Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Oct 31, 2006
Topic: Pain/Suffering


Future Glory

There is a condescending remark sometimes made about Christians: "They are so heavenly minded that they're no earthly good." In other words, they focus much more on the "sweet by and by" than on the struggle here and now. The truth is there are times when Christians can only look to future glory--for the present circumstances are literally sucking the life out of them. The Bible tells us how to react.

What Does God Say?

"If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified" (1 Peter 4:14, NKJV).

Peter teaches us that when we are persecuted (or suffer or are rejected or ridiculed or criticized) for the sake of Christ and our faith in Him, we have the opportunity to bring glory to God. God's name is glorified through our suffering, and one day we will share in His glory--though that day may not come until eternity.

Peter pulls no punches when he, as a side note, speaks to the source of the persecution.

"If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs" (1 Peter 4:15, NLT).

Neither should such suffering come from a martyr complex. Persecution for the sake of the Gospel is not something a person seeks out. Nobody in their right mind goes out to the community and says, "I'm a Christian; persecute me!" But when the community persecutes you, to tuck tail and run is not the way to glorify God--because God has not only a plan in the persecution, He also has a plan for you to glorify Him in that persecution.

When suffering and persecution come, the child of God trusts himself to the purpose of the Heavenly Father and confidently looks to future glory.

"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter" (1 Peter 4:16, NKJV).

My Thoughts

Are there times when it is difficult to openly and honestly talk about and live out your faith? Do others cause you to be embarrassed or ashamed of your faith? Does it come from family, friends, neighbors, fellow students, coworkers and strangers? When you experience such times, do you feel blessed? Or do you think Peter was just talking a good game? We remember that because of his faith, Peter was beaten, jailed and sentenced to die. And he died, like Jesus--on a cross. Tradition says that he asked to be crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy of dying like his Savior.

My Part

Take time to ask God to give you an eternal perspective on suffering for the sake of Jesus. And to give you the courage to stand for the Savior when such times come--not being ashamed but counting it a blessing for the opportunity to glorify God.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 1, 2006
Topic: Holiness


Walk in Integrity

Integrity is one of those things we prefer to measure by comparison: I look at you to see if I'm better at keeping my word, honoring my commitments or following things through to completion. But to ask God to check on my integrity--well, that's a different story. God sees all, hears all and knows all, even in the secret places of our hearts and minds. If He examines us, it's far more thorough than if we check ourselves or each other.

What Does God Say?

King David asked God to examine his life and check his integrity in Psalm 26:1-2:

"Vindicate me, O LORD,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
Prove me, O LORD, and try me;
test my heart and my mind" ( ESV).

That's a pretty bold statement. But David could say it because he knew that, even with his faults and failures, it was possible to be one who walks in integrity.

What does "walking in integrity" look like? David shows us that it involves trusting the Lord (Psalm 26:1), keeping our heart and motives clean before God (Psalm 26:2), living according to God's truth (Psalm 26:3), and coming back to God with clean hands even when we sin (Psalm 26:6).

Job is another great example of integrity. Look at Job 1:8: "And the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" (ESV). Look also at Job 2:3: "And the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason" (ESV).

These are God's own words about Job!

Walking in integrity means to be blameless and upright, to fear God and turn away from evil. It also means trusting God even when there seems to be no reason to--you "follow through" on the faith you've put in Him without giving up. When everything went wrong for Job, "then his wife said to him, 'Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die'" (Job 2:9, ESV). Job's integrity ran so deep he could even say "Though he [God] slay me, I will hope in him" (Job 13:15, ESV).

Our integrity pleases God. He offers us His strength and His presence in Psalm 41:12: "But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever" ( ESV ). And He offers us His protection in Proverbs 2:7: " he [God] is a shield to those who walk in integrity" (ESV).

My Thoughts

Integrity runs deeper than "being honest" or "following through." Review Psalm 26: 2-12.

    * What does a person of integrity do and not do?
    * Describe some of these things as they look in the world you live in.
    * By contrast, what characterizes a person without integrity?

