Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 1, 2010
Topic: Pain/Suffering, Hope, God's Care, Doubt/Fear, Heaven, Joy


When It's All Bad News

I have good news and bad news for all Christ-followers. First the bad news: God never promises anywhere in Scripture that His children are exempt from the trials and problems of life.

What's the good news? God is always faithful--in all circumstances and situations. That's more than good news; that's the greatest news!

What Does God Say?

Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O LORD ( Psalm 36:5-6, NLT).

    * List the ways the psalmist counts on God.
    * What is true about God's love?
    * What does the psalmist compare God's righteousness to?
    * What emotions permeate your heart as you read this psalm?

Sometimes circumstances cause us to doubt God's presence and help. Our faith wavers when we realize that Christians lose their jobs, get cancer, go bankrupt, have trouble with their children, have automobile accidents, get divorced and go through other trials.

It is in the midst of such dark times that the light of God's presence and care shines the brightest. We discover anew that God is faithful. Here is a wonderful affirmation:

God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! ( Psalm 46:1-3, NLT).

My Thoughts

When the skies are dark and the storm clouds come, and we are overwhelmed with what is happening, what then?

   1. Our first response is always prayer--go before God and pour out your heart asking for His strength and help.
   2. Our second response is to realize that no matter how traumatic the situation, it's only for the moment, and eternity with Jesus awaits us.
   3. Our third response is to remember that what really matters is not what happens to us, but what happens in us. And we can choose whether trials will make us bitter or better.

Here is what the psalmist learned when it was all bad news.

"Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:8, NASB).

Read the following scriptures to learn the nature and benefit of trouble.

"For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever" ( 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, NLT).

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing ( James 1:2-4, NLT).

   1. How does Paul describe the troubles you have today?
   2. What do the troubles we're facing produce in us?
   3. Where should we put our focus when we're disturbed by our problems?
   4. What has a chance to grow when our endurance is tested?
   5. What happens when our endurance is fully developed?

My Part

Have you experienced the faithfulness of God in your life? Journal about what you're facing right now. Keep track of what is happening and how you can see God working in the situation and in your life. And then take time to thank God for His promises and His faithfulness.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 2, 2010
Topic: Faith/Trust


Two Masters: It's Your Choice!

For the past several months, leaders of the world's nations have been scurrying about, desperately trying to find answers to their countries' financial problems. Newspaper articles, radio and TV shows and Internet bloggers are consuming huge blocks of time speculating and advising us about money--how to keep it, why we're losing it, where to find it and whom to bail out. Fear grips governments, industry and individuals.

As a Christian, you must be careful not to get caught up in the world's worries about money. Oh, of course, you are to be a good steward of all that God provides; and you are responsible to care for your family's needs. But you also need to avoid any attitude toward money that would cause you to spiral down into the world's way of thinking. God is still on the throne. He knows your needs and has much to say about trust and money.

What Does God Say?

Have you thought seriously about Jesus' warning in Matthew 6:24 (ESV)? "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Why did He say that? Is it a sin to earn an honest living? Didn't Jesus Himself use money to pay taxes and buy groceries? Didn't the disciples have a money bag and a treasurer? When Jesus sent the disciples forth a second time, didn't He tell them they would need money (Luke 22:35-36)?

Now, read a few verses and jot down your answers to the questions:

    * 1 Timothy 6:10. What two results of loving money does the apostle Paul mention in this verse?
    * Hebrews 13:5. What does God want to see in your life instead of the love of money?
    * Matthew 13:22. In the parable of the sower, what does Jesus say about how an obsession with wealth can affect your relation to God's Word?
    * Deuteronomy 8:17-18. If God does bless you with wealth in this life, what should be your proper attitude toward it?

My Thoughts

Jesus never claimed that money is evil. But He did teach that the love of money will get you into deep trouble and draw you away from God (1 Timothy 6:10).

Satan, the Prince of this world, runs his domain on money. It will all come to sudden ruin one day. God, on the other hand, operates His kingdom in the power and provision of the Spirit of God. His Kingdom is eternal and will never fade away. While you are in this life, you are, in a sense, caught between the two worlds of God's everlasting kingdom and Satan's doomed realm. You need some money and material things to live and to support God's work on this earth, but you must constantly be on guard against trusting in the things that will ultimately rot and rust.

