Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 1, 2012
Topic: Love

Nothing Stops His Love

God's love: None of us deserve it; none of us can earn it. But He freely gives it to all of us.

When you read the Bible, you'll read about people who tested the limits of God's love--David, Abraham, Isaac, Paul and others--but learned that a limit to His love doesn't exist. Let's take a look.

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King David is a classic example. As King of Israel, David used his power to seduce a married woman and then killed her husband to cover up the resulting pregnancy. (2 Samuel 11).

Abraham lied (Genesis 20:2); Isaac lied (Genesis 26:9); Noah got drunk (Genesis 9:20-28 ); Moses had an anger problem (Exodus 32:19). In the New Testament Peter denied Jesus (John 18:25); Paul killed Christians (Acts 8:1-3). Yet God never said to any of them, "That's too much; I can't love you anymore." Again and again the Bible shows us that God's love isn't based on what we do. It's based on who He is.

John wrote, "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:9-10, ESV).

Because of Jesus' sacrifice, all our sins are forgiven. John uses the word "propitiation" which means "to appease." We deserve to experience the wrath of God for our sins (Ephesians 5:6), but Jesus satisfied (appeased) that just requirement through His death on the cross. God's love is that big. Even though we don't deserve it; and we can never earn it, yet we all have it. But we do have to accept it.

Reflect

As you read 1 John 4:7-12, think about the following questions:

    How did God show His love?
    What effects does John expect God's love to have in our lives?
    Why is it important that we share God's love with others?

Respond

God's example shows us that love needs to be demonstrated (see Romans 5:8 ). Think about those you love and plan some way to show them your love in the next few days. Write down at least seven ways you can demonstrate to God that you love Him. Then act on one daily for the next week. Offer your demonstration to God as a gift of love and praise for His love to you.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 2, 2012
Topic: Salvation

More than Atonement

You might be asking yourself, How can I know what "more than atonement" (the subject of today's study) means when I don't know what "atonement" means? Well, its meaning has little to do with how you say it. Although, the emphasis is on the second syllable, the word has nothing to do with singing or playing by ear. Used 69 times in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament, "atonement" has a very deep meaning.

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Look at the following two Old Testament verses that address atonement:

"The priest is to make atonement before the LORD for the one who erred by sinning unintentionally, and when atonement has been made for him, he will be forgiven (Numbers 15:28, NIV).

"For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life (Leviticus 17:11, NIV).

Now, do your own study of the Old Testament meaning of "atonement" by answering the following questions:

1. Visit crosswalk.com: Click on "Old Testament Hebrew." Now, enter "atonement" in the space provided, and click on "Search." Look at the entries there (click on the word) and write down the meanings for the Old Testament (Hebrew) word for "atonement."

2. How does the meaning of "atonement" in Hebrew relate to the "sacrificial system" instituted by Moses?

3. What were the animal sacrifices meant to accomplish?

4. What did the animal sacrifices point to?

Let's go now to the New Testament and discover how "atonement" is used there:

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

"And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (Romans 5:8-11, KJV).

1. Go to the same Web address and click on "New Testament Greek." Type "atonement" into the area provided and click on "Enter." Once again, write out the definition (Greek definition) of "atonement."

2. What difference do you find between the Hebrew and Greek meanings?

Reflect

The word "atonement" was coined by Tyndale (a Protestant who translated the Bible into English) to convey the idea that God reconciled man to Himself through Christ. Tyndale used the three words "at"+"one"+"ment" to get that meaning across.

Read the following verses and write your own definition of "atonement" keeping in mind that it was derived from the word "reconciliation."

"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life (Romans 5:10, KJV).

"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility" (Ephesians 2:14-16, ESV).

"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Christ], and through him [Christ] to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross" (Colossians 1:19-20, NIV).

