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nChrist
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« Reply #210 on: December 13, 2006, 10:45:27 AM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 12, 2006
Topic: Faith/Trust


Worry

I'm just worried sick. I'm worried to death.

Most people don't mean those expressions of worry to be taken literally, but rather to show the intensity of their feelings. The truth is that worry can be harmful to our health--physically, emotionally and spiritually. Even so, we worry over what has happened and over what might happen.

Does the Bible provide any help for the worried person who constantly sings the worry song?

What Does God Say?

Jesus tells us, "Don't."

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT).

He gives us two reasons why we should not worry.

1. It does not help. It does no good to worry, it only does harm.

"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" (Matthew 6:27, NLT).

2. God cares, and God will help.

"Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs" (Matthew 6:32, NLT).

What is the antidote for worry? Jesus tells us it is trust--trust in God, in His care, His provision and His power.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today" (Matthew 6:33-34, NLT)

My Thoughts

Are there things that worry you today? Why not check out what Jesus said about God's care for His children? The next time you are tempted to worry (and it will come), ask yourself:

    * Will my worrying accomplish anything good or godly or beneficial?
    * Do I really trust God with my life, my needs, my future?
    * If not, who can I trust? Me, my family, the bank, the government, my friends, fate, luck?

My Part

Make a list (on paper or at the computer) of your top ten worries. Mark the list with today's date, and sign your name. Now, take a few moments and pray, as best you can giving each concern to God and asking for His help. Then every two weeks check your list to see the status of your worry items. Mark off any of those that no longer are cause for worry, and remember to thank God for His help.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT).

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« Reply #211 on: December 13, 2006, 10:48:24 AM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 13, 2006
Topic: God's Care


A God who Delivers

An old commercial depicts a housewife at the height of a very stressful day. As the kids are running around, spilling things, breaking things and begging Mom's attention, she suddenly cries out, "Calgon! Take me away!" Instantly she's whisked away into quiet and calm surroundings where she's free to relax. Not bad for bubble bath!

We all need delivering from time to time. Whether it's from ordinary daily stress or a life-threatening illness, we all long to find deliverance at those times. The author of Psalm 116 can relate.

What Does God Say?

"The pains of death encompassed me,
And the pangs of Sheol [the grave] laid hold of me;
I found trouble and sorrow.
Then I called upon the name of the LORD:
'O LORD, I implore You, deliver my soul!'" (Psalm 116:3-4, NKJV).

The psalmist was literally dying. We don't know what from, but we know he was feeling desperate. Even though he felt that way, he knew he could call on God.

"Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
For You have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
And my feet from falling" (Psalm 116:7-8, NKJV).

We sometimes think of a soul retuning to rest as a picture of death. Here it means just the opposite. Because God has made him well, this man no longer has to worry.

God has always been a God who delivers, because we have always been in need of deliverance. Wherever you're at today, whatever you need delivering from, call out to God and wait for Him to come.

My Thoughts

Read Psalm 18:1-19, and think about the following questions:

    * What images does the psalmist use to describe his situation?
    * How does he describe God's deliverance?
    * What do you learn about God in this passage?
    * Is there anything in your life today you need deliverance from?

My Part

The theme of God as a deliverer is one that runs throughout the Bible. Take some time this week, and write down all the Bible stories you can remember where God played the role of a deliverer. Use a Bible concordance to find the passages where these events are described, and look a bit closer at them. What was the situation? Who were the people involved? How did God respond when the people called on Him? How can these events be applied to your life today?

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« Reply #212 on: December 14, 2006, 11:46:04 AM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 14, 2006
Topic: Faith/Trust


Faith for Now and Eternity

Have you ever heard a preacher on TV say that if you have real faith, you will see God's material blessings poured out into your life, pressed down and running over? Didn't the audience agree with shouts of, "Amen!" echoing across the auditorium?

But maybe that troubles you, because you know of Christians who are suffering, rather than succeeding. Maybe you've experienced suffering yourself. Besides, you know that faithful Christians are living in pain and dying in agony at the hands of merciless persecutors in Sudan, China, Colombia, North Korea and scores of other places.

