Bible Minute

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 22, 2010
Topic: Jesus, Salvation, New Life


Good News!

Are you ready for some good news? Not just good news but the best news? It's pretty simple, so stick with me: "The Savior is born." Yes, that's it. And it doesn't get any better than that!

What Does God Say?

This news, delivered to shepherds one night, merited an angel's announcement, underlined by the hosts of heaven. Luke 2:10-11 records, "The angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!'" (NLT).

"The Savior is born." And that makes all the difference: There's nothing we need more than someone to save us from our sin and make us right with God. That's what the "good news" is all about. It's not just about a baby or a future king, and it's more than a promise fulfilled and an event to celebrate.

It's the Good News that God has given us a Savior who is named Jesus, "for he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21, NLT).

My Thoughts

The Good News doesn't stop, though, with the birth of Jesus. Take a look at these passages and consider some of the other "good news" that Jesus brings.

John 3:16-17
Mark 16:1-6
Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-16
Ephesians 2:4-10
Revelation 22:12-17

My Part

At Christmas, we join with the angels and shepherds to celebrate the Good News that Jesus our Savior is born. But what are you going to do with those "good tidings of great joy" when the day is over?

Don't leave it wrapped up and tucked away under a tree. Tear it open; share it with everyone you meet; live each day in the knowledge that your Savior is born and He lives in you today.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 23, 2010
Topic: Jesus


Jesus Brings Joy

Is the name Isaac Watts familiar to you? Even if you don't know the name, I can almost guarantee that you've sung some of the songs he wrote. In fact he composed one of our most popular Christmas carols: "Joy to the World."

You're probably already singing the song in your head, so you know that according to the song, the reason the world can have joy is because The Lord is come. It's not because, "Santa Claus has come," or "the time for gifts has come" or even, "the time for family has come." The reason we can experience joy at all is because Jesus has come. And the Bible agrees; let's look at what it says.

What Does the Bible Say?

It's not hard to find Scripture referring to the joy surrounding Jesus' birth. In fact, even before He was born, people were rejoicing.

"In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth...and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!...For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.'" (Luke 1:39-40, 41, 44, ESV).

Of course, the most well-known proclamation of joy came in the greatest birth announcement ever. "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11, ESV).

It's always an occasion of joy when a child is born; but Jesus was more than just a baby, He was the Messiah, the promised Savior. Everyone who has realized that fact and put their faith in Him has the joy only Jesus can bring into their life.

My Thoughts

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

Where do people tend to look for joy during the holiday season?
In what ways is Jesus superior to everything else we associate with Christmas?

My Part

Who around you could use a dose of joy this Christmas? Consider what you can do to help them share in the joy of the Savior's birth.

Spend some time with your family reading the Christmas stories in the Bible and point out descriptions of joy you find there.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 24, 2010
Topic: Worship/Praise/Worthiness


Wise Persons Still Worship Him

Have you received a Christmas greeting or seen a bumper sticker that says, "Wise Men Still Seek Him"? It's a popular, catchy saying these days. It refers to the visit of the wise men, or Magi, who traveled from a faraway country to find Jesus, the royal child born in Judea.

But perhaps the bumper sticker should read, "Wise persons still worship Him." We'll see why in this study. First, look at the Bible verses below, taken from the Gospel of Matthew.

What Does God Say?

Matthew 2:1-2 (ESV)
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'"

Matthew 2:9-12 (ESV)
"After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way."

From the information in the Bible passages above, answer these questions:

    * Where did the wise men come from?
    * Does the Bible say how many wise men there were?
    * What sign prompted them to undertake the long journey to Judea?
    * What did they call the child?
    * What did the wise men say was their main purpose for the journey?
    * What did they do first when they saw the child?
    * What hint do you see that shows these were rich and powerful men?
    * Why did the wise men take a different route home?

My Thoughts

The Magi traveled for a long time from a far country to find the child Jesus. They looked for Him, not out of curiosity, but because they longed to worship Him and rejoice in His presence. They wanted to celebrate the birth of the King of kings. They came prepared with magnificent gifts because they had learned from ancient prophecies that this child was One like no other and that He was worthy of all their worship.

