Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 23, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

God's Amazing Patience

According to RoadRagers.com, "Road rage (also road violence) is the informal name for deliberately dangerous and/or violent behavior under the influence of heightened, violent emotion such as anger and frustration involving an automobile in use."

"Losing it" is pretty common these days. At times, you may wonder if patience has totally gone out of style. People want their hamburgers within 60 seconds. Items they order from a website should arrive by "next-day delivery." More than one person ahead of them at the grocery checkout constitutes an unbearable delay, and the failure of drivers in front of them to make instant jackrabbit starts when the light turns green is downright intolerable.

A dictionary will tell you that patience emphasizes calmness, self-control and the willingness or ability to tolerate delay. Another word some Bible translations use, especially when speaking of God, is longsuffering, which speaks especially of His patient endurance of the evils of sinful people. Let's see what the Bible has to say about the amazing patience of God.

Receive

When the Lord established the nation of Israel at Sinai, He wanted Moses and the people to know how He would treat them. You get an interesting look into God's heart when you read Exodus 34:6-8 (ESV):

"The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, 'The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.' And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped."

    You may hear some people say "God is a God of love, so He never would get angry." From the Bible passage above, how would you answer them?
    You may hear others ask, "Why does God pay no attention to all the evil going on in the world?" From the passage, what would you tell them?

Now, look at some other verses about God's patience and answer the questions.

    What do Romans 2:4 and 2 Peter 3:9 say is the desired outcome of God's patience toward sinners? Compare 2 Peter 3:15 also.
    Read 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. What is the end result of scorning the patience of God

Reflect

God is a God of love, so your Christian life is to be marked by love. He is the Light of the World, so you are to be a light in the world. He is faithful, so you are to be faithful.

The same is true of patience and longsuffering. As God is patient, His people must be patient. Read the following Bible verses and answer the questions.

    What should motivate you, as a believer, to be patient? See 1 Corinthians 13:4-5.
    Who makes patience possible in the Christian's life? Read Galatians 5:22-23.
    What does God have to say about "getting even"? Romans 12:19 will tell you.

Respond

Commit Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV) to memory. It doesn't contain the word, patience, but it shows you what patience should look like in your daily life, and it tells you why every believer should practice it.

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Date: Nov 26, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Make Peace

We love to talk about the vague goal of "world peace." It's a running line for beauty queens, politicians and those lost in a haze of idealism. But while "world peace" may sound impossible, you can bring more peace to your world. How? Follow God's example and practice patience (longsuffering).

Receive

Patience (or longsuffering) is critical to creating peace in our relationships and circumstances. In Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul links the two. "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (ESV).

Another translation puts it like this: "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace" (Ephesians 4:2-3, NLT).

Being patient with the faults and differences of others makes it possible to build unity and create peace in our relationships. How? When you exercise patience, you defer your anger. You have time to think and to be pro-active, time to in find a solution instead of being reactive and unproductive.

Colossians 3:12-15 tells us, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful" (ESV).

Reflect

Go back over Colossians 3:12-15.

    List the things we're to "put on" and describe how you demonstrate each one.
    Why do they fit together?
    How might each quality impact a relationship and bring about peace?

Romans 12:15-18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 also offer ways patience can bring peace in your relationships.

    What's the end goal we're trying to reach?

Respond

Let's be honest, our lack of patience comes from two areas.

    Selfishness--I focus on my wants, my wishes, my way; and when other people don't fall into that agenda, I'm upset.
    A demand for immediacy--not just what I want but when I want it.

    Which of these is usually the source of your impatience?
    What fall-out have you experienced because of this?
    What can you change about that today?

Think of a relationship or situation where a little patience on your part could have produced peace. What happened? If you exercised patience, what would have changed? What solutions might you have found? What's keeping you from making it right?

