by Jamie Pantastico | Dec 9, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In the tough times we face, it’s like being caught in a never-ending storm where everything feels heavy and overwhelming. But guess what? We have something incredible to hold on to—God’s promises. The Bible verses below (5 from the Old Testament and 5 from the New Testament) are powerful reminders that, even when life gets tough, we’re not alone. God, who loves us like a caring Shepherd and our ultimate Savior, says, “Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.”
So, dive into these Bible verses, read them several times, pray, and share them with others who are also facing tough challenges.
In the middle of the darkest and most difficult times, these verses show us how to find strength that goes beyond what we can figure out. In other words, we don’t need to ask God (even though we all do). Why is this happening to me? But instead, we put our trust in Him and praise Him because God is with us, and all things work together for good for those who love God.
God’s word is our source of peace, reminding us that even when things look like there is no way out of the storm, God is right there to help and comfort us. Let’s use these verses as a guide, trusting that God’s got our backs through every tough moment.
Old Testament
1. Psalm 34:17–18
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
2. Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
3. Psalm 23:4
“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.”
4. Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
5. Psalm 46:1–2
“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”
New Testament
1. Matthew 11:28–30
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
2. Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
3. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
4. Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
5. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies
and God of all comfort, who 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.”
by Jamie Pantastico | Dec 5, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In the powerful words of Colossians 3:3, the apostle Paul unveils profound truths that would take a lifetime to unpack, but what stands out and is made clear is our position as believers the instant we believe the gospel—hidden with Christ in God.
Studying and deepening our understanding of our current position “in Christ with God” empowers believers to live fearlessly, grounded in the profound truth of God’s Word.
‘For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ‘
Colossians 3:3
Looking at Colossians 3:3, let’s compare scripture with scripture; it is the only way to study the Word of God.
‘For you (#1 believers) died (#2 at the moment a person believes the gospel their sin nature was nailed to the cross and died when Christ died), and your life (#3 “new life” – when Christ died we died when Christ was buried we were buried, when Christ rose from the dead we too were risen with Him victorious of sin, the law, Satan and death to a new life) is hidden with Christ in God (#4 look at our position as believers; we are eternally protected by Christ as the Head of the body in the Kingdom of God).
Number One
For you,…
The apostle Paul always writes to believers, never to unbelievers.
Number Two
…For you died,
‘knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. ‘
Romans 6:6
Number Three
…and your new life,
‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ‘
II Corinthians 5:17
Number Three: Continued
When someone believes the gospel, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, which details Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, they identify with these key aspects of Christ’s redemptive work. In simple terms, through faith, they identify themselves with Christ’s death and burial. Additionally, believers, by identification, share in Christ’s victorious resurrection. Just as Christ triumphantly rose from the dead, conquering sin, the law, Satan, and death, believers, through identification, participate in Christ’s victory. It’s a remarkable truth that resonates with awe and gratitude. The victory that Christ secured becomes a shared triumph for those who believe the gospel—a profound and awe-inspiring reality! Praise God.
#3 continuing…we to are victorious
‘So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’
I Corinthians 15:54–57
Number Four
The believer’s extraordinary position the moment we believe the gospel is…
…hidden with Christ in God.
‘And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ‘
John 10:28-29
‘What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
Romans 8:31-39
by Jamie Pantastico | Nov 27, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. ‘
Zechariah 2:8
Zechariah 2:8 speaks of God’s protective love for His chosen people, the Jewish people. Let’s explore parallel passages in the apostle Paul’s writings that echo this theme for us today under the dispensation of grace:
1. Philippians 1:28–29
‘and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, ‘
Please take the time to read this verse carefully several times to grasp the significance of these words. Often, we read these without truly pondering their implications. The individuals being referred to here are those who oppose believers, individuals responsible for the persecution of believers. These persecutors have, in essence, hardened themselves against God, sealing their own eternal doom. This reality remains unchanging. Anyone who opposes the gospel or inflicts persecution upon believers, barring their own salvation, is heading towards eternal doom—that’s the essence of perdition. Paul is conveying that those who persecute believers and subject them to external pressures are ultimately destined for their own perdition, their self-inflicted doom.
Moreover, this persecution serves as evidence of our own salvation. When external pressures and opposition arise, it becomes a validating mark of our genuine faith. It’s a cautionary note that if everyone around us speaks only praise and has nothing critical to say, we should examine our faith. The unbelieving world, inherently in disagreement with our beliefs and values, should not readily complement us. Paul, in his message to the Philippians, emphasizes that when faced with pressures from the outside world, be it from Judaisers (legalists), Pagans, or Romans, it serves as evidence of both the persecutors’ perdition and the believers’ salvation.
2. Ephesians 1:4-5
‘just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,’
Just as God protects Israel, He has chosen and predestined grace-age believers in Christ. We are His adopted children, protected, cherished, and loved.
3. Romans 8:38–39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The apostle Paul emphasizes that nothing can separate us from God’s love. We are the “apple of His eye,” securely held in His protective embrace.
4. 1 Corinthians 3:16
‘Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?’
Believers are indwelled with God, the Holy Spirit. Much like the eye, which is precious and sensitive, God’s Spirit resides within us. Those who seek to harm us are essentially attempting to harm God Himself.
5. Galatians 4:6-7
‘And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.’
We are not just saved from hellfire; we are God’s children. His Spirit within us testifies to our identity as heirs of His promises.
