Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Sep 19, 2006
Topic: God/Jesus


God's Glory in Creation

Surprise! Pluto is no longer a planet--at least according to 424 astronomers at a meeting of the International Astronomical Union in Prague. Now, in our solar system, there are only eight "classical" planets with Pluto demoted to "dwarf planet" status. Has Pluto changed? As Johns Hopkins astronomer William P. Blair put it, "Pluto hasn't changed just because of our nomenclature. It is the same today as it was yesterday and as it has been for thousands of years."

Neither has the reason for the formation of any of the rest of God’s creation changed. The Bible reminds us that they were created with purpose by God.

What Does God Say?

"You caused the springs and streams to gush forth,
and you dried up rivers that never run dry.
Both day and night belong to you;
you made the starlight and the sun.
You set the boundaries of the earth,
and you make both summer and winter" (Psalm 74:15-17, NLT).

"You made the moon to mark the seasons
and the sun that knows when to set" (Psalm 104:19, NLT).

"How many are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures . . .

When you give it to them,
they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
they are satisfied with good things.

When you hide your face, they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust" (Psalm 104:24, 28-29; NIV).

    * As you read these verses, what feelings well up inside?

My Thoughts

Meditate on Psalms 74 and 104.

    * What do these passages teach you about God?
    * Write down the implications for your life.

My Part

The psalmist was overwhelmed by the greatness, creativity and majesty of God. His response was to praise the Lord. In prayer now, give glory to God and praise for all His wonderful works and for His goodness as your God.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Sep 20, 2006
Topic: Worship/Praise/Worthiness


God's Glory in Creation, 2

Lots of people go through life with this nagging question in the back of their minds: Why on earth am I here? Ever wondered that yourself? Have you questioned what your purpose in life is or what "role" you play in the grand scheme of things?

Or maybe you've wondered why ANY of this is here--the earth, the moon, the stars, the other planets. Did it all just happen by some freak of nature? Or is there a Designer behind all of this?

Well, let's just say for a moment that we all agree that creation was purposefully created, not just accidental. The next logical question would be, "Why?"

Why in the world would Someone create everything and everyone who exists? What's the point?

What Does God Say?

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
The LORD is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,
who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth?" (Psalm 113:3-6, NIV).

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31, NIV).

"All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you" (Psalm 145:10, NIV).

"Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and maidens,
old men and children" (Psalm 148:7-12, NIV).

    * What does it mean to praise God?
    * How can God's creation (stars, mountains, animals, etc.) praise Him?
    * How can people praise God--and why should they?
    * What about God makes Him worthy of praise from His creation?

My Thoughts

We get so caught up in our lives, trying to figure out our "purpose," but God's Word clearly spells it out for us: We were created to praise and glorify God.

    * In your work/career, how can you praise God? In your home? Among your friends? In conflicts with other believers? Among nonbelievers?
    * What can keep us from or hinder us in glorifying God?
    * In what area of your life could you glorify God better?
    * What's your favorite way to worship (music, art, dance, prayer, photography, etc.)? What motivates or inspires you to praise God?

My Part

When we think about worship and praise, most of us think about music, about singing with the congregation in church or along to the CD in the car or during our quiet time. But praising God involves more than singing. Worship and praise can happen in a variety of ways. This week, praise God without singing. Draw a picture. Choreograph a dance. Write Him a letter or a poem. Design an image on the computer. Put together a PowerPoint presentation with cool pictures of God's creation. Or just meditate on Scripture (especially from the Psalms), praying God's Word back to Him.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Sep 21, 2006
Topic: Worship/Praise/Worthiness


A Time for Praise

Take a look at the world around you. Did you know God created this spectacular planet and the entire universe to display His glory and to bring Him praise? Let's see what that praise is all about and how you can join in.

What Does God Say?

Where does praise begin? Just look up:

"The heavens tell of the glory of God.
The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known" (Psalm 19:1-2, NLT).

Psalm 148:1-5 calls everything from angels to stars to water to get in on the praise and here's why: "Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created" (Psalm 148:5, ESV).

Just the fact that the Lord God got involved and created this amazing world is cause for praise. But praise isn't limited to stars and planets and angels. In fact, "everything that has breath" (Psalm 150:6, ESV) is to praise Him. That includes you and me. If you're breathing, you need to be praising God.

