Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 2, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust


When Faith Is Tested

A news reporter asked the wife of Albert Einstein if she understood her husband's theory of relativity. "No," she replied. "But I don't have to. I trust my husband."

There are many things that happen in life we don't understand. A child is born with a genetic defect and only lives a short time. The job we need is taken away. A godly husband and father is killed by a drunk driver.

This is the time that our faith is really tested. Can we trust God when all these things happen? The Bible says we can, and King David tells us why.

What Does God Say?

When David wrote Psalm 11, he was facing a major crisis in his life. In fact, it had gotten so bad that his counselors had suggested he flee (v. 1). But that wasn't David's way of dealing with trouble. Instead, he chose to stick it out and trust the Lord. And he gives us the reasons why:

"But the LORD is in his holy Temple;
the LORD still rules from heaven.
He watches everyone closely,
examining every person on earth.
The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked.
He hates those who love violence.
For the righteous LORD loves justice.
The virtuous will see his face" (Psalm 11:4-5,7; NLT).

    * According to David, where is God when bad things happen? What is He still doing?
    * What is God doing according to the next verse?

What promise do we find in the final verse of this passage?

My Thoughts

Which of the reasons found above gives you the most comfort? Why?

My Part

Take some time today to meditate on the truth that "the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven." Then write a prayer of thanksgiving for this wonderful truth.

Additional Scripture: Isaiah 55:8, Hebrews 11

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[nChrist]

Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Title: Obedient Life
Date: Jan 3, 2007
Topic(s): Obedience/Discipleship
Scripture: Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Peter 1:18-19


I'm excited about customizing my first, really new car--just the way I have dreamed about it. After completing the order (which car, model, style, engine, color, accessories), I write a check and the salesperson tells me he will let me know when the car arrives.

Three weeks later, I get a call, go back to the dealer, and the salesperson brings me out a tire and a box containing a spark plug, a windshield wiper and a steering wheel. Now, is that fair? No, it's not! I paid the total price for the car, and it's only fair that I get all the parts put together right and working perfectly. That's what is right and fair!

On the cross, Jesus paid the total price for our lives, so it is only right and fair that He have all of it. Every relationship, situation and event in your life is to be evaluated in light of how you can be obedient to Him.

What Does God Say?

The Bible says it like this:

"For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:20, NKJV).

"For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God" (1 Peter 1:18-19, NLT).

What implications do these verses have for your life right now?

My Thoughts

Once we understand that our lives totally are God's, then we need to live in light of that relationship with God through Jesus.

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him" (Romans 12:1, NLT).

Would totally belonging to God call for any adjustment in your relationships? Your future? What you read? How you speak to people? Where you go? Your job? Your thought life? Your ______ (you fill in the blank)?

My Part

God never asks us to do something that He has not promised to help us do. Take time now to ask for His help and strength in obeying Jesus like you completely belong to Him (because you do), and you are totally sold out to Him (because you should be).

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 4, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Tap into Help

So, you have a new life! You've come to Jesus in faith, receiving His gift of salvation for your sins. You're a new creation…now what? How do you live with this new life?

What Does God Say?

Well, you're not left alone to figure it out. You have Christ now living in and through you. You may be stuck in the same body with the same life on the outside, but you have something new going on inside. Christ lives in you--what an amazing reality!

In Galatians, Paul puts it this way: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20, ESV). So, whatever God asks of you, you have His own Son in your life, helping you accomplish the task.

You also have another Helper. Jesus said, "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26, ESV).

And there's a third resource for living this new life: God's own Word, the Bible. "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV).

My Thoughts

With the Holy Spirit in residence, Christ living through us and the ongoing instruction of God's Word, we ought to see some changes take place in our new lives. Read through Colossians 3:1-17, and jot down the changes you see.

    * What are we to "take off" or get rid of?
    * What do we "put on" or add into our lives instead?
    * Who or what makes these changes possible?
    * How do you think others will see you as these things take place?

