Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 10, 2006
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Reflect God's Glory

The concept of God's glory is something about which most Christians have only a small inkling. But God's glory is associated with His character. What is most glorious about God? It's not what He has done but who He is. While we may not comprehend all that the "glory of God" entails, as believers we can seek to reflect His glory (character) in our lives as much as we can. How do we do that? Let's see what the Bible has to say.

What Does God Say?

"God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you. Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:10-11, NLT).

"To reflect" means that we should live in such a way that God's generosity can be seen through you. Then we are to use the gifts (abilities, opportunities, time) that God gives us by doing our best and being faithful. That will bring God glory through Jesus.

My Thoughts

Where does the strength and energy come from that enables us to live every day for Jesus? Peter tells us that God supplies it. Are you able to live day by day in a way that reflects God's character? If not, could part of the problem be that you are depending on your own strength?

How important is it to you that your life reflects the character of God? How would that benefit the people around you?

My Part

Take a few minutes now to evaluate your walk with the Lord. Identify the spiritual gifts that God has given you. How can you use those gifts to bring glory to God by reflecting His character?

Pray and ask God to enable you to show others what He is like through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 11, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Being Watched

Do you know what the paparazzi are? Even if you're not sure what the word means, you're probably acquainted with their work. These are the people who will stop at almost nothing to take pictures of celebrities. As a celebrity's star rises, so does the number of people hounding him or her. More than one of these stars have expressed frustration at having no private life.

While the average Christian doesn't have people with cameras following them, we are always being watched--often closer than you might imagine. More than one Christian has had their credibility ruined because someone noticed a single lapse of judgment. Unfair? Maybe, but it's also an opportunity.

What Does God Say?

In Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians, he tells them that he's praying for them. Specifically, he is praying that "our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, NKJV).

Notice the phrase "the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you." Paul is praying that the believers in Thessalonica would live a life that honors the name of Christ. A life reflecting the character of Christ.

We do this by following the advice of Isaiah. "LORD, we love to obey your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify your name" (Isaiah 26:8, NLT).

My Thoughts

    * What does it mean to walk in the way of God's laws?
    * Have you ever had to decide between doing something for yourself and doing something for God?
    * Why is it important to choose God's way?
    * What one area of your life can you specifically apply this to this week?
    * Is there anyone who can pray for you like Paul did and hold you accountable?
    * Is there someone you can pray for and help in this?

My Part

As Christians, we're all in this together. While it may be unfair that people will base their ideas of God on our lives, that's just the way it is. Take some time this week to pray for a Christian friend. Pray that they would live in such a way that the character of Christ would be reflected to those who are watching.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 12, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Major Osipovich, an Air Force pilot for the former USSR, planned to give a talk at his children's school about peace. Since he would need time off during the day to give his talk, he volunteered for night duty. And that's how Major Osipovich found himself patrolling the skies over the eastern regions of the Soviet Union on September 1, 1983, the night Korean Air Lines Flight KE007 strayed into Soviet air space.

Soon, the Soviet pilot was caught in a series of blunders and misinformation. In the end, Major Osipovich followed orders and shot down the unidentified aircraft. The actions of an air force major preparing to talk about peace plunged 240 passengers to their deaths and sparked an international incident that pushed world powers to a stand-off.

Our talk is important. But our actions carry far more weight. Let's see what the Bible has to say about this.

What Does God Say?

"Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, 'Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well'--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? " (James 2:14-16, NLT).

    * Who is James speaking to in these verses?
    * What does he say is demonstrated by our actions?
    * To whom should we show this compassion?

My Thoughts

Someone once said, "We are saved by faith alone, but saving faith is never alone." List the ways you have demonstrated your faith this past week. If your list is empty, see below.

My Part

Take a moment to think of some times lately that you've said, "Man, somebody should really…" or "I think someday I'm going to..." Now act on those. Ask God where He would like to use you today and demonstrate your faith by following Him.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 13, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Building Compassion

What is compassion? It's having a deep concern for people who are suffering or needy in some way. That means nearly everyone at some point needs compassion. You can probably think of a few people in your life right now who could use a little loving concern. Or maybe you're the one carrying a load alone and needing a special touch today. Oftentimes what you give comes back to you--so, let's take a closer look at becoming compassionate people.

