Bible Minute

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 14, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

What Money Can't Do

Have you ever been asked to do something that wasn't part of your job description? Do you remember the frustration of trying to figure out how to handle a new task and the gut feeling that there was someone else in the company who was better fitted to handle the assignment?

That's the way it is with money. We ask it to buy us happiness--but it can't. We ask it to buy us love--but it can't. We ask it to buy us friends--but it can't. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon, the wisest as well as the richest man who ever lived, gives us the real scoop on what money can and can't do.

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"The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
they imagine it to be a high wall of safety " (Proverbs 18:11, NLT).

In other words, many who have vast amounts of money get a false sense of security from riches. They feel invincible and, tragically, can begin to trust in themselves rather than God. But God is the only One worthy of your trust.

Look at Proverbs 11:4 for more wisdom about money:

"Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death" (ESV).

Having money isn't bad, but it can't save us from death. This life, when compared to eternity, will last as long as it takes your eye to blink. And when it comes to determining our eternal home, bank accounts will be worthless.

The most important decision any of us will ever have to make isn't about money. It's about whether or not we will accept Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf.

God never gave us money to provide happiness, fulfillment and security--He gives us Himself to provide all that. Money can be a powerful tool for accomplishing God's work, but we must recognize that only God can truly provide everything we need. As Jesus told said, "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33, ESV).

We'll look more at this passage from Matthew in the next section.

Reflect

As you read Matthew 6:25-34, think about the following questions:

1. Why did Jesus use the birds of the air and the grass of the field as an example for listeners?

2. What does Jesus say we should not be anxious about?

3. What does He suggest we focus on instead?

Respond

A lot of people feel like they don't have enough money. If that's the way you feel, take some time to think about why it is you feel that way. Ask God to show you the areas where you are trusting money to provide something He's promised to give you Himself.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 17, 2012
Topic: Worship/Praise/Worthiness

Wise Persons Still Worship Him

Have you received a Christmas greeting or seen a bumper sticker that says, "Wise Men Still Seek Him"? It's a popular, catchy saying these days. It refers to the visit of the wise men, or Magi, who traveled from a faraway country to find Jesus, the royal child born in Judea.

But perhaps the bumper sticker should read, "Wise persons still worship Him." We'll see why in this study. First, look at the Bible verses below, taken from the Gospel of Matthew.

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Matthew 2:1-2 (ESV)
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'"

Matthew 2:9-12 (ESV)
"After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way."

From the information in the Bible passages above, answer these questions:

    Where did the wise men come from?
    Does the Bible say how many wise men there were?
    What sign prompted them to undertake the long journey to Judea?
    What did they call the child?
    What did the wise men say was their main purpose for the journey?
    What did they do first when they saw the child?
    What hint do you see that shows these were rich and powerful men?
    Why did the wise men take a different route home?

Reflect

The Magi traveled for a long time from a far country to find the child Jesus. They looked for Him, not out of curiosity, but because they longed to worship Him and rejoice in His presence. They wanted to celebrate the birth of the King of kings. They came prepared with magnificent gifts because they had learned from ancient prophecies that this child was One like no other and that He was worthy of all their worship.

The old Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, "What is the chief end of man?" The answer is, "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever."

The wise men from the East desired to glorify the Lord Jesus. Is Christmas, for you, a time of worship, praise and glorifying God? Take a few moments to look up the following Bible verses. Consider how the persons mentioned rejoiced at Jesus' coming.

    Luke 1:39-45--Elizabeth and the unborn John the Baptist
    Luke 1:46-49--Mary the mother of Jesus
    Luke 1:68-75--Zechariah the father of John the Baptist
    Luke 2:13-14--God's angelic host of heaven
    Luke 2:20--The shepherds of Bethlehem
    Luke 2:25-32--Simeon, an old man of Jerusalem
    Luke 2:36-38--Anna the prophetess
    Matthew 2:10-11--The wise men of the East

Then, rejoice, praise and worship with them!

Yes, some wise men still seek Him but, more importantly, the truly wise still worship Him.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (Proverbs 9:10, ESV).

Respond

Make this Christmas a time of worship and praise. Begin the day by reading the whole account of Jesus' first coming recorded in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 1:26-2:39.

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 18, 2012
Topic: Events/Holidays

Wise Men Seek Him

You don't need to be intelligent or well-educated to worship and follow Jesus; you need to be wise.

