The Bible is the best-selling, most shared, and spiritually critical source ever created. If you have ever wondered how many chapters and verses there are in each book of the Bible, you have come to the right place.
The Bible is the cornerstone of truth and guidance for millions of Christians around the globe. Here are the counts of chapters and verses in the bible plus some other interesting facts to initiate your journey through the whole Bible.
When it comes to learning Scripture, we start at the very beginning. Let’s get a handle on how many books and chapters are in the entire Bible.
How Many Books and Chapters in the Old Testament?
It is important to know that the Bible’s verse numbers and chapter divisions we see in Bibles today did not exist in the original languages. These counts also vary depending on the Bible version you use.
That being said, there are 39 books and 929 chapters in Old Testament. I must confess that I used to skip right over the Old Testament collection of writings in the first Bible I ever owned.
As a new Christian in my early twenties, I was confused about the minor prophets, prophetic books, historical books, and deuterocanonical books of the Old Testament. Consequently, it took me a while to “warm up” to studying the Old Testament. It is EPIC!
From the shortest verse to the longest verse, each chapter in the Bible is a blessing. A Bible reading plan offers an excellent way to ensure you read through each Bible book. Here are several free Bible reading plans to choose from.
How Many Books and Chapters in the New Testament?
The Books of the New Testament total 27. The total number of chapters of the Bible in the New Testament equals 260 chapters.
The Gospels focus on the first-hand account of Jesus and His first disciples. If you are new to the Bible I highly recommend reading John’s Gospel first.
These counts may vary between the New Living Translation, New Century Bible, New International Version Bible, and the New American Standard Bible.
Since the word count differs greatly (especially between the Protestant Bible and the Catholic Bible), it would be best to use your own Bible to figure out the total number of words.
Total Number of Books and Chapters in the Bible
When we add up the New Testament books (Greek words) of 27, plus the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) of 39, there are a total of 66 books in the entire Bible.
When we add up the chapter counts from the Book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation, there are 1,189 total chapters in the entire Bible.
I did not drill down to add up the different number of verses in the Bible. The count differs greatly, especially between the first English Bible and the King James Bible), it would be best to use your own Bible to figure out the total number of verses.
The following table gives the total number of the Bible’s books and chapters by book name. (Download Free)
The Difference Between the Old and New Testaments
The Bible is divided into two distinct parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Books written before the time of Jesus make up the Old Testament.
Books written after Jesus’ ministry on earth comprise the New Testament.
The New Testament contains the four Gospels, which record the words and ministry of Jesus while He walked the earth.
What is the Longest Chapter in the Bible?
Although you likely won’t face a quiz about how many chapters and verses are in the bible, here are some other interesting facts. First, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in God’s Word.
Conversely, the shortest chapter in the holy Bible is Psalm 117. Many believe that it is either 2 John or 3 John. Even though those Greek New Testament books contain only one chapter, there are several verses. Psalm 117 only contains two verses.
Psalm 117 is also the shortest psalm out of the 150 psalms. Some Hebrew scholars join Psalm 117 with Psalm 118 to make one psalm without verse divisions.
Utilizing the original Hebrew or Greek languages makes a slight difference. However, they do not knock out these two psalms as the longest and shortest.
Which Books Have a Single Chapter?
Several books in the Bible contain only a single chapter.
In the Old Testament, only the book of Obadiah contains a single chapter.
However, in the New Testament, four books contain a single chapter: Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude.
Also, the book of Haggai in the Old Testament contains only two chapters.
How Are the Books in the Old Testament Divided?
The Old Testament contains four main divisions: (1) Books of Moses (the Law), (2) Historical books, (3) Poetry and Wisdom books, and (4) Major and Minor Prophets.
Aside from the chapters and verses in the bible, lets look at how the Old Testament is divided.
1. The Books of Moses (the Law)
This first section of the Old Testament is sometimes referred to as the Pentateuch. It contains five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Scholars agree that Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible. They contain the Law handed down by God, extensive history, a few speeches, and a few songs.
These Books of Moses contain the account of creation, the fall, the flood, Babel, the patriarchs, the Exodus from Egypt, Mount Sinai, and the 40-year wilderness wandering.
I have written an entire Bible study on the account of Joseph in Genesis called “Meant for Good” that you will find helpful.
2. Historical Books
The books in the Old Testament classified as historical begin where the Books of the Law (Pentateuch) end.
They begin with the conquest of Canaan (the Promised Land). Then they move through the period of the Judges, the united kingdom, the divided kingdom, the Babylonian exile, and the return from exile.
Three-fifths of all usage of the biblical term “wisdom” occurs most often in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. In a nutshell, wisdom literature teaches us how to live the way God intended.
The two Books of Poetry, Psalms and Song of Solomon, were written in Hebrew poetry rather than narrative. They use parallel words, thoughts, sounds, and forms of grammar to convey a message.
4. The Major and Minor Prophets
The first question to answer is how the Bible classifies a prophet. A prophet is someone who is a spokesman, interpreter, or mediator of God’s will. There are many prophets throughout Scripture, including Moses, who do not appear in this category.
There are seventeen Old Testament books in this category. The delineation between major and minor prophets centers on the length of the book, not the importance of the prophet.
Studying the Bible and knowing Jesus through His Word is a life-changing, healing adventure. Journaling as you go is a powerful tool. The Holy Spirit in you will guide you. God’s blessings as you dive in!
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Some days I feel like the worst Scripture memorizer ever. I always take notes when someone tells me the best Bible verses to memorize that have helped them. Then I promptly forget. Can you relate?
As a new Christian over three decades ago, I often failed at Scripture memory because I started with too many verses and was impatient with the process. One great verse or short Bible verse is just as powerful as a long one. Bible memory diligence is hard work.
Over the years I have learned that hiding God’s Word in my heart isn’t a race. I win no prize for the amount of Bible passages I memorize.
The most important thing was to identify my areas of weakness and memorize specific verses to help in difficult times. Find your own way that works and stick to it.
Why is it Important to Memorize Scripture?
As Christ’s followers, the best way to live is by allowing the Word of God to dwell richly in our souls to have victory over sin and the devil. Coming to your own understanding of God’s complete love and care for you is an immeasurable blessing.
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
Jesus Himself tells us how important it is to memorize Scripture: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God‘” (Matthew 22:29).
The Apostle Paul also encourages: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).
Here are several memory verses organized by topic that you can learn at your own pace. Scripture memorization is one the most important things you can do in the whole world. There is a free download at the end to print and tuck into your Bible.
Bible Verses About God
Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Psalm 147:5 – “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.”
Bible Verses About Obeying God
Joshua 1:8- “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Matthew 22:37– “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
Bible Verses For Strength
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 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.”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Bible Verses About Peace
Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Isaiah 26:3 – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
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.”
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.”
Bible Verses About How to Live
Leviticus 19:11 – “You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.”
Matthew 4:19 – “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Bible Verses About Forgiveness
Matthew 6:15 – “But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Colossians 3:13 – “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Psalm 103:2-3 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.”
I wrote an entire Bible study on Forgiveness that you can find here.