Patience (or longsuffering) is not something we can manufacture on our own. It comes as we let the Holy Spirit guide, influence and intervene in our lives. As you consider patience and peace, ask the Holy Spirit to do His work in your life. Committing Ephesians 4:1-3 or Colossians 3:12-15 to memory can be a great way to be ready for the next time you need patience and peace.

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 27, 2012
Topic: Faith/Trust

More Than a Virtue

The third chapter of Ecclesiastes starts with these familiar words: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV). Sounds great, doesn't it? But if you're like most people, you'd rather be doing something than waiting for something to happen.

Many people will tell you to take life by the horns. "Stop waiting and make something happen." It sounds like good advice, but is it really?

Receive

David was a man who faced that choice. In the Bible, we read about how David was pursued by Saul the King of Israel. One day, David and his followers hid in a cave to avoid Saul's passing army. Saul, not knowing that David was there, also went into the cave. "Now's your opportunity," David's men whispered to him. "Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you'" (1 Samuel 24:4, ESV). In other words, "Kill him and take the throne!"

David could've solved two problems if he'd taken their advice. First, David could have ended Saul's murderous pursuit of him; and second, David would be free to become king as God had promised. So, David made up his mind. Creeping forward in the dark cave, David took out his sword and cut off a corner of Saul's robe.

David told his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD's anointed" (1 Samuel 24:6, ESV).

David recognized that when God was ready to remove Saul from the throne and elevate David, God would do just that. We'll think about how to apply this kind of patient trust in God's plan to our lives in the next section.

Reflect

As you read through 1 Samuel 24:1-7, think about the following questions:

    How would David's life have changed for the better if he had killed Saul? For the worse?
    If you were in David's position, what would you have done? Why?
    Are you frustrated with where you are today? How does this passage affect your outlook?

Respond

Patience is more than a virtue; it shows our faith and trust in God. David truly believed in God's promises, and so he was willing to wait for God's timing. In our world today we have all kinds of ways of speeding through life, from speed dating to get-rich-quick schemes. But let's take a lesson from David and learn to trust in the promises and the timing of God.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 28, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Patience Is Possible

Of all the things that try our patience, people are most likely to be at the top of our list. It's no wonder that Linus, from the Peanut carton strip, said, "I love humanity; it's people I can't stand."

Whether we're talking about work, church or home, it's people that most often cause our patience to wear thin. That's what led Ulrike Ruffert to say: "Patience is the ability to put up with people you'd like to put down." But before you allow your impatience to cause you to make an angry reply or hurtful comment, consider what the Bible has to say.

Receive

"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all" (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 NKJV).

    List the types of people that Paul acknowledges may try your patience.
    How should you respond to these people in addition to being patient?
    What does Paul instruct you to avoid?
    What are we to pursue?

Reflect

It's easy to justify impatience. You've warned this person before. You've told this individual at least 15 times how to do something. Your freedoms have been infringed upon once again by someone else's hang-ups. And you have a right to be impatient!

But look at how God has dealt with you. How many times have you done the same thing wrong? How many times has He helped you through another difficulty (many of which you have created yourself). Yet He continues to deal with you in a loving way.

Being patient isn't the same thing as being passive. Nor does patience mean that you do nothing when someone is out of line or has a special need. Patience is reflected not in what you do but how you do it. Even positive actions can be ruined if they are done in an impatient way

Respond

Who in your life pushes the impatience button? Bring that person before the Lord and ask what actions you should take. At the same time, ask for the Holy Spirit to produce in you a patience that will help you take action in a way that will be good for you and for everyone else involved in the situation.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 29, 2012
Topic: Salvation

Saved by Mercy

Napoleon was once asked to pardon a woman's son. He responded that the boy had committed an offense and that justice must be served. The woman's son would die.

"But I don't ask for justice," the mother cried. "I beg for mercy."

"Your son doesn't deserve mercy," Napoleon responded.

"Sir," the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and I ask for mercy."

"Well, then," the emperor said, "I will give mercy." And he spared the woman's son.