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Matthew 2:1-2, tells us about some wise men. "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him'" (ESV).

These "wise men" who came to seek and worship Jesus were probably well-educated men who spent their lives studying many things including the stars. But while their studies made them aware of the birth of the King, it wasn't mere curiosity or genius that brought them to Jesus. It was a desire to see, know and worship the one "who has been born king of the Jews."

And "when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:10-11, ESV).

You don't have to "check your brain at the door" in order to believe in Jesus. In fact, Proverbs 9:10 tells us,

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (ESV).

On the other hand, Psalm 14:1 tells us "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'" (ESV).

Respect or fear of the Lord helped these "wise" men understand who this Baby was and gave them the perfect reason to bow and worship.

Reflect

In John 3, Jesus had a conversation with an intelligent, learned man named Nicodemus. Read John 3:5-21 with these questions in mind.
How does one get eternal life?

    What are the qualifications for believing in Jesus?
    Who does this exclude? Or include?
    What gets in the way of believing?
    What are the consequences of not believing in Jesus?

Respond

Real wisdom is seeing Jesus and believing in Him; in bowing down to worship as the "wise men" did. You can go looking for Jesus and learn everything about Him but until you take the step of faith, you gain nothing. It's not blind faith--God's Word is full of all you need to know in order to believe. (Try Romans 3-8.) Are you wise enough to believe?

First Corinthians 1:26-29 says " Few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God" (NLT).

You don't have to be wise, wealthy or powerful to put your faith in Jesus. But wisdom, wealth and power don't have to be barriers to living with Him either.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 19, 2012
Topic: Jesus

Jesus Brings Joy

Is the name Isaac Watts familiar to you? Even if you don't know the name, I can almost guarantee that you've sung some of the songs he wrote. In fact he composed one of our most popular Christmas carols: "Joy to the World."

You're probably already singing the song in your head, so you know that according to the song, the reason the world can have joy is because The Lord is come. It's not because, "Santa Claus has come," or "the time for gifts has come" or even, "the time for family has come." The reason we can experience joy at all is because Jesus has come. And the Bible agrees; let's look at what it says.

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It's not hard to find Scripture referring to the joy surrounding Jesus' birth. In fact, even before He was born, people were rejoicing.

"In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth...and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!...For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy'" (Luke 1:39-40, 41, 44, ESV).

Of course, the most well-known proclamation of joy came in the greatest birth announcement ever. "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11, ESV).

It's always an occasion of joy when a child is born; but Jesus was more than just a baby, He was the Messiah, the promised Savior. Everyone who has realized that fact and put their faith in Him has the joy only Jesus can bring into their life.

Reflect

As you read through the Scripture for today, think about the following questions:

Where do people tend to look for joy during the holiday season?
In what ways is Jesus superior to everything else we associate with Christmas?

Respond

Who around you could use a dose of joy this Christmas? Consider what you can do to help them share in the joy of the Savior's birth.

Spend some time with your family reading the Christmas stories in the Bible and point out descriptions of joy you find there.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 20, 2012
Topic: Joy

Happiness and Joy

The young man had two memorable Christmas days. The first was when he was 14. World War II had ended. His family members who had been in the war were coming home safely. When he opened his gifts on Christmas morning, there was a new pair of boots, new jeans, a western hat and a Remington single-shot .22 rifle. Two feet of new-fallen snow and grandma's great Christmas dinner made it the happiest Christmas of all.

The second memorable Christmas day came four years later when the young man was 18. The gifts of that day are long-forgotten, but earlier that year he had received the greatest gift of all when he trusted Christ as his personal Savior and found the solution to the emptiness in his life and the answer to his longing to be forgiven of his sins. It was the first time he saw Christ's birth from the viewpoint of one who possessed eternal life. His new relationship to Christ made it the most joyful Christmas in memory.

Do you see the difference between the inner experiences of the young man on those two Christmases? Happiness and joy are not the same, though they may sometimes be mingled. A dictionary will tell you that happiness is generally "a pleasurable or satisfying experience" but joy is a "state of well-being and contentment."

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Look at some experiences of people who actually lived during the time that Jesus, the Son of God, was being introduced to the world as a baby and a young child.

