Tag: Scripture

Scripture Graphics #83

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Following God has never been doing the same thing over and over. The apostles tried to go various places in which “the Spirit suffered them not” (Acts 16:7). God may keep us in one place, ministering in one way for years or just a few months—this is why we must daily seek His direction.


Do we extend to others even half of the goodness that God has extended to us?


And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: (Numbers 14:20-23)
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And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:18-19)
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Unbelief is a powerful thing with powerful consequences. At no time will God allow our unbelief to mar His glory.


Scripture Graphics #82

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Do we often think on why God saved us, why Jesus died for us? To view salvation merely as “fire insurance” is to prove our ignorance of God. Jesus died to redeem us, but added to that, He died for our sanctification.


Succour (boethes) – to aid or relieve
When someone has faced something and been victorious over it, that’s someone I want to help me. Jesus knows what temptation is like, and He is ready to help us be victorious over it.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)


How often do we truly apply this verse against ourselves? Do we really believe God’s Word is quick (alive) and powerful TO CHANGE US? Do we believe it will acutely divide between soul/spirit and joints/marrow? That it will discern the thoughts and intents of our heart? With this knowledge, do we then avoid it? Or do we lay open our hearts before this operation of God’s Word—realizing that when He is finished, we will be a cleaner, more useable vessel?


It is amazing to think on what Jesus, the Son of God, suffered. He suffered human limitations, weariness, and sorrow. From others, He suffered rejection, envy, and unbelief. And this does not even touch what He suffered on the cross. He is Creator God, Lord of the Universe, and He suffered—yet learned obedience. What audacity do we have that, when we suffer, we then blame God and act as though we deserve better than His Son did while on earth?

What verses about Jesus Christ help you today?

Scripture Graphics #81

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Two practical ways of how to love our neighbor as ourselves (a command reiterated in the New Testament).


Paul had gone through countless trials and adversities, yet he had calm assurance and steadfast trust that, no matter what he went through, God would always be with him. Can we say the same? Or have we allowed circumstances to mar our trust in God?


Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you…And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. (Leviticus 20:7-8, 26)


Anyone can make a profession, but a heart that truly *knows* God will lead their actions to match their profession. Looking at the Greek to define words—a true believer in Jesus Christ will live a life that does not deny (contradict) their profession. His works will not be abominable (detestable, idolatrous) or reprobate (unapproved, rejected worthless). Do our actions prove that we are a Christian, or do they contradict our profession?

What verses help you find comfort and assurance?

Scripture Graphics #80

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (Philippians 3:1)
We need all of the reminders that we can get to rejoice because our flesh gets weighed down too easily with the cares of this temporal world. To have a reminder to rejoice everyday is but a safeguard for our focus.
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)


Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (Philippians 4:11-12)
Just a few verses prior is exhortation to rejoice always (vs. 4), be careful for nothing (vs. 6), pray with thanksgiving (vs. 6)—those are the standard for our living, whether it be in times of abundance or poverty, satisfaction or need.


Sometimes, the issue is not about us holding fast sound doctrine, but in *how* we are holding fast. We can do so in pride and an attitude that is unloving toward other believers, or, by Christ Jesus, we can do so in love and faith.


Two types of people are displayed in the latter half of 2 Timothy 3: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof… Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. These also resist the truth…” (2 Timothy 3:5, 7, 8)
All of these handled God’s truth one way. Compare to how others handled God’s truth:
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

Instead of resistance, there was continuance.
Instead of denying God’s power, they were made wise to salvation.
Instead of “ever learning” without fruition, there was learning, assurance, and knowledge.
Into which category do we fit?
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)


What verse(s) encourages you in you Christian walk?

Scripture Graphics #79

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

Many Christians pursue knowledge and judgment, but they fail to root such in love. Knowledge and judgment without love only brings harm to the body and does not exalt Jesus Christ. It is not to *only* love and neglect knowledge and judgment (for that, also, brings harm), but to have the perfect balance of all three.


“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5


I am so thankful that Jesus’ blood sufficiently covers all of my sins—known as well as unknown.


What are you praising God for today?

Scripture Graphics #78

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments


Here, the love of Christ is brought out in how He gave Himself. In John 3:16, God’s love was manifested by Him giving His Son. True love gives sacrificially. And this is the type of love we are to have.


How does this apply to me when I read, research, write, or watch movies? When I think of sinful examples from Scriptures, it clearly shows sin as sin. Sin *is* mentioned, but not expounded upon or detailed. It is not the main plot, per se, of the story. This should be my guide more than anything that is popular or well-written or well-presented.

Share a verse that you read today.