Bible Verses About God’s Word
Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17– “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Bible Verses About Faith
Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Mark 11:22-23 – “And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”
Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 – “As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Bible Verses About Life in Christ
Philippians 1:6 – “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Bible Verses About Hope
Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Psalm 33:18 – “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in His steadfast love.”
Psalm 119:114 – “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.”
Bible Verses for the Weary
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Psalm 23:1-3 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.”
Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Bible Verses About Sin
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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.”
Bible Verses About Unity
Psalm 133:1-2 – Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!”
Ephesians 4:1-3 – “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Bible Verses About Our Purpose
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Bible Verses About Sharing the Gospel
Romans 10:14-15 – “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? How are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
1 Peter 3:15-16 – “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”
Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Bible Verses About Salvation
Romans 10:9-10 – “Because, 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. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
John 1:12 – “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 5:24 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
John 11:25 – “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Acts 4:12 – “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Bible Verses About God’s Love
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.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 – “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.'”
1 John 3:16 – “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
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.”
Bible Verses About Loving Others
John 13:35 – “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Matthew 22:37-39 – “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Bible Verses About God’s Faithfulness
Psalm 145:18-19 – The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 – “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 100:5 – “For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”
Bible Verses About the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
1 Corinthians 6:19 – “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.”
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.”
Bible Verses About Temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Bible Verses About Confession
James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
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.”
Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Bible Verses About Tests of Faith
James 1:2-3 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
1 Peter 1:6-7 – “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Bible Verses About Contentment
Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”
Philippians 4:11 – “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 – “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Bible Verses About Trusting the Lord
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Isaiah 55:8 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Bible Verses for Overcoming Fear
Proverbs 3:25-26 – Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”
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.”
Psalm 56:3 – “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
Bible Verses for Praising God
Psalm 96:2 – “Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.”
Psalm 100:1– “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!”
Psalm 100:4 –“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name!”
Bible Verses About Grace
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.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Bible Verses About Jesus’ Sacrifice
Isaiah 53:4-5 – Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
2 Corinthians 5:21- “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Hebrews 4:15-16 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
Bible Verses for Right Living
Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Matthew 7:24-25 – “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Bible Verses for Anxiety
1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
Matthew 6:31-33 – “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
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.”
I pray that God takes you on an amazing journey of enriching your mind and heart as you fill it with His Word.
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The story of Esther is an epic cinematic drama. A young Jewish girl caught in a situation beyond her control. Esther is one of my favorite stories in Scripture. I have even written a whole Bible study on the book of Esther.
Time after time, the God intervened to save her and the Persian Jews from certain death. Here is her incredible story of courage.
The author of the biblical book of Esther is unknown. Esther’s story opens amid the lavish setting of the opulent Persian Empire.
The king dismisses Queen Vashti for disobedience. Afterward, King Ahasuerus demands that every beautiful young virgin come before him as new-wife material.
Esther, a Jewish orphan, steps into the Persian king’s palace. After surviving the king’s harem, young Esther finds favor with the king.
Esther dons the crown of Queen of Persia! And we begin to see God’s plan unfold.
Esther’s cousin Mordecai provides wise counsel throughout her time in the palace. The evil court official Haman sets his mind to eradicate the Jewish people from Persia. And it becomes clear that God will use Esther’s courage to save His people from genocide.
Key Characters
There are four main characters that the author of Esther includes, amidst other smaller characters.
1. Esther
The main character is Esther, a young woman of Jewish background. After her parents’ death, her older cousin Mordecai raises the orphan girl. He provides, protects, and takes care of her.
“The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter” (Esther 2:7).
The name “Esther” originates from the Persian word meaning “star”. Esther was born with the Hebrew name “Hadassah,” which means “myrtle.”
The reign of King Ahasuerus spanned 486-465 BC. He is the fourth legitimate monarch in the Achaemenid Empire, which ruled over Persia for more than 175 years.
The King of Persia holds the highest position and wears the royal crown of Persia. He is a godless, self-centered ruler who wants his own way at all costs.
He surrounds himself with hundreds of beautiful women and occupies his time with lavish parties. The royal wine flows freely at these parties.
“Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants” (Esther 1:1-3).
3. Haman
Every drama needs a villain. Haman fills that role in the Book of Esther. Haman is the king’s prime minister. He holds extraordinary political power and knows exactly how to manipulate the king.
“After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him” (Esther 3:1-2).
Haman is identified as an Agagite. The king of the Amalekites was named Agag. Agag’s people were known as Agagites. Haman was a descendant of the Amalekites, who were bitter enemies of the Benjamites (Mordecai’s ancestors). This ancestry pits Haman against Mordecai from the start.
4. Mordecai
Mordecai is Esther’s older cousin from the tribe of Benjamin (Jacob’s youngest son), one of Israel’s twelve tribes.
”Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away. He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother” (Esther 2:5-7).
Kish was also a Benjamite who had a son named Saul whom God anointed as the first king of Israel. Consequently, Mordecai belonged to the same tribe and shared the same lineage as King Saul.
Purpose of the Book of Esther
The scroll of Esther never mentions God’s name. Yet the providence of God is clear throughout this Old Testament book. The Book of Esther was written to the Jewish exiles to encourage their faith.
God uses Esther’s story to open our eyes to a much bigger view of Himself. Her story shows that every decision God leads us to make sets the stage for His glory to shine.
God appears throughout the biblical account even though His name is absent. We can easily compare Esther’s story to an invisible chess game between God and Satan. God inevitably declares, “Checkmate!” God’s sovereignty is unquestionable.
Esther is part of an oppressed people living in a foreign land. She is an orphan with a lot of character but not a lot of opportunities. Through her story God shows how He preserved His people after the Babylonian exile.
Major Events in Esther
There are several major events in the Book of Esther that propel the story forward. There are lavish banquets, intrigue, an assassination plot, Esther’s courage, and even months of beauty treatments for Esther.
1. Lavish Banquets
The multisensory glitz and splendor of King Ahasuerus’ court in Susa must have rivaled Hollywood on steroids. Each time a major plot twist occurred a feast took place. There are ten feast events throughout Esther.
2. Queen Vashti Deposed
The king shows a serious lack of judgment. During one of his opulent banquets, he demands that Queen Vashti appear before him. He wants to show off his queen’s beauty to the men. She refuses.
The king’s officials advise the king to replace her and Vashti is never again seen in Esther’s story. God opens the door for Esther to be in the right place to save His people from dark days ahead.
3. The Miss Persia Contest
The king’s life is incomplete without a queen. His officials gather up all of the beautiful young women (virgins) to be considered for the job. Esther is caught in the net.
She follows Mordecai’s advice and keeps her Jewish identity hidden. That would prove essential to the fate of hundreds of thousands of human beings. Esther wins the king’s favor and is chosen as queen.
4. Mordecai Uncovers Assassination Plot
Mordecai overhears a plot at the king’s gate to murder King Ahasuerus. He reveals the plot to the proper authorities and the king’s life is saved. Mordecai’s good deed goes unrewarded.