    Read Luke 1:26-56. Think about how the Virgin Mary felt when the angel made the birth announcement to her. How would you describe her feelings? (Look especially at Luke 1:29 and Luke 1:46.)?
    Now read Matthew 1:18-21. Think about Joseph's reaction. Describe how you think he felt (Matthew 1:19 and 24).
    Read Luke 2:1-7. How do you suppose Mary and Joseph felt about the complicated travel to Bethlehem and the repulsive birthplace of Jesus (Luke 2:4-7)?
    Read Luke 2:8-20. How do you imagine the shepherds felt when the angels suddenly appeared to announce Jesus' birth (Luke 2:9)?
    Read Matthew 2:1-12. How do you believe the wise men felt about their entire experience?

Reflect

The holidays may not always be a happy time, even for Christians. Many are suffering because of sickness, persecution, loneliness, poverty or other troubles. On the other hand, transient happiness comes at times to others who are leaving God out of their lives. Nice gifts, a good dinner, visits from family or fun on a skiing trip can give a temporary sense of well-being.

Joy, however, is your possession as a believer in Christ. It is a gift of God, given to you because of the proper response of your soul to the Gospel. It is part of the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is the eternal will of Jesus for you (John 15:11). Joy is linked to all you have in Christ forever.

Respond

List the characters from the Christmas story as mentioned in the verses above. Beside each person's name, indicate whether you think this first Christmas brought then happiness or joy (maybe both) and why.

Write down the things that make you happy at this season; then, write down the truths that make you rejoice.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 21, 2012
Topic: Jesus, Joy

The Angels' Song

Have you ever been excited on Christmas? Maybe you've seen a child so excited about Christmas that it shows in his or her whole body. But how about an angel? Just seeing an angel can be a frightening experience. Yet I think I would risk the scare to see angels excited about Christmas. That's what happened to some shepherds.

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"But the angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.'
"Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God and saying,
"'Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased'" (Luke 2:10-14, NLT).

    How can we become a part of "those with whom God is pleased"? (See John 3:16.)
    What can you do to experience more joy at Christmastime?
    What did the angels mean by "peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased"?

The key to genuine and lasting joy is the same as the focus of Christmas: Jesus--the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
"So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God" (Romans 5:11, NLT).

Reflect

This Christmas look back over your life and count all the presents that God, in His grace and love, has given you.

Sing some of the Christmas carols that speak to you of the joy that we have because Jesus came, died, rose again and is now in the presence of God.

In fact, listen carefully to the joy of the angels in the words of the hymn:
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear."*

It came upon a midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold:

'Peace on the earth, good will to men,
From heaven's all gracious King!'
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.

Respond

Take time to write down the words that your heart resonates with, and to pray that this Christmas you can join the angels in what they had to say and why they were filled with praise.

*"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," Sears, Edmund H. and Willis, Richard S., Public Domain.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 24, 2012
Topic: New Life

The Way Life Can Be

How old are you? Before you answer, you might want to consider this: The trillions of cells in our bodies are constantly reproducing and replacing themselves. The skin on our bodies is replaced every five days. The skeletal system is new every three months. Ninety-eight percent of the total number of atoms in our body are replaced at the end of a seven-year period. So, in one sense, thanks to the amazing regenerative powers of our body, none of us are more than seven years old.

But the Bible offers us something even more amazing. It's a renewal that goes far deeper than skin and bones. It occurs only once but lasts for all of eternity. And we read about it in 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.

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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, ESV).

    Where does this renewal take place?
    As a "new creation" what is our relationship with God?
    What is our new responsibility as a new creation?

Reflect

When we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit baptizes (puts, places, immerses) us into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). That's what it means to be "in Christ." It is in Christ that we find safety from God's wrath that is poured out on sin and those who engage in it (John 3:36).

As a new creation we are to put off the old habits we formed when we were apart from God and put on new habits that are consistent with our new life (Ephesians 4:20-24).

Respond

Have you become a "new creation"? If not, visit the "Meet Jesus" page to help you take that step of faith.

If you have become a new creation, what habit or habits do you need to "put off" so that your life is more consistent with your status as a new creation? Go to Colossians 3:8-10 and list the items that should be "put off." Then go to Colossians 3:12-17 and list the items to "put on." Circle at least one item on each of these lists which you will seek to put off or put on.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 25, 2012
Topic: Jesus, Salvation, New Life

Good News!

Are you ready for some good news? Not just good news but the best news? It's pretty simple, so stick with me: "The Savior is born." Yes, that's it. And it doesn't get any better than that!

