samuel 11:4
6.    Ring - Luke 15:22
7.    Sixty-six - Genesis 1:1 - Revelations 22:21
8.    Mary and Martha - John 11:1-3
9.    Nineveh - Jonah 3:3
10.  A meal - Genesis 25:30-34


Sunday, May 4, 2014

GOD'S POWER - OVERWHELMED

When you are overwhelmed by the different obstacles that life may through your way, turn to God and pray.  He will give you the power and wisdom to make all the right decisions and choices.

"Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.  My souls is in deep anguish.  How long, Lord, how long?  Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love."  Psalm 6:2-4

"That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, 'Let us go over to the other side.' Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat.  There were also other boats with him.  A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.  The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?'  He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet!  Be still!'  Then the wind died down and it was completely calm."  Mark 4:35-39

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"  Romans 8:31,32

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God:  that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."  John 5:14

Bible Trivia Questions
1.    What gift did Salome, daughter of Herodias, ask for after she danced for Herod?
2.    How did Samson kill all the people in the temple?
3.    Which musical instrument did David play for Saul?
4.    What was Esau doing while Jacob stole his blessing?
5.    Why did Jacob initially send Joseph's brothers into Egypt?
6.    Who was David's great friend?
7.    Who said "thy God shall by me God"?
8.    Which of Christ's belongings did the soldiers cast lots for after they had crucified him?
9.    What does the name Emmanuel mean?
10.  What does James say we should do if we lack wisdom?

Inspirational Bible Verse of the Week
Deuteronomy 31:6
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."

Bible Trivia Questions Answers
1.    John the Baptist's head - Matthew 14:6-8
2.    Pushed the pillars over and the temple collapsed - Judges 16:30
3.    Harp/Lyre - 1 Samuel 16:23
4.    Hunting - Genesis 27:1-3, 23
5.    To buy corn - Genesis 42:2-3
6.    Jonathan - 1 Samuel 18:1
7.    Ruth - Ruth 1:16
8.    His (seamless) coat - Matthew 27:35
9.    God with us - Matthew 1:23
10.  Ask God for wisdom, in faith - James 1:5

Sunday, April 27, 2014

GOD'S POWER - CONFIDENCE

There are times in our lives when we face situations that are new to us and we are unsure if we can handle the challenge.  Maybe you are beginning a new job or you have new responsibilities with a new baby.  God will give you the confidence that you need to handle whatever challenges you are facing.  All you have to do is is ask him.

"Such confidence we have through Christ before God.  Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."  2 Corinthians 3:4,5 

"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:6

"...for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."  Philippians 2:13

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."  Hebrews 10:35

"And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming at his coming."  1 John 2:28

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God:  that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him."  1 John 5:14,15

Bible Trivia Questions
1.    What were the religious leaders called who continually tried to trap Jesus with their questions?
2.    What miracle did Jesus do for Lazarus?
3.    On which mountain were the Israelites given the Ten Commandments?
4.    Who was Solomon's father?
5.    What job did Jesus' earthly father, Joseph, do?
6.    How did Judas betray Christ?
7.    Solomon Judged wisely over the rightful mother of a child, but how did he determine who the child belonged to?
8.    Whose father was prepared to sacrifice him on an altar?
9.    At the age of twelve, Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem.  Where did his parents find him?
10.  When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, what did they think he was?

Inspirational Bible Verse of the Week
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Bible Trivia Questions Answers
1.    Pharisees and Sadducees - Mark 10:2
2.    Raised him from the dead - John 11:43-44
3.    Mt. Sinai - Exodus 34:32
4.    David - 1 Kings 2:12
5.    Carpenter - Matthew 13:55
6.    With a kiss - Luke 22:48
7.    Threatened to divide the child (with a sward) - 1 Kings 3:25
8.    Isaac - Genesis 22:9
9.    In the temple - Luke 2:42-46
10.  A ghost - Matthew 14:26 



Sunday, April 20, 2014

GOD'S POWER - FORGIVENESS

God promised to forgive us of all of our sins both known and unknown.  We should all pray for God's power to have a forgiving heart with one another.

