Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 24, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Steps to Discovery

Some time ago on a well-known talk show, the guest was a body builder. During the interview, the host asked, "Why do you develop those particular muscles?"

The body builder simply stepped forward and flexed a series of well-defined muscles from chest to calf. The audience applauded.

"What do you use all those muscles for?" the host asked again.

This time the muscular specimen flexed his biceps and triceps which sprouted to impressive proportions.

"But what do you use those muscles for?" the host persisted.

The body builder was bewildered. He didn't have an answer other than to display his well-developed frame.

The Bible tells us that Christians are given spiritual gifts not simply to look good or to brag about, but for a special purpose. Let's see what that purpose might be.

What Does God Say?

"A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other" (1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT).

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).

"So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others" (Romans 12:5, NLT).

    * Why does God give spiritual gifts?
    * What does God expect from you when He gives you a spiritual gift?
    * How are your relationships affected by your spiritual gift or gifts?

My Thoughts

Discovering your spiritual gifts and using them wisely means grasping the truth that all gifts are

From God
In Christ
Through the Holy Spirit
For the church family
To God's glory

Is there any part of that that you have difficulty accepting? If not, then you have made progress in your journey to discovering the purpose for your spiritual gifts.

My Part

Now might be a good time to pray about what the Bible has taught you and what you've learned in these Bible Minutes about spiritual gifts. You could begin by acknowledging God's sovereignty in giving gifts. Tell Him that you are open to any gift He chooses for you. And then commit to using that gift as best you can to edify your church family.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 25, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Gift of Encouragement

Mark Twain said, "I can live off one good compliment for a week." George Adams declared, "Encouragement is oxygen to the soul." When it comes to Christians, William Barclay in his commentary on the Book of Hebrew observes, "The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another."

In the Bible we meet a man named Joses who had the gift of encouragement. In fact he was such an encourager that he is better known by his nickname, Barnabas (Son of Encouragement), than his real name. Barnabas provides us an outstanding example of the way this gift should be used. Let's look into God's Word to find out.

What Does God Say?

Barnabas exercised his gift of encouragement in many different circumstances. Read the following Scriptures and determine the kind of situations in which Barnabas provided encouragement.

    * Acts 4:34-37
    * Acts 9:26-30
    * Acts 11:21-24
    * Acts 15:37-39

My Thoughts

Whether you have the "gift "of encouragement or not, you still have the responsibility to encourage others. As Barclay points out, the world is full of discouragers which makes it even more important for Christians to encourage those around us.

My Part

Notice the different types of people that Barnabas encouraged. (the needy, the rejected, the new Christians, the failures, etc,). Who do you know that might fall into one of those categories? Ask the Lord to show you ways you might encourage them.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 26, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Christian Living/Situational, Obedience/Discipleship


Try It, You'll Like It

An old Alka-Seltzer TV commercial used to say, "Try it, you'll like it." Well, I was one of those kids who fought that idea a lot, usually with "But I won't like it; it'll be awful." If I had to learn something new, I'd pull out the old, "But I'll be really bad at it," to which my wise father would reply, "How do you know? You've haven't even tried yet." Don't you just hate it when Dad is right?

What Does God Say?

Well, your Heavenly Father is right, too, because He says the same thing about using your spiritual gifts. You can take the applicable tests, read up on each gift and study them like crazy. But at some point, you have to "try it"--try using your gift in service to God.

Spiritual gifts are listed in Romans 12:6-8, "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness" (ESV).

Don't miss the words before the list: "Let us use them." First Corinthians 12:7 says, "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (ESV). These gifts need exercise; they're used to build up the Body of Christ.

My Thoughts

1 Corinthians 12:12-13:3 describes these gifts in the context of the Body of Christ.

    * Where do these gifts come from?
    * What happens when you use them? If you don't use them?
    * What's the most "excellent" gift that we're all to use?

1 Corinthians 14:3,5,12,26

    * What's the recurring reason given for using your gift?

1 Peter 4:10-11

    * What's the end result of using your gift?

Galatians 5:13

    * How are you to use your gift?

My Part

Remember, "you won't know unless you try." Once you've used the tools and talked to people who can help you discern your gift, you need to try it out. Practice will make you confident in knowing and using your gift.

