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: Jun 6, 2012
Topic: Salvation

What God Wants

What do you do about people like Pharaoh who say, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord" (Exodus 5:2, NKJV)? How do you respond when they patronize your faith saying, "Well, it's nice that you have something to believe in"?

The number of people who doubt God's existence is growing every day. Men and women of every nation are saying, "I don't believe there is a God." So, how does God respond?

Receive

The Bible is pretty blunt when it describes this type of person.

    "The fool has said in his heart,
    'There is no God'" (Psalm 14:1, NKJV).
    It's foolishness for anyone to conclude there is no God because God has made it clear He exists.

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20, NKJV). God has made Himself known in nature, and He has also revealed Himself in the Bible.

When you encounter someone who claims there is no God, you can point out these facts to that person. But keep in mind that knowing about God is not the same as a relationship with Him. Read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), and you'll discover several instances when demons rightly identified Jesus as the Son of God. (See Mark 1:22-24; Mark 3:11). They knew exactly who He was, but they certainly didn't have a personal relationship with Him.

So, how can we bring these friends into a personal relationship with the God we know? Truthfully, we can't--but God can. Salvation, entering into a relationship with God, is His gift to those who respond to His Spirit. But even though we can't make our friends and neighbors into Christians, there's still a lot we can do to help them open up to Jesus.

Reflect

Paul talked about his ministry in 1 Corinthians by saying, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase" (3:6, NKJV). His point was that it is God who saves a person, and we should therefore identify ourselves as children of God, not as children of Apollos or Paul. What does it mean to plant? To Water? What are some ways we can plant or water today?

Respond

Peter advises in his first letter, "Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV).

    Have you ever given your testimony?
    If somebody asked you today why you believe in God, what would you say?
    Don't wait for someone to ask. Take some time today to write out your testimony. Write about how you met God and how your life has been changed since.
    Ask God to bring someone across your path this week that you can share your story with.

[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: Jun 7, 2012
Topic: Evangelism

Make Him Known

What is 750,000 miles long, reaches around the earth 30 times and grows 20 miles longer each day? Answer: The line of people who are without Christ. The Bible tells us that since so many don't know Jesus, it's our job to make Him known.

Receive

John answered them saying, "I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know" (John 1:26, NASB).

John was not saying that folks did not know Jesus as a person. He was the carpenter from Galilee, his mother, four brothers and his sisters lived in Nazareth and the people there did know Him. John was saying that people did not recognize who Jesus was. And so John made sure to tell them.

The next day he [John] saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!....this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit. I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God" (John 1:29, 33-34, NASB).

Write out a brief bio of Jesus from John's description. Then write down who Jesus is in your life.

Reflect

Do you know anyone who may not know who Jesus really is? Could you, like John, make Jesus known to them? Write down a list of those people and begin to pray for the opportunity to share with them.

Go to your Bible and find Scriptures that provide a picture of Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior of the world and the only way a person can come to God. You might check these out: John 1:6-14; John 14:1-6; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:37-40; Philippians 2:5-11.

We need to make Jesus known not only by what we say, but also by what we do.

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35, NASB).

What are you doing to show love toward others?

Respond

Take time now to pray asking God to give you a deep and abiding desire to make Jesus known and to care about sharing with people who need the Lord.

Make a list of those who have helped you know Jesus and send them an e-mail or card thanking them for how God used them 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: Jun 8, 2012
Topic: Evil

Risking Hatred

Here's a possible situation and a dilemma: Let's say you move to a new town and proudly fly the banner of your favorite sports team from your new home. Very quickly, though, you find out your neighbors hate that particular team and are very vocal about it. Wanting to make friends, not enemies, you remove the banner and from then on only cheer your team from the privacy of your own home.

Now, here's the dilemma: What if, instead of a sport's team, it's Jesus in your life that attracts the hatred of your neighbors? Do you practice your faith privately, or do you risk hatred by publicly living a life of faith? What would you do?

Receive

It's an interesting question. Some people say that if neighbors or acquaintances are hostile towards you, they will never allow you to tell them about God's grace and salvation. Therefore, if we are to witness to as many as possible, we should downplay our relationship with Jesus, for now, with the hope that in the future they will be less hostile and more receptive to hearing about Jesus.

