Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 7, 2007
Topic: Salvation


Do You Have a Life?

Maybe you've heard someone say, "Get a life!" Or perhaps in the midst of having a really fun time, a friend has exclaimed, "Wow, this is really living!"

The Bible also talks about life--but in a far more serious way. The life that it refers to is a matter of eternal consequences. Let's find out if you truly do have a life according to the Bible.

What Does God Say?

"Whosoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life" (1 John 5:12, NLT).

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT).

    * According to these verses, who is spiritually alive?
    * What does it mean if someone doesn't have life?
    * What happens when we receive Christ (the Son)?

My Thoughts

"Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me you who break God's laws'" (Matthew 7:21-23, NLT).

Why is it so important that we make sure we are spiritually alive? One day we are going to stand before God, and He is going to ask us why we should be allowed into heaven. If we try to tell Him that He should let us in because we always went to church, we taught Sunday school or even sang in the choir that will not be enough. Consider these questions:

    * Has there been a time when you received Christ as your personal Savior?

    * Are you more concerned about the good things you are doing in your life or developing your relationship with Christ?

My Part

Before we become spiritually alive, we must receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. After we do this, we must continue to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Here are some ways that you can make sure you are on the right track and stay there.

    * Spend at least ten or 15 minutes each day reading the Bible.
    * Spend time every day talking to God through prayer, making sure you confess to Him any sin in your life.
    * If you have not already, find a church where you can get involved and have relationships with other Christians.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 8, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


It's All About Him

So many times we live our life as though "it's all about me!" Every day we think about what we want to eat or do that day, where we will go, what we will wear and what we will drive. We must seem so selfish to the God who sent His Son to die for us. We as Christians should be living a life that's "all about Him!"

What Does God Say?

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20, NLT).

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God . And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the world, you will share in all his glory" (Colossians 3:1-4, NLT).

    * Why is it no longer about you, but about Him?
    * What should your priorities and concerns in life be about?
    * Why do the things of earth take second place?

My Thoughts

When we received Christ as our Savior, we became a new person in Him. Our old, worldly self died and our new self should be more concerned with the eternal things that really matter. If we were to live our life in view of eternity, all our daily wants and desires would suddenly seem less important. Consider these questions:

    * Are you living your life like it's all about you, or are you living like it's all about Him?
    * When you get to heaven and think about your time spent on earth, what do you think the things will be that really mattered?

My Part

Because Christ lives in you, your life is no longer yours but belongs to Him. Your daily actions should reflect what God wants and not what you want. When you start to live your life thinking about what matters in eternity, your relationship with God will be strengthened.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 9, 2007
Topic: Bible Study/Theories


What God Requires

What does God want from me? There are lots of ways to ask that question: in frustration or desperation, with curiosity or demanding an answer, even with a genuine desire to know and do whatever He wants. Happily, God doesn't leave us hanging, waiting for an answer.

What Does God Say?

The answer begins in Deuteronomy 10. "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13, NLT).

God is reviewing His instructions for His people, and instead of just diving into a list of dos and don'ts, He starts with the heart. If your heart isn't right with God, it will be impossible to do what He requires.

We start with fearing God. That's not a terrified trembling but awe and reverence, a healthy respect for God who is greater than us on every level and who deserves absolute trust, worship and honor. He's not to be taken lightly or used as a lucky charm or good buddy. He is God, and we are not.

We're to live in a way that pleases God, to "walk in all his ways" (Deuteronomy 10:12, ESV). To live according to His instructions, to do the things that please God--and we find those as we study His Word.

God also wants our love and our service. Usually, when we love someone we want to serve, it fuels our desire to do something good for them, to put them first, to treat them with respect and honor. Love also motivates our obedience, the last thing on this list of what God requires.

My Thoughts

Take apart Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and do a personal examination. Ask:

    * Do I fear the Lord? What is my attitude toward God each day?
    * Do I walk or live in a way that pleases Him? What do I do that doesn't please Him? What do I do that does? What needs to change?
    * Do I love God? How important is He in my life? Does knowing Him influence my actions? Can anyone else see that I love God?
    * Am I serving God? What motivates me to serve Him? Am I doing what I want and asking Him to approve? Or have I really asked Him to show me how to serve?
    * Am I obedient? Do I know His instructions well enough to obey? Are there areas I'm ignoring so I don't have to obey? What needs to change?