Praise is our positive, joy-filled response to God for all His works, His goodness and His grace in our lives. Everything that makes Him God is worthy of our praise. Ephesians 1:3-14 outlines the amazing extent of God's grace to us, all reasons for us to praise Him. See how many you can find as you read those verses.

How do you praise God? Well, the Bible says you can praise Him on your own or as you gather with God's people (Psalm 149:1-2). You can do it with music and instruments (Psalm 150), with singing (Psalm 100:2) or with dance (Psalm 149:3). You can shout praise back to Him; in fact, the Book of Revelation has a number of praise "shouts" (e.g. Revelation 7:10). You can even praise Him as you witness to other people about Him (1 Peter 2:9). But the "how" isn't nearly as important as the fact that you do it.

My Thoughts

Take a look at these passages and jot down what you find as reasons to praise God.

Psalm 40:1-3
Psalm 66:1-3
Psalm 89:1-2
Psalm 96:4-6
Psalm 99:5,9
Psalm 103:1-18
Psalm 111
Luke 1:68-75

    * How have you seen these things in your experience with God?
    * Have you praised Him for that?

My Part

How are you going to praise God beyond a thank-you prayer or singing praise songs on Sunday? Try "borrowing" from God's Word. Take a Psalm or two and use it as "praise break," maybe first thing in the morning or during your lunch hour or some other time where you can read, think and even speak out loud with God's Word.

Psalms 145-150 practically erupt with praise and cover things we sometimes forget. Use those words, or put it into your own words, reflecting your growing knowledge and experience of God in your life.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Sep 22, 2006
Topic: God/Jesus


Reflection of His Glory

Mirrors were first made in the Middle Ages but were mainly from polished metal. As a result, it was difficult to get an accurate reflection of the image the mirror was projecting. Over time, however, mirrors have been crafted to the point they pretty much reflect the image just as clear as the eye sees.

When you look into a mirror, what do you see? You probably see your face, but the mirror probably doesn't reflect your inner qualities. Yet the Bible says that nature does that very thing for God. Let's look at how God glory is reflected through nature.

What Does God Say?

Romans 1:20 states that, "From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God" (NLT).

    * According to this verse, what does nature tell us about God?
    * Why would man not be without excuse to realize God is our creator?

My Thoughts

Think about what qualities stand out to you about who God is. What about nature most motivates you in your relationship with God?

My Part

    * Take a walk in a beautiful place such as a park or a botanical garden this week and consider the splendor and awesomeness of God.
    * If you take God for granted and struggle to sense His invisible qualities, make some time in the next few days to ask Him to give you insight to His glory around you.
    * This week, share with a friend some of the things you see in nature that reflect God's glory.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Sep 25, 2006
Topic: Worship/Praise/Worthiness


Created to Praise, 2

If you grew up in a family that traveled a lot, chances are that on one of those trips you swung by Mount Rushmore. There in the Black Hills of South Dakota, carved in the hard granite, are the images of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The work took nearly 14 years to complete. At the dedication of the second face to be revealed, President Franklin Roosevelt is quoted as saying:

    "I think that we can perhaps meditate on those Americans of 10,000 years from now...meditate and wonder what our descendants--and I think they will still be here--will think about us. Let us hope... that they will believe we have honestly striven every day and generation to preserve a decent land to live in and a decent form of government to operate under."

It’s hard not to wonder about the men we see carved on Mount Rushmore and not just the presidents depicted there, but the men and women who worked for over a decade to chisel and blast those likenesses into the granite.

But therein lies the irony of Mount Rushmore.

What Does God Say?

Take a moment to read Psalm 98 and consider the following questions:

    * What are we instructed to sing about in verses 1-3?
    * In verses 6-9, who else joins in the song?
    * What purpose does creation serve in these verses?

My Thoughts

Do you see the irony now? The mountains and all the earth were created to praise God and to bring out His praises in men and women. In their majesty, we get a glimpse of the incomparable majesty of God. And as grand and impressive as Mount Rushmore is, it’s a little sad to see this mountain is now used to shout the praises of men.

My Part

The next time you see the mountains, the rivers or the oceans and the sight takes your breath away, take a moment to join their song of praise to the Creator of all the universe. Are you musical? Write a new song of praise. Compose a poem, or meditate on the majesty of God revealed in nature.

