by Jamie Pantastico | Jan 17, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
The Bible is more than just a book; it is the very Word of God that transforms our lives. In his letters, the Apostle Paul tells us how important God’s word is to our daily lives All of the Bible admonishes the power of God’s Word; Isaiah 55:11 and Proverbs 30:5 also attest to the power of God’s word.
Open Your Bible and Study these Bible Passages
In Romans 12:2, Paul writes: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This verse reminds us that when we read and apply the Bible in our lives, it renews our minds and helps us to conform to God’s will, rather than the ways of the world.
Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” This Bible verse reminds us that God’s word is powerful and always accomplishes what He intends for it to do.
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The apostle Paul makes it so clear that every word in the Bible comes from God, not man! Every word.
Proverbs 30:5 says “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” This Bible verse is so powerful because it reminds believers that the Bible is the word of God, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and God cannot lie; therefore, we can take refuge in His promises to protect, comfort, and strengthen us.
Study the Bible Don’t Just Read It
When we study, meditate on, and apply the Bible in our daily lives, it has the power to transform our lives. It is not just a book of history or a collection of stories; it is the living and active word of God, and it will transform how we live. Making the Bible a part of our daily routine will assist us in spiritual growth and becoming more like Christ.
It is critical to remember that God’s word is meant to be STUDIED and not just read. When we put the truth of the Bible into practice, it changes our hearts and minds, and we can see the difference in our daily lives. So let us make certain that we study, meditate, and apply the word of God in our daily lives and see the power of God’s word transform us. So we as believers can be the light (the gospel) that shines in this dark and evil world.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jan 14, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
As believers, we all face fear at some point in our lives. Whether it’s fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of the future, it can be a paralyzing emotion that holds us back from living the life God has called us to. But the good news is that we don’t have to let fear control us. We have the power to overcome our fears through the promises of God.
One of the most powerful promises we have as believers can be found in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, where Paul says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” These verses remind us that we have the power to stand firm in our faith, to be courageous, and to be strong, as long as we do everything in love.
‘Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.’
I Corinthians 16:13-14
A Promise from the Old Testament
Another promise we have is found in the Old Testament in Psalm 23:4, where David reminds us, “‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.’.” God is reminding us that even in the darkest moments, He is with us and will bring us comfort. We can trust in His presence and protection, no matter what we’re facing.
‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.’
Psalms 23:4
A Promise from the Four Gospels
Similarly, a powerful promise is found in Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus reminds us, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” This verse reminds us that God is in control of our future and we can trust him with our worries and fears. Because ultimately Romans 8:28 tells us that no matter what happens God is making everything work out for our good for His glory.
‘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 6:34
Have No Fear
As we look to these verses and other passages in God’s Word, we can find strength and encouragement to overcome our fears. We can trust in God’s promise to be with us and protect us, and we can take comfort in knowing that He is in control of our future. Remember, when we put our trust in God, He will give us the power to overcome any fear that comes our way.
‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ‘
Romans 8:28
by Jamie Pantastico | Jan 13, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Fear can grip us all at some point in our lives. It can manifest itself in different ways, from anxiety to worry and even paralyzing dread. But, as believers, we have the assurance of God’s promises to help us overcome our fears.
Spirit of Power
One such promise is found in 2 Timothy 1:7 where Paul reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This verse reminds us that the fear we may feel is not from God. Instead, He has given us His Spirit to empower us, to love us, and to bring us peace.
Do Not Fear…
Another powerful promise is found in Isaiah 41:10, where God says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse reminds us that when we are afraid, we can turn to God for strength and help. He is always with us and will never leave us.
It’s important to remember that as believers, we have the power to overcome our fears because of the promises of God. We can take hold of these promises and speak them over our lives, claiming them as our own. In the face of fear, we can choose to stand firm in our faith and trust in God’s power and protection.
So, when fear threatens to take hold, remember the promises of God and stand firm in your faith. He will empower you, love you and bring peace to your mind.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jan 12, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Psalms in the Bible are filled with prayers and songs that express the full range of human emotions, including struggles, doubts, and fears. Psalm 88:13 is one such verse that reminds us that it is okay and we must turn to God during difficult times and that we can bring our prayers to God in the morning. It says “But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you.”
‘But to You I have cried out, O Lord , And in the morning my prayer comes before You.’
Psalms 88:13
Psalm 88:13 encourages us to start the day with prayer, as it sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. It reminds us that God is always available and willing to listen to us. The apostle Paul also admonishes this sentiment in Romans 8:26 and Ephesians 6:18 where he writes “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” and “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Start Your Morning with Prayer
By starting the day with prayer, we are acknowledging our need for God’s help and grace in our lives. It is an act of humility and faith, and it helps to remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. Let us take encouragement from Psalm 88:13 and the words of Apostle Paul and make prayer a part of our morning routine.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jan 11, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.’
Psalms 59:16
Psalm 59:16 is a verse in which the writer, David, is expressing his trust and faith in God’s protection and love, specifically during a time when he is facing trouble and enemies. More than likely this was written during a time when David was being pursued by his enemies, likely Saul’s army, who were seeking to kill him.
David declares his intention to sing of God’s strength and love as a way to remind himself and others of God’s power and faithfulness. He describes God as his fortress and refuge, emphasizing the safety and security he finds in God during difficult times. David wrote this Psalm as a song, likely to be sung with other people as a form of encouragement and hope. It also serves as a reminder of God’s protection and deliverance to all believers going the trials and tribulations.
Keep Singing – Keep Trusting
Psalm 59:16 expresses a sense of trust and faith in God’s protection and love, even in times of trouble. The writer declares their intention to sing of God’s strength and love and describes God as their fortress and refuge. The verse encourages us to keep singing and keep trusting even in hard times and find strength in God’s love.
In Ephesians 5:19, the apostle Paul instructs us to “speak to one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord.” So, sing a song or join in on a song that you know praises God.
‘speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
Ephesians 5:19