Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 16, 2011
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Salvation
After Salvation, Now What...?

So, you're saved, now what? What are you supposed to do after salvation? Sit back and take it easy while you wait for heaven? Or is there something more?

There's a lot more for you to do. Salvation is just the beginning of your life as a child of God.

What Does God Say?

In Ephesians 2:8-9, we learn about the gift of our salvation: "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). But you need to read Ephesians 2:10 as well: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (ESV).

Salvation is a gift; you can't work for it or earn it. But once you're saved, it's time to get to work. Through Christ, we are a new creation and we have a purpose: to do the "good works" God prepared for us. Salvation leads to service.

And acceptable service, doing these good works and walking in righteousness before God, brings an eternal reward. In Colossians 3:23-24, we're urged, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" (ESV).

My Thoughts

James 2:14-24 has a lot to say about how and why we do good works.

    * What are some of the good works God created us to do?
    * How do your works show your faith in God?

So, what are these good works? You'll find them scattered throughout God's instructions to His believing children. For a sampling, read the following passages and jot down the good works that God wants to see in your life.

Romans 12:9-21
Ephesians 4:22-5:6
Colossians 3:1-17

This is not an exhaustive list. Do your own search with a concordance on such words as "obedience," "faith," and "good works" and see what you learn about serving the Lord.

My Part

What are some good works you need to do? Make a list from the passages you've read and look over your life with those in mind. What opportunities do you have to serve Him? To live a holier life? To make right choices?

Ask the Lord to help you do the things He's set before you, to be alert to ways you can grow in your good works. Then get started. Take the next step and get serving.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 17, 2011
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Heaven
Rewards for Service

The Wiktionary defines reward as "something of value given in return for an act";"the result of an action, whether good or bad." Synonyms include accolade, award, guerdon, honorarium, plum, premium, prize, bonus, bounty.

The Bible teaches that the rewards God gives are linked to our service--good works here on earth. While our salvation is free (Ephesians 2:8-9), our rewards are not.

What Does God Say?

"And that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.

For you will render to a man

according to his work" (Psalm 62:12, ESV).

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" (Ephesians 2:10, NLT).

'For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works" (Matthew 16:27, NKJV).

"Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward" (2 John 1:8, NKJV).

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless" (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT).

   1. What do these verses teach about whose idea rewards are? About who is in charge of the rewards program?
   2. What do these verses teach about our attitude towards rewards?
   3. How does it make you feel that God long ago planned good works for you?
   4. What does God promise you so that you can persevere when you grow weary?

My Thoughts

If rewards are God's design for the Christian life, then living an "escapist life" is not an option. Hiding in a cave or settling down on top of a pole are a contraction for the Christian whose life is to be filled with God's purpose of service for the kingdom and good works in the name of Jesus. Remember the truth Jesus taught in the story of the unprofitable servant--to do nothing is to be judged as an unworthy and unprofitable servant?

Perhaps this oft-quoted couplet sums up our perspective on our time here on Earth.

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last
C. T. Studd

My Part

List some of the ways that you can serve God right now.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 18, 2011
Topic: Other
Perseverance of the Saints

Imagine how easy it would have been for this person to have given up: He failed in business in '31; he was defeated for the legislature in '32. His fiance died in '35, and he had a nervous breakdown in '36. He was defeated for speaker in '38 and for election in '40. He was defeated for Congress in '43 and again in '48. He was also defeated for Senate in '50 and defeated for vice president in '56. In '58 he ran again for the Senate but was defeated. Perseverance finally paid off, however; and he was elected president in 1860. His name was Abraham Lincoln.

Perseverance is equally important in our spiritual lives. If we are to expect the maximum reward in heaven, we can't give up. Let's look at Paul's example.

What Does God Say?

Read 2 Corinthians 11:24-28. List at least five difficulties that Paul faced.

When we get to Paul's letters to Timothy, we find him nearing the end of his life. As Paul looks back over his life, he says:

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8, ESV).

    * How does Paul sum up his life? What was Paul looking forward to?
    * Who else can share in this reward?