Respond

Take time to pray and praise giving thanks to God for all Christ gave to atone for your sins. Marvel at the love He has for you that caused Him to do that for you.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 5, 2012
Topic: Prayer, Christian Living/Situational

Pray for Your Nation

Have you ever considered what a privilege it is to pray for your nation? Here in the United States, we observe the National Day of Prayer--one day, in the early part of May, where people across the country set aside time to pray for our leaders and the future of this diverse nation. It's an awesome task when you stop and think about it, but it's not really a "new" idea. We find it in the Bible.

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Daniel recognized this need to pray for his nation. He was a Jew in exile with a unique position of influence in the government. But he was also a faithful and devoted man of God. As he read the prophecies of Jeremiah one day, he realized the time of exile was about to end and the Jews would return home to Jerusalem. But Daniel wondered whether or not they were ready?

So, he went before God. Daniel 9 records his powerful prayer requesting God's mercy, confessing the sin of His people and seeking His blessing on their future. Take a few minutes right now to read Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9:4-19:

    How does Daniel address God?
    What are some of the sins he confesses on behalf of his people?
    What does Daniel ask of God?

Daniel shows us the value of intercession (prayer you make on behalf of another or, in this case, intercession for a nation). He also demonstrates the value of confession (being honest about sin before God and seeking His forgiveness). It's crucial that you are clean before God if you want your prayer to be effective. Why should God hear you confess the sins of other people when you ignore your own? Psalm 32:1-2 tells us:

"Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit" (ESV).

If you intend to pray for your nation and ask God for His mercy and forgiveness on the sins of your people, you'd better start by getting your own heart and life right with God. Once you go to God with "clean hands and a pure heart" (Psalm 24:3-4, ESV), you're prepared to pray for others.

Reflect

When you pray for your nation, what will you pray about? Confession of sin was a big part of Daniel's prayer. But there was another need. Read Daniel 9:9, 16-18 again.

    What aspect of God's character does Daniel praise?
    What is the "need" revealed in these words of prayer?

Daniel also wanted God to be honored. Read Daniel 9:15-19 again.

    What is the reason Daniel wants God to show mercy and forgiveness?
    What's your usual reason for asking God for His mercy and forgiveness?

Look up Jeremiah 14:7, 20-22 for a similar plea.

    What's the recurring reason for God to act?
    How does this bring honor to God?

Respond

Here are some tips to help you pray for your nation and for the people in your life.

    Personal purity: Start with "clean hands and a pure heart." Make sure you're right with God first, before you start to focus on the sins of others.
    Confession: Think through the sins of your people which need to be dealt with before God. Daniel's list included problems we wrestle with today: rejection of God; people who worship or pursue other "gods"; those who ignore or ridicule God's Word; actions and attitudes that dishonor God's name and blatantly rebel against His commands.
    Petition: Remember to pray for God's mercy, to seek His forgiveness. Ask Him to do it for the sake of His name. His actions reflect His character; His mercy shows the world more of who He is.

If you need or want to, you can borrow from Daniel's prayer or the Jeremiah reference we used. Remember to thank God for hearing your petitions and praise Him for being the God of righteousness, mercy and grace.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 6, 2012
Topic: Prayer

God's Answer to Your Prayers

Dr. Helen Roseveare, a missionary to Zaire (now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo), told the following story: "A mother at our mission station died after giving birth to a premature baby. No incubator was available--not even a serviceable hot water bottle. So during morning devotions we asked the children to pray for the baby. One of the girls responded: 'Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead.' That afternoon a large package arrived. The children watched eagerly as we opened it. Much to their surprise, under some clothing was a hot water bottle! The heavenly Father knew in advance of that child's sincere request, and 5 months earlier He had led a ladies' group to include the needed item."

We've all heard stories of answered prayers and even experienced them in our own lives. But, sometimes, months or years will go by and a specific prayer will seem to elicit no answer. Let's allow God's Word to clarify our understanding of prayer.

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"You don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it" (James 4:2, NLT). James is clear. If there is something we need, we have to pray for it. Often, for the Christian, the problem is not unanswered prayer but unasked prayer. Let's remember what Paul told us: "Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying" (Romans 12:12, NLT). He also tells us, "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart" (Colossians 4:2, NLT).

