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: Sep 21, 2011
Topic: Jesus

Who Am I?

In a hospital waiting room, one rather self-important individual became impatient. Unwilling to wait any longer, he barged in and demanded to be seen by the doctor. "Don't you know who I am?" shouted the man.

The secretary calmly pressed the button on the microphone of her loudspeaker system and asked the waiting patients. "I have a gentleman here who doesn't know who he is. Can someone please assist him in finding out? Thank you."

Surprisingly enough, many people today don't know who the real Jesus is. Some think He is a great prophet, a wonderful teacher or just a kind and thoughtful man. But are they right? Let's let the Bible assist us in finding out.

Receive

"He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God'" (Matthew 16:15-16, ESV).

"And demons also came out of many, crying, 'You are the Son of God!' But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ" (Luke 4:41, ESV).

"Jesus said to her [Martha], 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?' She said to him, 'Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world'" (John 11:25-27, ESV).

    Whom do we find in these verses acknowledging Jesus as the Christ?
    In addition to being Christ, what else do they confess about Jesus?
    Because He is the Christ, what promise do we find Jesus making in John 11:25-27?

Reflect

Christians can disagree on many things and not affect their salvation. They can disagree about the day of worship, the mode of baptism (immerse, sprinkle or pour) or the timing of the Rapture (pre, mid or post). But we'll all get to heaven. What we can't disagree on is who Jesus is. It is because Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) that He can say, "Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die" (John 11:26).

From before the foundation of the world, God planned on sending His Son as the Messiah (see Revelation 13:8 )--the one who would reconcile sinners with the Father (see 2 Corinthians 5:19). A great prophet, a wonderful teacher, a good man would not be sufficient because all have sinned and fall short of God's perfection (see Romans 3:23). Not even an angel would be good enough (see Job 4:18-19). It took Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, to accomplish our salvation.

Respond

Who do you say Jesus is? Are you confessing Him with your life as well as your lips? List three facts about your life that indicate you truly believe that Jesus is the Messiah.

[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: Sep 22, 2011
Topic: Salvation

Trust the Promises

Have you ever heard someone use the expression, "The honeymoon is over"? Whether referring to an actual honeymoon or not, it's that time after the emotions of something new have worn off and the routine of life sets in.

Many new Christians experience the same thing. When they first trust Jesus and His promise of a new life and eternity with Him in heaven, it is a wonderful, joy-filled time. But that joy often fades eventually and newborn Christians are left wondering, "Am I really saved?"

Receive

As we look at what God says about this in the Bible, let's first notice what He doesn't say. The Bible never says that our emotions are an indication of our salvation. Your new birth as a child of God is as certain as your first birth as a human being. How you feel doesn't change that.

So, now that the honeymoon is over, can you be certain that you are saved? Absolutely. Here's what John wrote in his first letter. "Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself....And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life" (1 John 5:10-12, ESV).

Ask a married couple how they can be certain they are married, and they'll point to their anniversary date. Ask a Christian how they can be certain they are saved, and they can point to the time they trusted in the promises of Jesus. Your salvation doesn't depend on what you feel today, it depends on what Jesus did in your life on the day you believed.

Let's look more at what this means for us today, and how we can respond on days when we feel uncertain.

Reflect

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

1. Describe the "testimony".

2. Where is the "testimony"?

3. What do you have when you have Jesus that you don't have when you don't?

4. What would it say about God if our salvation could somehow be lost?

5. In what ways should your salvation be evident in your life?

6. How can you respond when you don't "feel" your salvation?

Respond

It's true, there are a lot of married couples out there who are married in name only--they feel nothing of the love they once held for each other. In our relationship with God, it's a bit more one-sided. God's love and God's care for us never waver, but sometimes we drift away. Maybe you're just having a bad day today but looking over the last week or month, how much of your time have you spent with God? What are some ways you can draw nearer to Him in the coming days? Write out an action plan to do just that.