Today, read Revelation 18:1-24. It describes the sudden destruction of Satan's economic and financial system in the final hours of this old earth. As you read, compare today's godless worldview and ask yourself, Is this something I want to be part of? Am I getting entangled with the love of money?

My Part

Take time to review your own attitudes toward money. Is money at the center of your purpose in life and your career? Are there changes you need to make that will bring you more into line with God's teaching about wealth?

Reflect on Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Then memorize it!

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 3, 2010
Topic: God's Care, Faith/Trust


Money and Trust

Will any one group of people find it especially difficult to trust in Jesus and receive the gifts only He can give including eternal life in heaven? Jesus thought so. In fact, He singled out one particular class of people who will have great difficulty trusting God.

What Does God Say?

"And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!' And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, 'Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God'" ( Mark 10:23-25, ESV).

    * What specific pitfalls do the rich face?
    * Who supplies us with all we have?
    * Read the following verse and name some reasons why it is difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven?

"Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy" ( 1 Timothy 6:17, NASB).

My Thoughts

Because it is difficult for the rich to get into God's kingdom, is it better to be poor? Read the following verse to learn the answer to that question.

"But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction" (1 Timothy 6:9, NLT).

    * What is the real problem according to this verse?
    * What traps someone who is striving for riches?
    * Create a newspaper headline (just a few words) to summarize 1 Timothy 6:9.
    * What does a wise person realize about wealth? (See Proverbs 23:4-5.)

My Part

So, how should you, as a Christ-follower, view possessions and wealth? Jesus teaches us a great truth to build our lives on.

"'Do not worry then, saying, "What will we eat?" or "What will we drink?" or "What will we wear for clothing?"

"'For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.'

"'But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you'" (Matthew 6:31-33).

Take an inventory of your life. Ask yourself these questions:

Do I trust God? Do I believe His promises? Do I trust Him for His provision and care? Do I worry often about having too little? Do I seek first "His kingdom and His righteousness"? And now the real question, Will I trust God completely for everything?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 6, 2010
Topic: Bible Characters


Steps to Come Home

An old Chinese proverb says that the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. No prodigal ever returns home without making that first step. What makes taking that first step and subsequent steps possible? The parable of the Prodigal Son gives us some insight.

What Does God Say?

"And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

"But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:16-20, ESV).

What is so critical about the first stage: "he came to himself." The idea is of a person awakening from a dream or even coming out of a coma. The implication is that the prodigal was not thinking clearly when he left home. But when he had experienced the result of his decision and realized where he was and where he could be, he understood how poor his choices had been. That realization is always the first step.

My Thoughts

Along with the realization of where he was, there was a sense of repentance knowing that he had hurt his father--not only by leaving home but because of the mess he had made of his life.

And the third step? "he arose and came to his father." He wanted to get back to his father. That was the goal--and his father was at home.

My Part

1. Could Jesus have ended the story at "he arose and came to his father"?

2. Why didn't He?

3. What feelings do you have when you think of going home?

4. Can you identify more with the father or the prodigal?

Jesus is teaching us how our Heavenly Father treats sinners and prodigals when they come to Him.

"So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.'

"But his father said to the servants, 'Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the party began" (Luke 15:20-24, NLT).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 7, 2010
Topic: Pride/Humility


A Humble and Contrite Heart

Lord Kenneth Clark, internationally known for his television series Civilization, lived and died without faith in Jesus Christ. He admitted in his autobiography that while visiting a beautiful church he had what he believed to be an overwhelming religious experience. "My whole being," Clark wrote, "was irradiated by a kind of heavenly joy far more intense than anything I had know before." But the "gloom of grace," as he described it, created a problem. If he allowed himself to be influenced by it, he knew he would have to change, his family might think he had lost his mind and maybe that intense joy would prove to be an illusion. So, he concluded, "I was too deeply embedded in the world to change course."

