Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 2, 2011
Topic: God, Faith/Trust
Trusting God's Program

You've likely seen the adventure movies where the hero's in a sticky situation and his sidekick worries out loud about getting through it alive. How does the hero respond? "Trust me, I have a plan." (But you and I both know he's really just making it up as he goes.)

God is not that kind of hero. He has a plan, a perfect plan designed to accomplish His goals for His glory--and for your good. Faith is all about trusting God, no matter what. As you get to know Him better through His Word, the Bible, you'll begin to see that He can be trusted even when you wonder about His program.

What Does God Say?

John the Baptist had been a good and faithful servant of God carrying out a demanding mission which came at a high price. Yet, even John had a few questions about God's plan. In Luke 7, we read that John, in prison, sent a message to Jesus. "And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, 'Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?'" (Luke 7:18-19, ESV). How John understood his mission depended on the answer to his question.

Jesus' response was simple: "And he answered them, 'Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me'" (Luke 7:22-23, ESV). He tells John to be confident in what he knows and believes because Jesus was doing exactly what Scripture said the Messiah would do.

Hebrews 11 offers us many examples of men and women who, like John, had questions about the plan of God (for example, Abraham in his desire for a son; Moses leading people out of slavery, etc.) but who, in faith, confidently obeyed and trusted God to work out His plan perfectly. They couldn't know all that God would do to accomplish His purposes, but they exercised faith that flourished and was commended. That's what we need too.

My Thoughts

Look what Hebrews 11 says about each of the following men; then review the original story.

Noah--Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:9-7:24.

    * What was God's command or plan for Noah?
    * If you were in Noah's shoes, what would make you question God's plan?
    * How did Noah respond?

Moses--Hebrews 11:23-29; Exodus 3; 12:1-28; 14.

    * What was God's mission or assignment for Moses?
    * What do you think might make Moses question God's plan?
    * How did Moses respond?

Gideon--Hebrews 11:32-34; Judges 6:1-27; 7

    * What did God ask of Gideon?
    * If you were in Gideon's position, what would make you question God's plan?
    * How did Gideon respond?

My Part

We've looked at just a few examples of people who put their faith in God and trusted His plan, even when it seemed impossible.

    * What do you learn from these men about God's plan, even when it's hard to understand?
    * How does this challenge your faith in God?
    * Where do you need to exercise your faith even though you don't understand?

In reality, you're not taking a big risk by doing this because God is completely trustworthy. Everyone from Hebrews 11 would tell you that, along with many others found in God's Word.

The more you know Him, the more you'll understand that faith in Him is a secure anchor. And while it's okay to wonder, don't let the questions keep you from growing in your faith and stepping out in trust. Remember what the Lord says in Isaiah 55:8-9:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts" (ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 3, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational
Faith That Grows

Is salvation the end of the Christian life? If it is, on earth it's the front end.

The Bible teaches us that the faith we begin with is to be a faith that is growing and maturing.

What Does God Say?

Read the two scripture passages below and write down (in column form) at least three characteristics of those who have not grown in their faith (immature) and three characteristics of those who have (mature).

"Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

"Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church" (Ephesians 4:11-15, NLT).

"You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's Word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong" (Hebrews 5:12-6:1, NLT.)

My Thoughts

What three characteristics are in your first column? How about your "mature" column? It's likely you want to be a growing, maturing follower of Christ. But how do you grow in your faith? Hebrews 12:1-2 gives this instruction:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne" (Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT).

Answer these questions when you've finished reading the scripture above:

   1. How are you supposed to deal with sin?
   2. What "race" are you running?
   3. What does "run with endurance" mean to you?
   4. Who should you stay focused on while you are running this race?

Now, look at Romans 10:17:

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."

   1. Where does faith come from?
   2. What does staying in the Word have to do with your faith?
   3. How many times a week do you read your Bible?
   4. Would you like to read it more days? If so, make the commitment today to make that one small change in your life.