What Does God Say?

Where does compassion come from? Well, first of all, it comes from God. It's part of His character. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3, ESV). As the "Father of mercies" and the "God of all comfort," this deep concern just flows out of Him.

However, He requires that compassion also characterize those who are His children. Ephesians 4:32 tells us as believers to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" ( ESV). And Colossians 3:12-13 lists compassion among the spiritual clothing we're to wear: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive" (ESV).

Compassion often goes hand in hand with justice: caring for people and seeing that the right thing is done. "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, ESV).

Now, compassion doesn't mean you have to "fix" every thing. Sometimes we fail to show compassion because we're so overwhelmed by the enormous need that we feel helpless and think we can't do anything about it. But that's not what God asks of us.

He asks that you care for the person, that you walk alongside, offer rest or comfort, restore peace or dignity or value. Like Galatians 6:2 says, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (ESV). Put your shoulder under their load so they don't carry it alone. Even Jesus, who had compassion on the many hurting, needy and even dying people around Him, didn't fix every problem they had.

My Thoughts

Jesus had a heart that saw the needs of people--every kind of need. Read Matthew 9:36 and Mark 6:34.

    * What moved Jesus to compassion?
    * What did He do about it?
    * Do you notice people with needs like Jesus did?

Zechariah 7:9-10 has instruction on showing kindness (compassion) and mercy. Describe the different people listed there who may need your compassion.

    * Do you have people in your life who fit those descriptions?
    * What sort of needs do you think they may have? (physical, social, emotional, spiritual).
    * What are you doing to show them compassion?

My Part

Some of us are more attuned to people and their needs so showing compassion comes more naturally. For others, it's a major challenge. But the only way to become a more compassionate person is through practice. Take a few minutes to think through what you could do to show compassion to someone.

    * Do you know someone with a particular need? Remember, it may not be physical (like illness) but any number of things.
    * What has been your response so far?
    * What do you think they need? A comforter, a teacher or guide, an encourager, a burden-bearer?
    * What can you do to "shoulder the burden" or come alongside to help with their need?
    * What's stopping you?
    * What will be your next step in offering them compassion?

Now commit your ideas to God, asking Him to equip you and show you how you can exercise compassion. And then...just do it!

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 16, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Whose Name Do You Bear?

On one of his campaigns, Alexander the Great received a message that one of his soldiers had been continually and seriously misbehaving. This was shedding a bad light on the character of all the Greek troops. And what made it even worse was that this soldier's name was also Alexander. When the commander learned this, he sent word that he wanted to talk to the errant soldier in person. When the young man arrived at the tent of Alexander the Great, the commander asked him, "What is your name?"

The reply came back, "Alexander, sir."

The commander looked him straight in the eye and said forcefully, "Soldier, either change your behavior or change your name."

If you bear the name of Christ, how do you live? Do others see Christ in you? Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say.

What Does God Say?

"Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NLT).

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT).

"Jesus replied, 'All those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them'" (John 14:23, NLT).

    * What do these verses have to say about motivation for living a holy life?
    * How does the apostle Paul describe the spirit God has given us?
    * How does Jesus say we demonstrate our love?

My Thoughts

While the previous story may seem extreme, it gives us good cause to stop and think. If we go around calling ourselves Christians, we are claiming the name of Christ. That means that people should be able to look at us and see a reflection of the character of Christ. Does that mean that we must perfect ourselves first? Absolutely not! But what it does mean is that we should continually strive to live and love like Jesus.

My Part

Pray the words of King David from Psalm 139:

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life" (vv. 23-24, NLT).

Ask for God's leadership and boldly step out following it. He will mold you into the person He wants you to be. You will be blessed by it.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 17, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Light in Dark Places

In The Lord of the Rings, the Elf Queen, Galadriel, gives Frodo, the hobbit, a special gift that it may "be a light to you in dark places." God does that too. Only instead of giving us a magic gift, He gives us a new mission. He wants us to be the "light in dark places." We live in a dark world which desperately needs God's light.

What Does God Say?

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us "You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" (NLT).