Franklin Roosevelt quote taken from:
http://www.nps.gov/moru/park_history/carving_hist/carving_history.htm

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Sep 26, 2006
Topic: God/Jesus


In the Image of God

Where do you fit into God's creation? Some people see the human race as just another animal with a few select skills. Or they seem to think mankind is a threat to everything else on earth. Others look at the expanse of the heavens, the complexities of the universe, and wonder if people aren't just a mere speck, a tiny "next to nothing" life with no meaning or purpose. Well, maybe it's time to see what God says in the Bible about humans.

What Does God Say?

Let's begin with Genesis 1, where God created all things. He spoke the light and the earth, the sky and the heavens into existence and formed every plant and animal according to His design. Then He did the extraordinary: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27, ESV).

God created man in His own image; we look like we belong to Him. We're not a higher form of ape or an evolutionary leap forward, but we're modeled after God. Look around--there's really nothing else on earth that looks like man! And while the natural world of stars and planets, mountains, oceans and creatures can all reflect God's glory back to Him, they don't carry His image. That privilege is ours alone.

With man created in His image, God also gave man a place in His hierarchy. Psalm 8:5-8 says:

"Yet you [God] have made him [man] a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the heavens,
and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas" (ESV).

It's the human race's responsibility to rule over the earth, to be the stewards and caretakers of this planet...for God's glory.

However, the first man and woman sinned against God. So now we all "fall short" (Romans 3:23), and the image is marred. However, when Jesus Christ comes into your life as Savior, you're made new and that image of God in your life is renewed: "You have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator" (Colossians 3:9-10, ESV).

My Thoughts

When we understand where we fit as human beings in God's grand design, it influences other things in our lives. Read Genesis 1:26-31, and consider these questions.

    * What did God put under man's care or stewardship?
    * What blessings did He give?
    * What else did God give to man?
    * What was God's "verdict" or opinion when He finished creation?

My Part

Knowing that you're created in the image of God influences your life and perspective.

    * How should it affect how you treat other people?
    * What needs to change in your actions or attitudes?
    * How should it influence or adjust your view of yourself?
    * What do you need to change?

Ask God to show you how to make these adjustments in your life, starting today.

Yes, it can be intimidating to look at the wonders of our created world and the complexities of the universe and think you're too small or insignificant for God to bother with. But clearly, God tells you otherwise--He values you, He treasures you, He's given you significance because you're created in His image.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Sep 27, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Mr. Glory Face

Adoniram Judson was an American missionary to Burma from 1813 to 1850. While Judson accomplished many amazing things, including a dictionary and a Bible translation in the Burmese language, he was best known for his walk with the Lord. In fact, God's glory so shone out of his face that the Burmese people called him "Mr. Glory Face."

Moses shared this same experience. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he, too, could have been called "Mr. Glory Face." Let's see what the Bible has to say about this experience.

What Does God Say?

"Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses' hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him" (Exodus 34:29-30, NKJV).

    * What caused Moses' face to shine?
    * What was the people's reaction to this experience?
    * Compare the above passage to Luke 2:9-14. Why do you think this is a common reaction?

My Thoughts

When people look at your face, what do they see? What would you have to change about your life to reflect even a degree of what Moses and Adoniram Judson experienced? Would you be willing to do this?

My Part

The key to reflecting God's glory is to spend more time in His presence. For this week, pick one activity that you could eliminate and replace it with time with God. See if you can read through all four Gospels during this extra time.

Additional Scripture: Luke 2:9-14

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Sep 28, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


A Fan of Your Church?

It's that time of the year when you see rowdy fans at football games getting all "wild and crazy" for their favorite teams. They show up with painted faces, crazy hats, decked out from head to toe in team paraphernalia. Then when game time comes, they go nuts, screaming, cheering, applauding...All for a football team.

So, why is it that so many of us who love God as much as--and hopefully more than--an avid fan loves a favorite team show up at church on Sunday mornings and fight to stay awake? Why do many of us find church just plain boring?

What Does God Say?

The writer of Hebrews says, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near" (Hebrews 10:25, NLT).

