Tag: Scripture

Scripture Graphics #93

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And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
(Luke 9:23-24)
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
(Mark 10:29-30)
God’s ways are not our ways. Where we see loss, He sees an opportunity in which to bless us, He is not trying to steal good things from us. Rather, He is longing to bless us—and not just in heaven, but now, here on earth. Do we cling to that which is temporal and refuse to follow Him—thus robbing from ourselves the very blessings He wants to give us?


And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
(Mark 11:22)
Faith is a big thing today. We are often exhorted to “have faith.” Have faith, and it will all turn out. Have faith and hope for the best. But what is the object of our faith? Faith in anyone or anything but God is misplaced faith. It’s not just about how strong our faith is, but about how powerful our God is. So, do we have faith…IN God?


“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark‬ ‭12:30-31
We know these verses well, which sometimes lead us to quote or read them in a hurry. But have I stopped to truly ponder these words? “All” is all—every part, completely, wholly. Jesus describes more though: ALL our heart, soul, mind, strength. That should leave no part in me for self-love, self-exaltation, selfishness. Above that, our love is to go next in line to our neighbor (according to the Good Samaritan parable, “neighbor” means anyone who crosses our paths). This powerful, all-consuming love for God and others can be overwhelming—because I know my selfishness and shortcomings. But God has not given us the command without help: “but the fruit of the Spirit is love…” He is ready to help us love—but first, we need to realize how we lack love and how we need His help.



What attitude do we have when others violate God’s Word? Are we grieved because of the neglect of God’s Word, or does a fleshlier attitude take place?

What well-known verse has taken a new meaning for you lately?

Scripture Graphics #92

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“And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.” Mark‬ ‭4:24
This verse comes after the parable of the Sower’s seed (vs. 3-20). Though it definitely applies to receiving the Word for salvation, receiving God’s Word also links to spiritual growth. If we do not accept and apply what God reveals to us, why would He give us more? The question then is not, “am I going to church and reading my Bible?” But, “Am I being obedient and applying what I hear?”


“And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” Mark‬ ‭4:38-40‬
The first words from the disciples’ lips were, “Carest Thou not?” It is easy to view trials and storms as an example that God does not care for our individual lives, when instead, He is allowing them to grow us in our faith. When faced with storms, we shouldn’t ask, “Do You even care what I’m going through?” But, “What do You want me to learn about You in this storm?”


The disciples’ hardened hearts prevented them from believing the power of God—even though they were eye-witnesses of Jesus’ miracles. Our hardened hearts can affect us too. We have 66 books of testimonies of God’s power, love, mercy, justice, judgment, and commands. Do our hearts believe, or are they hardened?


How often do we do daily, menial tasks with our heart focused on serving the Lord? How many tasks do we truly do “as unto the Lord?” Is our eternal perspective tainted by temporal, selfish desires, lusts, and pleasures?

What verse has kept you going today?

Scripture Graphics #91

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

“And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew‬ ‭4:3-4‬
Jesus Christ *was* God’s Son—His only begotten Son—yet satan asked “IF Thou be the Son of God…” We are the adopted children of God, and satan still accuses us, “If you’re *really* God’s child, really born again...” Though Jesus’ temptation was not doubting His salvation, the answer He gave should help us when we are faced with that struggle: live by the Word of God. Satan wanted Jesus to do an action, Jesus pointed to faith and trust in God’s Word. Doubts of salvation are often fueled by “Did I *do* enough?”—but it’s not about “doing enough” but by trusting in and living by the Word of God.


“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew‬ ‭8:2-3
What a beautiful picture of cleansing—which applies both to salvation and sanctification. Jesus is ready and willing to cleanse us if we but ask Him. And when we do ask, He cleanses us immediately (1 John 1:9).


There is great comfort in this. Not only do we serve the same God as Abraham and all of the believers in Scripture, we also serve the eternal God—assurance of life after death.


“But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?” Matthew‬ ‭26:8‬
In others’ eyes, this woman’s decision to pour her entire alabaster box of ointment on Jesus was nothing but a waste. In Jesus’ eyes, it was no such thing. The others saw no purpose, Jesus saw a good work.
Today, our decisions in following Jesus might look to others like a waste—but they are not the ones we are following, and in eternity, they do not determine our rewards. Are temporal opinions preventing us from following the Holy Spirit?