The old Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, "What is the chief end of man?" The answer is, "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever."

The wise men from the East desired to glorify the Lord Jesus. Is Christmas, for you, a time of worship, praise and glorifying God? Take a few moments to look up the following Bible verses. Consider how the persons mentioned rejoiced at Jesus' coming.

    * Luke 1:39-45--Elizabeth and the unborn John the Baptist
    * Luke 1:46-49--Mary the mother of Jesus
    * Luke 1:68-75--Zechariah the father of John the Baptist
    * Luke 2:13-14--God's angelic host of heaven
    * Luke 2:20--The shepherds of Bethlehem
    * Luke 2:25-32--Simeon, an old man of Jerusalem
    * Luke 2:36-38--Anna the prophetess
    * Matthew 2:10-11--The wise men of the East

Then, rejoice, praise and worship with them!

Yes, some wise men still seek Him but, more importantly, the truly wise still worship Him.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (Proverbs 9:10, ESV).

My Part

Make this Christmas a time of worship and praise. Begin the day by reading the whole account of Jesus' first coming recorded in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 1:26-2:39.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 27, 2010
Topic: Thankfulness, God's Care


Where God Guides

There's a church in my neighborhood, maybe you have one like it, too, that posts a different quote on its billboard every week. Some quotes are funny like, "Forbidden fruits create many jams." And some of them are thoughtful, "Give God what's right, not what's left." And then there are some like this one that just kind of stick with you, "Where God guides, He provides." That's a lesson Nehemiah learned when He felt God calling Him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

What Does God Say?

In chapter 1 we meet Nehemiah, a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah heard the distressing news--Jerusalem, a once great city, is lying in ruins. Jerusalem's destruction was a visible reminder of how far the nation of Israel had fallen from God. But it was time for Israel to be restored, and Nehemiah knew that God was calling him to lead the effort to rebuild Jerusalem's wall. There was just one problem: Nehemiah was a slave and had no resources of his own.

What would you do? Some might suggest launching an underground movement, reaching out to the other Israelite slaves, asking for donations from people sympathetic to the cause. But look what Nehemiah did:

"Then the king said to me [Nehemiah], 'What are you requesting?' So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, 'If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it.'" (Nehemiah 2:4-5)

Nehemiah, a slave in the king's court, was asking the king not only for the time to go and rebuild the razed walls of Jerusalem, but also for the resources to complete the task. Read verses 1-3, and you'll find this wasn't originally Nehemiah's plan. But as much as he tried to hide his grief about the sad state of the great city of His people from the king, Artaxerxes still knew something was up and asked Nehemiah about it. Nehemiah, knowing an opportunity from God when he saw it, seized it.

My Thoughts

If you read on in Nehemiah, verses 6-8, you'll find the king was very generous to Nehemiah, not only giving him permission to return to Jerusalem but making sure that Nehemiah had everything needed to begin rebuilding the walls.

    * Have you ever experienced generosity from an unexpected source?
    * Has God called you to do something challenging or difficult? What can you learn from Nehemiah's example?


My Part

Where God guides, God provides. Nehemiah learned this lesson in the court of a foreign king. Hundreds of years later a crowd of people listening on the side of a mountain heard a man named Jesus teach the same lesson. Read and memorize Matthew 6:33 today, and remind yourself every day God will always provide for those who seek to honor Him.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 28, 2010
Topic: Bible Study/Theories


More to Know

An old hymn declares:

*More about Jesus let me learn,

More of His holy will discern;

Spirit of God, my teacher be,

Showing the things of Christ to me.

The hymn writer isn't talking about simply knowing facts about Jesus; he's talking about an intimate knowledge--an experiential knowledge--of what it means to have Christ as our personal Savior. So, how do we get this kind of knowledge? God's Word helps us to find it.

What Does God Say?

"For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come" (Ephesians 1:15-21).

My Thoughts

These people were already Christians (Paul had heard of their "faith in the Lord Jesus"), but the apostle knew that there was more. Salvation is just the starting point. Beyond this initial step, Paul prays that those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ will experience: hope (based on His calling), riches (based on God's inheritance in the saints) and God's power (based on Christ's Resurrection).

