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What is the Biblical Meaning of Restore and Renew?

Posted on by Donna Snow

There are no two ways around it: life is hard. However, the biblical meaning of restore and renew involves God’s way of bringing about a restored soul, restoration of peace, physical restoration, and even financial restitution. 

Hope abounds in Christ! Both the Old Testament and the New Testament are filled with the process of restoration of God’s people in various ways. Let’s dive in.

What Does Restore Mean Biblically?

God’s restoration of us is a beautiful gift. God’s Word is full of Hebrew and Greek words referencing His restoration process.

The dictionary definition of restoration is the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition. The biblical meaning of the word “restore” is mostly literal. 

biblical meaning of restore and renew

Tangible Restoration

Land, property, health, life, and other tangibles are the subject of restoration:

  • 1 Kings 20:34 – “I will return the cities my father took from your father,” Ben-Hadad offered. “You may set up your own market areas in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.”
  • Job 20:10 – “His children must make amends to the poor; his own hands must give back his wealth.”
  • Ezekiel 18:7 – “He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.”
  • Mark 3:5 – “Jesus looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.”

We see such restoration throughout the Book of Job. The story of Job is sobering to read because he literally loses everything except his life and faith. Job’s friends only see the turn of Job’s fortunes due to sin. But that wasn’t the case. 

God’s desire was to prove to Satan that a believer’s faith can be stronger than any misery they endure – even the severest afflictions. God restored to Job a double portion of the blessings he had before, including Job’s former condition of health and wealth.

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Figurative Restoration

When we look at the figurative usage of restoration, there are several verses to consider covering two overarching areas. 

1. Spiritual Restoration

First and foremost (since it impacts eternal life) is spiritual restoration. This aspect holds a different value than physical restoration because only our spirit is eternal. It is a return to our proper condition before the loss of Eden — a spiritual reset, if you will.

In Psalm 51:12, David writes: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” After falling headlong into sin with Bathsheba, David turns to our God of restoration. 

In Psalm 23:3, the psalmist calls on the name of the Lord for strength during trials: “He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

In Galatians 6:1, mature believers are also encouraged to identify their spiritual gifts and strengths in order to restore the spiritual health of a wayward believer: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” 

thursday prayers and blessings

2. Eschatological Restoration

The Word of God also references an eschatological restoration, which points to the Last Judgment, the reign of Christ, and times of restoration of all things:

  • Matthew 19:28 – “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel‘.”
  • Acts 3:20-21 – “That times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago.”

Eschatological restoration is a category that garners significant theological discussion and fear fodder for prosperity preachers. But Scripture is clear that the restoration of man comes from God alone through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

sunrise sunset bible

What Does Renew Mean Biblically?

God sent Jesus into the world not only to restore us but to renew us. Biblically, renewal means that we are remade into something new and better in Christ. 

Renewal references God’s process of sanctification. Sanctification encompasses the work of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into eternal life. It includes the gift of faith, justification, our inner transformation, perseverance in faith, and complete renewal on Judgment Day.

In the process of renewal, God removes us from our former place of spiritual darkness and ushers us into His glorious light.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:16 – “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
  • Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
  • Romans 12:2 – “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.”

In some places the Bible conveys renewal in a primary sense of literal rather than spiritual. For instance, the kingdom renewal at Gilgal: “Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship” (1 Samuel 11:14). 

prayers for repentance

What is Spiritual Renewal?

In addition to the points and passages above, spiritual renewal means relying on Christ through faith for inner strength and resolve in our pursuit of God. 

Spiritual renewal is not merely a theological concept. In Christ, we are given a clear sense of sin and its damage that is replaced by a fresh sense of God, His grace, and God’s plan for our lives.

  • Lamentations 5:21 – “Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return.” 
  • Ephesians 4:22-23 – “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” 
  • Colossians 3:9-10 – “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” 

Spiritual renewal is also viewed from the perspective of repentance: “…and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt” (Hebrews 6:6). Repentance is key to spiritual renewal.

Spiritual renewal includes renewed vigor and realigning our thoughts with God’s truth as the bedrock of our lives. God’s promise to renew us through Christ leads us to the green pastures of His forgiveness, grace, and mercy. Our cup overflows with His restoring, renewing love!

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About the Author

Donna is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was difficult. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. If you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}

Graduation Prayers and Congratulations Messages

Posted on by Donna Snow

Graduation Day is within sight. Congratulations graduates! It is a culmination of years of work, dedication, and great hope. It’s time to celebrate the hard work of graduating seniors with graduation prayers and congratulations messages.

You may be celebrating a high school graduate, grade school completion, or obtaining a graduate school degree. Usually, greeting cards and heartfelt messages are part of the celebration.

Here are some ideas for a graduation prayer or Christian graduation card message to wish your special young adults a Happy Graduation Day.

graduation prayers and congratulations

Graduation Prayers

Whether the graduate is you, your child, or a friend, here are some prayers that you can offer for each person’s special day.

1. Graduation Prayers for Yourself

Dear Gracious God, You have brought me such a long way! My heart today is overflowing with gratitude for the good work You have done in my life. You have enabled me to make the right choices despite the lack of sleep and given me the encouragement of Jesus. I dedicate this day to You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dear God, thank you for faithfully walking with me every step of my educational journey. Today marks a new beginning in a wider world and career path. I pray that You open new opportunities along my path that continue to honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

God's protection
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2. Graduation Prayers for Your Child

Dearest Lord, You gave me a precious, perfect gift in this beautiful child. You have given us the gift of family, faith, and love. It has been a long journey to reach graduation and I give You all the glory. Thank you for keeping my child safe and directing his path so beautifully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Beautiful Savior, what a joyous day! Today is one of the proudest moments in my parenting life so far. My child has accomplished so much because You never left her side. Today, we celebrate the goodness of life and bright future that You have laid out for her. In the name of your Son Jesus, Amen.

prayer
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3. Graduation Prayers for a Friend

Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of this beautiful friendship! Today, I celebrate the great things You have accomplished in her life. As she receives her diploma, remind her that Your Holy Spirit continues to guide her path. It is a joy to celebrate her well-deserved success and Your faithfulness throughout. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 Heavenly Father, the spirit of Your love is so strong in my amazing friend. You have given her lots of passion to push through those times of late night studies to accomplish her dreams. I pray that You provide huge success in her new adventures that fulfill her dreams and bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

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Graduation Congratulations Messages

Extending your warmest congratulations in graduation card messages can become a treasured keepsake to the one who receives it. The right words make all the difference. 

Graduation congratulations cards commemorate the monumental occasion of achieving years of hard work and dedication. And God was the biggest part! Here are some messages you can share.

1. Congratulations Messages for Your Child

Today is the beginning of the bright future God has prepared specifically for you. Your hard work and true dedication to Him have made the most positive difference in your life. Keep Jesus close as you strike out on the new journeys ahead! I love you very much. Congratulations Graduate!

I am so proud of you! Today we get to make a big deal over you and your wonderful accomplishments. God has faithfully directed your path and you have remained faithful to Him. Regardless of your next step in life, remember that God walks with you every step of the way. I love you very much!

God has made you an extraordinary person! You have worked so hard to graduate and I am so proud of you. You remained faithful to God and He has blessed you with success. God has given you so many gifts to share with the world. Remember to keep asking His guidance and He will never lead you astray. Congratulations!

Bible verses and prayers for travel
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2. Congratulations Messages for a Friend

You did it! Despite a loaded schedule and lots of commitments, you relied on the Lord to see you through. You are a dear friend and an important part of our community. I pray God’s blessings over you as you step out with your diploma in hand. Congratulations!