My Part

Faith is primarily a personal relationship with God that determines the priorities of one's life. As you stay focused on the Lord and stay in the Word, your faith grows. As your faith grows, you become more focused on Jesus and hunger more for His Word. Amazing how that works, isn't it?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 4, 2011
Topic: Faith/Trust
A Better Faith

Have you ever compared yourself to the people of faith you find in the Bible? People like David or Paul or Ruth, who seemed to believe and trust God no matter what?

But these people didn't have a "super-faith" pill or secret formula; they did what you and I can do. They simply believed God and put all their hope, trust and faith in Him through every experience of life. Like a rose opening petal by petal, your own faith can grow into something beautiful.

What Does God Say?

What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 says that "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (NIV). It's believing in God and His Son Jesus Christ, and trusting God for all that He's revealed through the Bible and through Jesus.

Faith is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (ESV). It does "not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:5, ESV).

In 1 Timothy 1:5, the apostle Paul lists a sincere faith as one of three visible results of following God and His Word. He also tells us in 1 Timothy 6:11 to pursue faith, along with righteousness, godliness, love, steadfastness and gentleness.

My Thoughts

If we want to pursue or grow in faith, we need to know what it takes. Read Psalm 37:3-7. Each verse begins with a verb or two that relate to living in faith. List them, then come up with ways to do each of these things in your life.

Do the same thing with Jude 20-21.

Is there a particular area where you're constantly challenged to exercise faith? Consider memorizing a passage that encourages you to trust God, such as Exodus 15:2, Isaiah 26:3-4 or Habakkuk 3:19.

My Part

Chart your own faith by outlining your life, beginning with your earliest memory of faith.

    * What steps have you taken?
    * What are situations where you trusted God?
    * What times in your life has your faith been tested?

Your chart probably has highs and lows, but does it show positive growth? Is there a recurring theme or area where you struggle to exercise faith?

After you complete your chart, take a moment to ask God to help you grow in faith, and thank Him for the growth you've already seen.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 7, 2011
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Bible Characters
Integrity, by David

Integrity is not about being perfect or sinless. It's about being transparent before God, honest, faithful and committed. It means doing what you say you'll do. It means doing the right thing. Let's see how that worked for one man.

What Does God Say?

Integrity is really a heart issue. It's being upright and transparent before God, having the right character and motivation deep inside. Here's what the Bible says about King David:

"He [God] chose David his servant
and took him from the sheepfolds;
from following the nursing ewes he brought him
to shepherd Jacob his people,
Israel his inheritance.
With upright heart he shepherded them
and guided them with his skillful hand" (Psalm 78:70-72, ESV).

Now, David was not perfect or sinless; just read 2 Samuel 11 to see his adultery with Bathsheba and the lengths to which he went to cover it up. But throughout his life, David was a man who walked before God in integrity.

Those who knew David, knew exactly what to expect from him. He didn't compromise his honor or God's plan to save his own life (1 Samuel 24:1-7; 26:6-20). He kept his promises to his friends (1 Samuel 20; 2 Samuel 9). He held back revenge even though he had many opportunities (1 Samuel 25). He forgave and even mourned his enemies (2 Samuel 1, 3, 15, 18 ). And with loyalty and faithfulness, David served Saul, the king he was chosen to replace (1 Samuel 16-18 ).

All these things are aspects of integrity in action. And in 1 Kings 9:4-5, God tells Solomon, the new king, to follow David's example, "And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father" (ESV, italics added).

My Thoughts

You don't have to be sinless to have integrity. But when you do sin, integrity determines how you deal with it. Go back to David's example after his adultery with Bathsheba. Read the whole story in 2 Samuel 11-12.

How do you see the following marks of integrity at work?

    * Honesty before God about sin instead of trying to hide it.
    * A willingness to accept the consequences of sin.
    * A renewed commitment and faithfulness to God.

My Part

Integrity is really tested when you fall into sin or when difficulties and hardships come into your life. True integrity doesn't take the easy way out or blame God for not making life better. (See Job 1:20-2:10.)