    * While individuals may be called to specific tasks, through Christ all Christians have been called to spend eternity with God in heaven. How does this calling give you hope?
    * Paul says that we (Christians) are part of God's inheritance through Christ--part of His wealth. How does that make you feel?
    * How have you experienced God's power in your life since you've placed your faith in Christ?

My Part

Which of the above experiences are you most in need of today? Take a few minutes right now and ask God to let you experience this part of knowing Christ.

*Eliza E. Hewitt and John R. Sweney, "More About Jesus"

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 29, 2010
Topic: Holy Spirit, Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation


Your Best Source

Did you know that you have all the help you need to live the Christian life? When you put your faith and trust in Christ, when you are in an intimate relationship with Him, you have the Holy Spirit as your ally--a limitless resource for living.

What Does God Say?

First John 3:24 tells us, "Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us" (ESV). The Holy Spirit is not just present in your life like a shadow looking over your shoulder, He is your power source for every need and your ally for every battle.

Paul addresses the power issue in his prayer in Ephesians 3:16, "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being" (ESV). The Holy Spirit powers you up; He gives you strength. You don't have to do it on your own.

The Spirit helps us in other ways too. Look at Romans 8:26-27, "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" (NLT). He helps us pray, and He intercedes for us even when we don't know what to pray.

In John 14:26, the Spirit is our teacher: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (ESV). And He gives us the words to speak up for God, "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say" (Luke 12:12, ESV).

My Thoughts

Jesus introduces the coming of the Holy Spirit to His disciples in John 15:26, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me" (ESV)

    * How does He describe the Holy Spirit?
    * What is the mission of the Spirit?
    * Where does He come from or get His authority from?

Later in John 16, Jesus explains more about the ministry of the Holy Spirit or the Helper. Take a look at John 16:7-15, with these questions in mind:

    * What will the Helper come to do to the world?
    * What is the advantage of having this Helper?
    * How will the Helper assist those who belong to Christ?
    * What is the relationship between the Helper and the Father?

If you have time, read through John 14-17 to see what else Jesus says about the Holy Spirit and what He does for you.

My Part

For most of us, the Holy Spirit is the forgotten factor for living the Christian life. Where do you most need His help? Are you trying to "do it all" in your own strength or have you learned to tap into His power? Do you struggle to know how and what to pray about? Are you looking for comfort in things or other people instead of leaning on the Spirit? When you open your Bible, do you ask for His help and guidance to make it understandable and to live out what you learn?

These are the areas where the Holy Spirit proves to be our best ally. Take a few moments today to evaluate your life and to seek His assistance as you abide in Christ.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 30, 2010
Topic: Prayer, Christian Living/Situational, Sin/Temptation


Temptation Puddles

Temptation is a little like puddles on the sidewalk. You can walk carefully to avoid them, or you can jump right in! Or sometimes, you're so busy paying attention to one puddle, you miss seeing another…and you get wet even if you're trying not to.

When we pray "Lead us not into temptation," we're asking for God's help in walking carefully around those puddles that make us wet with sin. We say, "Lord, as You lead me, help me not to give in to these opportunities to sin."

What Does God Say?

This prayer about temptation is part of what Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 6:9-13.

"'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil'" (ESV, emphasis added).

Praying those words doesn't mean that God will remove every temptation from our paths. It does mean, however, when evil appears (as it does regularly), we need to look to Him to deliver or rescue or pull us back from it. First Corinthians 10:13 teaches us more about temptation: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (ESV).

What we need to ask for is God's wisdom and guidance. We need His guidance when we encounter the dangers of temptation so that we'll be alert and know how to avoid them. And we need His wisdom to see temptation as an opportunity to turn from evil and hold on to His holiness.

And guess what? Jesus understands our problem with temptation. Hebrews 2:18 tells us "For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted" (ESV). And because of that, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16, ESV).

My Thoughts

Read James 1:13-15.

    * Temptation doesn't come from God. Why not?
    * Where does temptation come from?
    * How does temptation start? What's the process?
    * What is the ultimate end of temptation?

