Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 12, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational



Pay it Forward!

When someone is clearly responsible for committing a crime, that person stands before a judge and pleads "guilty." There isn't anything he or she can do after that, the perpetrator's fate is in the hands of the judge and the jury. You could say that individual is at the mercy of the court. As Christians, we mess up and sin. We can't go to God our Judge and make excuses for what we did. We confess our sin and accept whatever punishment He feels is acceptable. The good news is that God is able to show us mercy through Jesus Christ.

What Does God Say?

"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)" (Ephesians 2:4-5, NLT).

"He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve" (Psalm 103:10, NLT).

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NLT).

"People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy" (Proverbs 28:13, NLT).
How does God show us His mercy?
What are we to do because of the mercy He's shown us?
Who receives His mercy?

My Thoughts

God doesn't have to give us mercy. We know that we are sinners, and we are completely undeserving of that mercy. He chooses to give us His mercy because He loves us that much. When you think about it like that, it really makes you grateful that we serve Him, doesn't it? Sometimes it can be hard to accept God's mercy. We feel that our sins are too great, even for God. Just know that no sin or sinner is greater than God's mercy! Ask yourself these questions:
Have I taken advantage of His mercy?

Does my life reflect the thankfulness I have for the mercy God has given me?
Am I accepting God's mercy or am I still stuck in past sins?

My Part

God doesn't want us to just accept His mercy but to pass it on to others. God will only give mercy to those who are merciful themselves. If God can be compassionate and merciful to us, why would we not show that same compassion and mercy to others?
Take some time today and thank God for His mercy. Then make sure you are sharing that mercy and compassion with others in your life.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

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



Being Patient

When Jesus walked the earth, He never had a public relations manager--not that Jesus would have taken his or her advice anyway. Jesus came with a specific mission, and He had the perfect plan to carry it out. He didn't need someone to enhance His image or promote His preaching.

But for just a moment, let's place ourselves in the shoes of a PR (Public Relations) person alongside Jesus at the scene of one of His miracles. As we look at the way Jesus acts, we'll learn a little about what it means to be patient and to trust in God's timing.

What Does God Say?

Read Mark 7:31-37 and picture yourself walking with Jesus to the Sea of Galilee after spending time in the region of Tyre. This is what happens somewhere along the way:

"And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him" (Mark 7:32, ESV). Now, put on your PR shoes. Here's a man both deaf and unable to speak. You know Jesus can heal Him, and you know people will be amazed by the miracle. So, your first instinct tells you to congregate as many people as possible and then wow the crowd with the sensational healing. But that's not Jesus' plan.

"And taking him aside from the crowd privately" (Mark 7:33, ESV). Privately? Jesus healed the man, but no one saw. No one was amazed. No one went to tell his or her neighbor about the miracle man. (Well, people did, but that came as a result of the next part). But it gets worse (from a PR perspective).

"And Jesus charged them to tell no one." (Mark 7:36, ESV). Talk about a public relations nightmare! Jesus just healed a man, and He wants to keep it secret? At this point, you may very well throw your hands up and say, "I quit!"

My Thoughts

Today in the 21st century, we have the advantage of knowing the whole story. Jesus knew that He would die on the cross; He knew that Judas would betray Him and hand Him over to the Romans. And more importantly, He knew when all this had to happen.

Jesus exercised patience in waiting for the right time to make Himself known. He trusted that God's plan was the right one.

My Part

Patience is more than just a virtue; patience is the way to let God work out His plan in your life. Look at your life and find the areas where you are prone to impatience. Ask God to help you see why He might be holding things back in those areas. Pray that He would help you see the wisdom in waiting for His timing.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 17, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust




Patience & Trust

If you see patience as a "grit-your-teeth, put-up-with-your-problems" sort of burden, it's time to adjust your perspective. According to God's Word, it's really more about persevering, not giving up, and trusting God even when you don't know or understand what He's doing. That's probably why we need patience--not so we don't "lose our cool," but so we learn to trust God.