Is your integrity being tested today? What can you do to maintain it? Where do you need God's help or a little more personal transparency before Him? What can you take from David's example to help you stand firm in your integrity?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 8, 2011
Topic: Faith/Trust
Living in Confidence

Getting swindled is one of the most humiliating experiences you can go through. A person sets you up by gaining your confidence and then misleads you in order to get your money or some other possession. It's called a "con game"--short for "confidence game." And it's as old as the Garden of Eden. Satan conned Adam and Eve. He was a beautiful and charming person, and they put their confidence in him. They lost not only their innocence, but their God-given dominion over the earth. Since that time, Satan has been the "prince of this world" and confidence games are played daily causing loss to thousands of unwary people.

Living in a world like this, you may wonder at times, "Is there anybody I can trust?"

God wants you to know where your confidence must be placed if your life is to be eternally blessed. Want a hint? Despite the advice of this world, it is not in "self-confidence," nor by trusting some other human being!

What Does God Say?

    * God is the only solid Rock in whom you can place all your confidence:

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

    * You can have complete confidence in God because of His name and nature:

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7, ESV).

    * Because of who God is, you should trust Him without wavering:

"Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward" (Hebrews 10:35, ESV).

My Thoughts

Your trust and confidence in Christ affects every part of your Christian life. Some areas where confidence is a necessity are listed below. Look up the related verses and read them in your Bible.

    * Your ability to walk the Christian walk (Proverbs 3:26).
    * Your need for God's care for yourself and your family (Proverbs 14:26).
    * Your desire to be sure God hears your prayers and will provide (1 John 5:14).
    * Your right to approach God when in need (Hebrews 4:16).
    * Your hope for assurance of God's love in the judgment (1 John 4:17).
    * Your longing to be unashamed at Christ's coming (1 John 2:28 ).

Neither you yourself (by working up '"self-confidence"), nor any other human being, can give you what you need for the Christian life and for facing the future. This comes only from God.

Write down some areas where you feel your trust in the Lord is weak. Meditate on Psalm 62:7 and think about how you can strengthen your confidence in God in those areas.

My Part

Memorize Hebrews 4:16 from the version of the Bible that you use. Repeat it out loud (or write it on a piece of paper) every time you feel your walk with Christ getting jittery.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 9, 2011
Topic: God's Love
God's Loving Heart

When Robert Louis Stevenson retired to the Samoan Islands for his health, he became to the natives of that island a kind and generous friend. Stevenson was concerned that there was only a path leading from the harbor of his island over which his new friends must walk in order to bring provisions to the interior. With his own money and personal efforts, Stevenson had a good road constructed for his people. In gratitude the Samoans called it, "the road of a loving heart."

The Bible reveals another "loving heart"--the heart of God. Let's look at how Jesus showed this heart as He ministered to the needs of others.

What Does God Say?

The psalmist says:

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion,
Slow to anger and great in mercy (Psalms 145:8, NKJV).

Read the verses below and indicate how Jesus showed this loving heart of God:

    * Matthew 14:14
    * Matthew 15:32-38
    * Matthew 20:30-34
    * Mark 1:40-42
    * Mark 6:33-34

My Thoughts

True compassion is not simply an emotion; it's an action as well. As we see in the life of Jesus, God doesn't just stop with feeling the pain of His creation, He does something about it. Of course His greatest act of compassion was to send His Son to die on the cross for our sins.

My Part

While we can never equal God's compassion, we are still to imitate it. Take a few moments right now to ask God to bring to mind someone who needs to be shown compassion. Carefully consider how you might show God's loving heart to this person in a practical way.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 10, 2011
Topic: Thankfulness
To Life!

Every day you get a gift. God handed it to you the moment you were conceived. It's called your life. And no matter how well your day goes or what your physical, mental or emotional condition might be, life is a precious gift--one you need to thank God for.

What Does God Say?

Genesis 2:7 describes that first life-breathing gift: "The LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature"(ESV).

In Job 33:4, Elihu says,

"The Spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty gives me life" (ESV).

And "in his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10, ESV).

Isaiah talks about the Lord God as the One "who gives breath to the people on it [the earth] and spirit to those who walk in it" (Isaiah 42:5, ESV).