My Part

Wouldn't it be great to wake up tomorrow morning and see all these godly characteristics at work in your life? Of course it would, but remember spiritual growth is a process. Some changes may be dramatic or visible "overnight," but mostly they'll take day-to-day practice for the rest of your life. But don't be discouraged.

Do an occasional self-check. Start today by making a list of those things you need to put off and those you need to put on. Use it as a baseline. Then once in awhile, go back to God's Word and passages like Colossians 3 and see how you're doing. Maybe have your spouse, a parent or a good Christian friend look your list over, too, and add what they see.

Pray that God will continue the good work that He began in you through His Spirit, His Son and His Word (Philippians 1:6).

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 5, 2007
Topic: Joy


An Attitude of Rejoicing

The Bible says a lot about rejoicing. And we have a lot to rejoice about. Because of God's mercy, our sins have been forgiven. Because of His grace, we've been adopted as His heirs. Because of God's love, we have the promise of His care and protection through our lives.

The easiest times to rejoice are the periods of God's blessings. As God said to Moses, "So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the LORD your God has given to you and your house" (Deuteronomy 26:11, NKJV). Rejoicing in good times is easy, but we're told to rejoice in bad times too.

In order to do this, we need to have the right perspective when we look at our troubles. Jesus gave this perspective to His disciples after they returned from the villages where He sent them. They were rejoicing because even demons were responding to their authority.

But Jesus warns them, "Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20, NKJV). As Christians, whatever we might be going through we always have a cause to rejoice--our names are written in heaven.

Let's look at how the apostle Paul applied this to his life.

What Does God Say?

Read 2 Corinthians 6:4-10, and think about the following questions.

    * What are some of the troubles Paul experienced while preaching the Gospel?
    * How did Paul's faith help him meet these challenges?
    * In the last few verses, how do you see Paul putting a heavenly perspective on his troubles?

My Thoughts

Where is your perspective today? A lot of the good events in life naturally raise our perspective to include God. But the bad times lower our gaze till we stare only at our feet as we stumble through life. The secret to having an attitude of rejoicing is learning to lift your gaze to God even in the bad times. It's learning to say, "Things may be bad today, but someday God will bring me home."

My Part

Are you connected with fellow believers at church? Having a strong group of Christian friends can be an invaluable resource in times of trouble. Their prayers and encouragement can be the difference between rejoicing and despair. If someone you know is going through a tough period in their life, consider how you may encourage them.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 8, 2007
Topic: Joy


Rejoice Always

Want to make a resolution that will change your life more than losing 30 pounds, winning the lottery, getting married or becoming more intelligent, beautiful and athletic? It is actually possible, you know.

Let's look at what the Bible has to say.

What Does God Say?

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NKJV).

"Rejoice always" (1 Thessalonians 5:16, NKJV).

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord" (Philippians 3:1, NKJV).

    * How often are we to rejoice?
    * How is it possible for a Christian to be able to praise God in the midst of difficult circumstances? Does the phrase "in the Lord" help with your understanding of rejoicing?

Is it really possible to "rejoice always"?

My Thoughts

If the Lord tells us just one time to do something, should we obey? What if the Lord takes the trouble to tell us the same thing at least three times? What does that tell us about the importance of keeping this resolution? Write down times in your life when it has been difficult to rejoice or praise God.

My Part

What might rejoicing do for your physical and emotional health as well as your relationship with God and others? In 2007, with God's help and abiding in Jesus, resolve to rejoice in things that are difficult, in the face of opposition and in all circumstances at all times.

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[nChrist]

Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Title: Reasons for Joy
Date: Jan 9, 2007
Topic(s): Joy
Scripture: Psalm 118:24, Psalm 33:21


Billy Sunday, the famous baseball player/evangelist of the early 1900s, once said that if you have no joy as a believer in Christ, "There must be a leak in your Christianity."