Unfortunately, that attitude is reflected in the lives of many people. Yet only when we are willing to be humbled and broken, to admit our sinfulness, can we find our way back to God. We see an example of this in the life of King David.

What Does God Say?

David first sinned by committing adultery with the wife, Bathsheba, of one of his loyal soldiers, Uriah. He compounded his sin by arranging for Uriah to be killed on the battlefield. Some suggest he maintained his hardened heart until the death of his infant son nearly nine months later. However long it may have been, God used the prophet Nathan to confront the errant king (2 Samuel 12:1-12). David's response can be found in 2 Samuel 12:13, "David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the LORD.'" (ESV)

David further expressed his brokenness in a psalm (Psalm 51) in which he says:

"Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment"
(Psalm 51:1-4, ESV).

    * What was David basing his plea for mercy on?
    * What did David want done for him?
    * How could David say that it was "against you [God], you only, have I sinned?

"Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit" (Psalm 51:8-12, ESV).

    * What do you think David meant by "the bones that you have broken"?
    * What did David want God to do with his heart and spirit?
    * What did David want restored?

My Thoughts

David fell hard and he fell deep--adultery and murder. Maybe you have too. What hope does this psalm give you for turning back to God?

My Part

Draw a picture of the condition of David's heart (or express in words) before he turned back to God. Draw a second picture (or express in words) of his heart after his confession. Circle the heart that best reflects the condition of your heart today. Pray Psalm 51 back to God and make it your own cry for forgiveness and restoration.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 8, 2010
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness


Welcome Home

The Sunday School teacher asked her fourth grade class, "Who was sorry when the prodigal son returned home?"

Johnny answered, "The fatted calf!"

Who else didn't welcome home the prodigal? Let's see what the Scripture says.

What Does God Say?

"And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him.... And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found'" (Luke 15:27-28, 31-32, ESV).

The father was overjoyed to have his younger son back home safe and sound. He wanted to celebrate, to share his joy. But the older son was jealous and resentful toward his prodigal brother.

   1. According to the older brother, why did he feel that way? Describe a time when you may have felt jealous or resentful?
   2. Should the father have allowed the prodigal to come home but disciplined or punished him in some way? Why or why not?

Jesus was teaching us how God feels about sinners and prodigals, and He made it very clear that anytime we come to God, or come back to God, we are welcomed with open arms.

My Thoughts

In this story (To read all of it, see Luke 15:11-32.) what character do you most identify with?

Are you a prodigal?

Are you waiting on a prodigal to return?

Are you struggling with the return of a prodigal?

How would you write the ending to this story?

Remember the story behind "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree"?

A released convict, traveling back to his home, requested that his family indicate whether or not he was welcome to return by tying a yellow ribbon around an oak tree. If he saw the sash, he'd know he was welcome; if not, he would not even stop. He was amazed to see hundreds of ribbons tied around the tree's trunk.

His family opened their arms and hearts to accept him back.

My Part

If our family loves us this much, how would you describe God's love for us? Draw a picture which would symbolize God's love for you.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 9, 2010
Topic: God's Love


The Compassion of A Father

As incredible as the journey of the Prodigal Son was, the story of his father is pretty amazing too. He was hurt and betrayed by his youngest son. He watched as this son squandered his inheritance--an inheritance the father had worked hard all his life to provide for his children. And after all this, the young prodigal decided to come back home. Let's see how the father responded.

What Does God Say

"And he [the son] arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20, ESV).

Instead of a stern lecture, instead of a cold shoulder, the father gives his son a warm embrace. Instead of closing the doors, he opened his arms and showed his son that he never stopped loving him.

That's compassion at work. Compassion is that deep love we feel for others that stirs in our hearts. We see Jesus moved by compassion several times in the Gospels (See Matthew 9:36; Matthew 20:34). And every time Jesus acted out of compassion, lives were changed as a result.

My Thoughts

As you read Luke 15:20-24 think about the following questions:

   1. How hard is it for you to show compassion for someone who has hurt you?
   2. Is it possible to have compassion for someone without having love for him or her?
   3. 3. How can you foster love for others?