[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: Sep 23, 2011
Topic: Salvation

Eternal Life

Outside the head office of the White Star Line in Liverpool after the Royal Mail Steamer Titanic sank two lists were posted. The lists were not divided between "British" and "Other Nationalities" or by prominence and obscurity or by wealth, race, gender or reputation. On one list were the names of those who had died, and the other list reported the names of survivors.

The Bible says that God also divides the people He created into only two lists: those who are alive in Christ, and those who perish for eternity.

Receive

"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15, NLT).

    Who was seated on the throne according to verse 11?
    Who was standing before the throne?
    What was opened?
    Who was judged by what was written in the books?
    What happened to someone whose name was not in the "book of life"?

How can you find your name written in the Book of Life so that you will be in heaven with Jesus? The Bible teaches us:

"For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day" (John 6:40, NLT).

"And anyone who believes in God's Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn't obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God's angry judgment" (John 3:36, NLT).

"I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life" (John 6:47, NLT).

    Who has eternal life?
    Whose will is this?
    What must someone do to have eternal life?

Reflect

I cannot think of anyone who would not want to be on God's list of those who will live for eternity. Can you? Could you think of one reason that someone would willingly face the consequences?

Respond

Do you have the certainty of eternal life in Christ? He is the only One in all creation who can assure you of life everlasting. Jesus does not have the answer. He, and He alone, is the answer.

"You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me! (John 5:39, NLT).

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23, NLT).

[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: Sep 26, 2011
Topic: Faith/Trust

Facing Problems God's Way

When Jesus called His disciples, He knew the tremendous odds they would face in their future. He planned to send them into the whole world to preach the good news of salvation. They would be scorned, slandered, persecuted, imprisoned, tortured and killed for their faith.

The Lord, therefore, spent much of His earthly ministry training the disciples to trust in Him. Living by faith was something they would all have to do. Furthermore, the very heart of the message they would one day proclaim to the lost world was that belief in Jesus Christ is essential for eternal salvation.

The same is true for believers today. Let's see what God tells us in His Word.

Receive

Read John 6:1-7 (ESV): "After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, 'Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?' He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, 'Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.'"

    Why was the huge crowd following after Jesus?
    What did Jesus ask Philip?
    Why did He ask the question?
    Was Jesus interested in Philip's answer or his attitude?
    Do you believe Philip's answer was based on the circumstances or his faith? Why?
    Did Philip give the answer that Jesus was looking for?

Read Hebrews 11:6 in your Bible. Why is faith so important?

After listening to Jesus teach some difficult lessons on life, what was the response of the apostles (Luke 17:5)?

Reflect

Faith is not a vague thing. It must have an object. You trust a chair when you plop down in it. You have faith that it will hold you without breaking. It is trustworthy. Saving faith is also based on two absolutely trustworthy objects: One is the revealed, written Word of God, the Bible; the other is the person of Jesus Christ, the one and only Savior. Faith for the Christian life is necessary not only for the big challenges but also the daily routine.

    Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13. With what attitude did the believers in Thessalonica accept the Word of God? What does it do in those who believe?
    See Galatians 3:26. What is necessary to become a son of God?

Respond

Read the great "Faith Chapter" in the Bible--Hebrews 11. As you meet each person in this "Hall of Fame of Faith," ask yourself, Did this person base life's decisions on circumstances and visible facts or on the living God?

How do you live your life? Do you feel like Philip and say, "It just can't be done"? Or do you trust the Lord, who already knows what He is going to do?

[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: Sep 27, 2011
Topic: Bible Characters, Faith/Trust

Memory Loss

Do you have a problem with short-term memory loss? I don't mean the glitches that come with (gulp!) getting older; I mean the kind of memory loss that affects your faith, the kind you get when stressful circumstances make you to forget everything God has already done. Let me give you an example.

Receive

One of Jesus' disciples was a man named Philip. When he first met Jesus, he was eager to go when Jesus said, "Follow Me" (see John 1:43-45). Philip's willingness showed significant faith. But later, in a crowd on a hillside, Philip didn't exhibit the same trust in the Lord. Let's see what happened.

