Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Apr 19, 2007
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness


God is Faithful

Drano is advertised as a powerful substance that will clean all the gunk that is down deep in your pipes. The Bible teaches there is a spiritual Drano that every Christian needs for dealing with sin.

What Does God Say?

'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness' (1 John 1:9 NKJV).

When we mess up and dirty our lives with sin, God promises that if we come to Him and confess and repent of our sin, He will always forgive and cleanse. He will deliver us from guilt and shame, make us right with Him and bring that sense of being clean deep down where all the gunk of sin has stained and soiled us.

My Thoughts

Have you hesitated to go to God and ask forgiveness for your sin? Have you felt that God would not want you to come to Him in your condition? God convicts us of our sin so that we will bring it to Him and get it taken care of. But Satan uses our feelings of guilt and shame to keep us from God, whispering his lies that God does not want us or love us; that God will not forgive us or help us live for Him. Know this: God's Word makes us this promise: He is faithful; He always keeps His promises and fulfills His Word.

My Part

Right now, take time now to rest in God's faithfulness and accept His forgiveness and cleansing. Perhaps it would help to write down every sin you can think of that has not been confessed and brought to God. Then at the bottom of the paper, write out, 1 John 1:9. Pray and with all your heart confess those sins and ask God for forgiveness and cleansing. Sign your name to the paper; date it with the day, month, year, hour and minute. Again , pray, receiving God's complete forgiveness and total cleansing. Finally, tear up the paper and burn or bury the pieces. You'll experience God's grace, His love, His peace and His joy.

Additional Scripture: Isaiah 49:7

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

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


Til Death Do Us Part

Henry Ford was often asked the secret for his long and apparently happy marriage. His stock reply was, 'I follow the same principle in marriage that I do in business--I stick with one model.'

When you take a look at our society, it would seem that a majority of people don't take marriage seriously. In fact, over 50 percent of new marriages end in divorce, sometimes after just a few months. Why is it that so many people abandon their marriage when it gets a little rough? Imagine what it would be like if God left us each time our relationship with Him wasn't going that well. Let's take a look at what God thinks about marriage.

What Does God Say?

' But God gives to some the gift of marriage, and to others the gift of singleness' (1 Corinthians 7:7, NLT).

'The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
and he receives favor from the L ord' (Proverbs 18:22, NLT).

'Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman,
from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
She has abandoned her husband
and ignores the covenant she made before God.
Entering her house leads to death;
it is the road to the grave.
The man who visits her is doomed.
He will never reach the paths of life.
Follow the steps of good men instead,
and stay on the paths of the righteous' (Proverbs 2:16-20).

    * According to these verses, how does God view marriage
    * How does God say you should treat your spouse?
    * What are we to do to protect our marriage?

My Thoughts

God gives many of us the wonderful gift of marriage. If your marriage is ordained by God, then He presides over your marriage. Because He is faithful to our marriage, we need to make sure we are being faithful in that marriage. Ask yourself these questions:

    * Do the efforts that I put into my marriage reflect the faithfulness of God?
    * Do I view my spouse as a gift and a special treasure from God?
    * Am I honoring God in my marriage?

My Part

God is faithful in every aspect of our lives, even in our marriages. Because He is faithful, we have to do our part. Take some time today to spend with your spouse in prayer. Pray together that God will help each of you remain faithful in every aspect of your marriage. Thank Him for the special gift He gave you when He brought you two together.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Apr 23, 2007
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Demonstrate Faithfulness

We've been talking lately about demonstrating faithfulness. How can we, as Christians, demonstrate our love and commitment to God? Some ways are relatively easy such as reading the Bible (the way God speaks to us) and spending time in prayer (the way we speak to God). These we can do on our own time. But there's another thing we can do that involves other people--lending a hand to those who need it.

What Does God Say?

One of the great joys of the Christian life is the opportunity we have to help each other. A lot of stress in life flies out the window when you realize that you have many Christian brothers and sisters who will support you when you need them. And they have the comfort of knowing that you're there for them too.