5. Wicked Haman Demands Genocide
Haman is appointed Prime Minister. The king’s order states that all people should bow to Haman. As a good Jewish man who worships God alone, Mordecai refuses to bow.
Haman’s ego takes a hit. He persuades the king to sign an order to kill every Jew in the Persian empire. Haman has no idea that the king’s own Queen Esther is a Jew.
6. Esther Risks Her Life to Save the Jews
Mordecai lets Esther know about Haman’s evil plot and the king’s command to destroy all the Jews. Esther goes into the king’s presence uninvited (which could have cost her life). She invites the king and Haman to come to her house for a banquet.
They enjoy a very pleasant evening the first time. The following evening Esther invites the king and Haman back for a second banquet. There, she reveals Haman’s evil plot to the king which puts her own life at risk as a Jew.
The king orders Haman’s immediate execution. Victory! Unfortunately, Haman’s murderous decree is still in effect.
7. Mordecai Becomes Prime Minister
After discovering Mordecai’s unrewarded loyalty in saving his life, the king appoints Mordecai as Prime Minister in Haman’s place. The king allows Mordecai and Queen Esther to write a counter-decree that allows the Jews to defend themselves.
8. The Jews Defeat the Persian Army
After receiving permission to defend themselves the Jewish people arm and prepare for battle. After a single day of fighting, the Jews defeat the Persian army without having lost one life among them. A second smaller fight takes place the next day that completes their victory.
9. Feast of Purim Inaugurated
Esther, Mordecai and the Jewish people celebrate their victory by commemorating those days to be celebrated throughout the ages:
“And Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year, as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor” (Esther 9:20-22).
Timeline of Esther
479 BC: Ahasuerus’ officials hold nationwide search for new queen
479-478: Esther crowned as Persia’s new queen
April 474: Haman despises Mordecai for now bowing; determines to destroy all Persian Jews
April 17, 474: Haman casts lots and sets March 7, 473 as date for Jewish genocide
June 474: Esther foils Haman’s plot; Ahasuerus orders Haman’s execution
June 25, 474: Ahasuerus issues royal decree enabling Jews to defend themselves
March 7, 474: Jews successfully defend themselves against Persian forces
March 8, 474: Haman’s 10 sons hanged; Jews celebrate battle victories
March 9, 474: Jews inaugurate Feast of Purim for all time to celebrate God’s rescue of the Jews
Esther’s Jewish Roots
Esther’s parents had died (Scripture is silent as to how). As a Jewish maiden, Jewish tradition holds that family members take her in raise her within the Jewish community.
Esther’s older cousin Mordecai takes her in and raises the little girl as his daughter. She is Mordecai’s younger cousin, not the daughter of Mordecai. She is raised to love her Jewish heritage just like Jews today. Esther is never mentioned in the New Testament.
The Book of Esther is contained in the Megilloth. These “five scrolls” appear in the third part of the Jewish canon. During five special occasions in the Jewish year, rabbis read aloud five Old Testament books in the synagogue. Esther is read during the Jewish Festival of Purim.
How Did Esther’s Story End?
Esther begins as an orphan yet ends up as Queen of Persia. A common question is, “How did Queen Esther die?” Scripture does not tell us.
Scholars believe that Esther remained in Persia until her death, even though she likely did not remain Queen after Ahasuerus’ death. The complete time period of her life is unknown.
Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the author of Esther reveals God’s perfect plan. His covenant relationship with His chosen people is unbreakable. The entire story reveals how the hiddenness of God does not mean the absence of God.
I highly recommend undertaking an in-depth study of Esther’s incredible story through Scripture and my Bible study, “Chosen.”
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Abraham is one of my favorite characters in Scripture. He was the first Hebrew Patriarch and a man of great faith. Three great monotheistic religions revere Abraham: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
You can learn so much from the faith of Abraham. His obedience to God’s plan and faithful service set the bar high.
Abraham exhibited many godly traits. He was a righteous man with an unwavering commitment to God, He also showed compassion and generous hospitality. He was a man of peace and a friend of God.
Abraham was one of the Bible’s great leaders. He journeyed through the Promised Land and became a new nation as God had promised. He followed God’s commands without question. And Abraham believed God’s promise by actively following God’s call.
Five Facts About Abraham
The faith of Abraham is a living example of hope in the promises of God. Abraham’s life in the book of Genesis provides much insight into how to live a godly Christian life.
God blessed Abraham and his wife Sarah above all of the families of the earth. They became His great nation and Abraham became the father of many nations.
1. Abraham’s Origins
Abraham’s name in Hebrew is Avraham, originally called Abram (Avram) by God. He lived in the 2nd millennium BCE.
The first thing that Genesis recounts about Abraham is that he left Haran. He packed up his entire family and headed toward Canaan. From there he went down to Egypt and then onto Negeb in the southernmost region of Palestine.
Many scholars place the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob during the end of the Middle Bronze I era. It included the beginning of the Middle Bronze II era throughout the ancient Near East.
2. Abraham and the Three Monotheistic Religions
In Christianity, we trace Jesus Christ’s earthly genealogy to the birth of Isaac, Abraham’s seed with his wife Sarah. Abraham offered his son Isaac as a burnt offering for the Lord. God spared him and this incident foreshadows Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
In Judaism, the Jewish people trace their descendants and the nation of Israel back to Abraham’s son Isaac. He was the promised offspring, born of his wife Sarah.
In Islam, they trace the Prophet Muhammad’s genealogy back to the birth of Ishmael. Islam views Abraham’s firstborn son through Hagar as the fulfillment of God’s promise.
3. Abraham Was Not a Young Man
Abraham was a 75-year-old man when he first appeared in the Word of God. God could have chosen from numerous young men, but old age offers experience and wisdom that youth lacks.
Even though God promised to make Abraham into a great nation, his wife Sarai had not borne any children. Yet the faith of Abraham and his obedience yielded a very great reward.
Abraham’s name would go down in the biblical narrative as a great man of faith. God gave him great wealth. Abraham faithfully committed good works to the glory of God.
4. Abraham Believed in the Promise of God
Would you set out for a new land with all of our family members not knowing the destination? Yet that sums up the start of Abraham’s journey to the land of Canaan.
“Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3).
The faith of Abraham is one of the most epic stories in God’s word. God called this ordinary person to accomplish the extraordinary.
5. Abraham Was a Man of Peace
Abraham’s nephew Lot was one of his family members who made the journey. Lot also owned flocks, herds, and tents. As they entered Negeb, Abraham realized that the land could not sustain their joint livestock. Rather than start a civil war:
“Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left” (Genesis 13:8-9).
Abraham could have demanded to have the first choice. Yet, he peaceably deferred setting the land boundaries to his nephew rather than cause strife. Abraham’s example of peace and generosity reflects his submission to God’s divine guidance.
Main Qualities We Can Learn from the Faith of Abraham
First and foremost, Scripture reveals very little about Abraham’s birth and early years. The New Testament refers to Abraham more than any other man apart from Moses.
God referred to Abraham as His friend (James 2:23), the only man to whom God bestowed this extraordinary title.
The faith of Abraham and his obedience to God were unparalleled. “Because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws” (Genesis 26:5).