My Thoughts

The key to perseverance lies in looking forward to what is ahead. An old Scotsman, digging a drainage ditch in a boggy field, was met by a discouraged writer, Archibald Cronin. When Cronin told him he was ready to give up on his writing, the old Scotsman replied, "No doubt you're the one that's right, and I'm the one that's wrong. My father ditched this bog all his days and never made a pasture. But pasture or no pasture, I cannot help but dig. For my father knew, and I know, that if you only dig enough, a pasture can be made here." Cronin took the advice and went on to become a famous writer.

Keeping your eyes fixed on what lies ahead will help you through the difficulties of today. Paul experienced many trials and tribulations, but he was focused on the crown of righteousness that some day would be his. If you find yourself faltering in the face of hard times, remember to look ahead at what's waiting for you in heaven.

My Part

In addition to the crown of righteousness found in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, there are at least four other crowns mentioned in the New Testament. (See 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Peter 5:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 and James 1:12.) Read these passages and list the crowns. Find (or draw) a picture of a crown. Post it where you will see it frequently and be reminded of what's waiting for those who persevere.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 21, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational
What's In Your Future

Benjamin Franklin said, "Only two things are sure in life: death and taxes." If I were to rewrite his statement, I'd add one more - judgment. No matter who you are, when death comes, judgment follows. For the unbeliever, it will be at the Great White Throne Judgment seen in Revelation 20:11-15. For the believer, it will be at the Bema (Judgment) Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10).

Let's look at one of the places in the Bible where the apostle Paul describes that future day for the believer.

What Does God Say?

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw - each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire" (1 Corinthians 3:11-15, ESV).

    * What foundation do we build our lives upon?
    * What materials can we build with?
    * How will this material be tested?
    * What is the outcome of this test?

My Thoughts

Unbelievers will face a judgment that determines their eternal destiny. Believers will face a judgment that determines their eternal rewards. While there is nothing that an unbeliever can do to earn his or her way into heaven, there is much that a believer can do to make sure that his works stand the fires of God's judgment. Look at the following verses and indicate some of the ways you can "fireproof" your works:

    * 1 John 2:28
    * Philippians 2:14-15
    * Ephesians 6:5-8

My Part

Paul says in Philippians 4:13 (ESV), "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Everything that you do in your power will be burned up; only those things which are done through Christ's power will survive. This week, ask God to make you conscious of when you are operating in His power and when you are doing His work in your power.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 22, 2011
Topic: Jesus, Service/Servanthood
The Judgment Seat of Christ

What is the most exciting day in your future? A wedding day? A graduation day? Perhaps you're planning an exciting trip and can't wait until the day of your departure? But if you're a Christian, there's a very exciting day coming. The Bible tells us what it is.

What Does God Say?

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV).

Now, if you're like me, you might be thinking, Exciting? Frightening is more like it! But the Bible sets our minds at ease.

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1, ESV).

My Thoughts

Standing before Christ at His Judgment Seat is, first of all, a privilege. If we were not His followers, we would not be there.

Secondly, we will stand before Him individually. This is not a group event. Our accountability is personal. He'll not judge you on the basis of another's thoughts, words or actions. You will stand alone before Him. That likely makes your heart race and your knees weak. But you will be filled with gratitude and joy that you are in the fullness of His presence.

   1. Based on 2 Corinthians 5:10, write down your feelings as you consider appearing at the Judgment Seat of Christ?
   2. Read Romans 8:1 again. As you read it, do you feel relief, are you skeptical, do you have mixed feelings? Define your response to that verse.
   3. Draw two stick figure illustrations. In one, sketch your image of the Judgment Seat before you read this study. In the other, your depiction of it now that you've read part of the study.
   4. Ask God if there is anything He wants you to do today--someone He wants you to call or some need He wants you to meet--to serve Him?

Jesus says, "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded" (Matthew 10:42, NLT).

There are two things to know as you work for the Lord:

    * Remember He will enable you. Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, ESV).
    * Understand that service to anyone in Christ's name, Jesus accepts as service to Himself. "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 25:40, NLT).

My Part

If you and I have a limited number of days to serve Jesus (and our days are numbered), then doesn't it make sense that we do so now, every day?