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This news, delivered to shepherds one night, merited an angel's announcement, underlined by the hosts of heaven. Luke 2:10-11 records, "The angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!'" (NLT).

"The Savior is born." And that makes all the difference: There's nothing we need more than someone to save us from our sin and make us right with God. That's what the "good news" is all about. It's not just about a baby or a future king, and it's more than a promise fulfilled and an event to celebrate.

It's the Good News that God has given us a Savior who is named Jesus, "for he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21, NLT).

Reflect

The Good News doesn't stop, though, with the birth of Jesus. Take a look at these passages and consider some of the other "good news" that Jesus brings.

John 3:16-17
Mark 16:1-6
Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-16
Ephesians 2:4-10
Revelation 22:12-17

Respond

At Christmas, we join with the angels and shepherds to celebrate the Good News that Jesus our Savior is born. But what are you going to do with those "good tidings of great joy" when the day is over?

Don't leave it wrapped up and tucked away under a tree. Tear it open; share it with everyone you meet; live each day in the knowledge that your Savior is born and He lives in you today.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 26, 2012
Topic: Hope

Jesus Brings Hope

The lights of Christmas! What a sight! Millions and millions of clear and colored lights decorate trees, yards, fences, houses, churches, city streets, parks, buildings, even the White House.

Christmas is about lights, but more especially about the Light of the world. Until Christmas came, most lived in the shadows. Let's see how Jesus changed that.

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"The people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow,
A light has shined"
(Matthew 4:16 NLT).

Christmas shines forth the message that where the Light is, there is hope. Even in the midst of death and darkness, this Light will shine brightly.

"The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world" (John 1:9, NLT).

Later, Jesus talked to the people again, saying, "'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life'" (John 8:12, NLT).

Jesus is the Light--the Light of Christmas, the Light of life and the Light of the world. Where His Light shines, there the darkness is dispelled and people find hope, abundant life and eternal life.

"I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark" (John 12:46, NLT).

Reflect

Think about the people you know who are stilling living in darkness. List at least three names.

Maybe this Christmas will be the time when their eyes and lives are opened to the light of Jesus. What can you do that might help bring the "Light" into their lives?

Respond

Take time now to pray and think about how you might share with others the Light of Christmas. For when you do, not only does the Light shine on those in darkness, but we also get a better glimpse of Jesus, our eternal hope.

"For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made this light shine in our hearts so that we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6, NLT).

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 27, 2012
Topic: Hope

Living Hope

Christmas is a season of hope. We can find an entire month of "hope-filled" Christmas movies on TV, a youngster might be hoping for a bike on Christmas Day; shoppers are hoping for short lines at the mall; relatives may hope for a visit from a loved one. We all have things we hope for. But "hope" as it's used in the Bible is different from what we mean by these "hopes."

The writer to the Hebrews wanted his readers to understand that hope in Jesus is more than a desire or a wish. When we put our hope in Jesus, what He does for us is a certainty.

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Hebrews 6 is directed at believers who had a lot of doubt. They had accepted Christ as their Savior but weren't really living like it. What they needed was a little growing up in their thinking about God. And the author of Hebrews helps them to mature in their faith and hope by reminding them of their salvation and that their new hope is in Jesus.

"And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end" (Hebrews 6:11, ESV). We don't often use the words "assurance" and "hope" together like that. But when applied to God and His promises "hope" loses all its uncertainty and becomes a guarantee. This is the idea behind verses 13 through 18.

Such a unique form of hope comes with unique benefits. "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain" (Hebrews 6:19, ESV). Our hope in Jesus is a steadfast anchor we build our lives around. No more making contingency plans for "what if this doesn't happen." When we place our hope in the promises of God, we can be sure that all of His promises will come to pass.

Reflect

Remember back to the moment you placed your hope in Jesus. How did you feel?

How has the Lord encouraged and assured you in your faith?

Take to heart the message of these verses. "Happy is he...whose hope is in the Lord his God" (Psalm 146:5, NKJV).

"Blessed [happy] is the man who trusts in the Lord,
and whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8, NKJV).

What is it about our hope in God that actually relieves our anxiety about the future?

What other ways are we blessed when our hope is in the Lord?

Respond

Though it's not considered a Christmas carol, find some time to meditate on the lyrics of the hymn, "Blessed Assurance."*

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight!
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above,
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission--all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Consider how the miracle of Jesus' life, death and Resurrection gives us this blessed assurance. Let the joy expressed in the chorus ('this is my story...) be evident in your life. Pray that God will allow others to notice and prompt them to ask questions.