Of course it's easy to help those you know will help you back. But look at the people Jesus talks about in Matthew 25. He says: 'I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me' (Matthew 25:35-36, ESV).

The people Jesus was talking to were confused, 'Lord,' they said, 'when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' (Matthew 25:37-39, ESV).

Jesus responded, 'As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me' (Matthew 25:40, ESV).

The righteous in these verses were demonstrating faithfulness by going above and beyond in serving each other. Rather than just helping those who could help them in return, they went the extra step and helped those who couldn't repay them in any way. They fed people who couldn't afford food; they clothed people who couldn't afford garments. As Jesus' response indicates, these weren't just kind gestures to people in need; they were demonstrations of faithfulness to God.

My Thoughts

We live in a society where trading favors is common. But as you think about this lesson ask yourself:

    * What opportunities to serve have been presented to me in the last month?

Have I participated in those? Why or why not?

Do I find myself often asking, 'What's in it for me?'

My Part

Make the decision to do one thing this week for someone who probably can't repay you. As you pray and read the Word, ask God to open your eyes to the need of those around you. Ask Him to show you how you can meet those needs and demonstrate your faithfulness.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Apr 24, 2007
Topic: God's Care


God Is Longsuffering

A kindergartner asked his teacher to help him get his boots on. Together they managed to get the task done, but the boy looked at them and said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.' After another struggle to get the boots off and back onto the right feet, the boy said, 'These aren't my boots.' Biting her tongue, the teacher helped him get them off again. It was then he said, 'They're my brother's. Mom made me wear them.' With great effort the teacher maintained her composure and helped him get them back on.

'Now,' she said, 'where are your gloves?'

'Oh,' the kindergartner replied, 'I stuffed them in the toes of my boots.'

If you're feeling sympathy for this longsuffering teacher, think of our God. The Bible says that God is also longsuffering. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

"The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise [to return], as some people think. No, he is being patient [longsuffering] for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but he wants everyone to repent (2 Peter 3:9, NLT).

    * According to Peter, how is God's "longsuffering" being demonstrated today?
    * Why is God being "longsuffering"?"
    * How does this benefit you?

My Thoughts

Is there anything in your character or life that needs God's patience (longsuffering)? What can you do to move forward in this area so that you can cease to try God's patience?

My Part

Take time today to express your appreciation for God's patience. Write out a prayer that tells God how much His longsuffering means to you. Ask for His wisdom (James 1:5) to know how to progress from trying His patience to experiencing His victory in your life.

Additional Scripture: Exodus 34:6-8; Psalm 108:4

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Apr 25, 2007
Topic: Service/Servanthood


God's Work in God's Way

An anonymous 'statistician' says: 'Many people believe in giving 100 percent at work. That's:

    12 percent-- Monday
    23 percent-- Tuesday
    40 percent-- Wednesday
    20 percent--Thursday
    5 percent-- Friday'

But you will find that's not the way the apostle Paul worked for the Lord. He, along with the Lord Jesus Himself, sets the pattern for real Christian work in this world. Let's take a look at some Scripture that talks about doing God's work in God's way.

What Does God Say?

In 2 Corinthians 6:3-8, you will discover how the apostle Paul, having received news from Corinth that several believers there doubted the genuineness of his work for the Lord defends himself showing that his ministry is valid and approved by God.

Note: Today's Scripture passage is quoted from the English Standard Version of the Bible. You may want to read it in another translation too. But you'll find it helpful to use the translation below for answering the questions in this study.

2 Corinthians 6:3-8 (ESV) We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true.'

    * In Paul's work for the Lord, why was he careful not to put any barrier in the way of people who heard his message and saw his work? (verse 3).
    * In verses 4-8, Paul mentions several bad things that happened to him, as well as many good qualities that he has demonstrated, showing that he is a true minister of God. How many bad events can you list from these verses? How many good qualities?
    * Now, look carefully at verse 8. In spite of Paul's faithfulness and patience in carrying out God's work, how was Paul treated by many? What do you see about his heart attitude?