I am so proud of you! You have wholeheartedly followed God’s direction and accomplished so much. I know that you will be a huge blessing as you step out into this great big world with God’s love and gentleness evident to all. God’s blessings and best wishes as you step out into the world with your diploma!

Congratulations! It has been a joy to keep you in prayer as you worked full-time and also attended school. I realize that must have been a heavy load to carry. God has given you success because you remained faithful to His calling over your life. God bless you as you step out with a diploma in hand!

Best Bible Verses Power of a Woman
Best Bible Verses About the Power of a Woman

3. Congratulations Messages for a Pastor

Dear Pastor, congratulations! You followed God’s leading to work towards your doctorate in ministry and He has blessed you with success. You have been such a blessing in my life and the life of our church. I pray that God continues to enlighten your continuum of life-long learning. God bless you!

Dear Pastor, you did it! You have worked so hard to obtain your doctorate in ministry. And along the way, you kept serving our church wholeheartedly. I realize that your load was burdensome at times. Your tenacity and grace under pressure have been an inspiration to me and many others in our church. Congratulations and to God be the glory!

I hope that these prayers and messages will give you a good start to congratulating the graduate in your life!

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About the Author

Donna is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. If you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}

What Does the Bible Say About Sunrise and Sunset?

Posted on by Donna Snow

The Bible has much to say about sunrise and sunset, the sun, and even darkness. Sun and light usually represent goodness. Sunset and darkness often signal warning or even evil. 

The first time that I watched the sun rise over the Sea of Galilee, I imagined Peter, John, and the other fishermen seeing a similar sight. It was an unforgettable moment. 

Whether we witness sunrise on a cloudless morning or sunset over the waters of the sea, the Lord of Hosts uses the heavens as His canvas.

What Sunrise Symbolizes Biblically

Sunrise in the Bible reveals profound significance. Among other things, it symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and His divine presence. 

C.S. Lewis once said, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” 

From the glory of God to physical light, to new beginnings, the Bible offers a wide variety of symbolism regarding sunrises.

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1.  Sunrise as a New Beginning

The biblical meaning of sunrise usually signifies a new day or new beginning, both spiritually and physically. How many of us feel the hope of God as we start a new day with a blank sin slate?

All of life awakens with a fresh start in the morning light. It brings a sense of universal awe inspired by God’s creations. 

“Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy” (Psalm 65:8). 

The beginning of the day also signifies the cycles of life and nature. The light of dawn and the rising sun often signify a time marker or starting point for a new day or new week.

“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years‘” (Genesis 1:14).

“The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises” (Ecclesiastes 1:5).

thursday prayers and blessings

2. Sunrise Evokes Worship

When was the last time you intentionally set an alarm to watch a sunrise? When I visited the rim of the Grand Canyon in 2008, I did precisely that. 

Grabbing my Bible and journal, I headed to perch on a rock overlooking the Canyon at 5:00 a.m. Words simply fail to describe the sense of awe and splendor I experienced that morning.

The sheer beauty and universal awe of a sunrise inspire us to worship the God who created life. God’s glory is physically present as He finger-paints the light of the morning across the sky. The prophet Isaiah understood this well.

“Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord; exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea” (Isaiah 24:15, NIV).

“Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord; exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea” (Isaiah 24:15).

“My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples” (Psalm 108:1-3).

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3. Sunrise Invites Prayer and Guidance

Even a cursory reading of Scripture reveals that the transition from darkness to light often symbolizes spiritual enlightenment. How many times have you felt a sense of sadness or spiritual darkness, stopped to pray, and received instant relief from the Lord? 

As the new light shines each morning, it is wise to pray for God’s presence and great power to guide your day. Here are two of the best Bible verses to pray: 

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life” (Psalm 143:8).

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3). 

Even if a sunrise is cloaked in thick clouds that hide the sun from view, we never doubt that the sun has risen and shines above the clouds. We can count on the bright morning star to appear just like the tender mercy of our God.

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4. Reminder of God’s Mercy and Faithfulness

Sunrises are not simply a daily free gift of God; they are hand-painted canvases of divine messages of God’s faithfulness. God did not have to give us sunrises. He wanted to delight us and provide a daily reminder of His faithfulness,

The predictable regularity of sunrise provides a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Even the lamenting prophet understood that God’s love and mercy faithfully arrive with each new day. 

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, therefore I will hope in him” (Lamentations 3:22-24, ESV). 

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the following morning” (Psalm 30:5).

“For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth” (Psalm 108:4-5).

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14). 

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5. God’s Victory in the Light of Day

Joshua understood the importance of persevering through the deep darkness of night to celebrate victory in the bright morning. He had the bold faith to even ask God to make the sun stand still!

“At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies” (Joshua 10:12-13).

How often have you battled an addiction or “terror” through the night? Worry and anxiety are sleep destroyers. Trusting the Lord to bring victory after we have trusted Him and persevered is an extraordinary faith builder.

David understood the need to persevere a full day and through the shadow of death at night, as well.

“David fought them from dusk until the evening of the next day, and none of them got away, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled” (1 Samuel 30:17). 

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6. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The most important sunrise in all of human history was when God raised Jesus from the dead so that we have the hope of eternal life with Him. 

The disciples thought all was lost as the body of the Lord Jesus was laid in the tomb on Good Friday. But the Son of Man and light of the world did not stay in the grave for long.

“Early on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance” (John 20:1). 

“Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away” (Mark 16:2-4).

Christ Jesus rose from the dead and shone the everlasting light of hope and the good news of eternal liberty from the wages of sin. I have never attended an outdoor Easter sunrise church service outside, but it is on my bucket list!

resurrection he is risen easter

Are There Sunrises in Heaven?

When our hope in Christ is fulfilled by faith at our earthly death, He will instantly welcome all believers into heaven.  

God is light and all light emanates from Him. Consequently, there will not be sunrises or sunsets in heaven.

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 22:5, NIV). 

After all, we will finally be standing in the presence of the Lord! I don’t know about you, but my eyes will be plastered on Jesus, not looking for any other source of great light.

rainbow blessings

What Sunset Symbolizes Biblically

Just as the sunrise begins each day afresh, the sunset signifies the end of a season, a life, or a day. It is also a perfect time to reflect on what the Lord has done during each day.

1. Sunsets Inspire Reflection and Worship

If you are reading this at night, what good thing (or several things) did the Lord do for you today? I once heard a friend say, “Thank you, Lord, for counting my blessings because I can’t count that high.” Sunset is a beautiful time for reflection and worship.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat” (Psalm 19:1-2, 6). 

“Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” (Psalm 113:2-3, ESV).

“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).

sun globe

2. Sunsets Offer Reconciliation

How often have you worked all day and welcomed the setting of the sun after completing your good works that day? As the day declines, we rest from our labor. 

We spend time with family or friends as we wind down. It is also a time to settle accounts, so to speak, for that day. A final opportunity to make things right before falling asleep.

“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27). 

“If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset” (Exodus 22:6).  

“Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise they may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin” (Deuteronomy 24:15). 

sunset greece

3. Evening Offers Rest

Scripture tells us that God never sleeps: “Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleep” (Psalm 121:4, NLT). 

However, the Lord gives us sleep because He knows that we need it. Rest is vital! And we can sleep peacefully knowing that God is ever watchful over us.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). 

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3a).

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him” (Psalm 91:1-2).

sunset

4. Evening Offers Peace and Restoration

During Jesus’ three years of public ministry, His work never ceased. In fact, it often continued through the night until the next day.

“At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them” (Luke 4:40).