In John 6:5-7, we read, "Lifting up his [Jesus'] eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, 'Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?' He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, 'Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little'" (ESV).

Philip saw the crowd, knew the limits of their grocery budget and promptly forgot all the extraordinary things he'd seen Jesus do (or knew Jesus did). Flip through John 1-5 and look at the power Jesus had already demonstrated: the power to read the heart of a man (1:46-51); the power to turn water to wine (2:6-11); the power to cleanse the temple (2:13-17); the power to offer living water and changed lives (4:7-41); the power to heal at a distance (4:46-54); and the power to make the lame walk (5:1-17).

Yet somehow, when the circumstances grew beyond his comfort level, Philip forgot all he'd learned about Jesus.

Now, Jesus had a reason for asking Philip that question that day on the hillside. John 6:6 tells us, "He [Jesus] said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do" (ESV). He wanted to help Philip understand where his faith needed to grow. Would Philip put his faith in Jesus who had the power to do all things? Or would he be defeated--and forget all Jesus had done in the past--because of the circumstances?

Well, you can read the rest of the story to see how it all worked out. But Philip failed this test. He failed to take everything he knew about Jesus and apply it to this new situation.

Like Philip, we should apply the lessons that past trials have taught us about the Lord and His power to each new challenge. That's the way faith works. Each test and learning experience increases faith. And whenever it's exercised, it expands and grows.

Reflect

Hebrews 11 recounts examples of people whose faith was tested by their circumstances. Read Hebrews 11:7-40 and jot down some of the people and the circumstances you find there.

    What's the common description or action you see in their stories?
    Where did they place their faith?
    What did they receive from God?

Hebrews 12:2 describes Jesus as "the founder and perfecter of our faith" (ESV). How does that provide solidity or certainty to your faith?

Second Corinthians 5:6-7 says, "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" (ESV).

    How did Philip walk?
    Which way of walking best describes you?
    How does faith give you courage?

Respond

When the circumstances of your life overwhelm you, do you have trouble remembering what God has done for you in the past? Does your faith falter because it feels like Jesus' power has "expired" or it's inadequate for the job?

Instead of living by sight as Philip did, follow the example of Andrew in John 6:8-9: "One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 'There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?'" (ESV). Andrew saw the same situation Philip did, but he took what was at hand and offered it to Jesus, to do whatever He would with it. Andrew recognized that Jesus had the power to do a lot with even a little. That's faith.

So, what do you already know about Jesus? What have you seen Him do in your life?

How can you apply that knowledge, in faith, to your present circumstances? When you do that, you're exercising your faith, giving it a chance to grow and not succumbing to short-term memory loss.

[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: Sep 28, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Faith/Trust

Tested for Strength

Vance Havner observed: "How long you've been a Christian tells you how long you've been on the road, but it doesn't tell you how far you've come."

How can you tell how far you've come in your walk with Jesus--how much you've matured and grown in your faith? You might not like the answer.

Receive

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you"(1 Peter 4:12, NASB).

That's what the Bible says. It teaches that often the ordeals and trials we experience are tests of our faith. Read on.

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world" (1 Peter 1:7, NLT).

Reflect

Reread 1 Peter 4:12 and 1 Peter 1:7; and then answer the following questions:

1. What are we not to be surprised about?

2. Why will we face trials?

3. What will be the result if our faith remains strong?

4. When will we see that result?

5. Are you facing a "fiery trial" right now? Indicate what it might be.

6. In what ways has this trial surprised you?

Respond

Since God's Word says your faith will be tested, consider how you can prepare for the trials you will face. Look at the instructions given by the apostle Paul below:

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:13, ESV).

Discover how to take up your armor by studying Ephesians 6. Divide a sheet of paper into two columns. List the various components of your armor in one column and; in the other, list what that part of armor is used for.

Since the best time of preparation is before the testing comes, and you don't know when that might be--right now is the time to begin.