Compare these descriptions to Job 1:1; 1:20-22; 2:3; 2:10; and 42:1-6.

    * What's similar?
    * What additional characteristics of integrity do you find?

My Part

So, how are you doing in the integrity department? Not by comparison with others but by God's standards?

Look through the things you've found in Psalm 26 and Job's story. Put a check by those that you see as part of your life. Ask your spouse or a close friend to look at the list and mark what they see. Then in your next prayer time, ask God to show you what He sees and where He wants you to "walk in integrity."

Use Psalm 26 as a daily reminder or prayer as you work on integrity in your life.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 2, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


It's What's Inside That Counts

I used to love watching Scooby-Doo when I was young. My favorite part was always at the end when the gang would explain how the mysterious crimes were committed and then unmask the villain.

We often walk around wearing "masks" as well. But God sees right through our masks to what lies beneath. Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about this.

What Does God Say?

"The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT).

"Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me.
Test my motives and my heart" (Psalm 26:2, NLT).

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life" (Psalm 139:23-24, NLT).

    * What is the key difference between the way we judge people and the way God does?
    * What does that mean for good things that you may do begrudgingly or bitterly?
    * As God points out ways that your heart is offensive to Him, what comes of it?

My Thoughts

Actions speak louder than words. I'm sure you've heard that saying. However, many good things are done with selfish motives. Perhaps you find yourself doing things because you feel it's what you should be doing. Or perhaps you've fallen to the temptation of doing good things as a way of showing off for those around you or elevating yourself above others.

Motives speak louder than actions--however, we usually can't hear them. It can all look the same from our perspective. We can't see people's hearts. True, sometimes it is obvious when someone is acting out of selfishness, but other times it is well-hidden--but not from God. God looks beyond our words and our actions to our very heart. That is where He judges.

My Part

Pray the words of David in Psalm 139. Ask God to point out the areas in your heart that need to be surrendered to Him. There are some that I'm sure you thought of right away. There are others that He will reveal to you that you didn't even know about.

Jean Nicolas Grou said, "God in His wisdom gives the grace of self-knowledge only gradually. If He were to show us our true selves suddenly, we would despair and lose all courage. But as we see and conquer the more glaring faults, His gracious light shows us the subtler, more hidden imperfections; and this spiritual process lasts all through life."

Give up those things that God brings to your attention and allow Him to lead you "along the path of everlasting life."

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 3, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Examine My Life

When silver or gold is purified, the purpose is always to eliminate the junk to make what remains purer and more valuable. So it is with the way God refines us. The purpose is never to be mean, to hurt or to destroy, but to make it possible for God's plan to be accomplished in our lives: becoming like Jesus.

What Does God Say?

"For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters" (Romans 8:29, NLT).

As we take inventory of our life, the goal is always the same--be more Christ-like. Two questions will enable us to examine our life in light of God's purpose.

    * What needs to be in my life that would make me more like Jesus?
    * What is in my life that keeps me from being more like Jesus?

My Thoughts

Take time now to answer these two questions. When you have finished, pray as you carefully go over your list. The apostle Paul reminds us that when we take the responsibility for eliminating the dross (junk--the ungodly stuff) in our lives, then God doesn't have to chastise us or deal with us on these issues.

"Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5, NLT).

My Part

Thank the Lord for the opportunity to take this spiritual checkup so that we can move closer to becoming like Jesus. Then take four items from your list and ask the Lord to give you wisdom and courage to deal with them relying on His help and guidance.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 6, 2006
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


A Blameless Life

It's time for basketball, but the coach says you have to have a complete physical. Even though you think you're in excellent health, what if the doctor finds something wrong?

Even so, you're willing to go through with the exam, because you really want to play basketball. So when the doctor's report comes back, you're excited to find he has determined your health as excellent. You have nothing to fear. You've been examined and found acceptable.

In Psalm 26:1-3, King David is going through something like this. His exam, however, is not in the physical sphere, but the spiritual. In this psalm, David asks the Lord to examine his life and confirm that he is presently walking in integrity before Him. Let's see how this applies to you and me.