"Saved by Mercy" is the title of today's study. So, let's see what the Bible says about God's mercy:

Receive

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved" (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV).

    We've been saved by what?
    How does that fit with mercy?
    Why does God have mercy on His children?
    What does God's mercy mean to you?

Reflect

Understanding how you are saved by mercy means grasping what it is to be completely and totally forgiven of all your sins--past and present and future. It also means that we will hear God pronounce the following verdict:

"T here is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1, NKJV).

Check out these Scriptures to understand more about the breadth and depth of saving mercy.

"As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12, NASB).

Did you ever wonder why the Bible does not say "as far as the north is from the south?" Because if you go south at one point you will cross the South Pole and then you will be heading north. North and south meet at the poles. But if you go east, you can travel for a million billion years, and you will never touch west.

"And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins" (Jeremiah 31:34, NLT).

If all your sins and transgressions have been separated as far as the east is from the west, if God remembers them no more, then you have been saved by mercy and your sins are gone, gone, gone--completely, totally and forever. Now, that's the richness of God's mercy in Christ!

Respond

Read the following description of "saved by mercy" and let it guide your heart in expressing your gratitude, praise and awe to your Savior and God.

"He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth" (Psalm 103:10-11 NLT).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 30, 2012
Topic: God's Love

God's Loving Heart

When Robert Louis Stevenson retired to the Samoan Islands for his health, he became to the natives of that island a kind and generous friend. Stevenson was concerned that there was only a path leading from the harbor of his island over which his new friends must walk in order to bring provisions to the interior. With his own money and personal efforts, Stevenson had a good road constructed for his people. In gratitude the Samoans called it, "the road of a loving heart."

The Bible reveals another "loving heart"--the heart of God. Let's look at how Jesus showed this heart as He ministered to the needs of others.

Receive

The psalmist says:

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion,
Slow to anger and great in mercy (Psalms 145:8, NKJV).

Read the verses below and indicate how Jesus showed this loving heart of God:

    Matthew 14:14
    Matthew 15:32-38
    Matthew 20:30-34
    Mark 1:40-42
    Mark 6:33-34

Reflect

True compassion is not simply an emotion; it's an action as well. As we see in the life of Jesus, God doesn't just stop with feeling the pain of His creation, He does something about it. Of course His greatest act of compassion was to send His Son to die on the cross for our sins.

Respond

While we can never equal God's compassion, we are still to imitate it. Take a few moments right now to ask God to bring to mind someone who needs to be shown compassion. Carefully consider how you might show God's loving heart to this person in a practical way.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Bible Study

Title: The Promise Keeper
Date: Dec 3, 2012
Topic(s): God's Love, Christian Living/Situational, God
Scripture: Genesis 17:15-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, Genesis 17:3-8, Genesis 46:1-7, Genesis 50:12-14, 1 Samuel 1:1-2, 1 Samuel 1:20-28, 2 Chronicles 6:3-11, Psalm 23, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 John 2:25, Hebrews 10:23, Genesis 21:1-7, Job 3:16-17, 1 John 5:11, 1 John 1:9, John 14:15-31, Psalm 67:6-7, Luke 1:26-33, 2 Samuel 7:5-16, 1 Samuel 1:10-18, Psalm 105, Genesis 50:1-3, Joshua 24:2-18, 1 John 5:14-15



God keeps His promises. Is that hard for you to believe? I hope not because the Bible is full of the evidence. Open it up and take a look.

Receive

Hebrews 10:23 reminds us to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful" (ESV).

    That "He" is God. He made the promises, and He's faithful to keep them. You can live in complete confidence that God will do what He promises to do. First Thessalonians 5:24 boldly states: "He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it" (ESV).

God's faithfulness, reliability and truthfulness make it impossible for Him to break a promise. Over and over, we find God making--and keeping--His promises. Read the Scriptures below and write out 1) the promises God made and 2) how He kept them.