[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: Sep 29, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

It's Your Personality, Not an Excuse

I've met, and gotten to know, a lot of people in my life so far. Some remind me of others I know, but all of them are unique. That's never more evident than when comparing personalities. I tend toward the introverted side of the spectrum. I enjoy working with others but have a hard time just socializing. Other people I know are different and opposite and mostly the same and partially alike.

But whatever our personalities, I've learned that we can miss some golden opportunities to grow in our faith when we make our personality our excuse.

Receive

Philip, one of the twelve disciples passed on a wonderful opportunity to introduce some Gentiles from Greece to Jesus. We can read about it in John 12. "Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, 'Sir, we wish to see Jesus.' Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus" (vv. 20-22, ESV).

It's hard to find fault with Philip here. It's easy to read these verses without noticing that something went wrong because, really, nothing did go wrong. Philip wasn't wrong for talking to Andrew. For all we know, Philip had a perfectly legitimate reason for going to Andrew first. But it makes you wonder, Did Philip miss an opportunity to grow in his faith?

For some people, it's easier to work in the background, away from the spotlight. For others, the spotlight is all they know and stepping out is the hard thing to do. But some of the best opportunities to grow in faith occur when we allow God to pull us out of our comfort zones--when we trust in Him and not ourselves.

Yes, your personality is a defining aspect of who you are. But don't let it become the excuse that holds you back from knowing more fully the love and provision of God.

Reflect

As you read through the story of Philip's encounter with the Greeks, think about the following questions:

1. How would you have responded in Philip's situation?

2. How might Philip had grown in his faith if he had gone straight to Jesus?

3. What opportunities has God placed in your life for you to grow?

Respond

Try to remember the last time you had to do something that you weren't comfortable doing. Spend some time writing about how you felt; write down some of the arguments you may have directed at God. And then ask God to show you how He used that opportunity to grow you. Praise God for the work He's done in your life.

[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: Sep 30, 2011
Topic: Faith/Trust

Faith Walk

Many places are set aside to honor people who have made outstanding achievements especially in sports. There is the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts; the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana; the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Then there's the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in Indianapolis, Indiana; the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island; the NFL Hall of fame in Canton, Ohio, and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

But the most important Hall of Fame is not found in any of these places. It's found in Hebrews 11. It's called "God's Hall of Fame." Let's see what it takes to become a part of this hall of fame.

Receive

"By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 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 11:5-6 (ESV).

    How did Enoch qualify for God's Hall of Fame?

    What is necessary to please God?
    What two beliefs are essential to draw near to God?

Reflect

Many athletes spend years of hard work and sacrifice hoping some day to be honored by being included in their sport's hall of fame. While athletic excellence is the qualification for these earthly halls, the Bible tells us that it's faith that will earn us a spot in God's Hall of Fame. How, then, can we develop the faith that earns us this honor? Consider the verses below:

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17, ESV).

    How does faith come?

    What are we supposed to "hear"?

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13, ESV).

    What must we do keep our faith growing?

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6, ESV).

    How is this faith shown?

Respond

Enoch walked with God by faith; we are to walk the same way. Second Corinthians 5:7 says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." What circumstance in your life is requiring that you "walk by faith"?

[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: Oct 3, 2011
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Faith/Trust

Joshua Chooses God

One of the great leaders we meet in the Old Testament is Joshua. The name "Joshua" literally means "Yahweh is Salvation." He watched in awe as the Red Sea parted; he tasted manna in the desert; and he served faithfully for 40 years as Moses' right-hand man and military commander. And this warrior-leader lived up to his name. Joshua eventually led the Israelites to victory in Canaan--and into "all the good land the Lord had promised." Yet his greatest legacy came down to a choice he made: "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15, NKJV).

Receive

It's all about choices. Whether we're facing times of trouble or abundance, we can turn our backs on God...or we can choose to trust, obey and serve Him.