My Thoughts

You will find a great passage in the Book of Colossians that is worth memorizing. Look up Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV) 'Him (Christ) we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.'

In those verses

    * What work do you see Paul doing?
    * Why did he do it?
    * Who 'toiled' and 'struggled'?
    * Whose energy was expended?
    * Who powerfully worked?
    * In whom did He work?

My Part

If you are a believer in Christ, you have been saved by His grace, not by your works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Now, however, God does call you as a Christian to work for Him (Ephesians 2:10). Today, think over Colossians 1:28-29 carefully. That is how Paul worked to accomplish things for God and eternity, and that is the only way you can do God's work effectively. Consider how you can do 'God's work in God's way.'

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

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


What Makes You Different?

We usually don't want to be like everybody else--but we don't want to stand out from the crowd too much either. That's a problem for those of us who have committed our lives to Christ. God expects Christ-followers to be different.

What Does God Say?

How does God describe His people in the first part of the Bible?

'You have been set apart as holy to the LORD your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure. (Deuteronomy 14:2, NLT).

Would you believe a similar description is also in the New Testament?

Christ 'He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds'(Titus 2:14, NLT).

Did you notice, these verses refer to God's people as a 'special treasure' and Christ's 'very own people'? Bottom line is that God expects His people to be different from those who do not know Him or follow Him.

What does God expect of this 'special treasure'? Galatians 5:22 gives us a picture of Christ's 'very own people.' They are people who exhibit the fruit of His Spirit in their lives:

'The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law' (Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV).

God's people are noticeably different from those who do not follow Him. Those who don't know God are into the things of this world. The Bible calls them 'works of the flesh.'

'Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21, NKJV).

My Thoughts

Examine your life. Are you very different from the non-Christians around you? Are there any differences in the way you deal with people and react to situations?

Do you see the Holy Spirit developing the fruit of the Spirit in you?

Make a list of at least three situations in which you were more gentle or longsuffering or kinder than you thought you could be, a time you knew it had to be God's Spirit working in you.

My Part

If you feel you're falling short of being God's 'special treasure,' recommit yourself to living fully for Christ. And, remember, without Jesus it's not possible. He said:

'I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing' (John 15:5, NLT).

He is the secret, the difference, in the lives of those who are Christ's 'very own people' who are called Christians.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Apr 27, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Growing Patience

Patience involves more than passively waiting or putting up with an inconvenience or a frustrating person. Patience also involves self-control and restraint in how we respond to other people. It's the ability to endure and to persevere in loving and bearing up with those around us. And when we exercise godly patience in our lives, it contributes to peace with others.

What Does God Say?

The apostle Paul tells us that patience marks our walk as those called by God. 'I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace' ( Ephesians 4:1-3, ESV).

Patience often goes with humility, gentleness and love because it means sharing the load and the weaknesses of others. We like to think we're the stronger one and others are needy, but the truth is we're weak too. And strength comes as we carry the burden together. Thus humility and patience leads to unity.

Let's be honest, nothing 'tests our patience' like other people. But we're charged with mutual care. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Paul wrote 'And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all' (ESV) He mentions the kind of help we're to give certain people but we're to extend to them all--no matter why they try and test us--patience.

Patience is a companion to forgiveness and other attitudes that help our relationships work. 'Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive' (Colossians 3:12-13, ESV).

Did you notice that last statement? We're to deal with others as God has dealt with us--with patience, grace, mercy and forgiveness--things we don't deserve. But God is long-suffering, restraining His anger, holding back judgment and offering us grace instead of what we do deserve.

My Thoughts

Re-read Ephesians 4:1-3, thinking of situations or people that require your patience.

    * How would you exercise these qualities including patience?
    * What does patience do for you?
    * How would you want others to treat you based on these verses?
    * What will it take to do the same for them?