What a beautiful example for Christians to follow! Just because the sun has set does not mean our calling to share the Good News clocks out. Time is short.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’” (Matthew 9:37-38).

reading space peace

5. Significant Biblical Events After Sunset

Whether your day was wonderful or heartbreaking, the Lord walked through every moment with you. He never left you alone. He watches, moves, and works after the sun sets each day.

Throughout the Bible, some of the most significant events took place after the sun had set.

  • Jesus and the disciples celebrated the Passover Meal in the Upper Room. (Mark 14:16-18)
  • Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. (John 18)
  • Jesus calmed the night storm that threatened to capsize the disciples’ boat. (Mark 4:35-41)
  • During Jesus’ ministry, he would heal people during the day and spend the night in prayer with His Father. (Luke 21:36-38)
  • The resurrected Jesus first appeared to the disciples at night. (John 20:19-10)

“From the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:6).

Sunrises and sunsets are gifts from God. Through them, we gain a glimpse of His artistic beauty that we will one day experience for all eternity.

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About the Author

Donna is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. If you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}

Brimstone and Fire – What is the Biblical Meaning?

Posted on by Donna Snow

Chances are you have heard the term “fire and brimstone.” However, this well-known phenomenon only appears fourteen times in the Bible.

The significance of God’s judgment in connection with brimstone and fire is worthy of a more in-depth understanding.

brimstone and fire

Definition of Brimstone

Brimstone (sulfur) is a well-known simple mineral substance, crystalline, easily melted, and very inflammable. The origin of the word brimstone comes from how sulfur was referred to in ancient times. Scientists have simply assigned it a proper scientific name. 

When burning, brimstone (sulfur) emits blue flames and a peculiar suffocating odor resembling rotten eggs. It is found in great abundance near volcanoes. 

The soil around the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah abounded in sulfur and bitumen. The inflammability of both substances (the quality of being easily ignited and burning rapidly) is high. In other words, you don’t want to walk around with a torch near either substance!

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light

Where is Brimstone Found?

According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, brimstone (sulfur) existed in Palestine in early times. It was known by most of the ancient nations as a combustible substance. In the vicinity of the Dead Sea, deposits of sulphur are still being formed along its shores.

During some of the disastrous earthquakes that took place in this part of the world, hot lava likely ignited bitumen along with sulfer. Such a fireworks display added to the horrors of an earthquake’s destruction caused by burning pitch and brimstone.

In 1896, German geologist Max Blanckenhorn proposed a verifiable hypothesis. He believed that the combustible formation was due to the action of bituminous matter upon crystals of gypsum. Both substances are found in our present time associated with each other in the cities of the plain.

[Join me on my next Holy Land tour here.]

Qumran, Israel

Modern Scientific Facts About Brimstone

Scientists have found that the vast majority of brimstone (sulfer) dwells deep in the Earth’s core.  

Researchers estimate that the Earth’s core contains 10 times the amount of sulfur than found on its surface.

Confirming the presence of lighter elements, like sulfur, in the core, provides vital information. Temperatures, pressures, and oxygen content in the Earth’s mantle surrounds the core and separates sulfer from the crust on which we walk.

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Figurative Use of Brimstone

Why are we so captivated by the term “fire and brimstone”? The figurative use of brimstone symbolizes God’s punishment, destruction, and terrible suffering of the unfaithful. 

The figurative use of the word brimstone is associated with the wrath of God’s judgment. It references being cast into a lake of fire, burning wind, and great hailstones of a metaphorical “rain of fire.” That is the stuff of movies!

However, God’s divine judgments are anything but Hollywood’s visual effects. God’s wrath is a consuming fire that wiped out inhabitants of the cities of old with inextinguishable flames. 

Related post: What Does Longsuffering Mean in the Bible?

longsuffering

Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

Sodom and Gomorrah are two cities mentioned in the Bible that were destroyed for their wickedness and sinfulness. The Book of Genesis states: “Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground” (Genesis 19:24-25, KJV). 

God sent angels to the cities that were destined for destruction. Lot invited the angels into his home but a group of people surrounded the house. They demanded that Lot release them so that the villagers could have their way with them. Lot refused and protected the men, even offering his virgin daughters in their place. 

Having confirmed the iniquity and destruction of these cities, the angels told Lot and his family to flee at daybreak. They were instructed not look back during the overthrow of Sodom. Lot’s wife could not resist throwing a backward glance at her home and was turned into a pillar of salt.

Deuteronomy 29:23 reveals: “The whole land burned out with brimstone and salt, nothing sown and nothing growing, where no plant can sprout, an overthrow like that of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in his anger and wrath.”

Related post: 10 Powerful Prayers for Repentance and Restoration

prayers for repentance

Brimstone in the Old Testament

Most occurrences of brimstone (accompanied by fire and burning) appear in the Old Testament.

“For a burning place has long been prepared; indeed, for the king it is made ready, its pyre made deep and wide, with fire and wood in abundance; the breath of the Lord, like a stream of sulfur, doth kindle it” (Isaiah 30:33). 

Isaiah 34:9: “And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.” Even though that is the King James translation of the Bible, eternal punishment comes through loud and clear.

Psalm 11:6: “Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.”

Looking at Isaiah 34:9 in the King James Bible, fire and brimstone are combined to depict eternal damnation. “And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.”

Such passages like Ezekiel 38:22 contain sobering visuals of the power of God’s punishment and destruction: “With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur.”

Related post: Powerful Prayer for God’s Protection from Psalm 91

God's protection

Brimstone in the New Testament

Three times in the Book of Revelation, fire and brimstone are used to express the idea of excruciating torment.

“And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, ​he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb” (Revelation 14:9-10, ESV). 

“And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” (Revelation 19:20, ESV). 

“And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10, ESV). 

The inhabitants of the land will experience the horrible tempest of burning sulfur (or rain coals). If the deposits caught fire it would melt and run in a stream of brimstone down the ravines. It would have spread suffocating fumes (such as come from the ordinary brimstone match). 

Related post: What Does Rain Symbolize in the Bible?

What Does Rain Symbolize in the Bible?

Brimstone in our Modern Day

Sulfur is an element boasting a bright yellow color that is abundant in nature even today. A nonmetal, sulfur is the 10th most abundant element in the universe, according to the Jefferson National Linear Accelerator Laboratory.

Sulfur compounds called “mercaptans” give skunks their defensive odor. Rotten eggs and stink bombs get their distinctive aroma because of hydrogen sulfide.

Today, the most common use of sulfur is in the manufacture of sulfuric acid. That acid goes into fertilizers, batteries, and cleaners. It’s also used to refine oil and in processing ores.

Related post: The Mandela Effect and the Bible

The Mandela Effect and the Bible

Our Hope in Christ

Destruction from the breath of Jehovah is NOT the destiny of those who place their hope in Christ. The love of God provided a way out of eternal destruction by sending Jesus to die for our sins.

There is good news! Salvation is a beautiful gift of God. Salvation is given to all those who believe by faith that Jesus is the Son of God. God desires every name to be written in the Book of Life because the grace of God reigns supreme.

Related Posts:

About the Author

Donna is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. If you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}

25 Powerful Bible Verses and Prayers for Safe Travel

Posted on by Donna Snow

I love to travel and see this great big world that God created. My Bible is always within reach. Over the decades, I have compiled several Bible verses and prayers for safe travel.

So whether you are loading up the travel trailer or setting off to the far side of the sea on your next trip, keeping God’s Word close reduces travel anxiety. After all, the Spirit of the Lord goes with you!