Take some time to pray and ask the Lord to help you prepare beginning today for that moment you appear before His Judgment Seat.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 23, 2011
Topic: God
The Perfect Judge

A lady in high society commissioned a well-known artist to paint her portrait. When it was finished and the completed picture revealed, the lady was disappointed. In a disdainful tone of voice, she told the artist, "I really don't think you did me justice."

"Madam," the artist replied, "you don't want justice, you want mercy."

To be honest, when it comes time for God to judge us, most of us will want a large degree of mercy along with the justice. Will we get it? Let's see what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:14-16, ESV).

    * What makes Jesus a merciful judge?
    * In what way is Jesus different from us?
    * What will we find when we draw near to Jesus?

My Thoughts

Many people view the Judgment Seat of Christ with fear and trembling. And rightfully so. It will be the place where all our motives as well as our actions will be laid bare. But in the midst of it, we need to remember God's mercy and grace. No one understands better than Jesus what it means to be human.

My Part

Give thanks today that God tempers His justice with mercy and grace.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 24, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational
What Will Final Judgment Look Like?

Have you ever been evaluated--maybe you've had a job review or perhaps you've taken an exam in a class so your instructor could evaluate how much you've learned. Can you remember how you felt when you were being judged on something important? What if you failed to live up to the standards?

Is that how it's going to feel on the day believers stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ?

What Does God Say?

First of all, we know that we will stand before Christ and that our lives will be judged by Him from this verse: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV).

If you imaged a courtroom scene when you read that verse with a judge and jury, a defendant and a prosecutor, you've got the wrong idea. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, there will be only two: you and Jesus.

    * You won't need a lawyer to defend your case--Hebrews describes Jesus as a sympathetic High Priest who experienced all our weaknesses as one of us (See Hebrews 4:15).
    * There won't be a prosecuting attorney--all charges against you were dropped the moment you accepted Christ as your Savior.
    * And there won't be a jury declaring your sentence--all penalties you owed are covered by the blood of Jesus.

There will be nothing subjective about your final job review because nothing can be hidden from the One who formed you. (Psalm 139:13). We'll look more at what Psalm 139 tells us about our perfect Judge in the next sections.

My Thoughts

As you read Psalm 139, think about the following questions:

1. Does David find it comforting or disturbing that God knows everything about him? Why?

2. How do these verses motivate you when you are thinking about your final evaluation at the Judgment Seat of Christ?

My Part

Take a look at the last week and try to imagine how God would evaluate it. As you think of what you've done, remember that the purpose of the Judgment Seat of Christ isn't to punish you for what you've done wrong, it's to reward you for what you've done right. What is God going to reward you for this past week?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 25, 2011
Topic: Salvation, God
The Righteous Judge

U.S. District Judge Isaac Charles Parker presided over the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas for 21 years during the late 1800s. He is remembered today as the "Hanging Judge" of the American Old West. Even though his record shows he was stern but fair, his nickname kept any criminal from assuming leniency.

The Bible teaches that God is the Judge of all mankind. What can we expect from Him?

What Does God Say?

"Abraham ... stood before the LORD, 'Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?'" (Genesis 18:22, 25, NLT).

Abraham had occasion in Genesis 18 (Read Genesis 18:16-33 if you wonder about the circumstances) to ask God, "Won't, You, the Judge of all the earth, do what is right?" And the answer is:

"He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect.
Everything he does is just and fair.
He is a faithful God who does no wrong;
how just and upright he is!" (Deuteronomy 32:4, NLT).

"If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world?" (Romans 3:6, NLT)

"This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all " (1 John 1:5, NLT).

1. What is the major truth in the above scriptures?
2. What do they teach you about God?
3. How does knowing God is a fair judge impact your life?

My Thoughts

Not only will God judge us fairly and accurately, but His judgment will be thorough and all-inclusive.

When "the Lord returns.... he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due" (1 Corinthians 4:5, NLT).

"God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad" (Ecclesiastes 12:14, NLT).

Read Acts 10:42 and Romans 2:16 and answer the following questions:

   1. Who has been appointed by God to be "judge of all"?
   2. Who does the "all" include in Acts 10:42?
   3. What part of your life does Romans 2:16 specifically mention?
   4. Does the thought of that make you uncomfortable?