The preceding verses urge us to pray, but what about the times we feel that our prayers are not answered. There are a number of reasons that may happen: we're praying outside of God's will; we don't understand completely the repercussions of what we're asking; it's not the right time. But the Bible makes it clear that there are other reasons. Read the following Scriptures and write out some of the reasons you find for unanswered prayer.

    Psalm 66:18 (KJV)
    James 4:3 (ESV)
    Proverbs 1:28-30(NLT)
    Isaiah 1:15 (NLT)
    Isaiah 59:1-2 (NLT)

Reflect

Read the following Scriptures. What does God require for answered prayer?

"Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
And who shall stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully" (Psalm 24:3-4, ESV).

"Wash yourselves and be clean!
Get your sins out of my sight.
Give up your evil ways.
Learn to do good.
Seek justice.
Help the oppressed.
Defend the cause of orphans.
Fight for the rights of widows" (Isaiah 1:16-17, NLT).

"So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor" (James 4:7-10, NLT).

Respond

Now, take a few moments to pray for God's help; confess any wrongdoing to Him, consciously recognize your dependence on God; trust Him to hear your prayer.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 7, 2012
Topic: Prayer, God

The Place to Start

Remember the old song,

When you read, you begin with A-B-C,

when you sing, you begin with do-re-mi.

Now, think about this: How do think most people begin when they pray? We "begin with me-me-me." But is that the right place to start?

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The simple, and biblical, answer is "no." Prayer doesn't begin with you; it's supposed to begin with God. One great example comes from Daniel 9 as this godly man prepares to take a very important plea before God.

"Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, 'O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land'" (Daniel 9:3-6, ESV).

Daniel starts by addressing God. I remember doing that as a kid, but my rushed "Dear Lord Jesus" came out like a secret code I used to get God's attention. Daniel does more than that here. Yes, he addresses God, but he also focuses on God's character and nature. Daniel lets God know that he understands just who he's talking to--the "great and awesome God," the one who "keeps covenant," who loves steadfastly.

These will be qualities of God that Daniel will call on later in his prayer of confession as he seeks God's mercy on Israel and asks for His steadfast love to be exercised in compassion and forgiveness. But before that, Daniel tells God what he knows about Him.

We need to start there as well. Prayer isn't about you or me. It isn't about demanding our wants and desires immediately. It's about addressing, praising and extolling God and calling on Him to be God, the only One completely able to answer our prayers.

Reflect

Daniel isn't the only example of this important lesson. See how these men began their prayers:

King Solomon in 1 Kings 8:22-25.

King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19:15-16.

    How did each man address God?
    What aspects of God's actions or His character did they focus on?
    Where did their personal needs or requests come in?

When Jesus taught His disciples (including you) to pray, He started with God. Read Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4.

    How should we address God?
    What do we focus on?
    When do your personal needs or requests come in?

Respond

So, where do you usually start when you pray? A quick "Hello, God," before you get down to the list of things you need from Him? Is your prayer time all about you and your concerns? Or do you take time to focus on God and who He is?

Take a few minutes right now to prepare for prayer. What is it about God that you need to acknowledge? For instance, what could you say about His character or actions? Jot those down before you pray. Maybe you could borrow from the prayers of Solomon, Hezekiah or Daniel. Psalm 8 offers you a great start, too, and the Psalmist expresses an appropriate perspective on his place before God.

If you want to try something very different from the norm, try praying without ever getting into your requests or concerns. Keep it focused solely on God, telling Him what you love and cling to and value in your relationship with Him.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 9, 2012
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness

If We Confess

Christians sin. Does that surprise you? It shouldn't; just take a look at your life. Even with the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, there are times when we choose to quench His influence (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and go our own way.

So, then what? Have we lost our salvation? No, but we have lost our fellowship with God. That's why the apostle John wrote 1 John 1:9. Let's see what this verse instructs Christians to do when they've sinned.