Look at Jesus' temptation in Matthew 4:1-11.

    * How did Satan tempt Jesus?
    * What did Jesus do to stand firm?
    * What can you learn from Jesus' example?

My Part

Think back to that sidewalk of puddles. What are the "puddles" in your life that tempt you to get your feet wet with sin? How do you avoid them? What happens when you're caught off guard?

Jesus used God's Word as His defense against Satan. What about you?

We've looked at several verses today that can help you walk warily around the puddles of temptation. First Corinthians 10:13 is a great verse because it reminds you to seek the "way of escape that you may be able to endure it." When He was tempted, Jesus used several Scripture passages (like Deuteronomy 8:3). Here are a few more you could memorize so you're prepared when temptation comes: Psalm 119:9-16; 119:35-37; 119:105; Proverbs 3:5-8; Ephesians 6:10-19.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 31, 2010
Topic: God's Care, Bible Characters, Faith/Trust


When God Writes Your Story

Are you someone who peeks at the last pages of a novel, just to make sure the story turns out all right? Then you probably find it frustrating when God doesn't give you a sneak preview of how your own story goes. It's true, when we read the accounts of people in the Bible, we have the benefit of knowing how their stories end. But imagine what it must have been like for someone like Joseph who had no clue about the outcome of his own story. What do you do when you're in the midst of adversity and have no idea how it's all going to turn out? The Bible tells us.

What Does God Say?

Joseph started out just fine as his father's favorite son, with a gift for dreams (Genesis 37:3-11). But not everyone appreciated him. In fact, his brothers hated him enough to try to kill him, but sold him into slavery instead (Genesis 37:12-36).

As a slave in Egypt, Joseph ended up working for a powerful man, and that seemed fine until the boss's wife made false accusations which landed him in prison (Genesis 39). While still a prisoner, Joseph earned a privileged position, one where he was able to interpret some dreams for a couple of people who might provide him a way out. But he was forgotten and left alone again (Genesis 40). That's the first half of Joseph's story--setbacks, injustices, a few glimmers of hope and then...nothing.

Nothing except that "the LORD was with Joseph" (Genesis 39:2, 21, 23), and we see over and over that Joseph held onto his faith in God. Even a meteoric rise to power as second in command over all Egypt (Genesis 41) didn't change his faith in God.

Then Joseph faced an even greater test: His brothers, the very men who started the trouble, showed up again when he had the power to take revenge (Genesis 42-44). In fact, when the brothers figured out who they were dealing with, that's what they feared the most.

But Joseph, without reading the end of the book, expressed his own faith in God's perfect plan. In Genesis 45:4-8, we read, "And he said, 'I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life...God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God'" (ESV).

Even later, after their father Jacob died, the old fears resurfaced and Joseph once again told his brothers, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" (Genesis 50:19-20, ESV).

My Thoughts

God can bring good out of evil. Joseph's entire life demonstrates that fact. What made the biggest difference for Joseph was that he trusted God to carry out His perfect plan...even if it was personally unpleasant or uncomfortable for him. Read through Genesis 37, 39-45, and 50 on your own with these questions in mind?

    * What are some of the things Joseph says about God?
    * How do you see his view of God influencing his actions?
    * What are some times when he demonstrated confident faith?
    * You see Joseph's brothers operating without much faith in God. How did that work for them? What characterized their actions?
    * How would you describe your faith in God to write your story?

My Part

Remember, Joseph didn't know how his story would end, but he was willing to trust God to do what was best, even when life was at its worst. Rejection, attempted murder, slavery, injustice, prison--Joseph held onto his faith through all that because he believed God was good, God was greater--and God knows the end of the story.

So, where are you at now? What answers are you anxiously waiting for? Are you willing to let God work it all out for good? You've read Joseph's life statement in Genesis 50:20, but what would your life statement be? Take a few moments to think it through and write it down. Keep it in your Bible or make it part of your prayer time as you commit your life to God.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 3, 2011
Topic: Hope


Hope

A few weeks ago, you would have heard the word hope thrown around a lot by little kids in toy stores. You may have used it once or twice yourself. But, coupled with that hope, there was a measure of uncertainty: would they really get what they longed for when they opened their presents. I imagine we've all experienced, at one time or another, disappointment on Christmas Day.