What Does God Say?

Job is someone often held up as an example of patience. But that didn't stop him from questioning God or struggling to understand when trouble came into his life:

"Why did I not die at birth,
come out from the womb and expire?...
I am not at ease, nor am I quiet;
I have no rest, but trouble comes" (Job 3:11, 26, ESV).
In Job 6:11, Job even wonders why he should be patient:
"What is my strength, that I should wait?
And what is my end, that I should be patient?" (ESV).

However, even when pushed to limit, Job chose to keep trusting God no matter what.
"Though he slay me, I will hope in him" (Job 13:15, ESV).

Job didn't know what was really going on and why God allowed him to be tested. Read Job 1:6-2:10 for those details. But he did learn to trust God to be God--to be faithful in His character, His love, His mercy, His justice and His compassion.

My Thoughts

Frequently, our lack of patience comes because we're not sure God will be God, or that He knows what He's doing. Maybe we even think it would be better if we were in control. While the context is waiting for Christ's return (when He will make all things right), James 5:7-11 offers a picture of patience.

What do we wait for?
How do these verses describe the process of patience?
How can you "establish your heart" (verse 8 )?
How did the prophets exercise patience?
What else do you learn about Job's patience here (verse 11)?

My Part

Now, why do you need patience? Jot down your thoughts on the situations (or people) that require your patience or perseverance.

Are you not sure God will answer you or take care of your difficulties?

Does it make you anxious, frustrated or even angry with Him?

Do you find yourself wondering if you can trust God to be God and do what He knows is best in this situation?

Take a few minutes to review your thoughts. Then turn them into a prayer: be frank with God about your need, confess any anger, anxiety or disappointment, acknowledge any problems you have trusting Him; and then ask for His help in placing your confidence in Him. Don't simply grit your teeth and wish for patience, but ask God to help you trust Him more today.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 18, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational



Patience, Part 3

Sitting or standing or pacing...just waiting for something to happen--is that something you enjoy? Not many of us do. But how can we develop patience? The Bible teaches that patience doesn't come naturally.

What Does God Say?

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering [That's patience.], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV).

The fruit of the Spirit is a picture of the character of Christ. As we become more and more like Christ, we'll exhibit more and more of His character. So, patience is something that God provides.

One of the ways God produces patience in us is by allowing us to be in situations that try our patience. That's not the way we want to learn patience, but it surely is effective.

What are some other ways that God might bring patience into your life?

Is there any truth to this statement? "Impatience is all about me--my rights, my time, my needs, my desires?

List three people and three situations that often trigger impatience in you.

My Thoughts

What motivates you to be patient with others?

Does this statement play into your thinking? "The more we realize how patient God is with us, the more patient we become with the people around us."

My Part

Take time now to pray about people and situations that make you impatient. Ask God to provide you with the fruit of the Spirit so that you might reflect the patience of Christ.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 19, 2007
Topic: God/Jesus




Our Eternally Reliable God

Earl Riney said, "God writes with a pen that never blots, speaks with a tongue that never slips, and acts with a hand that never fails."

That is another way of saying that God is reliable. He never lies. He won't change. He is faithful. He is totally and eternally trustworthy.

What if you woke one morning to find that God had changed, that His character was not the same as it was the day before? Yesterday He was a God of love, but today He is angry and hateful. Yesterday, you could trust every word He spoke; today, you discover that many of His promises are lies. Yesterday, your fellowship with Him was warm; now He is cold and distant.

Praise the Lord! That can't happen! The Bible assures you that God's character is completely reliable and His promises are firm:

["The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works."] (Psalm 145:13, ESV).
Here are some more biblical thoughts about God's reliability. Read them carefully.

What Does God Say?

Your eternal hope rests on God's character.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23, ESV).
Your eternal life is anchored in God's reliability.
"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9, ESV).
Assurance of God's eternal love is yours because of His faithfulness, according to the shortest chapter in the Bible!
Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 117:1-2, ESV).