Receive

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, ESV).

    When we know that we've done something wrong, what does God want us to do?
    How do we know for sure that God will respond?
    In addition to forgiveness, what else does God do?

Reflect

The word confess in the original language means “to agree with.” We can't expect God to forgive us unless we're willing to agree with Him that something is wrong. As long as we deny our attitudes or actions are sinful in God's eyes, we will remain stuck in that sin. Once we agree with God, however, we've taken the first step toward dealing with the hold that sin has on our lives. But that's not all.

In addition to breaking our fellowship with God, sin also leaves guilt, remorse and a sense of hopelessness. When we confess our sins, God promises not only to forgive (restore fellowship) but also to cleanse. We no longer have to live under a cloud of guilt and shame. We truly can be free to start over again.

Respond

Set aside some time today to take a serious look at your life. If the Spirit makes you aware of an area of your life that is displeasing to God, confess it to your Heavenly Father and forsake it. Write down the date that you've done this. When Satan tries to bring up guilt and shame for these sins, point to that date and remind him that not only were you forgiven, you were cleansed as well.

[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: Nov 12, 2012
Topic: Prayer

Coming to God in Prayer

The disciples of Jesus had been watching Him for some time. It became apparent to them that He prayed often, and He prayed with confidence that His prayers would be answered. It also was obvious that their own prayers were not like His. Finally, they came to the Lord with a humble request: "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1).

Have you ever asked the Lord to do that for you? Since the disciples of Jesus wondered how and what to pray, you may be sure that many other believers have struggled with the same questions at some point in their lives.

Daniel was a man of God who knew how to pray. He knew how to approach God, and he prayed with conviction, believing that God not only heard him but that He would answer. Look at part of his fervent prayer for his enslaved nation and think about the way he came before the Lord.

Receive

"O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate" (Daniel 9:16-17, ESV).

On your notepad, record your answers to the following:

    What do you see in Daniel's prayer that shows his understanding of the nature of God?
    What does Daniel confess to God about Israel's relationship to Him?
    What did Daniel ask God to do about his prayer and pleas?
    What were Daniel's specific requests for the city of Jerusalem and the temple of God?
    Was his prayer primarily for his own sake, for his nation's sake or for God's sake?

Reflect

How should you approach God in prayer? The Bible has many pointers for you. Below are several Scripture verses that give guidance about what your attitude should be as you come to Him in prayer. Write down all that you see.

    Psalm 105:4
    Matthew 6:9
    Mark 14:38
    Luke 18:1
    Colossians 1:3
    1 Thessalonians 5:17
    Jude 1:20

There are many more things the Bible teaches about prayer. Use your concordance to look up the words "pray" and "prayer" in order to see what other lessons you can learn about a proper attitude in prayer.

Respond

Here is a verse you should put into your mind and heart. It tells you what the Lord will do for you when you pray, and it encourages you to have complete trust that He hears you and will answer every need.

"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" (Hebrews 4:16, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Bible Study

Title: God Is Plan A
Date: Nov 13, 2012
Topic(s): Prayer, Christian Living/Situational, God
Scripture: 2 Kings 19:14-16, Acts 12:1-5, Daniel 9:1-4, Daniel 2:18-23, 1 Kings 17:17-24, Daniel 6:10-11, Nehemiah 4:1-9



In my family, we developed an odd habit. Since we had a few cars with ongoing troubles, we'd start to pray whenever the car made a nasty noise or started doing something it shouldn't. By the time Dad would flip on the hazard lights and pull off the road to do a visual check, the rest of us would be praying. Yes, it became a little family joke, but it was also a valuable lesson: Pray first; then deal with your trouble.

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Hezekiah had bigger problems than car trouble. He had an enemy army camped on his doorstep threatening to take over Jerusalem. But he did what any of us should: he went to God first.

"Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the L ORD and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: 'O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God'" (2 Kings 19:14-16, ESV).