Isn't God a God of deliverance? How do you explain this? Let's see what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is often called, "The Faith Hall of Fame." In the first part of the chapter, you'll read about amazing, tangible victories of faith. Near the end of the chapter, however, you'll find other heroes of faith who endured incredible suffering. Yet, God says, they all were blessed.

"Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented--of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us" (Hebrews 11:35-40, NKJV).

My Thoughts

Take some time to carefully read 1 Peter 4:12-16. Compare it with Hebrews 11:35-40.

    * What statements show you that faith in Christ looks forward to eternity, not only for this life?
    * What statements show that suffering and trials are a normal part of your life as a believer here on this earth?
    * What are some important results of true faith mentioned in these two Bible passages?

My Part

Memorize Hebrews 11:6 and 11:13. They will remind you to identify with believers who are suffering for Christ.

Praying for others is called "intercessory prayer." It is one of a Christian's greatest prayer-duties. (See 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12.) Find out all you can about some nation in the world where believers are being persecuted; then, make the Christians in that country your special daily prayer project. Pray at least once a week for your persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.

Additional Scripture: Psalm 116:7-9

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« Reply #213 on: December 16, 2006, 07:54:03 AM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 15, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


After Deliverance

Over and over in the Psalms, you find phrases like: "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer" (Psalm 18:2, ESV). God is the One who shelters and shields us, who reaches in and pulls us out, delivering us from trouble, from our enemies and even from death. But what do you do once God has delivered you? Let's take a look at one example.

What Does God Say?

Hezekiah was one of Judah's kings in the generations after David. He was a good king; a righteous man who "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (2 Kings 18:3, ESV). You can read his story in 2 Kings 18-20 and 2 Chronicles 29-32. He purified the temple, brought the Passover celebration back to the people and restored worship and offerings. And at two different points in his life, God delivered him.

The first came when Jerusalem was under siege from the Assyrians. So, Hezekiah went to God and asked for His deliverance. God answered with, "I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David" (2 Kings 19:34, ESV). And in a miraculous overnight raid by the Lord's angel of death, the siege was ended. The people gave thanks, and Hezekiah praised the Lord and went on being a godly leader.

The second time, Hezekiah was deathly ill and God warned him to "set your house in order, for you shall die" (2 Kings 20:1, ESV). Hezekiah prayed, "Now, O LORD, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight" (2 Kings 20:3, ESV).

God answered with, "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD, and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake" (2 Kings 20:5-6, ESV).

What did Hezekiah do with those 15 years? Well, yes, he made a few mistakes and he had a problem with pride; but he was still a man who walked in righteousness, who praised God for his life, who led the people before God.

My Thoughts

In Isaiah 38, you'll find Hezekiah's response to God's deliverance. In verses 10-14, he details the trouble and pain that brought him close to death. Read Isaiah 38:15-20.

    * What did Hezekiah see God do for him?
    * What are some things listed here that you can do when God delivers you?

Psalm 71:14-24 also reflects an experience of deliverance. What else can you do with your life after God's deliverance?

My Part

You may not have faced death or the attack of enemies, but you've probably had difficult experiences and personal battles. And God has seen you through them.

    * What have you done with your life since you were delivered?
    * Have you thanked God?
    * Has it changed the way you live? Or how you face new difficulties?
    * Did you ask God to show you what He wants you to do with this time?

Take a few moments to say thanks, to give God praise for what He's delivered you from. Then ask Him to show you want to do with the time you've been given.

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« Reply #214 on: December 18, 2006, 11:15:48 AM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 18, 2006
Topic: Bible Study/Theories


Reasons for the Word

If I sat down with a box that contained all the parts needed to build an engine, I wouldn't be able to build an engine. Even if I sat down with all the ingredients for a Crème Brûlée, I probably couldn't bake one that would be edible. But if I had the schematics for the engine or a recipe for the Crème Brûlée, I'm pretty sure I could do it.

When it comes to life, we may feel that we're left without instructions. But that's not the case--God has given us an instruction book in the Bible.

What Does God Say?

The Bible contains the answers for how to change our lives from destructive to productive. Take a look at Psalm 19:7-11:

"The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward" (NIV).