What Does God Say?

"Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the LORD
without wavering.
Test me, O LORD, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
for your love is ever before me,
and I walk continually in your truth" (Psalm 26:1-3, NIV).

    * In these verses, what does David say about his spiritual condition?
    * What's the difference between being blameless and being sinless?
    * What two aspects of his life does David want the Lord to exam?
    * What characteristic of God gives David confidence in asking God to perform a "life examination"?

My Thoughts

Are you living a "blameless" life? Read and apply 1 John 1:9 today to join David in a "blameless life."

My Part

God normally judges your life as you dig into the Word of God. It's there that He reveals sin and irregularities in your life. Read Hebrews 4:12-13 over a few times, thinking about the value of daily Bible reading and study. Commit yourself for the next 30 days to take time each day for these important "life examinations."

____________________

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 7, 2006
Topic: Bible Study/Theories


Cross-Examine

David says in Psalm 26:2,

"Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me.
Test my motives and my heart" (NLT).

That's a very gutsy thing to ask! It's like going to the mechanic and saying, "Check my car and tell me everything that's wrong with it." What gave David the confidence to ask such a question?

What Does God Say?

In the verse before, David gives the reason for his confidence:

"For I have acted with integrity;
I have trusted in the LORD without wavering" (Psalm 26:1, NLT).

Through the rest of the psalm, David describes how he's acted with integrity.

"For I am always aware of your unfailing love
I have lived according to your truth.
I do not spend time with liars

I come to your altar, O LORD,
singing a song of thanksgiving
and telling of all your wonders" (Psalm 26:3-4,6-7, NLT).

Look at that statement, "I have lived according to your truth." There's really only one way a person can live according to God's truth--by reading the Bible. The Bible is like a mirror that reflects our spiritual selves. By reading the Bible we can see where we're not living the confident life that David was.

As you pick up your Bible, it might help to remember some other words of David:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life" (Psalm 139:23-24, NLT).

The reason we follow this path is to glorify God more perfectly.

"Now I stand on solid ground,
and I will publicly praise the LORD" (Psalm 26:12, NLT).

God created us to give Him glory and by holding our lives up to the Word of God, we can see more clearly the sin that is holding us back.

My Thoughts

    * What does David mean in 26:6 where he says, "I wash my hands to declare my innocence"?
    * How does this make David different from the sinners talked about in verses 9-10?
    * How is David's relationship with God evident in these verses?

My Part

Be creative in how you incorporate the Bible into your day. Did you know there are audio Bibles you can listen to? You can find all the major translations on cassette, CD and even MP3--all great options for spending time in the Word on the go. Take some time to pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, and ask God to show you how to walk along His path. Treat your time with God as a time of growing closer to a friend and not as an obligation.

____________________

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 8, 2006
Topic: Pain/Suffering

Spiritual Surgery

When asked why he kept hitting his head against the wall, a little boy replied, "Because it feels so good when I stop."

Spiritual surgery, asking the Lord to examine our lives, can often be painful at the time; but there is great benefit in the aftermath and great reward in the afterlife. The Bible gives us a perspective for the refining process.

What Does God Say?

This "spiritual refining" is often painful and sometimes long-term. But it is one way God seeks to remove sin and pride and selfishness from our lives. When that kind of excision happens, it hurts. Here are some truths from the Bible that encourage and comfort us during the "surgery" and "post-op."

First, the Lord does not just single out a few for His refining.

"For everyone will be tested with fire" (Mark 9:49, NLT).

Second, refining prepares us for heaven and the glory of God in Christ.

"And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later" (Romans 8:17-18, NLT).

"Be very glad--for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world" (1 Peter 4:13, NLT).

Third, we see the heart of God. As a child does not always understand the purpose of discipline, we may also mistake refining as God's anger or punishment. The Bible reminds us of the comfort that is ours when we recognize God's motivation for refining:

"For the LORD corrects those he loves;just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights" (Proverbs 3:12, NLT).