Contents

Bible Verses to Read When Traveling

My favorite travel moments happen when I connect what I see with the good news in Scripture verses. Scripture references often increase my own understanding of various locations, especially in a foreign country. Bible verses and prayers for safe travel put our hearts and minds at ease.

Here are some of my favorite travel Bible verses organized by category for easy reference. Remember, the Lord keeps you close at all times.

1. God’s Protection

You are never without God’s strong right hand and faithful presence. Such a beautiful truth strengthens a man’s heart and a woman’s steps to be brave!

1) Luke 4:10 – “He will command His angels concerning you to guard you carefully.”

2) Proverbs 3:23-24 – “Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”

3) Psalm 121:7-8 – “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

4) Psalm 91:2, 4 – “This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust him. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.”

God's protection; Bible verses and prayers for safe travel

2. Covenant of Peace

If you are traveling to a new place that is unfamiliar to you, your peace of mind may take a hit. You may not even speak the local language. The Apostle Paul certainly understood those challenges.

Again, Bible verses and prayers for safe travel calm anxiety. Let these words of the Lord find a hiding place in your heart.

5) Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) – “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

6) 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 hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

7) Romans 12:18 – “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

8) Ephesians 2:14 – “For He himself is our peace.”

9) Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

10) Colossians 3:15 – “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

11) 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”

Joshua 1:9; Bible verses and prayers for safe travel

3. Good Success

How we define a travel “success” varies. I deem a trip successful when three criteria are met: 

  • I saw new destinations in God’s creation;
  • I met new people; and
  • I learned many new things that gave me a greater appreciation of God and His hand over my life.

Regardless of how you define a successful trip, here are a few words to the faith and faithful to keep close.

12) Psalm 23:3 – “He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.”

13) Proverbs 16:9 – “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

14) Proverbs 3:3-5 – “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.”

joy in the bible

A Psalm for Traveling

The Psalms in God’s holy Word contain extraordinary words of faith to guide believers. I keep Psalm 139 close at hand as I travel. When God is your comfort zone, the whole earth is your oyster. And that is no little thing!

15) Psalm 139:3-10 (NLT) – “You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the dawn, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.”

16) Psalm 139:3-10 (ESV) – “You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in the depths of the earth, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.”

Bible verses and prayers for safe travel

Scripture Prayers for Safe Travel

Praying daily keeps the Word of God and God’s love vibrant as you enjoy God’s creation where you travel. His Holy Spirit inside of you is the voice of the Lord directing you the right way.

17) Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity and joy to travel in this season of my life. You have kept me and my loved ones safe, and I am grateful. Allow me to cherish the life of every living thing on my journey and return me home safely. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

18) Lord, I am traveling where You have opened the door. Erase any second thoughts and let me trust in You. I am safe with you. I do not travel alone for your hand is upon me. Your protection is divine. In front and behind You encircle my life. For I am yours, and you are mine. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

19) O King of my heart, I travel knowing that the eyes of the Lord are upon me. Words of the faith You have given me are hidden in my heart. I pray that the glory of the Lord goes before me so that I can shine Your light wherever I go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

travel; Bible verses and prayers for safe travel
Join me on my next Holy Land tour here.

Short Godly Travel Quotes

Reading is a huge part of traveling – especially in planes, cars, and trains. It is helpful to keep the Great Commission in mind all the days of your life as you travel. 

Here are some of my favorite thought-provoking travel quotes and words of faith that I have discovered over the years.

20) “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” ― Marcel Proust

21) “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”― Andre Gide, French explorer

22) “The safest place in the world is in the will of God.” ― Unknown

23) “Great things never came from comfort zones.” ― Neil Strauss

24) “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” ― Robert Frost

25) “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” ― Ursula K. Le Guin

Keeping Bible verses and prayers for safe travel nearby is simply the best way to travel. God bless your journeys!

Related Posts:

About the Author

Donna is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, avid traveler, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

Donna Snow in Israel

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}

What Does the Number 8 Mean and Signify in the Bible?

Posted on by Donna Snow

If you have spent any time in Bible study, chances are you have come across the number 8 several times. So what does the number 8 mean and signify in the Bible?

Both the Old Testament and New Testament contain several references to the number 8. There are many theories surrounding the numerology of prophecy, but we will stick to what we see in the text of Scripture.

Contents

Biblical Meaning of the Number 8

Scholars have spent significant time understanding the meaning of numbers in the Word of God. 

The number 8 usually represents a new beginning. It is often linked to a brighter future, new horizons, and a new life in general. In the historic Christian Church, the number 8 also represents Jesus’ resurrection.

I also discovered something that I didn’t know before: many church baptismal fonts are eight-sided to signify a fresh start and spiritual life. Now I will be counting font sides in every church I visit!

I clearly remember my baptism at 23 years old on Palm Sunday, one week before Easter Sunday. It was the beginning of a new era and work of the Lord in my life.

bible

What Does the 8th Day Represent in the Bible?

The eighth day is the day associated with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and His ascension. It is also the number of a new beginning and the dawn of the new creation that appears for the first time in the Book of Genesis. 

The eighth day has long been associated with the number of new beginnings, namely the eternal life that God alone provides.

The eighth day also held a special meaning for the children of Israel as the day that every male child was circumcised. Jewish traditions of circumcision continue today, alongside Christians across the globe: 

“This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring” (Genesis 17:10-12).

Circumcision on the eighth day is also mentioned by the Apostle Paul: “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God” (Romans 2:28-29).  

The shape of the baptismal font then reflects this “circumcision of the heart” and the new birth of water and the Holy Spirit that takes place in baptism.

rainbow

Where Does the Number 8 Appear in the Bible?

The biblical meaning of number 8 begins in Genesis and goes into the New Testament. Here are the most significant and familiar occurrences of the number 8.

1. The Great Flood

The number eight recalls Noah’s ark and how eight people were saved from the Great Flood. “When God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water” (1 Peter 3:20).

Genesis chapter 6 tells us, “Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth” (Genesis 6:11-13). 

The story of Noah reveals our Lord God tearing down the corruption of the world and starting over with only eight faithful people. A new covenant, a new order, and a bright future.

rain, weep

2. Jesus’ Resurrection

Sunday is the first day of the week. It was the eighth day after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection on Easter Sunday, He appeared to Mary Magdalene and His disciples a total of eight times before His ascension.

  • Mark 16:9 – “Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.” 
  • Matthew 28:9-10 – “And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
  • Luke 24:13-15 – “That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.”
  • John 20:19 – “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.'” 
  • Mark 16:14 – “Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.”
  • John 21:1 – “After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias.”
  • Matthew 28:16-17 – “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.”
  • Acts 1:3 – “He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”
Jesus wept

3. Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles celebrated by the Israelites (and is still celebrated to this day) takes place over the course of seven days. 

On the day after, another feast is celebrated, known as the Last Great Day, so all in all, this makes for an eight-day celebration.

Jesus spoke on this Last Great Day: “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37).

delphi greece

4. The Beatitudes

The number 8 is also associated with the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are a set of eight statements attributed to Jesus. Each of these statements contains a blessing for a particular group of people. 

The eight Beatitudes appear in chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew. Four of the Beatitudes are also listed in the Gospel of Luke 6:22.

  • “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
  • “Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land” (Matthew 5:4).
  • “Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:5).
  • “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill” (Matthew 5:6).
  • “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
  • “Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
  • “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
  • “Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
bible study

Bottom Line

Numbers can contain significant meaning in the Bible. However, nothing is more significant than the perfect life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ to redeem us from our sins. God bless your study time.