And Philippians 2:15 tells us we're to be "blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (ESV). Being light means being pure and holy, innocent and blameless, living to do good deeds and reflecting the character of God.

To be light, your life needs to change. "So don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light" (Romans 13:12, NLT). One of the keys to living as light is to take off those dirty old clothes and put on something new. Let's take a look.

My Thoughts

Read through Ephesians 4:17-5:16 and break it down into two columns. In one, list the things we're to take off or get rid of, the works of the ungodly or works of darkness. In the other column, jot down the things we're to do, that characterize the godly or reflect living in the light.

Review your two lists and pick several you think reflect your life: where you've been in the past and what you see God doing in you now to make you "light." Be specific about situations, habits, choices, actions or attitudes.

My Part

As you look over this list, ask yourself a few questions:

    * Where have I grown or become more like the "light" God wants me to be?
    * What is one thing I want God to change in me so my light shines more brightly?
    * Is there a situation where I need to "let my light shine" and not hide it away? (A relationship, conduct at work or school, values in family, etc.)
    * What are two to three steps I can take today to be a light in that situation?

Take a few moments to bring your questions and answers before God, asking Him to show you more of how He wants you to be His "light in the dark places."

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 18, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Secret of Bearing Fruit

One of the funniest commercials I've seen is about a man and his dog and a secret recipe for baked beans. While the man tries every way possible to keep the recipe secret, the commercial shows the dog undermining his efforts by giving the recipe to everyone he can.

For many people, the key to being a fruitful Christian seems to elude them. It's as though God is withholding the secret. But the Bible makes it very clear what this "secret" is. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-6, NLT).

    * Jesus uses the analogy of a vine and branches. What do each of these represent?
    * What can we do apart from Jesus? Explain what this means.
    * What is the key to fruitfulness?

My Thoughts

Draw a picture of a vine and a branch. Fill the branch to the degree that it represents the fruitfulness in your life. How much fruit is on your branch?

What might be some things keeping you from the intimacy necessary to produce fruit? What will you do about it?

My Part

Use a concordance and look up the word "fruit" in the New Testament. Study the context of each instance and make a list of the different fruits that you find.

Additional Scripture: John 15:8, Psalm 1:1-3

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 19, 2006
Topic: Sin/Temptation


Run with a Purpose

The Book of Job was possibly the first book of the Bible to be written, as it appears to take place in the days of Abraham and his sons. This would be long before Moses wrote the opening books of the Bible (Genesis-Deuteronomy). This also places it as one of the oldest written texts in the entire world.

And within this most ancient of books we find Job saying, "I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust upon a young woman" (Job 31:1, NLT). While we may think that sexual temptations are only a problem today with modern advertising, it's been an issue for every generation.

What Does God Say?

There's only ever been one effective technique against temptation: a swift retreat. Joseph tried for a while to reason with Potiphar's wife when she pressured him. "How could I ever do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God" (Genesis 39:9, NLT). But when she wouldn't take no for an answer, Joseph did the only thing he could--he ran. (See Genesis 39:12.)

Paul echoed this advice to Timothy when he wrote, "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust" (2 Timothy 2:22, NLT). But Paul elaborates on this. We're not just to run away from temptation, we're supposed to run toward something else.

"Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts" (2 Timothy 2:22, NLT). Don't just run away; run away with a purpose. Run to the fellowship of other believers who will encourage you in your faith.

My Thoughts

    * Sexual temptations are not the only temptations that we face. What are some of the others?
    * Are you part of a body of believers who can support and encourage you? Your local church is a great place to start.

My Part

Take some time now to plan your escape route for the next time you're tempted. Are there friends you can call, places you can go, even a good Christian book you can read? Resolve right now to use your escape plan the next time you're tempted. Consider also how you can encourage fellow believers when they feel tempted.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 20, 2006
Topic: Faith/Trust


Finding Hope in Troubled Times

Where do you find lasting hope? Probably not in the newspaper, self-help books, even the positive words of friends. Those things might give you something to think about or perk you up for a few minutes…but that's not real hope. We see hope as a tenuous, fragile thing because we view it as a wish, a desire, something we want to happen...but we're rarely certain.

What Does God Say?