At church, we often see lists of needs in terms of tasks or activities, not gifts. So, try this:

    * Look over your church bulletin, newsletter, worship folder or Web site.
    * List the areas in which they're asking for help (nursery, maintenance, meals, music, teaching Sunday school, youth sponsors, tech needs, etc).
    * Think about what gifts might be required to meet those needs. For example, teaching children's Sunday school taps into gifts of teaching, leadership, mercy, giving (time and resources), exhortation and helps.
    * If you think your gift is in that list, volunteer and see what happens.

Remember that time when you tried some new thing and discovered it was great? So great you had to tell everybody, and you probably did it over and over again! You went from fear to passion in about 30 seconds (all right, maybe 5 minutes, depending on the experience). Well, the same thing happens when you discover the effects of using your spiritual gift. You move from fearful questions and curiosity to living with a passionate mission. So, take the next step; get your feet wet and "try it, you'll like it."

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 29, 2010
Topic: Salvation


The Big Picture

Have you seen those puzzles where a photographer takes a close-up of just a portion of an object? The viewer is then challenged to guess what the whole object might be. The answer can baffle you until you're shown the complete picture.

Sometimes events happen in our lives that also leave us baffled. We wonder why God allowed us to develop cancer, lose a loved one or run out of money. We question whether He even loves us when we go through such painful experiences.

But just like one of those puzzle pictures, we're only seeing a small part of the whole thing. Let's see what God's Word says about the big picture.

What Does God Say?

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4, ESV).

    * How are we to respond to trials?
    * What is the first thing that trials produce?
    * What is God's ultimate goal, for you, in these experiences?

My Thoughts

The word "joy" means "to have a calm and peaceful heart no matter what the circumstances." The ability to have joy in the face of trials hinges on our conviction of two essential truths 1) God is in control of everything (including our lives) and 2) God loves us more than we can grasp. When we truly believe those two truths, we're able to look beyond the pain of the moment and see the big picture; we can have confidence that God has a bigger purpose in mind for us. The apostle James says that it is to bring us to a point in our lives spiritually where we are "lacking in nothing."

    * What, in your spiritual life, might you be lacking?
    * Would you be willing to allow God to bring trials into your life to strengthen you in this area? (Before you answer too quickly, think about the implications of your response.)

My Part

You may be one of those people who really are not conscious of any weak areas in your spiritual life. If so, pray the prayer of David in Psalm 139:23-24,

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting! (ESV).

If you have been experiencing trials, take a moment to think about the way these experiences have impacted your spiritual life. Jot down the differences you see in your spiritual life before your trials and after them. Share those differences with someone else who is going through difficulties.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 30, 2010
Topic: Salvation


Behold the Lamb

A stone lamb that stands on top of a small church in Germany has an interesting history. When workers were building the roof, one of the crew members fell off. The other workers quickly went down to the ground expecting to find their co-worker dead. But he was unhurt. A lamb that had been grazing below was crushed to death when the falling crewman fell on it. A co-worker of the "surprisingly unhurt" man was so moved that he made a stone image of the lamb and placed it on top of the church as a memorial.

If you are a believer in Christ, you also owe your life to a Lamb--the Lamb of God--who takes away the sin of the world (See John 1:29).

What Does God Say?

Let's go back to the Old Testament to see something about sacrifices.

Although Israel's sacrifices to the Lord had several variations, purposes and requirements, there are some similar characteristics in many of them. Read Leviticus 1:1-5, which describes the burnt offering, and notice the following procedures:

    * The sacrificial animal must be a male without blemish, chosen from the herd or the flock (1:2-3).
    * The offering must be acceptable before the Lord (1:3).
    * The person presenting the offering must lay his hand upon the head of the animal to show that he is making the animal his substitute, acceptable as a covering or atonement, for his sins (1:4).
    * The sacrifice must then be killed before the Lord, and its blood must be shed (1:5).

God says, "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22, NIV). (See Leviticus 17:11.)

The Old Testament sacrifices provided only temporary relief for the sinner (Hebrews 10:3-4, 11). It covered the sin, but it didn't take it away. Christ's offering on the cross for the sins of mankind, however, was an eternally sufficient sacrifice that actually removed sin. Read Hebrews 9:12.

My Thoughts

Here is great and good personal news for you. Paul says this about the Lord Jesus Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

That means Christ became your sin offering, took your sin on Himself, went to the cross and shed His blood to forgive you for your sin, paid your debt and provided the only possible way in the world that you could be made permanently acceptable to God.

Read the following scriptures and record what you see about Christ's death for you on the cross.