To Abraham:

1) Genesis 17:15-19
2) Genesis 21:1-7

1) Genesis 17:3-8
2) Joshua 24:2-18

To Jacob:

1) Genesis 46:1-7
2) Genesis 50:1-3, 12-14; Psalm 105

To Hannah:

1) 1 Samuel 1:1-2, 10-18
2) 1 Samuel 1:20-28

To David:

1) 2 Samuel 7:5-16
2) 2 Chronicles 6:3-11 and Luke 1:26-33

To Zechariah and Elizabeth:

1) Luke 1:5-25
2) Luke 1:57-66

Reflect

If you're thinking God made promises only to a special few and none of His promises apply to you, look up these promises God makes to every believer.

Psalm 23
Psalm 67:6-7
Hebrews 13:5-6
John 14:15-31
1 Corinthians 10:13
1 John 1:9
1 John 2:25
1 John 5:11
1 John 5:14-15

    Which promises do you need today?
    What helps you now to trust God to keep His promises?

Of course, God's greatest promise is summarized in John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him" (ESV).

God promised that Jesus, His Son, will be our Savior and Messiah and that He will redeem us from sin and give us eternal life. You can find the threads of that promise throughout the Old Testament. Then you can see it fulfilled in the New Testament--as well as whenever someone comes to faith in Jesus Christ.

Respond

Knowing God as our Promise Keeper means two things. The first is a matter of trust: You can trust God to keep His promises to you and to be faithful as you wait for that fulfillment. Go back to the promises we've touched on that have you concerned; take them to God in prayer, asking Him to help you trust Him as He keeps that promise.

Second, as our Heavenly Father, He models promise-keeping to us. So, we should be faithful in keeping our promises and following through on the commitments we've made. What promises have you made that require you to be faithful? What can you do today to keep those promises? Take the opportunity to be faithful to all your promises.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Bible Study

Title: God Is Truthful
Date: Dec 4, 2012
Topic(s): God
Scripture: John 14:3, Titus 1:1-2



If the force of gravity ever wavered, life on earth would not be possible. If the North Star rotated as do the other stars, navigation principles would have been vastly more difficult to learn. And if God was ever untruthful, we could throw the Bible out the window and give up any hope of ever knowing who God is and what He wants. But the Bible assures us otherwise.

Receive

The truthfulness of God is so important that Paul reminded Titus of it before he finished greeting the young pastor: "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began" (Titus 1:1-2, ESV, italics added).

    Read those verses again and list some of the things that would be impossible if God did lie.
    How would this affect the confidence we have in our salvation?

God's truthfulness means that we, too, can know the truth. God's truth in our lives means we can know right and wrong and know that right is right for everyone and wrong is always wrong.

God's truthfulness gives us hope of eternal life. God is a God who makes promises and keeps all of them. When Jesus promised that He will return and usher us into heaven (John 14:3), we can count on it.

In the next section we'll look more at what God's truthfulness means for us.

Reflect

As you read Titus 1:1-2, think about the following questions:

    How would life be different if God weren't always truthful?
    How would life be different if you could be as truthful as God?

Respond

Titus isn't a long book (46 verses in three chapters), so take the next ten or fifteen minutes to read it. Look for the ways the truth should impact our lives. Look for how Paul describes the people who are opposed to God and His truth.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 5, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Be Holy

The word holiness means to be "separate" or "distinctive." In other words, our lifestyle should be different from those around us who have not trusted Christ as their Savior.

So, how do we achieve that? Let's see what God's Word says.

Receive

"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:13-16).

    According to verse 13, where does holiness begin?
    As holy people, what are we to look forward to?
    What should we avoid?
    What is our motivation for holiness?

Reflect

We often think of holiness in terms of what we do, but it begins before we take any sort of action. Peter says it starts with our minds. Verse 13 says we are to "gird up the loins" of our mind. This expression refers to the clothing worn in biblical times. Both men and women wore tunics (the men's tunic usually reached to their knees, the women's to their ankles). A girdle was also worn around the waist to hold the tunic against the body. When working in the fields or needing to move quickly, a man would tuck the hem of his tunic into his girdle to give more freedom of movement. This was called "girding up" the loins.