On the other hand, if your relationship with Christ isn't evident in your interactions with your neighbors, are you really witnessing at all? Isn't it kind of like rejecting one relationship to embrace another?

Let's go to the Bible to find the answer.

When Jesus taught His disciples (and us when we read His Word), He told them plainly, "You will be hated by all for my name's sake" (Matthew 10:22, ESV). Over and over again, throughout the Gospels, Jesus takes it as a given that people will hate Him--and, by extension, those who follow Him. "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18-19, ESV).

    Who was Jesus speaking to when He said these things about hatred?
    Jesus said that Christians would be hated. What reason did He give for the world's hatred toward His followers?
    What would cause the world to love you?

Did Jesus fail because people chose to hate Him instead of love Him? Of course not. And you aren't failing either when your neighbors hate you for living your Christian faith.

Reflect

As long as there is sin in the world, there will be hate in the world. Jesus explained that the world, "hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil" (John 7:7, ESV). In a sense, you and I who pursue a relationship with Christ act like lighting rods. Because the purity of Jesus exposes the sins of the world and because we seek to become Christ-like, we will attract the hatred of those who live in darkness (See John 3:20).

Respond

While we can't control the way other people will respond to us, we can control how we will respond to them. Jesus had a lot to say about how we should respond to those who hate us. Take a few moments with a concordance or an online Bible search engine and find some of those things Jesus taught. Now that you've been able to see what the Bible says about this issue, how would you advise a friend in the dilemma described above? How would you yourself act?

[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
___________________________________

Bible Study

Title: More to Know
Date: Jun 11, 2012
Topic(s): Bible Study/Theories
Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-21



An old hymn declares:

More about Jesus let me learn,
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.*

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

Receive

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

Reflect

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

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

Respond

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

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

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 12, 2012
Topic: Hope

Anything Good About Death?

You don't have to look far to find bad things about death. A mere drive by a cemetery may remind you that there is a 100 percent mortality rate just because you're human. A quick scan through a historical almanac shows you that even the greatest, richest and most beautiful will breathe a final breath. Mention of the Twin Towers or a roadside bomb in Iraq can fill you with sobering thoughts of the fearsome side of death. Somehow, death goes against the very fiber of your being.

So, is there anything good about death? How does God want us to view this inevitable attack?

Receive

To look intelligently at death's good side requires you to believe what the Bible says about death, and that you know the Savior who died to free you from its grasp. Death, for an unbeliever, may free him or her from the pain of the moment--but it leads only to an eternity of further suffering, loss and remorse.

Jesus never skirted the subject of death or its consequences, and He made some personal promises that are backed up by His deity.

In John 11:25-26 (ESV) you can read: "Jesus said to her, '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?'"

Reflect

Wouldn't you like to know some of the "good side of death"? Here are some Bible references. Find each of them and look for the corresponding promise below in the bulleted statements. (They are not in the same order.)

Luke 20:36
Romans 6:5
1 Corinthians 15:26
1 Corinthians 15:54-55
Philippians 1:21
Revelation 2:11
Revelation 21:4
Revelation 20:6
Psalm 73:24
Psalm 116:8-9
Psalm 116:15
Romans 8:38-39
Philippians 3:20-21
2 Corinthians 5:8

When you, as a Christian, die:

    You cannot die again and will be resurrected.
    Your death will bring gain.
    You will not be hurt by the second death.
    You will be imperishable, immortal and victorious.
    You will be united with Jesus in a resurrection like His.
    Your tears will be wiped away and there will be no mourning or crying or pain anymore.
    You will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
    Your death will be precious in God's sight.
    You will be at home with the Lord.
    You will have seen the last enemy, death, destroyed.
    You will share in the first resurrection.
    Nothing whatever can separate you from the love of God including death.
    Your body will be transformed into a body like His glorious body.
    God will receive you to glory.

Respond

Prepare for your next Bible Minute lesson by reading all of John 11. Write down the things you learn about death from that chapter. If you're a believer, thank the Lord for the sure promises He has given you. If you have not yet trusted Christ and wonder how to know Him, go to the "Meet Jesus" page, and ask the Lord to show you how to be a partaker in the good side of death.