    * Galatians 3:13
    * 1 John 3:5
    * 1 Corinthians 1:30
    * Romans 8:3
    * Romans 4:24-25

My Part

Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, their Savior, year around. But this is a season of the year that helps you to focus your attention on the cross, the empty tomb and the living Lord.

Today, read and reflect on the account of the death and Resurrection of Jesus as recorded in John 19 and 20.

Acts 4:12 (ESV) is a good verse to memorize and keep in your heart:

"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."

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 31, 2010
Topic: Love


God's Love Is Timeless

What comes to mind when you hear the word timeless? In my own mind I associate the word with great works of art. Something that is timeless has such universal appeal that it's valued in all times and in all places. The paintings of Da Vinci, the symphonies of Tchaikovsky, the works of Shakespeare--all are hundreds of years old but all are still treasured by many people.

The Bible is another one of those timeless treasures. That's because it is ultimately the story of the timeless love of God. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

If you saw the movie The Passion of the Christ a few years ago, you know (perhaps better than many in the last several centuries) how brutal and terrible the cross of Christ was. It was a savage way to die; and yet, according to John, the very picture of love. Why?

The Bible tells us what it means by love. In 1 John 3:16 we find one of the greatest definitions of love ever given. "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers" (ESV).

The greatest acts of love are demonstrated in the greatest acts of self-sacrifice. Jesus didn't end up on the cross by accident. He didn't slip up one day in Jerusalem. From the beginning, Jesus' sacrificial death was part of the plan (Revelation 13:8 ). God knew that only through the substitutionary death of Jesus could we ever have a relationship with Him again.

You and I today can experience that renewed relationship with God because of the sacrifice of Jesus. We can experience that true love when we come to Christ. It's a love that is as timeless as God Himself.

My Thoughts

As you read through 1 John 3:16 again, think about the following questions:

1. How does this definition of love differ from other popular definitions of love?

2. How can we demonstrate this example of love in our lives?

My Part

John says, "and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers" (1 John 3:16, ESV). Now, we can read this as "we ought to die for each other"; but the much more practical way of reading it is, "we ought to serve each other." Think about it: When you choose to fulfill someone else's needs, you are in effect laying down your life. Ask God to show you some ways today you can lay down your life for others. Pray that as you do they will see the timeless love of God in your actions.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 1, 2010
Topic: Love


Unfailing Love

Ernest Hemingway wrote a story about a father and his teenage son. In the story, the relationship had become strained, and the teenage son ran away from home. His father began a journey in search of the rebellious boy. Finally, in Madrid, Spain, in a last-ditch attempt to find the boy, the father put an ad in the local newspaper. The ad read: "Dear Paco, Meet me in front of the newspaper office at noon. All is forgiven. I love you. Your father." The next day, in front of the newspaper office, 800 Pacos showed up.

That's the kind of love God has for you and me. Let's see how the Bible describes it.

What Does God Say?

"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die--but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God (Romans 5:6-9, ESV)

    * What did God do to show His love?
    * How does Paul describe our condition at that time?
    * What happens, ultimately, if we reject God's love through Christ?

My Thoughts

Are you a "Paco"? Have you rebelled and turned away from God? The good news is that God still loves you; He still wants you to be a part of His family. No matter what you have done, God says, "In Christ, all is forgiven. I love you. Meet me."

My Part

If you're ready to meet God, to come home to a father who still loves you, click here. Learn how you can find God's unfailing love.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 2, 2010
Topic: Salvation


More than Atonement

You might be asking yourself, How can I know what "more than atonement" (the subject of today's study) means when I don't know what "atonement" means? Well, its meaning has little to do with how you say it. Although, the emphasis is on the second syllable, the word has nothing to do with singing or playing by ear. Used 69 times in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament, "atonement" has a very deep meaning.

What Does God Say?

Look at the following two Old Testament verses that address atonement:

"The priest is to make atonement before the LORD for the one who erred by sinning unintentionally, and when atonement has been made for him, he will be forgiven (Numbers 15:28, NIV).

"For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life (Leviticus 17:11, NIV).

Now, do your own study of the Old Testament meaning of "atonement" by answering the following questions:

1. Go to the Web address: http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/ and click on "Old Testament Hebrew." Now, enter "atonement" in the space provided, and click on "Find." Look at the entries there (click on the word) and write down the meanings for the Old Testament (Hebrew) word for "atonement."

2. How does the meaning of "atonement" in Hebrew relate to the "sacrificial system" instituted by Moses?

3. What were the animal sacrifices meant to accomplish?

4. What did the animal sacrifices point to?

Let's go now to the New Testament and discover how "atonement" is used there:

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

"And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (Romans 5:8-11, KJV).