Scripture Graphics #77

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. (Exodus 23:20-22)
The Holy Spirit for the New Testament believer is very much like this angel. The Holy Spirit keeps us and brings us to the inheritance God has promised us (Eph 1:13-14). We are to obey and not grieve or quench the Spirit (Eph 4:30, 1 Thes 5:19). Jesus has sent the Holy Ghost in His Name, Who will teach us all things (John 14:26).

Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. (Exodus 31:16-17)
Since Christ’s resurrection, we worship on Sunday, not the Sabbath. But even then, many people today try to take away any day of rest. Something our generation is rapidly losing is the reminders of history—whether Biblically or nationally. If we stuck to worshipping one day a week and teaching that we do so as a picture of Creation, then would our world be seeping with so many evolutionists?


When we ask God to show us His way, what reasoning do we use behind it? So that we can better know Him? So that we find grace in His sight? Or are our reasons more fleshly, temporal, or worldly?


Some preachers give the impression that they are “something,” because they’ve been called to preach. Paul always saw himself as “the least of all.” His calling was viewed in humility and he was fully aware of the grace of God needed for him to be faithful to that calling.

What book are you reading through this week?

Scripture Graphics #76

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. (Genesis 41:1, 39-40)
A lot can happen in just two years. In two years, Joseph could have become calloused against God in bitterness. He could have decided it wasn’t worth giving credit to God for his wisdom (after all, the last dreams he interpreted only kept him in prison). But here we see evidence of him staying faithful to God—and being rewarded about 700 days later. When it’s hard to stay faithful, we need to remember the testimonies of others before us.


And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. (Exodus 3:11-12)
God didn’t answer Moses’ question of “Who am I?” Instead, He reassured Moses of His presence, faithfulness, and ability. It is never important who we are, or what our ability are. It is always important that we follow our powerful, mighty God.


And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD. (Exodus 8:7-8)
The magicians could repeat some of the acts of God, but never could they undo the miracles.


And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD’S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt. (Exodus 13:8-9)
The Passover was a memorial—an opportunity for parents to testify to their children of God’s deliverance, and by so doing, they would be inclined of gratitude to keep God’s law. We have every reason to do the same with salvation. Every Sunday (by going to church) is not too often to purposefully remember God’s deliverance of us, to testify it to others, and to be reminded of the merciful God Whose Word we should be inclined to keep.

What reminders have you had from God’s Word this week?

Scripture Graphics #75

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Abram fully trusted God at His Word when there was absolutely no substance (in Abram’s eyes) on earth to prove God would keep His promise. God had promised Abram descendents more in number than the stars or sand. Abram had no children and God didn’t accept Abram’s substitute of Eliezer. Even after Abram’s human plan was thwarted, he believed God. Today, we have God’s entire Word of promises and proof of His ability to keep His promises. Yet we struggle to fully trust in Him.

And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant. (Genesis 17:14)
Each individual had to be circumcised or they themselves would be cut off. It wasn’t enough that they were a member of a tribe of Israel. So is salvation—being a member of a Christian family means nothing for our salvation. Each individual must personally accept Jesus as Savior.

In his time of fear and need, Jacob first exalted God and humbled himself.


It was obvious to others that God was with Joseph. His circumstances never jaded his testimony. What about when our days are rough—do others see Jesus in us?

What lesson have you learned from Joseph’s life?

Scripture Graphics #74

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

The winds of destruction are always relentlessly pounding on us. If we step away from Jesus, He has all authority to remove Hi hand of protection and allow a little harm to come our way. He holds our salvation, but if we are not walking cautiously—staying in God’s Word, holding faith and a good conscience—we could lose some battles and “damage our ship.”


God, our Creator-example, took six days to create the heavens and earth. Not only does this give us a pattern for a six-day work week, it is also our example in patience. God could have easily created everything in six minutes, if He chose. He also could have sealed perfection for everything at creation. But He chose to take days to create, and even still today, He is working in nature and the hearts and lives of men, for thousands of years. Why, then, do I grow impatient when things take a little longer than I want?


Compared to Genesis 2:17, Eve exaggerated God’s original command. While it may have been a wise idea to not touch the tree, God never said that touching the tree was a death-penalty. When we teach God’s commands, do we add our own (finite) wisdom of application and portray it as, “God has said?” There are many areas I can think of where I embraced my interpretation of God’s command stronger than His actual command, but in the long run, it confused the simplistic, defined command I was to follow. So, how are we viewing God’s commands? Are we embellishing them then clinging to the embellished version more than the original command?


When we take one step without seeking God’s counsel, it is all too easy to take another step the same way. Abram went to Egypt by his wisdom, then led Sarai to lie to protect him and their marriage by his wisdom, and others suffered. No decision is too small or big but we should seek God’s counsel over our own.

What is your favorite story or verse from Genesis?