Tag: bible

Posted in Faith Hope Love

The Chosen – the Best TV Series

Posted on by M Artisans

With the title itself, it’s evident that I’m a massive fan of the show. I previously talked about this and I hope (& pray) that I convinced you enough to start watching The Chosen.

Last night, we finished watching season 3 with their extra videos available in their dedicated app. In their extra video (behind-the-scenes footage), it was mentioned that the whole theme of the series is to emphasize emotions over spectacle.

That makes this show different and thus engages with the audience much more than typical storytelling.

This series is completely free and we can help create future seasons and keep the Chosen free around the world by donating or buying their merchandise. Use the exclusive site with this link.

Posted in prayer, prayers

Signs God is Testing You

Posted on by M Artisans

Are you encountering problems and in a really difficult situation right now?

You are not alone.

Like many Christians, we are being tested as we grow closer to Jesus.

I’m sharing something personal for me. Before, I was afraid of studying the bible, this negative notion – “if I grow spiritually I may not be able to pass the testing of God, I might face difficult challenges and fail Him without end.”

I realized that it’s my ego that has been creating excuses; because I’m already a good person, I’ve read the bible before in school and there’s no need to do more, too busy, etc.

Until ordeals came…

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

When harships occur in our life, it is called a test.

These tests are not the same as tempation. The bible says that God will not tempt us to sin. God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your capabilities.

When tempted, no one can say, “God is tempting me.” for God cannot be tempted by evil nor does He tempt anyone.

– James 1:13

God may test us in many ways. Part of our spiritual journey is testing, as gold is refined through fire, in the same manner, God will use trials to refine our faith.

Without trials our faith will be superficial and there’s no chance for faith to become stronger and deeper. Many people tend to forget God when everything is convenient and they have everything they need.

For those undergoing huge challenges – hope this post lifts you up a little and help you not be discouraged… These are the signs God may be testing your faith.

Signs that God is testing you

  1. Delayed answers to prayers
  2. Family problem
  3. Hopelessness
  4. Failure to achieve goals
  5. Financial issues
  6. Heartbreak
  7. Illness

The last one I can relate the most, dealing with chronic illness for a looong time. I waited, even up to this day… I even imagined myself as the woman who was miraculously healed after touching Jesus’ robe (Luke 8:44).

With similar issue – hemorrhage (bleeding) for 12 years, maybe I could be like her,

I will be healed…

Pinterest

Let this be a reminder for us all, if we choose to trust Jesus and allow His peace to overwhelm us, He will bring us through the storm.

❤

Posted in faith, prayer, prayers

Pride according to the Bible

Posted on by M Artisans

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:5

The biblical definition of pride is “an inordinate love of one’s own excellence.” In fact, pride was Satan’s downfall. He chose his pride and placed himself of equal with God the Father. Satan was destroyed because of pride and so he wants us to suffer the same demise.

Pride goes down to the very core of worry and anxiety, revealing a lack of trust in God. It has been called the cancer of the soul, the “beginning of all sin.”

When does pride becomes a sin?

Pride becomes sinful when it’s excessively self-focused. Sin of pride refers to a high or exalted attitude – the opposite virtue of humility. In the bible, synonyms are insolence, presumptuousness, arrogance, conceit, high-mindedness, egotism.

It becomes a sin when we are too proud and self-elevating. When we are proud it’s like we are saying that we know better than God and that we don’t need Him anymore. It’s a form of rebellion, putting our own desires and plans ahead of what God designed for us.

More Bible Verses about Pride

  • Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
  • To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, even behavior and perverse speech. Proverbs 8:13
  • Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. 1 Samuel 2:3
  • Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10
  • Will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. Isaiah 13:11
  • You have been deceived by your own pride. Obadiah 3
  • Pride leads to disgarce but wuth humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

There are six things that the Lord hates, guess what Pride is included in the list…

Proverbs 6:16-19

16  There are six things the Lord hates,
     seven that are detestable to him:
17         haughty eyes,
        a lying tongue,
        hands that shed innocent blood,
18         a heart that devises wicked schemes,
        feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19         a false witness who pours out lies
        and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

A simpler version from CEV (Contemporary English Version) –

There are 6 or 7 kinds of people that the Lord doesn’t like; those who are too proud or tell lies or murder, those who make evil plans or quick to do wrong, those who tell lies or stir up conflct in a family or community.

Posted in faith, motivational

Must read bible verses when you’re faced with criticisms

Posted on by M Artisans

I’ve faced criticisms my entire life. Prior to taking Psychology, I’m already curious about dealing with people – particularly “difficult” people.

But beyond and above scientific knowledge and strategies is the grace and word of God.

Let me share this with you, this has helped me a lot…

Caring for what others think of you stops us from doing God’s will. You’ll be distracted, occupied and worst be frozen in fear.

I want to also remind you that there are mean people in this world. (a.k.a. haters) Don’t allow people to hurt you with negative words toward you. Their words are irrelevant. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God thinks good thoughts about you so think good thoughts about yourself as well.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 NIV

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 NIV

It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe. Proverbs 29:25

The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7
Posted in faith, motivational, prayer, prayers

Why bad things happen to good people

Posted on by M Artisans

I finished reading a book – “When Bad things happen to Good People.”(1)

In our lifetime, we experience betrayal even by the ones closest to us. After trusting them, believing them… In the end, their masks fall off & leave. Other “good people” experience physically pain, suffering with incurable afflictions. 

It begs the question – Why bad things happen to good people? 

One of my favorite author – C.S. Lewis said, “God uses pain to get our attention.” 

“We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains..” (2)

And so we suppose, if God really uses pain to speak to us, in order for us to grow. Are there painless means? 

Not long ago, when I asked in my prayer. Sulking in tears, “Lord please don’t be far from me.” 

I asked God why things go wrong for good people, like they’re being tested the more. Why is it that after hurting us, they can continue to live a good life, why they can get away with their evil ways…

In agony I look at them, as they continue to deceive more unsuspecting preys with their ill intentions and greed.

These people fool us with scheming ways. Faces in misleading masks, gifting us with their exaggerated generosity that’s actually a strategy to lure our innocence.

I opened my bible app and here’s what He said;

1 Lord, you have seen what is in my heart. You know all about me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know what I’m thinking even though you are far away.
3 You know when I go out to work and when I come back home. You know exactly how I live.
4 Lord, even before I speak a word, you know all about it.
5 You are all around me. You are behind me and in front of me. You hold me in your power.6 I’m amazed at how well you know me.
Psalm 139 🙏

I think this sums up everything. 

God answered, this verse was His reply. He knows and sees right through us. Relieved, I know that God will never be misled. He hears the righteous and forsaken.

I believe in Him. 

Bad things happen, but God is working for the good of those who love Him.

Romans 8:28

Let us not be bitter in wondering why good people are being examined and tested in endless ordeals.

God sees everything. And He knows each one of us.

  • (1) When Bad Things Happen to Good People: Harold S. Kushner
  • (2) Problem with Pain: C.S. Lewis
  • Bible NIV