Ephesians 4:4-7 follow with the foundation for our unity. 'There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift' (ESV).

    * What are the truly important things we share as believers?
    * What are a few things you know of that test this unity? Or pull believers apart?
    * Since Christ gives grace to each of us, how do we follow His example?

My Part

Maybe you've prayed for patience and then you were so frazzled by life you wished you'd never prayed! Patience doesn't come easily for most of us; there's no overnight formula that lasts forever. But it's not something you have to muster up on your own.

As the Holy Spirit works in your life, patience is one of the slow-growing fruits that results. 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law' (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV). Each time you're tested and you exercise patience, it grows a little more. Try a self-check.

    * What or who pushes your patience buttons?
    * How did you respond to that a few days or months or years ago?
    * What's different now from your previous response?
    * How have you seen this or any other relationship change when you've exercised patience?

By the way, it's the same with all the fruit of the Spirit; so you can take stock of those as well.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Apr 30, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Why Choose Slavery?

People often ask specific questions about sin: What does the Bible say about smoking? What about overeating? I know the Bible says it's wrong to get drunk...but what about just a little bit tipsy? How far can I go physically with my girlfriend/boyfriend? The issue is boundaries--'Where's the line? How close can I get before I've gone too far?'

Perhaps we need to change our mind-set about these things. Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say.

What Does God Say?

'Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.' (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NLT)

And now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? (Galatians 4:9, NLT)

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God....Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 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 know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2, NLT)

    * Why should you honor God with your body?
    * How does the Bible describe those who continue to seek sinful ways?
    * How does God transform you?

My Thoughts

Far too often I hear people who claim Christ as their Lord and Savior but refuse to give up old sinful habits. They make excuses like, 'It's been a part of me for too long,' or, 'Well, that's just the way that God made me.' They hide behind these rationales in an attempt to justify themselves as they satisfy their own sinful nature. But the Bible says to 'live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves (Galatians 5:16, NLT).'

But how do I do that? First your thoughts must change. Your focus needs to turn away from yourself and trying to find out just how much you can get away with. Your focus needs to turn toward God and just how much He has in store for your life. With that change of mind, you turn from grieving the loss of things (the very things that are, in fact, holding you back) and turn toward celebration and excitement of what is happening (a new and full life in Christ).

First Corinthians 10:31 says, 'So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (NLT).' Are you doing everything for God's glory?

My Part

You belong to God, not as a slave but as a beloved child. In the Book of Galatians, Paul writes quite a bit about the freedom that comes through Christ. It is a relatively short book (6 chapters).

Grab a pencil and notebook and read through Galatians (all at once or break it down a chapter at a time). In your notebook, write what God reveals to you about Himself and your special place as His child.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: May 1, 2007
Topic: Prayer


Like Breathing

How often do you get up in the morning, take one deep breath and say, 'That's all the breathing I need for today'? You wouldn't make it if you tried. Yet we often do that with prayer.

We send up one quick breath of prayer and call it good for the day...or week...or longer. Once we've gone a few days like that, we think we can get by without it; we fail to see it as necessary. But prayer is contact with God, a key to becoming intimate with Him.

What Does God Say?

You wouldn't think much of a friend who never talked to you. Your friendship wouldn't grow any deeper. Prayer is the way we talk to God. And He wants us to talk to Him. That's why there are so many instructions on how to pray and what to pray about.

Jesus taught us:'Pray then like this:

'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.' (Matthew 6:9-13, ESV)

This isn't the only prayer you can use, and you can talk to God about more than this. But it gives us a framework. We see that God wants a close relationship with us; in fact, He wants us to call Him Father. We learn about Him and what's important to Him (His name, His kingdom, His will); that He wants us to ask for what we need (daily bread). We learn how we should relate to others (forgiving, being forgiven) and that His desire is to help us daily (deliverance from evil, guard against temptation).

In 1 Thessalonians 5, we're told: 'Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you' (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV ). It's what God wants, what He wills for us--to rejoice, to pray, to give thanks. These three are tied together, and they should be as natural as breathing.