"Praise the LORD!
Sing to the LORD a new song.
Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful.
O Israel, rejoice in your Maker.
O people of Jerusalem, exult in your King.
Praise his name with dancing,
accompanied by tambourine and harp" (Psalm 149:1-3, NLT).

    * When you go to church, where's your focus? What's your purpose in going?
    * The verses in Psalm 149 paint a picture of an assembly that's anything but boring. How can you actively engage in your church service? With the people around you?
    * If you find church consistently boring, what can you do outside of church that might make a difference?

My Thoughts

If you go to church and regularly find your mind wandering during the service, what are some things you can do to stay focused and involved in the service?

If you need some ideas, here are a few:

    * Find a way to serve or volunteer on Sunday mornings. Does your praise or worship team need musicians? Does your hospitality team need greeters? How about your Sunday school classes? Do they need teachers? Serving on Sundays may help you connect both with other believers and with God in a more intimate way.
    * Spend 15 or 20 minutes before church having a quiet time with God or just listening to praise songs in your car. Get your mind focused prior to church.
    * Invite friends and family members to come with you, then go out for lunch after the service. Talk about the message and the music. Think of church as something that lasts beyond the hour that you actually spend sitting in the sanctuary.

My Part

This week ask God to give you one way you can become more engaged in your Sunday morning service. Maybe it will involve interaction with other believers, or it may be that God wants you to engage more with Him before or after the service.

Additional Scripture: Psalm 27:4–6; 84:4; Psalm 150

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Sep 29, 2006
Topic: God's Care


Enough Money

How much money is enough?

There is the honesty of oil magnate John D. Rockefeller who was asked, "How much money does it take to make a man happy?" Mr. Rockefeller reportedly replied, "One dollar more."

And there is the practicality of comedian Jackie Mason who said, "I have enough money to last me the rest of my life, unless I buy something."

Does the Bible have anything to say about how much money is good for us?

What Does God Say?

While the Bible does not give us an amount in dollars and cents, it does provide some guidelines.

The first guideline is about our attitude toward money:

"Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness!" (Ecclesiastes 5:10, NLT).

The second guideline has to do with the balance of too much or too little:

"Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy name" (Proverbs 30:8-9, NLT).

The third has to do with what's inside our heart instead of inside our pocket:

"Then he [Jesus] said, 'Beware! Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own'" (Luke 12:15, NLT).

My Thoughts

Consider how you would answer these questions:

    * How important is wealth to me?
    * Am I more concerned with making a living than making a life?
    * How great is my trust in my Heavenly Father to take care of me?
    * What blessings might I miss by not living to please Jesus?

Now, read Luke 12:15-31. What does Jesus promise that God will do for His children?

My Part

Psalm 37:25 says:

"Once I was young, and now I am old.
Yet I have never seen the godly forsaken,
nor seen their children begging for bread (NLT).

Does the experience of the psalmist resonate with you?

Take a few moments to pray acknowledging God's care, provision and presence in your life.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 2, 2006
Topic: God/Jesus


The Ark of the Covenant

If I say "Ark of the Covenant" and your first thought is Indiana Jones, it's time for a little homework. Yes, the Ark of the Covenant was a special box and one of the most important symbols for God's people, the Israelites. But there's more to it than an adventure story, so let's go back to what the Bible says and set the record straight.

What Does God Say?

When the Israelites escaped from slavery in Egypt, they spent a number of years wandering in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. During this time, God gave them His law and instructed them in how to live as His holy, chosen people.

At the center of their lives was the tabernacle, a tent that served as a temple, where God would meet them and accept their sacrifices. And at the heart of the tabernacle, in an area called the Holy of Holies, was the Ark of the Covenant. Read Exodus 25:10-22 for God's instructions on building this ark; and the finished work is described in Exodus 37:1-9.

The Ark was important for several reasons. First, it's where God met with His people through the high priest. "There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel" (Exodus 25:22, ESV).

Second, it was the place of atonement where the sacrificial blood was sprinkled to cover the people's sins. Leviticus 16:15-16 describes this: "Then Aaron must slaughter the goat as a sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the inner curtain. There he will sprinkle the blood on the atonement cover and against the front of the Ark, just as he did with the bull's blood. In this way, he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place, and he will do the same for the entire Tabernacle, because of the defiling sin and rebellion of the Israelites" (NLT).