What verse are you clinging to today?

Scripture Graphics #90

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. (Jude 1:16)
These are characteristics of the ungodly (vs. 15), yet why do we leave these areas in our lives unchecked? Maybe we need to refocus.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude ‪1:20-21‬)


What great assurance—that this is in Whom we have entrusted our lives eternally!


When we start to believe that all things were created for *our* pleasure, it steals our desire to give to God all glory, honor, and power, Only when we have a proper view of ourselves and God will we truly give Him the glory, honor, and power He deserves.



What are you working on memorizing right now?

Scripture Graphics #89

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For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
(1 Samuel 1:27-28)
How often do we have a deep desire, beg of God, receive it, then selfishly hoard it? Hannah did no such thing, and it was her very own child! God’s blessings on us should enable us to give more back to Him and bless others, but do we selflessly give back to God or selfishly cling tightly to what we have?


How many people try to do good things and follow the commandments—yet neglect to believe in Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation! This is the most important commandment for us to obey!


These verses bring out just three aspects of God’s love:
– God loved those who did not love Him
– God gave what was most precious to Him, to demonstrate His love
– By His love, God atoned (appeased) our sin
And this is how we are to love: by extending love to those who do not extend love to us, by giving what is valuable to us for others (be it ourselves, our time, our money), and forgiving others’ sin against us.


And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god. They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither.
(1 Samuel 5:7-8)
It is amazing…the enemy of God knew exactly Who was punishing them and bringing judgment, but today, many Christians lay all of their afflictions at the hand of satan. Yes, sometimes trials are sent by satan (look at Job), or the affect of another’s sin (Joseph), but we tend to neglect examining ourselves to see if maybe God Himself sent this punishment because of our sin. In the Philistines’ case, they knew it was God, yet their solution was not humility and repentance before God. They “removed themselves from the presence of conviction.” Even as believers, we can do the same by neglecting God’s Word, neglecting church, avoiding Godly friends, and spending more time with worldly friends who convince us that “sin is okay.” Are we like the Philistines?

How has God’s Word challenged you this week?

Scripture Graphics #88

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

No leader of any group of people has ever had a perfect group. Moses, though he was the meekest man on earth and talked face to face with God, could not change to heart of the nation. Yet that never hindered his relationship with God. Dealing with tough people is a part of life, but never should we use it as an excuse to draw us away from God.


The first step to sin is when we forget Who God is and what He has done FOR US.


If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:6-7)
True fellowship with God comes only one way: through Jesus’ blood. We cannot do enough works to open this fellowship nor can we turn over enough new leaves. Any relationship with God apart from the blood of Christ is no relationship at all—and we deceive ourselves.


These were established in God’s Word, saved, and strong—yet look at what John wrote to them: reminders of salvation, focus, ministry, attitude, assurance, sin, God’s commandments, so on. Even if we have a solid, Christian foundation, we need to be reminded of some things and taught some things. This is why believers should never stop daily reading God’s Word or going to church. We still need to be reminded of some things.

What are you reading in your Bible today?

Scripture Graphics #87

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

If we were truly convinced at how big and powerful our God is, then we would not let fears overtake us—fears of unknown, fears of what “might happen,” fears of men.


And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee. (Deuteronomy 10:10)
One man’s prayer saved a nation. Do we think our prayers are in vain or that “Who am I, that God would listen?” What if we are the one whose prayer is the only thing that changes something?


Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
(1 Peter 2:1-2)
If we are not desiring God’s Word or it seems we’re unable to grow, maybe we should do a quick heart-check. Are we harboring malice (badness, malignity, trouble, evil), guile (a trick, wile), hypocrisy (acting under a feigned part), envies (ill-will, jealousy), or evil-speakings (defamation)? If we are, then we very well may be squelching our appetite for God’s Word. We must apply the principles of God’s Word in order to learn more and grow. To hold onto wickedness is only deaden our desire for God’s Word.