And speaker and writer S.D. Gordon observed, "Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its springs deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross."

Early in this New Year, when so many people entertain thoughts of resolutions, let's see what God has to say about joy and rejoicing.

What Does God Say?

"In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name" (Psalm 33:21, NLT).

First of all, then, you should rejoice in God because of His matchless, totally pure and unchangeable character. God is holy, so all of His attributes are holy. His very name is holy.

My Thoughts

Now, read the following Bible verses and think about the questions below.

2 Chronicles 6:41
Psalm 31:7-8
Psalm 13:5
Psalm 35:9
Psalm 119:162
Ecclesiastes 3:22
Psalm 90:14
Philippians 4:4
1 Thessalonians 5:16

    * According to each verse, what reason do you have for rejoicing?
    * What are some qualities of God's nature that should encourage you to rejoice?
    * What are some gifts God has given you as a believer that should bring you joy?
    * When should you rejoice?

My Part

Rejoicing in the Lord and what He has done for you is an everlasting pleasure. Think about the verse below, and ask the Lord to daily give you a heart filled with joy.

"This is the day the LORD has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24, NLT).

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[nChrist]

Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Title: Rejoice in God's Goodness
Date: Jan 10, 2007
Topic(s): God's Care
Scripture: Psalm 107:8-9, 1 Kings 8:66, Psalm 27:13, Psalm 31:19


It was a college chapel service with nearly 2,000 students in attendance. The leader stepped to the podium saying, "God is good."

Without any prompting and with one voice, the students responded, "All the time."

The speaker repeated, "All the time."

And the students responded, "God is good."

That is such a simple, and yet profound truth--especially when you examine our lives in light of it. For God to always be good to us is a basis for gratitude and rejoicing.

What Does God Say?

"The people...blessed the king and went to their homes joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had shown to David his servant and to Israel his people" (1 Kings 8:66, ESV).

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living" (Psalm 27:13, NASB).

"Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you
and worked for those who take refuge in you,
in the sight of the children of mankind!" (Psalm 31:19, NCV).

What do those verses teach you about the goodness of God?

My Thoughts

Make a list of all the ways that God has been good to you. As you look over the list, how should you respond? If you need a starting point, look to the following verse:

"Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness" (Psalm 107:8-9, NKJV).

My Part

Do you realize that more than fear of God or of His judgment, it may be His goodness that keeps your heart tender toward Him and encourages you to live His way? As you've gone through this study today, do you have a new understanding of God and His ways?

Take a few moments now to pray and ask God to keep you mindful and rejoicing for His glory. Thank Him specifically for one or two ways that your heart has been moved by His goodness.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 11, 2007
Topic: Joy


A Reason to Rejoice

Ever had times when you can't think of a single reason to rejoice? Maybe you're not looking in the right place. As Christians we're instructed to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4, ESV). Notice the verse says "rejoice in the Lord." So, start your rejoicing with God and who He is--like the fact that He's a merciful God.

What Does God Say?

First, let's define mercy. It's linked with compassion and kindness. But more importantly, it's God's unexpected response to what we really deserve. When our sin deserves punishment, His mercy offers forgiveness and grace instead. When we're unlovable, He loves us anyway. And He gives what we don't deserve, too; His mercy responds to cruelty with kindness, to anger with compassion. The choice to show mercy is God's. And He chooses to do so because of His character, not our merit or lack of it.

That God is merciful is on its own a great reason to rejoice. But there are also specific times when God's mercy makes us rejoice. King David reflects that in a time of trouble:

"I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy,
For You have considered my trouble;
You have known my soul in adversities,
And have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy;
You have set my feet in a wide place" (Psalm 31:7-8, NKJV).

David saw God extend mercy when he was suffering at the hands of others; God could have let him be defeated, but instead He led David to a secure place.

Mercy comes from God in many forms. Sometimes it's compassion, healing or rescue like David saw. Or mercy that takes care of our needs in ways that nothing else can.

"Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!" (Psalm 90:14, NKJV).

Many times God's mercy withholds or tempers judgment and destruction when our disobedience requires it. "Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God" (Nehemiah 9:31, ESV). We can rejoice that He does offer us mercy, that He doesn't forsake or destroy us.

My Thoughts

Look through these verses and pull out what you see of God's mercy expressed there.

Psalm 51:1-2
1 Timothy 1:13-16
Ephesians 2:4-5
1 Peter 1:3-4
Deuteronomy 4:31
Philippians 2:25-27
Psalm 116:1-6
Psalm 28:6-7

    * Do any of these reflect God's mercy in your life? How?
    * What does this do to your ability to rejoice?

My Part

Take a few moments to reflect on what you've learned about God's mercy. Then borrow these verses, and turn them into your own prayer or song of rejoicing. Write it down or speak it out loud. Tuck it into your Bible or post it where you'll be reminded that even on the worst days, you have a reason to rejoice.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 12, 2007
Topic: Joy


The Choice to Rejoice

Rejoicing is a choice. In any situation, regardless of our surroundings, we can choose to rejoice before the Lord. If Paul and Silas can sing praises while chained in prison, if Stephen rejoiced in the Lord as the stones fell upon him, then we can surely rejoice in whatever life throws at us.

This isn't meant to make light of your situation. It's not to say, "Well, if Paul can do it, you must not be as good a Christian as he." God made you different than Paul; He made you different than Stephen. But God has given you the same information about Himself and the same opportunities to choose as He gave to the people we read about in the Bible. Rejoicing starts with a choice--will you rejoice in any and all situations, or won't you?

What Does God Say?

The Bible gives us many examples of people rejoicing in the situations they faced. David praised God for His justice:

"At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You,
Because of Your righteous judgments" (Psalm 119:62, NKJV).

What a comfort this knowledge can be in the middle of the night when darkness and fear can affect us the most!

When in danger, the psalmist says:

"But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You" (Psalm 5:11, NKJV).

When experiencing heartache and disappointment, we're told:

"I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy,
For You have considered my trouble;
You have known my soul in adversities" (Psalm 31:7, NKJV).

My Thoughts

As you think on these verses and this lesson, consider the following questions:

    * Why is it sometimes hard to rejoice?
    * How can we rejoice even in bad situations?
    * What does rejoicing look like?

What was it that allowed Paul and Silas, and even Stephen, to rejoice in their persecution?

My Part

We've looked at how rejoicing is a choice that can be made in every situation. We've looked at a few verses from the Bible that talk about rejoicing (there are many more). But now it's up to you.

Take some time now, and make a list of all the things for which you want to rejoice. What situations, good and bad, do you want to remember to turn your thoughts toward God and rejoice? Put this list in a place you'll see it often, and even encourage family members to help you add to it. There's so much in life that will drag us down; allow God to lift you up when you choose to rejoice in Him.

Additional Scripture: Proverbs 28:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 15, 2007
Topic: Worship/Praise/Worthiness


Taking Time to Remember

We live in a society that is constantly on the go. Most people are in a rush to get from once place to another. We can hardly remember to make all of our appointments, much less keep in mind things that aren't on our schedule for the day. God's Word teaches us, however, that no matter how hectic our lives may get, there are several things that we can't afford to forget.

What Does God Say?

With all the teaching and commandments that are found in God's Word, how do we know what we are supposed to remember each day? God is very clear in the Scriptures that there are four things we need to remember daily: the works and commands of God, the poor, those in prison and those who are in authority over us.

    * Who does Hebrews 13:7 say we should remember?
    * Read Deuteronomy 8:18-20. Why is it so important to remember God?
    * What does God say will happen if we do not remember Him (Deuteronomy 8:19-20)?

Hebrews 13:3 teaches us that we should help which people?