God offers you something more substantial. Hope is a certainty in the present and a firm expectation for the future rooted in God's faithfulness and trustworthiness. It doesn't depend on our desires or wishes or even circumstances. It comes directly from Him: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13, ESV).

He is the God of hope; it all comes from Him. And He gives it to us so that we may abound or overflow in hope. We're not left to worry and wish and struggle in troubled times. Instead, you can be confident in God who is eminently trustworthy.

But we have a choice. There are many things we put our hope in but they fall short. The only "sure thing" is God. Take a look at Psalm 33:16-22:

"The king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a false hope for salvation,
and by its great might it cannot rescue.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
that he may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you" (ESV).

What do you gain when you look to God for your hope? Well, you have a reason to praise (Psalm 71:14); you can rejoice even when things aren't going well (Romans 12:12); you'll find your strength renewed (Isaiah 40:31) and you'll have stability, confidence and an "anchor for your soul" (Hebrews 6:17-19).

My Thoughts

Over and over, the Bible links "hope" with "trust." You'll find your hope when and as you put your trust in God. When you tie your hope to other things, it's guaranteed to fail and disappoint.

Review Psalm 33:16-22 with these questions.

    * The psalmist lists several things he could put his trust in. What are the parallels in today's world?
    * Why are these things limited in their ability to deliver hope?
    * What are you putting your trust in?
    * How have these things failed or disappointed you?
    * What's keeping you from trusting God for your hope?
    * In this passage, what are the benefits found when God is our hope?

My Part

There are a multitude of things that make us feel or believe that our situation or the problems we face are hopeless. But what we feel or believe doesn't change the character or work of God. He remains the same: loving, powerful, compassionate, trustworthy, faithful, unfailing. He just asks you to trust Him with the hopelessness you feel.

Take a few moments to bring those troubles to God in prayer and ask Him to show you the hope He offers. Maybe you need to put your trust in Him, not in other things. The great part is that He'll help.

Go back and commit Romans 15:13 to memory, so you'll always know where your hope is found. Or memorize one of the other verses that tell you what you have when you hope in God.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 23, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Gifts Galore

Some years back we were getting ready to take down our Christmas tree. It had been a wonderful season of celebrating the Lord's birth with fun, food and, of course, gift giving. But as we took off the cloth that covered the base of the tree, we made a surprising discovery. One of the presents had slipped under the tree skirt and never gotten opened.

When we surrender our lives to Christ and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us, the Spirit gives each of us one or more gifts. Unfortunately some Christians never open the gift given them. It like the present under the tree skirt--unwrapped and unused. Let's see what God's Word says about that.

What Does God Say?

"God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly" (Romans 12:6-8, NLT).

    * According to these verses, what is the basis for God's gifts?
    * How are we to respond to the opportunities to use our gifts?
    * List some of the gifts mentioned above.

My Thoughts

Although this passage in Romans 12:6-8 is not meant to be exhaustive, it does point out what our attitude should be toward God's gifts. How enthused are you about using your spiritual gift? What is preventing you from exercising your gift more freely?

My Part

Some Christians don't know what their spiritual gift is. If you aren't sure about your spiritual gift, ask your pastor for a spiritual gift inventory (or look one up on the Internet). You might also ask other Christians who know you well what they feel your gift might be.

Additional Scripture: Ephesians 4:11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-12, 28

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 24, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Giving to Glorify

Giving and loving for the Christian are not separate. Giving is always the result of loving. We are most like God when we give. The best-known verse in the Bible (see below) reminds us of God's great love expressed through giving what was precious.

What Does God Say?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NLT).

God so loved that He gave. When we love God with all our heart, we express that love by giving to others. For Christ-followers, generosity is always the overflow of gratitude. It is the response of gratefulness for what God has done, is doing, and will do for us because He loves us.

God not only wants us to love and give as He does, but He wants to provide for us the means so we can be godly and generous people. Did you realize that one of the reasons God provides for us financially and materially is so we can be generous to others?

"God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others" (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, NLT).

Is that not one of the most wonderful purposes of God?! God is loving and generous to us, giving us what we need and more so we can be loving and generous to others with a cheerful spirit!

My Thoughts

What implications does this have for your possessions? For your paycheck? For your time and talents?