"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin...forgives the transgressions... You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.  You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."  Micah 7:18, 19

"For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."  Matthew 6:14

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you."  Acts 13:38

"Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."  Romans 8:34b

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace..."  Ephesians 1:7

Bible Trivia Questions
1.    Which sea did the Israelites cross through to escape the Egyptians?
2.    What is "more difficult than a camel going through the eye of a needle"?
3.    For how many years did the Israelites wander in the wilderness?
4.    What does a "good tree" bring forth?
5.    Which small body part can "boast of great things"?
6.    What was the name of Abraham's first wife?
7.    What did God do on the seventh day, after he had finished creating everything?
8.    On what day did the apostles receive the Holy Spirit?
9.    At the Last Supper, what items of food and drink did Jesus give thanks for?
10.  When Jesus was in the wilderness, what was he tempted to turn into loaves of bread?

Inspirational Bible Verse of the Week
Isaiah 40:31
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.

Bible Trivia Question Answers
1.    Red Sea - Exodus 13:18
2.    A rich man entering the Kingdom of God - Matthew 19:24
3.    Forty - Joshua - 5:6
4.    Good fruit -Matthew 7:17
5.    Tongue - James 3:5
6.    Sarah - Genesis 17:15
7.    Rested - Genesis 2:1-3
8.    Day of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-4
9.    Bread and wine - Matthew 26:26-27
10.  Stones - Matthew 4:3

Sunday, April 13, 2014

GOD'S POWER - A NEW DREAM

God will inspire us throughout our lives and help us to carry out our dreams and hearts desires that are accordance to His will.

"You will make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."  Psalm 16:11

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  Psalm 27:14

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."  Psalm 32:8

"....those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles..."  Isaiah 40:31

"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions."  Joel 2:28

Bible Trivia Questions
1.    What was the apparent source of Sampson's strength?
2.    From which country did Moses help the Israelites escape from their lives of slavery?
3.    Who was the fourth person in the fiery furnace along with Daniel's friends?
4.    What did Joseph's brothers do to deceive their father to cover up that they had sold Joseph into slavery?
5.    What kind of leaves did Adam and Eve sew together to make clothes for themselves?
6.    Who did Jesus say was the "father of lies"?
7.    What was the name of the tower that the people were building when God confused their language?
8.    What is the common name of the prayer that Jesus taught to his disciples?
9.    Whose name means "father of a great multitude"?
10.  Of what did Potiphar's wife falsely accuse Joseph resulting in him being thrown into prison?

Inspirational Bible Verse of the Week
Romans 1:17

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written:  "The righteous will live by faith."

Bible Trivia Question Answers
1.    Long hair - Judges 16:17
2.    Egypt - Exodus 13:3
3.    An angel - Daniel 3:28
4.    Dipped his coat in the blood of a goat - Genesis 37:31
5.    Fig - Genesis 3:7
6.    The devil - John 8:44
7.    Tower of Babel - Genesis 11:4, 9
8.    The Lord's Prayer - Matthew 6:9
9.    Abraham - Genesis 17:5
10.  Rape - Genesis 39:12-20

Sunday, April 6, 2014

GOD'S POWER - COURAGE

When you are afraid or nervous you can always call on God to give you the courage necessary to bring you through whatever situation you may be facing.

"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

"With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall."  Psalm 18:29

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."  Psalm 34:4

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  Psalm 46:10

"When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me."  Psalm 138:3

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.  The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."  Isaiah 12:2

"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength so the weary and increases the power of the weak." Isaiah 40:28b, 29

"But Jesus immediately said to them:  "Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid."  Matthew 14:27

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."  I Corinthians 16:13

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."  Ephesians 6:10

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death."  Philippians 1:20

"Whatever happens, as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together with one accord for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.  This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God."  Philippians 1:27, 28

Bible Trivia Questions
1.    Who wrote the letter to Philemon?
2.    In what was Jesus wrapped before he was buried?
3.    What was the name of Moses' brother?
4.    What sin is Cain remembered for?
5.    "The Lord is my Shepherd," is the opening line to which
       Psalm?
6.    What is the last book of the New Testament?
7.    Who wrote the majority of the New Testament letters?
8.    What was David's occupation before he became king?
9.    Who hid the two spies but claimed not to know of their
       whereabouts when asked?
10.  Whose prayer resulted in his being thrown into a den of lions?

Inspirational Bible Verse of the Week
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

Bible Trivia Questions - Answers
1.    Paul - Philemon 1:1
2.    Linen clothes - John 19:40
3.    Aaron - Exodus 7:1
4.    Murder - Genesis 4:8
5.    Psalm 23 - Psalm 23:1
6.    Revelation - Revelation 1:1-22:21
7.    Paul - Romans 1:1 - Jude 1:25
8.    Shepherd - 1 Samuel 17:15
9.    Rahab - Joshua 2:1-5
10.  Daniel - Daniel 6:7