[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: Jun 13, 2012
Topic: Bible Study/Theories

Praying for Difficult People - 1

Any difficult people in your life? Ever pray for them? Not a "give-them-'what-for'" type of prayer because of the way they've treated you but a real prayer. The Bible teaches we ought to do that.

Receive

Jesus says it like this: "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you" (Luke 6:27-28 NLT).

Not only did Jesus tell us He expects us to pray for difficult people, He lived it.

"When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on his right and one on his left.

"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.' And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice" (Luke 23:33-34 NLT).

And His followers have tried to do the same. The Bible records that first Stephen followed the example of Christ:

"As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' He fell to his knees, shouting, 'Lord, don't charge them with this sin!' And with that, he died" (Acts 7:59-60 NLT).

And then much later, Paul followed the same course: Paul wrote: "The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them" (2 Timothy 4:16, NLT).

How is it possible to react like that when someone is trying to hurt you? It's impossible for us in our own strength but it is possible with the Lord's help. It begins with having an attitude that acknowledges there will be difficult people in our lives, and we will sometimes bear the brunt of their words and actions. But the Bible teaches we are not to return evil for evil or try to get even. Instead, we are to pray for them and bless them. Here is our attitude:

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it" (1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV).

Reflect

Relationships are our greatest joys and our greatest sorrows. The poet wrote that "No man is an island." Our lives intersect and connect. Sometimes we experience hurt and disappointment and frustration with others.

Describe an experience in your life when this has been true?

How have you responded?

In light of the above Scriptures, how do you think Jesus wants us to respond?

Are you at a place spiritually where you can genuinely and sincerely pray for the difficult people in your life?

If so, thank the Lord for His work of grace in your life. Ask for His help in continuing to do that. If not, is it because you honestly do not want to? Why not ask the Lord to give you a desire to pray for your difficult people? And when He does, then ask for His strength to go ahead and truly pray for them.

Remember, Paul tells us that God will help us to want to do the right thing as well as help us live it.

"For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13, NLT).

Respond

Take time now to thank the Lord for what He has revealed to you of His Word and His will. Pray, asking the Lord to bring to mind two people from your past or present that at the very least have been difficult. Read again the above Scriptures. You'll know, then, what to do next.

[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: Jun 14, 2012
Topic:

Prayer or Complaint?

I had just committed a flagrant violation of sibling etiquette, caused, of course, by my younger sister--I had pushed her and she pushed me back! In response to my protests, my mom's only response was: "Nobody likes a tattle-tale!"

I wonder what my mom would have said if I had presented my situation in more "prayerful" tones. "Dearest mother, I am concerned for my younger sister, who despite my best efforts, remains ignorant of the respect she owes her older brother. Would you please help her not be so violent toward me in the future and let her recognize the value of sharing the cookies she made and not be so selfish." I have no doubt my mom would have responded the exact same way.

Receive

Have you ever mouthed a similar prayer to God? Maybe not about a sibling but someone who was annoying you or causing trouble in some way. We pray to God for them, thinking we're doing them a service. But all we're really doing is complaining.

Miriam and Aaron had a similar complaint about their brother Moses. Moses had married an Ethiopian woman and his siblings didn't approve. The story is recorded in Numbers 12:1-15.

Now, Miriam and Aaron didn't specifically lift this complaint up to God in prayer, but that doesn't mean God didn't hear their grumbling. We must never think God only hears us when we preface our statements with the words, "Dear God." He knows our thoughts and feelings.

God responded directly to Miriam and Aaron. "If there is a prophet among you,

I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision....

Not so my servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house" (Number 12:6-7, NKJV).

Sometimes our prayers reveal more about our hearts than they do about the people we are praying for. So, the first step in bringing any request before God, concerning another person, is to ask God to reveal any attitudes in our own lives that need to be addressed first.

Reflect

As you read through Numbers 12:1-15 think about the following questions:

What truth about Moses did Miriam and Aaron miss because of their complaints?

How could Miriam and Aaron have handled this situation better?