My Part

We are in desperate need of God's mercy. In Christ, God has, in His great love, offered us just what we need--mercy.

"God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)" (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV).

Thank God right now for His great mercy, His love for you and that you know that someday, when you are judged, He is a fair Judge.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 28, 2011
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Heaven
More Than Today

It's easy to get tangled up, stressed out and totally overwhelmed by the worries and demands of life. When that happens, we tend to become careless about our relationship with God. We stop reading our Bibles and praying. We don't take time to tell others about Jesus. As a result, we short-change ourselves when it comes to fellowship with God. As Christians, we need to have an eternal perspective that helps us live--today.

What Does God Say?

Paul shows us this eternal perspective in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (ESV).

This body we live in, the worries and struggles we face, the demands of daily life--they're all temporary and transient. They don't last. We're to live today without forgetting that but also with heaven in mind. Keep reading through 2 Corinthians 4 and into 5:1-6 to see how Paul underscores the temporary nature of this life. He doesn't treat it lightly as if it doesn't matter, but he reminds us that something more important--eternity with God--is coming.

So, what about today? Does it matter what you do with it? The answer is yes. Look at 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, "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. So, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (ESV, emphasis added).

We may be longing for heaven, but we're not there yet. Today the challenge is to "walk by faith, not by sight." Remember, what you see is transient; it won't last (2 Corinthians 4:18 ). And today, we "make it our aim to please him," because there is a reward to come when we stand before Jesus in heaven.

My Thoughts

What can you do today that pleases God as you walk by faith? Here are just a few assignments the believer is given.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

    * What is the ministry or task we're given?
    * How does it fit with what's eternal?
    * How do you personally fulfill this mission?

John 13:34-35

    * What is the new commandment?
    * Whose example are you to follow?
    * What does keeping it reveal about you?

Romans 12:1-2

    * What is the charge given here?
    * What perspective needs to be changed or removed?
    * What is the outcome of this transformation?

Hebrews 12:1-2

    * What are you challenged to do here?
    * What needs to change or be set aside?
    * What are you to focus on as you run the race?

You'll also find some day-to-day choices and actions that please God in passages like Romans 12:9-20 and Hebrews 13:1-18.

My Part

So, you've been given today. What will you do with it that matters for eternity? Think through your daily routine. How are you doing at the ministry of reconciliation? At running with your eyes on Jesus? At laying aside the entanglements of sin? What about loving others as Christ did? Is your sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to Him? What are some practical ways you're doing this? What other ways can you think of to fulfill these assignments?

Maybe you have a friend or family member who needs to see how Jesus loves them through you. Maybe you need to deal with a habit of sin that keeps tripping you up. Maybe you let the worries and concerns of your day undermine "walking by faith" or you easily "lose heart" instead of being "of good courage." Commit that issue to the Lord, ask for His direction and help in reshaping your attitude or actions and then take action. Yes, what you do today matters for eternity.

Borrow Colossians 1:9-12 as your prayer; it covers all that you need for today as well as reminding you of the eternal reward or inheritance from God.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 29, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational
Junk Mail

Don't you just hate junk mail? It fills our mailboxes. It clutters our kitchen tables and countertops. It multiplies faster than fleas on a dog--and it's just about as aggravating. Sometimes it's hard to find the really important mail underneath the crush of all the junk. The only solution is to sort through it, toss the worthless stuff (which is most of it) and file the rest so you can find it when needed.

Unfortunately, our lives can be filled with the equivalent of junk mail as well. Some of it is simply worthless while others can be actually harmful. And the solution is the same--sort, toss and file. Let's see what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

"In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.

"It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house (2 Samuel 11:1-4, ESV).

    * What should David have been doing?
    * What was his response when he saw Bathsheba?
    * Can you identify the "junk mail" that arrived in his mailbox?
    * Read the rest of the story in 2 Samuel 11:5-17. Identify some of the other junk mail that came to David's box.

Fortunately, the story doesn't end there. When confronted by Nathan the prophet, David repented and got rid of the junk mail. We read about this in Psalm 51:1-2, 10-12.

"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! (vv. 1-2).

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 (vv. 10-12).

    * What was David's response to God?
    * What did David desire?