My Thoughts

David, the king and psalmist, saw prayer or conversation with God as necessary in his life. You can read many of his prayers in 1 & 2 Samuel and in Psalms. Let's look at a few:

Psalm 17:1-12
Psalm 18:1-3
Psalm 25:1-10
Psalm 36:5-12
Psalm 42
Psalm 51

    * What are some of the things David talked about with God?
    * What do you see that fits with the Matthew 6 prayer?
    * Which of these things do you take to God when you pray? What's missing?
    * How do you think conversations like these could deepen your intimacy with God?

My Part

When we do pray, it's often a list of requests and needs. Then, when we don't get what we want, we say prayer doesn't work. Instead of focusing on getting your requests answered, try prayer as conversation. Jot down about three or four things you'd talk about with a friend--things that are important, that excite you, that have you struggling to understand, people you're concerned about, etc. Use these to start your next conversation with God, to build intimacy, to be open and transparent before Him, to look for His will and not your wants.

If prayer hasn't been part of your daily 'breathing,' plan for tomorrow. Pick three times in your day when you're likely to have about 2-3 minutes. Set an appointment, a sticky note, an alarm on your phone, etc. When that time comes tomorrow, talk to God about one thing from the list you just created. Do the same for the next day or plan for several days. These are small steps, but they'll help you see prayer as necessary for your life.

Additional Scripture: 1 & 2 Samuel

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: May 2, 2007
Topic: Prayer


The Hate Eraser

Richard Wurmbrand, founder of The Voice of the Martyrs ministry told of seeing Christians in communist prisons with 50 pounds of chains on their feet, tortured with red-hot iron pokers, in whose throats spoonfuls of salt had been forced, being kept afterward without water, starving, whipped, suffering from cold, yet praying fervently for their communist torturers. Later, as political winds changed, some of the torturers were thrown into prison with their former Christian victims, who, instead of taking vengeance treated them with love and kindness.

Do you wonder what could possibly have motivated those Christian prisoners to love and pray for their enemies? Today's Bible study may help you understand.

What Does God Say?

'You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.' (Matthew 5:43-45 ESV)

Those are the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Do you think He was telling His hearers that the Old Testament says you are to love your neighbor but hate your enemy? Look at the verses again. You'll see that Jesus isn't saying the Old Testament instructed people to 'hate their enemies.' His words were, 'It is said.' Jesus was referring to a false proverb that had been going around. And He was setting the record straight, bringing back the truth that God has always loved His enemies and expects godly people to do likewise.

What is this 'love' that Jesus spoke of? It is not a 'warm, fuzzy feeling' for your enemy. The word Jesus used for love means that you have a heartfelt desire for the good of the person being loved. Yes, even your enemies!

My Thoughts

Prayer for your enemies, abusers or persecutors cannot be worked up simply by knowing it is what you are supposed to do. Look up the Scripture passages below. Effective prayer for adversaries must be rooted in these attitudes:

    * Your love for God (1 John 4:20).
    * Your desire to be a godly person (Luke 6:35-36).
    * Your belief in the power of God to answer prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
    * A willingness to forgive (Ephesians 4:31-32).
    * A heart of obedience to the will of Christ(1 John 3:23).
    * A desire to see God change your enemy for his or her good (Luke 6:27-28).

My Part

Maybe you wonder, Are there really any people in the Bible who loved their enemies like this?

Look up these verses and write down what the following persons said:

    * Jesus, in Luke 23:34.
    * Stephen, in Acts 7:54-60.
    * Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:16.
    * Paul, in Romans 12:20.
    * Peter, in 1 Peter 3:9.

Is anyone bullying you? Have you suffered from someone's unkind words or actions? Are you feeling bitterness against another person? Is there anyone you feel you cannot forgive? Do you hate someone?

