Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 18, 2012
Topic: Jesus

Jesus the High Priest

Ever had to go to the boss's office for an evaluation? That can be an event filled with anxiety. But how much more anxiety will there be when you stand before God for an evaluation of your life? The Bible says that Jesus, as your High Priest, can help. Here's what the Bible teaches.

Receive

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe" (Hebrews 4:13-14, NLT).

In the Old Testament, the Jewish people had a high priest whose job it was to make things right with God for the sinning Israelites. Because we also have sin in our lives, we need help in dealing with the consequences of it. In Jesus, God has provided a way to deal with all the sin in our lives. God did it out of love.

"This is real love--not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10, NLT).

Reflect

Isn't it a wonderful thing that because Jesus died on the cross, He can make us right with God?!! Do you ever feel anxious about being in God's presence? Does it make a difference to know that God loves you and accepts you because of our High Priest, Jesus?

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:19-22, NLT).

Respond

Jesus understands things that perhaps the high priests of the Old Testament didn't understand about our sins. But, better than that, because He is God, He can do something about them. Why not take a few minutes now and thank God for His love and mercy, and thank Him that Jesus is our High Priest who takes away our sin and makes us right with God.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 19, 2012
Topic: Jesus

The Understanding High Priest

The office of high priest was the highest office of spiritual leadership in Israel. The man who held this office was responsible to bring the people's needs and sins before God, to seek forgiveness and aid, and also to represent God to the people. But even the best priest was a needy sinful man, like those he represented. That made him an imperfect high priest. However, God made provision for that: through Jesus, our perfect High Priest. He is the One who understands our weakness and offers hope.

Receive

Jesus is the High Priest who sympathizes with our needs. He understands what it is to be a frail human being, to wrestle with temptation and suffering. Hebrews 4:15 tells us "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" (ESV).

And God had a reason for this according to Hebrews 2:17-18: "Therefore he [Jesus] had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted" (ESV).

Because He experienced suffering and temptation as a human, Jesus understands and sympathizes with our pain and suffering. However, He wasn't limited by sinfulness or imperfections like we are, which made Him the perfect High Priest, one overflowing in mercy to the sinner. Hebrews 9:26 also tells us that Jesus was not only our priest but our sacrifice, the one who set us free from sin. "He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" (ESV).

Reflect

How does Jesus know what you're going through? He was tempted too. Read Matthew 4:1-11 (or Luke 4:1-13) and see what He faced. Now, the situations may look different but the underlying issue is there. Check these and jot down parallels in your life.

    Temptation to seek a quick fix for physical needs (Matthew 4:3):
    Temptation to test God (Matthew 4:6):
    Temptation to worship someone or something other than God to gain power and significance (Matthew 4:9):

Each temptation was Satan's way of giving Jesus a shortcut around God's plan. But Jesus instead held onto the Word of God and submitted to doing God's will God's way. This is especially true in what was probably His last temptation just before He was betrayed (Luke 22:39-46).

    What kind of temptations do you wrestle with the most?
    How has God's Word helped you overcome these temptations?
    What effect has temptation had on your walk with God?

Respond

So, what does your battle with temptation have to do with Jesus as your High Priest? Remember, He knows; He sympathizes; and He understands. Look at Hebrews 4:14-15, " Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" (ESV).

Now add verse 16, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (ESV). Jesus not only understands, He offers you the mercy you need and the grace to help in time of need. When you struggle, go to your perfect High Priest for real help.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 20, 2012
Topic: Jesus

Faithful Jesus

God called Moses to serve as a leader and priest to His people. He was to speak to them on God's behalf and intercede for them before God. Moses was passionately faithful in his task--even willingly offering himself in place of the people when God wanted to punish them. Sure, he made a few mistakes but God recognized him as one of His most faithful servants. Jesus does the same things Moses did: speaking to people on God's behalf, interceding for them before God--but His faithfulness far outstripped Moses'.

Receive

Hebrews 3:1-6 shows us how Jesus' faithfulness was superior. "Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses--as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope" (ESV). Moses was a faithful servant, carrying out God's commands. But Jesus was a faithful Son, fulfilling God's plan.