It sounds so simple, doesn't it? God gives you life--the air you breathe, the energy you burn, the muscles and thought, skills, emotions, personality and soul--all come from Him.

In Ecclesiastes, the Preacher (King Solomon) records a long and thoughtful search for meaning and purpose in life. In the end, he comes down to a few simple truths: daily food, good work and obedience to God. "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth" (Ecclesiastes 12:1, ESV), and to "fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13, ESV).

This type of "remember" is more than not forgetting something; it's a conscious choice to recall and reflect on something (specifically God) with gratitude, worship, honor and respect. It translates into how you live, not just what you say.

My Thoughts

Ecclesiastes focuses on life--what makes it meaningful or pointless, pleasant or unhappy. See what these verses say about the basic elements of a good life.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
Ecclesiastes 3:11-13
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Ecclesiastes 8:15

    * What activities do these verses talk about?
    * What attitudes keep cropping up?
    * What is/are God's gifts according to these verses?
    * What are some ways you can translate these things into your view of daily life?

My Part

When the alarm goes off too early, when your body doesn't work like it used to or your job drags you down, it's easy to forget that life is a gift from God. When you view your activities and routine as meaningless, difficult or without any joy, maybe it's like that because you've forgotten to be thankful. God calls us to be thankful. First Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"(ESV).

Take a few moments to list some of the gifts you receive every day that you have life. Make it as basic as you want; maybe start with just two or three things. Then write God a thank-you note for those. Over the next week, take a moment to read your note out loud to Him (in prayer, if you like), adding to it whenever something else catches your attention. Making that conscious choice to be thankful for the basics of life can change your perspective.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 11, 2011
Topic: Faith/Trust
Trust At All Times

In Leicester, England, there is an inscription on the outside wall of an old church, "In the year 1653 when all things sacred were throughout this nation either demolished or profaned, Sir Robert Shirley Baronet founded this church. Whose singular praise it is to have done the best things in the worst times and hoped them in the most calamitous."

It may be easier to trust in trouble-free times, but it is also possible to trust in difficult times. The Bible teaches that we can trust 24/7, regardless of the situation or the times or the obstacles.

What Does God Say?

"Trust in the him [the Lord] at all times" (Psalm 62:8, NLT).

Here's the full verse:
"O my people, trust in him at all times.
pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8, NLT).

Who is God speaking to?
Is this a word of encouragement?
What exactly does all mean here?

Why are the people of God able to trust at all times and in all situations? Here are two truths that help us understand living by faith.

What is the first truth according to the following verse?
"Do not tremble; do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago?
You are my witnesses--is there any other God?
No! There is no other Rock--not one!" (Isaiah 44:8, NLT).

Now, what is the second truth found in the verse below?
"Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock" (Isaiah 26:4, ESV).

My Thoughts

We know that the Lord our God is the only God--there is no other and the Lord who is our God is the strong and solid Rock on which we stand and in which we find safety.

Do you believe that? Do you believe it with all your heart? Do you believe that it is true for you? For the Christian, there can be no separation between faith and trust.

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, ESV).

My Part

Take time now in prayer for a moment of thanksgiving and trusting. Praise God for who He is and who He wants to be in your life. Then ask for His help, providing the courage and the faith to trust Him at all times and in all situations.

[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: Feb 14, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational
Learning Compassion

"He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous" (Psalm 112:4 NKJV) Wouldn't you love to hear someone describe you like that? In more conversational language, someone might say, "She's kind and caring, a woman who always does the right thing." Either way, it's much better than being told, "You're a selfish jerk!"

Becoming this kind, compassionate person is something we should all aspire to. Not only does it speak well of us, it speaks volumes about the God we serve. It should be no surprise then that God tells us in His Word how to become compassionate.

What Does God Say?

Psalm 112 starts out with some very practical advice: "Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 112:1, NKJV). This phrase isn't just a shout of joy like you might exclaim when you get your paycheck. When the Bible says, "Praise the LORD!," it's a command, a directive, a call to action. Becoming a compassionate, caring person begins with giving praise to God. It begins when you acknowledge God's greatness and take joy in it.