God has given to you more than you need so you are enabled to give to others. Let's read a bit further in this passage to make sure we have understood this truth accurately.

"For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts" (2 Corinthians 9:10-13, NLT).

My Part

Do you want to glorify God? You can--one of the ways is through giving generously and cheerfully to others. Take time now to look at what you possess. Remember to be generous. It?s not the size of your bank account that counts, it's the depth of your love and the size of your heart. Ask God to help you become a godly giver that glorifies Him with all you have that He has provided.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 25, 2006
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Sober Thinking

When you hear the word "sober," what's the first thing that comes to mind? Probably something along the lines of "the opposite of drunk." But that's not the only definition. Let's look at how Paul uses this word in his letter to the Romans.

What Does God Say?

Romans itself is one of the most loved books of the Bible, and Romans 12 among the most important chapters. It begins with the word "therefore" and is a turning point in Paul's argument for the Christian faith. Having established the facts, Paul turns the corner to application--how all these facts should play out in our lives.

In Romans 12:3, Paul writes, "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith" (NKJV).

There's that word again. It's clear from the context of the verse that Paul is not talking about drinking at all. So, what does it mean to "think soberly"? Paul describes this earlier in the verse: "not to think of himself [or herself] more highly than he out to think."

In other words, to think with sound judgment. From this we can see how the word "sober" got associated with alcohol because we know that a drunk person does not demonstrate good judgment.

In these verses, Paul wants us to exercise sound judgment about our role within the body of Christ--i.e. in the church.

My Thoughts

As you consider your position in the Body of Christ, think about the following questions:

    * Do you ever feel like you are useless as a Christian?
    * Do you ever feel like you would be more effective if you had different skills?
    * Do you ever feel like you're pouring yourself out for the ministry and getting nothing for it?

My Part

Sober thinking of ourselves often involves a lot of humility. It means honestly evaluating yourself and your abilities and then allowing God to use those in the local church. Sometimes this means giving up a ministry that, while you love it, you don't have the skill for. It could also mean stepping up into a position that you've been scared to take. If it's something God has called you to do, then find a way to do it. Take some time this week and ask God to show you where He's calling you to serve locally, how He has equipped you and what opportunities there are? Also ask for the humility to recognize the areas where you might not be as qualified as you think you are.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 26, 2006
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Sacrificed Life

There's a story about a young boy who said, "Did you hear? Jeremy just finished college and for a graduation present, his brother gave him a car. Can you beat that? A brand-new car!!"

And then he said wistfully, "I wish..."

Maybe you're thinking (as I was) that he wishes he had a brother like that.

But his longing was oh, so different. Instead, he said, "I wish I could be a brother like that."

And that, the Bible says, is the essence of the sacrificial life.

What Does God Say?

We don't go to church to get a blessing; we go to church to be a blessing. As strange as it may seem, I've prayed at times when people have said, "Lord, help me to get a blessing as I go to church today," I'd say, "Oh, Lord, don't do that. Please don't do that."

We're to go to church to be a blessing. It's what we have to give to others in the church. We need to be in the kind of church environment where we have the opportunity to give. That kind of living and giving--the sacrificial life--is motivated by God's great mercy to all of us.

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?" (Romans 12:1, NLT).

To think in the context of being a blessing means living and going to church with a spirit of humility--not a "me" attitude but a "you" attitude. The sacrificial life is lived in context with other people. Especially in the church family, no man is an island to himself.

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you" (Romans 12:3, NIV).

The church does not function well when we all live for ourselves. Unfortunately, there are many Christians who constantly go to church and their whole purpose is so they can feed themselves. It?s all about "me."

Paul underscores that we are to go to church to give what God has given us and thus receive what God has prepared for us.

"So it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others" (Romans 12:5, NLT).

My Thoughts

Paul is teaching us all about sacrifice. The sacrificial life is all about living a life in such a way that you benefit others, live your life in conjunction with other people. This calls attention to the need for the various parts of our Body, the Body of the Lord Jesus, to work together. None of us can work independently of one another.

Did you realize the church family, the Body of Christ, is the crucible for living sacrificially? When God led you to your church home, it was with the intention that the Body would be good for you and you would be good for the Body as you commit to be a blessing. How has God gifted you to enable you to be a blessing to others?