God was Hezekiah's "plan A," not a last resort after he tried everything else, but his first response. He took his problem and laid it all out before God. Prayer was priority one.

Reflect

Hezekiah wasn't the only one to do this. Read these examples and look for:

    Who was praying?
    What was the concern?
    How did they address God?

1 Kings 17:17-24

Daniel 2:18-23; 6:10-11; 9:1-4

Nehemiah 4:1-9

Acts 12:1-5

So, where do you usually start when you need help? With your family or a few friends? Do you look for answers online or apply to local agencies? Do you fret and worry first? How often do you exhaust all the other possibilities before you take your need to God?

Respond

It's natural for us to want to sort everything out for ourselves; to trust our family or friends, the people we can see, instead of relying on God whom we can't see. But God is the only One who can take care of our problems, big or small. And learning to rely on Him and go to Him first is really a matter of conditioning, like my family and the cars. It takes practice and an alertness to my need and God's abilities.

    What are you facing today that has you worried, afraid or even threatened?
    What have you done about it so far? How's that working for you?

Take a few minutes, maybe even write it out like the letter Hezekiah received, and take your concern to God. Ask Him to intercede for you in the matter; to show you your part or to help you face it. And remember to thank Him for all He does for you.

You may even want to post a note where you'll be reminded: God is my Plan A.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 14, 2012
Topic: Prayer

How to Talk to God

Do you know the protocol you'd have to follow if you were to be introduced to the Queen of England? Do you know the proper form of address for a visiting diplomat? In what situations is it appropriate to shake hands with the President?

When the Dignitary we're talking about is God, things get even more complicated. Not only is He King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He's our Savior and Friend as well. How do you talk with such a person?

What Does the Bible Say

Solomon, in Ecclesiastes, has some sage advice for those who would approach the throne of God. "Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, NKJV).

First, notice the privilege we have in being able to approach God in the first place. God personally invites us to bring our petitions to Him. Second, notice the humility with which we are to approach Him. Our time in the throne room of heaven isn't a time to issue demands and ultimatums; it's a time to respectfully and reverently hear the Word of God.

Let's look at another verse. "Then Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said: 'O LORD God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear.... Now therefore, O LORD our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the LORD God, You alone'" (2 Kings 19:15-16,19, NKJV).

We'll look closer at this passage in the next section.

Reflect

As you read Hezekiah's prayer in 2 Kings 19, think about the following questions:

1. In what ways does Hezekiah follow the advice of Solomon?

2. In what ways can you see that Hezekiah recognizes God's willingness to listen to him?

Respond

Someone described the phrase, "Incline your ear," as God acting like a grandfather who bends down when his little grandchild tugs at his hand. Jesus talked about the importance of having the attitude of a little child when coming before God. That's because many children have mastered that balance between reverential awe and intimate fellowship. Ask God today to help you restore that sense of wonder and fellowship in your relationship with Him.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 15, 2012
Topic: Prayer

Will God Really Answer?

Let me tell you about the first time God showed me plainly that He answers prayer. I was just a few months along on my journey in the Christian life, a poverty-stricken seventeen-year-old, trying desperately to work my way through college. Shortly into my first semester, I encountered an unexpected predicament. The college required a sport jacket, slacks and tie for some of the events I had to attend regularly. For five dollars, I managed to buy a "pre-owned" sport coat; but, unfortunately, neither of the two pairs of slacks I had came anywhere close to matching the jacket ("matching" was important in those days).

I had no way to buy a pair of slacks, but I didn't mention the need to anyone, except the Lord. "Father," I prayed, "You know how badly I need a pair of slacks. I don't have any money to buy them. I pray that you will somehow provide them. And, Father, I really need brown ones. Amen." I left it there with God.

Early the next week, a package came from a far-away person who had no clue about my request. Inside, I found a note. It simply said: "I'm sending you a pair of slacks. I don't know what you need, but I thought you might like some brown ones." I instantly knew those slacks were from the Lord. He has answered prayers innumerable times since, but you can see why I've never forgotten that first time.