My Part

I think the most striking thing about the father's compassion in the Parable of the Prodigal Son is that it's so unexpected. When someone offers a compassionate embrace rather than a stinging rebuke, it always catches us off guard--especially when that rebuke has been earned. Ask God to give you opportunities to practice compassion and grow your love today.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 10, 2010
Topic: Relationships, Christian Living/Situational


Let your Love Show

If your prodigal child or spouse came to your door today, what sort of welcome would you give him or her? Would you throw your arms wide and draw him in? Or angrily slam the door in his or her face? Maybe you lay awake at night wondering and planning for that moment. There's a story in the Bible about a father who experienced this and his example prepares you for that reunion.

What Does God Say?

Luke 15:20-24 describes it this way: "And he [the prodigal] arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate" (ESV).

Probably not the welcome this son expected! But it made perfect sense to the father. He was so happy to see his son that he ran to him, hugged him like crazy then threw a party!

What's significant is what you don't see: No "I told you so," no conditions for return, no reluctance or skepticism about the son's motivations, no half-hearted acceptance, no reviewing the laundry list of wrongs or hurts inflicted by the prodigal. No, this father was only interested in restoring his relationship with his son. He wanted to let his love show. And it did--in a big way!

There are three keys to this welcome. The first is forgiveness; you see it not in words but in actions. The father saw him; he had compassion; he ran and embraced him (Luke 15:20). He responded positively to his son's confession of sin and guilt (Luke 15:21-22). No bargaining, no added punishment. No "tough love" used to mask a hurt and unforgiving heart. This dad's heart was overflowing with forgiveness.

The second is joy: The father is filled with joy, enough to run, hug, kiss, kill the fatted calf and throw a party. He is generous in his joy and eager to let everyone share in it (Luke 15:22-24).

The third key is restoration. The most the son hoped for was the meager wages of a day laborer. "I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants" (Luke 15:19, ESV). The father, however, didn't settle for his son's expectations; he did what his father's heart wanted to do and restored his prodigal to full status. "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found" (Luke 15:24, ESV).

My Thoughts

Forgiveness may be the hardest part because a prodigal inflicts a lot of hurt and does a lot of damage. Forgiving your prodigal, even before he or she walks in the door makes this warm welcome possible. Look through these verses and consider a few questions:

Ephesians 4:31-32

    * What do you need to get rid of as you learn to forgive?
    * What should replace those things?

Colossians 3:12

    * Why are we to forgive others?
    * What goes along with forgiveness?

Psalm 103:8-12

    * Who is our model for how to forgive?
    * What characteristics accompany forgiveness?
    * Once we've forgiven, how should we view the past sins?

My Part

So, where are you with the prodigal in your life? Still waiting? Finding it hard to forgive? Or just ready to explode with love the moment you see him or her? Now is the time to ask God to search and prepare your heart so you can let your love show.

    * Ask God to help you forgive...even now, even before that prodigal is broken or coming home.
    * Ask God to give you joy; to make you truly glad to see your prodigal and to give all you can to celebrate his or her return.
    * Pray for God's strength to restore this broken relationship. You can't ignore the hurt or act like nothing happened, but you don't have to hold onto the past. Work on being like this father who focused on what was good--"my son is home"--instead of reliving what was bad--rebellion, past sins, wasted years, etc.

And when the time comes, let your love show as you welcome your prodigal home with open arms just as God our Father welcomes us home.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 13, 2010
Topic: Faith/Trust


Very Little Is Very Big

They don't take much at a time--just a bit--but over the years they've brought some rich gold and silver mines to the brink of bankruptcy. They are known as "highgraders," and they are found worldwide.

A highgrading miner secretly pilfers a small amount of rich ore and smuggles it out of the mine by concealing it in imaginative ways, such as putting it in a sandwich, scattering it through his hair or cramming it in his ear. After all, he figures, what difference does a little gold dust make to a rich mining corporation?

It can make a lot of difference. At one mine in Nevada in 1908, four miners were arrested when a whole wagonload of ore they had highgraded was discovered in their homes.

So, what difference does a little unfaithfulness make? You might be surprised. Let's see what the Bible has to say about that.

What Does God Say?