My Part

Use your personal evaluation as a starting point to search further in God's Word. For example, use a concordance or online Bible resource to do a word search on "fearing God" or the "fear of the Lord." Look for details on what pleases God. Always look for a way you can practice or integrate what you learn into your life: making a different choice, adjusting an attitude, stopping a habit, helping another, etc. Memorize Deuteronomy 10:12-13 so you'll always remember what God wants from you.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 12, 2007
Topic: Doubt/Fear


Fear Without Fear

You've probably seen guys and girls in T-shirts displaying the motto that screams, "NO FEAR!"

Well, that might be a cool attitude to show off if you are a football player or a member of the wrestling team, but it's a dangerous mindset to depend on when it comes to dealing with God. In fact, the Bible tells us, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7, ESV).

What does it mean to "fear" the Lord? Let's see what the Bible has to say about it.

What Does God Say?

The Old Testament prophet Samuel told the people of Israel, "Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you" (1 Samuel 12:24, ESV). Later, King Solomon said, "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death" (Proverbs 14:27, ESV).

If you are rejecting God or His Word, the fear of the Lord may involve a haunting dread of death, judgment for your sins and eternal punishment to follow. It is the fear of meeting a holy God after an ungodly lifetime. It is the fear that comes from what Proverbs 14:27 calls the "snares of death."

But if you have trusted Christ as your Savior, then the fear of the Lord means reverence for God and a healthy respect for His awesome Person. It's fear relieved by God's love for you and by your confident response of love for Him.

Take a careful look at what Moses told the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 10:12-14, 20-21:"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it....You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen" (ESV).

Do you see the requirements God gave to Israel--fear God, walk with Him, love Him, serve Him, obey Him, hold fast to Him? His requirements for Christians today are no different. You aren't bound by the Laws of Israel, but by the law of love--and 1 John 4:18 tells you, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love" (ESV).

My Thoughts

God promises great blessings and benefits when you fear Him. Here are a few verses that you may look up, then jot down the benefits you discover in the verses.

Deuteronomy 5:29
Psalm 31:19
Psalm 33:18
Psalm 34:9
Psalm 40:3
Psalm 115:13

What benefits of fearing God that you saw in the above verses are most encouraging to you?

My Part

Think about the awesomeness of God. Do you see areas of your life where you should show more reverence and respect for Him? Consider what things you would like to change so that your life better reflects your love and fear of God (for example, your talk at school or in the workplace or your thought life).

If your fear of the Lord is a dread of seeing Him face-to-face someday, you can turn to Christ for forgiveness of your sins, accept His offer of the free gift of salvation and experience His perfect love, the love that casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 13, 2007
Topic: God/Jesus


Fearing God

Many people are confused by what it means to "fear God." Author C.S. Lewis, in his book The Chronicles of Narnia, gives a good description of what that means, as he describes Aslan, the lion--a symbol for Christ.

"If there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly," said Mrs. Beaver.

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

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good."

We, like Lucy, are not always sure God is safe. The Bible makes it clear, however, that the God we can know is a great and mighty God. So great, in fact, that in His presence, we may experience a sense of fear or awe.

What Does God Say?

" Bless the LORD, O my soul!
O LORD my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty" (Psalm 104:1, ESV).

Read the following passages, and note how the people reacted to God's presence.

    * Isaiah 6:5
    * Luke 5:8
    * Job 40:4
    * Matthew 28:2-4

Yet, the Bible assures us that this God of splendor and majesty has made it possible for us to come into His presence through Christ and the hope He provides of a relationship with God.

My Thoughts

    * How do you react to the presence of God?
    * Can you distinguish between fear of God and reverence for His presence?
    * What are your feelings about the greatness of God? Do you find yourself in awe? Is there a sense of fear? Do you think your reactions are normal?