The simple fact is, God doesn't want us to add a little of Himself into our daily walk. He wants to consume our lives. He's not pleased with people who dabble in faith, and then forget Him later. The Lord desires us to live for Him--faithfully, consistently, day by day.

Joshua understood this. "Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD!" (Joshua 24:14, NKJV).

By the end of the book that bears his name, the Israelites stood with Joshua and chose to serve only the Lord. But flip over to Judges and the word follow once again changes to forget. We encounter snapshot after snapshot of raw, uncensored faithlessness: "Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals" (Judges 2:11, NKJV). But keep reading.

In chapter two we discover that, despite Israel's gross unfaithfulness, God is faithful. He molds and disciplines His children. He shows persistent, unwearied love and matchless grace; grace that's absolutely undeserved. "Nevertheless, the Lord raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them" (Judges 2:16, NKJV).

In God's perfect time, He gives a new beginning to people who so easily turn their backs on Him--people like you and me.

Reflect

Look over these passages to learn more about following and forgetting.

Luke 9:23-24
2 Kings 17:35-39
Psalm 95

    What kind of cross do you carry daily?
    Exactly who or what is the passion of your life?
    Is getting your career off the ground the most important thing to you? A relationship, maybe? Or could it be money or popularity?
    Are you following the living God? Or the gods of money, power, prestige?

Respond

Your conception and birth was God's idea, not yours. Likewise, your childhood came without thinking. (It required no act of the will.) But following God day by day is a choice. Consider the words of Joshua: "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Write this verse out and post it somewhere as a reminder of the choice you need to make each day.

[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: Oct 4, 2011
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship

Obedience & Blessing

An old Gospel song says,

Gimme that old time religion;
it's good enough for me.*

But at times it might be paraphrased as

Gimme that part-time religion;
it's good enough for me.

The prayer of a part-time Christian may go something like this:

"Lord, I wanna be a part-time Christian. Now, please, don't misunderstand me, Lord. I wanna be a good part-time Christian. Bless me for giving part of my time. Help me to have devotions once in awhile. Help me listen to parts of the sermon when I can get around to going to church. Help the pastor to keep it short.

"Father, help me to forgive people sometimes. Lord, what I'm going to say now is hard, but…help me to serve You once in awhile. There, I've said it! But I sort of mean it, Lord. I mean, like, well, sometimes when they need help over at the church enable me, empower me either to go or at least to send my wife.

"Oh, Lord! I wanna be a part-time Christian. Amen."

It seems the tribes of Israel had this same "part-time" attitude. In Judges 1, there is a list of the tribes with their inheritances in the Promised Land. Attached to each tribe's record is a statement revealing its partial obedience to God's commandment to drive all the idolatrous, immoral Canaanites out of the land and to possess it in its entirety for His people and purposes.

They obeyed--but only partially. Read about it in Judges 1:19 and other verses.

Receive

"Now the Lord was with Judah, and they took possession of the hill country; but they could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley because they had iron chariots" (Judges 1:19, NASB, italics added). The tribe of Judah left Canaanites in the land of their inheritance.

    So did Benjamin (Judges 1:21). What Canaanites did the Benjamite tribe fail to drive out? What was the long-term result?
    So did Manasseh (Judges 1:27). What does the verse say about the Canaanites in Manasseh's area?
    Browse through the rest of Judges 1. Find the other tribes of Israel that failed to obey God and jot down the consequences of their sin.

Do you see the connection between the Israelite tribes' incomplete obedience to God and the deplorable conditions that plagued their people for almost three centuries as recorded throughout the Book of Judges?

Reflect

God severely rebuked Israel for their "partial obedience" (Judges 2:3). He also warns individuals who claim to follow Him that incomplete obedience is disobedience.

King Saul, more than once, went only part way in obeying God. For that, he lost his kingdom. Read 1 Samuel 13:13-14.

    What would God have done for Saul if he had wholly obeyed (13:13)?
    Instead, what did God do to Saul (13:14)?