1. Go to the same Web address and click on "New Testament Greek." Type "atonement" into the area provided and click on "Enter." Once again, write out the definition (Greek definition) of "atonement."

2. What difference do you find between the Hebrew and Greek meanings?

My Thoughts

The word "atonement" was coined by Tyndale (a Protestant who translated the Bible into English) to convey the idea that God reconciled man to Himself through Christ. Tyndale used the three words "at"+"one"+"ment" to get that meaning across.

Read the following verses and write your own definition of "atonement" keeping in mind that it was derived from the word "reconciliation."

"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life (Romans 5:10, KJV).

"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility" (Ephesians 2:14-16, ESV).

"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Christ], and through him [Christ] to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross" (Colossians 1:19-20, NIV).

My Part

Take time to pray and praise giving thanks to God for all Christ gave to atone for your sins. Marvel at the love He has for you that caused Him to do that for you.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 5, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


What Makes You Happy

I remember a Sunday school song called, "Happiness Is the Lord." The song informs children (and adults) that knowing Jesus and living a life that pleases Him brings us happiness.

And that's an important truth because the secret to happiness is found in wisely living to please God.

What Does God Say?

Psalm 1:1-2 shows us what makes a happy or blessed person:

"Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night." (ESV)

Happiness begins with tapping into God's Word--taking delight in the Law of the Lord, keeping it to the forefront of your mind and actions through your day. It's the wisdom of ignoring wicked advice and staying away from bad company. The result (found in Psalm 1:3) is a rich and fruitful life, growing strong and happy.

Psalm 119 also offers the link between joy or happiness and walking God's way.

"Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the LORD.
Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths" (Psalm 119:1-3, NLT).

It only makes sense: Pleasing God and living by His wisdom and instruction leads to blessing or happiness. It's "living a life within His favor."

My Thoughts

Check out these verses and look for the things that bring blessing or happiness to you.

    * Proverbs 3:1-2, 13
    * Proverbs 9:9-12

What is pleasing to God? List what you find in these verses:

    * Proverbs 3:3-12
    * Philippians 2:12-18
    * Hebrews 13:1-21

Why not do your own search? Use a concordance or online resource and search phrases like "pleasing to the Lord"; "God's favor"; "happiness" or "blessed is the man." Discover the link between pleasing God, tapping into His Word and your happiness.

My Part

What about you--what makes you happy? What do you expect will give you that feeling? How has that worked for you? How much does God's Word influence your daily actions or choices? What needs to change so your life is more pleasing to God?

This isn't an easy process; we're geared to think doing our own thing will make us happy. Ask God to help you find your happiness in pleasing Him instead of doing it your way.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 6, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Key to Happiness

For thousands of years, people have tried to figure out what brings happiness. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, declared, "Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient." The philosopher/theologian Albert Schweitzer said, "Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory."

But the Bible reveals the true source of happiness. The Hebrew word that we usually translate "blessed" can also be translated as "happy." It makes sense. The person who is blessed by God is bound to be happy.

So that leaves us with the question, "How can we be blessed?" In the Book of Psalms, we discover at least seven ways we can make ourselves available to be blessed by God.

What Does God Say?

Read the following Scriptures and indicate how you can be blessed by God:

    * Psalm 1:1-2
    * Psalm 2:12
    * Psalm 32:1-2
    * Psalm 41:1
    * Psalm 84:4-5
    * Psalm 94:12
    * Psalm 112:1

My Thoughts

Happiness can't be found apart from God. Other things might bring temporary relief, but eventually you will sink once again into the doldrums. The happiness God gives, however, is based on His blessings--which never end (Psalm 16:11). So, why settle for temporary pleasures when you can have eternal blessings?

My Part

Are you feeling unhappy? Select one of the above verses (you might want to start with Psalm 1:1-2) and seek to make it a part of your daily life. As you accomplish one, move on to the next. The more you seek those things that bring God's blessings, the more you’ll experience a happiness that only He can provide.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 7, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Wisdom & the Fear of the Lord

In C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis wrote about two talking animals, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, who are preparing two children, Lucy and Susan, to meet Aslan the Lion (who represents Christ).

"Ooh," said Susan, "I thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."

"That you will, dearie." said Mrs. Beaver.

"And make no mistake, if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knee's knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."

"Then isn't he safe?" said Lucy.

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the king, I tell you!"