In these verses, David is praising the different things that the Law does. In verse 7, David says it "revives" the soul--the Word of God, literally the laws spoken to humanity, restores his ability to have a relationship with God.

Take a look at the rest of these verses.

    * What does David say that the Law is able to do?
    * What is God telling you that He is able to do through the Bible?
    * What promises does God make to you about His Word?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (NIV).

Paul shares David's understanding of the completeness of Scripture. Both agree that the Word of God is the foundation for a godly life. There is no way to live a righteous life without Scripture. They are the instruction book on how to be like Christ.

My Thoughts

In Psalm 19:10, David says, "They (the Law of the Lord) are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb" (NIV).

The question is, how do you feel about the Word of God? Do you see it as something that influences your life? In what way does it influence you? Does the Bible give you freedom or does it restrict you? Do you view the Bible as something that keeps you from harm or something that keeps you from having fun?

How precious is the Bible to you? Do you value the Word of God over watching TV, your golf swing or reading the paper in the morning?

My Part

Look at your day today. Find 15 minutes where you can sit and read a few verses of the Bible and pray. Set a goal to read the Bible, but also make sure to praise God for what He is teaching you.

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« Reply #215 on: December 19, 2006, 08:03:15 AM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 19, 2006
Topic: Faith/Trust


In the Fullness of Time

Timing is an essential in life, whether it's football with the offensive line moving together, or the combustion of a car's engine or being prompt for a job interview. When it comes to exact timing, however, few of us are able to precisely determine specific moments.

Try it the next time you come to a traffic light--see if you can predict exactly when the light will change, or when you pour a cup of coffee, exactly when one more drop will overflow.

Not so with God. The Scripture tells us God is always on time and His timing is always exactly right.

What Does God Say?

"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons" (Galatians 4:4, NKJV).

"'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!'" (Mark 1:15, NIV).

As you think back in your life, have you ever experienced God working in a specific way that you can now see was "in the fullness of time"?

The "fullness of time" means that God in His wisdom chose the exact moment and time in history for the first Christmas. And when Jesus came, He was right on time, as He always was throughout His earthly life and ministry. When Jesus began His public ministry, He was very much aware that it was God's time for Him to begin preaching the Gospel.

In the entire Bible, you never read that Jesus was late (according to His schedule) and never hurried or rushed. According to God's timing, He was always in the right place at the right (exact) time doing the right thing with the right attitude. Even when it came to the cross, He knew that God had a purpose and plan that included "the fullness of time."

My Thoughts

Do you find yourself rushing to cover all the bases in your life? When we run out of hours before we've finished taking care of our priorities, we may need to examine our life for God's timing.

Since God has a purpose for our life and He always seems to design that purpose around a 24-hour day and a 7-day week, then our frustration likely comes from two sources: either we're doing wrong things--things God never intended us to do; or we're doing the right things in the wrong way. One has to do with our effectiveness and the other with our efficiency.

My Part

Perhaps now is the "fullness of time" for you to examine your priorities, asking God's help in discerning what they ought to be. And then take time to ask Him to help you do what needs to be done--efficiently and with a sense of His presence.

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« Reply #216 on: December 20, 2006, 09:05:24 AM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 20, 2006
Topic: God/Jesus


Seeing God

Have you ever wanted to see God?

The Bible tells us of a man who had that wish. Moses, who had often talked with God, wanted to see God's glory. But God told Moses, "But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live" (Exodus 33:20, NLT). God then put Moses into a sheltered place in a rock. He said He would cover Moses with His hand. God passed by and allowed Moses to see His back, but Moses was never permitted to see the Lord's face (Exodus 33:23).

Then, one night long ago, God lifted that restriction. The Christ Child born in Bethlehem was God in the flesh--the God-Man. He came to enable us to see the glory of God. The shepherds came to Bethlehem to see a newborn baby boy, but they found themselves gazing into the glorious face of God.

What Does God Say?

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made" (John 1:1-3, NKJV).

John 1:14 goes on to say: "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

    * What does John tell us about the Word (vv. 1-3)?
    * Who is this "Word" (v. 14)?

Why do you think that "the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us"?