God is good and righteous. He cannot lie. He doesn't tell you to pray and then turn His back on your prayers. He doesn't say He will answer and then go back on His promise. But He does have guidelines you need to be aware of, and He has some things to say about how and when you may expect your prayers to be answered.

Receive

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15, ESV).

    In 1 John 5:14-15, what is the condition God requires for answering your request?
    If He hears you, what is the promise He makes?

"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).

    What quality does Hebrews 11:6 say you need in order to please God?
    What two truths about God must you believe?

Read the following Scripture passages and write down your answers to the questions.

    John 16:23-24. How many times do you find forms of the verb "ask" in these verses? What condition does Jesus give for asking? What two results come from asking properly?
    1 Peter 3:12. Whose prayers does this verse say the Lord hears? Whose does He not hear?
    Name the attitudes that will block your prayers, as mentioned in these three verses: Psalm 66:18, James 1:6 and James 4:3.

Reflect

Prayer is communication with God. It's a two-way conversation. He has spoken to you in His Word, the Bible, and He has given you the privilege and responsibility to talk with Him in prayer. Just as good human-to-human communication requires open relationships so an effective prayer life depends on your keeping the line open. The Lord always has His ear tuned to your prayers, but He requires that you come to Him in humility (Luke 18:9-14), belief (Matthew 21:21 -22) and expectancy (Luke 11:9).

Respond

There's no better time than now for you to start a prayer journal. List the needs you have today and the people you want to pray for specifically and regularly. As time goes on and you see God work, be sure to note His answer and the date. If your list is too long and your time limited, don't try to pray for every need or every person every day. Instead, pray for certain requests on certain days of the week or month. Make your prayer calendar or prayer journal work best for you personally. But pray!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 16, 2012
Topic: Prayer

Need to Talk

There's an old proverb that says, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." Do you think that's a true statement? Let's see what the Bible has to say about it.

Receive

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, 'If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that'" (James 4:14-15, NLT).

    Why does this verse begin with a question?
    How does James describe your life?
    How should the Lord fit into your planning according to this verse?

Read Psalm 144:3-4 and answer the following questions.

    Notice that the psalmist began this psalm with a question. Both James and the writer of the Psalm 144 follow their questions with similes. Write your own simile to express the idea of life as temporary.
    What emotions does the brevity of life evoke in you?
    Write a short paragraph to God telling Him how grateful you are that He does care about "mere mortals."

Life is brief and uncertain but we can hope in God. Read David's prayer as he spoke to God in Psalm 39:4-7 about the length of life.

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath."

Interlude

We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you" (Psalm 39:4-7, NLT).

Reflect

Is the Lord your only hope and focus for finding value and meaning in your life? Talking to God each day is not just a good spiritual exercise; it is mandatory for living lives of significance. There is nothing wrong with planning. In fact, the Bible teaches we ought to plan for the future. But we also should pray as we plan, asking God to provide wisdom for planning and living out our lives. Here is a basic principle for each day for every child of God.

"Pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV).

Respond

We stay closer to God when we let Him into our lives every day. So, keep talking to God as someone who loves Him, knowing He is someone who loves you. The key to wise living for the Christ-follower is talking to God every day all day and being totally dependent on Jesus. Right now might be a good time to begin living wisely--why not talk to God about it?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 19, 2012
Topic: Prayer

The Model Prayer

Have you ever wanted someone to teach you to pray? Jesus' disciples did. No one knows more about prayer than Jesus. From the beginning of His ministry up to His final moments on the cross, Jesus' life was filled with prayer. After seeing the Father answer Jesus' prayers in amazing ways, His disciples came to Him one day and said, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1, NKJV).

His response was, "When you pray, say..." (Luke 11:2, NKJV). Jesus then proceeds to give His disciples and us a model for effective prayer. Let's look at it.

Receive

Our Father in heaven, br> Hallowed [honored] be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one" (Luke 11:2-4, NKJV).