"Blessed is the man who fears the LORD" (Psalm 112:1, NKJV). It seems like a contradiction to advise fear right after calling us to praise. But fear in this sense doesn't mean terror or fright. Fearing God means respecting Him and His authority while also drawing near to Him as a Father.

We see the third element of learning compassion in the last part of the verse: "Who delights greatly in his commandments" (Psalm 112:1). We sometimes think of Bible reading as benefiting our minds--we learn more about God by reading. But more than that, Bible reading affects our whole person.

The key to learning compassion is a regular time at the feet of God.

My Thoughts

As you read Psalm 112:1-4, think about the following questions:

    * What would the type of praise described in this study look like in your life?
    * Can you think of any other relationships that have the same element of "fear" in them?
    * What do you think it means to "delight" in God's commandments?

My Part

In the classic book The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, the lion, Aslan, makes the comment, "Once the feet are put right, the rest of him will follow." Another way to put that would be to say, "Your heart will follow where your feet lead." Your heart may not feel the emotions of compassion and delight today, but don't let that keep your feet from walking that way. Today, set your feet right by spending time in prayer and reading the Word. Pray that God would take hold of your heart and give you the compassion which burns in His heart.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 15, 2011
Topic: New Life
Take Responsibility

It's not my fault: "My family was dysfunctional." "The devil made me do it." "He did it first." "My wife is mean." "The teacher was unfair." It's the blame game. Human nature always causes us to shy away from taking personal responsibility for our actions -- especially when it comes to sinning. Instead we look for a scapegoat to blame or a way to rationalize our actions. The Bible is clear that the God who knows all, sees all and reads the human heart always and only holds the responsible person accountable.

What Does God Say?

"For all people are mine to judge -- both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die...The child will not be punished for the parent's sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child's sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness" (Ezekiel 18:4,20, NLT).

"Does God relish the thought of punishing? Let's see what His Word says:

Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live" (Ezekiel 18:23, NLT).

So, God makes this promise to all:

"But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey my decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die. All their past sins will be forgotten, and they will live because of the righteous things they have done" (Ezekiel 18:21-22, NLT).

"Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign LORD. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don't let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don't want you to die, says the Sovereign LORD. Turn back and live!" (Ezekiel 18:30-32, NLT).

My Thoughts

God says that you can have a new heart and a new spirit. That's more than a heart transplant--that's a radical transformation! That means being changed from the inside out. Is that possible?

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV).

Does that make sense to your head as well as your heart? God holds us personally responsible for all of our sins: thoughts, attitudes, words, actions. He does that so we can choose to acknowledge our sins, take full responsibility for them, repent of them and choose to turn to Christ so we can be forgiven and receive a new heart and a new spirit from God.

My Part

None of us appreciate irresponsibility in others. God not only does not like it, He does not allow it. But He does give us the opportunity to be responsible. Today, choose to accept responsibility for your life -- acknowledge your irresponsibility to God and choose to accept His forgiveness and new life. Knowing that God gets no pleasure from punishing you but delights in giving you a new spirit and a new heart, it's your choice. You, and you alone, are responsible.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 16, 2011
Topic: Sin/Temptation
Stopping the Spiral

In aviation the situation is known by many names: death spiral, graveyard spiral, suicide spiral, vicious spiral. In all cases the affected airplane heads downward for a one-point landing -- cockpit first. All types of airplanes can be caught in this phenomenon, and it is something that even seasoned pilots can experience. And as the names imply, the result is usually deadly.

The Bible also talks about a spiral -- a spiritual spiral -- that is equally deadly. Let's see what the Bible says about that spiral and how we can get out of it.

What Does God Say?

"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death" (James 1:14-15, ESV).

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22, ESV).

    * With what do our temptations begin?
    * Yielding to this temptation results in what?
    * What is the ultimate outcome?