In what other way was Jesus faithful? He was faithful as the high priest, making the sacrifice for our sins, according to the will of God. "'You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings' (these are offered according to the law), then he added, 'Behold, I have come to do your will.' He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:8-10, ESV).

Through Jesus' faithfulness to God the Father and doing His will, you and I have salvation and more. He was the faithful priest who not only offered the required sacrifice but was Himself that sacrifice.

Reflect

Moses was not officially a high priest (his brother Aaron was) but he did much of the same work. Read Hebrews 5:1-10. Describe what a priest was to do before God and on behalf of the people.

    How did Moses do these things?
    How did Jesus fulfill the same responsibilities?
    What examples do you find of Jesus' faithfulness?
    What do you see Jesus doing on your behalf as your High Priest?

Respond

So, what does this have to do with us now? Well, knowing Jesus was faithful in all He did here on earth gives us confidence that He will continue to be faithful to God and to us today and forever. Read Hebrews 10:1-18 and see what Jesus has already done for us. Then read Hebrews 10:19-25.

    How are we to respond to Jesus now?
    What example do we follow in how we approach God?
    How does this influence our actions or fellowship with other Christians?
    What will you do today to be faithful like Jesus is?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 23, 2012
Topic: God's Love

God's Anger

What makes you angry? Maybe it's when someone says something unkind to you. Perhaps it's when another driver pulls out in front of you and almost causes an accident. Or maybe it's at work when you don't feel you're being treated fairly.

Did you know that God also gets angry? But God's anger is not like human anger. Let's look at what the Bible tells us about why God gets angry and what we can do about it.

Receive

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming (Colossians 3:5-6, NIV).

    What are the "these" that God is angry at?
    What does Paul tell Christians to do about "these"

"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:1-2, NIV).

    How has Jesus dealt with the issue of sin?
    How does this affect you and me?

"That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world" (1 Corinthians 11:30-32, NIV).

    What might happen when Christians willfully sin?
    Instead of anger, however, what is God's motive for doing this?

Reflect

What would you think of parents who didn't get angry if someone was threatening to harm their child? You'd probably wonder if those parents truly loved their boy or girl. In a similar way, because God loves you and me, it's understandable that He would get angry when He sees the damage that sin does to us.

But unlike a child who is threatened by an outside source, sin is wrapped up in the person of the sinner. God's wrath can't be directed toward sin without also being directed toward the person in whom the sin dwells. Romans 1:18 says, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness" (NIV).

Those who accept Christ as their Savior, however, avoid that wrath. Romans 5:9 assures us, "Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!" (NIV).

Those who reject Christ ultimately will experience the full brunt of God's anger at sin. Romans 2:5 says, "But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed" (NIV).

Which situation do you want to see in your life?

Respond

If you've not accepted Christ as your Savior, take time now to ask God to forgive your sins. Turn from them and put your trust in Jesus and His sacrificial death on the cross. Then thank God for His forgiveness and for His love and ask Him to help you live in a way that pleases Him.

If you already personally know Christ, then give thanks that through Him you have escaped God's wrath toward sin.

Additional Scripture: Romans 8:33-39; Mark 3:5

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 24, 2012
Topic: Jesus

Jesus Above Angels

Angels are popular today. Nearly every major newspaper and magazine over the last few years has run a story about angels. And, of course, many stores offer angel statues, angel jewelry, angel pictures, etc. In fact, a few years back a survey discovered that there are more than 140 stores in the United States that specialize solely in angel paraphernalia.

While angels are certainly a reality, do they deserve all the attention they're receiving these days? Let's look at what the Bible says.

Receive

"For by him [Jesus] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16 ESV).

"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen" (Romans 1:24-25 ESV).

"Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14 ESV).

    Who created the angels?
    What happens when people focus on that which was created rather than the Creator?
    What is the true purpose of angels in their relationship with humans?

Reflect

Today's fascination with angels borders on worship. Do you find yourself more attracted to angels than Jesus? Memorize Hebrews 1:4. The next time you're tempted to buy another "angel item," remind yourself who is better--angels or Jesus.