The Bible also talks about "hope." Is it the same hope that boys and girls, moms and dads hold onto until the gifts are unwrapped Christmas morning? Let's see what God says.

What Does God Say?

We probably all understand the concept of hoping for one thing and planning for another. We know that life is uncertain. So, while we hope for good weather for our weekend vacation, we pack the rain gear as well. But what would hope look like if it was placed in something--or Someone--who was 100 percent reliable?

Paul has an answer for us. "Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant....Since we have such a hope, we are very bold" (2 Corinthians 3:4-6,12, ESV).

Confidence, competence, sufficiency, boldness--these aren't words typically associated with hope. But when our hope is placed in the immortal, unchanging God, we can live with uncharacteristic boldness.

Throughout the pages of the Bible, God demonstrates His trustworthiness. Page after page tells us of wonderful deeds done by men and women acting in confident boldness because of hope in God.

The more you and I get to know God by spending time in prayer and reading His Word, the more our hope in Him will be strengthened.

My Thoughts

Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-12 and think about the following questions:

1. What does Paul see as deficient in the old Law given by Moses?

2. How has the person of Jesus Christ affected the ministry of the New Covenant?

My Part

There are many believers who like to keep a hymn book next to their Bibles. If you have one nearby, turn to the hymn "The Solid Rock" by Edward Mote. Reflect on the hope the hymnist has in Christ. Where does your hope in Christ stand in comparison? If you don't have a hymnal, the lyrics can easily be found online. But here are the first two stanzas and chorus:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

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

*Public Domain

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 4, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Something

A woman who was dying from cancer called her pastor, and they met to talk about what kind of a funeral she wanted. One of the requests she made was that she have a Bible in one hand and a fork in the other.

The pastor said, "Well, the Bible I can understand, but what about the fork?"

She said, "Well, you know, when we have those church dinners, they come around to clear the plates and sometimes they tell you to keep your fork. When they tell you that, you know the desert coming up isn't going to be gelatin or ice cream (you don't need a fork for that), but you know what's ahead is going to be really good--like pie or cake. I want you to tell those who ask why I have a fork that's it's because I know what's ahead is going to be "really good."

Let's see why we can know this place is going to be "really good."

What Does God Say?

"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:6-8, ESV).

    * In what way are we "away from the Lord" while we are "in the body"?
    * What do these verses imply about our situation after death?
    * What is Paul's preference?

My Thoughts

As long as we are "home in the body," we have to walk by faith. But the day is coming when faith will become sight. That day will be when we enter into the very presence of God. As the door closes on our earthly lives, the door opens upon heavenly life--filled with His presence. Everything we've taken by faith will become a reality.

Why is that so special? Consider what these verses tell us about being in God's presence:

    * Psalm 16:11
    * Psalm 21:6

My Part

The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:9, But as it is written:

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (NKJV).

Write this verse on a card and place is somewhere you can see it daily. Give God thanks for His assurance that what lies ahead is "really good."

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 5, 2011
Topic: Hope, Faith/Trust


Faith and Hope

Sometimes a result cannot be achieved without a combination of factors. For example, water requires that two molecules of hydrogen lock onto one molecule of oxygen or the desired results will never be obtained. Neither the hydrogen nor the oxygen by itself can produce water.

Enjoying the promises of God requires a combination of factors as well: faith and hope. Hope needs to lock arms with faith to fully realize all God promises us. Abraham is a good example.

What Does God Say?

"In hope he [Abraham] believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.' He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was 'counted to him as righteousness'" (Romans 4:18-22, ESV).

    * What hope did Abraham have?
    * What circumstances might have destroyed this hope?
    * What saved him from losing hope?
    * What was the end result of Abraham's faith and hope?

My Thoughts

Sometimes we use the word hope to describe something we desire, but we're not sure whether we'll actually ever get it. That's not the way the Bible use this word. Because hope is always combined with faith in God's Word, biblical hope is never an uncertainty.