Do some quiet thinking and praying about what Jesus says in Matthew 5:43-45 and the other verses above. Ask God to give you the right attitude to pray for the one who has hurt you. Now, pray for that person, believing what the Bible says in Philippians 4:4-7.

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Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: May 3, 2007
Topic: Prayer


No Substitute

We live with substitutes in every area of our lives. Instead of sugar in our coffee, we use artificial sweeteners. At the drive-thru, instead of the high calorie combo meal, we'll order a health-conscience salad with fat-free dressing. When you want to talk to a friend but the cell phone is dead, you can send an instant message instead.

With so many substitutes out there, what is the substitute for talking with God? Nothing.

What Does God Say?

If you want to communicate with God, if you want to get in touch with the King of Kings, there's really only one way to do it.

'When you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.…But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father' (Matthew 6:5-6, ESV).

When you pray , you talk to God. The hypocrites Jesus talked about weren't really talking to God though it looked like they were. They were putting on a performance so people would admire them. These hypocrites substituted a public performance for real communication with God the Father.

'And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him' (Matthew 6:7-8, ESV).

Prayer is coming humbly and sincerely before God. The Gentiles (Jesus mentioned) were trying to impress their gods by the continuous repetition of memorized prayers (1 Kings 18:26). They believed the more often they asked, the more likely their god would be to answer. They thought they could substitute quantity for quality. Of course there is nothing wrong with being persistent in prayer (Matthew 26:36-48, 2 Corinthians 12:7-8); but God is looking at our hearts, not our words.

My Thoughts

Do you find yourself seeking substitutes in your prayer life?

Is it comforting, or does it make you nervous to know God wants an authentic relationship with you?

Is there anything you can do today to draw nearer to God?

My Part

Typically, our most authentic prayers are when we're alone. Use these times to pour out your heart to God. Try keeping a prayer journal. In addition to recording requests and God's answers, also record your praises. What are you thankful for? What about God do you love? How did you see Him at work today? Pray that God would show you there are no substitutes for prayer.

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Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: May 4, 2007
Topic: Prayer


Take It to the Lord

Ever have difficulty believing that God hears your prayers? Of course it's not because He doesn't want to. But He's just so busy. Or perhaps His number is unlisted. Or maybe He's gone on vacation, and all you can do is to leave a message and hope for the best.

Or maybe you wonder, Why would the Creator and Sustainer of all the universe and life itself listen to me? The Bible teaches us that God does listen, and He wants us to pray. Praying to the Almighty God is a wonderful privilege. But it came at a price.

What Does God Say?

Romans 5:1 NKJV says "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

God has granted us the privilege of prayer through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It is only by the blood of Jesus Christ that I'm able to draw near the Father. It is only the blood of Jesus Christ that enables me to actually talk to God freely and expect Him to respond to me freely. All that came through the Lord Jesus Christ.

My Thoughts

When you pray, are you conscious that it is a precious privilege that has been lovingly and generously given to you? Does it strike a chord of thanksgiving in your heart to realize that you can have an intimate prayer life with God?

We can have a relationship with God--and we don't have to wonder whether God is listening to us; we don't have to wonder whether He's going to respond to us because we have access to the Father.

God says, "'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know'" (Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV). What does this Scripture say to you about God's heart and your prayers?

My Part

Take time now to pray thanking God for Jesus, for His death and for His life--and for the incredible privilege of instantly being able to pray to your Heavenly Father.

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Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: May 7, 2007
Topic: Prayer


Pray to Your Father

The brilliant scientist Sir Isaac Newton said that he could take his telescope and look millions and millions of miles into space. Then he added, 'But when I lay it aside, go into my room, shut the door and get down on my knees in earnest prayer, I see more of heaven and feel closer to the Lord than if I were assisted by all the telescopes on earth.'

Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about prayer.

What Does God Say?

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him (Hebrews 11:6, NLT).

'Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened' (Matthew 7:7-8, NLT).

And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure (James 4:3, NLT).

    * For someone to come to God, what must they believe?
    * What does the Bible say about diligent pursuit in prayer?
    * What may be a reason your prayers are not answered?

