BIBLE BYTES -- The Bible is the GOAT! Verses and values from the Old and New Testaments!
Hurt feelings are the source of many problems in this world. Jesus was criticized from all directions. You will be too at times. It is God’s judgement that matters. Even Jesus turned criticism over to God. Do what is right and let God handle others and their criticisms.
1 Peter 2:23 (GNT) 3 When he was insulted, he did not answer back with an insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but placed his hopes in God, the righteous Judge.
6/26/2022
It is said there are no atheists in foxholes. In daily life, Israel loved their idols but when trouble was near, they cried out to God to save them. He may prevent your trouble, save your life or forgive you, but you still need to reconcile and stay reconciled to God.
Jeremiah 2:27 (TLB) 7….They call a carved-up wooden post their father, and for their mother they have an idol chiseled out from stone. Yet in time of trouble they cry to me to save them!
6/19/2022
Having others you can pray with or talk about God with works because “two is better than one.” A regular time to discuss or be with others who want to move forward spiritually prepares you to receive from God that which you may not even know you need.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either one of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
7/17/2022
There are times you are distraught, traumatized or confused. The Bible says to turn to God first and Exodus 14:15 shows the additional step: Continue forward or take a completely different path, but at the right time, you must, in faith, move on.
Exodus 14:15 (NIV) 15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.
7/3/2022
Isaiah 31:4-5 describes the focus of a lion killing and eating a sheep and compares it to how God will defend you over your own negative thoughts, resistances, as well as attacks from others. See him hovering over you. God is not frightened away. He is always with you.
Isaiah 31:4-5 (TLB) 4-5 But the Lord has told me this: When a lion, even a young one, kills a sheep, he pays no attention to the shepherd’s shouts and noise. He goes right on and eats. In such manner the Lord will come and fight upon Mount Zion. He will not be frightened away! He, the Lord Almighty, will hover over Jerusalem as birds hover round their nests, and he will defend the city and deliver it.
6/12/2022
Joshua was beyond consolation when his army suffered losses in Ai. The reason was there was a sin in Israel that had to be rooted out that was compromising their strength. They were undermining God. If you are flailing, ask God if there is a sin you need to recognize.
Joshua 7:7-12 (TLB) 7 Joshua cried out to the Lord, “O Jehovah, why have you brought us over the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us? Why weren’t we content with what we had? Why didn’t we stay on the other side? 8 O Lord, what am I to do now that Israel has fled from her enemies! 9 For when the Canaanites and the other nearby nations hear about it, they will surround us and attack us and wipe us out. And then what will happen to the honor of your great name?” 10-11 But the Lord said to Joshua, “Get up off your face! Israel has sinned and disobeyed my commandment and has taken loot when I said it was not to be taken; and they have not only taken it, they have lied about it and have hidden it among their belongings. 12 That is why the people of Israel are being defeated. That is why your men are running from their enemies—for they are cursed. I will not stay with you any longer unless you completely rid yourselves of this sin.
6/5/2022
Listen to your self-talk. Satan is the Accuser. If you are accusing yourself or someone is accusing you, ask God if it is him or Satan. Satan pulls you down. God lifts you up. Satan uses guilt and grief. God says, “let’s make this right.”
Job 1:6-7 (TLB) 6 One day as the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan, the Accuser, came with them. 7 “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. And Satan replied, “From earth, where I’ve been watching everything that’s going on.”
5/29/2022
When Jesus was on the cross, he was there to complete his purpose. He knew there would be regret by those putting him there. Love with God’s love and pray for those who try to harm you. This is turning the other cheek. Vengeance is God’s prerogative only.
Matthew 5:38-40 (TLB) 38 “The law of Moses says, ‘If a man gouges out another’s eye, he must pay with his own eye. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the one who did it.’ 39 But I say: Don’t resist violence! If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too. 40 If you are ordered to court, and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too.
5/22/2022
For many, trusting God in difficulties and trials is a white knuckle experience. As you trust and come to know God better, instead of worrying and fearing outcomes you will develop a quiet, meditative confidence. That is where you will find your answers and peace.
Isaiah 30:15 (TLB)….in quietness and confidence is your strength;
5/15/2022
Samuel woke to a voice calling him. God is always speaking but most don’t know his voice from any other in the environment. God speaks personally and distinctly to each person. Eli couldn’t answer for Samuel, he alone had to listen and develop his relationship with God.