Respond

Take a look around your home and garden. You may also want to consider the jewelry you wear. Is there any indication that angels may be holding a more prominent place in your life than Jesus? Consider removing items that might distract you or others from the Person who should be the primary focus of your attention and adoration.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 25, 2012
Topic: Salvation

Part of the Royal Family

Who do you think of when you think of a King or a Queen? The most well-known Queen right now is probably Queen Elizabeth II. While everyone knows of her, how many of her subjects do you think have personally met her? Probably not very many. Royals tend to be set apart from the common people. They live in a nice palace and don't normally go places the general public goes. The good news is, we have someone who is of even purer royalty--and He doesn't separate Himself from His people. His name is Jesus Christ.

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"The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names" (Hebrews 1:3-6, NLT).

"This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:18, NLT).

    What makes Jesus (the Son) so unique and special?
    How does Jesus' power compare to the power of the angels?
    How was Jesus conceived?

Reflect

Because He was conceived by God, Jesus' bloodline comes from God Himself. As a Christian, we are part of that lineage as well. We become an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ. We become part of the royal family of Christ! The Bible says that Jesus is better than all the other kings of this world; in fact, He's the King of kings!

"For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords" (1 Timothy 6:15, NLT).

    What makes Christ the King of all kings in your life?
    Do you live your life like you are an heir to God?
    What kind of impact should our new relationship to God have on our lives?

Respond

Isn't it comforting to know that we serve the King of kings and Lord of lords! As a Christian, you are a child of the King and part of the royal family. Take some time today to pray and thank God for making you a part of His family. Thank Him for being an even better King because He wants to have an intimate relationship with you--one that we could never have with any earthly king.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 26, 2012
Topic: Jesus

Jesus the Forever King

We tend to think of Jesus as our Savior, the one who rescues us from sin and gives us access to heaven. Or we see Him as a miracle-worker, the one who taught us about how to live here and now. But how often do you stop and consider Jesus as your king? The Bible is full of references to Jesus as the eternal king, so let's take a look.

Receive

Kings come and go in our world; they reign; they die or are deposed. Other leaders are elected, overthrown or installed but none last forever. Only Jesus is the king who reigns eternally...beyond the reach of time past, time present and future time. Hebrews 1:8 says,

"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom" (ESV).

Reading on, we see just how "eternal" or timeless and unchanging King Jesus is.

"You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will have no end." (Hebrews 1:10-12, ESV).

And the prophet Isaiah described it this way:

"Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore" (Isaiah 9:7, ESV).

Why is this so important? Well, since Jesus is the King Eternal, you can trust Him to always be the one in charge. He is the king you can depend on, without change, without limitation, no matter what you experience here and now. No one can vote Him out or depose Him. Furthermore, because He will never die, you never have to worry that He will leave the kingdom to one who's less equipped to rule.

Reflect

As the king, Jesus has all the rights and privileges of rule over the whole earth--and that includes you. But He's no tyrant. He's a king who saves and serves. Look through these verses and describe the characteristics He has.

Isaiah 40:11
Ezekiel 34:23
Isaiah 9:6-7
Jeremiah 23:5
Daniel 7:13-14
Jeremiah 33:15-16
Zechariah 9:9
Colossians 1:11-14

    How do these things influence your view of Jesus as king?
    Why would you want to live under a king like this?

Respond

If you have the opportunity to meet a king or queen, you'll quickly discover it's serious business. There are rules to follow about what to wear, how to shake hands, what you can and can't say, when you show up, etc. There's no room to be casual or careless.

    So how do you usually approach Jesus?
    What needs to change if you take Him seriously as king?
    What can you do to prepare to meet with Him?
    What sort of respect or honor do you need to show Him?

What will you do today to meet Jesus as your king?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 30, 2012
Topic: Thankfulness, Christian Living/Situational, God

The One Who Never Changes

Have there been a lot of changes in your lifetime? If your answer was a resounding, "Yes!," you're not alone. The technology we used as kids is long gone, and so are the days of paying only a handful of change per gallon of gas! Change can be good or bad. But it often feels like we have more bad changes in life than good. If you're the type of person who doesn't handle change very well, then you can take comfort in knowing that there is Someone who will never change. Let's take a look at our Bible study today.