This list is not one that, applied once, we have for life. Different circumstances will arise that present different angles in which to apply these spiritual traits—and at different levels. To stop striving after these things is to be blind and careless (vs. 9). It will rarely be easy, but the Holy Spirit is in us to guide us (John 16:13) and help us to will to do (Philippians 2:13). Ours is the choice whether to go to God for help, or to give up.

What passages have encouraged you in your spiritual growth this week?

Scripture Graphics #86

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All of these points are reiterated for New Testament believers–yet, do we doubt God? He is not man to forget His promises or change His. Words (or “what I really meant was…”). He is faithful! Our human eyes cannot see the whole picture; we have to take God at His Word and trust Him no matter what the circumstances are.


“Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” Psalms‬ ‭107:21-22
We often think of all of the sacrifices which we make in a day—a sacrifice of time, money, talents, rights, etc. Today, though, why not make an effort to sacrifice some praise to God?


“Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” Deuteronomy 5:32-33
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15
Keeping God’s commandments are not for His benefit. He created all things; nothing that we do will enrich His life and make it beneficial. *But*…keeping the commandments will surely enrich our lives and benefit us. God has provided so many lessings for us to tap into for a rich and full life—but we have to be diligent to do our part.


Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:5-8)
When things are going awry, plans thwarted, and my attitude souring, I need to check some things. Am I seeking God’s grace to overcome my natural tendencies to envy and pride? Am I resisting (standing against, opposing) the devil or giving place to him (Eph ‪4:27‬)? Am I fully submitting to God—with my ideas, plans, hopes, dreams? Is my main desire to draw nigh to God? When I honestly evaluate myself in light of Scripture, do I then take the next step to change what is lacking? “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

Share a verse from your reading this week.

Scripture Graphics #85

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

We have a choice today: a choice to be grateful for what we DO have, or a choice to be ungrateful for what we do NOT have. “Ingratitude is like a bucket with holes.” (Nancy Leigh DeMoss) Our lives are constantly filled with blessings, but if we choose to be ungrateful, we will always feel empty, because we don’t see those blessings that are leaking through holes are ungratefulness. Which will we be today? Grateful or ungrateful? The choice is ours.


We have a choice today: a choice to be grateful for what we DO have, or a choice to be ungrateful for what we do NOT have. “Ingratitude is like a bucket with holes.” (Nancy Leigh DeMoss) Our lives are constantly filled with blessings, but if we choose to be ungrateful, we will always feel empty, because we don’t see those blessings that are leaking through holes are ungratefulness. Which will we be today? Grateful or ungrateful? The choice is ours.


But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. James 1:22-24
When we leave the mirror, our eyes can now see others. This could be good or bad, depending on what we did with ourselves in our “mirror time” with God’s Word. If we heard and ignored our problems, then when our eyes are turned to others, we will see their flaws and how they need to change.
But if we have used the mirror time to obey God’s Word and do what He has convicted us to, then our attitude when we look at others will be love, service, self-lessness.
“But whoso looking into the perfect law of liberty, and continuity therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (Vs. 25)


Moses was not able to go to the Promised Land, but he could be a part by helping the next leader. We are not all able to do the same ministry, but we can strengthen and encourage those who are in various points of ministry.

What encouragement have you found from God’s Word this past week?

Scripture Graphics #84

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And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. (Numbers 21:34)
Even though Israel’s sin and disobedience led them to the forty years’ wander, God still used this time to prove His power through them to conquer the enemy.


But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
When we think of pleasing God, our minds always go to works. If we try hard enough, we’ll please God. If we do this or that, we’ll please God. But what about having faith—or seeking Him? These don’t seem to be the “big things” to us, yet such pleases God. Do we truly want to please God or just appease our conscience?


When we’re tempted to focus on our problems, it helps to remember what Jesus went through. Others may wrong me—but I wrong Jesus, and how does He treat me? With forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Others may demand my time and help-how often do I go to Jesus for the same? He gives unconditionally, in love, not begrudging. People may do things against my will—Jesus surrendered His will so that I could have salvation. Remembering all that Jesus is, has done, and is doing puts a new perspective on life and my little problems that I face.


“Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.” Psalm 94:17-19


What verses do you cling to for help?