It is said that as Winston Churchill lay critically ill, he reflected on the conditions in the world he had helped to rescue. His dying words were: "There is no hope. There is no hope."

As believers, we never have to reach such a level of despair. Because we know what God promises both for us and this world (the Bible tells us), we can by faith look forward to the fulfillment of those promises. This gives us hope.

My Part

Do you have biblical hope? Make a list of the things you hope for. Then turn to God's Word to see what it says about these hopes. If the Bible confirms your hopes, then, by faith, lay hold of them. When you combine faith with hope, the results are always a certainty.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 6, 2011
Topic: Hope

Genuine Hope

Many of us use the word hope as a synonym for wish. We say, "We hope this or that will happen," but in reality we have little confidence or certainty that it will. What we hope is what we'd like to see occur.

On God's terms, however, hope is a far stronger word. This genuine hope looks forward with confidence; it holds on with certainty; it believes without faltering. It is rooted in the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God.

What Does God Say?

Hope is something we usually need when life is rough. It's what keeps us going when everything in us says, "Give up." When trouble, uncertainty, chaos, disaster, depression or any other problem comes into our lives, from outside forces or of our own making, that's when we need hope.

And genuine hope has to begin with God. In Psalm 42:11, the writer pours out his troubles and then says,

"Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God" (ESV).

Only God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--provides the hope we need because He can be trusted. He is sovereign, and He knows where things are going. He is faithful to His promises and will never fail. He is unchangeable, an anchor that never falters. This is why hope is so tightly tied to faith or trust: You can't enjoy the hope God offers if you don't trust Him or put your faith in Him.

Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (ESV). God is the source; faith or believing is essential; joy and peace are hope's companions; and with the Holy Spirit's power, you can live in abundant hope. Or, as one translation puts it, "That God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." (NLT, emphasis added).

My Thoughts

How do you tap into this hope? Through Christ. Without Him, there is no hope. Take a look at Ephesians 2:11-13.

    * What was it like for the Gentiles or those without Christ (2:11-12)?
    * What changes at verse 13?
    * How did this happen in your life?

See what Hebrews 6:17-20 says about tapping into hope.

    * What makes God trustworthy to provide your hope (6:17-18 )?
    * What does this hope bring to our lives (6:18-19)?
    * Where does Jesus fit into this picture (6:19-20)?

My Part

The Bible has much to say about hope: hope for the future, the hope of salvation, etc. Use a concordance to do a word study for yourself and see what you discover.

While hope is often one of those intangibles like peace or joy or faith, there is something very concrete about it too. You see, Jesus not only offers hope, He is our hope. By coming and dying as our Savior, He became our hope (see Titus 2:13). Through Him, we have the opportunity to know God; to be forgiven of our sins; to live in faith and obedience; to serve with a joyful, peaceful heart; and to experience hope at its best. If you're looking for hope--or if you know someone who is--you only need to look at Jesus.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 7, 2011
Topic: Hope, Christian Living/Situational

Real Hope

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. So said Martin Luther King Jr. And the Bible echoes that hope for the Christian. It is a hope not based on finite "Pollyanna" wishes but a reality rooted in Easter Sunday.

What Does God Say?

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:3-5, NASB).

1. List the words/phrases which are the basis for hope.

2. In these verses, what truth is the most significant to you?

3. Write out what you think the meaning of "a living hope" is.

My Thoughts

Hope is only as reliable as the basis for that hope. What does Peter tell us is the basis for living in hope? Before you answer, read the following verse and then re-read the above verses. Now, write down your thoughts.

"Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory" (1 Peter 1:21, NLT).

My Part

If, for the Christian, our hope is a living hope (and it is), then what is the application of this truth? We who are Christ-followers have placed our hope for now and eternity in the God who is the God of the present ("I Am," see Matthew 22:32) and the Jesus who is always with us ("Lo, I am with you always," see Matthew 28:20).

Take time to pray and ask God to show you and help you to live daily in the hope that is yours in Jesus.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 10, 2011
Topic: Faith/Trust
When God Calls

Genesis 12 records one of those great moments in the history of faith. Abraham, called by God, leaves his homeland to go to an unknown country. God blesses Abraham and later promises, "To your offspring I will give this land" (Genesis 12:7, ESV).