    According to Jesus' model, what should be our focus as we begin our prayers?
    As we move further into the prayer, what attitude is indicated on the part of the person praying?
    What are some of the requests found in this prayer?

Reflect

Effective praying begins by reminding ourselves that we are coming to One who deserves our deepest respect and honor. He is our Father before whom we bow in humble adoration, submitting to His will in the same way that the angels in heaven give unquestioning obedience to His commands. Only when we've placed ourselves in a proper position--mentally and spiritually--before God are we ready to present Him with our needs: our need for daily sustenance, for forgiveness as we forgive others and for protection from the evil one (Satan).

Respond

Determine today that you will begin praying the way Jesus taught us to pray. Instead of rushing into God's presence with a grocery list of requests, begin with adoration. Humble yourself before Him (James 4:10). Make sure you aren't harboring any bitterness or grudges toward others and receive His cleansing for your own sins (1 John 1:9). Then lay before Him your every need. As you practice the kind of praying that Jesus taught, you will discover how effective your prayer life can become.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 20, 2012
Topic: Faith/Trust

Faithful When You Fail

I remember a video game I used to play many years ago. The player controlled this cute character named Lolo through a series of rooms. In each room, he or she had to figure out how to get to the exit while avoiding various traps and hazards. Obviously, as the game progressed, the puzzles got harder, and some puzzles were incredibly difficult. But I knew there had to be a way. It'd be a pretty poor game if some puzzles didn't have a way through.

Receive

The analogy is far from perfect, but I was thinking of that game as I read today's verse:

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV).

The word used for temptation in this verse can also be translated as "test." I like that word because it implies that, like other tests, I can pass it successfully. It tells me that temptation can have an upside--that I can grow stronger in my relationship with God if I keep my focus on Him. Of course, I never seek temptation (I never asked for any tests in school either!), but I can know that each temptation is an opportunity to draw closer to God.

So, what does this have to do with the faithfulness of God? Just like I could know that the game designers would never give me an impossible puzzle, I can know that God will never allow me to face an impossible temptation. There is always a way of escape. While failure may be an option, so is success.

Also, God's faithfulness means that even when I fall, when I fail the test, He doesn't give up on me. He'll be ready the next time temptation comes my way. And in the meantime, He's given me His Word to read so that I can be ready as well.

Reflect

When you reread verse 13, read verse 12 as well and think about the following questions:

    Why doesn't God just stop any temptations from reaching us?
    How would meeting temptation be different if God wasn't faithful?
    Why is verse 12 so important?

Respond

I'm reminded of the hymn that states,

*Let Thy goodness like a fetter,
Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee.
Prone to wander--Lord I feel it--
Prone to leave the God I love;

Here's my heart,
O take and seal it,
Seal it for thy courts above.

Look at the words in that hymn that talk about "binding" and "sealing." It's because of God's faithfulness that we can even ask that. Because of His steadfast love towards us, we can always stand back up after we fail.

*"Come, Thou Fount," Robert Robinson; lyrics in Public Domain.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 21, 2012
Topic: Sin/Temptation

Returning to the Light

In The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Zane Hodges writes, "When a believer loses personal touch with the God of light, he begins to live in darkness. But confession of sin is the way back into the light."

Receive

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, ESV).

    What does John's use of the words "we" and "us" imply about the intended recipients of this letter?
    What is your spiritual condition when you have sinned?
    What must you do when you sin?
    What is God's response?
    Why does John start the statement with the word "if"? What does that tell you about your responsibility when you sin?

Reflect

So, what should you do if you fall into sin? 1 John 1:9 tells you: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

But what does it mean to "confess"? How do you know God will hear your confession and forgive you?

King David was a true believer. He sang and wrote psalms of praise to God that came from his heart. In spite of that, he gave in to temptation and sinned against God and man when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and tried to hide the sin by killing her husband (2 Samuel 11:2-27).