My Thoughts

Draw a picture or express in words what it means to you that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

My Part

This season set aside time to read and think about Matthew 1:18-2:12, Luke 2:1-37 and John 1:1-18. List at least three ways you might celebrate Christmas so that it truly honors Christ and touches other people's lives.

Additional Scripture: Colossians 1:15; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 John 1:1, 5:7; Revelation 19:11-13

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« Reply #217 on: December 21, 2006, 06:09:19 AM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 21, 2006
Topic: God/Jesus


Seeing the Glory of God

Have you ever been people-watching? Sitting in a mall or in a public area and watching the people milling around you? You can learn a lot about a person by watching the way they act around others or alone. Is a person walking alone with their eyes on the ground? Are they laughing with friends? Maybe you see a person fidgeting while they're waiting in a line. With careful observation, you can understand a lot about a person's personality and character.

That's how we see God. In the Bible we have many, many eyewitness accounts of God's interactions with humanity. We see His grandeur in the stars, His imagination in the various species of animals, His attention to detail in the crystals of a snowflake. But if we want the best view of the glory and the majesty and the love of our God, we need look no further than Jesus.

What Does God Say?

In John 14:8-11, we see Jesus speaking with the disciples. Philip is evidently wrestling with the same question we are because he says, "'Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.'

"Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father?'" (John 14:8-9, NKJV).

Jesus is saying, "If you've seen Me, you've seen God. If you know Me, you know God." He goes on to tell the disciples: "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me" (John 14:10-11, NKJV).

My Thoughts

We can see a lot about God by looking at the universe He created, but we learn even more when we look at the person of Jesus Christ--God in the flesh. Read through the verses again and think about the following questions.

    * What are some of the events that the disciples witnessed?
    * What did they learn or what could they have learned about God by watching Jesus during these events?
    * What have you learned about God through this lesson?

My Part

How would you describe God to someone who doesn't know Him? What words would you use to help this person get to know God? How would you help this person "see" someone they've never met? Write down what you would say and ask God to help you see Him better as a result.

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« Reply #218 on: December 22, 2006, 03:04:33 PM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 22, 2006
Topic: God/Jesus


For God's Glory

Sometimes God does things in our lives for our good even though it may not seem that way. Or He may use circumstances to teach us something valuable or even to discipline us. But it's not always about us; He also brings about events and situations that demonstrate His glory. Let's consider one great example.

What Does God Say?

In John 11:1-44, Jesus gets a message that His friend Lazarus is sick. Lazarus, along with his sisters Martha and Mary, were Jesus' friends and followers in Bethany. But Jesus didn't rush to Lazarus' side. In fact, His response to the news was, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4, ESV).

A few days later, Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Bethany, when Jesus said, "'Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.' The disciples said to him, 'Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.' Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, 'Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him'" (John 11:11-15, ESV).

Jesus was very clear about the facts: yes, Lazarus had died. But He looked beyond the situation to see an opportunity for belief and to demonstrate the glory of God. He met a grieving Martha with words of hope and life (John 11:23-26), and when He came to Lazarus' tomb, Jesus reminded her "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40, ESV).

The stone was rolled away and Jesus resurrected His dead friend, but not until He'd made it clear why this was happening. "And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me'" (John 11:41-42, ESV).

The glory of God was demonstrated in Jesus, God the Son, who had the power to raise Lazarus from the dead. Those who stood and watched were amazed, and John 11:45 tells us that many put their faith in Him. That's the belief or faith that Jesus also predicted.

My Thoughts

Read through John 11:1-45 again on your own.

    * Pick out any recurring phrases that reflect the reason for Lazarus' illness and death.
    * Why did Jesus see this situation as a potential positive?
    * What expressions of faith do you hear from those involved in this situation?
    * What are some ways you see Jesus reveal God's glory in this passage?

My Part

Often we think the bad things or things we don't understand are God's judgment or punishment for us. Or we start looking for a great spiritual lesson to learn or think that it's a faith building event. But that perspective still reflects the "it's all about me" attitude. Instead, God may be doing what He did here--demonstrating His glory through His Son, Jesus, so that the world would see and know that He is God with power over life and death.

Think over any experiences where you've wondered if God was teaching you or punishing you, and you just didn't understand it.