Jesus talked to His disciples about faithfulness as recorded in Luke 16:10-12 (ESV). He said: "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?"

God is faithful, and He requires faithfulness in your life. Look up these references in your Bible and write down the answers to the related questions:

    * What does Psalm 31:23 say God does for the faithful?
    * What eternal reward does God say He has for the faithful in Psalm 101:6? In Revelation 2:10?
    * In the believer, from where does the quality of faithfulness come (Galatians 5:22)?

My Thoughts

The highgraders in Nevada were dishonest in the little things. But their intent to sell the wagonload shows you that they were also dishonest in much.

Oswald Chambers wrote in his book, Not Knowing Whither, p. 135: "The life of faith does not consist of acts of worship or of great self-denial and heroic virtues, but of all the daily conscious acts of our lives."

God notices the small things. You build faithfulness into your life as you daily approach the little things in a godly way. Godliness is God-likeness. He is faithful and cannot waver. As you become more and more like Him, you will build faithfulness and become more conscious of how you are using the time, resources and abilities God has entrusted to you.

Read the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 and write down what you see there about faithfulness and unfaithfulness.

My Part

You may feel you have very little going right now that requires much faithfulness on your part. But ask yourself: What about my time? What about my Bible study and devotional life? What about my spiritual gifts and my natural talents?

The time to be faithful is now.
The place to be faithful is where you are.
The way to be faithful is to be Christlike in all you do.

"Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?" Proverbs 20:6 (ESV).

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 14, 2010
Topic: Faith/Trust


Wait on God

Have you ever noticed that one of the hardest things to do is to do nothing? We get frustrated when traffic is stopped. When the line at the supermarket isn't moving, we start fidgeting and look for a line that's moving faster.

And, occasionally, when life is getting really rough; and God doesn't seem to be doing anything at all, some people decide it's time to take matters into their own hands. David, whom we read about in the Bible, certainly had a rough life. Let's see how he handled his difficult times.

What Does God Say?

Psalm 62 starts out like this:

"For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken" (Psalm 62:1-2, ESV).

If you didn't know any better, you'd think David was in a pretty good place in life. His words sound like the confident assertions of a happy person. The next two verses paint a different picture though.

"How long will all of you attack a man to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
but inwardly they curse" (Psalm 62:3-4, ESV).

Instead of being on easy street, David was surrounded by liars and backstabbers. They were people with no fear of God who only wanted power for themselves. David knew they didn't care about him, and the situation was getting desperate.

So, when in verses 5 and 6, David repeats what he said in verses 1 and 2, we see that they are not the shallow sentiments of a person who has it easy. These words are the foundation of David's faith. David knows that no one besides God can improve his life; no actions of his own can ease the pressures. David is content to wait on God, even in the darkest of hours.

"On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God" (Psalm 62:7, ESV).

Waiting silently is hard enough in a trivial traffic jam, but it takes a rock solid faith in God to be tranquil at the eleventh hour. This kind of faith and trust in God's character doesn't come overnight, but it can start today. We'll look into that in the next sections.

My Thoughts

As you read the verses for today, think about the following questions:

1. When David repeats himself in verses 5 and 6, there are small differences from his words in verses 1 and 2. What are the differences and what do they tell you about David?

2. What words does David use to describe God's person and character? How does David see God in this time of his life?

My Part

No one would expect you to put your trust in someone you don't know--not even God. That's why He's given us His Word, the Bible. That's why He's given us the testimonies of our friends and family members who have put their faith in God. That's why He's given us the testimony of a precisely ordered nature so even the stars reveal His faithfulness. Spend some time today, and every day this week, getting to know God. Start in His Word and go from there.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 15, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Become Faithful

What is the best motivation for being faithful? I would say it's God's faithfulness. How can you show your faithfulness to God? One important way is by consistently serving others. How do you begin? Let Jesus tell you:

What Does God Say?

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'

"Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!''" (Matthew 25:34-40, NLT).

1. List the common acts of service Jesus refers to.
2. How would you describe those who are in need in these verses?
3. When was the last time you responded to someone in need?
4. What was the King's reaction to those who'd answered the needs of others?