Peter says we must be prepared in our minds for the work of being holy. The apostle Paul describes it as a "renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). This comes about as we allow our minds to be "washed by the Word" (Ephesians 5:26). Spending time in God's Word creates a renewed mind that is ready for the challenge of holy living.

Respond

This week, take special note of what you are allowing your mind to dwell on. Memorize Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." Let holiness begin in your mind and work its way out through your actions.

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 6, 2012
Topic: Holiness, Christian Living/Situational, God

Grow in Holiness

So, let me guess. You're perfect, right? You might answer yes, but would your friends or family agree? While we may joke about being perfect, most of us recognize that we're a long way from reaching that goal. But what about being holy? Believe it or not, that's possible.

Holiness isn't the same as sinless perfectionism. It means "to be set apart, distinct." God is holy because He is set apart and distinct from all other gods (and vastly superior in character, wisdom, faithfulness, justice, compassion, etc.). As God's people, we can be holy, too--set apart and distinct, belonging to Him. Let's see what the Bible says about this.

Receive

In the Old Testament, God called the Israelites to be His chosen people, set apart for a relationship with Him. Deuteronomy 7:6 says, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth" (ESV). And in Leviticus 11:44-45, God says, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy...For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy" (ESV).

Now, the Israelites were by no means a perfect or sinless people. Just read through Exodus or Judges to see that! But they were still "set apart" to be God's holy people.

When Jesus came as Savior, He took care of our sin and made it possible for us to be presented before God as holy. Colossians 1:21-22 put it this way, "And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he [Jesus] has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him [God]" (ESV).

Holiness is what we are because of what Jesus did. Sanctification is the process through which we express by our lifestyle the fact that we have been set apart for God (holy). "God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:13, ESV). First Corinthians 6:11says, "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (ESV).

Reflect

So, what does holiness look like? Halos, white robes and saintly expressions? No, holiness is made visible in how you live, the things that you do (or don't do) show you're set apart to God and distinctive from the world around you. As you read these verses, pull out things that can reflect holiness in your life.

    Colossians 3:12-15
    1 Peter 1:14-16
    Luke 1:74-75
    2 Corinthians 7:1

In Romans 12:1-2, you'll see that holiness is not only demonstrated by your actions; it involves a change of mind.

    In what ways is your thinking still conformed to the world?
    Where does it have to changed to line up with your status of "holy"?

Respond

Once you've looked at some of the ways we express holiness, check on these traits or actions or thinking in your life.

    What changes have you seen since you first came to Christ?
    Where do you need some work?
    What keeps you from growing to better reflect the fact that you're set apart for God (holy)?

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow to better reflect your holiness, to be alert to those moments when you can choose to show that you have been "set apart to God" through your actions or thinking. If you journal, include your notes from this study and come back to it occasionally and do the self-check again to see how you're growing to better reflect your holy position.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 7, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Pure Holiness

In the 1850s, cleanliness in the United States, north and south, rural and urban stood at Third World levels. Sanitation was not unknown, but the great majority felt no urgency to clean up. After all, dirt brought food, crops, survival. Dirt was good.

But when it was discovered that dirt--and specifically the lack of proper sanitation that often came along with it--also brought germs, disease, suffering and death, America came clean on a scale unequaled in world history.

What dirt does to the body, sin does to the soul. When we are saved, it is not so we can continue to suffer the disease that infected us before we knew Christ. Instead Christ purifies us and puts within us a hope that motivates us to continue to be pure. Let's see what the Bible says about this.

Receive

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:11-14).

    As redeemed people, how should we live?
    What future event will motivate us toward holy living?
    What two things did Jesus do for us?