"For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives" (Hebrews 12:6, ESV).

My Thoughts

Do you have any scars from past surgeries? How did you react at first? Later? And now what is your perspective on those experiences?

When you think of the Lord as the Great Physician, has that only been in the context of His healing power, or have you also seen Him as skillfully and lovingly performing spiritual surgery on your character and commitment?

My Part

Ask the Lord to deepen your sense of, and understanding of, His goodness. Ask the Lord to enable you to experience His goodness in such a way that you are truly confident that His will for your life is absolutely the best for your good and His glory. Take time to pray now that you will be able to trust God and His wisdom and love with all your heart, soul and mind.

____________________

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 9, 2006
Topic: Faith/Trust


Safe to Submit

Going to the doctor for your physical exam can be a fearful experience. You're not sure what he'll find, and you're afraid of what he'll have to say about your health and your habits. That's also our fear when God wants to examine our hearts and lives. But we forget that He is the only one able to perfectly see and know what's going on. There's no reason to be afraid when you understand who God is.

What Does God Say?

King David willingly submitted to God's examination of his life because he knew something of the character of God. That's why he asks:

"Prove me, O LORD, and try me;
test my heart and my mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness" (Psalm 26:2-3, ESV).

When God searches and tests our hearts and minds, He does it with love and mercy, and His justice is righteous. In fact, when he had to choose between divine discipline or his enemies' revenge, David sided with God's perfect balance of justice and mercy. "Then David said to Gad, 'I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man'" (2 Samuel 24:14, ESV).

In his great prayer of confession in Psalm 51, David lays himself wide open to God and at the same time shows us what we can rely on when God tests or judges our hearts.

"Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!" (Psalm 51:1-2, ESV).

God doesn't judge us as we judge others or ourselves. He's righteous, holy, merciful and compassionate. He's not driven by revenge; He doesn't make mistakes; and He's not fallible or easily swayed by an argument. We need to follow David's example, to be wide open with God, trusting Him to be God and not respond like we would.

My Thoughts

Read these verses and in your own words describe God's examination or response to us.

Deuteronomy 32:4
Deuteronomy 4:31
Jeremiah 11:20
Proverbs 3:11-12

    * How do these characteristics help you to trust God?
    * How do they compare or contrast to the way you usually view God?

My Part

So, what holds you back from letting God examine your life? Do you need to adjust your view of Him? We've only looked at a few verses that help us see God better. Check your Bible for a concordance (or use one on-line) and look up these words as they relate to God: lovingkindness, just, mercy, compassion. Jot down what you discover about God's response to you.

Then pick a few verses to memorize so you can remember that God examines you from this viewpoint. Consider using Psalm 26 as your prayer for God's examination.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 10, 2006
Topic: Sin/Temptation


Honest Relationship

Anyone who has used a cell phone knows it's a blessing and a curse. We've all experienced the frustration of a phone with a bad connection. The static in the line cracks and cuts in and out, hindering any hope of conversation. The frustration builds as the person on the other end repeats the same sentence over and over.

What Does God Say?

Did you know that this is similar to the way sin affects our relationship with God? It disrupts our communication with God. Do you have an open relationship with God? Do you invite Him into all the dark corners of your life? Are you able to ask God to examine your life like David did in Psalm 26:2? If you attempt to hide sin in your heart, God is clear that He cannot fellowship with you.

In verses 3-6, David opens his life to inspection. He says, "For your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. I wash my hands in innocence" (NIV).

He puts it all on the table. David has worked hard to maintain a holy lifestyle. His reward is an honest relationship with God that leads to joyful thanksgiving.

My Thoughts

    * Are there areas in which you could avoid "sitting with the wicked"?
    * How did King David react in times when he stumbled into sin?
    * What was David's relationship with God like when he was walking with God?

My Part

David, Job and Paul openly invited God to examine their lives. Have you done this recently? Think back to the time you felt closest to God. What was that time like? What events in your life have pulled you away?