My Thoughts

Notice that in 2 Timothy 2:22 Paul gives the steps for dealing with this issue of temptation. First he says to "flee." Don't hang around places where you might be tempted. Then secondly, actively pursue those things which will build up your spiritual life. If our lives are filled with things which produce righteousness, faith, love and peace, there will be little room for temptation to get a foothold. And thirdly, make friends with godly people. If the wrong company can corrupt us (1 Corinthians 15:33), the right company can strengthen us to overcome temptation.

My Part

If you are caught in a deadly spiral of sin, determine how you can apply the steps above to pull out of this spiral. Are there places you need to avoid? Are there activities such as Bible study, regular attendance at church, daily devotions and consistent prayer time that you need to add to your schedule? In addition, are your friends helping or hindering your walk with the Lord. If they aren't helping, then it's time to look for some new friends.

Select one of these steps to work on this week.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 17, 2011
Topic: Sin/Temptation
Patterns of Temptation

Two Korean soldiers were joking and laughing as they walked along a path to join their unit. The war had been over for months, so there seemed to be no danger to worry about. One of the men suddenly spotted something shiny in the ditch beside the path. Stepping aside, he reached down to retrieve the object. There was a deafening explosion as a land mine went off and when the dust settled, the soldier lay dead and his companion had both legs blown off. A sign they had just walked by read, "Danger, Stay on Path."

God's Word puts up some danger signs to warn you about temptation as you walk on your daily spiritual journey.

What Does God Say?

James 1:12-15 (ESV)
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."

How does this happen? Let's look at some people who were tempted to do wrong and ended up in a tangle of sin and shame.

Read Genesis 3:1-10 and re-read verses 6 and 7.

    * What did Eve see?
    * What did she desire?
    * What did she do?
    * Why did Adam and Eve hide? (3:10)
    * What happened as a result of their sin? (see Genesis 3:22-24)

When Joshua led the people of Israel into the Promised Land, the first city they conquered was Jericho. God told the people that they were to keep none of the captured goods for themselves, but a man named Achan disobeyed and was later caught with the stolen things. Look up Achan's confession in Joshua 7:20-22.

    * What did Achan see?
    * What was his temptation about what he saw?
    * What did he do to satisfy his desires?
    * What happened because of his sin? (see Joshua 7:24-26)

My Thoughts

Do you see the pattern of temptation? They saw something...they desired it...they took it for themselves...they hid the results as well as they could from God and man, but they were caught and had to face the consequences.

The same thing happened to David in his adultery with Bathsheba. He saw her; he desired her; he took her. Then David tried every way he could think of to hide the sin, but he suffered tragic consequences for the rest of his life (see 2 Samuel 11 and 12).

Do you wonder what resources God has given us to ward off the temptations Satan brings our way? Here is some help. Look up the Bible answers to these questions:

    * What does Jesus say about how we should regularly pray against Satan's temptations? (Matthew 6:13 and Matthew 26:41).
    * If you are tempted, is there any way out before you fall into sin? (1Corinthians 10:13).

My Part

First Corinthians 10:13 says that temptation is a common experience for all people.

Someone once said of temptation, "You can't keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair!"

Take some time right now to consider whether there are some weak spots in your life--an old habit, a wrong pattern of activity or a desire for something that requires disobedience to God in order to get. If you identify a weakness, ask the Lord now to give you strength and to deliver you from the temptations of the evil one.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 18, 2011
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness
Mercy

When the lady saw her portrait, she complained to the artist, "That picture doesn't do me justice."

He replied, "You don't want justice; you want mercy."

So it is when we realize how sinful we are. We don't want justice; we need God's mercy. When the psalmist talks about the wonderful blessings of a personal relationship with God, mercy is high on his list.

What Does God Say?

"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle" (Psalm 103:1-5, NASB).

What is first on the psalmist's list? Forgiveness. Total and complete forgiveness for all his sins. Jesus made that possible. By His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus opened the way for God to forgive our sins, and He rescued us from having to pay the awful penalty that was justly ours. That is mercy in the most profound way: God, extending His mercy to us, does not give us what we deserve.

My Thoughts

"The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:8-12 NKJV).