My Thoughts

Take a step toward becoming faithful today. Ask God to impress on your heart ways you can faithfully serve Him by faithfully serving others. Then be on the lookout every day for ordinary ways to be of help to people who can never repay or reciprocate.

My Part

Learning to become faithful is a process. What happens if you blow it or find it too difficult? Will God be mad at you and stop being faithful to you? The answer is in these words from 2 Timothy.

"If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is" (2 Timothy 2:13, NIV).

Praise God for His faithfulness and ask for His help in being more like Him.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 16, 2010
Topic: Faith/Trust


Coping with Change

Have you ever slid out of control on black ice or snow? There's one substance worse: in south Texas, it's known as caliche (a funny word referring to a soft clay soil). When it rains, the caliche turns slick and wheels just spin. Houses built on caliche have a different problem--in the summer heat, the caliche can dry and crack, and a foundation can shift. Wet or dry, hot or cold--you need a solid foundation. Caliche doesn't provide that.

God is different. For life now and for eternity, God is a sure and solid foundation.

What Does God Say?

He [God] alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will not be shaken. (Psalm 62:6, NLT)

   1. Who does the psalmist claim as his source for living "unshaken"?
   2. What does he compare God to?
   3. What image does one metaphor conjure up as compared to the other?

God is not only a sure place to stand but He, and only He, is our salvation--our safety and our security.

The song writer said it like this:

*On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand--
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand--
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

My Thoughts

Have you ever felt like life is going nowhere--you're just spinning your wheels? Or that you're walking on quicksand? Or that nothing is nailed down and everything may be coming apart? You need a place to stand, and a foundation you can trust not to move or give way.

Perhaps you would like to get a report about what to do and not do. Read on.

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.

"When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority--quite unlike their teachers of religious law" (Matthew 7:24-29, NLT).

My Part

What are you building your life on? Have you done a good foundation check? Make a list of the ways life can seem out of control:

Without God, nothing in life can be counted on. In spite of that, folks try other ways. List some of the ways people attempt to provide security for themselves. Beside each choice, list how change can sink such false foundations.

If you want to know how to build your life on the solid foundation, visit the Meet Jesus page.

*Edward Mote and William Bradbury, "The Solid Rock," lyrics Public Domain.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 17, 2010
Topic: God, Faith/Trust


No Expiration Date

I found a bag of carrots hiding in the refrigerator the other day, but I couldn't recall how long they'd been there. And I couldn't find an expiration date. Now, I know carrots can last a long time but not forever!

We get used to thinking everything has an expiration or "best by" date, and we have trouble believing that something might last forever, something like God's faithfulness. It has no expiration date. It never has; it never will.

What Does God Say?

The psalmist says to God,

"Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast" (Psalm 119:90, ESV).

God's faithfulness covers all generations--past, present and future. It's a sure thing. And His faithfulness is enduring--it lasts. It's as eternal as God Himself. You can count on it.

While this faithfulness is enduring, it is also new and fresh, ready for you each day as Lamentations 3:22-23 explains,

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness." (ESV).

God's faithfulness is great--great in quantity because it is limitless and great in quality because it reflects the nature of God. In fact, everything that makes up faithfulness is seen in God: steadfast love, promises kept, reliability, commitment, follow-through and more. It's all there. Just as God is the very definition and demonstration of love (1 John 4:7-12), He is the perfect definition and demonstration of faithfulness. In fact, God's "steadfast love" and His faithfulness are frequently connected. Just look at Psalm 117:

"Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever" (ESV).

What's really beautiful about God's faithfulness? It's not affected by our lack of faithfulness. Second Timothy 2:13 says, "If we are faithless, he remains faithful--for he cannot deny himself" (ESV). God is faithful, no matter what. Just look at Exodus. When God brought His people out of Egypt, their cycle of complaint, rebellion and repentance continued through the journey and into their establishment as a nation. Yes, God chastened and disciplined them, but He was always faithful. Psalm 106 recounts this history with praise for God's continued faithfulness and love.

My Thoughts

What do you learn from these passages about the ways to see God's unlimited faithfulness?