My Part

Take a few moments now to pray, reverently but confidently. Enter into His presence, praising Him for the wonderful and mighty and majestic God He is and thanking Him that you are welcome and wanted.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 14, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust


Fear and Success

If you asked people on the street the secret to success, what would they say? You'd probably get some variations on "work hard and get a good education." Those are both good things, but there's something missing from the equation. Let's go to the Bible to find it.

What Does God Say?

If it's true that "the earth is the LORD's, -- and those who dwell therein" (Psalm 24:1, NKJV), then it makes sense that true knowledge and understanding needs to begin with God. The pursuits of medicine and engineering are noble ones, but pointless if they don't begin with a fear and understanding of the Creator of our bodies and the materials we use to build.

Earlier in Psalm 111, the psalmist declares:

"The works of the LORD are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them" (Psalm 111:2, NKJV).

When your pursuit of knowledge begins with a pursuit of God, you look at the world in a different way. Rather than seeing nature as something to be exploited, you see a God to be praised.

"He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will be ever mindful of His covenant" (Psalm 111:5, NKJV).

And here's the heart of the secret: God will always provide for those who love and fear Him. So, the secret to success is really in our pursuit of God. Seek Him out in creation, praise His works all around you. And don't forget to read the only book He ever wrote, the Bible.

My Thoughts

Read through all of Psalm 111 and think about the following questions.

    * What are some ways you see God revealed in nature?
    * What does it mean to fear God?
    * What makes it hard to follow this path to success?
    * How can you develop your trust in God's promises?

My Part

The point of this lesson is for you to refocus your life goals and include God in them. All too often, God is an afterthought in our daily routines. Include Him in your life today. Commit to spending time in reading the Bible and praying before going about your day. Find ways to incorporate Scripture reading into your day. Be creative with your ideas.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 15, 2007
Topic: Evil


Hating What God Hates

My wife doesn't like crickets; me--most often I ignore them. But it's a different story when our grandson comes for a visit. If he smiles and laughs at the cricket, then the cricket can stay. If the cricket scares him, squash--it's into the garbage or toilet he goes.

The Bible teaches that our relationship with God also should determine what we love and what we hate.

What Does God Say?

When we develop a relationship with a holy and righteous God, we develop a sense of hatred for what is ungodly.

"To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech" (Proverbs 8:13, NIV).

The more we fear the Lord, the greater our awe of the Lord is. Then we grow to care more about our relationship with God than we care about any other relationship or situation.

Not only does the fear of the Lord produce this, but it also produces our love for the Lord.

"You who love the LORD, hate evil!" (Psalm 97:10, NKJV).

My Thoughts

What are some things/activities that your relationship with the Lord would cause you to hate?

Do the above verses give you a hint?

One thing that could be helpful is to do a Bible study on the attributes of God. What impact on your life might a deeper understanding of the Lord have?

My Part

Ask the Lord help you grow in your relationship with Him and to give you a greater understanding of His holiness and love that you might fear Him and hate that which is ungodly.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 16, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Pleasure of Holiness

What do you think it means to be holy? Do you think it means someone that's "holier than thou," who never has any fun and is boring? Author C. S. Lewis said, "How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When you meet the real thing...it's irresistible. If even ten percent of the world's population had it, would not the whole world be converted and happy before a year's end?"

To clear up this misunderstanding about holiness, let's see what God's Word says.

What Does God Say?

"So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God. Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the LORD who makes you holy" (Leviticus 20:7-8, NLT).

"For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time--to show us his grace through Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 1:9, NLT).

"If you love me, obey my commandments" (John 14:15, NLT).

    * What does "set yourself apart" mean to you?
    * Why should you live a holy life?
    * Who makes you holy?

How does the holiness in you show through?

My Thoughts

Take another look at 2 Timothy 1:9. Isn't it interesting that the apostle Paul puts salvation and living a holy life so close together? He says, "God saved us and called us to live a holy life."