My Thoughts

As a believer, you should respond thankfully to the awesome reliability and faithfulness of your Lord. Each of the three verses below speaks of a response that the psalm writer experienced. Look up the verses, write down the psalmist's response, then meditate on your own life. Ask yourself, How am I responding to God's faithfulness?

Psalm 26:3
Psalm 40:10
Psalm 71:22

How does the truth of God faithfulness serve as a warning to those who reject Him? See Psalm 96:11-13.

My Part

Memorize Lamentations 3:22-23. You'll then have one of the greatest promises of God's faithfulness laid up in your mind and heart!

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

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




What Do You Put Your Faith In?

When you sit down in a chair, do you do it cautiously, uncertain whether or not the chair is going to do its job? For most of us, the answer is no. Why do we trust that chair? We trust it because it has faithfully stayed in place each time we sat down. If, however, you had sat down in the chair and it collapsed, leaving you on the floor, you'd probably be a little more careful the next time. You might not have much faith in that chair. So, if we rely on things that prove faithful, how come we have such a hard time trusting God? Hasn't He proved faithful and reliable to us each time we needed Him?

What Does God Say?

"Look what happens to mighty warriors
who do not trust in God.
They trust their wealth instead
and grow more and more bold in their wickedness" (Psalm 52:7, NLT).
"Lord, you are righteous,
and your regulations are fair.
Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy" (Psalm 119:137-138, NLT).
"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise" (Hebrews 10:23, NLT).
"God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful" (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NLT).
What happens to those who don't trust in God?
What are some of the attributes of God that are listed in these verses?
Why can we have hope that God will prove reliable?

My Thoughts

If one part of God's character was flawed, even if it was just a tiny flaw, then His entire character would be flawed. But we know that He is perfect. It's important to remember that just because we don't understand what God is doing, it doesn't mean there’s something wrong with His character. Ask yourself these questions:

Why do I have a hard time trusting God?
Is my lack of trusting God because of something He did, or is my lack of faith the problem?
How has God proved faithful and reliable to me in the past?
What are some issues that I need to rely on God for right now?

My Part

Lack of faith in God isn't the result of something He has or hasn't done. God is reliable in what He promises you and me, and He's proved it over and over again.

Do a word search in your Bible for the words "faithful" and "trustworthy." Most Bibles have concordances in the back where you can look up a principal word. The concordance will give you passages where that word occurs so you can learn how it’s used. There are so many stories of God's faithfulness in the Bible. Spend some time reading them, and then spend some time in prayer thanking God that He is One who is always faithful and reliable.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 23, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational




Compassion, Part 1

If you say, "I care about him" or "I care about her" are you saying exactly the same thing as if you said, "I have compassion for him or her?" Do the two words--caring and compassion--mean the same thing? Actually, compassion has much deeper connotations. The Bible gives numerous examples of genuine compassion.

What Does God Say?

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous" (1 Peter 3:8, KJV).

Why does Peter say both to have compassion and to love each other?

Might it have to do with the fact that compassion has to be something that is done, not just felt? It's important to feel it, but if we don't do something about what we feel, the result is that we will not show compassion. Nobody is better off if we simply say we love him or her. People are better off if we demonstrate that we love them.

Read the following Scriptures to see how Jesus felt about certain people and situations. Put a check by any of them in which He felt compassion.

"And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14, KJV)

"Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled" (Matthew 15:32, 35-36 KJV) .

"So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him" (Matthew 20:34, KJV).

"They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him" (Matthew 20:33-34, KJV)

"And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother" (Luke 7:13-15 KJV).

My Thoughts

When we see someone in need or suffering; and we're moved from tears to action, we're being like the Lord. For God did not just love the world, compassion moved Him to send Jesus to the cross.