Receive

"He also says to the Son,
'In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth
and made the heavens with your hands.
They will perish, but you remain forever.
They will wear out like old clothing.
You will fold them up like a cloak
and discard them like old clothing.
But you are always the same;
you will live forever'" (Hebrews 1:10-12, NLT).

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8, NLT).

    According to these verses, what is going to wear out?
    What is the one thing that will remain forever?
    When will Jesus Christ change?

Reflect

This earth was created to wear out. Everything in it will eventually die. However, the Bible promises that God will never wear out like the rest of His creation. Even better, we are also promised that He will never change. Take a moment and think about change; when something or someone changes, they usually become better or worse. Ask yourself these questions:

    If God did change for the better, then what kind of God is He today?
    Why do you think God can't change?

Respond

What does it mean to you to know that God will never change? Take some time today to think about how having an unchanging God affects your life and your relationship with Him. Spend time in prayer thanking Him for His unchanging ways.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 31, 2012
Topic: Faith/Trust

Who's Better Than Jesus

You know, my first thought when I looked at the title of today's study (Who's Better Than Jesus) was of Abbott and Costello's classic comedy routine, Who's On First? In that routine, the comedy was built around a misunderstanding: The first baseman had the unusual nickname of "Who." Now, there may have been very few men like "Who" when it came to playing first base (or Abbott and Costello when it came to comedy). But when it comes to restoring our relationship with God, there's no one like Jesus.

Many people make that mistake, though; and the result isn't comical, it's tragic. Nothing and no one is better than Jesus. And when we put our trust in anything other than Him, the results will be disastrous.

Receive

In Hebrews we've seen how Jesus is better at providing everything you and I really need.

"But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises" (Hebrews 8:6, NKJV).

Jesus is the author of a better covenant--essentially the terms of our relationship with God. Under the Old Covenant, yearly sacrifices were required to cover the sins of the people. But Jesus died once to pay for sins once and for all time. All of us can now have a relationship with God knowing that when we trust Christ, He washes away our sins forever. Apart from Jesus, a relationship with God would be impossible.

Jesus also provides hope. "On the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God" (Hebrews 7:19, NKJV). A lot of movies and novels will make much of the fact that hope will sustain a person in even the darkest times. But in those stories the hope is usually for family or a return home. How much more powerful is the hope Jesus brings! "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19, NKJV).

Many people make promises to us, but only Jesus can supply everything we really need. He's the only One we can truly trust.

Reflect

So, what are your thoughts? Is it easy or hard to believe that Jesus is better than anything we can put our trust in? What have you seen that makes it easy? What makes it hard? What is one specific thing you can do today to show Jesus you trust Him?

Respond

Take an inventory of how trusting Jesus has made your life better. As you think of these blessings, turn them into praise. Thank God for everything He's done for you. Let the memory of God's faithfulness in the past fuel your trust in the future.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 1, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Bible Characters

Looking Up

Not everyone is a fan of roller coasters. Even if you enjoyed them as a kid, when you got older your enthusiasm for riding them probably wore off. Nowadays your stomach gets queasy just thinking about those loops and hills, and you'd much rather keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. If that's you, then there's an easy solution--avoid roller coasters. The problem is the unexpected roller-coaster-like ups and downs in life. One minute you're up and the next you're down. So, what do you do when you find yourself riding that kind of rollercoaster? Let's take a look.

Receive

Jonah was a guy who truly lived with the ups and the downs. His story starts out as an up. "Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me'" (Jonah 1:1-2, NKJV). Not many people can say the Word of the Lord came to them--what an up!

God called Jonah to do some very important work for Him. But Jonah refused to obey, and here comes his downfall. "But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD" (Jonah 1:3, NLT).

So, what did God do? "Now the LORD had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights" (Jonah 1:17, NLT). God sent a big fish to swallow Jonah--you can't get much lower than the belly of a fish!

Then Jonah's life began to look up:

"Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from inside the fish. He said,
I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble,
and he answered me" (Jonah 2:1-2, NLT).