The great news is that God is always there to draw you back to Himself. Many times, the separation that we feel is due to a sin that we don't want to give over to God. How clear is your connection with God? Is there static? Maybe it's time you opened yourself to the examination of the Holy Spirit.

What area of your life do you find most difficult to give over to God? Write a few sentences about why you don't want God to control a specific part of your life. Then, make a plan of how you can allow God more access to your life.

____________________

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 13, 2006
Topic: Relationships


Stay Close

Having good Christian friends is very important. That's something almost every believer realizes. We all know the comfort of having a friend pray for us in times of need. We've felt the joy that only our friends can bring. We know (better than our friends do!) how often they've saved us from doing something foolish.

But there are always times when our friends aren't around. Maybe you've moved to a new city or started college. Or maybe you're getting along in years, and God is calling your friends home. In those times, how do we keep sadness and depression from getting us down? And when we do meet new people, how do we choose good friends?

What Does God Say?

David wrote in Psalm 26:

"For I am always aware of your unfailing love,
and I have lived according to your truth.
I do not spend time with liars
or go along with hypocrites" (vv. 3-4, NLT).

David knew that God was always with him. Though no one else was around, God was there. Because David knew this, he was able to continue serving God.

David also knew the value of surrounding himself with godly people. He knew that liars and the hypocrites would drag him down and turn his heart away from God.

Sometimes people will be so desperate for friendship that they'll fall in with the first crowd of people who comes along. There have been many sad stories of Christian young people going away to college and, because of a poor decision, they find themselves living the sinful lifestyle of their new "friends."

David's advice is:

"I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,
and I refuse to join in with the wicked...
I love your sanctuary, LORD,
the place where your glorious presence dwells" (Psalm 26:5,8; NLT).

Always remember to walk daily with God. He is the friend who "sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24, NLT). And use His wisdom to decide which friends will bring you up, or pull you down.

My Thoughts

What are you doing now to walk closely with the Lord?

Are you being an influence on the ungodly people around you, or are they influencing you? How can you be an influence on them?

My Part

Praise God today for the friends you have--even if He is the only one. This week, find some way to let them know that you appreciate their friendship, and the way they build you up. Maybe sending them a card (or an e-card) would be appropriate or a quick note to say "thank you." Organize a get-together where all of you can hang out. Remember to always lift each other up in prayer. And like the writer of Hebrews says, "think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24, NLT).

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 14, 2006
Topic: Salvation


Discovering Truth

Remember Galileo? He was the famous Italian astronomer who made the first telescope so people could get a better look at the moon and other heavenly bodies. Galileo was a man who constantly searched for truth in creation. He once said, "All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them."

Do you feel you're still searching for the true way to go to heaven but haven't found it? You're not alone! The world is full of people seeking for the truth about eternity. Trouble is, most are looking in all the wrong places and listening to human opinions instead of going to the very source of truth.

Let us help you find the truth you're looking for.

What Does God Say?

Jesus said a great deal about truth. He said you can know the truth and be set free from the power of sin and death to be what God intends you to be. (See John 8:31-32.) Just hours before His final trial, Jesus told His disciples that they should not be discouraged, because He was going to prepare an eternal home for them. He promised to return. He told them that they knew the way. Thomas asked, "How can we know the way?"

Then, the Bible says, "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:6, NIV).

The apostle Paul says, "But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger" (Romans 2:8, NIV).

    * According to Jesus, how many ways are there to the Father?
    * In Jesus we find not only the way to heaven, but what else?
    * According to the apostle Paul, what happens to those who reject the words of Jesus?

My Thoughts

Jesus Christ is the one and only true answer to your soul's cry for eternal life. Your search for truth ends with a Person, not a religion or a philosophy. His salvation reaches to the deepest need of every lost person and is just a prayer away. You can ask Him to save you and He will.

"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:3-4, NIV).

My Part

Have you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior? No one else can do this for you. Go before Him right now and pray, asking Him to forgive you and cleanse you from your sin, telling Him that you are trusting Him to give you eternal life and believing He has saved you by His death on the cross for all the things you've done wrong. Thank Him for doing as He promised.