Moses and Aaron were told by God to speak to the rock so that it would bring forth water for the thirsty people. Instead, Moses angrily struck the rock twice. He went beyond what God told them to do (Numbers 20:7-12). This imperfect obedience had severe consequences.

    Read Numbers 20:12. How would God have blessed them if they had fully obeyed? Instead, what great loss came to them?

Respond

Your obedience is not a way to earn salvation. Forgiveness and salvation are the gift of God by the blood of Christ shed for you on the cross. But God does expect His born-again children to fully obey Him (Ephesians 2:8-10). Though partial or incomplete obedience won't cause you to lose your eternal life, it will cause you to lose eternal rewards.

Take stock today. Are there any areas of your life where you detect partial or incomplete obedience? If so, confess these faults to the Lord today and make a fresh start of full obedience in fellowship with Him.

*American Spiritual/Old Gospel

[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: Oct 5, 2011
Topic: God

God's Anger

Aristotle wrote, "Anyone can become angry. That's easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way-- that is not easy."

In fact, really, only God is able to do that. God's anger is not the temper tantrum of a petulant child; it is the response of a grieving heart to circumstances that will harm His beloved children. For God not to be angry at sin and the consequences of sin would be contrary to the love He professes to have for us.

Let's look at what the Bible teaches us about God's anger.

Receive

Romans 1:18
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness" (NASB).

    Toward whom/what is God's anger directed?
    Why would this be an appropriate object for God's anger?

John 3:36
"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (NKJV).

    What is the end result for those who believe in God's Son and those who don't?
    How would you justify God's anger in this situation?

Psalms 103:8
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness (NASB).

    What does this verse tell you about God's anger?
    What impact would this have on the two verses we looked at previously?

Reflect

The Bible pulls no punches when it talks about the anger or wrath of God. It is directed at sin because sin destroys. We only have to look at the suffering of children and other innocents in the world to feel our own anger rising. How much more so must a God who is marked by love and compassion feel wrath at such situations.

But sin can never be separated from the person perpetrating it. The old adage of "hate the sin, but love the sinner" is only partially true. A time comes when the sin and sinner must both be dealt with. In Revelation 4, the apostle John sees God's throne surrounded by a rainbow--a symbol of mercy and grace (Genesis 9:13-17). In Revelation 20:11 we again see God's throne (the site of the Great White Throne Judgment), but the rainbow is gone.

It's important we not only share with people concerning God's love but also His wrath. God's loving heart cannot allow the destructiveness of sin to go on unchecked forever. A day of wrath is coming (Romans 2:5-10), and you need to be ready.

Respond

The wrath of God is every bit as real and true as His love. Apart from a personal relationship with Christ, we will be subject to that wrath (John 3:36). Make sure you have received Christ today. If you need help in taking that step, visit the "Meet Jesus" page or contact us at info@bibleminute.org.

[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: Oct 6, 2011
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Bible Characters

Willing if Not Able

Reality shows are a dime a dozen these days. The premise of many of these shows is to determine who is "best": The best survivor, the best designer, the best dancer. Each week the judges (and sometimes the viewers) vote until finally the "best" emerges.

In our study of the Book of Judges today, the people of Israel cry out to God for deliverance from a foreign oppressor. Can you envision God holding an "Israel's Next Top Judge" competition to determine the best man for the job? Let's look at what God really did.

Receive

In Judges 3:9, we read this: "But when the people of Israel cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother."

God chose Othniel. He didn't ask for a resume, and He didn't hold a nation-wide contest (you weren't really expecting that were you?). God made a choice, but it wasn't a random choice.

It's true, Othniel had a military background. You can read more about it in Judges 1:11-15. But God didn't choose Othniel based on his abilities. Read verse 10 of Judges 3: "The Spirit of the LORD was upon him [Othniel], and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the LORD gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand. And his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim."

Othniel's success didn't come because of his ability; it came because of his availability to be used by the Spirit of God. This is a pattern we see many times throughout Scripture. Let's look at some other examples.