"Those who worship false gods
turn their backs on all God's mercies.
But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise,
and I will fulfill all my vows.
For my salvation comes from the LORD alone" (Jonah 2:8-9, NLT).

"Then the LORD spoke to Jonah a second time" (Jonah 3:1, NLT).

Think about this:

What did Jonah do when he found himself at his lowest point?

Who is the only person who can rescue us when we've hit rock bottom?

Did God give up on Jonah when he messed up, or did He give him a second chance?

Reflect

We're often stubborn people who like to be in control; we want to run our own lives. But as we see from the life of Jonah, trying to run your own life will only get you into "deep" trouble.

Are you going through a down time? You're probably not living in the belly of a great fish, but maybe something has you knocked down and you just can't seem to get back up.

Ask yourself: Am I looking up to God to deliver me, or am I trying to do this on my own?

The story of Jonah reminds us that we serve a forgiving and loving God. Jonah shows us that God not only rescues us, He gives us a second chance!

Respond

Our part is really being willing and letting God do His part. Whatever hurt, pain or sin you're trapped in--whatever has you flattened, look up! Look to God and ask Him to rescue you.

Life is full of ups and downs but God is there to lift us back up and deliver us from those low points. We just have to let Him.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 2, 2012
Topic: God's Care

God In Your Life

All of us go through dark days in our lives. And many of us who are familiar with God's Word turn to a Bible verse like this one for comfort:

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil
for you are with me" (Psalm 23:4, ESV).

But did you know that God walks with you in the good times too?

Receive

You read verse 4 above and saw one instance when God walks with you. If you look at verses 1 through 3, you'll see other situations when God's presence is apparent.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1, ESV).

A good shepherd never lets his sheep just wander. He guides them; He knows when the sheep need food or water and leads the flocks to places where that need can be met.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures" (Psalm 23:2, ESV).

There is hardly a more idyllic scene than a green field under a crystal blue sky. It's a place of peace and happiness. And it's a place you'll only find while following the Good Shepherd.

"He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul" (Psalm 23:2-3, ESV).

In John 4, Jesus met a woman whose soul was in desperate need of restoring. She had been with five husbands, and those relationships had not relieved her dissatisfaction with life. Jesus said, "Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14, ESV).

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us to the still, deep waters which will restore our soul. He leads us to Himself and to a relationship that will satisfy our deepest longings.

"He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake" (Psalm 23:3, ESV).

God wants to see you succeed in life, not just because it's best for you but because it brings Him glory as well. He does this by leading us on the paths of righteousness--where we meet the challenges of this world God's way--where we live by godly virtues and not by the world's wisdom.

Reflect

With God as our shepherd, we are the sheep. But we're sheep with a choice. Every day you have numerous opportunities to plot your own course in life or to follow the Shepherd's leading. What choice will you make today?

Respond

Tonight, set aside half an hour and look back over your day. Take a pen and a piece of paper and write down every instance you can think of when God was leading you. Were there any times you fought Him? Were there any times you choose to follow God? Were there any times God may have been leading and you weren't even aware of it at the time?

Let God remind you today that He's always walking with you, always ready to lead you to those green pastures and still waters, not just in the dark times but every other time as well.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 3, 2012
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship

Aw, Lord, Do I Have To?

Bible translators who work with languages that are not yet put into writing often struggle to find the right word or phrase to convey the correct meaning of a portion of Scripture. One worker hunted long to find a way to translate the word obedience into the tribal language he was recording but had no success.

One day, the translator was going for a walk; and he whistled for his dog to come with him. The dog immediately ran to its owner. An old tribal man who saw what happened said to the missionary, "Your dog is all ear."

The missionary immediately knew he had the exact phrase to express obedience.

Are you "all ear" when it comes to obeying God? Let's look at some lessons about obedience and disobedience today.

Receive

Read this from Luke 5:4-8 (ESV):

"And when [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch' And Simon answered, 'Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.' And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.'"

Jesus ran an "obedience school" for His disciples. He wanted them to learn to trust Him absolutely in every area of life. Peter hadn't been a disciple very long. He was weary from a night of unsuccessful fishing, and he felt he knew far more about fishing than Jesus did. But Jesus told him, "Go back out there on the water and try again."