Thirdly, it represented the presence of God with His people. The tabernacle with its ark was a daily, visible reminder that God was with them. "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle" (Exodus 40:34-35, ESV).

My Thoughts

Read through Exodus 25:10-22 and Exodus 37:1-9 to see how the ark is described. Then jot down or sketch your own idea of what it might have looked like.

    * How do you think this set up helped or hindered the people in relating to God?

In the New Testament, read through Hebrews 9:1-14. It reviews what the ark and the tabernacle stood for. Then look for the changes that Jesus made ( 9:11-14).

    * Which system would you prefer to live under?

How do these changes affect your standing before God?

My Part

The Ark was a powerful symbol for God's people for centuries. Take a look at your life for a moment.

    * What reminds you of God's presence on a daily basis?
    * Do you keep something as a symbol that you're one of God's people?

While it's good to have things that remind us of God, be careful not to let them become the thing you put your trust in. Unlike Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Ark didn't contain the power of God; it only represented it. It was protected by God but not worthy of worship.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 3, 2006
Topic: God/Jesus


Access to God

When I think of the Ark of the Covenant, I can't help but think of the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. I will never forget one of the last scenes when the Ark of the Covenant was opened, and anyone who had their eyes opened was basically melted. While that was only a movie, it did make the point that the Ark of the Covenant was nothing to be taken lightly. The Ark of the Covenant represented God's presence in the Old Testament, and the presence of a holy God is a serious matter. Let's look at how the Bible views God's presence.

What Does God Say?

"David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim. And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart, with the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark...And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God " (2 Samuel 6:1-4, 6-7, ESV).

    * How was the Ark of the Covenant being transported? Compare this to the instructions found in Exodus 25:10-16.
    * What happened with Uzzah touched the Ark?
    * Considering Uzzah's motive, how would you justify God's actions?

My Thoughts

In the New Testament, you have free access to God's presence through His Son, Jesus Christ. But just because it's "free" doesn't mean it's to be taken lightly. How can you prepare yourself to come into the presence of a holy God?

My Part

Over the next few weeks, consider getting a book called The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, and let his writing provide a challenge to your walk with God.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 4, 2006
Topic: Faith/Trust


Worship the Creator

How important is faith in our life as a Christian? How essential is trusting God in our relationship with Him through Christ? The Bible reminds us that faith in God is essential.

What Does God Say?

"So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, NLT).

This faith, then, that is so important, needs to have some definition to help us grasp it.

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see" (Hebrews 11:1, NLT).

Thus, biblical faith is trust in God. This faith, this trust in God, is the foundation of life and the key to our relationship with God in Christ.

"So that's why faith is the key! God's promise is given to us as a free gift. And we are certain to receive it" (Romans 4:16, NLT).

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8, NIV).

My Thoughts

Faith in the God we cannot see is often encouraged by the things God has done for us and for others. Take a moment and make a list of the things in your life and experiences that have been helpful in your faith.

All these are evidence of the God Who is and the God Who desires that we live each day by faith in Him. Do you live in conscious awareness of God and His work in your life?

My Part

Take time to pray and thank the Lord for every way He has encouraged you to have faith in Him. Ask God to help you see Him at work in your life.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 5, 2006
Topic: Worship/Praise/Worthiness


Created to Worship

There's a popular song on Christian radio these days that boldly proclaims that everyone is made to worship. And it's true. Everyone, every man, woman and child who ever was and ever will be born, is a worshiper. But who or what is the object of their worship? That's another matter.

In the past some people worshiped the sun and the stars (some still do). Others looked past the actual objects and envisioned a "god" who controlled them and worshiped him. In today's "enlightened" era, most of us don't worship something from nature. Instead, we focus our worship into other channels like money or celebrities or our jobs. But all of these miss the point.

What Does God Say?

Take a moment to read Romans 1:16-25 and consider the following questions:

    * Who and what about God is revealed by nature?
    * What does the Bible do that nature cannot do?
    * Why is it wrong to "mis-focus" our worship?

My Thoughts

It is human instinct to want to worship something. But if we don't have the Spirit of God living inside us and working in us to draw us to the Father, we'll end up worshiping things that aren't worthy of our adoration.