This situation is really similar to what the Bible means when it talks about the "fear of the Lord." We'll find out more in the next section.

What Does God Say?

Do you come before the Lord with the feelings Mrs. Beaver portrayed? Feelings of awe and reverence along with a knowledge that God is good? That's what the Bible calls "the fear of the Lord"? Why do think that "fear" is such an important concept? I'll let Solomon explain.

"Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Proverbs 1:7, NLT).

Wisdom is the key to living a God-honoring life. Wisdom helps us make the right choices. And true wisdom begins with a healthy fear of God. This fear, as the Bible defines it, is a balance between reverential awe for who God is (the Creator of the universe) and a respect for what He desires--a personal relationship with you. We need both attitudes to find wisdom.

If we see God only as Creator, how can we draw near to Him? His power is so awesome and terrible we could do nothing more than cower in His presence. On the other hand, if we see only His desire to have a relationship with us, we could run the risk of being flippant. We might think of God as our "buddy," our "pal" or even worse, our servant.

Finding the balance between reverence and familiarity will give us a proper fear of the Lord. Then we'll find a personal, intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe and the Savior of our souls.

It sounds difficult, but there is a way.

My Thoughts

As you read Proverbs 1:1-33, think about the following questions:

1. Why is finding wisdom so important?

2. What does God do to help us find wisdom?

3. How are lives of wisdom and lives of foolishness described?

My Part

The first step to finding wisdom is finding a relationship with Jesus. If you haven't done that yet, click on "Meet Jesus." If you already have a personal relationship with Jesus, then you need to continue reading the Bible. There is no better way to find the fear of the Lord and the wisdom that comes with it than by immersing yourself in the Word of God on a daily basis.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 8, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Wisdom on Display

There's a danger to avoid when we begin our pursuit of wisdom. It's the danger of thinking that simply knowing facts is all there is to becoming wise. Knowledge may be power as the saying goes--but this power needs to be used to do the right things.

What Does God Say?

James does a masterful job of summing this up in a single verse. "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom" (James 3:13, ESV).

It's not enough to simply know the right thing to do; we show we have wisdom when we actually do the right thing. In fact, James says later, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin" (James 4:17, ESV).

However, there are wrong ways to do the right thing. If you've ever watched your children mumbling and muttering as they clean their rooms (after being told for the eleventh time), you know what I'm talking about.

There are people who give to the poor simply to be seen. There are some who preach the Word simply for the recognition it gets them. But as James says, "The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17, ESV).

We'll look at how to display this kind of wisdom in the next section.

My Thoughts

As you read James 3:13-18, think about the following questions:

1. What does James mean by showing your works "in the meekness of wisdom"?

2. What does James say is the result of acting out of earthly motives?

3. What is the result of acting in true wisdom?

My Part

It's natural to want to be recognized for the good things we do. Take comfort in the fact that nothing you ever do escapes God's notice. Though your acts done in wisdom often go unheralded by others, you can be sure that He sees and approves.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 9, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Wisdom of God

A few years ago, a study revealed that at least 12 million people (in the United States alone) believe that their lives can be influenced by the arrangement of the stars and planets. In fact, these people keep 175,000 part-time and 10,000 full-time astrologers busy seeking information that will help them make decisions about their lives.

On the one hand, it is sad to know that this many people are deluded into believing that they can receive guidance based on the location of heavenly objects. On the other hand, it's encouraging to know that so many people realize they need something more than their own wisdom to direct their lives.

The Bible says, however, that they're looking in the wrong place for direction in their lives. There's only one source of trustworthy guidance, and that's the Word of God. Let's consider the verses below.

What Does God Say?

For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity (Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV).

    * Notice that this verse mentions "knowledge," "understanding," and "wisdom." How would you distinguish between these three?
    * Where do "knowledge," "understanding," and "wisdom" come from?
    * To whom does God give these?

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 competent, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV).

    * Notice the source for God's Word. By relating it to the verse above (Proverbs 2:6-7), what do we find out about the Bible?
    * What is the Bible profitable for?
    * Ultimately, what can God's Word do for us according to 2 Timothy 3:17?

My Thoughts

The increasing commonness of horoscopes in newspapers and magazines; the popularity of such TV shows as Crossing Over and the increase in the number of people claiming psychic powers all point to the growing acceptance of seeking knowledge and wisdom through occult practices.

Yet the Bible clearly forbids this. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (ESV) says: "There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a wizard or a necromancer, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you."