Was Miriam's punishment excessive? Why or why not?

Respond

Mark 11:25 says, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" (NKJV). Pride is one of the biggest obstacles to our prayers. Pride that keeps us from forgiving a friend will also keep our prayers from reaching heaven. Before you pray today, ask God to show you if your prayers for others are just complaints. Ask God for the wisdom and humility to address your incorrect motivation if they are. Pray that your relationship with both God and your friend will be strengthened.

[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: Jun 15, 2012
Topic: Bible Study/Theories

Who, Me? Pray for Them?

Do you ever avoid praying for someone because they have done something to hurt or anger you? Do you pass over some people in your prayers because they are making life difficult for you? Do you steer clear of praying for a contentious spouse, a rebellious child, a mean boss or a corrupt politician?

Well, the Lord isn't silent about circumstances like these. Get your out Bible and look at what it says about praying for difficult people.

Receive

Jesus gave a simple, clear command recorded in Luke 6:28 (NLT). He said: "Pray for those who hurt you."

Jesus Himself set the example of the proper attitude toward those who accuse us, malign our character and even persecute, torture or kill us. Just before dying on the cross He prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34, NASB).

Reflect

Does the Bible mention anyone besides Jesus who has actually prayed like that? Yes, it does. Read about the following three incidents in the Bible and respond to the questions.

    Numbers 12:1-16
        What two people made life difficult for their brother? (vv. 1-2)
        What was God's reaction? (vv. 9-10)
        What did Moses do? (v. 13)
        How did God respond? (vv. 14-15)

    Job 42:7-10 (This is the last chapter of Job, after Job's neighbors had spoken harshly against him and made several accusations about his "spiritual shortcomings")
        What did God think of the neighbors' bad-mouthing? (v. 7)
        How did the three men react? (vv. 8-9)
        What did Job do for the three? (vs. 10)

    Acts 7:59-60, Acts 8:1 and Acts 9:1-17 (After Stephen, the first Christian martyr, gave a powerful testimony for Christ: he was taken outside the city of Jerusalem and stoned to death.)
        What did Stephen pray? (Acts 7:60)
        What young man was there? (Acts 7:59; 8:1)
        What was the outcome in the life of the young man who witnessed this murder? (Acts 9:1-17)

Respond

Jerod, who had had some trouble one day with Abby, his little sister, offered his usual bedtime prayer, "God bless Dad and Mom and Abby, for Jesus' sake. Amen." He arose, but soon got on his knees again, and said, "Lord, never mind Abby. Amen."

Maybe you feel like Jerod sometimes. There are people you'd like to leave out of your prayers. But take a moment to read what the Lord says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, (ESV):

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Think of those people you don't feel much like praying for. Stop now, consider their needs and remember them in prayer. They need God's work of mercy and grace in their lives too.

[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: Jun 18, 2012
Topic: Prayer, Christian Living/Situational

A Different Approach to Revenge

Most of the really good action movies begin with a character or characters who are plotting revenge. They want to get back at someone who's injured them. Many comedies, too, depict people who humorously try to extract payment from those who have hurt them. But, unfortunately, it's not just Hollywood who's bought into the idea that we need to seek revenge. Many times we as Christians harbor feelings of resentment and anger toward those who have hurt us. Today we're going to see what the Bible has to say about responding to those who've been unkind to us.

Receive

"When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they don' know what they are doing.' And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice" (Luke 23:33-34, NLT).

"'But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you'" (Luke 6:27-28, NLT).

Who did Jesus ask God to forgive?
Who are we called to love?
How are we to respond when people hurt us?
What do we do about people who hate us?

Reflect

We have a tendency to try and play God. Have you ever prayed and told God how He should deal with a person who has hurt you? The scary part is, if we pray that someone else will get what they deserve, it means God has to give us what we deserve as well. When the Bible tells us to pray for the very people who have hurt us, it's not to inflict more pain on us. Prayer is not about our hurt, it's about the needs of other people. Consider these questions:

    Is there someone whom I have not forgiven?
    Am I praying for that person?
    If so, am I praying for revenge or am I praying that God will have mercy on them?