My Part

While singing may be the first thing you think of when you hear the word "worship," there are many ways we can worship God. We worship Him by spending time in the Word and praying. We worship God by acting in a Christ-like manner around our friends. We worship by giving money to Him. As you think about this, ask God to reveal more ways in which you can worship Him. Then pick one to focus on this week.

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Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 6, 2006
Topic: God/Jesus


Close Encounters

All through the Old Testament, you can find ways that God revealed Himself to people. Sometimes He used objects like a rainbow or a pillar of fire; other times He used unusual acts like the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea or causing the sun to stand still. He also used symbols like the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle, or He sent angels and gave visions to prophets. But on occasion, God also got "up close and personal" with a few people.

What Does God Say?

In this study, we'll look specifically at four people who had close encounters with God. You'll need your Bible to review these longer passages.

Abraham (or Abram) was the man God chose to be the father of the nation of Israel. He developed such a close relationship with God that he's called "the friend of God." But when you read Genesis 11 and 12, God seems to just "show up" in Abraham's life. Look at their first meeting: "Then the LORD told Abram, 'Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you. I will cause you to become the father of a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and I will make you a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.' So Abram departed as the LORD had instructed him" (Genesis 12:1-4, NLT). Suddenly, there's God, talking to Abraham! Now read Genesis 15:12-18 for another important meeting between God and Abraham.

Jacob, Abraham's grandson, had a couple of close encounters with God as well. The first was a vision as he slept (Genesis 28:10-22) and the second became a wrestling match. Read Genesis 32:22-32.

Hundreds of years later, when the descendants of Israel were slaves in Egypt, God brought along a new leader to rescue them. But Moses started his career as a refugee, hiding out in the desert as a shepherd until God spoke to him through a burning bush. You'll find that encounter in Exodus 3:2-4:17. Later, Moses had the unique privilege of catching a glimpse of God's glory--about as close to a "face-to-face" meeting as you'll find in the Old Testament. Look it up in Exodus 33:18-23.

Then there's Joshua, who took over after Moses died, and who led the invasion into the Promised Land. His close encounter with God was similar to Jacob's--God in human appearance, this time as the commander of the Lord's armies. Check out Joshua 5:13-6:5.

My Thoughts

Read through these passages again with a few questions in mind:

    * What was the message God had for each man?
    * What did that person need to hear?
    * Are there any promises or commands these encounters have in common?
    * What makes each one unique?
    * How did these men respond?

My Part

Do you ever wish you could come face-to-face with God like these men did, or at least to experience a dramatic encounter? If you were in their shoes, how do you think you'd handle a meeting like this?

For these four men and others in Old Testament, God made His presence known only on occasion. Not until Jesus came did people get to know God in a personal way. And now, through the Holy Spirit, God takes up residence (indwells) in your heart and life.

    * What personal encounters have you had with God lately?
    * Through His Word?
    * Through circumstances?

Take a few minutes to thank God for His personal presence in you.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 9, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Advance by Surrender?

"Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory." You may have heard the words of this popular chorus sung in your own church. You hear people say, "Give the glory to God." Did you ever stop to wonder, How do we do that? Well, let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about that.

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...My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father" (John 15:5,8; NLT).

"And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father" (Colossians 3:17, NLT).

    * Compare the above verses to Galatians 5:22-23. What are some of the fruits that Jesus is referring to here?
    * According to these verses in John, how do we bear this fruit?
    * The phrase "glory to God" carries with it the idea of "revealing God's character." How does this fruit bring glory to the Father?

My Thoughts

One way God is also glorified is through the fruit of changed lives. As we surrender ourselves to Him, He begins to work in us in such a way that we reflect His glory (character). The first step toward glorifying God is to surrender our will to Him--to acknowledge that He is supreme over us and allow Him to work in our lives. What area of your life do you most need to surrender and let God's character shine through?

My Part

Will you trust that He has a plan and a purpose for you? Will you allow God to show you that--and bring glory to Him? If so, lift up the prayer below with a sincere heart.

Lord, I know that you have a plan for my life. I'm tired of trying my own way and seeking my own glory. Please show me the steps that You would have me take. Transform me, Lord, into the person that You have designed me to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

If you've prayed this prayer, let us know by writing info@bibleminute.org.

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