    * Is it possible that it was simply so that He would be glorified through your life?
    * How do you think that might have happened?
    * If that's the case, does knowing that change how you view your circumstances?

God may choose to do things in our lives that aren't always "comfortable" for us (it certainly wasn't for Lazarus), but they may be there simply to bring glory to Himself and to encourage others (including you) to believe. That's the greater purpose that Jesus tells us about in John 11:42. Take a moment to thank God for using you and your life to bring glory to Him.

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« Reply #219 on: December 23, 2006, 03:33:54 AM »

Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Title: The Glory of the Lord
Date: Dec 25, 2006
Topic(s): God/Jesus
Scripture: Philippians 2, Luke 1-2, Exodus 40:34-35, Exodus 24:15-17, 2 Chronicles 5:14, Isaiah 6:1-6


A dark hillside, contented sheep, sleepy shepherds and a quiet night. But it all changed in a moment. The peaceful night was suddenly interrupted with a blazing light and the glory of God shone about. This Christmas, let's think about this amazing glory.

What Does God Say?

"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a 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 2:8-11, ESV).

An angel interrupted the shepherds' silent night with the best news to ever reach mankind: The Savior is born. But did you see what accompanies this news? God's glory. These shepherds were surrounded by it, enveloped in it. Just as God's glory took over the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 40:34-35) and the temple in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 5:14); just as it appeared to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:15-17), and before the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-6), God's great glory appeared to these humble shepherds.

While the glory of the Lord was the same, something fundamental shifted in this appearance. It's right there in the angel's message: news of great joy because Christ the Lord, the promised Savior and Messiah for all people is born.

The glory of the Lord was now visible in human form--in the person of Jesus. Just an infant in a manger that night but soon to be the Lord of glory as a man we could see and hear and touch. Jesus, who was fully God and fully man and willing to give up His life for you and me.

God's glory took up residence--not in a cloud or thunder and smoke on a mountain--but as a man, like the rest of us. Philippians 2 tells us that Christ "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:6-11, ESV).

My Thoughts

Take a few minutes in your day to read through Luke 1 and 2.

    * How often does "the glory of God" show up?
    * Who do you see giving God glory?
    * What are the reasons for His glory to be revealed or for someone to give God glory?

My Part

    * What has shown you the glory of God? Something you've discovered in God's Word, in your walk of faith, in the testimony or ministry of others?
    * How will this influence your approach to life?
    * What are some ways you can reflect the glory of God back to Him and to others this Christmas?

Take a moment to thank God for His indescribable gift--the opportunity to see His glory in His Son, Jesus, your Savior. Echo the angels' song from Luke 2:14: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (ESV).

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« Reply #220 on: December 28, 2006, 04:50:52 PM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 26, 2006
Topic: Jesus


Jesus, The Glory of God

Have you ever studied the history of math? There are actually college courses that delve into the development of mathematics throughout time. In fact, you can pretty much find someone who studies the history of anything, no matter how impractical it may sound.

But why not try studying something really relevant, like how the glory of God has interacted with humanity throughout the course of time? Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

God's glory is seen in many different ways in the Bible. In Exodus 33:18-20, Moses was able to physically see the glory of God pass by him. While the Israelites were traveling through the desert, the glory of God led them (Exodus 40:34-38).

After the Israel was established in the land, Solomon built the temple and the glory of God resided there until the days of Ezekiel. First Kings 8:10-11 gives the account of the glory of the Lord coming into the temple.

Most importantly, God's glory came and resided in a baby, the Christ Child. Colossians 2:9 tells us: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (NIV). It is in the Baby Jesus that glory of God has come. In the Old Testament, the glory of God would come and go; now it is here to stay.

The shepherds realized this. Mary and Joseph realized this. Eventually the wise men came and realized this. And the writers of the hymns that we sing at Christmastime, all realized this: Jesus was already Lord at His birth. This Baby is the glory of God.

My Thoughts

Take a look at how you view the Christ Child. Do you see Him only as the innocent child? Do you see Him as God Almighty? Reflect back over the verses from the Old Testament. In those verses, we see a mighty and powerful force. If someone touched the vessel that contained the glory of God, it actually killed that person (1 Samuel 6:19, 2 Samuel 6:6-8). If Moses would have seen the face of God, it would have killed him (Exodus 33:17-23). Do you come to Jesus with a respect for the power of His glory?