Do you care about hurting people? Does it break your heart? Do the tears flow? Do you feel pity? If you're going to be like Jesus, then you must not only feel--you must also act to do whatever you can to help. That's compassion.

My Part

Ask God to help you be sensitive to people with needs, especially those who need the Lord. Then pray that He would help you have the willingness and the courage to do something. Or simply ask God to give you the compassion of Jesus.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 25, 2007
Topic: God's Love




A Heart like God's

When Robert Louis Stevenson retired to the Samoan Islands for his health, he became a kind and generous friend to the natives of his island. Stevenson was concerned that there was only a dirt path leading from the harbor of the island to the interior. His new friends had to walk that path in order to take provisions to their homes. Using his own money and with great personal effort, Stevenson had a good road constructed for the people. In gratitude the Samoans called it "the road of a loving heart."

As Christians, compassion is a sign of God's love flowing through us. Do people see Him and His love--in you?

What Does God Say?

"Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever.
Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous"(Psalm 112:2-4, NLT).

"O God, insolent people rise up against me;
a violent gang is trying to kill me.
You mean nothing to them.
But you, O Lord,
are a God of compassion and mercy,
slow to get angry
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness"(Psalm 86:14-15, NLT).

"If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion--how can God's love be in that person"(1 John 3:17, NLT).

How do these verses describe God?
      * What characteristics do the godly have according to Psalm 112:2-4?
      * What is a sign that someone has God's love?
       
My Thoughts

We're not born with hearts like God's, so it's important that we ask Him to give us a compassionate heart. Once we have a heart full of compassion, we have to take it one step further. We must have intentional compassion. We have to intentionally look for ways to express that compassion. Am I too busy in life to see the needs of others?

Is compassion a lifestyle for me, or is it something I do a few times a year?

What are some ways that I can show compassion each day?

My Part

Take some time today to ask God to give you a compassionate heart. Ask Him to show you skills He's given you that you can use to help others.

Slow down long enough to see people's needs. Who is in your life that needs compassion? What are some practical ways that you can help them? Write it down. Let your compassion be intentional.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 26, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust




God Is Truthful

Have you ever been lied to? Who hasn't? Each time someone lies to us, we trust that person less and less. It complicates relationships when you're never sure whether or not you're hearing the truth. You don't have to worry about that with God. He is always truthful.

What Does God Say?

Why is God always truthful? Well, He cannot lie. In Titus 1:1-2, the apostle Paul drops in this amazing fact: "Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago" (NASB, emphasis added).

Notice it doesn't say He will not lie but that He cannot. It's completely impossible for the perfectly holy God to ever even try to lie. He defines and embodies truth because He is the "LORD God of truth" (Psalm 31:15 , NKJV). God always speaks total truth: no lies, no exaggerations, no half-truths, innuendos or embellishments. He doesn't "spin it" to make it sound better.

"I the LORD speak the truth;
I declare what is right" (Isaiah 45:19, ESV).

What's true of God the Father is also true of God the Son. John 1:14 describes Jesus as "the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" ( ESV). And Jesus told us about the Holy Spirit in John 16:13: "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come" ( ESV).

Lies and half-truths come from the devil. In John 8:44, Jesus points out that Satan "has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies" ( ESV). Satan is a master of the slippery stuff and the lies that look good, and he loves to lie about God--as you see in Genesis 3.

My Thoughts

What's made you question God's truthfulness? Where did it come from? Remember, Satan loves to lie about God or to get you to believe God isn't truthful or can't be trusted. Read through Genesis 3 and jot down the lies he told. Review Genesis 2 and see what God really said.

Since God is truthful with us, He expects us, His children, to be the same. Read Ephesians 4:17-32 and describe what kind of person you were, and what kind of person you are becoming with the help of Christ.

What role does truth have in that?
      * What do you do with lies and other unfit speech?
       
My Part

Take some time to evaluate truth in your life.