My Thoughts

David had allowed his life to be filled with junk mail. It had begun with laziness, then lust, followed by immorality, deceit and even murder. As a result, the "good stuff" (the joy of God's salvation) had gotten lost underneath the bad.

Fortunately, the prophet Nathan brought David to his senses. David then turned to the Lord to help him sort through and clean out the junk in his life. Then and only then was he able to experience the real joy that comes with salvation.

My Part

Have you allowed the joy of your salvation to be smothered by all the junk? Maybe it's not as serious as immorality or murder, but even seemingly harmless activities such as spending hours in front of the TV or playing computer games can rob you of the joy that should be yours as a Christian.

If so, follow David's example in Psalm 139:23-24 (another psalm of confession):

    * Ask God to help you sort out the junk from the good (create a clean heart).
    * Seek His cleansing from all that is robbing you of your joy (wash me).
    * Focus on those things that will bring you joy in the Lord (restore the joy of Your salvation).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 30, 2011
Topic: Service/Servanthood
Worthy of Reward

How do you feel about pop quizzes? What about taking a test when you're unsure how the instructor or teacher grades? What if you're not sure what material will be covered on the test? Doesn't seem fair, does it?

When God grades, He is always fair and just.

What Does God Say?

God tells us that at the end of life, there is going to be a test, an evaluation. He lets us know that our lives on earth will be judged. If you're a Christian, you will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If you don't know Christ, you'll be judged at The Great White Throne Judgment.

"But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward" (1 Corinthians 3:13-14, NLT).

For each Scripture below, list the criteria the Lord gives us so we know what is worthy of reward.

"The laws of the LORD are true;
each one is fair.
They are a warning for your servant;
a great reward for those who obey them" (Psalm 19:9, 11, NLT).

"So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And then God will give to everyone whatever praise is due" (1 Corinthians 4:5, NLT).

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless" (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT).

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else" (Galatians 6:4, NLT).

My Thoughts

The prospect of rewards should lead to:

    * Diligence.

"Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward" 2 John 1:8 (NLT).

    * Dedication

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT). /p>

    * Endurance

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NLT).

My Part

Suppose you won a contest at your local bank. The prize is this: You have three minutes to gather as much money as you can from two vaults. One vault holds $5 bills and the other vault contains $100 bills. Where would you begin? Easy choice, right?!!

If you only have a limited number of days to earn your rewards from the Lord, doesn't it make perfect sense to begin now and do all you can in His service?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 31, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational
Performance Review - 1

Have you ever heard of the "boss key"? Not long ago, when computer games were still fairly new, a lot of them were programmed with a boss key. The idea was that if you were playing a game at work and your boss happened to walk by, you could press the boss key and the game would disappear from the screen leaving behind something that looked like company work. When the boss went away, you would press the key again and resume your game.

Life doesn't come equipped with a boss key though. And it's impossible to hide anything from God.

What Does God Say?

"He will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives" (1 Corinthians 4:5, NLT).

With that in mind, read what Paul had to say to the Corinthians: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV).

It's easy to read those words and think, God's always watching; He's waiting for me to mess up so He can punish me! But Paul took it as a positive: "God's always watching, and everything I do that pleases Him will be rewarded."

As we look closer at 2 Corinthians 5, notice that this knowledge enabled Paul to live with confidence.

My Thoughts

As you read through 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, think about the following questions:

1. How does Paul describe his "earthly home"? What keeps him going?
2. When we die, who will give us new bodies?
3. Describe a time in your life when your longing for heaven was nearly overwhelming.
4. We want to put on our new bodies so these dying bodies will be swallowed up by what?
5. What should be the goal of all Christ-followers?

My Part

Our day at the Judgment Seat of Christ will ultimately be a day of blessing and rejoicing. Our salvation won't be in question, only our rewards. If there's anything bad about that day, it will be the realization that we wasted some opportunities. What can you do today to increase your joy when that Day arrives?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 1, 2011
Topic: God's Care, Heaven
Performance Review - 2

Do you remember being disciplined by your parents? Can you recall a time you were scolded by a school principal? By your boss? By the coach? I would be willing to make a guess that no matter how stern the lecture, if it were done publicly, it seemed a lot more humiliating than a private upbraiding.