My Part

Jesus is love and joy and peace. But He is also Lord, Master and Creator. How do you respond to the glory of the Christ? Do you see Jesus only as a baby or as the embodiment of the glory of God? Take a minute to thank God that you can have a relationship with Him in all His glory. Thank Him for making it possible for you to come to His Father's throne and bring your requests before Him.

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« Reply #221 on: December 28, 2006, 04:52:12 PM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 27, 2006
Topic: Jesus


Jesus As God's Glory

Have you ever wondered why there were so many miracles surrounding the birth, ministry and death of Jesus? Could not Jesus just have preached the Gospel, gone to the cross, been resurrected and then ascended into heaven? Yes, Jesus could have done it that way, but God knew we needed more. He knew we needed to experience His glory.

What Does God Say?

Remember the healing of the man who could not walk?

"But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, 'Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man "Your sins are forgiven," or "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk"? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.' Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 'Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!' And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, 'We've never seen anything like this before!'" (Mark 2:8-12, NLT).

    * How did this miracle of Jesus affect the people who witnessed it?
    * How did it verify the truth of Jesus' teachings?
    * How did this show that Jesus wasn't a normal teacher or prophet?

One of the important results of Jesus healing this man was that God was glorified. Jesus' miracles were always designed to reveal the presence of God. And it was through Jesus that people experienced the presence and power of God. Jesus was indeed the glory of God.

"The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven" (Hebrews 1:3, NLT).

Have you ever thought about God's glory in your life? Through Jesus, not only do we experience God's power (to forgive our sins and change our lives), but also the wonderful continuing presence of God in Jesus. He will never leave us or forsake us; He is ever with us even through the valley of the shadow of death; and He will be with us always, even unto the end of the world. (Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 23:4; Matthew 28:20.)

My Thoughts

Not only is Jesus the glory of God, but we are promised that as Christ-believers and as Christ-followers, we will share in His glory.

"He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 2:14, NLT).

What do you think the apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote about sharing "in the glory of our Lord Jesus"?

Can you think of three ways that you can share in His glory? (Here's a couple to get your brain moving: experience His presence, anticipate a home in heaven.)

My Part

Not only can we share in the glory of our Lord Jesus, but we can glorify God as we continually experience the presence and power of Jesus in our lives. Take time now to express your thanks and praise to God for who Jesus is, who He is in your life and what He wants to do through your life. It's a time to glorify God!

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« Reply #222 on: December 28, 2006, 04:53:39 PM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 28, 2006
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Give Glory to God

In the Book of Joshua, we read about the Israelite's amazing defeat of Jericho. In fact, we find out that Israel really didn't fight against Jericho at all. They walked around the city as God instructed, and on the seventh day "the walls came a-tumblin' down." The Israelites then turned their attention to the next city, Ai. Thirty-six men died in an unsuccessful attack.

The reason, it turns out, was because a man by the name of Achan had taken some things from the ruins of Jericho that were supposed to be turned over to God. When Joshua confronted Achan, he used an unusual phrase. "Now Joshua said to Achan, 'My son, I beg you, give glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me" (Joshua 7:19, NKJV).

"Give glory to God?" It sounds more like something you'd say in a worship celebration at church, not a criminal interrogation. Before we answer this, let's look at another individual who gave glory to God.

What Does God Say?

Read John 12:25-26. At first, it doesn't look like Jesus is talking about glorifying God. Instead, He talks about losing our lives to save them for eternity and serving Him. He says that "if anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor" (John 12:26, NKJV).

In life, we can choose one of two paths. We can follow our own road and make our own choices, or we can follow Jesus. What Jesus is telling us here in these verses is that when we follow our own road, we'll come to a bitter end. But, He says, when we follow His road, even though it means sacrificing in this life, it will lead to an eternal life far greater than this.

In the next two verses, Jesus says that His soul is troubled. He knows He will be crucified before the end of the week and, naturally, it tears Him up inside. But then He says, "But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name" (John 12:27-28, NKJV).

Jesus would glorify God by being obedient to His will.