Peter revealed his reluctance as he replied, "OK, Master, if you say so."

When the boats almost sank from the weight of the fish, Peter realized how sinful his attitude had been. He fell on his knees and said, "Lord, don't have anything more to do with this sinful man!"

Reflect

It's pretty irritating when your dog doesn't come the first or second time you call, isn't it? And you might say that it's downright infuriating when the dog just totally ignores you and keeps on doing its own thing when you call!

If a person willfully disobeys God, that is one thing; if he or she delays or reluctantly obeys God, that is another. But do you see how both attitudes show lack of faith?

Here is a Bible record of a person who willfully disobeyed God: Read 1 Kings 11:4-11.

    Who was the person who disobeyed?
    What did he do that angered God?
    How many times had God told him not to do what he did?
    What was the outcome of this person's disobedience?

Now, look at another person who was reluctant to obey God but changed his mind and later obeyed. Open your Bible to the Book of Exodus, chapters 3 and 4, and look at these verses about God's command to Moses to deliver the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt.

    What did God want Moses to do (Exodus 3:10)?
    What was Moses' first response to God's order (Exodus 3:11)?
    What was Moses' second response (Exodus 4:1)?
    What was his third response to God's order (Exodus 4:10)?
    What was Moses' fourth reaction to God's command (Exodus 4:13)?
    What was God's response to Moses' continuing reluctance to obey (Exodus 4:14-17)?

Someone has said, "Delayed obedience is disobedience." As long as you are reluctant to obey and you hold off doing something that God has told you to do, no matter what your intentions are, you are disobeying the Lord. And if you do finally get around to obeying, the blessing will never be as great as if you had obeyed the moment the Lord showed you what you should do.

Respond

Is God revealing anything to you these days that you ought to be doing but are delaying to do because of your lack of faith? Is there any area of your life where you are willfully disobeying Him?

Read Matthew 21:28-31 to see something Jesus had to say about willful disobedience and reluctant, delayed obedience.

Determine that you will no longer delay. Take the first step today to be obedient to God.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 6, 2012
Topic: Jesus, God, Faith/Trust

Trust Jesus

Whenever a character in a movie or on TV says "Trust me," you get the feeling you probably shouldn't trust him at all. And if he says "Trust me, I know what I'm doing," then it's probably time for everyone in the scene to clear out! It's just not going to be good.

Not so with Jesus. When He says, "Trust Me," you can not only trust Him completely, but you should. And He definitely knows what He's doing.

Receive

In John 13, as Jesus washed His disciples' feet, Peter was confused. Jesus told him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand" (John 13:7, ESV). This is probably the hardest part of trusting Jesus--not knowing or understanding what He's doing in our lives. But He also tells us, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me" (John 14:1, NLT).

You see, learning to put your trust in God and in Jesus is essential for growing to spiritual maturity. It's not blind trust: God gives us plenty of evidence throughout His Word that He is worthy of our complete trust, even when we don't fully understand. Just read the stories of Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, David and many others.

And there are benefits to trusting God. Look at Nahum 1:7:
"The LORD is good,
a strong refuge when trouble comes.
He is close to those who trust in him" (NLT).

What about Psalm 56:3-4:
"But when I am afraid,
I will put my trust in you.
I praise God for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?" (NLT)

Or Psalm 52:8: "But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.
I will always trust in God's unfailing love." (NLT)

Reflect

Proverbs 3:5-6 has familiar instructions for trusting God. Look at these verses with a these questions in mind:

    How much are you supposed to trust God?
    What part of your heart or mind struggles with trusting Him?
    What's the extent of your own understanding of life's issues?
    Why would leaning on God's understanding be better?
    What are the benefits you've found in trusting God?

Respond

When Jesus says, "Trust Me," the hard part is usually getting over that "doubt reflex"--the one that makes us say, "Not likely!" Do a self-check to see what's holding you back.

    What has He asked you to trust Him with lately? Your future plans? Your money? Your marriage? Your children? Your time?

    What's making you question His ability to deliver or His understanding of your situation?