Respond

It's no surprise that it's hard to pray for good things to happen to those who've hurt us. But you will never be closer to God than when you're praying for them--and not asking for revenge. Remember that justice comes from God and not us. If you aren't ready for them to get the very best that God has for them, then you're not ready to pray for them.

Take some time today to think about the people who have hurt you. Pray that God will allow you to forgive them. If you're ready, start praying for them every day. Pray that God will be gracious, forgiving and merciful to them. Not only will it help you deal with your feelings of anger, but you will become closer to God.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 19, 2012
Topic: Bible Study/Theories

Dealing with Discouragement

Perhaps you have been there. Maybe right now you're so far down you have to look up to see the bottom. Maybe you're feeling like a failure. I was reading recently about a young lawyer who became very discouraged. He had reached a point in his life where his friends thought it best to keep all knives and other sharp objects away from him for fear of a suicide attempt. In fact, during this time he wrote in his diary, "I am now the most miserable man living." Who was the young lawyer who wrote these feelings of utter hopelessness? His name was Abraham Lincoln.

That's not the way God wants us to live--so let's see what the Bible says we can do about discouragement.

Receive

Hopelessness and its cousin, discouragement, are tools Satan uses whenever and wherever he can to attack your faith. The writer of Psalm 42:5 (ESV) experienced discouragement and cried out:
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?"

Have you felt that way at times?

The Bible has some reassurances for God's people who are struggling with feelings of hopelessness and despair. The same psalmist in the same verse recognized God's faithfulness and went on to say,

"Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God."

Think over these encouraging words that Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth: "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" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, ESV).

Reflect

Paul is saying that no matter what happens to you in this life, as a believer you must keep your eyes on the eternal prize God has laid up for you. When hopeless feelings come, recognize that the setback is temporal and focus on the joy that is set before you.

Look up the following scriptures and write down all the lessons you can find about discouragement or encouragement and hope or hopelessness. What do you find about overcoming those feelings?

    Deuteronomy 31:7-8
    Joshua 1:6-9
    Isaiah 41:10
    1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
    Titus 2:11-13

Respond

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

Next time you feel discouragement about a difficult situation, what steps do you think you might take to overcome it? What does God reveal in the verses you have looked at today that may help when things aren't going your way? What does "walking by faith and not by sight" mean to you?

[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: Jun 20, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Time to be Quiet

It sounds crazy! Impossible! The idea of waiting before God and especially waiting in silence doesn't seem to fit with our noisy, busy world. We can't even wait at a stoplight or for our order at a drive-thru without making noise about it. But waiting quietly is an important part of connecting with God and listening to Him.

Receive

King David put it like this in Psalm 62:

    "For God alone my soul waits in silence;
    from him comes my salvation.
    He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken (Psalm 62:1-2, ESV).

Waiting means...waiting. The dictionary refers to "delaying action for a specified time or until some event occurs; to be expectant or on the watch." Waiting on God means stopping long enough for Him to speak, expecting Him to respond, being alert to His work. And you can't do that very well if you're rushing about, filling every moment with noise and activity.

David also talks about waiting silently or in stillness in verse 5 of this same psalm:

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him" (ESV).

Silent waiting means you're not doing all the talking--in fact, you're not doing any of the talking. You're ready, eager and confident that you'll hear from Him.

If you're willing to slow down, be quiet and wait, you might hear great things from God. David mentions:

"Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work" (Psalm 62:11-12, ESV).

Tapping into God's power and steadfast love, putting your confidence in Him as your rock and salvation--those things make the quiet waiting worthwhile.

Reflect

Psalm 62 isn't the only place that talks about waiting on God. Take a look at these passages.

Psalm 27:13-14
Psalm 33:20-21
Psalm 37:7
Psalm 130:5-6

    What can you do while waiting?
    What is not part of waiting silently?
    What do you gain from time spent listening to God?
    What do you learn about God in these waiting times?

Respond

You can't "wait" in a hurry; you'll need more than 30 seconds on your way out the door in the morning. So, plan it into your time with God once or twice a week.

Historically, some Christian orders or communities would practice the discipline of silence, setting aside a period of time when talking was not allowed so a person could devote that time to prayer and listening to God. You also may want to set aside a quarter hour or so when you turn off all the other noise in your life, put your own voice on hold and be quiet before God. Keep your Bible handy because that's His Word to you.