Related Posts:

About the Author

Donna is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}

Most Powerful Thursday Morning Prayers and Blessings

Posted on by Donna Snow

Some mornings you wake with a specific person, struggle, or ominous task on your agenda that first comes to mind. You need Thursday morning prayers and blessings to start well.

On other days, you wake up feeling an overwhelming sense of thankfulness for God’s grace, love, and mercies that He has poured into your life. Honestly, this is how I wake up most days.

Beginning each morning with prayer centers your heart and mind on God before the day’s chaos begins. You might call it a good morning prayer message with God. Here are Thursday morning prayers and blessings to start your day with the Lord.

Thursday Prayer Message for Self

  • Dear Lord, today is a new day. No matter what happened yesterday, You have given me a beautiful morning full of new possibilities. I have breath in my lungs because You have good work for me to accomplish in Your name today. Help me keep my eyes on You every step of the way today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
  • O Lord, You have given me the Holy Spirit to guide me on this blessed Thursday. I need your guidance because I woke up not feeling great. I have a lot on my plate and pressing into my mind, so I start this beautiful day with a worshipful heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
  • Dear God, there is so much in my life right now that is broken. It is hard to embrace good morning messages when my heart is heavy. I pray that You keep my eyes on Jesus Christ today. Calm my heart and give peace to my mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
  • Almighty God, some days I make foolish decisions about time management and finances. I pray that You send wise men and women to surround me in the right places today. All good gifts come from You, so guide me on the right path to be a good steward of Your resources. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
  • Christ Jesus, You have blessed me with good health which makes this a wonderful Thursday. Provide opportunities today to use my physical agility to help a good friend who may be facing health challenges. Thank you for giving me the ability to bless others in Your name and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related post​: Powerful Prayer for God’s Protection from Psalm 91

God's protection

Thursday Prayer for Family Member

  • Father God, it breaks my heart when a beloved family member faces hard times. Give me opportunities today to show them Your steadfast love. Show me ways that I can help them so that they have a good day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
  • Lord God, I treasure my children. Yet I know You treasure them more as you knit them together in my womb. Keep my children safe today in Your care and keeping. You know what they need and I trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
  • Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for making my husband a great father to our children. Give him a blessed day at work. May this Thursday morning bring him peace of mind that he is an excellent provider for our family. Thank you for the incredible blessing of family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
  • Lord Jesus, first thing this morning I thank You for the husband that You picked out for me. He is my best friend and most faithful companion. Thank you for giving him a heart after Yours. I pray that you bless him with a wonderful morning full of good news, efficient work, and peace of mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
  • Dear Lord, as my parents age it is hard to watch them struggle with health issues. You have given them many good things in their life today, so I ask that you lift them up and remind them of those blessings. Give them daily activities that prove they are still a vital part of the kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related post​: Best Christian Prayer Room Ideas to Strengthen Your Faith

Best Christian Prayer Room Ideas to Strengthen Faith

Thursday Prayer Quotes

  • “Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It’s daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” — Mahatma Gandhi
  • “The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.” — Søren Kierkegaard
  • “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one” — Bruce Lee
  • “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” — Maya Angelou (Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer)
  • “Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” — Mother Teresa

Related post: Positive Monday Motivation Prayers and Prayer Quotes

Monday motivation

A Powerful Prayer for Thursday

  • Father, so often I ask for a happy Thursday rather than asking what You have planned for me in it. Let me notice the works of Your hands today instead of the latest social media post. Show me the best way to share Jesus’ teachings and love with all whose path I cross today. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 
  • Lord God, before another minute of today passes by, show me Your steadfast love. This new morning is full of limitless possibilities when I focus the right mindset on You. I pray that you allow my work today to bring you glory as I share Your love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • God of my Salvation, today is a special day because You hold me in Your mighty hands. I know that You will bring about great things today because I trust my path to You alone. Thank you, Lord, for sending Your Son to die in my place. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • O God, You are my refuge and strength. As I step out into the world today, let me do so with a beautiful smile and the name of the Lord on my lips. Let me shine the glorious light of God into the darkness with joy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Heavenly Father, sometimes my good morning prayers are about others. Today, I boldly pray for myself that the peace of God that passes all understanding guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus today. What a great way to start out any day! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related post​: 10 Powerful Prayers for Repentance and Restoration

prayers for repentance

A Blessing Prayer for Thursday

  • Beautiful Savior, thank you for blessing me with the wonderful sounds of nature this morning. I love Your creation because it reflects Your beauty and creativity. As I go out today, grant me safe travels and a renewed sense of Your purpose over my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Lord God, the most wonderful Thursday morning prayers and blessings start in the Word of God. Thank You for that time of blessing within those holy pages this morning. You have blessed me with so many reminders of Your unwavering faithfulness and love. Thank you, Lord.
  • Lord Jesus, thank you for the blessing of my health this morning. I can rise and do the work that You have set out for me because You have preserved my health. Let me honor that blessing by taking care of my body, mind, and soul. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Dear Father, thank you for the level ground at the foot of the cross. Jesus died for my sin–a truly staggering truth that enables me to live eternally with You. Let me never take that tremendous blessing for granted. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Most Holy God, I wake this morning knowing that a challenging day awaits. I pray that You bless me with Your strength and Your patience to see me through. You are so faithful, Lord. Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Related post​: Powerful Wednesday Morning Prayers and Blessings

powerful Wednesday prayers and blessings

Bible Verses for Thursday Blessing

Here are some of the most well-known and well-loved Bible verses to start your Thursday morning prayers and blessings in the best way possible.

  • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
  • Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
  • Psalm 23:1-3 – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.”
  • Romans 12:2 – “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.”
  • Isaiah 41:10 – “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.”
  • Romans 8:1-2 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
  • Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  • Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Related post: Best Pens and Supplies for Ultimate Bible Journaling

bible journaling

Positive Prayers to Start the Day

Starting each day positive with your mind on the Lord makes all the difference.

  • Dear Lord, thank you for another day! I pray that You enable me to put forth my best today in every way. Today at work, let me serve abundantly. At home, let me love unconditionally. At church, let me worship wholeheartedly. You, Lord, are my strength and joy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Good morning, Lord! I start this day knowing that You are by my side. Lead me and guide me today in the ways that You know I need to go. Keep Your words fresh in my mind and quick on my lips to encourage others along the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Lord and Savior, I arise today in the strength of Your might. I walk today in the wisdom of Your guidance. And I speak today with the grace that You have given me. I pray that You keep these things foremost in my mind as I walk through this new day You have given me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Heavenly Father, it blows my mind that You have given me the gift of faith and eternal life through Your Son Jesus Christ. There is no greater gift of love than one who lays his life down for another. Jesus did that for me. Let me live in gratitude today! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related post​: 12 Powerful Scriptures to Pray for Financial Breakthrough

12 Powerful Scriptures to Pray for Financial Breakthrough

Thursday Prayers for Hard Days

Some days are just hard. Oftentimes they blindside us. Keep these Thursday morning prayers and blessings handy for those challenging days.

  • Dear Lord, today is far from a pleasant day. I am finding it hard to keep my thoughts on You. It’s difficult to say kind words today because I hurt. Soothe my soul, Lord, as only You can. You know what I need most right now. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Jesus my Savior, I am struggling today. I have a hard time being kind when others go out of their way to be unkind. Father, I commend them to You. I am not judge and jury, so I trust that You see them and will work in their lives accordingly. Heal my heart, Lord, and remind me of Your great love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Lord and Friend, I need You desperately. Today is shaping up to be a difficult day. Guard my mind from despair and let it rest on Your peace. Bring me comfort through Your Word and guard my tongue today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Heavenly Father, I woke up with a sense of dread and darkness. I need Your Thursday morning prayers and blessings. I do not want to walk through today in such a state. Remind me of Your love and faithfulness. Be the light on my path today so that I do not stumble. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related post​: Best Bible Verses to Memorize (plus free download)

Best Bible Verses to Memorize

Thursday Prayers from Bible Verses

When we pray the Word of God back to Him, strongholds are demolished because Scripture is our weapon against the enemy’s attacks. Keep these Thursday morning prayers and blessings close.