*"Blessed Assurance," Fanny Crosby and Phoebe Knapp, Public Domain.

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 28, 2012
Topic: Jesus, Hope

A Trustworthy Hope

During World War II six Navy pilots left their aircraft carrier on a scouting mission, searching the seas for enemy submarines believed operating in the area. When they tried to return, they couldn't find their ship. While they were gone, a blackout had been imposed and all lights on the ship had been turned out. Over and over the frantic pilots radioed, asking for just one light so they could see to land. After several appeals and denials of their requests, the ship's radio operator finally turned the switch to break radio contact. Rather than risk the lives of thousands on the ship, the pilots were forced to ditch in the cold Atlantic and from there into eternity. The pilots left the ship thinking they would be able to return but found that this was a misplaced hope.

But the hope that the Bible talks about is as sure as the One who offers it. God Himself gives us hope, and the Bible tells us all about it.

Receive

Titus 2:11-13 (ESV)
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."

    What is this hope?
    Why is it called "blessed" (blessed means "happy")?
    How does this "hope" influence the way we live today?

Reflect

In the Bible, hope is never something that might happen-it is always something that will happen! Being assured of this "blessed hope" should have a significant impact on the way we live. (See your responses to the last question above). Based on these responses, what do you feel needs to change in your life?

Respond

List at least two steps you are going to take this week to bring about the changes in your life that (you indicated) need to occur. Pray that God will give you the strength and wisdom to make these changes a reality. Enlist the help of at least one person to pray for you and hold you accountable to make these changes.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 31, 2012
Topic: Jesus

Hope in God's Word

Think back to Christmas. Was it a really special time for you? For many, it's a cherished, exciting, hopeful season. But not everyone is delighted at the thought of Christmas. For some, the holidays are a difficult struggle, emotionally and financially.

They need help and hope. The Bible teaches us that is exactly why Jesus came.

What Does God Say?

"The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

"'The Spirit of the LORD is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
That the blind will see,
That the oppressed will be set free,
And that the time of the LORD'S favor has come"
(Luke 4:17-19, NLT).

What was Jesus telling us about God's purpose for sending His Son?
To which people would this news be most wonderful?

For some, Christmas 2012 was not easy--maybe because of a loss; maybe because of bad memories; maybe because of the economic downturn; maybe because they've never really grasped the importance of Christmas in the first place.

Christmas is all about the birth of a Savior. And it's that Savior who brings hope. And when you know Him as your Savior, you can experience hope and peace and joy. There's no better time than today to put your faith in Jesus and change your future forever.

"Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life" (Titus 3:7, NLT). In Jesus there is not just hope, there is hope that we will live forever with Him.

My Thoughts

Aren't you glad that there is a Christmas story? And that God in His love and mercy saw fit to give His Son to die for your sins? What a sad and hopeless world this would be without God and Jesus, Christmas and Easter and the anticipation of heaven.

But God made known to us through His Word and His Son how He has chosen to bless us, be with us and take care of us. The Bible is the most hopeful book in all of creation and time because, in it, we find Jesus and the good news of hope and life which He came to bring. It is ours not only for Christmas but for each day of the year.

My Part

Take some time, go to God's Word and read again the Christmas story--in both Matthew and Luke. Then keep reading until you get to the cross and the empty tomb story. You will find Jesus who loves you and the hope He brings to your life. Starting now you will have new life--and you can look forward to Christmas 2013 as a time to experience the hope and joy your Savior gives you.

[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: Jan 2, 2013
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

What Makes You Happy

I remember a Sunday school song called, "Happiness Is the Lord." The song informs children (and adults) that knowing Jesus and living a life that pleases Him brings us happiness.

And that's an important truth because the secret to happiness is found in wisely living to please God.

Receive

Psalm 1:1-2 shows us what makes a happy or blessed person:

"Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night" (ESV).

Happiness begins with tapping into God's Word--taking delight in the Law of the Lord, keeping it to the forefront of your mind and actions through your day. It's the wisdom of ignoring wicked advice and staying away from bad company. The result (found in Psalm 1:3) is a rich and fruitful life, growing strong and happy.

Psalm 119 also offers the link between joy or happiness and walking God's way.

"Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the LORD.
Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths" (Psalm 119:1-3, NLT).

It only makes sense: Pleasing God and living by His wisdom and instruction leads to blessing or happiness. It's "living a life within His favor."

Reflect

Check out these verses and look for the things that bring blessing or happiness to you.

    Proverbs 3:1-2, 13
    Proverbs 9:9-12

What is pleasing to God? List what you find in these verses:

    Proverbs 3:3-12
    Philippians 2:12-18
    Hebrews 13:1-21

Why not do your own search? Use a concordance or online resource and search phrases like "pleasing to the Lord"; "God's favor"; "happiness" or "blessed is the man." Discover the link between pleasing God, tapping into His Word and your happiness.

Respond

What about you--what makes you happy? What do you expect will give you that feeling? How has that worked for you? How much does God's Word influence your daily actions or choices? What needs to change so your life is more pleasing to God?

This isn't an easy process; we're geared to think doing our own thing will make us happy. Ask God to help you find your happiness in pleasing Him instead of doing it your way.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 3, 2013
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

The Key to Happiness

For thousands of years, people have tried to figure out what brings happiness. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, declared, "Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient." The philosopher/theologian Albert Schweitzer said, "Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory."

But the Bible reveals the true source of happiness. The Hebrew word that we usually translate "blessed" can also be translated as "happy." It makes sense. The person who is blessed by God is bound to be happy.

So that leaves us with the question, "How can we be blessed?" In the Book of Psalms, we discover at least seven ways we can make ourselves available to be blessed by God.

Receive

Read the following Scriptures and indicate how you can be blessed by God:

    Psalm 1:1-2
    Psalm 2:12
    Psalm 32:1-2
    Psalm 41:1
    Psalm 84:4-5
    Psalm 94:12
    Psalm 112:1

Reflect

Happiness can't be found apart from God. Other things might bring temporary relief, but eventually you will sink once again into the doldrums. The happiness God gives, however, is based on His blessings--which never end (Psalm 16:11). So, why settle for temporary pleasures when you can have eternal blessings?

Respond

Are you feeling unhappy? Select one of the above verses (you might want to start with Psalm 1:1-2) and seek to make it a part of your daily life. As you accomplish one, move on to the next. The more you seek those things that bring God's blessings, the more you’ll experience a happiness that only He can provide.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 4, 2013
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Wisdom & the Fear of the Lord

In C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis wrote about two talking animals, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, who are preparing two children, Lucy and Susan, to meet Aslan the Lion (who represents Christ).

"Ooh," said Susan, "I thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."

"That you will, dearie." said Mrs. Beaver.

"And make no mistake, if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knee's knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."

"Then isn't he safe?" said Lucy.

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the king, I tell you!"

This situation is really similar to what the Bible means when it talks about the "fear of the Lord." We'll find out more in the next section.

Receive

Do you come before the Lord with the feelings Mrs. Beaver portrayed? Feelings of awe and reverence along with a knowledge that God is good? That's what the Bible calls "the fear of the Lord"? Why do think that "fear" is such an important concept? I'll let Solomon explain.

"Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Proverbs 1:7, NLT).

Wisdom is the key to living a God-honoring life. Wisdom helps us make the right choices. And true wisdom begins with a healthy fear of God. This fear, as the Bible defines it, is a balance between reverential awe for who God is (the Creator of the universe) and a respect for what He desires--a personal relationship with you. We need both attitudes to find wisdom.

If we see God only as Creator, how can we draw near to Him? His power is so awesome and terrible we could do nothing more than cower in His presence. On the other hand, if we see only His desire to have a relationship with us, we could run the risk of being flippant. We might think of God as our "buddy," our "pal" or even worse, our servant.

Finding the balance between reverence and familiarity will give us a proper fear of the Lord. Then we'll find a personal, intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe and the Savior of our souls.

It sounds difficult, but there is a way.

Reflect

As you read Proverbs 1:1-33, think about the following questions:

1. Why is finding wisdom so important?

2. What does God do to help us find wisdom?

3. How are lives of wisdom and lives of foolishness described?

Respond

The first step to finding wisdom is finding a relationship with Jesus. If you haven't done that yet, click on "Meet Jesus." If you already have a personal relationship with Jesus, then you need to continue reading the Bible. There is no better way to find the fear of the Lord and the wisdom that comes with it than by immersing yourself in the Word of God on a daily basis.