    If you're judging God's trustworthiness based on your experience with people, ask Him to change your standard. It should really be the other way around.

Now, in your head or on paper, take your trust questions and lay them out; look them over and take a few minutes to commit them to God. Put them "in trust" with Him, just as you'd commit important documents to a lawyer or banker. Then ask God to fulfill in you what Paul prayed for believers in Romans 15:13: "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit" (NLT).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 7, 2012
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness

He's Faithful

Are you like Jesus' disciple, Peter? Or are you more like Judas? Now, first of all, when I ask, "Are you more like Judas?," I'm not asking, "Are you the type who would betray Jesus?" And I'm not asking, "Are you the type who would disown Jesus in public?"

I'm asking, how do you respond when you have messed up? Do you respond like Peter or Judas?

Receive

There's one constant among all human beings: we're all sinners. We've all disappointed God. In this regard, we are all like Peter; and we are all like Judas.

But there's another constant to consider. Paul, in his second letter to Timothy tells us, "If we are faithless, he remains faithful--for he cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13-14, ESV). That means God always keeps His promises; His faithfulness is part of what makes Him God.

So, back to our original question: when faced with your own unfaithful tendency in the light of God's unwavering faithfulness, are you like Peter or more like Judas?

Peter must have felt very ashamed because he disowned Jesus--especially after boldly declaring he would die before he would desert Jesus (See John 13:37). But when the resurrected Christ appeared on the shore where Peter and the others were fishing, Peter couldn't make himself wait until the slow boat returned to shore to be in the presence of his Lord. Soon after Peter reaffirmed his love for Jesus.

Judas also felt remorse for his actions. But instead of going back to the ever-faithful God, Judas took his own life. He chose to ignore the faithfulness of God

Reflect

Too many people spend their time dwelling on their own faults. But instead of bemoaning our faithlessness, we should be praising God's faithfulness. If you've been wandering away from God lately, be like Peter and return to Him. Don't let the devil convince you that God could never love you again. There isn't a person alive who hasn't disappointed God in some way. Today the choice is yours: either dwell in your misery or rejoice in God's faithfulness.

Respond

First John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV). If you have been unfaithful, confess it to God. Confession means to admit to God that you've sinned against Him. There is no other way to experience the forgiveness, love and joy of God your Father.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 8, 2012
Topic: New Life

Take Responsibility

It's not my fault: "My family was dysfunctional." "The devil made me do it." "He did it first." "My wife is mean." "The teacher was unfair." It's the blame game. Human nature always causes us to shy away from taking personal responsibility for our actions--especially when it comes to sinning. Instead we look for a scapegoat to blame or a way to rationalize our actions. The Bible is clear that the God who knows all, sees all and reads the human heart always and only holds the responsible person accountable.

Receive

"For all people are mine to judge--both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die...The child will not be punished for the parent's sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child's sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness" (Ezekiel 18:4,20, NLT).

"Does God relish the thought of punishing? Let's see what His Word says:

Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live" (Ezekiel 18:23, NLT).

So, God makes this promise to all:

"But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey my decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die. All their past sins will be forgotten, and they will live because of the righteous things they have done" (Ezekiel 18:21-22, NLT).

"Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign LORD. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don't let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don't want you to die, says the Sovereign LORD. Turn back and live!" (Ezekiel 18:30-32, NLT).

Reflect

God says that you can have a new heart and a new spirit. That's more than a heart transplant--that's a radical transformation! That means being changed from the inside out. Is that possible?

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV).

Does that make sense to your head as well as your heart? God holds us personally responsible for all of our sins: thoughts, attitudes, words, actions. He does that so we can choose to acknowledge our sins, take full responsibility for them, repent of them and choose to turn to Christ so we can be forgiven and receive a new heart and a new spirit from God.

Respond

None of us appreciate irresponsibility in others. God not only does not like it, He does not allow it. But He does give us the opportunity to be responsible. Today, choose to accept responsibility for your life--acknowledge your irresponsibility to God and choose to accept His forgiveness and new life. Knowing that God gets no pleasure from punishing you but delights in giving you a new spirit and a new heart, it's your choice. You, and you alone, are responsible.