My Thoughts

"Remember the wonders he has performed,
his miracles, and the rulings he has given" (Psalm 105:5, NLT).

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of life, we forget the amazing works God has done and the gifts He has given us. Think on the verse above, and ask yourself these questions:

    * What blessings has God given me lately?
    * How have I expressed my gratitude for those blessings to God?
    * What are some of God's wondrous works that I get to appreciate every day?

My Part

Not only does God want us to remember Him and His works, but He wants us to remember those who are less fortunate. Select one of the options below, and plan to do it this week.

    * Contact your local church, and ask them the different ways you can be involved in service projects and helping others.
    * Volunteer at your city's mission center. They provide food and housing to the homeless and need volunteers to serve food.
    * If you are able to do so, adopt someone in your church who is struggling financially and anonymously help them out. Your church staff will be able to offer you suggestions if need be.

Most importantly, schedule time into your daily life to give God the praise for what He is doing in your life.

Additional Scripture: Galatians 2:10

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 16, 2007
Topic: Other


Forget Me Not

Have you ever watched a movie or TV show where some character is about to walk through a door and you know he's going to regret it? You shake your head and wonder, How could someone miss such obvious signs that something's not right?

Sometimes we may feel that way when we read the Bible, especially the Old Testament passages where the Israelites make the golden calf, or we see the wickedness of Israel's kings. From our perspective, the cause and effect of disobedience and judgment is clear. How could they think that God would just stand by while they blatantly disobey Him?

What Does God Say?

The author of Psalm 106 must have been thinking the same things. He starts off with a word of praise and a plea that God would remember him. He goes on to confess the sins of Israel.

"We have sinned with our fathers,
We have committed iniquity,
We have done wickedly" (Psalm 106:6, NKJV).

The psalmist then gets into specifics and begins a theme that carries through the whole Psalm.

"Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders;
They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies,
But rebelled by the sea--the Red Sea" (Psalm 106:7, NKJV).

They did not remember, and verse 13 says, "they soon forgot." By verse 28, the Israelites' forgetfulness turns to rebellion.

"They joined themselves also to Baal of Peor...they rebelled against His Spirit...they mingled with the Gentiles....They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons" (Psalm 106:28,33,35,37; NKJV).

Surrounding all these descriptions of Israel's rebellion are pictures of God's judgments on them. And mixed with those judgments we see a beautiful picture of God's mercy.

"Nevertheless He regarded their affliction,
When He heard their cry;
And for their sake He remembered His covenant,
And relented according to the multitude of His mercies" (Psalm 106:44-45, NKJV).

My Thoughts

A lot has changed since this psalm was written, and a lot has stayed the same. Though in America we are not under the specific covenant as was Israel, as believers we are still bound to our Savior, Jesus. When you read through Psalm 106, think about the following questions:

    * What other gods do we follow in America?
    * How has America remembered God?
    * How have we forgotten Him?
    * How am I remembering God in my family?

My Part

Read Psalm 103:2-5 and commit it to memory:

"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (NKJV).

Though you are probably not in a position to influence the entire nation, think about the areas where you do have influence. Seek to find ways to remember God there. Begin reading the Bible with your family. Share your testimony, the story of how God has provided for you and brought you to where you are, with your neighbors. Find ways you can minister to the people in your neighborhood.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 17, 2007
Topic: God's Care


Remember God's Works

It's easy to forget a lot of things, but when we forget the awesome works of God, we lose something very important. The Bible often reminds us to remember the works of God, to pay attention to His acts and His promises to His people in the past, the present and the future. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

Psalm 105 is addressed to the people of Israel and calls them to worship.

"Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done....
Remember the wonders he has performed,
his miracles, and the rulings he has given" (Psalm 105:1,5; NLT)

What are these wonders, miracles and rulings? Well, read the rest of the psalm, and you'll see the history of God at work in His people. It began with God's covenant to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants to provide them with a land of their own (Psalm 105:8-11). He protected them when their numbers were few and they were living among foreign nations (Psalm 105:12-15). During a famine, He used Joseph as a slave in Egypt to provide a refuge and help (Psalm 105:16-22). Later, God was at work with Moses and through plagues and the Passover to deliver His people from slavery (Psalm 105:26-38). He protected them, guided them, instructed them and led them to the Promised Land (Psalm 105:39-44). All of this because of a promise and the desire to see His people obey and walk with Him (Psalm 105:45).

That's the bare bones history of God's works with His people. But He's also at work for us, as individuals. David wrote:

"He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle's! (Psalm 103:3-5, NLT).

Take a look at the rest of Psalm 103, especially verses 6-14, and discover more of God's wonderful works on your behalf.

My Thoughts

A number of psalms recount God's works in order that we learn to put our trust in Him and focus our worship on Him. Psalm 107 is divided into sections that focus on God's work with different types of people. Read each section, identify the group and describe what God did for them.

Psalm 107:1-3
Psalm 107:17-22
Psalm 107:4-9
Psalm 107:23-32
Psalm 107:10-16
Psalm 107:33-40

    * Where do you see parallels in your life or things you can identify with?
    * What is the common response from those who recognize God's works?

Psalm 107:43 gives us a reason to remember God's works:

"Those who are wise will take all this to heart;
they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD" (NLT).

    * How well do you think others see the "faithful love of the Lord" in your "history"?

My Part

Take a few minutes to create your own "psalm" of remembrance. Think through the works of God in your life: His salvation, guidance, provision, protection, the lessons of hard times, what He's spoken to you through His Word, etc.

Write it out, and keep it in your Bible to remind you of God's works. You could also turn it into a song or create artwork that reflects your "psalm." Whatever form you choose, make it a lasting reminder of God's faithful love for you.

Now, if your experience with God is new and you don't have a lot of "history" yet, draw on the stories and accounts you find in God's Word and be confident that God has not changed. His works on behalf of others reflect the same love and passion He has for you.

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[nChrist]

Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Title: Where Do You Look?
Date: Jan 18, 2007
Topic(s): Faith/Trust
Scripture: Psalm 20, Psalm 2:6-9



Psalm 20 is a little unusual. On the surface it's a wonderful passage telling us of the promises of God and how we can trust Him for all things. What's unusual is that this wasn't written by a peasant looking for reassurance or a beggar hoping in the Lord's provision. This psalm, like many others, was written by King David!

A king like David didn't have to be afraid of enemies; he had his army to fight for him. As king he didn't have to worry about what to eat; the table was always loaded. And when he wanted anything, he didn't even have to ask--one command and it was his.

But David was also wise, and he knew there were some things no earthly king could do.

What Does God Say?

Look again at Psalm 20. Remember, that as a song, this would be sung to or by the people of Israel. You can take these verses as David speaking directly to you.

"May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And strengthen you out of Zion;
May He remember all your offerings,
And accept your burnt sacrifice" (Psalm 20:1-3, NKJV).

Though David was the protector of his people, he knew only God could offer true protection from every kind of trouble. Only God can give us the strength we need to face our problems. God knows those who love Him and will answer when they call to Him.

"May He grant you according to your heart's desire,
And fulfill all your purpose.
We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions" (Psalm 20:4-5, NKJV).

The purpose of every person is to give glory to God. And when we set our hearts on bringing glory and honor to our Lord in everything we do, God will make sure we have what we need to accomplish that goal.

My Thoughts

Now read Psalm 2:6-9 and think about the following questions:

    * In the Old Testament, kings were anointed with oil to signify their selection by God. Today, how are believers anointed by God? Do the same promises apply?
    * What powers do you find yourself trusting in when you're in trouble?
    * Is it easy or hard to trust in God's strength?

My Part

What are some of the troubles in your life today? Make a list of them. If you're suffering illness, have financial troubles, are stressed over a bad relationship or even dealing with legal woes, write them all down.