Defining Characteristics of Abraham’s Faith
God alone generated the faith of Abraham. Through it he was able to withstand the most severe test any parent could face: giving up your child.
“When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son” (Genesis 22:9-10).
God rewarded the faith of Abraham by sparing his firstborn son:
“But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven. “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day. “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided” (Genesis 22:11-12, 14).
God preserved Abraham’s incredible faith in a place of honor in the book of Hebrews’ Hall of Faith. “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named” (Hebrews 11:18).
Leadership Qualities of Abraham
Abraham was a mere man and, like the rest of us, experienced moments of doubt, failure, and sin. Scripture faithfully recounts both the flaws and admirable qualities of biblical characters. Consequently, you and I can relate to them!
First, Abraham led his family with spiritual integrity. He understood God’s sovereignty and God’s mercy that would guide the rest of his life. His leadership style was to lead by example and highest moral integrity.
Second, every leader needs accountability. Abraham was accountable to the Highest Authority, as are you. He faithfully submitted to the Lord’s authority and remained accountable to God.
His spiritual journey provided a road map for your own life. That faith of Abraham shows how to live by to be righteous men and women devoted to the Lord.
The Story of Abraham from Scripture by Topic
You may not be familiar with the faith of Abraham or his whole story, whether in whole or in part. Here are the highlights of the footsteps of Abraham.
The Call of Abraham
“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you’.” (Genesis 12:1)
“So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan” (Genesis 12:4-5).
God’s Promises to Abraham
“I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3).
“Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him” (Genesis 12:7).
“Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him” (Genesis 17:19).
“The Lord said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son’.” (Genesis 18:10)
“But God said to Abraham, ‘Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring’.” (Genesis 21:12-13)
Faith of Abraham Demonstrated
“And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord” (Genesis 12:8b).
“And he believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness. And He said to him, ‘I am the Lord who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess’.” (Genesis 15:6-7)
“When He had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money. every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised. And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him” (Genesis 17:22-27).
Abraham’s Failures
“And Sarai said to Abram, ‘Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.’ And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai” (Genesis 16:2).
“And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram” (Genesis 16:15-16).
“Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, ‘Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?'” (Genesis 17:17)
“The Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son’.” (Genesis 18:13-14)
His Lies
“When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, ‘I know that you are a beautiful woman in appearance, and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live. Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake’.” (Genesis 12:11-13)
“From there Abraham journeyed toward the territory of the Negeb and lived between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, ‘She is my sister.’ And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, ‘Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife’.” (Genesis 20:1-3)
Abraham’s Blessings from God
“Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:2).
“The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, ‘Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you’.” (Genesis 13:14-17)
“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: ‘Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great’.” (Genesis 15:1).
God’s Words to Abraham
“And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: ‘This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.’ And he brought him outside and said, ‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be’.” (Genesis 15:4-5)
“And God said to Abraham, ‘As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her’.” (Genesis 17:15-16)
“For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him” (Genesis 18:19).
The Lord’s Promise of Family
“The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac” (Genesis 21:1-3).
“And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, ‘By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice’.” (Genesis 22:15-18)
“Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things” (Genesis 24:1).
Covenant with Abraham
“Then the Lord said to Abram, ‘Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age’.” (Genesis 15:13-15)
“On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites’.” (Genesis 15:18-20)
God’s Call to Abraham
“When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.’ Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, ‘Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your new name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God’.” (Genesis 17:1-8).
God’s Call for Circumcision
“And God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. 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, both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant’.” (Genesis 17:9-14)
The Peacemaker
“Then Abram said to Lot, ‘Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left’.” (Genesis 13:8-9)
The Protector
“When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people” (Genesis 14:14-16).
“So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord.Then Abraham drew near and said, ‘Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?’ And the Lord said, ‘If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake’.” (Genesis 18:22-26)
Abraham Blessed by Others
“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” (Genesis 14:18-20).
“Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him. And Abimelech said, ‘Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.’ To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated’.” (Genesis 20:14-16).
Abraham was Honorable
“And the king of Sodom said to Abram, ‘Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.’ But Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me’.” (Genesis 14:21-24).
“When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son” (Genesis 22:9-10).
Abraham’s Tests of Faith
“Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children” (Genesis 16:1).
“And Abimelech said to Abraham, ‘What did you see, that you did this thing?’ Abraham said, ‘I did it because I thought, ‘There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife. Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children. For the Lord had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife’.” (Genesis 20:10-11, 17-18)
Another Test of Faith
“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you’.” (Genesis 22:1-2)
The number of years of Abraham’s incredible life was 175. And the result of the faith of Abraham: “Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people” (Genesis 25:8).
I pray that you find encouragement through the faith of Abraham. May your life be as faith-filled!
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In the New Testament, joy is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. I am a naturally joyful person because I know the Lord is in control of my life. But how many times is joy in the Bible?
True joy is much more than a feeling of great pleasure. Real joy comes from deep within you. Happiness is based on your outward circumstances.
However, “joy,” “joyful,” or “rejoice” appear 430 times in the English Standard Version (ESV). Compare that to “happy” or “happiness” which only appears ten times. Which would you rather have?
In spite of life’s various trials or any difficult season, the presence of God and His salvation of your souls unlocks our voice of gladness! If you are a faithful reader of Scripture, find a particular passage (or several) that focuses on spiritual joy and memorize it. Only good things can come out of serious Bible study.
What is the Spiritual Meaning of Joy?
Biblical joy stems from the fruit of the Spirit given to you by God. The joy of the Lord provides comfort, contentment, and peace despite difficult circumstances.
You face trials of various kinds along this path of life, but God’s presence brings fullness of joy despite such things. Christ Jesus brought good news of great joy!
What is the Hebrew Meaning of Joy?
The Hebrew word for joy is expressed through many synonyms. The most common translations are “to shine,” “to leap,” “to exult,” and to “rejoice exceedingly.”
In the New Testament, Greek words for joy in the Christian life center around the Gospel. Pure joy is especially conspicuous in the Gospel of Luke.
What is the Biblical Version of Joy?
Earthly happiness is vastly different from God’s everlasting joy. The word “joy” can look like shouts of joy, great delight, a joyful heart, and songs of joy.
Christian joy can also look like the quiet peace of God despite difficult times. Followers of Christ need to be known for an abundance of joy!
We have many loud voices around us that spout joy is an elusive thing. Not so! God’s plan for your life is perfect and His joy is good medicine for life’s bumps.
Joy Verses in the Bible
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, our God of hope gives you and I much joy! The book of Philippians is called the “Book of Joy” despite the trials endured by the Apostle Paul. Joy verses abound!
God’s gift of joy is much more than a “concept of joy.” Temporary happiness is absent in difficult situations. The world says that material good fortune is a matter of joy. But fortunes can be gained and lost. There is no greater joy than knowing the Lord Jesus Christ walks with you and never leaves you.
Here are some of my favorite Bible verses that I keep in my journal from both the Old Testament and New Testament about this fruit of the Holy Spirit. Take joy in scrolling through them.
Peace and Joy
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:1-5).