1. Bible Verses For Comfort

  • 2 Chronicles 20:12b​ – “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
  • Colossians 1:13-14 – “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
  • Psalm 4:1 – “Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.”
  • Psalm 31:1-5 – “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.”
  • Psalm 139:13-16 – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Related: Bible study, “The God of All Comfort“

God of All Comfort

2. Bible Verses for Peace

Finding peace in the world is challenging, to say the least. But we will always find peace in Christ and His promises. Keep these Thursday morning prayers and blessings for peace close by.

  • John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
  • Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
  • John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
  • Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – “ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
  • Isaiah 26:3-4 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”

Related post: 52 Powerful Tuesday Morning Blessings and Bible Verses

52 powerful Tuesday morning blessings and Bible verses

3. Bible Verses for Protection

There are no two ways about it, the devil and his legions will use every dirty trick to steal our faith. Here are verses to remind You of God’s loving protection over you for your Thursday morning prayers and blessings.

  • Psalm 91:1-2 – “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
  • Psalm 91:3-4 – “He will deliver me from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover me with His pinions, and under His wings I will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”
  • Psalm 91:5 – “When I call to You, You will answer me; You will be with me in trouble; You will rescue me and honor me.”
  • Psalm 91:9-10 – “Because I have made the Lord my dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall me, no plague come near my tent.”
  • Psalm 91:11 – “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
  • Psalm 91:14 – “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my Name.”
  • Romans 8:37 – “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
  • Ephesians 6:10-11​ – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

Related​: Bible study on the armor of God, “Your Strong Suit“

Short Thursday Morning Prayer

  • Dear Lord, thank you for the breath in my lungs this morning. Let me use it to proclaim You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Heavenly Father, I do not know what today holds, but my eyes are on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Loving Savior, despite what my day holds, give me Your peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Beautiful Jesus, let me see others as You see them – wholly and dearly loved by You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Father and Friend, guard my words today so that I encourage and bless others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
  • Dear Father, You hold today in Your hands, so I put every moment in Your perfect care and keeping. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Beginning each Thursday morning prayers and blessings time in the power of prayer, your favorite Bible verses, and covering your daily tasks His holy name, you will discover that a more peaceful day unfolds and perhaps a good mood as the sun rises. 

Basking in the love of God is an amazing way to begin a great day. God bless your Thursday!

Related Posts:

About the Author

Donna is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}

Top 10 Longest and Hardest Names in the Bible

Posted on by Donna Snow

If you have ever studied the Old Testament, you have probably noticed that some of the longest and hardest names in the Bible reside there. 

Yes, the New Testament contains some unique biblical names, but the Old Testament takes the cake! Here are the top ten longest and hardest names, along with Bible verses reference.

longest hardest names in Bible

1. Maher-shalal-hash-baz

Did you try to pronounce it? Wow! The name Mahershalalhashbaz is found twice in the book of Isaiah:

Then the Lord said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters, ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.’ And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me.” And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz” (Isaiah 8:1-3, ESV).

Out of all Isaiah’s sons, I think I would have preferred Isaac. But here, God instructs Isaiah to give his second son this unique name containing eighteen letters and six syllables. That is a long name!

Before Maher-shalal-hash-baz was even conceived, God told Isaiah the boy’s name which means “Swift to the spoil, quick to the plunder.” Born during the Syro-Ephraimite War involving Syria, Israel, and the Assyrian Empire, it prophesied Israel’s fall to the king of Assyria, Tiglath-Pileser III, in 732 BC.

longest names in the bible

2. Cushan-rishathaim

Is it wrong that I keep pronouncing it like the flower chrysanthemum? This proper name is the second-longest name in the Bible and appears in Judges:

“Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. And the people of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years. But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the Lord gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand. And his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim” (Judges 3:8-10, ESV).  

This king of northwest Mesopotamia was the first oppressor of the Israelites after they settled in the Promised Land (Canaan). God allowed the children of Israel to fall under the punishment of this king for eight years for idol worship until their hearts turned back toward God.

Greece and Turkey longest names in the bible

3. Zaphenath-paneah 

In the number three spot of long names and long words appears a well-known character. I learned this name when I studied the story of Joseph in Genesis, where it appears in only one Bible verse:

“And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah. And he gave him in marriage Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:45, ESV). 

When Pharaoh elevated Joseph to the prime minister of Egypt ahead of the seven-year famine, Pharaoh replaced the Hebrew name “Joseph” with this whopper.

Given by Pharaoh, the name seems to be Egyptian, but the exact meaning is unclear. Most scholars agree that it generally means, “the man to whom mysteries are revealed.” Since God gave Joseph the gift of interpreting dreams, that meaning certainly makes sense.

Find my Bible study on Joseph, “Meant for Good,” here.

joseph

4. Merodach-baladan

This man was a king of Babylon and is mentioned in the book of Isaiah:

“At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered” (Isaiah 39:1, ESV).

Merodach-Baladan II was king of Babylonia from 721-710 BC. One of the interesting facts about him is that he also served as king for only nine months in 703 BC. He is best known for maintaining Babylonian independence against the Assyrian military supremacy for more than a decade. 

Greece and Turkey

5. Tiglath-pileser

Another tongue twister, this name is found in the book of 1 Chronicles:

“Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria carried away into exile; he was a chief of the Reubenites. … And when they prevailed over them, the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him” (1 Chronicles 5:6, 20, ESV).

Tiglath-pileser was the king of Assyria during 745-727 BC. He inaugurated the last and greatest phase of Assyrian Expansion as he merged the kingdoms of Assyria and Babylonia. He amassed vast wealth as he conquered neighboring lands.

Greece Athens

6. Nebuchadnezzar

Finally, a name that we are familiar with probably because it appears over 90 times in the Old Testament. This name occurs 39 times in Jeremiah and 30 times in Daniel, along with seven other books.

“At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it…and carried off all the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold in the temple of the Lord, which Solomon king of Israel had made, as the Lord had foretold. He carried away all Jerusalem and all the officials and all the mighty men of valor, 10,000 captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths. None remained, except the poorest people of the land” (2 Kings 24:10-11, 13-14, ESV).

He was the most famous Babylonian king, as well as one of the most powerful rulers to ever appear on the world stage. He carried off Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, among thousands of others. Yet like all kings, Nebuchadenzzar’s might was nothing compared to Israel’s Mighty God.

Alexander the Great

7. Mephibosheth

This also may be a familiar name if you know King David’s story. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, grandson of King Saul, who was crippled in his feet. He appears fourteen times in Scripture:

“And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1, ESV). 

Though not brothers, David loved Jonathan like a brother. After David became king of Israel, he wanted to honor Jonathan’s memory by honoring any surviving family members. David promised Mephibosheth:

“I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always” (2 Samuel 9:7, ESV).

Ancient Corinth

8. Chedorlaomer

Appearing five times in the book of Genesis, Chedorlaomer was a king of Elam:

“In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled” (Genesis 14:1-4, ESV).

In the 14th year, Chedorlaomer and three allies, Amraphel of Shinar, Arioch from Ellasar, and Tidal of Goiim, put down the rebellion. Among Chedorlaomer’s captives was Abraham’s nephew Lot, who had been living nearby. 