1 Samuel 3:8-10 (TLB) 8 So now the Lord called the third time, and once more Samuel jumped up and ran to Eli. “Yes?” he asked. “What do you need?” Then Eli realized it was the Lord who had spoken to the child. 9 So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if he calls again, say, ‘Yes, Lord, I’m listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.10 And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Yes, I’m listening.”
5/8/2022
When a miracle occurs, you want to tell others yet several times Jesus told those he healed to keep it quiet. Your communication with Christ is your priority. Let him lead you to what and when to reveal to others, whether it be about healing or any other matter.
Matthew 9:27-31 (MSG) 27-28 As Jesus left the house, he was followed by two blind men crying out, “Mercy, Son of David! Mercy on us!” When Jesus got home, the blind men went in with him. Jesus said to them, “Do you really believe I can do this?” They said, “Why, yes, Master!” 29-31 He touched their eyes and said, “Become what you believe.” It happened. They saw. Then Jesus became very stern. “Don’t let a soul know how this happened.” But they were hardly out the door before they started blabbing it to everyone they met.
5/1/2022
Romans 5:3-5 says to feel good about problems and trials because they help you develop endurance and strength of character, leading to stronger faith. When you face your challenges with a positive attitude, you will not be disappointed in the process or the outcome.
Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
4/17/2022
Paul was the most eager and venomous enemy of the early church. He persecuted all he could until he was blinded by a brilliant light, showing how blind he was to the Truth. He was transformed into a brilliant light of Christ and anyone else can be too.
Acts 9:1-5 (TLB) 1 But Paul, threatening with every breath and eager to destroy every Christian, went to the High Priest in Jerusalem. 2 He requested a letter addressed to synagogues in Damascus, requiring their cooperation in the persecution of any believers he found there, both men and women, so that he could bring them in chains to Jerusalem.3 As he was nearing Damascus on this mission, suddenly a brilliant light from heaven spotted down upon him! 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Paul! Paul! Why are you persecuting me?”5 “Who is speaking, sir?” Paul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city and await my further instructions.”
4/10/2022
In this passage the disciples were so gripped by fear they didn’t recognize Jesus. They thought he was a ghost. Peter wanted proof it was Jesus and even after realizing it was him, he still sank in the water. This says Jesus is always with you whether you know it or not.
Matthew 14:24-31 (NLT) 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
4/3/2022
Trusting God is not a feeling. It is knowing. Feelings come from thoughts. Thoughts can be right or wrong. Psalms 27:1-3 gives examples of knowing contrasted with feelings of fear. As in these verses, work on right thought first and then knowing and trust will grow out of it.
Psalms 27:1-3 (NLT) 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation - why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
3/27/2022
It is said that if you miss something due to an unforeseen event, missing it was God’s will. There is backing for this in the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 16:1, 9 and 33 say to make plans, but God will change them, as he directs. God beautifully guides your way.
Proverbs 16:1, 9, 33 (TLB) 1 We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God’s hands. 9 We should make plans—counting on God to direct us. 33 We toss the coin, but it is the Lord who controls its decision.
3/20/2022
What does born again mean? Jesus said it is to be born of water and the Spirit. Humans reproduce and create babies. The Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. Spirit gives birth to spirit. Water is the spiritual cleansing that occurs as the Holy Spirit works in you.
John 3:5-8 (NIV) 5 “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
3/13/2022
How you treat those you don’t really know shows your character. Your actions, like a video camera, record everything you say and do. Others see it. It is right to have boundaries and be firm when necessary. But above all else, be kind, whether it is someone you know or not.
Hebrews 13:2 (TLB) 2 Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!
2/27/2022
In 2 Chronicles 20:21-23, “At the very moment they began to sing and give praise” the Lord caused the attacking enemies to “start fighting among themselves.” When you have a battle, go first to God, give thanks that he loves you and know he has the right solution for you.
2 Chronicles 20:21-23 (NLT) 21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” 22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. 23 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them.
2/20/2022
Placing real faith and trust in the one who created the world involves learning who that is and how he works before you can experience the wisdom that comes with it. This wisdom is the mystery of God and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:6-9 (NLT) 6 Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
2/13/2022
Jesus told his disciples to be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. Living in God’s freedom triggers some, even to death and violence. Jesus said you may not escape earthly accusation, but do not worry. You will be given the words to say and actions to take.
Matthew 10:16-20 (NIV) 16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
2/6/2022