Psalm 33:4

Psalm 86:15

Psalm 89:1-2

Psalm 111:7-8

How do you see God's faithfulness to His people and His promises in these passages?

Deuteronomy 7:6-11

Genesis 21:1-7

Psalm 89:19-29

1 Kings 8:22-26

Acts 13:16-39

My Part

So, how have you seen God's enduring faithfulness in your life? Have you ever thought it might be expired or that it doesn't include you? Why?

In the psalms, God's faithfulness is praised as the stories are told of all that He's done. Take time to recount your own experience with the faithfulness of God. Put it in a form that can be shared with your children or grandchildren. Perhaps you will want to include the experiences you've heard from other family members. Or it could be the story of how God found you and brought you into a relationship with Him. Use this as an opportunity to praise Him for His faithfulness, to share it with others and to commit your future to Him.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 20, 2010
Topic: Jesus


A Virgin Shall Conceive

For Mary, it was far from an ordinary day. First an angel suddenly appeared before her.Then she learned that she's about to become pregnant--although she's a virgin. Not only that, her child will be the Son of God, the One prophesied 700 years before.

What Does God Say?

"And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end'" (Luke 1:30-33, ESV).

In his Gospel, Matthew explains, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel'

(which means, God with us)" (Matthew 1:22-23, ESV).

Matthew spoke of the prophet Isaiah who lived about 700 years before Christ's birth. To put this in perspective, imagine finding out that Geoffrey Chaucer, who lived nearly 700 years ago, wrote about you in the Canterbury Tales.

The birth of Jesus, one of the most significant events in human history wasn't planned at the last minute. Even before the creation of the world, God had that day in mind.

My Thoughts

As you read the Scripture for today, think about the following questions:

1. What questions might you have asked if you were in Mary's situation?

2. What in these verses indicates that God had been planning for this event for a long time?

3. Write out a list of preparations that God made to send His Son into the world such as arranging a census to be taken in order to get Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, etc.

My Part

There are not many days left in 2010. Maybe you're considering reading through the Bible in 2011. If so, you can find a variety of Bible Reading Plans online at backtothebible.org. Click on "Bible Studies and Devotions" and then "Bible Reading Guides." You will draw closer and closer to God as you read His Word.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 21, 2010
Topic: Worship/Praise/Worthiness


The Song of Mary

Whenever someone compiles a list of the most amazing women of the Bible, there's one woman who's guaranteed to be at or near the top of the list. That woman, of course, is Mary, the mother of Jesus.

While denominations of the Christian church disagree about the amount of reverence due this amazing woman, there's no denying that Mary gives us all a wonderful example to follow.

What Does God Say?

Luke 1:46-55 contains a portion of Scripture known as the Magnificat. This is Mary's song of praise to the Lord. It starts out:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed" (Luke 1:46-48, ESV).

In the verses immediately before Mary's song, we see a reunion between Mary and her relative, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was several months pregnant, which was a miracle itself. As the two women shared their stories, it became clear that God was about to do something amazing on this earth--the Savior was about to be born. Mary rightly understood that in all future generations, those who love God would look to her, the mother of the Messiah, and call her blessed. But Mary was quick to recognize herself as His servant and direct praise to God.

Verse 49: He is mighty.
Verse 49: His name is holy.
Verse 50: He has mercy on those who fear Him.
Verse 51: He is strong.
Verse 51: He scatters the proud.
Verse 52: He dethrones the mighty.

Mary responded with worship. She reminds us that it is God who is in control. It is He who deserves all our worship.

Mary's song isn't over, though. Let's look at the rest in the next section.

My Thoughts

Read Luke 1:52-55 and think about the following questions.

    * In what ways does Mary describe God in these verses?
    * What does this tell you about God and His character?
    * What does this song tell you about Mary's character?

My Part

Mary recognized the blessing God bestowed upon her. She began her song, "from now on all generations will call me blessed." Then she ended it joyfully declaring the incomparable blessings God will pour out on the earth through Jesus. Use that pattern in your quiet time with God today. Recognize the blessings in your life; praise God for His character; then pray that God will send His blessing to the world. Ask Him what He would have you do to be a part of that.