Then, in the next line, he doesn't differentiate between the two when he says, "He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from the beginning of time." As much as we don't deserve the salvation that God so freely extends to us, we also don't deserve the call to live a holy life. This isn't some chore that we undertake because we owe it to God. It is an awesome call that He gives to us--to be set apart for God's use is an incredible blessing that He offers.

In the next line, Paul explains this plan further: "to show us his grace through Christ Jesus." That grace is shown, not just in your salvation, but also in the holy life you live. Holiness, like salvation, is unattainable by your own efforts. "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him" (Philippians 2:13, NLT). The grace of our Lord is shown as He saves us and as He calls us to a holy life.

God will bless you more than you can ever imagine when you surrender your life for His use. Lean on the Lord, because only with Him will you be able to live that kind of life. And get ready for an amazing ride.

My Part

Renew your commitment to the Lord today. Pray to Him, surrendering yourself to Him. Ask Him to give you the "desire and the power" to live for Him. Write down three areas that God reveals to you that He will change as you accept this call to live a holy life. Pray over those areas of your life specifically every day this week.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 19, 2007
Topic: God's Love


Big Brother or Holy Father

Have you seen those paintings where the eyes in the portrait seem to follow you everywhere? They're kind of creepy and fascinating at the same time. In the U.S. today, privacy is almost an obsession. We don't like the idea of the ever-present Big Brother spying on us. We shudder at news stories that suggest the government may be reading our e-mails. But if we're to take the Bible seriously, then we have to come to the conclusion that there's no such thing as privacy when it comes to God.

What Does God Say?

"O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways" (Psalm 139:1-3, NKJV).

These are the opening words of one of the most familiar psalms in the Bible. This psalm was written by David when he came to the realization that God knows everything about him; God sees everything and hears all of his thoughts. He asks,

"Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?" (Psalm 139:7, NKJV).

David comes to the conclusion that you can't escape God. He's everywhere and sees everything. But then something strange happens. David doesn't get freaked out by this; instead, he finds comfort in it.

"You have hedged me behind and before...You have formed my inward parts...I am fearfully and wonderfully made...How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!" (Psalm 139:5,13,14,17, NKJV).

David wasn't afraid because he understood something about God's character that it's important for us to understand. God watches, not with malicious intent but with a Holy Father's love. He crafted us with exquisite care and even set us on a path towards the future. And now He watches us fulfill His plan ready to strengthen and encourage us when we call.

My Thoughts

Read through all of Psalm 139 and think about the following questions. List at least three areas that God knows about you (verses 2-4).

What is David's response to God's knowledge (verse 6)?

What evidence does David give in this psalm that God cares for us?

My Part

At the end of this psalm, David does an extraordinary thing. Rather than just simply acknowledging that God knows him inside and out, David seeks to use this "inside" information.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart...
And see if there is any wicked way in me.
And lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23,24, NKJV).

David took his relationship with God seriously. He wanted to know if He was doing anything, even unintentionally, that was offending God or showing a lack of trust in God. The next time you sit down to pray, ask God to search your heart as well. Show God that you are serious about this relationship.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 20, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Walk Before God

Little kids are smart enough to know when they're being watched. You won't see kids steal a cookie from the jar if their parents are around, and you won't see them watching a bad movie if their Sunday school teacher is with them. The same should be with God. If we know that God is watching our every move, we are going to be conscious of our actions because we are walking before God. But what can we gain from walking before Him? Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

There are many commandments in the Bible, and one of them is that we should walk in God's ways. If we walk before God, there are many benefits we will reap. Let's take a look at what the Bible says.

"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13, NKJV).

"For the Lord sees clearly what a man does,
examining every path he takes" (Proverbs 5:21, NLT) .

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable" (Hebrews 4:13, NLT) .

? What does God require of us?

? What do these verses say is hidden from God?

My Thoughts

How does knowing that God cares about you and watches your every move affect your life? Ask yourself these questions:

Do I act differently knowing God is watching my every move?

How does the fact that God cares so much about me that He watches me constantly make me feel fulfilled?

Am I acting in a way that is pleasing to God?

If not, then am I walking before God?