Ephesus Turkey

9. Hazarmaveth

The thirteenth son of Joktan (son of Eber, son of Shem, son of Noah), Hazarmaveth appears twice. Both times his appearance is in the context of Noah’s lineage:

“Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab; all these were the sons of Joktan” (1 Chronicles 1:20-23, ESV).

A very interesting fact about Hazarmaveth is that his name means “court of death.” However, Scripture does not reveal why he was given this name.

Ephesus Turkey

10. Ammishaddai

Appearing five times in the book of Numbers, our number ten spot of long Biblical names comes from the Tribe of Dan:

“On the north side shall be the standard of the camp of Dan by their companies, the chief of the people of Dan being Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai” (Numbers 2:25, ESV). 

Ammishaddai was the father of Ahiezer, who was chief of the Danites at the time of the Exodus. This is one of the few names compounded with the name of God, Shaddai, “Almighty.” 

Bottom line, there are some long names in the Bible. These are just the top 10! I hope you have fun exploring the Bible for even more.

Related Posts:

About the Author

Donna is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}

Inspiring Bible Verses to Encourage New Christians

Posted on by Donna Snow

I did not know Jesus until I was twenty-three years old. I fully understand the learning and relationship curves of a new life in Christ! Inspiring Bible verses served as cornerstones.

If this is your first time learning about God and studying the Bible, I am cheering you on! Your faith is a free gift of God. You are a new creation because of the love of God.

God will faithfully lead you on the right path. The key? Go slow and be consistent. Here are some inspiring Bible verses and the best Bible verses to memorize for your new beginning. 

Contents

Where Do I Start?

Studying the Bible can be intimidating. I understand! There are sixty-six books in the Bible. The Old Testament contains 39, and the New Testament contains 27 books. And the vast majority of those books contain several chapters.

God’s Word is a large book providing the roadmap for your Christian faith. Take your time. Understanding the content is the goal, not how fast you get through it. 

Pick one book in the Word of God and get started. I suggest starting with the Gospel of John because it is a comprehensive story of Jesus’ life. God’s love is on full display in this beautiful book.

It may still seem overwhelming, but the good news is that the power of the Holy Spirit inside of you will guide the way. Your heavenly Father provides wisdom and understanding as you need it.

Related Post​: 13 Best Bible Study Methods

reading space

Inspiring Bible Verses for New Christians

One of the ways to learn more about God is by reading the Bible. As Christians, we read the Bible to know God, God’s will, and God’s promises (among other things). 

Start by picking one of these Bible verses and read it a few times. Then pause to think about what that verse means. What is God communicating to you in that verse? 

  • John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
  • Romans 10:9 – “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” 
  • Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
  • Ephesians 2:8-10 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Related post: What Does the Bible Say About Forgive and Forget?

bible study

Top Bible Verses to Memorize for New Christians

God desires to communicate with you through His Word and prayer. A relationship with God means that you know Him and how He feels about you. 

The following verses are important to reflect on as a new believer. They will help you understand more about God and the kingdom of God to which you now belong.

  • Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
  • 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
  • Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Related post: Best Bible Verses to Memorize (plus free download)

books

Bible Verses for New Believers

The more Bible verses you read, the more God reminds you of the hope that all Christians have in Christ. You will face difficult times, but our God of hope walks right beside you.

Some verses are more difficult than others. Many Bibles have notes at the bottom of each page to help your own understanding of Scripture. I have found the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and the Lutheran Study Bible most helpful. 

  • John 16:33 – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
  • Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  • Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  • Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Related post​: Seven Powerful Truths About Biblical Discipline

reading and journaling

Scriptures to Pray for New Believers

If you are just starting your prayer journey with God, again I am cheering you on! God, Creator of the universe, hears every single word. 

One of the most effective ways to pray is simply to use Scripture. Simply say the words back to God from you like you’re talking with Him face-to-face. Your journey of faith will be blessed. 

  • Psalm 94:18-19 – “When I thought, ‘My foot slips,’ Your steadfast love, O LORD, helped me up. When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.”
  • 1 Peter 5:6-7​ – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
  • Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Related post​: 7 Essential Elements of Prayer (Plus Free Download)

prayer bible

Words of Encouragement for New Believers

Through faith, you have become a new person (creation). The Word of Christ dwells in you through the power of the Holy Spirit and enables you to live differently. 

You will be a better person as your life begins producing the good fruit of good deeds. By the grace of God, you see others as children of God and treat them with greater love.

Your spiritual journey will carve rich, new paths in your life to share the Gospel message with others. That may sound intimidating! It simply means you are open to sharing with others the fresh start and new life God has given you.

In the beginning, you will stumble and fall back into old ways every now and then. I certainly did. But God who is in you is greater than your struggle. He is faithful! God promises:

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

rainbow waterfall

Bible Topics for New Believers

Life with God is a relationship. Christ Jesus knit you together in your mother’s womb and knows you better than you know yourself.

This collection of Bible verses is organized by topic. They are important Bible verses to understand God’s plan, God’s strength, and God’s handiwork for everyday life.

1. Bible Passages on Peace

The hurt and chaos of our world reveal times of trouble. However, followers of Jesus can look to these inspiring Bible verses as a good reminder that Jesus is our Prince of Peace.

  • Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
  • Revelation 21:4​ – “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

Related post​: 13 Best Ways to Live Out Gentleness in the Bible

bible study

2. Conquering Fear

Life’s challenges can certainly cause fear. However, the more you devour the solid food of God’s Word, the more you can understand that the power of God can conquer each and every fear.

Here are some inspiring Bible verses to keep your eyes on Jesus rather than your fears.

  • Psalm 34:4-5, 8 – “I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
  • Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
  • Isaiah 41:13 – “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Related post: Warriors in the Bible: 13 Essential Life Lessons to Learn

fear prayer

3. Battling Worry

Some of the best advice I ever heard went something like this: “Make a list of everything you are worried about. Cross off the ones that you can’t control. Focus on the ones you can.” 

More than 85% of what we worry about will never come to pass. So instead of wasting time worrying, increase your spiritual growth by focusing on God. He can handle and take care of ALL of your worries.

  • Matthew 6:31-34 – “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or “What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
  • Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
  • Romans 12:12​ – “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
bible study

4. The Steadfast Love of Christ

God loved you so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for your sin. There is no greater love! On those days when you have a hard time feeling loved, keep these inspiring Bible verses close.

  • Romans 8:38-39​ – “ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
  • 1 John 4:10-11​ – “ In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ​Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
  • Romans 5:7-8 – “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
  • Isaiah 54:10 – “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”

Related post: 50 Bible Verses About Loving Yourself as Christ Loves You

love of Christ

5. Trusting God

People are sinful and we fail. Period. Even those we hold most dear can falter and disappoint us. But when you put your trust in God, He will never fail you. He will never disappoint you. He will always keep His promises.

  • 1 John 5:18 – “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.”
  • Hebrews 11:1 ​- “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
  • Romans 8:24-25​ – “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
  • 1 Chronicles 16:11​ – “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
  • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

These inspiring Bible verses are just the tip of the iceberg! As you read through Scripture, God will bless you and draw you to verses that you can cling to in every stage of your journey.

prayer sunrise trust

Bottom Line

Now that you’ve started your Christian faith, life isn’t going to be perfect. Life still happens! Your debt won’t magically disappear, your relationships and job stresses won’t necessarily change overnight.

But hold on to God’s promise that He will work for your good. He loves you and wants the very best for you. We may not understand it in our limited view of life and short-sighted perspective of this world, but we can trust that God will work on our behalf as we live out our purpose.