Reflect

Read Genesis 6:7-22. Why did God choose Noah to build the ark? How did Noah respond to God's call?

Read Matthew 4:18-22. Knowing what you do about Jesus' ministry, what was unusual about the men He called to follow Him? How did these men respond to Jesus' call?

Respond

Do you feel God calling you to do something? God will provide whatever you lack. The only thing you need to provide is a willing heart. So, how will you respond to God's call 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: Oct 7, 2011
Topic: Bible Characters, Faith/Trust

Disability or Opportunity?

The year was approximately 1304 B.C., and memories of Moses and the miraculous things God had done in the wilderness were quickly fading--right along with morality. Did the Lord lose His patience and give up on His people? Not a chance! Once again, He showed compassion. This time, God chose an unlikely leader to deliver Israel: Ehud--a left-handed Benjaminite.

Receive

The hearts of the Israelites had grown cold, and the tribes were slipping back into living for themselves instead of for God. What's more, they were being oppressed by foreign enemies. But Ehud, the man who was "hindered in the right hand," became God's path of victory. Judges 3:18-21 (NIV) reminds us that what a human may perceive as a weakness or a disability can become an opportunity to serve the Lord. In this case, it was a chance to crush God's enemies and to restore peace to His people:

"After Ehud had presented the tribute, he sent on their way the men who had carried it. At the idols near Gilgal he himself turned back and said, 'I have a secret message for you, O king.'

"The king said, 'Quiet!' And all his attendants left him.

"Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his summer palace and said, 'I have a message from God for you.' As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king's belly."

Ehud, whose name means "strong" then sounded the ram's horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim, and he gathered the forces of Israel to attack the leaderless armies of the oppressor. Filled with the Spirit of the Lord he ordered, "Follow me...for the Lord has given Moab, your enemy, into your hands" (Judges 3:28, NIV). Together, they struck down about 10,000 Moabites. After that, the land had rest for 80 years. (See Judges 3:12-31 for the full story.)

Reflect

Look over these passages to learn more about how God turns weakness into strength... disabilities into opportunities.
Exodus 3:10-4:16
Judges 6:11-24
2 Chronicles 16:9

    Do you feel totally inadequate to serve God?
    What kinds of things hold you back? Failure? Self-doubts? Fear? Physical limitations?
    Based upon what you've read in these passages, do you believe that the Lord uses broken and scarred vessels to accomplish His plan? It's true! God's leaders are often ordinary, flawed folks who love Him and make themselves available to pursuing His will--not their own.

Respond

Search your heart. Can you get past your own weaknesses and insecurities? Are you willing to allow God to use you just as you are? Remember Ehud!

[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: Oct 10, 2011
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Bible Characters, Faith/Trust

Deborah: An Empowered Woman

There's quite a bit of discussion today about empowering women. We want our daughters to grow up strong and capable and confident. We trot out as role models the women who've reached positions of power or influence as CEOs, judges, presidents, athletes and newsmakers. And movies, TV shows and books show us tough, hard-working, two-fisted female heroines who can take down a villain in a few quick moves.

So, when you get to the Bible story about Deborah, a woman in the thick of battle, well, surely she's an "empowered woman." Maybe ... if you see it the way God does.

Receive

Deborah's empowerment came from God, not by any merit or ambition of her own. In Judges 4 and 5, we find five characteristics of a truly empowered woman (or man).