If I am, how does it feel knowing that God is pleased with my daily actions?

My Part

When you start to view walking before God as something that is rewarding instead of a hassle, your relationship with God will only grow stronger. Take some time today to talk to God. Pray and ask Him that you may always be pleasing in His sight. Thank Him that He cares enough about you that He is always watching.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 21, 2007
Topic: God's Love


Blessing

Have you noticed there are hundreds of verses in the Bible that speak of blessings from God? Do you look at really wealthy people or those with nice cars or jobs and think, Wow! God has really blessed them? You might be a little confused as to what God's blessings are. So, let's spend some time in the Word and see what God has to say about it.

What Does God Say?

"God blesses those whose who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God" (Matthew 5:6-8, NLT).

"Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols
and never tell lies.
They will receive the Lord's blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior" (Psalm 24:4-5, NLT).

"So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith" (Galatians 3:9, NLT)

    * What blessings did those in Matthew receive?
    * According to Proverbs, what will hinder God's blessings in our lives?
    * What could become an idol to us today?
    * According to these passages, who receives God's blessings?

My Thoughts

Many people feel that God's blessings must come in the form of lots of money or good health, but God says that His blessings are far better than any earthly thing we can be given. They are more lasting than anything physical. Blessings are meant for those who are living and behaving themselves wisely before God. It is a reward He can give to those who are doing right in His sight. Ask yourself these questions:

What am I doing to receive God's blessing?

What blessings has God given me in the past?

My Part

God doesn't have to bless us. He sure doesn't owe us anything. He chooses to do so when we thirst for Him and obey Him. Take some time today to reflect on the blessings God has given you. Spend some time in prayer thanking Him for those blessings.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 22, 2007
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Genuine Imitation

Some people see the expression "genuine imitation" as an oxymoron (two terms which contradict each other). In reality, however, it simply tells us that a product isn't the real thing; but it is as close to the original as possible. To be a genuine imitation is not bad. In fact, this is what Jesus calls us to be. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God"(NLT). Let's see how we should imitate Him.

What Does God Say?

Take a look at John 13 where Jesus prepares His disciples for His death and Resurrection. "Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love (John 13:1, NIV). And that love showed itself in humility and service. Jesus does a servant's job--washing feet--for those He loved (to the very end).

And if His followers want to be known as His, they need to love like that. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35, NIV).

A life of love is one that obeys Jesus' commands, just as He obeyed God the Father, even when it meant His death. "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him" (John 14:21, NIV).

Jesus tells us to remain in His love--to take up residence in it. "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me" (John 15:4, NIV). It's not just about a fleeting feeling but a lifestyle, a daily choice to live in His love and demonstrate it to others. And that kind of love bears fruit; it has results.

It's also a love that makes sacrifices. "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command" (John 15:12-14, NIV).

My Thoughts

In Ephesians 5:1, this command to live in love is right in the middle of instructions for living. Read Ephesians 4:17 through Ephesians 5:21.

    * What things should be part of our lives?
    * What things should not to be part of our lives?
    * In each of these characteristics or actions, how do they demonstrate--or not demonstrate--love?
    * Which of these do you see in Jesus' life and actions?
    * Which do you see yourself imitating in your life and actions?

My Part

Compassion and sacrifice are two recurring ideas in any discussion about imitating the love of Jesus. Based on what you've read in Ephesians 4 and 5, what are some acts of compassion you can do? What kind of sacrifices do you need to make?

Take time today to ask God to show you how to imitate His love, to make you aware of people who need your compassion and ways that you need to sacrifice like Jesus did. Then take action and obey as He shows you the way.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 23, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Walk God's Way

Can you really live for the Lord in such a confusing, challenging world? Knowing three things might help.

    * Living for the Lord is difficult.
    * Living for the Lord is possible.
    * The Bible tells me how.

What Does God Say?

Read the following Scripture about walking God's way each day:

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

    * Did you discover a guide for living for God in today's culture and society?
    * What are the steps to walking with God according to this scripture?