In summary, these passages reinforce the truth that believers are sealed for eternity as God’s children, protected, and cherished by God. Just as Zechariah 2:8 speaks of the nation of Israel being the “apple of His eye,” Paul’s writings echo this divine affection and security for both Jews and Gentiles in this dispensation of grace. May this assurance strengthen your faith today. 🙏🏼✨
Recommended reading:
Chosen in Grace – Zechariah 2:8 “the Apple of His Eye”
by Jamie Pantastico | Nov 24, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
It is the day after Thanksgiving, and again we are to reflect on the blessings that surround us, the blessings of abundance or the blessings of tribulation. The Bible encourages believers to maintain (that means every day) a spirit of gratitude, not just when everything is going well but in every season of life. Let’s dive into five uplifting passages that remind us to be thankful, whether in times of plenty or times of scarcity.
1. Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
In times of uncertainty, we can find comfort in the power of prayer and a heart filled with thanksgiving. God’s peace, which is beyond our understanding, becomes our anchor in the storm.
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
No matter the circumstances, the will of God for us is to maintain a posture of gratitude. Each day becomes an opportunity to acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness.
3. Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Allowing thankfulness to rule in our hearts brings about peace that surpasses the challenges we face. It’s a reminder of our calling to unity and gratitude within the body of Christ.
4. Psalm 107:1
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”
Thanksgiving is not just a seasonal event but a continuous daily acknowledgment of God’s enduring mercy and goodness. Every day is an opportunity to give God thanks and praise!.
5. Ephesians 5:20
“giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The call to give thanks always extends beyond “Thanksgiving” Day. Gratitude becomes a lifestyle, a continual daily recognition of God’s sovereignty and grace.
Be thankful in all circumstances.
by Jamie Pantastico | Nov 22, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In Romans chapter eleven, the apostle makes it so clear that God is not through with the Nation of Israel. We find a mystery or secret that was hidden in the mind of God until revealed to the apostle Paul in verse 11:25.
‘For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.’
Romans 11:25
Since the church fathers like Origen, Irenaeus, Constantine, and Augustine, most of Christendom has professed that God is finished with the nation of Israel. But the Bible says otherwise: He (Jesus Christ) is still going to return one day and fulfill all the promises He Himself made to the Jewish people (His chosen people).
Now here in Romans 11:25, there is a mystery (or secret) that was revealed to the apostle Paul, not Peter and the eleven; they knew nothing of this because it was hidden from them. As for the so-called church fathers they have no excuse (they had the full counsel of God, the Bible), they have twisted this passage, ignored all of the Old Testament covenants God made to the nation of Israel, or made God’s promises to Israel their own (i.e., they are now for Gentiles) because they could not and would not believe what God said (no faith), and completely twisted scripture (especially Paul’s epistles) in unbelief to their own destruction.
‘and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.’
II Peter 3:15-16
Now let’s take a look at this mystery that had not been revealed until 40 AD, when the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus revealed it to the apostle Paul.
Romans 11:25
“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery (or secret, and this secret has been held in the mind of God until revealed to Paul) lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; (which a lot of Gentiles are today, they will not believe) that blindness in part (not forever, but they have been temporarily blinded as a nation for almost 2000 years) has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” Come into what? The body of Christ, which is His church, or the church, which is His body (Colossians 1:24; Ephesians 1:22-23) Then, at God’s appointed time, when the last Gentile is saved, the body of Christ, which is His church, will be caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds (1 Corinthians 15:51–52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17). After this (Acts 15:16) (the rapture of the church), God’s prophetic time clock will start once again to bring to fruition the final seven years of the 490 years prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 9:24).
The Mystery of Gentile Salvation
All of the Old Testament testifies that God would one day save Gentiles, with Israel being the instrument of Gentile salvation. Beginning with Genesis 12:1-3, the Abrahamic covenant, we find that through Abraham’s Seed, “all” the nations of the earth will be blessed.
The Old Testament timeline clearly indicated that Gentiles were on the mind of God, as made so clear in Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 60:1-3, Zechariah 8:22–23, and other passages. Once Israel became the obedient nation, the “Kingdom of Priests” (Exodus 19:5–6), then Israel would evangelize the pagan Gentile world around them. But hidden in the mind of God was a secret: that He would go to the Gentiles without Israel (because of Israel’s disobedience) and because of and through Israel at the same time (through the Jewish people, we have the word of God, and through the Jewish people, we have the Savior of the world).
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING… God’s word is precise and perfect. This theme is so beautifully summed up in Romans chapter 11 and epitomized in Romans 11:32–33. Of which all were preordained by the Triune God before time began (Acts 2:23).
It’s crucial to understand that the Bible is a progressive revelation.
‘For God has committed them all (the nation of Israel) to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all (both Jews and Gentiles). Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!’
Romans 11:32-33
‘Him (Jesus Christ), being delivered by the determinate counsel (the Triune Godhead preordained, before creation, that God the Son would step out of the invisible Spirit and become flesh) and foreknowledge (again the Triune God knew before creation that Israel would be disobedient and would temporarily blind Israel Romans 11:25, and turn to the whole world with a message of salvation that is by grace through faith alone in the finished work of the cross apart from the Mosaic law and temple worship) of God, ye (ye, is speaking of the nation of Israel as a whole) have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:’
Acts 2:23
Because the nation of Israel as a whole rejected Christ (which God already knew they would do because of His foreknowledge), God displaced them from Jerusalem and dispersed them into the nations of the world, and now He has gone to the Gentiles with the Gospel of the Grace of God. A mystery, a secret, hidden in the mind of God, but now (around 40 AD) revealed to the apostle Paul.
Takeaway
Let us embrace this revealed mystery, recognizing that God’s faithfulness to Israel persists. And maintain a heart of gratitude as God, because of Israel and through Israel, has poured out His grace upon all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles.
As we navigate theological discussions, may we anchor our understanding and believe (faith) in the precise and perfect Scripture, appreciating the depth of God’s judgments and the unsearchable nature of His ways.
Recommended reading:
The Bible is a Progressive Revelation – ‘Scripture wasn’t Revealed All at Once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses or the Twelve Apostles’