    Faithful: Deborah is faithful to God in using her gifts (Judges 4:4-5). She is a prophetess; it was her gifting and calling to speak with God and communicate His message to the people. She faithfully exercised that gift at her "office" under a palm tree, wisely judging the needs and issues of God's people.
    Confident: Deborah is confident in God's plan (Judges 4:6-7). She spells it out to Barak as fact; she's fully convinced and confident that God will do exactly as He says and she encourages others to have the same confidence.
    Wise: Deborah was wise enough to both delegate and motivate. She delegated the military leadership to the man with those skills (Judges 4:6); she didn't try to do it all herself. She also had the wisdom to motivate a doubtful Barak (Judges 4:8-9, 14-15) to move forward since the Lord was on their side.
    Truthful: Deborah was a truth-speaker, even when she had to say the hard things. In Judges 4:9, she has to be pretty upfront with Barak about the doubt that would keep him from getting the honor.
    Humble: Deborah was not self-seeking; she didn't grab all the glory for herself or push herself to the front of the victory. In Judges 5, her victory song directs all honor and praise back to God. She acknowledges the contributions of others (Jael, Barak, herself) but never in a way that detracts from the Lord who empowered them.

Reflect

Deborah wasn't the only one who provided this example. You can find others--men and women--in Scripture who exhibit these characteristics in different ways. Think of David or Joshua, Moses, Mary, Esther, Peter or Paul. Take a few minutes to dig into some of your favorite Bible stories and look for the ways God empowered His people.

What can you take from their examples to:

    Encourage your faith?
    Build your confidence?
    Add to your wisdom?
    Help you speak truth?
    Keep you humble?

Respond

How does this view of an empowered person, man or woman, fit with what you see in your world?

True empowerment really begins and ends with God. Without Him, we are nothing. How do you view His power in your life?

Deborah's amazing experience with God began with her faithfulness. Her faith in what God said was unshakeable and she believed and acted on it. God calls each of us to be faithful--faithful in belief and action, faithful in serving with all He's given to us. And He pours His power into us to accomplish all He wants to do. Where do you need to begin 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: Oct 11, 2011
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Bible Characters

The Unlikely Heroes

The "unlikely hero" is a common theme found in literature. Think of Bilbo Baggins in J.R.R. Tolkien's classic story The Hobbit. Bilbo is a simple hobbit leading a simple life in a remote corner of the world. But when Gandalf shows up at Bilbo's door, Bilbo's simple life becomes a lot more complicated. What follows is a life-changing adventure full of tough challenges and miraculous deliverances. And in the end, the wisdom of the sage old man is proved correct.

Stories like this are fascinating because at some level all of us want to be "discovered"--to find out that we have some unique quality that makes us invaluable in a momentous task. Maybe Gideon had dreams like that; maybe he didn't. But whether he did or not, he was definitely caught by surprise the day the mysterious stranger showed up at his home talking about an impossible task.

Receive

Gideon's story starts in Judges 6. In verse 11 we find Gideon hiding in the winepress beating out the wheat harvest. The Midianites had been oppressing Israel for years, rushing in at harvesttime and stealing the crops. If the Israelites were to keep any of the harvest for themselves, they had to hide it well. In verse 12, Gideon receives an unexpected visit.

"And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, 'The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.'... And the LORD turned to him and said, 'Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?'" (Judges 6:12,14, ESV).

Gideon's life got a lot more complicated that day. What followed was a life-changing adventure full of tough challenges and miraculous deliverance. And in the end, the wisdom of God was proved correct.

Let's look at a couple more examples of unlikely heroes.

Reflect

In 1 Samuel 16, the prophet Samuel shows up at the home of Jesse. Samuel is on a mission to find the next king of Israel, and so he asks to see Jesse's sons.

Read 1 Samuel 13:13-14; 16:6-13

    What qualities was Samuel looking for in a king?
    What was God looking for in a king?
    What made David an unlikely hero?

Respond

There's another unlikely hero mentioned in the Bible. Read Ephesians 2:8-10. "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."

You and I as believers are perhaps the most unlikely heroes ever! We've been gifted by the Holy Spirit with unique talents and abilities that make us invaluable in the service of God!

Have you met Jesus, the mysterious Stranger at the door of your heart, yet? Yes, your life will get a lot more complicated when you begin following Jesus. But it will become a life-changing adventure full of tough challenges and miraculous deliverances. And in the end, you will know God for who He really is. Not just a wise old man from the realms of fiction but your Maker and Creator and your loving Heavenly Father.