He removes our sin as far as the east is from the west. Why did the Bible not say as far as the north is from the south? Because at the North Pole and the South Pole, north and south meet. If you go south one step past the North Pole, you are now going south. But if you start going east, you can travel forever and never go west! How far then does God promise to remove our sins? That's mercy!

My Part

If there is anything in your life that you need to confess and ask God to forgive, why not do it now?

If there are sins in your life that you have already confessed but have been uncertain of God's forgiveness, then right now thank the Lord for complete and total forgiveness and trust in His mercy.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 21, 2011
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Christian Living/Situational
Serve with Gladness

So, you get a phone call from someone at church asking you to help in an area of need. What's your response? An immediate "No, can't be bothered"; a "Yes, I suppose," (but you'll grumble about it for a week) or a "Yes, absolutely, happy to serve!" Honestly, you know which attitude you should have, but it's not always the one that surfaces. Can you build a better attitude toward serving God?

What Does God Say?

Psalm 100:1-2 drops the right attitude into the middle of a call to worship.

"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!" (ESV)

"Serve with gladness" means having a genuine eagerness to be of use to God, taking pleasure in doing His work, no matter what it is. It's not really about the job but about the Person you're doing it for. And, as Psalm 100 states, it's part of your act of worship.

Glad service is often motivated by love. In Genesis 29:14-19 we read about Jacob who willingly served or worked for 14 years because he loved Rachel and wanted to marry her. That love made the time fly. When our service is motivated by love for God, it makes the job a joy.

In Deuteronomy 10:12, service follows love. "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul" (ESV). And it's a whole-hearted experience. Serve gladly and give it all you've got!.

My Thoughts

So, maybe you're wondering "Why? Why serve? Why serve gladly?" Well, first, it's God's instruction for you (for example, Deuteronomy 10:12, Romans 12:11). But there are other reasons too. Read all of Psalm 100.

    * Psalm 100:1-2 and 4 give you instructions. Jot those down.
    * Psalm 100:3 and 5 answers why you serve? What reasons do you find?
    * What's your current motivation for serving?
    * What needs to change if you want to "serve with gladness" today?

My Part

So, how do you do it? While He's ever-present and He lives in us through the Holy Spirit, it's not always easy to know how to actually do something for Him. Don't worry, He's got that covered: You serve God by serving others. Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ" (NLT). Check out Ephesians 6:6-8 too.

So, where do you start? Maybe it's time to call that friend at church back and turn your "no" into a "yes"? Or spend time praying that your heart will be happy to serve, and give up grumbling? Keep track of the opportunities you're given, and apply an attitude of cheerfulness. See what a difference it can make in your service.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 22, 2011
Topic: Jesus, Christian Living/Situational
Sufficiency

"Lord Jesus, I thank You for saving me, for forgiving all my sins, for making me a part of God's family and giving me a home in heaven. I know You are busy saving others, so I'll take it from here and do all I can for You."

Good prayer, right? Well, the first part is great--but the last part is not so great. Check out what Jesus told us.

What Does God Say?

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, NLT).

   1. Christ compares Himself to the vine and us to the branches. What happens to branches that are not attached to the vine?
   2. What does this verse mean when it refers to "fruit"?
   3. What can you do apart from Christ?

Salvation--the beginning (justification or getting saved), the middle (sanctification or living for Jesus) and the end (glorification or being in heaven and being like Jesus) all depends on Jesus: who He is, what He did for me on the cross, what He wants to do in my life now and what He will do for me in eternity.

My Thoughts

In light of what Jesus told us, read this verse and write out your understanding of sufficiency for a Christ-follower.

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God" (2 Corinthians 3:5, ESV).

Read it again in this translation: "We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God" (2 Corinthians 3:4-5, NLT).

Now, explain sufficiency for a believer.

My Part

How do you live for the Lord, so He will be the enabler in your life? Perhaps the apostle Paul can help us.

"So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

"We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light" (Colossians 1:9-12, NLT).

Take time to pray this prayer for yourself. Then thank God that because Jesus is in your life, His sufficiency enables you to live in a way that pleases and honors Him and bears much fruit.