Isn't it exciting to realize that living God's way is not only possible, it is the way of happiness or blessedness for the Christian?

But how can we find what God's way is? By looking at His Word. The Bible teaches us to search its pages if we want to know and understand the ways of God (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

My Thoughts

It's one of the great truths of the Bible: His way is right and good and always best for us. Any other way is a way that leads to heartache and disappointment.

    * What do you think is the difference between learning the Scripture and living the Scripture?
    * How can we live what we've learned from God's Word?

My Part

    * Commit to reading and learning Scripture so you can understand the ways of God.
    * Make a personal choice to live out Scripture and walk in the ways of God.

There's an old saying that tells us the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Take that first step today.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Mar 26, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Eyes on the Goal

Growing up, I made many trips to the department store with my mother. And every time we entered the store, I'd make a beeline for the toy department (with my mother's permission of course). Mom may have come just to browse, but I had a purpose and nothing would hold me back.

The same two types of people exist in everyday life--the beeliners and the browsers, those who know where they are going and those who are content to "browse" through life. Perhaps in real life, you can get away with doing either. But in your spiritual life you face the danger of being sidetracked without a clear goal.

What Does God Say?

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul spells out explicitly what his goal is, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11, NIV).

To be like Christ should be the goal of every believer. In Paul's day, there were groups of people teaching that in order to attain everlasting life, you had to follow their rules. Paul firmly disagreed. Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6, NIV). To follow anyone else's standards is to follow the wrong path.

But what a standard! Jesus lived a sinless life. How can you, as a sinful creature, meet that standard? Well, if you’re honest like Paul, you have to say: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV).

Paul wasn’t ashamed to admit he wasn't perfect. And like him, neither you nor I will ever be perfect this side of heaven. But his goal was set his feet were moving. Paul advanced in the knowledge that his sins were forgiven and would be forgiven in the future. And the same holds true for us.

My Thoughts

As you read through Philippians 3:10-14, think about the following questions:

What kind of person are you? A beeliner or a browser?

How are you pursuing becoming like Christ?

How do you respond when you slip up and sin?

What things in the world attempt to persuade you to be like them?

My Part

Pursing Christ, as Paul did, can be like playing bumper cars--there's always something/someone trying to push you off target. Spend some time today evaluating your Christian walk. What things push you off course? Are there distractions that you can get rid of? What will you sacrifice to remove these distractions? What will you gain? As you think about these things, pray and ask God to give you the determination to seek Him no matter the cost.

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[nChrist]

Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Title: Love and Obedience
Date: Mar 27, 2007
Topic(s): God's Love
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:9, Matthew 22:36-37, John 14:15, Psalm 145:20



"I love you." Some people say those are the three most important words you can say to anyone. You love your spouse; you love your children; you love your friends; and you love God. You have no problem coming up with ways to show your love to others, but how do you love God? Let's find out what God has to say about loving Him.

What Does God Say?

"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law of Moses?

"Jesus replied, 'You must love the L ord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind'" (Matthew 22:36-37, NLT).

"If you love me, obey all my commandments" (John 14:15, NLT).

"The Lord protects all those who love him,
but he destroys the wicked" (Psalms 145:20, NLT).

"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
'No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him'" (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT).

    * According to these verses, how can we show our love to God?
    * Why is it important that we don't just say we love God but that we show our love?
    * What do we gain from loving God?

My Thoughts

It is important to know that loving God isn't a suggestion, it's a commandment. God doesn't say, "Love Me if you want to," or "Love Me when you think I've helped you or given you what you wanted." It is not conditional on anything. God says, "Love Me with every part of your being regardless." Ask yourself these questions:

How do I show my love for God in the hard times as well as when life is easy?

If obedience is an act of love, what am I doing today to show that I love God?

How has God rewarded me in the past for loving Him?

My Part

God has given us so much that loving Him seems like the least we can do. Just like any other relationship you have, you have to tell that person you love them, even when they already know. In the same way, God wants us to show and prove our love to Him.

Spend some time with God today, thanking Him for His love. Pray that you will be obedient in showing your love to Him by choosing to do right.

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