When you've made that decision, please let us know by clicking on the link below. We'll pray for you as you begin your new life in Christ Jesus.

Do you already know Jesus as your Savior? Think on these verses about truth: Ephesians 5:8-10; Ephesians 4:20-22. Review your walk in Christ and ask yourself, "Am I walking in truth?"

Additional Scripture: John 17:17

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 15, 2006
Topic: Worship/Praise/Worthiness


Who God Is

There are many where you can praise God. Besides just in church on Sunday morning, you could praise Him as you sit silently on a mountain top soaking in the beauty of creation. You could kneel at your bed and quietly thank God for His goodness. You could praise God for His mercy and loving kindness while you're driving to work. You could even praise God while you cook dinner.

Did you know that God doesn't care where you are as long as you worship Him? He just wants you to actually do it.

What Does God Say?

In Psalm 100:1, we read the command: "Shout joyfully to the LORD all the earth" (NASB). This directive doesn't exclude anyone. The whole world is commanded to cheerfully worship the Lord.

The idea from this psalm is that we are to honor God like a peasant in a kingdom would celebrate the king ascending the throne. When our rulers are sworn into office, we clap; we cheer. It's a celebrated occasion. This is exactly what we should do for the King of kings.

There is one difference, though, between cheering at an inauguration and true praise. If our hearts and our mouths are not in the same place, we aren't truly praising. Can you honestly say that the things you sing in hymns and praise songs reflect your heart attitude?

My Thoughts

In Psalm 100:2 it says, "Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing" (NASB). We are told to come with a spirit of joy not fear. We are not ruled by an evil dictator; we have a kind loving king. God loves us as a shepherd loves his sheep and takes care of them. (See Psalm 100:3; John 10:11-15.)

    * What part of your relationship with God makes you want to praise Him?
    * David tells us to be joyful in our praise. What does David have to be joyful about? What things do you have to be joyful about?
    * Verse 5 focuses on some of the attributes that David sees in God. What attributes do you see in God? How do the attributes of God make you want to joyfully praise Him?

My Part

Praise is the result of our hearts' overflowing with our understanding of who God is. If God is good, then we should be joyfully praising Him all the time.

    * Make a list of the ways God has been good you just today.
    * Imagine that you are kneeling before the throne as the King takes His place.
    * Take your list of the traits that God has as a ruler. Go somewhere that you will feel comfortable shouting and joyfully raise your voice in praise to the King.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 16, 2006
Topic: Worship/Praise/Worthiness


A Raised Hand

You're at church, sitting about three-quarters of the way back like you always do. The worship leader instructs everyone to stand up as the first song begins. Halfway through, you notice out of the corner of your eye a young woman with eyes closed and a hand raised high in the air.

Some people simply don't notice something like this because this one raised hand is just one of many. But some people are embarrassed by this outward display of emotion. Still others are encouraged to see a young person so passionate about their God.

What Does God Say?

Have you ever noticed how often people in the Bible physically display their praise to God? When King David returned the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem, the Bible says he, "danced before the LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets" (2 Samuel 6:14, NIV).

Over and over again in the Psalms we see expressions like, "Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!" (Psalm 100:1, NLT). Or, "let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker" (Psalm 95:6, NLT).

My Thoughts

But we can do more than simply kneel or raise our hands to worship God. Read Psalm 101:1-5, and think about the following questions.

    * How many different actions does David describe in this psalm?
    * How can living a blameless life and leading a life of integrity be considered an act of worship?
    * What opportunities do you have to worship God today?

My Part

A raised hand during worship can be a distraction for some people, so if that's the way you express your love for God, be sensitive to those around you. On the other hand, don't be so quick to judge those who worship in ways that you never would.