Reflect

God's grace doesn't stop with just redemption; it goes on to purify our lives so that we might be His special people, not only in heaven but also right here on earth. By grace we are saved (See Ephesians 2:8-9) and by grace we are set apart (the literal meaning of "holy") to live pure and holy lives full of good deeds (Titus 2:14).

Respond

Is there some impurity in your life that is hindering your walk with the Lord? Confess it today and receive God's cleansing by grace (1 John 1:9).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 10, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Obedience/Discipleship

Abiding in the Vine

I have a dwarf apple tree in my garden. It will only grow about half the size of a normal apple tree which is just right for my small garden. But the more appropriate size comes at a price. The root system of this small fruit tree is very weak. Left attached to its original roots, the tree would soon die. To compensate, the grower grafts the tree onto the root system of a normal apple tree. The dwarf tree will produce abundant fruit but only because it has access to the nutrients provided by a root system other than its own.

The same is true of our spiritual life. While Jesus compares our relationship to Him to a vine rather than a tree, the principle is the same. Let's see how it works.

Receive

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples" (John 15:1-8, NKJV).

    What is the requirement for bearing fruit?
    What can we do apart from Christ?
    What happens to the "branch" that doesn't abide in Christ?
    What is the purpose of fruit bearing?

Reflect

Keep in mind that these verses are talking about "fruitfulness" and not "salvation." Jesus is not saying that our salvation rests on fruitfulness (v. 6) but that our rewards do. Some believers will come before Christ's Judgment Seat like they had escaped from a house fire with nothing but the clothes on their backs (1 Corinthians 3:13; Jude 1:23). To prevent that, we need to make sure that the fruit in our lives is the result of abiding in Christ. As we draw our strength and wisdom from Him rather than ourselves (the flesh), the fruit we bear will bring glory to the Father and eternal rewards for us.

Respond

The apostle Paul urges us to be rooted and built up in Christ Jesus (Colossians 2:7). As you abide in the written Word, you will become rooted in the Living Word and bear much fruit to the glory of the Father. Get into the Word by looking at one of our Bible reading guides at www.backtothebible.org and begin to daily spend time in the Word.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 11, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Wisdom & Money

Some people think the Bible condemns wealth. Others think God wants all Christians to be wealthy. So who is right? Don't let yourself be influenced by others, let's look and see what God has to say in the Bible.

Receive

Did you know that the Bible actually tells us how to make money? It's true. There is actually a God-prescribed way of acquiring more money.

"A slack hand causes poverty,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich" (Proverbs 10:4, ESV).

If you want money, work for it. OK, maybe that's not a huge revelation, but it runs counter to many messages we hear from the world around us.

The next verse says,

"He who gathers in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame" (Proverbs 10:5, ESV).

Casinos, lotteries and the myriad of get-rich-schemes in today's world are based on the principle that you shouldn't have to work to get money. But the Bible is clear: if you want money, you need to work for it.

But wealth is not an end in itself. What do you do with your money once you have it? The first thing to know is that the money you earn is one of the ways God provides for your needs. You need food; you need shelter and many other things. Each time you pay a bill or buy your groceries, take a moment to say thank you to God for providing the money to meet your needs.

Once you've met your personal needs, there's more to be done with your money.

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want" (Proverbs 11:24, ESV).

Once you've met your needs, consider the needs of others.

Reflect

As you read Proverbs 10:1-5, think about the following questions:

1. What is God's message to us in these verses?

2. Why is righteousness the better path to follow?

Respond

Whatever your financial situation is today, God knows about it. But take time to pray about your finances. Ask Him to give you wisdom about using your money. Ask Him for opportunities to demonstrate generosity. And always be quick to praise Him for His provision.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 12, 2012
Topic: Thankfulness, Christian Living/Situational, God's Care

Generosity

You know the saying "membership has its privileges"? Well, so does generosity. And giving generously is wise whether you're giving your money, your time or other resources to those who need it.

Receive

Proverbs 22:9:
"Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor" (ESV).