[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: Jun 21, 2012
Topic: God

Finding a Constant in the Midst of Chaos

There was a popular commercial a few years ago showing a guy going into an electronic store and buying a computer. The store associate promised him that it was the latest and newest computer on the market. It held more information, ran faster and outlasted all other computers. On his way home, the proud new owner drove by some men changing a billboard. To his dismay, in the ten minutes since he had purchased his computer they were already advertising an even newer and more updated model! Isn't that how most of life seems? Things are constantly changing, and we just can't keep up. But in the midst of our chaotic world, there is one person we can learn to lean on no matter what.

Receive

"I...wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken" (Psalm 62:5-7, NLT).

"Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again--
my Savior and my God" (Psalm 42:5-6, NLT).

"I know the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me" (Psalm 16:8, NLT).

"I am the LORD, and I do not change" (Malachi 3:6, NLT).

What is the one thing that doesn't change in life?

What should we do when we're discouraged?

What images in these verses describe God?

Reflect

No matter how much we resist, things in life are going to change. We're going to grow older, people are going to let us down, our kids will leave home. But as Christians, we have confidence that God will never change. He doesn't need to change because He is already perfect. Because God never changes, He'll always remain faithful to us. We never have to worry that His character and His goodness will change. Consider these questions:

When life gets hard, do I try to hang on by myself or do I turn to God, my rock?
How has God proved faithful to me in the past?

Respond

God does His part. He remains faithful to us and is the rock we can hang onto when we're in the middle of a rapidly changing world. Hopefully you have begun to think about the ways that God has proved faithful to you in the past. Take it a step further and share that with others. Maybe there is someone in your life that needs to hear it. Send them a card or an email telling them how God has been faithful and unchanging in your life.

Also, take some time today to thank God for being the rock and the fortress 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: Jun 22, 2012
Topic: Holiness

Firm Foundation

On the day that a fortress' wall falls to an invading army, no one praises the wall for its many decades of solid support and protection. Anyone who cares will instead ask, "What made it collapse today?"

Wouldn't it be a shame to walk with God in faith all the days of your life and come down to the last years only to have the walls of your faith crumble because you don't have answers to the issues that face you?

I wonder if that was David's concern as he wrote Psalm 16.

Receive

David starts out Psalm 16 by reminding himself about where his strength really comes from.

"Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.
O my soul, you have said to the LORD,
'You are my Lord,
My goodness is nothing apart from You.'
As for the saints who are on the earth,
'They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight'" (Psalm 16:1-3, NKJV).

The strength of a wall, like the strength of a life, is only as good as its foundation. And for David, his foundation was the Lord. He put his trust in God--it was God who gave his life meaning.

David describes the fate of those who don't put their trust in the Lord in the next verse.

"Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god" (16:4, NKJV).

He then goes on to reaffirm his commitment to God.

"O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance" (16:5, NKJV).

David follows this up by telling us the way to remain steadfast, the way to remain strong in our faith even into our last days.

"I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved" (16:7-8, NKJV).

What a confident declaration! "I shall not be moved!" This statement gives David (and us) hope. "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices" (16:9, NKJV).

The secret to remaining strong in the faith even in the last seasons of life is to hold close that which made you strong in the first place: a commitment to a personal relationship with God. We'll look into this more in the next section.

Reflect

As you read Psalm 16, think about the following questions:

What benefits does David draw from his relationship with God?

How is verse 10 also a reference to Jesus Christ?

Where can you find true joy?

Respond

Write down Psalm 16:8,

"I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved."

Place this verse somewhere where it will be visible every day. Let it remind you as you go about your day to place God before you in everything you do. Pray that God will continue to strengthen your faith day-by-day and that nothing will move you.

[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: Jun 25, 2012
Topic: Faith/Trust

Living in Confidence

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

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

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

Receive

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflect

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

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

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

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

Respond

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

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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: Jun 26, 2012
Topic: Faith/Trust

Trust At All Times

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

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

Receive

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflect

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

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

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

Respond

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