Joy in God’s Presence
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you” (Psalm 5:11).
“Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 12:6).
“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence” (Acts 2:28).
“For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence” (Psalm 21:6).
“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place” (1 Chronicles 16:27).
Joy and Rejoicing
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do” (Ecclesiastes 9:7).
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure” (Psalm 16:9).
“Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (Psalm 32:11)
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness” (Psalm 30:11).
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10).
God’s Joy
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4).
Deliverance Joy
“And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the people of the land declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them” (Esther 8:17).
“And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away” (Nehemiah 12:43).
“And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel” (Ezra 6:22).
“So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing” (Psalm 105:43).
God’s People are Joyous
“Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete” (2 John 1:12).
“For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you” (Philemon 1:7).
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2).
“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part” (2 Corinthians 8:1-2).
“How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? How we thank God for you!” (1 Thessalonians 3:9).
Joy During Trials
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3).
“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22).
“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5).
“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b).
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” (Psalm 126:5)
“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” (John 16:33).
Serving the Lord with Joy
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21).
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52).
“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith” (2 Corinthians 1:24).
Joy Despite Affliction
“I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy” (2 Corinthians 7:4).
“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
“As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything” (2 Corinthians 6:10).
“Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice” (Psalm 51:8).
Following God’s Commands with Joy
“The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Psalm 19:8).
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16).
Joy in Suffering
“But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:13).
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7).
Joy of Salvation
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8).
“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed” (Psalm 71:23).
“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:12).
“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; the children of Israel shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3).
Worship with Joy
“I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:2).
“And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:52).
Will of God Brings Joy
“Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart” (Psalm 119:111).
“So that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company” (Romans 15:32).
“Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24).
Joy in the Lord
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
“And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:47).
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad” (Psalm 126:2-3).
“May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!” (Psalm 70:4).
God’s Strength Gives Joy
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him” (Psalm 28:7).
“This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Joy as a Gift
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
“Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart” (Psalm 97:11).
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10).
God faithfully provides you with joy from the inside out. I pray that you live in His joy today.
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You can pray anywhere and everywhere. However, the day that I created a dedicated prayer space, God turbo-boosted my faith walk.
As I began logging my prayers, I was able to look back to remember exactly what I prayed about. I could ponder how God had moved in those situations and easily see His fingerprints.
Creating your own prayer room encourages you to set aside scheduled time in a quiet space to hear God’s voice through God’s Word.
What is a Christian Prayer Room?
In today’s very busy world, a designated prayer space simply makes sense. Some days it is hard enough to focus on one thing at a time in your normal environment.
You can easily be distracted by your “to do” lists, phones, work, chores, and many other necessities of today’s world. But Jesus calls you to look past this world and to set your gaze upon Him in Scripture.
Colossians 3:2 calls you to “set our minds on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” A prayer room is designated solely to pray and spend focused time with the Lord. Designating a prayer room or space is beneficial to a healthy Christian’s prayer life.
Where to Begin
A great place to begin is to determine why you want a prayer room in your own home. Will it be to simply appear spiritual? That shallow reason is why I created a prayer corner years ago. Needless to say, it did not get much use.
But a lot of life has happened. I have been bruised, hurt, and broken by this world. I bet you have, too. We need a serious place to spend extended time with the Lord. My prayer space is the specific place where I spend intentional time with my heavenly Father.
So the first thing you need to decide is why you want a prayer room. I can tell you first hand, God has done some serious work in my life and through my life because of time spent in dedicated prayer.
Finding a Small Room
I currently have a prayer corner in my study. I get distracted easily so choosing a small room or space is a great way to shut out distractions.
If your children have left home, that spare room could be the perfect place for years of prayer. Do you have a walk-in closet that only stores junk? Think creatively and purposefully!
I find that small prayer rooms or spaces are the best. That private space becomes a sacred space to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus without distraction. As you cover yourself, your whole family, and your loved ones with prayer, it will truly become the heart of your home.
Jesus said: “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6).
What Goes in a Prayer Room?
Once your specific area is selected, there are a few key items that need to be included in your prayer room.
First and foremost, you need a Bible. Since there are times when we literally pray God’s Word back to Him, a Bible is essential. There are many excellent Bibles available.
Second, keep track of your prayers. There are many different ways, including prayer cards, a prayer board, a prayer book, a bulletin board, or simply a prayer journal. Reading back over your prayers clearly shows how God is moving. Talk about a faith booster!
Finally, Christian symbols and reminders of Christ are essential. These include crosses, your handwritten Bible verses, or even your favorite Christian art or a biblical scene. I have pictures of my Holy Land trips plastered all around. Looking at the olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane as I pray is particularly meaningful.
Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane
Personalizing Your Prayer Room
Now that your Bible and ways to record your prayers have been chosen, it’s time to focus on personalizing your quiet place of prayer. Whether your prayer space is an entire room or simply a special spot, there are beautiful ways to personalize it.
If you are more artistic, think of painting wall art or filling the space with worship music. Your prayer space does not have to be elaborate, just to reflect you. God simply longs for us to spend time with Him in prayer.
Furniture
This will vary greatly depending on the size of your prayer room. Again, let it fit your personal style. You may have room for a comfortable couch or recliner with cozy throws. A writing table and chair may even fit.
For a smaller space, perhaps a large floor cushion or a comfortable chair with a lap desk fits perfectly. You could even find a padded kneeling bench. It is up to you, your budget, and the amount of available space.
Lighting
If your eyesight requires plenty of light, outfit your space accordingly. Hanging lights, table lamps, floor lamps, and ambient light all work well according to how much light you need.
Some people say that they need bright light in order to stay awake. Colossians 4:2 tells us: “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.“
Personally, I love natural light or a soft lamp with a candle burning brightly close by. The key is creating a calm place to pray to remove the speed and anxiety of the world.
Colors
God created an endless palette of colors to choose from, so choose what you love! Color is an excellent way to transform an empty room into your personalized space.
I love muted cottage colors, so there are a lot of blues, creams, and beige colors in my prayer space. Soft and inviting. If you love bright colors, go crazy! Simply put, make it a space where you long to spend serious time.
Spending Time in Your Prayer Room
The ultimate goal of your prayer room is for the purpose of prayer. This is where you intentionally and diligently meet with the Lord to tackle life on every level. And there are a few other necessities for this space, as well.
Prayer
If you are new to prayer it can be daunting. Been there done that as a new Christian in my early 20s.
I wrote two helpful resources about prayer that I hope you will find beneficial along your prayer journey:
Prayer truly ushers you into God’s presence. You may begin your prayer time with anxiety and angst, but His inner peace will fill you up as His love and grace replace all else.
Scripture
Reading and meditating on Scripture on a daily basis is food for the soul. Knowing God in His Word informs every aspect of a Christian’s life. Losing track of time during quiet reflection of His Word is always time well spent.
Reading God’s Word reminds you of His promises, His love, and all He has called you to do in His name. Knowing Scripture strengthens your prayer walk as you come to know the biblical stories of salvation and spreading the Good News. God’s Word is His love letter to you.