My Part

Ask God to bring to your mind one or two in your church family to whom you might be a blessing this week. And ask God to give you that attitude of "other" so that when you go to worship this Sunday, you are keenly aware of true worship, dedicating yourself to the sacrificed life.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 27, 2006
Topic: Pride/Humility


Living with Others in Mind

Has anyone ever told you, "You're not the only person in the world"? Or maybe, "The universe doesn't revolve around you, you know!" We've all been there, because it's easy to put ourselves first, to think our issues, our problems, our wants and needs are the most important. But that wreaks havoc on living the way God wants us to. He wants us to show a little--no, a lot--of humility.

What Does God Say?

Humility is not about weakness or living a quiet faded existence. It's really being free from pride, thinking of others first and seeing yourself in the right perspective before God. It's probably best described by what it's not--not boastful, not proud, not selfish or self-promoting. In many Bible passages, it's closely linked with love.

Romans 12:3 tells us to: "Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you" (NLT). Another version puts it as don't think of yourself "more highly" but use "sober judgment" in your view of yourself. That's the key to humility.

It's not impossible, but it requires a change in our thinking and a daily commitment to operate with others in mind. Just as you put on your clothes, you need to put on this attitude. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble'" (1 Peter 5:5, NIV).

What does it look like? "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other" (Romans 12:10, NLT), and "Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!" (Romans 12:16, NLT).

My Thoughts

When it comes to true humility, Jesus is our best example. 1 John 3:16 sums it up: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us" (NIV). Then verses 16-20 show us more about our part: "And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything" (NIV).

    * Describe some of the ways Jesus demonstrated love and humility.
    * What are some ways to demonstrate humility and love listed here?
    * Which of these do you think you do?
    * Do others see any of these things in you?

My Part

It's hard to judge our own humility--it sounds "proud" to say we're humble. So do some "sober judgment" and ask a trusted, loving friend a few questions:

    * Do you see me putting other people first?
    * When have you seen it?
    * Am I boastful, proud, self-seeking or do I demonstrate humility?
    * Do I use what I have from God to benefit others?
    * Do you have any suggestions for how I can put you and others ahead of myself?

You may not be comfortable or even happy with all you hear but ask God to show you what He wants of you in this conversation.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 30, 2006
Topic: Pain/Suffering


Momentary Trouble; Eternal Glory

If there is one truth on which nearly every person in the world can agree, it is the reality of earthly suffering. The twin tower tragedy, the catastrophic tsunami in the Indian Ocean, the ongoing effects of Hurricane Katrina and the relentless persecution of Christian people in other countries are only a few of the heart-rending events of recent times. Then add the personal afflictions of people across the earth and you have an overwhelming sense of the sorrows which the whole human race experiences--including Christians. Let's see what the Bible has to say about this.

What Does God Say?

The apostle Paul was no stranger to suffering. He listed some, not all, of his trials in more than one place in the New Testament. They include weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, the mysterious thorn in the flesh, shipwrecks, beatings, stoning, danger after danger, hunger, thirst, excruciating toil and far, far more. Yet, Paul affirms the most amazing truth in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (NIV).

My Thoughts

Christians suffer. We are not immune, and it is not a "strange" thing. However, God does not lightly view our trials, but He assures us that in contrast to our endless future of glory and blessedness in Christ, our earthly ordeals are indeed light in weight, short in duration and certain to end. But how do you cope while you wait?

Paul says he endured by purposely centering his thoughts on his eternal home with Jesus. We can see this same attitude in many persecuted Christians today who testify that the joy lying before them offsets the suffering they are going through.

My Part

    * This week, take time to read and think about 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Have you experienced the comforting presence of God when you were going through a trial? Is there someone you know who may be comforted by a word of encouragement from you? Send them a note, or give them a call.
    * Jot down a note to yourself to pray daily for persecuted Christians. Keep it in your Bible as a reminder.
    * List some of the troubles and suffering you have gone through. Then go through your list and write down what God is going to do in eternity to wipe out that kind of suffering. For example, "Poverty here--Riches there," or, "Sickness here--Unending health there."

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