The prophet Nathan confronted David with his sin (2 Samuel 12:1-15). You can read David's confession to God in Psalm 51. His prayer is a model for every believer who is guilty of sin. Turn to that Psalm in your Bible and answer these questions:

    What honest admission did David make to God about his sin (Psalm 51:3-4)?
    What did David say that reveals his true sorrow over his sin (Psalm 51:17)?
    Look up 2 Corinthians 7:10 to see what the apostle Paul says about "godly sorrow."
    How did he express his desire for God's forgiveness (Psalm 51:1-2, 7-9)?
    How do you know that David believed God had heard him and would restore him (Psalm 51:12-15)?

David's prayer shows you how true confession must involve acknowledging your sin before God, looking at it as God looks at it, regretting the action of your sin, asking to be cleansed by the blood of Christ and believing that God is faithful to cleanse you, forgive you and restore you to fellowship and service.

David's sin had consequences, but God's forgiveness was complete, as was David's restoration to fellowship. God is faithful. He will not forget His promise to forgive you when you confess your sin and call upon Him to cleanse you through the power of the sacrificial death of Christ.

Respond

As John points out, we all sin and need to confess those sins to God. But sometimes a believer may feel that he or she has sinned against God so terribly that He will never forgive the wrong that has been done. They wonder, What's the use of trying to get right with God? He'll never hear me,and I'll never get out of this mess I'm in. But when God tells us that He is faithful, He is also promising that He is faithful to forgive even the blackest sins.

If you are in that place right now, don't delay a moment longer! Go to God in prayer; do what David did; acknowledge your sin and accept His gracious forgiveness. Don't forget to thank Him for His faithfulness, which He shows even when His children have been unfaithful.

Remember, fellowship can be restored. "When a believer loses personal touch with the God of light, he begins to live in darkness. But confession of sin is the way back into the light."

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 22, 2012
Topic: Faith/Trust

Very Little Is Very Big

They don't take much at a time--just a bit--but over the years they've brought some rich gold and silver mines to the brink of bankruptcy. They are known as "highgraders," and they are found worldwide.

A highgrading miner secretly pilfers a small amount of rich ore and smuggles it out of the mine by concealing it in imaginative ways, such as putting it in a sandwich, scattering it through his hair or cramming it in his ear. After all, he figures, what difference does a little gold dust make to a rich mining corporation?

It can make a lot of difference. At one mine in Nevada in 1908, four miners were arrested when a whole wagonload of ore they had highgraded was discovered in their homes.

So, what difference does a little unfaithfulness make? You might be surprised. Let's see what the Bible has to say about that.

Receive

Jesus talked to His disciples about faithfulness as recorded in Luke 16:10-12 (ESV). He said: "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?"

God is faithful, and He requires faithfulness in your life. Look up these references in your Bible and write down the answers to the related questions:

    What does Psalm 31:23 say God does for the faithful?
    What eternal reward does God say He has for the faithful in Psalm 101:6? In Revelation 2:10?
    In the believer, from where does the quality of faithfulness come (Galatians 5:22)?

Reflect

The highgraders in Nevada were dishonest in the little things. But their intent to sell the wagonload shows you that they were also dishonest in much.

Oswald Chambers wrote in his book, Not Knowing Whither, p. 135: "The life of faith does not consist of acts of worship or of great self-denial and heroic virtues, but of all the daily conscious acts of our lives."

God notices the small things. You build faithfulness into your life as you daily approach the little things in a godly way. Godliness is God-likeness. He is faithful and cannot waver. As you become more and more like Him, you will build faithfulness and become more conscious of how you are using the time, resources and abilities God has entrusted to you.

Read the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 and write down what you see there about faithfulness and unfaithfulness.

Respond

You may feel you have very little going right now that requires much faithfulness on your part. But ask yourself: What about my time? What about my Bible study and devotional life? What about my spiritual gifts and my natural talents?

The time to be faithful is now.
The place to be faithful is where you are.
The way to be faithful is to be Christlike in all you do.

"Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?" Proverbs 20:6 (ESV).