Worship
Adoration of God is how you start your prayers. Worship music, ranging from traditional hymns to contemporary, helps you fix our eyes on Jesus.
As you hear the melodies and sing those words to God, He reminds you of His goodness, faithfulness, and holiness. If you are not wired as a music person, spend time worshiping God by praying His psalms of praise back to Him.
Bottom Line
Spending intentional time with the Lord is the whole purpose of a prayer room or prayer space. Over time, you will be amazed as you track your prayers and see how God chooses to answer them.
I pray that your prayer room, however large or small, is a space where Jesus becomes the central focus of your life. Your prayer requests never fall on deaf ears. God is for you!
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That meaning and characteristics of light are significant in the context of biblical history and theology. Scripture is clear that the power of God’s light expels darkness and all powers of evil. No darkness is equal to His great light.
I am an avid gardener, so light is vital. But what are the biblical and spiritual characteristics of light?
In the simplest terms, light results in removing darkness. Spiritually, light represents the contrast between God and evil forces, believers and unbelievers.
In the biblical context, every phase of light, from natural light in the natural world to the spiritual glory of the celestial, is found in Scripture. God “alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16).
Creation of Light
After God created the heavens and the earth, His Spirit hovered over the darkness (Genesis 1:1-2). Afterward, the first thing that God did was to illuminate the heavens and the earth.
“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day (Genesis 1:3-5).
This first illumination of the heavens and earth did not come from the sun. Natural light comes later in Genesis 1:14-18, which you can explore below. Scripture does not tell you where this original light came from, other than God.
Plants were created on Day 3, but the sun does not show up until the 4th day of creation. How can plants exist and flourish without sunlight? Yet we have “light” on Day 1.
Perhaps one of the reasons God waited until Day 4 to create the sun was to demonstrate that He alone creates light. He alone is light and life. The sun is just one of many instruments in His hands.
You and I worship the Creator, not what He created. In the Old Testament, God warned the Israelites not to worship the sun like the pagans (Deuteronomy 4:19). As God’s children, we do not worship the sun but God who made the sun.
Characteristics of Light
According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, light is “the symbol and synonym of all that is luminous and radiant in the mental, moral and spiritual life of men and angels.” That is a fancy way of stating that light matters in every realm of life.
Light is represented in many ways, and thus its characteristics to illuminate dark places vary greatly.
Natural light can be observed through the sun, moon, stars, and solar systems.
Artificial light can be represented by ancient oil lamps, candles, fire, and modern electricity.
Miraculous light is seen through Moses’ burning bush (Exodus 3) and the pillar of fire by day that protected the Israelites after they left Egypt (Exodus 13:17-22), among others.
Light and life go together in the bible as the product of salvation (you will see that more below). For the most part, light is an attribute of holiness that shines forth the glory of God.
Natural Light
The sun first appears in Genesis with these well-known familiar words:
“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, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:14-18).
All of nature’s bright lights (sun, moon, and stars) appear here in Genesis and elsewhere in Scripture:
“Yours is the day, yours also the night; you have established the heavenly lights and the sun” (Psalm 74:16).
“To Him who made the great lights, for His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:7).
“…before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain” (Ecclesiastes 12:2).
“And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5).
How does natural light affect us?
The characteristics of natural light in your daily walk are beauty, radiance, and life-giving. For instance:
“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart” (Proverbs 15:30).
“Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun” (Ecclesiastes 11:7).
“If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him” (John 11:9-10).
Life, joy, activity, and every blessing are dependent upon light. If you live in parts of the world where gloomy, dark weather descends during the winter, you truly understand the life-giving, joy-inducing effects of the sun.
Light is Good
The Hebrew word that portrays light is evocative. God’s initial creative process begins in Genesis where the eternal God spoke (Genesis 1:2) and light appeared without hesitation.
Before the beginning of time, light was the initial step of God’s creative spirit. Spiritually, physically, and mentally, all men stumble in the absence of light.
Light is not in and of itself divine. However, it is used metaphorically for life (Psalm 56:13), salvation (Isaiah 9:2), God’s commandments (Proverbs 6:23), and the divine presence of God (Exodus 10:23).
Without light, darkness and chaos run rampant over all the earth. The term for darkness is used for the wicked (Proverb 2:13), as judgment (Exodus 10:21), and death (Psalm 88:12).
Darkness evokes all that is anti-God. Moral man loses the right path when a plague of darkness shrouds him from God’s healing light. Light is good because:
God is the Father of light who dispels darkness: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17).
God is light: “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
The Light of Christ
The Apostle John wrote down in the New Testament these very words of Jesus:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12)
“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5).
Light is the revelation of God’s love in Jesus Christ. Christ’s love and light penetrate every life darkened by sin. That’s all of us.
“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7).
Jesus is the incarnate Word of God, who has come as the light for all people (John 1:4-14). The light of Christ residing in us through the power of the Holy Spirit enables you to shine His true light into the darkest circumstances.
God is Light
Since light represents goodness in opposition to the evil associated with darkness, it is a natural step for the biblical authors to understand God, the ultimate good, as light.
Your spiritual light and life can only come from God: “For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light” (Psalm 36:9).
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isaiah 9:2).
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Psalm 27:1 does not mince words: “Yahweh (Adonai) is my light and my salvation.” God’s presence is your source of light despite any darkness around you.
Light of Salvation
Why is Christ referred to as the light of the world? He answers that question directly: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (John 12:46).
As a young adult, I experienced life without the light of Christ. I will never forget the hopelessness and darkness of life without His love and light. (See my story here.)
When I received God’s gift of faith and believed that Christ died for me, it was an incomparable JOY!
His Light Penetrates Darkness
God’s perfect love and light can penetrate and redeem even the darkest heart. Christ’s life and light shine forth the good news of eternal life for all who believe in Him.
Everyone who responds by faith to God’s light is ushered into a life in which darkness is dispelled. Specifically, salvation brings light to those in darkness:
“The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16).
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).
“You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you” (Job 22:28).
We are Sons and Daughters of Light
When you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior, you are grafted into His eternal family by faith:
“While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (John 12:36).
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)” (Ephesians 5:8-9).
“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or the darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5).
Living as Children of Light
So, how are His children supposed to live with His light in us? How does living as a child of God look different from the rest of the world?
Paul intentionally contrasts the old life in darkness with new life in the light in Christ Jesus:
“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God…You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:17-18, 23-24).
What does that life look like?
Simply put, a believer’s words, thoughts, and actions are characterized by light:
“But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God” (John 3:21).
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:12-14).
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
Many bible verses in God’s Word refer to good deeds and good works as telltale marks of the children of God. People see the goodness of the Lord through the spiritual life of men and women.
Experiencing sunset in the Holy Land
You stand out, not blend in
As a child of the light, your old life stands in stark contrast with the new. As you rely on His strength each day, His light exposes and expels darkness.
The revealed will of God provides light to a believer’s heart, soul, and mind which results in holy guidance in a dark world (Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:130).