But what about our final life-performance review? Will it be held before an audience?

What Does God Say?

Romans 14:10,12, "For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. So then each of us will give an account of himself to God" (ESV).

Second Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (ESV).

    * Who is going to have to give an account?
    * What will be the result of this judgment?
    * How does this make you feel?

My Thoughts

Both of the verses above refer to the Judgment Seat of Christ. Christians are the only ones who will appear at this judgment, and it will be a private one-on-one encounter between you and the Judge. Romans 14:12 says, "each of us will give an account" and 2 Corinthians 5:10 says "each one may receive." Every Christian must stand before that one Judge. But Jesus is the judge of individuals, not the masses. He's not going to put up on a screen or read aloud all the things we've done so others can know, because, quite frankly, at that point nobody will much care what others have done. We're going to be concerned about how we fare at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

My Part

Draw a picture of Christ's judgment seat. Using a stick figure, place yourself in relationship to this judgment seat--the farther away you are, the more fearful you are. Now take a few moments to think about what you could do to be less fearful and draw closer to Jesus (Hebrews 10:22). Ask God to remove the fear and replace it with a confidence in what Christ has done for you.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 4, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational
Saved for a Reason

Some years ago, when the The Merv Griffin Show was a popular late-night program, Merv had a body builder as his guest. During the interview, Merv asked, "Why do you develop those particular muscles?"

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

"But what do you use all those muscles for?" Merv asked. Again his guest flexed his biceps and triceps which sprouted to impressive proportions.

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

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

Some Christians have the same confusion. They've received Christ as their Savior, but that's where it stops. Yet the Bible says God saves us for a reason and that reason is more than simply going to heaven. Let's see what the reason is.

What Does God Say?

"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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8-10, ESV).

    * How are we saved?
    * What are we saved for?
    * What is special about this?

My Thoughts

Those works which take place as a result of our salvation are called "fruit." Look at the following verses and determine what kind of fruit God wants us to bear:

    * Romans 1:13
    * Galatians 5:22-23
    * Hebrews 13:15
    * Colossians 1:10
    * Ephesians 5:9

My Part

Consider the different areas of fruit bearing from the list above. Select a "fruit" that needs to increase in your life. Determine what "good work" that God may have prepared for you that will encourage this fruit to grow in your life.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 5, 2011
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Obedience/Discipleship
Motivation for Service

A loaded station wagon pulled into the only remaining campsite. Four youngsters leaped from the vehicle and began feverishly unloading gear and setting up a tent. The boys then rushed off to gather firewood, while the girls and their mother set up the camp stove and cooking utensils. A nearby camper marveled to the youngsters' father: "That, sir, is some display of teamwork."

The father replied, "Well, I have a system. No one goes to the bathroom until the camp is set up."

There are many ways to motivate people; the one God uses is rewards.

What Does God Say?

The Lord Jesus Himself lists rewards as a motivation for service (Matthew 6:1, 10:42, 16:27). But how can you serve in such a way that you will be eligible for rewards? Here are three ways:

Diligence: "Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward" (2 John 1:8, NLT).

Read 2 John 1:7-9 and answer the following questions:

   1. Who are the "deceivers" and what are they teaching?
   2. What do those who remain faithful to the teachings about Christ possess?
   3. How are we to treat those who hold false teachings?

Dedication: "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT).

   1. Why is it important to focus your energies on the future?
   2. What is Paul working for?
   3. Through whom does God call us to heaven?

Determination: "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 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 4:16-18, NLT).

   1. What part of you is being renewed every day?
   2. How does it encourage you to know that your troubles today are temporary and short-lived compared to eternity?
   3. What do today's problems produce?
   4. How successful are you at "fixing your gaze on things that cannot be seen"?

My Thoughts

Every Christian should hope to someday hear Jesus personally say to him or her, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21, NLT). The greatest reward of all is to know that you have pleased your Lord and Master. But that can't be won lightly. Determine today that you will strive with all your might to be one of those who will be received with such a commendation.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV).

My Part

What is your strongest motivation for service to the Lord? Identify what motivates you, and then ask the Lord for sensitivity, opportunity and strength for service for Him--our Lord and our God.