Scripture is chock full of animals. Close to 100 varieties are mentioned—almost A to Z, including everything from the addax (a type of antelope named in Deuteronomy 14:5 NLT) to the lowly worm (sorry—there’s no zebra) mentioned in Isaiah and Jonah. But references to individual animals who played a role in the Bible’s narrative are rarer, especially if you omit those who are cited only in parables or prophecy. Here are some of the most remarkable animals mentioned in Scripture.
7 Encouraging Bible Verses for Families
Families come in all shapes and sizes and often we learn the most important life lessons from our closest loved ones who we live and grow with every day. We hope these Bible verses help you strengthen your family relationships.
7 Encouraging Bible Verses for Cancer Patients
If you or a loved one is facing cancer, you might feel scared, anxious, and overwhelmed. During these times, it’s important to remember that God hasn’t forgotten you. This is why we’ve collected some powerful Bible verses for cancer patients and their friends and family. From Isaiah to the Psalms, Scripture is filled with words of encouragement and comfort for every step of the way.
7 Bible Verses to Keep You Steady and Strong
I felt my first earthquake recently. I was in my car, waiting for my wife outside a drug store, and I felt the car move back and forth. I turned around to see if someone was pushing on my car, rocking it. No one was there. A few seconds later the sensation passed but it was disturbing and disorienting—not unlike how confused and uncertain many of us feel these days as the ground beneath us seems to shift during this pandemic. Can I go out in public? Are the dangers too great? What are the rules today? Will I have a job? What can I depend on? How do I find—or achieve—some kind of even keel?
While none of us can control the shifts that are taking place around us—or under our feet—we can find a sense of equilibrium and stability by training our minds and hearts on what is real, solid, unwavering and enduring.
I find that some prayers—especially those found in the Bible—can calm and center me when I feel like there’s little I know or can count on. These are some of the prayers I turn to repeatedly. At times I’ve even adopted one to read, recite and repeat throughout the day when I find my heart racing or fears spiking:
1) I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8, NIV)
2) The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. (Psalm 29:11, NIV)
3) May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17, NIV)
4) Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:10, NIV)
5) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13, NIV)
6) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, NIV)
7) God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are His.” (2 Timothy 2:19, NLT)
In times of change and uncertainty, it helps to focus and meditate on things that are sure and never changing. After all, most of the time, my greatest need isn’t for external circumstances to change, but to point my own attitudes and actions in the proper direction.
7 Bible Verses to Help You Forgive Yourself
Forgiveness can be one of the hardest things you have to do on your journey to growth and peace. When we hold on to hurt, pain, resentment, and anger it harms us far more than it harms the offender. Forgiveness frees us to live in the present. Forgiving yourself can be the hardest of all. Everyone makes mistakes and even worse, intentionally chooses the wrong way. But God’s love for us is overwhelming and covers a multitude of errors. Stop punishing yourself today with these 7 Bible verses to help you forgive yourself.
7 Bible Verses to Celebrate Pentecost
One spring Sunday, when I was living in Europe, a French friend startled me by wishing me (in French), “Happy Pentecost!” It wasn’t that I misunderstood her—I knew enough French—but I couldn’t imagine anyone saying the same thing back home.
“Happy Pentecost!” Why did we never greet each other like that in English, sharing the good news the way we did with Christmas and Easter? That’s too bad, I thought. Because Pentecost is a holiday that deserves much celebration. It’s often thought of as the birthday of the church (more on that). Let’s look at the Biblical record:
1) When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. (Acts 2:1) Jesus had ascended into heaven and His followers were trying to figure out what was next. What did they do? They gathered “together in one place.” Things can happen when believers congregate.
2) And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:2) God is big, beyond our comprehension. Just when we think we have figured things out, we can be startled out of our boots!
3) Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. (Acts 2:3) Not just the ability to speak a foreign language but a visual symbol as well, “tongues, as of fire.” I’ll never forget the Sunday when the preacher, in his enthusiasm, suggested we eat special foods to honor Pentecost. “Shall we eat tongue?” whispered a friend. A Pentecost birthday cake!
4) All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:4) Take note that in their humility, the disciples gave credit where credit was due. Their linguistic powers were heaven-sent.
5) Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?” (Acts 2:7-8) As the poet W.H. Auden pointed out, the astounding gifts of Pentecost weren’t just in speech but also in understanding. Isn’t that precisely where we could all use the Spirit’s help?
6) Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38) Pentecost means “50,” coming as it did 50 days after Easter. Back then, on Good Friday, Peter denied he even knew Jesus. Not now. Not going forward. He can offer the gifts of the Holy Spirit because he has received them. He changed like we, too, can be changed.
7) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) It happened just as Jesus predicted, and it continues to this day. No wonder that French friend could say, “Happy Pentecost!” It’s like wishing a happy birthday to the church.
7 Bible Verses for Mother’s Day
Face it: You’d be so lost without your mother. She’s on duty the other 364 days a year, so when that special Sunday rolls around, give Mom her due respect. Here are seven of our favorite verses to celebrate her with faith.
7 Bible Verses for Hope and Healing
Are you or someone you know going through a difficult illness? Take comfort in these Bible verses about hope and healing.
7 Bible Verses for a Good Night’s Sleep
God’s Word can bring you peace and comfort in the darkest of night. Don’t let your worries keep you up! Reflect on these Scriptures to rest in God’s grace. Enjoy these 7 Bible verses that will help you get a good night’s sleep.
Having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Download Abide for Christian sleep meditations that use calming techniques and Scripture verses framed in calming stories to lull you into a peaceful slumber.
20 Bible Verses About Spring and New Life
What Does the Bible Say About Spring?
Spring is a beautiful time of year when the winter weather subsides, and the flowers begin to bloom. Because of this, spring is often associated with hope and rebirth—two major aspects of the resurrection of Christ. Easter, the day to celebrate this resurrection, even happens during the spring season. Bible verses about spring can be found throughout Scripture, from Genesis to the Book of John. These verses exemplify that positivity and renewal.
READ MORE: 16 Spring Activities for Couples, Families, Kids
During this time of year many people feel rejuvenated, both in their lives and in their faith. As they shake off that winter chill, they might consider starting a new positive habit or recommitting to their prayer life. Reading Bible verses about spring can be a powerful way to draw closer to God as we are presented with the possibility of new beginnings.
Popular Bible Verses About Spring
1. Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone. —Zechariah 10:1
2. Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. —James 5:7
3. And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years.” —Genesis 1:14
4. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps. —Psalm 85:11-13
READ MORE: 25 Joyful Spring Quotes to Inspire You
Spring Bible Verses About Hope
5. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. —Hosea 6:3
6. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 15:13
7. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. —Proverbs 23:18
8. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:21-23
READ MORE: 7 Spring Prayers for Hope and New Beginnings
Spring Bible Verses About New Life
9. For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. —Song of Solomon 2:11-12
10.Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. —Romans 12:2
11.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. —Isaiah 40:31
12. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —John 8:12
Spring Bible Verses about Flowers
13. The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. —Isaiah 35:1-12
14. Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. —Luke 12:27
15. I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women. —Song of Solomon 2:1-2
16. All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. —Isaiah 40:6
Short Spring Bible Verses
17. They waited for me as for showers and drank in my words as the spring rain. —Job 29:23
18. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. —Romans 12:12
19. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:23
20. When a king’s face brightens, it mans life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. —Proverbs 16:15
READ MORE ABOUT BIBLE VERSES AND SPRING:
7 Bible Verses About Helping Others
What does the Bible say about helping others? Turn to these uplifting verses for encouragement and inspiration to extend your blessings by serving others.
7 Bible Prayers for the Weary
If he were writing today, pamphleteer Thomas Paine might have written, “These are the times that weary men’s souls.”
Can you identify? Are you weary? If so, you’re not alone. Whether from breaking news, pandemic policies, social media tirades or something else, feelings of weariness and cynicism are certainly understandable.
In such times, prayer can be a lifeline. And prayers from the Bible can lift up a person’s soul like helium in a birthday balloon. So, if you’re struggling with lethargy and apathy, consider praying one—or all—of the following Scripture prayers to revive your spirits:
I am weary, God,
but I can prevail. (Proverbs 30:1, NIV)
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:11, NIV)
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:12, NIV)
My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding. (Psalm 119:28-32, NIV)
I come to You, Jesus, for the rest You promise to all who are weary and burdened. Teach me Your ways and let me find rest for my soul, for Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. (Based on Matthew 11:28-30.)
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31, NIV)
Lord, let me not become weary in doing good; remind me and encourage me with the knowledge that at the proper time I will reap a harvest if I do not give up. (Based on Galatians 6:9.)
These are among many Bible passages that can lift drooping spirits and energize a weary soul (others include Hebrews 12:1-3, Psalm 10:17-18 and Psalm 13). Pray them as often and as long as necessary.