Armor of Light
Satan can disguise himself as an “angel of light”. Do not be fooled. Satan does not have the light of God. The devil’s goal is your complete and utter destruction.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:12-13).
However, God has given you His armor as the ultimate defense against Satan’s attacks: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).
Pieces of God’s Armor
I wrote an entire eight-week Bible study on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) because the thought of an invisible enemy attacking me 24/7 used to be flat-out scary. Here is what God has given you:
Belt of truth
Breastplate of righteousness
Shoes of the Gospel of peace
Shield of faith (to extinguish the enemy’s fiery darts)
God’s armor is not meant to hang useless in your spiritual closet. The enemy is powerful, so you wear God’s armor because you are God’s soldier. His divine light and protection covers you from head to toe.
God is light, who dispels the darkness of this world. Jesus came as the light of the world, breaking through the darkness of sin by His work on the cross.
The first word of God is about light. The love of God is a shining light into a dark world. And a child of the light, you have the privilege of carrying His divine torch.
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Playing trivia games is a fun way to learn more about the Bible in a non-threatening environment as you blast the Christmas carols. They also introduce a little competition and fun activity interaction at your holiday parties.
Small groups are better than large groups, but any age can play. The best part is that this free printable Bible trivia quiz provides a great way to learn both the Old Testament and New Testament.
Some of the Christmas bible quiz questions are easy. Most adults and kids of all ages would know most of the answers, but there are a few difficult questions that I had to look up!
Prophecy About Jesus’ Birth
The birth of Jesus was foretold centuries before He was laid in the manger. Before time began, God set in motion the perfect way that mankind could be saved from His wrath: a Savior.
The Savior to come would not be just anybody. Our Savior is God’s one and only Son! So here are trivia questions about the prophecy of Jesus’ birth, the names of Jesus, and His lineage.
Which Old Testament prophet said that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem?
Which book’s title in the Old Testament is a variation of Jesus’ name?
What Old Testament book makes the very first reference to Jesus?
Baby Jesus and His Birth
Knowing the circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the low status of Jesus’ earthly parents reinforces how our Savior came lowly to save all.
Jesus could have been born in a palace with servants catering to His every whim. Yet He was born in poverty so that He would be accessible to all people.
What’s the name of the town where Jesus was born?
What was the name of Jesus’ mother?
Who was Mary engaged to when she became pregnant?
What was the name of the angel who told Mary she would give birth to Jesus?
How far did Mary & Joseph have to travel to Bethlehem?
What did Jesus sleep in after he was born?
Who was the emperor of Rome when Jesus was born?
Who was trying to kill baby Jesus?
The Shepherds
The shepherds on the hills of Bethlehem that night were no ordinary shepherds.
These were Temple Shepherds tasked with tending unblemished sheep for the Temple sacrifices in Jerusalem not far away.
It only makes sense that the shepherds who presented unblemished lambs to the Temple would announce to the world that the Unblemished Lamb of God had just been born!
What did the shepherds do after they heard the announcement?
Where did the shepherds find the baby Jesus?
After seeing Jesus, what did the shepherds do?
When the shepherds told Mary why they were there, what did Mary do?
The Wise Men
The wise men were magi from the East. They were known as the “kingmakers.” No one in the Medo-Persian empire was crowned king without their approval and consent.
They were kingmakers and accomplished astrologers. The stars revealed to them that there was a new king of the Jews. So they set out west.
These questions are included in this free printable game ready for your next holiday party:
Who were the “wise men”?
How many wise men were there?
What did the wise men follow to find Jesus?
What gifts did the wise men bring to Jesus?
How old was Jesus when the wise men showed up with their gifts?
In what town did the wise men find Jesus?
General Christmas Bible Trivia
Other than the categories above, there are important and fun facts to know about the Christmas Story.
These are related to the birth and early years of Jesus that are relevant to the Christmas story. Good luck!
How many days after his birth did Mary and Joseph give him the name Jesus?
Where did Mary, Joseph, and Jesus flee to after Bethlehem?
What main book in the New Testament contains the story of Jesus’ birth?
Game Rules
It is always best to keep the game rules simple so that it is easy for younger players, as well.
As Christians, we celebrate Christmas because it is the day that God put His promise into action to send a Savior to the world.
Because of Jesus’ birth, perfect life, death, and glorious resurrection, we have the hope of eternity for all who believe that He is Lord and Savior.
I pray that this fun game is a blessing for your Christmas get-togethers as you listen to Christmas music and celebrate the real reason for this holiday season: JESUS.
Merry Christmas blessings to you and your whole family!
{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}
During Christmastime, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of the Christmas season. In the midst of traditions such as decorating a Christmas tree, we can forget to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus. You need an Advent reading plan!
This Advent Bible reading plan helps us focus on God’s Word and His beautiful gifts to us during the Advent season – despite the busyness of the season.
While you may see a chocolate Advent calendar or one made out of Legos serving as a countdown to Christmas in the secular world, Advent for the church is more than just a countdown to Christmas.
The word “advent” is from the Latin word for “coming” (adventus). In simplest terms, it describes the arrival of Jesus as a baby in the manger. During the month of December followers of Jesus around the world reflect on the nativity story and what the birth of Christ means for our faith.
Jesus’ birth and the Christmas story are best reflected in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:1-21). If you attended Sunday school class as a child, you probably learned the real meaning of Christmas in the New Testament.
However, the Old Testament contains God’s promises concerning the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. So the Sundays of Advent comprise the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. In 2023, Advent begins on Sunday, December 3rd, and ends on Christmas Eve.
What Part of the Bible Should I Read During Advent?
The true story of Christmas is contained in these portions of the Bible:
This Advent plan that walks us through daily Scripture readings for your Advent study time. It is a great way to know the real reason for our Advent journey this holiday season.
Why Do Christians Read Scriptures During Advent?
Christmas exists to celebrate the birth of our Savior! Reading daily Scriptures is not a random tradition of Advent. Rather, those words remind us why this special season exists: to celebrate the birth of the promised Messiah that God foretold from the beginning of time.
Glittery decorations are very festive and contribute to the beautiful things of Christmas. However, we celebrate the best gift of all in the true reason for the season: Jesus Christ.
He came to offer the hope of eternity with Him for all who believe that He came, lived a perfect life, died, and rose again to secure a place with Him in heaven.
How to Celebrate Advent
Traditionally we gather at church or at home around an advent wreath with four candles in the wreath and one candle in the center. These candles represent Jesus Christ as the light of the world. Traditionally, three outer candles are dark purple, one is lavender and the center candle is white.
Although you may enjoy a traditional Advent wreath you can also use any five candles and be as creative or simple as you like for your family or church!
How to Use These Advent Resources
There are Scripture readings each day of Advent: December 3-24, 2023. You can read these on your own or with your family.
If you have a little more study time some days, read the Bible verses and chapters surrounding the daily readings to better understand the context of what you are reading.
On Sunday, gather your family (friends, roommates, Bible study group) together (or you can certainly do it alone) and read through that week’s Bible passage list while lighting the next candle on your Advent wreath. This provides a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of the season, rather than ticking off items on a Christmas shopping list.