My Thoughts

If Jesus gave glory to God by being obedient to God's will, the same principle applies to us. Think about the following questions:

    * How would Achan confessing be seen as an act of glorifying God?
    * How do we glorify God by following His path?
    * What does God promise to those who glorify Him?

My Part

Glorifying God, in the end, always involves sacrifice. Our human hearts aren't naturally inclined to share glory, so to give it to someone else is always painful. But it's worth it.

Think about the next thing you have on your schedule today. Whether it's a big meeting that's important or a mundane activity like washing clothes, ask yourself, How can I give glory to God in this activity? Continue asking this throughout the day no matter what you're doing.

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« Reply #223 on: December 29, 2006, 02:26:38 PM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Dec 29, 2006
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Glorify God in All Things

Few things are more irritating than people who publicly claim to love God but live as if they knew nothing about Him. You see people in the entertainment industry whose music or movies (and even their lives) are all about selfish pursuits--sex, drugs, money, me, me, me. Yet when that person gets up to receive an award, the first thing out of his or her mouth is, "I'd like to thank God." It makes you want to say, "Either at least try to live like you know Him or leave Him out of it all together. Don't live for yourself and then try to pull God in so He makes you look good."

In everything Jesus did, He had God's glory in mind. Let's look to the Bible for some examples.

What Does God Say?

"You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father" (John 14:13, NLT).

"He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, 'My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine'" (Matthew 26:39, NLT).

"Then Jesus shouted, 'Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!' And with those words he breathed his last. When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, 'Surely this man was innocent.' And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow" (Luke 23:46-48, NLT).

    * Jesus says that anything asked in His name, He would do. What was the purpose? What does that imply about our motivation for asking?
    * Jesus prayed the words of Matthew 26 knowing that in a little while He would be arrested, tried and executed. What do the words of His prayer say about His commitment to the Father? How far is Jesus willing to go to bring the Father glory?
    * As Jesus submitted Himself to death, what was the reaction of those around Him?

My Thoughts

Throughout His life, Jesus' focus was to bring glory to God the Father. In His teachings, service, miracles…everything, Jesus showed everyone the wonderful character of God (in essence this is what God's glory is--His character). Even in the way Jesus suffered and died, the people looking on realized that He was (and is) the Son of God. That needs to be reflected in your life too. When people look at you, which of God's character traits (His glory) do they see? Jesus did everything with God's glory in mind. Do you?

My Part

Make a list of three things that you do to glorify God. Now make a list of three things that you do that don't bring glory to God. Pray to God asking Him to make your whole life a reflection of His glory. Take one of those things on your "non-glorifying list" and work on surrendering it to God so it can move to your "glorifying list."

Additional Scripture: John 8:54

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« Reply #224 on: January 02, 2007, 07:25:53 AM »

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 1, 2007
Topic: New Life


The New You

John 3:16--You see it on signs at football games; it's one of the first Scriptures to be memorized by children and it is probably the best known of all the verses in the Bible. Why? It's because in one simple, yet profound phrase, Jesus wrapped up the entirety of His mission. Because of God's great love, we have hope of being saved from our sin, from everything we've ever done wrong. We have the promise of a new and everlasting life. Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about this new life.

What Does God Say?

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NLT).

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect" (Romans 12:2, NLT).

"Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes" (Ephesians 4:22-23, NLT)

    * To whom does God offer a new life? How do you get a new life?
    * What happens as we allow God to conform (shape, mold) us to this new life?

What are some of the changes that take place when you have a new life?

My Thoughts

As you seek to experience this new life in Christ, what you must realize is that it is in Christ. There is nothing that you can do yourself to create this new life.

Eternal life comes only through Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Romans 10:9, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (NLT). If Jesus is the only way to attain this new life, doesn't it stand to reason that He would be your best guide to a new life?

So, stop trying to create a new person all on your own, by trying to do the right things and saying the right words. Instead, continually seek God and His ways--He will shape you into the person He has designed you to be.

My Part

What are three resolutions that you believe God would have you make this year? Pray about it and ask God to reveal to you areas where He wants to see improvement. Write those down and pray about them, surrendering these areas to Christ, each day for the next month.

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