What kind of lies do you slip into telling? Half-truths, spins? "Little white lies"? Do you like to exaggerate or embellish the truth?
      * What usually prompts you to lie? Secret habits, failures, mistakes, a desire for power or popularity?
      * Do people trust you to tell the truth? Has lying wrecked some of your relationships?
      * What needs to change? Your view of God's truthfulness or how you speak truth?
     
Being truthful with yourself about lying or believing lies about God is not easy. However, the Holy Spirit "will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13, ESV). The Spirit shows you how to understand and trust God with the truth and how to deal with lies and a lack of truthfulness in your own life. Ask for His help today.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 27, 2007
Topic: Holiness




Called to be Different

What comes to your mind when you hear the word holy? Do you picture a huge cathedral with tall, stained glass windows? Maybe you see a choir singing hymns while dressed in long, white robes. Our idea of holiness can be a little intimidating, so it's no wonder that when we're told to be holy we get a little nervous. What does it mean to be holy? And more importantly, how are we to live holy lives when we are imperfect people? Let's see what God's Word has to say.

What Does God Say?

"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. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect" (Romans 12:1-2, NLT).

"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes" (Ephesians 1:4, 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).

"But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy'" ( 1 Peter 1:15-16, NLT).

What kind of life has God called us to?
      * Why does God tell us we should be holy?
      * How does being holy set us apart from the world?
       
My Thoughts

When we see the word holiness in the Bible, it means "to be set apart--distinct." It doesn't mean that we're to be perfect or sinless because only God can be those things. God wants us to be holy in that we are separate from the world. We desire to be like Him and not those around us. Ask yourself these questions:

When others see me, do they see someone who has been transformed by God?
      * Do my actions show that I desire to be like God and not the world?
      * Am I living the holy life that God has called me to?
     
My Part

If you are a Christian, then you have been called to live a holy life, to be set apart by God as belonging to Him. We have to take a good look at our lives and hearts to see if we are truly living holy lives.

If there are things in your life that you need to change, now is the time to do it.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 30, 2007
Topic: Holiness




To Be Holy, Part 1

Who wants to be known as a "holy Joe?" Not many of us. Who wants to dress up in a white robe, carry a cross and march through the malls singing, "Onward, Christian Soldiers?" Again, no one I know aspires to such a life. Yet the Bible is quite clear that God is holy and that we are to be holy. "But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16, NLT).So, what does that mean?

What Does God Say?

Let's first look at what "holy" doesn't mean:

The Old Testament says about Israel, "For you are a holy people to the Lord your God...the Lord your God has chosen you to be His own special treasure" (Deuteronomy 7:6, NLT).

Now, it is certain that if Israel was to be holy, it did not mean they were to be sinless. Their history is marked by disobedience and rebellion as the Chosen People. Furthermore since both Israel and the early Christians were "normal" and "ordinary", it also does not mean "super-spiritual" or "weird."

Now, let's look at what it does means to be holy. The key to understanding holiness is found in this verse.

"So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I, the Lord, am your God" (Leviticus 20:7, NLT).

Every time the word "holy" is used, it's designed to show separateness. So, to be holy means "to be set apart" for the unique distinction of having a close connection with God. It means "being unique, separate, distinct, marked out by God as belonging to Him."

My Thoughts

In the best sense of the word, holy means that, as a Christian, I have this distinct and unique relationship with God that separates me from the rest of the world as I model my life after Christ, the holiest person who ever lived.

If you are going to be holy, what implications does that have for situations and relationships?
      * What does it mean to be holy
      * at home,
        at school,
        at work?
       
Does your lifestyle, your words, your attitudes and actions reflect a distinct and unique relationship with God?

My Part

Now that you understand what it means to be holy, and realize that God intends for you to live a holy life, perhaps it would be a good time to personally dedicate or rededicate your life to God.

Evaluate your life looking for any area where you are especially vulnerable and it might be difficult for you maintain holiness. Tell God about that concern and take time to ask Him for His help in living a life that is distinct and separate.