    * Finally, seek to worship God in the ways David described in Psalm 101. Living a blameless life, a life of integrity and staying away from evil is something we are all called to do. Pray that God would give you opportunities to worship Him in these ways today.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Nov 17, 2006
Topic: Worship/Praise/Worthiness


A Joyful Shout

It's Saturday, and you're at the big game. No problem shouting here! You shout to encourage your team, to join others in building them up, to let them know you think they're great. But the next morning, when you're in church, you sit quietly before the God of the universe and make little noise at all. Yes, there's a time and a place for reverence and awe, for silence and reflection. But when it's time to praise God, let's make some noise!

What Does God Say?

Shouting is one of the ways that praise is expressed in the Bible. It's a way to let God know what you think of His mighty works, His awesome character and His great love. And it calls on others to join you.

Take a look at Psalm 98:4: "Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!" (NLT). The whole earth--all of creation, all that inhabits this planet--is called to shout in praise and joy to the Lord.

"Sing, O daughter of Zion;
shout aloud, O Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
For the LORD will remove his hand of judgment
and will disperse the armies of your enemy.
And the LORD himself, the King of Israel,
will live among you!
At last your troubles will be over,
and you will never again fear disaster" (Zephaniah 3:14-15, NLT).

Here we see a nation called to shout to God. And there's a good reason--He removes His judgment from them, He defeats their enemies and brings an end to their troubles.

Over and over, this idea of shouting to the Lord is linked with joy. Our joy should be so great, so overwhelming, that you just can't keep it quiet! For example, Psalm 47:1 says "Shout to God with joyful praise!" (NLT), and Psalm 66:1 starts with "Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth!" (NLT).

My Thoughts

Take a look at a few more passages and compare the reasons to shout in joy and praise.

Psalm 95:1
Isaiah 40:9-10
Isaiah 44:23
Zechariah 9:9
Revelation 19:1-8

    * Have you ever shouted for joy to the Lord?
    * What were your reasons?

What are some ways you express your praise to God?

My Part

In a big game, a coach will encourage his players to "put it all out on the field"--to give the game everything they've got and not hold anything back. When it comes to our praise of God, it's time to "put it all out there" and not hold back. Why should we hold back when it comes to expressing our joy, our praise and our wonder at the greatness of our God?

Imagine yourself at something like the Super Bowl or the World Cup final with a stadium filled beyond capacity. Into that picture, read Revelation 19:1-8. What will you bring to that awesome moment? List or describe your reasons for joy and praise, and create your own "shout" to God.

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[nChrist]

Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Title: Serve Gladly
Date: Nov 20, 2006
Topic(s): Thankfulness
Scripture: Romans 14:17-18, Deuteronomy 28:47-48, Ephesians 6:7, Psalm 86:4, Genesis 29:20


How can God's people serve the Lord with gladness? How can we sincerely look forward to doing whatever God calls us to do? Let's see what the Scriptures teach us.

What Does God Say?

First, the Bible tells us that God expects us not only to do the right thing--to serve Him with our life--but also to do it in the right way--with the right attitude (heart and spirit).

"For the Kingdom of God is...living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God" (Romans 14:17-18, NLT).

Second, the Bible tells us that the people of Israel faced dire consequences when their service for the Lord came from a grudging and ungrateful heart.

"Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness, and lacking everything" (Deuteronomy 28:47-48, ESV).

While this was directed at Israel, it certainly demonstrates God's attitude toward those who do things begrudgingly. Second Corinthians 9:7 says, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (NKJV). Whether we're talking about serving through giving or some other way, God expects us to have the right attitude.

Third, the Bible tells us that even when serving in difficult situations or with not-so-nice people, we are truly serving God.

"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people" (Ephesians 6:7, NLT).

Fourth, the Bible tells us that we can always count on God to encourage us and enable us to find joy in serving.

"Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you" (Psalm 86:4, NLT).

My Thoughts

    * Which of the above verses most encourages you in serving the Lord with gladness?
    * Which is the most difficult for you to live out?

My Part

Is there a key to such serving gladly? Perhaps we discover that secret in the life of Jacob when he worked a long time to win his wife.

"So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her" (Genesis 29:20, ESV).

Take time now to pray, and ask the Lord to help you love Him so much that your service will be done out of a heart that overflows with gratitude and gladness.

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