I have tons of free resources on my website that you can download and tuck into your Bible. God bless your journey!

Related Posts:

About the Author

Donna is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}

How Many Times Jesus Wept in the Bible (Jesus Weeps)

Posted on by Donna Snow

In this broken world, you and I understand weeping. So it is powerful to know that Jesus wept. His compassion and sorrow to weep demonstrate just how much He loves each one of us. 

So how many times did Jesus weep in the Bible? Only twice. And each occasion where He wept is eye-opening and instructive. Let’s look at Jesus’ tears more closely.

Contents

How Many Times Did Jesus Weep?
Jesus Weeps at the Death of Lazarus
Jesus Wept Over Jerusalem
Did Jesus Weep in the Garden of Gethsemane?
Does Jesus Weep With Us?
Why Should We Weep Over Our Sin?

How Many Times Did Jesus Weep?

During my research, I ran across various sources that counted Jesus weeping three times or more. Some attributed the “loud cries” of Christ Jesus as actual tears. The original language does not support that interpretation. 

Other references, like the book of Hebrews, count Jesus as weeping when it only refers to the actual times Jesus wept (Hebrews 5:7).

There is a common misconception that Jesus wept in the Garden of Gethsemane. However, on the pages of Scripture Jesus wept only twice. One time for the present suffering of friends, and the other time for the future suffering of His people.

1. Jesus Weeps at the Death of Lazarus 

One of the most well-known instances of Jesus weeping is over the death of his friend Lazarus. 

“Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill‘” (John 11:1-3).

Now Jesus loved Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha (John 11:5). He visited them often and enjoyed their friendship.

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Jesus Arrives in Bethany

Lazarus had been dead for four days by the time Jesus arrived at their house in Bethany. The book of John tells us what happened next. 

Mary remained in the house, but Martha ran to meet Jesus. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you” (John 11:21-22). Ouch.

Despite her grief and harsh accusation, Martha still believes that Jesus can perform a miracle. Martha’s grief was not a lack of faith. Like us, Martha understood that Jesus could take hurt-filled questions without writing us off. She clung to the faith that He had given her and believed in a miracle. What a testimony!

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in His spirit and greatly troubled. And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” (John 11:33-36)

The Purpose of Jesus’ Delay

Jesus intentionally delayed going to Bethany and the tomb of His friend Lazarus despite Mary and Martha’s message. Why? “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). 

Jesus knew that his close friend Lazarus’ earthly death was not eternal. And He wanted everyone there to understand that truth, as well.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world‘” (John 11:25-27).

Again, what faith! Now the stage was set and the audience was present for Jesus to perform a miracle regarding Lazarus’ death.

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Lazarus Raised From the Dead

Only Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. And the entire village had the privilege of seeing firsthand that truth come to life as they went to Lazarus’ tomb:

“Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out.’ The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go‘” (John 11:38, 41-44).

What a scene to behold! Jesus spoke three power-packed simple words, “Lazarus, come out.” And many of the Jews present at the tomb of Lazarus believed in Jesus. 

Despite our worst moments of pain and suffering, Jesus is our hope and refuge. The Name of the Lord is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10) and we can run to Him. 

When we believe by faith that Jesus suffered, died, rose from the grave, and sits on heaven’s throne, our earthy death is a precursor to spending eternity with Him. 

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2. Jesus Wept Over Jerusalem

The second occasion in the holy Bible where we see tears of sorrow from Jesus is on the day of His triumphal entry. 

“And when He drew near and saw the city, He wept over it, saying, ‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes'” (Luke 19:41-42).

It would be easy to see that Palm Sunday parade as Jesus’ victory dance into Jerusalem. In reality, it was the beginning of His last days on earth. 

As what we call “Holy Week” began, the people spread their cloaks in front of Jesus’ donkey and cheered as He rode into Jerusalem. But Jesus’s tears reveal that He knew what was coming for the people of Jerusalem:

“For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation” (Luke 19:43-44).

The Lutheran Study Bible sums up that moment beautifully: “Jesus weeps over Jerusalem’s present blindness and future fate. His heart still breaks for those who have not yet received His Word” (p.1757).

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Did Jesus Weep in the Garden of Gethsemane?

The New Testament reveals that on the night that Jesus was betrayed, Jesus first spent time with His disciples in the Upper Room. 

As they finished with Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper, they walked outside the city of Jerusalem toward the Mount of Olives.

The Garden of Gethsemane was a walled garden full of olive trees used for extracting oil. Just east of Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples often met in the Garden. A portion of that Garden remains today which is a truly special stop on my regular trips to the Holy Land.

A. Jesus in the Garden

Jesus spent time in deep, sorrowful prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Here we see this Man of Sorrows in emotional turmoil as He understands the task ahead of Him. 

“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here, while I go over there and pray.’ And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me‘” (Matthew 26:36-38, ESV). 

Jesus was sorrowful, yet Scripture does not say that He wept. The Gospel of Luke reveals what happened:

“And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:43-44, ESV). 

Jesus’ sorrow produced sweat like great blood drops, not tears. The heart of Jesus was broken on our behalf that night because of His deep love for us. 

Saying a simple “thank you” for Jesus’ sacrifice does not even begin to express our gratitude for such a life-changing gift.

B. What Jesus Accomplished in the Garden

The Son of God understood that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). So He took our sin to the cross to offer us the certain hope of eternity with Him (John 3:16).

Upon Jesus that night was laid the entire weight of the world’s sin–past, present, and future. I do not believe we can fully imagine the gargantuan weight of our sin load. Instead of weeping, Jesus prayed.

“And going a little farther He fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will'” (Matthew 26:39, ESV).

In the Garden, our Lord Jesus Christ surrendered His will to God so that we might have everlasting life. Talk about Good News of great joy! 

Our sinful human nature relegated us to hell, but Jesus could not bear the thought. So He offered His perfect life in genuine love to every human being who believes by faith that He died and rose victoriously for their salvation.

Does Jesus Weep With Us?

Jesus is known as the Suffering Servant. Isaiah 53:3 tells us: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” Jesus knew suffering throughout His earthly life. He was maligned by religious leaders and suffered unimaginable physical pain. 

“Jesus wept” is the shortest verse of the Bible (John 11:35, ESV). It is also one of the most profound statements of Christ’s humanity.

Sometimes the comfort we need amid heartbreaking trouble is to reflect upon a weeping Savior who still weeps for us. But if Christ continues to weep, He continues to suffer. And if He continues to suffer, He cannot say about his atoning work “It is finished” (John 19:30).

However, Scripture confirms that our Lord God grieves: “How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert!” (Psalm 78:40, also Ephesians 4:30) 

Jesus wept on earth. Literal weeping is never attributed to Christ in heaven. But it is certainly accurate and comforting to understand that God’s heart is moved, grieved, and broken by our sin (Genesis 6:6).

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Why Should We Weep Over Our Sin?

Let’s start with the simple truth. We are all sinners who fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And the truth about sinners is that we sin.

Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2), and it has since sin entered into the world and removed Adam and Eve from paradise (Genesis 3).

The very last thing we want is to be separated from the One who provides eternal life. So we weep over our sin. We confess to our Holy God and receive divine forgiveness.

God sent Jesus to justify and redeem us as a free gift of grace (Romans 3:24-25). Jesus gave His life so that we might have the righteousness of God. When we fall into willful sin (or any other sin), those actions and thoughts spit on Jesus’ sacrifice. 

​Our loving Father sacrificed His only Son for us. The very least we can do is to rely on His strength to live good, godly lives that point people to Jesus.

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About the Author

Donna Snow is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was difficult. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

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