Commit or recommit yourself to be holy even as He is holy.

____________________

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 31, 2007
Topic: Holiness




Like Father, Like Son

It starts in the nursery at the hospital. As excited friends and relatives press their noses against the viewing window, someone is sure to say, "Oh, look, he has his father's ears" or "She has her mother's eyes." And that's to be expected--even at birth a child bears some resemblance to his or her parents. Oftentimes, as they grow older, the resemblance between parent and child becomes even more evident.

The same is true spiritually. As you mature in your Christian walk, the resemblance between you and your Heavenly Father should grow more evident. And no resemblance is more important than in the area of holiness. Let's see what God's Word says.

What Does God Say?

Leviticus 11:45 (NLT) says, "For I, the Lord, am the one who brought you up from the land of Egypt, that I might be your God. Therefore, you must be holy because I am holy."

God says He is "holy." That means He is morally perfect and that He is set apart from people and sin. He is unique. There is no other like Him."

So, how can God say that you must be holy? How can you be holy? It must be possible, because He says you can. You are a human, and you can't become a god. But you can be separated from sin and separated to God.

God does something wonderful when you believe in Christ as your Savior. He accepts you as His child and credits Christ's holiness to you. You begin to look like your Heavenly Father and a process of growing more like Him begins.

Look at what the apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 1:14-16 (NLT) says: "So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'"

My Thoughts

God says you are to be holy. Look up these Bible passages and see some ways that this holiness should look in your life. Write down what you see.

John 17:17
1 Timothy 2:8
Colossians 3:12, 13
Romans 12:1
2 Peter 3:11-13
1 Peter 2:9,10

My Part

Hebrews 4:12-13 doesn't contain the word "holy," but it tells you how the Word of God works in your life to expose those things that need to be changed in order for you to become daily more like God--to grow in your resemblance to Him. Meditate on this passage and ask the Lord to reveal any flaws in your life that need to be corrected. Ask Him to mold you into a holy vessel, set apart for His service.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 1, 2007
Topic: Prayer




In Jesus' Name

Whether you like shopping or not, most of us would agree that the best way to approach a shopping experience is to make a list. Write out all the things you need and mark them off one by one as you put them in your cart. While this approach works for shopping, it doesn't work for prayer--although many of us try it anyway. Prayer is not about coming to God with a shopping list; it's about communicating and having a relationship with Him. Once we start to view prayer as a relationship, the way that we approach prayer will completely change.

What Does God Say?

"Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence" (Ephesians 3:12, NLT).

"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).

"And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for" (1 John 5:14-15, NLT).

What sort of attitude are we to have when we come into God's presence?
      * Why is it so important that we have faith when we pray?
      * How can we be confident that God will give us what we ask for?
     
My Thoughts

These verses tell us that prayer is about confidence and faith. We have to pray expecting God to answer our prayers (although it might not necessarily be the way we want them answered or as quickly as we would like). If we don't believe in the power of God to answer our prayers, we lose our confidence that He will answer them. Ask yourself:

Is there any doubt in my prayer life right now?
Are there things that I was praying for but I've given up on?
Do I come to God every day in prayer or just when I need something from Him?

My Part

In any relationship, it takes two people to make it work. Our relationship with God is exactly the same way. God does His part in our relationship, but we must do our part. Spend some time today thinking about your relationship with God and ask yourself these questions:

Is my relationship with God one that is pleasing to Him?
Am I genuinely approaching prayer with faith and confidence in Him?


You'll find that once you're able to view prayer as a relationship with God and approach your prayer with confidence and faith, praying will be much more satisfying.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 2, 2007
Topic: Bible Study/Theories




Need to Pray

A college student was home for vacation after his first semester. His mother asked him, "How come you didn't write or call us while you were at school?"

He replied, "I've just been too busy."

His mother looked at him sadly and said, "If you are too busy to write home, you are too busy."