That "bountiful eye" refers to seeing with a generous heart; seeing a need and being happy to do something about it. And here's the benefit: blessing!

Proverbs 28:27 adds another benefit: "Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing" (NLT). In meeting the needs of others, God continues to provide for you.

However, Proverbs 28:27 also cautions: "But those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed" (NLT). It's hard to hear that if we ignore the needs of others, we're risking God's displeasure. But it makes sense.

You see, everything you and I have--money, possessions, time, even life itself--comes from God's generous hands. He gives us what we have and what we need. He then expects us to give to others the same way. He uses us to meet the needs of the poor, the helpless and those in difficulty. Read His instructions in Deuteronomy 15:7-11, and you'll see how God uses His people to meet the needs of others--and blesses their generosity in turn.

Reflect

Look up 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 for instructions concerning generosity.

    What benefits or privileges do you find when you're generous?
    What attitude do you need to exhibit when you give?
    What does God do about your needs?
    What does generosity produce?

Respond

In these tough economic times, we're easily anxious and that can make us stingy. "I can't give because I may not have enough for my own needs." Have you looked at Matthew 6:25-34 lately? How will your needs be met? What does it say about your relationship with God when you're anxious or stingy with what you have?

You may not have as much material wealth as some people have, but you're probably richer than most of the world. So, what will you do with it? If you can’t give money, what can you give--energy, time, etc.? Jot down a few ideas today; then begin to act more generously. And ask God to help you give as He wants, with a bountiful eye and a cheerful heart, trusting Him to take care of you too.

[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: Dec 13, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

The Wisdom of Giving

A wise man wrote, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." The man was Moses, in Psalm 90:12 (KJV). Another wise man said,

"Forsake foolishness and live,
and go in the way of understanding."

That man was Solomon, in Proverbs 9:6 (NKJV).

Smith's Bible Dictionary defines wisdom as "the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding." True biblical wisdom requires that you know God and obey His will in all areas of your life. Sadly, both Moses (Deuteronomy 4:21-22) and Solomon (1 Kings 11:3-12) suffered loss at the end of their lives because they failed to exercise godly wisdom.

As a follower of Christ, you should practice wisdom in your relationships, your actions, your attitudes, your plans and every other part of your life. Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV).

If wisdom must be practiced in all walks of life, then your use of money and your giving is included. For many, that is the most difficult place to apply wisdom--and it's what we will look at today.

Receive

Both the Old and New Testaments abound with teaching about giving. Jesus stressed to His disciples the importance of the wise use of money and right attitudes in giving. Paul gave further extensive instruction on the same topics.

In this list of verses about money and giving, identify the one that best answers each question that follows:

    Mark 9:41
    Mark 10:23
    Luke 16:13
    1 John 3:17
    Luke 6:38
    1 Corinthians 9:7

        Which verse shows that God will reward the wise believer who gives to those who are in need?
        Which verse tells you that the unwise love of money can prevent entrance into the Kingdom of God?
        Which verse shows the mindset a believer should have when giving?
        Which verse assures you that withholding from those in need reflects a lack of God's love in your life?
        Which verse tells you that money has the power to gain control of your life?
        Which verse tells you that God is pleased with your giving and you will be blessed for your generosity?

Reflect

Solomon, in the Book of Proverbs, says much about both wisdom and wealth. In Proverbs 3:7-10 (ESV), he connects the two, saying:

"Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine."

Solomon is saying that true wisdom comes from God and that you are to use wisdom in donating to God and to others out of the blessings He provides.

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

    What relation does sowing have to reaping? (v. 6)
    Who should determine how much you give? (v. 7)
    What will God do for the wise giver? (vv. 8-11)
    What will your liberal giving produce for God? (v. 11)

Respond

Review your personal giving to the Lord's work and put down on paper these results:

    How much you are giving regularly.
    What organizations your contributions are going to.
    What changes you would like to make in your giving as the Lord provides.

In your prayer time, ask God to give you wisdom in your giving and your handling of money.