There are others of these moments throughout the Bible, when God calls and people listen. God called Moses to return to Egypt and later to lead the Israelites across the wilderness. He called Gideon to lead the battle against the Midianites. Nehemiah heard God's call to restore the ruined city of Jerusalem. And Jesus called many of the disciples directly to follow Him.

So often we look at these stories and marvel at the faith of these saints in the face of the unknown. But this time I want to focus, not on what Abraham didn't know, but instead on what he did know.

What Does God Say?

God called Abraham to go to an unknown country, but is there anything Abraham did know? Quite a bit actually. "Now the LORD said to Abram" (Genesis 12:1, ESV).

Let's stop there because here's the first thing Abraham knew: it was God who was calling him. When other people ask us to do something, we can have valid reasons to doubt depending on who's doing the asking. But not so when God calls. Standing behind His requests are all the promises He's ever made--to love us and to guide us as a Father.

"Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you" (Genesis 12:1, ESV). Another thing Abraham knew is that God was going to guide him. Though he didn't know the country he was going to, Abraham had God's promise that when he got there, he'd know.

"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2, ESV). Finally, Abraham knew that God had a purpose in calling him. God didn't say, "do this" and expect Abraham to jump for no reason. God had a purpose and a reason for calling Abraham. The same is true when He calls us today.

When God calls us today, He may not fill in all the blanks for us but that shouldn't worry us. Instead of worrying about the unknown, remember what you do know and walk forward with confidence.

My Thoughts

Look up the following verses and indicate what you have been called to based on each verse:

    * Romans 1:7
    * 1 Corinthians 1:9
    * Galatians 5:13
    * 1 Timothy 6:12
    * 1 Peter 2:20-21

My Part

Select one or more of the verses above to explore in depth. Read the verses before and after so as to understand the context. Then write out the things that you can know about this particular calling.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 11, 2011
Topic: Faith/Trust
God Calling

A professor sat at his desk one evening working on the next day's lectures. His housekeeper had laid that day's mail and papers on his desk, and he began to shuffle through them discarding most in the wastebasket. He then noticed a magazine, which was not even addressed to him but delivered to his office by mistake. It fell open to an article titled "The Needs of the Congo Mission."

Casually he began to read when he was suddenly consumed by these words: "The need is great here. We have no one to work the northern province of Gabon in the central Congo. And it is my prayer as I write this article that God will lay His hand on one--one on whom, already, the Master's eyes have been cast--that he or she shall be called to this place to help us." Professor Albert Schweitzer closed the magazine and wrote in his diary: "My search is over." He gave himself to the Congo.

God may be calling you. Perhaps He's calling you to a ministry. Maybe He's calling you to put away habits that are hindering your spiritual growth. How should you respond? Let's look at the example of Abraham.

What Does God Say

God told Abram: "The LORD had said to Abram, 'Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you."

"So Abram departed as the LORD had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth--his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran--and headed for the land of Canaan." (Genesis 12:1-5, NLT).

Obedient faith, that's how to begin the journey--especially the journey of leaving the past and/or our past lives behind. And when we respond to God and His guiding, we'll find ourselves on the journey of a lifetime--a journey that God blesses.

    * What are the lessons you learn from Abraham's response to God's call in the above Scripture?
    * Which of these lessons do you have the most difficulty applying?
    * What did God promise Abraham?

My Thoughts

When God calls us to leave behind our old lives, it doesn't necessarily mean a physical leaving like Abraham's move to a distant land, but it could mean something even harder--like leaving bad relationships or old habits.

    * How can you let go of those kinds of things in order to follow Jesus?
    * How will you measure your success?

My Part

Get alone with God. Spend time in prayer. Make the right decisions, decisions that square with God's will and God's Word. And then, spend a lot of time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to give you strength, to give you wisdom, to give you the right timing and the courage necessary to step out on your journey of faith. If you have someone who can help you, then accept their support; if not, the Holy Spirit is more than enough help to give you a clean break with your past.