Has God ever had to remind you, "If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy"? The Bible study today looks at the necessity of prayer--every believer's need to pray.

What Does God Say?

Do you see the difference between the mother's attitude and the attitude of her son? She rightfully felt that communication was necessary; the son didn't feel that it was really needed. In the same way, the Lord tells us that, for our spiritual well-being, communication by way of prayer and His Word are essential.

Look at what Samuel said in 1 Samuel 12:23: "Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way" (ESV). Samuel saw that his prayer for others was essential.

Why? Because Samuel realized

It would be a sin against the Lord not to pray for others.
      * It would be a sin against others not to pray for them.
      * It would harm his personal spiritual life not to pray.
      * It would make his ministry to others ineffective.
      *
Now, look at another Bible passage, where the apostle Paul asks Christian believers to pray for him: "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you" (2 Thessalonians 3:1 ESV).

Do you see why Paul felt prayer was necessary? In this case it was because he knew the effective spread of the Gospel of Christ happens when God's people pray. Again, prayer is essential. Compare the words of Jesus in Matthew 9:38, "Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest" (ESV).

My Thoughts

What do you think were the mother's reasons for wanting her college-student son to communicate with her?

Why would God want us to communicate with Him? Write down all the reasons you think He may have.

Next, write down as many excuses you can think of for not regularly communicating with God. Which ones do you feel cause times of prayerlessness in your life?

My Part

The tongue-in-cheek motto on a pastor's desk read, "Why pray, when you can worry?"

Make up some of your own mottos that begin: "Why pray, when I can...?

Memorize this verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:17. It's easy to memorize! But it's also easy to forget.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 3, 2007
Topic: Bible Study/Theories




Need to Pray 2

Have you ever wondered, If God knows everything, then why do I need to pray? Well, you can bet that God doesn't need us to pray to know what's happening in our lives or in the world. But there are other reasons that prayer is a necessity in the life of a believer. Let's look at the Bible to find out why we ought to pray.

What Does God Say?

Let's begin with one of the shortest verses in the Bible. It will help us understand the need to pray.

"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV).

Notice that the verb, "pray" is a command, not a suggestion. God tells us to pray. So, the first reason we ought to pray--and if this were the only reason, it would be enough of a reason--is that praying is God's will for the Christian. It's a matter of obedience. And when we committed our lives to Christ, obedience was not optional. When God says we are to pray without ceasing, we need to obey and pray.

This means any time, 24/7, in any situation where I need to go to God, I can do so without hesitation because it is His will that I talk to Him.

But here's another reason we need to pray:

"Brethren, pray for us." (2 Thessalonians 3:1 NKJV)

God wants us to pray for one another. Praying for others breaks the pattern of self-centeredness that we develop so easily.

And there is a third reason to pray:

"Pray that you may not enter into temptation" (Luke 22:40).

Prayer is a guard that keeps us from sinning.

Last, one of the most compelling reasons, and greatest encouragement, to pray is seeing Jesus on His knees.

"After He [Jesus] had sent the crowds away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone (Matthew 14:23 NASB). About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray (Luke 9:28 NLT).

If Jesus needed to pray, then you and I certainly must as well.

My Thoughts

Did you realize that it is God's will for His children to pray to Him? To talk to Him all the time about what is going in their lives?

Is there a sense of "oughtness" about your prayer life? Is there a constant desire in your heart to know God more and more? Are there concerns and needs in your life that require God's intervention? Are you committed with all your heart to God's purpose of maturing you spiritually, conforming you to Jesus?

Then, for you, prayer is not an option or an obligation. It is a necessity and a privilege, and opens your life to God's work and grace.

My Part

Oswald Chambers said, "Every time we pray, our horizon is altered, our attitude to things is altered, not sometimes but every time, and the amazing thing is that we don't pray more."

Take time now to ask God to give you understanding as to what would help you become more consistent in your prayer life. Then make a commitment--today--to Him, in prayer, to pray.

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