As a Christian, you need to avoid these activities and turn to God's Word for guidance. Encourage others to do the same.

My Part

Is there anything on your person (such as jewelry) or in your home that relates to the occult? If so, dispose of it in such a way that neither you nor anyone else will have access to it again.

Take the time you've spent in reading your daily horoscope or watching programs that seek to "normalize" occult practices (such as contacting the dead) and invest it in reading the true source of wisdom, the Bible.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 12, 2010
Topic: Other, Christian Living/Situational, God


Tune In to Wisdom

When radios first came out, a person had to manually turn a knob to cause the radio to pick up a particular station. But it often took some delicate adjustments. Too much one way or the other and all you would pick up was static. By carefully adjusting the knob, however, you could tune into some wonderful programming.

The same is true spiritually. If you want to pick up God's program for wisdom, you have to tune your ears and your heart to what God is saying in His Word and listen carefully.

What Does God Say?

In Proverbs 2:1-6, we see that listening helps you discover wisdom from God:

"My child, listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
For the LORD grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding" (NLT, emphasis added).

Wisdom comes from God's own mouth; it's found in His words. Our job is to sharpen our ability to hear what God has to say--to tune our ears to God's Word just as we tune the radio to hear our favorite stations.

How do you do that? Start with His Word. It's all in there. The knowledge and understanding that comes from His mouth is recorded in God's Word. Like a father teaching his child (as Proverbs does), God teaches us all we need. We just have to ask, as James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (ESV).

But wisdom is more than just knowing things; wisdom offers practical help in living to please God. James 3:17 says this wisdom from above (from God) is "first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere" (NLT). That not only tells us about the nature of God's wisdom but what a wise life will look like.

My Thoughts

Go back to Proverbs 2 and read verses 6-8.

    * Where does wisdom come from?
    * What does God provide for those who seek His wisdom?

Turn to Proverbs 4:1-11.

    * How many ways are we told to listen or pay attention?
    * Why is wisdom worth pursuing? What will it cost you?
    * How do you benefit from this wisdom?

My Part

Remember, wisdom is practical. Tune in, listen up and then put it to work. Read James 1:19-25.

    * What do you miss if you only listen?
    * How will you benefit from practicing wisdom?
    * What wisdom have you found in God's Word that you need to practice today?

That's the hard part, isn't it? Paying attention or listening is fine, but it's only the beginning. It's time to practice what you know. Jot down a few ways you can practice God's wisdom; then ask for His help in doing just that today.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 13, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Obedience/Discipleship


Ask for Discernment

Many decisions require discernment. In today's world there are writers, lecturers, preachers and teachers who advocate philosophies that may or may not be the truth, and you need to be able to discern whether they are good philosophies or not. You will want to know if these ideas you hear are cleverly disguised lies that will ultimately lead you away from God or truths that will draw you closer to Him. Let's see what the Bible has to say about gaining and exercising discernment.

What Does God Say?

Having discernment means that you'll know what God would do in a situation or what He considers right or wrong about a decision. As you draw closer to God, as you begin to think more and act more like Him, you'll find your discernment growing.

And you can get closer to Him, get to know Him better, learn to think more like Him by reading His Word consistently. Jesus told his disciples this parable: "I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me" (John10:14, ESV). Earlier He said, "The sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him" (John 10:4-5, ESV).

So, reading God's Word is important to developing discernment because God's Word attunes your ears to the voice of God. It helps you hear Him clearly in a world where everybody seems to be talking. And it gives you the discernment you need to avoid the unwise philosophies you hear on radio and television or read in newspapers and books.

Paul cautions us about "this worlds" opinions in Romans, "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" (12:2, ESV).

The only way to keep from being conformed to this world is to read God's Word. Then when you wonder if something is God's will for you, you'll know the answer. When you're reading popular self-help books that claim to be "spiritual," you'll be able to discern whether or not the book's ideas are consistent with the truths in God's Word.

My Thoughts

As you read Romans 12:1-2 and John 10:1-18, think about the following questions:

1. What does it mean to be "conformed to this world"?

2. How can you present your "body as a living sacrifice"?

3. How can you discern what is the will of God (Romans 12:2)?

4. What does the Good Shepherd do for the sheep?

5. What will happen to anyone who comes to Jesus?

My Part

The ideas of wisdom, discernment and understanding are all closely related in the Bible. And there's no better place to see that than in the Book of Proverbs. Challenge yourself to spend some time in this book and ask God to help you gain a heart of discernment.