Advent Bible Reading Plan
I’ve created this FREE DOWNLOAD containing the Advent reading plan, Just print it out and tuck it into your Bible to read during Advent. Print it out and by all means, share it!
Connect to my ministry Facebook page to read the short daily Advent devotions that go with each day’s Scripture. Here are the days of readings from Scripture at a glance.
First Week in Advent
December 3: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
December 4: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him.” (Isaiah 11:1-2)
December 5: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
December 6: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:23)
December 7: “And the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.'” (Luke 1:26-27, 31)
December 8: “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'” (Matthew 1:20)
December 9: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” (Luke 2:8)
Second Week in Advent
December 10: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'” (Luke 2:10)
December 11: “And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a multitude of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God. (Luke 2:12-13)
December 12: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:13-14)
December 13: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)
December14: “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see that which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:15-16)
December 15: “So they hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:16)
December 16: “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:17-18)
Third Week in Advent
December 17: “All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:18-19)
December 18: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem…wise men from the east came to Jerusalem.” (Matthew 2:1)
December 19: “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)
December 20: “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:11a)
December 21: “Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11b)
December 22: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1, 4-5)
December 23: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:11)
December 24: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
You Can Do It
An Advent Bible reading plan provides a meaningful way to reflect and center your heart on Jesus during the season of Advent.
If you get behind on your daily Bible readings, simply skip to the appropriate day – no need to make up. The key is being intentional about seeking Jesus during this season.
Don’t worry about doing it perfectly. Intentionally setting aside time to spend with Jesus in His Word is the greatest gift of Christmas!
{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}
There is no reason to beat around the bush. You and I are facing serious times of trouble in the world, communities, and families. A prayer for protection from the Word of God is key.
Times of uncertainty in today’s world can threaten your safe place and sense of comfort. However, Christ’s followers understand that God’s Word and His divine protection offer hope in difficult times.
It is helpful to be reminded that the shelter of the Most High stands unwavering against the terrors of the night. Your prayer life does not need to cease in times of famine (whether spiritual, mental, or physical). God’s word is Spirit-filled.
If you are not comfortable with prayer, you don’t have to try to think of any new prayer point. You can simply pray the words already contained in the Bible right back to God.
Here are powerful prayers that you can pray for God’s presence, His hedge of protection, and great comfort in your daily life despite fierce lions and dangerous situations.
The Soldier’s Psalm
Psalm 91 is sometimes called “The Soldier’s Psalm.” It is one of the most powerful chapters in Scripture as a prayer of protection.
I recently contributed the forward to a brand new devotional from my publisher that focuses solely on Psalm 91 for peace and protection. Here is the beautiful cover.
God’s children experience daily warfare on the spiritual battlefield—both large and small. Some days you shout for joy when God brings victory. Other days exhaustion settles in and you wonder if you have the strength to endure.
God’s inspired words tucked in this psalm of protection provide you with confidence in Almighty God when doubt and weariness step onto the battlefield in this world today.
On those hard days, God wraps Psalm 91 around your heart and mind like a protective shield. He reminds you that He has not abandoned you to fight alone or unprotected.
God’s Promises in Psalm 91
Three players interact in Psalm 91: a believer (verses 1-2), an audience of encouragers (verses 3-13), and God (verses 14-16).
The first two verses provide a humbling example of how to proclaim unwavering trust in God as your shelter and refuge. This beautiful statement of faith flows from a life thankful for His divine protection!
When the Lord is your dwelling place, no evil, plague, or darkness ever triumphs. The Name of the Lord is mighty to save! Pray these words back to Him as a strong reminder:
Loving Father, you promised: “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my Name.” (Psalm 91:14)
O Lord, on the days when I struggle, help me remember: When I call to You, You will answer me; You will be with me in trouble; You will rescue me and honor me. (Psalm 91:15)
Dear Jesus, today and every day: With long life You will satisfy me and show me Your salvation. (Psalm 91:16)
O Commander of the heavenly host, you promise: A thousand may fall at my side, ten thousand at my right hand, but it will not come near me. I will only look with my eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. (Psalm 91:7-8)
Prayers For A Place of Safety
Even though intense battles seem never-ending, you can trust that God is your strong tower. God’s angels stand guard over you at His command. Picturing that truth– actually envisioning His protecting shield in your mind—provides the strength you need to stand in times of great need.
The words of Psalm 91 provide the perfect Bible verses for the most powerful prayers of protection. Simply pray in the first person as you say these words directly to your dear Heavenly Father:
Dear Lord, you promise that: “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 91:1-2)
Father, remind me each day that: “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 91:3-4)
Lord, only you can faithfully: “…command His angels concerning me to guard me in all my ways.” (Psalm 91:11-12)
Power of God Prayers
The Soldier’s Psalm concludes as God reassures you that He’s got this. He’s got you. He promises to deliver you from fear and trouble today, tomorrow, and into eternity.
If you are struggling with feeling His divine presence in our fallen world, these Psalm 91 verses provide power and a sense of comfort through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray the words back to Him:
Father God, “I will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.” (Psalm 91:5-6)
O God, “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 91:9-10)
O Lord, “I will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent I will trample underfoot.” (Psalm 91:13)
Prayers of Protection from the Word of God
Refuge awaits all who take shelter under His protective care. All who hold fast to Him in love. All who know His name. Consistent Bible study is a vital tool for knowing these truths.
Here are key verses from both the Old Testament and New Testament containing the faithful promises of God. They are a beautiful source of comfort as you pray His words back to Him:
Dear God, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26)
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
Father God, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
O Father, I will: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Lord Jesus, “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.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Prayers for Peace
Lasting peace only comes from God the Father. Despite war, natural disaster, destroying plague, perilous pestilence, or anything else, every child of God can rely on His peace that passes all understanding.
Grief is a natural part of life when dark days happen. God collects every tear in a bottle. But grief is not how your faith life ends. Your story begins and ends in HOPE thanks to Jesus’ life, death, and glorious resurrection.
Pray these words back to Him:
Thank you, Lord, for promising: “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.” (John 14:27)
“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.” (John 16:33)
Father, help me remember: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Keep a Prayer Journal
Prayer is powerful, and you have the privilege to come to the Lord with what is on your heart and spilling down your cheeks.
Logging your prayers and being watchful of how the Lord is moving equips you. It cuts through the noise of everyday life to find fullness in the presence of God.
I have kept a prayer journal for years. It provides a way to walk with purpose along my faith journey with my eyes open to the leading of the Lord.
Download this Prayer Journal
If you are new to keeping a prayer journal, here is a FREE DOWNLOAD to get you started. Just print and go! Also, here are some of my favorite journals.
When you call on the mighty name of Jesus, He will answer, He will rescue, and He will show you His salvation.
A vibrant and faithful prayer life reminds you daily that you are the precious children of God. In that most intimate relationship, you enter into the secret place of the Most High and find rest in the shade of the Almighty.
There is no terror of night or fowler’s snare in the whole world that the blood of Christ has not already defeated. In your times of need, the Lord Jesus Christ is your High Priest and holy hiding place.
{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}