My Thoughts

In James 5:16 we learn that 'the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results' (NLT). So, does that mean that in order for God to hear our prayers, we must live a completely righteous and holy life? If that's the case, then there's no hope for any of us.

So, how do we attain this righteousness? It comes only through your relationship with Christ. Galatians 3:27 says, 'And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes' (NLT).

Having entered into that relationship with God, through Jesus, you are able to talk openly, freely and honestly with Him. You don't have to make impressive speeches out of your prayers ( Matthew 6:5-7). You don't have to come up with 'just the right words.' You just need to speak openly with 'Our Father' ( Matthew 6:9 NLT).

'You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him' ( Matthew 7:9-11 NLT).

My Part

For some, this may be a totally new way of looking at prayer. God doesn't answer your prayer because you use big words and have an eloquent delivery. God doesn't answer your prayers because He's obligated to. God doesn't answer your prayers because of your good works. God answers your prayers because He loves you.

How will that change the way you approach prayer?

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Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: May 8, 2007
Topic: Prayer


Bow the Heart As Well As the Knees

Dwight L Moody once said, 'The London Times, some years ago, told the story of a petition that was being circulated for signatures. It was a time of great excitement and this petition was intended to have great influence in the House of Lords, but there was one word left out. Instead of reading: 'We humbly beseech thee,' it read: 'We beseech thee.' So, it was ruled out. My friends, if we want to make an appeal to the God in Heaven, we must humble ourselves; and we won't be disappointed.'

Becoming humble is necessary when we enter prayer. Let's take a look at the Word of God to see what it has to say about humility.

What Does God Say?

'Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land' (2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT).

'Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else:

''Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.

''The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector!

'''I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.'

''But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.'

''I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted'' (Luke 18: 9-14 NKJV).

In light of these verses, consider these questions:

    * What attitude does Jesus say we should have as we enter prayer?
    * Why does Jesus say the sinner and not the Pharisee returned home justified?
    * Why is it important that we have a humble attitude when we pray?

My Thoughts

While it is a privilege that we have the ability to come to Christ through prayer, it is not because of something that we have done. Jesus Christ died on the cross so that we would be able to communicate with God. Ask yourself these questions:

    * Do I enter prayer selfishly or with humility?
    * Does my attitude about prayer reflect my trust in God?

Am I spending time every day in prayer or just when I really need something from God?

My Part

It can be hard to be humble. We live in a very selfish world where people are looking out for their own good. We do not live in a society that encourages humility.

Take some time today to reflect on the goodness of God and what Christ went through to allow us the privilege of coming to God in prayer. Ask God to keep you humble.

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Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: May 9, 2007
Topic: Prayer


The Right Way to Pray

What's the best way to pray? With eyes closed, hands folded, kneeling, in church at the altar? Not much is said in the Bible about posture or place making a difference in our praying. But the Bible does have something to say about the right way to pray.

What Does God Say?

The Master said:

'These people make a big show of saying the right thing,
but their hearts aren't in it....
They act like they're worshiping me
but don't mean it. (Isaiah 29:13 MSG)

What is not right about the way the people mentioned in the above verse pray?

By implication, then, how ought we to come before God when we prayer?

The following scripture teaches us more about the right way to pray. What does it add to your understanding of prayer?

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)

My Thoughts

God is not so concerned with the mechanics of praying as He is with the attitude of our hearts (earnestly) and the state of our minds (expectantly).

What does it mean to pray earnestly?

What does it mean to pray expectantly?

When you come to pray, take just a few moments and focus your mind on God to be sure your heart is earnest and sincere and to believe with all your heart and all your mind that the God who hears is He who has promised to respond to the prayers of His children?

My Part

In order to pray earnestly and expectantly, what changes might be needed in your prayer life? Why not take a few minutes right now to talk to God about it?

'As a father shows compassion to His children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust' (Psalm 103:13-14ESV)

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