Now take each item on that list, talk to God about it and ask Him to help you and strengthen you. Pray that He would be glorified as the events unfold. Cross each item off the list, and when you're finished either throw the paper away or post it somewhere as a reminder that God is taking care of these problems now.

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Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 19, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust


Go to the Rock

Once you're a Christian, all your troubles are over. Right? Not really. Just flip through your Bible, and you'll discover that those who live by faith often don't have an easy life.

Now, God doesn't call us to Himself so that He can make us miserable. But when we face difficult times, He reminds us that He's the one we look to for help and depend on, no matter what.

What Does God Say?

The Lord is often referred to as our rock. Especially when life is uncertain and we're searching for a solid foundation, He's a secure place, something to hang onto. King David went through his fair share of uncertain times but he could say:

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies" (2 Samuel 22:2-4, ESV)

Isaiah 26:4 puts it simply: "Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock" (ESV). The Lord is " the Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he" (Deuteronomy 32:4, ESV). God never changes; He is completely trustworthy. And He has the power to save and secure us like no one and nothing else can.

When you look to Him for your help and strength, you'll also find peace and rest and confidence as David did.

"My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken" (Psalm 62:1-2, NIV).

So, why put your hope in anything else, in things that fail or people who disappoint you? Look to God, the Lord, who is your rock.

My Thoughts

Many of the psalms refer to God as our source of strength, refuge, help and hope. Read through Psalm 62.

    * How does the writer describe God?
    * What kind of trouble, problems or struggles is he facing?
    * What do you see God do for this man?
    * How do you identify with this writer?
    * What's happened when you've looked to God your rock?

You can also do this with Psalm 18; it's another version of David's song from 2 Samuel 22. See how he experienced God as his rock and what it meant for his faith and worship.

My Part

Choose a verse that refers to God as your rock, your refuge or your strength. We've looked at several today but there's also Psalm 46:1, Psalm 121, Micah 7:7 and Isaiah 41:10 (God's own promise to you). Then find a rock--any size, whatever shape, color or texture you want. And if it's big enough, mark your chosen reference or even a whole verse on it.

Keep it in a place where you'll see it--a windowsill, a shelf you pass each day, even your garden (if it's a big one). And let it become a visible reminder of the truth--that the Lord is your rock, your source of strength, help and hope.

Additional Scripture: Psalm 46:1, Psalm 121, Micah 7:7, Isaiah 41:10.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 22, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Putting Feet to your Faith

Many people consider themselves to be visual learners. Often reading a textbook or listening to a teacher is not enough to help them fully understand the concept. Visual learners have to see someone act out the concept or try it with their own hands. In the same way, God teaches us that we are supposed to be visual Christians by taking what we read in the Bible and duplicating it in our daily lives.

What Does God Say?

"But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it" (James 1:22-25, NLT).

    * When we only listen without actually obeying, what does James say we're doing to ourselves?
    * What does James compare to listening without obeying?
    * According to these verses, what does being obedient to God's Word do for you?

My Thoughts

It's important that we don't become just a hearer of God's Word but a doer as well. To become a doer, we must first have the knowledge of His Word and then we must live it out by obeying it. Ask yourself these questions:

    * Are you reading God's Word on a daily basis?
    * What has God been showing you that you need to work on in your life?
    * What are some areas where your faith is weak?

My Part

It's not too late to begin a Bible reading program for 2007. If you don't have a Bible reading guide, go to the Devotions section of our Web site and select a guide that is suited for you. Start using it this week.

Also, get involved in a Christian Bible study with coworkers at your job or one that is offered through your church. Bible studies with other believers are important because you can gain insights from other Christians and you develop a sense of accountability.

Pray that God will continue to bring to your mind things He has taught you throughout your personal time in His Word and principles learned in your church. Take what you learn, and write down ways that you can put those principles to action.

Additional Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 7:21

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