Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 4, 2007
Topic:




Don't Know God

What do you do about people like Pharaoh who say, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD" (Exodus 5:2, NKJV)? How do you respond when they patronize your faith saying, "Well, it's nice that you have something to believe in"?

The number of people who doubt God's existence is growing every day. Men and women of every nation are saying, "I don't believe there is a God." So, how does God respond?

What Does God Say?

The Bible is pretty blunt when it describes this type of person.

"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalm 14:1, NKJV).

It's foolishness for anyone to conclude there is no God because God has made it clear He exists.

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20, NKJV). God has made Himself known in nature, and He has also revealed Himself in the Bible.

When you encounter someone who claims there is no God, you can point out these facts to that person. But keep in mind that knowing about God is not the same as a relationship with Him. Read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), and you'll discover several instances when demons rightly identified Jesus as the Son of God. (See Mark 1:22-24; Mark 3:11). They knew exactly who He was, but they certainly didn't have a personal relationship with Him.

So, how can we bring these friends into a personal relationship with the God we know? Truthfully, we can't--but God can. Salvation, entering into a relationship with God, is His gift to those who respond to His Spirit. But even though we can't make our friends and neighbors into Christians, there's still a lot we can do to help them open up to Jesus.

My Thoughts

Paul talked about his ministry in 1 Corinthians by saying, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase" (3:6, NKJV). His point was that it is God who saves a person, and we should therefore identify ourselves as children of God, not as children of Apollos or Paul. What does it mean to plant? To Water? What are some ways we can plant or water today?

My Part

Peter advises in his first letter, "Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV).

Have you ever given your testimony?

If somebody asked you today why you believe in God, what would you say?

Don't wait for someone to ask. Take some time today to write out your testimony. Write about how you met God and how your life has been changed since. Ask God to bring someone across your path this week that you can share your story with.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 7, 2007
Topic: Evangelism




Make Him Known

What is 750,000 miles long, reaches around the earth 30 times and grows 20 miles longer each day? Answer: The line of people who are without Christ. The Bible tells us that since so many don't know Jesus, it's our job to make Him known.

What Does God Say?

John answered them saying, "I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know" ( John 1:26 NASB).

John was not saying that folks did not know Jesus as a person. He was the carpenter from Galilee, his mother, four brothers and his sisters lived in Nazareth and the people there did know Him. John was saying that people did not recognize who Jesus was. And so John made sure to tell them.

The next day he [John] saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!….this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit. I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God" (John 1:29, 33-34 NASB).

Write out a brief bio of Jesus from John's description. Then write down who Jesus is in your life.

My Thoughts

Do you know anyone who may not know who Jesus really is? Could you, like John, make Jesus known to them? Write down a list of those people and begin to pray for the opportunity to share with them.

Go to your Bible and find Scriptures that provide a picture of Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior of the world and the only way a person can come to God. You might check these out: John 1:6-14; John 14:1-6; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:37-40; Philippians 2:5-11.

We need to make Jesus known not only by what we say, but also by what we do.

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35 NASB).

What are you doing to show love toward others?

My Part

Take time now to pray asking God to give you a deep and abiding desire to make Jesus known and to care about sharing with people who need the Lord.

Make a list of those who have helped you know Jesus and send them an e-mail or card thanking them for how God used them in your life.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 8, 2007
Topic: Bible Study/Theories




Privilege of Prayer

It's really encouraging to have a God you can pray to anytime, anywhere, for any reason. But prayer can become meaningless and ineffective when we take it for granted. Let's see what kind of an attitude God's Word says we should have toward prayer.

What Does God Say?

If you were to have a conversation with a king or a president, you wouldn't just waltz in and say, "Hey, how you doin'?" You'd prepare yourself; you'd be respectful and thoughtful and take it very seriously.

Prayer is conversation with God--but don't forget who God is. "For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God" (Deuteronomy 10:17, ESV). When you come into His presence, remember that:

"Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary" (Psalm 96:6, ESV).

That's nothing to be taken lightly.

However, don't be afraid to come before God. Hebrews 4:16 says " Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (ESV). We're welcome to come to God, to seek Him for all that we need, the questions we have, etc. But we have to balance the fact that we can come to God without fear with the fact that He is God. We can't lose sight of who we are before Him.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God gave Solomon one of the keys to privileged prayer: a humble heart. "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven" (ESV).

My Thoughts

What attitude do you bring before God? Do you take Him for granted and treat prayer like a nice way to get something good? Or is it serious business for you?

Jesus told a story about two men praying in the temple. Read Luke 18:9-14; then describe the prayers of these two men.

What's the attitude of each heart?
      * Which one was more pleasing to God?
      * Which prayer sounds more like yours?
     
My Part

Don't be afraid to come to God in prayer...but don't take Him lightly. Prayer is a privilege we enjoy because Jesus died to give us a relationship with God the Father. Because of Jesus, 1 John 5:14-15 says "this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him" (ESV).

So, how are you going to pray today? When you do, pray with humility and confidence, seeking God's will. And ask Him to show you how to become intimate with Him but never take Him for granted.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

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




More to Know

An old hymn declares:

*More about Jesus let me learn,

More of His holy will discern;

Spirit of God, my teacher be,

Showing the things of Christ to me.

The hymn writer isn't talking about simply knowing facts about Jesus; he's talking about an intimate knowledge--an experiential knowledge--of what it means to have Christ as our personal Savior. So, how do we get this kind of knowledge? God's Word helps us to find it.

What Does God Say?

"For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come" (Ephesians 1:15-21).

My Thoughts

These people were already Christians (Paul had heard of their "faith in the Lord Jesus"), but the apostle knew that there was more. Salvation is just the starting point. Beyond this initial step, Paul prays that those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ will experience: hope (based on His calling), riches (based on God's inheritance in the saints) and God's power (based on Christ's resurrection).

● While individuals may be called to specific tasks, through Christ all Christians have been called to spend eternity with God in heaven. How does this calling give you hope?

● Paul says that we (Christians) are part of God's inheritance through Christ--part of His wealth. How does that make you feel?

● How have you experienced God's power in your life since you've placed your faith in Christ?

My Part

Which of the above experiences are you most in need of today? Take a few minutes right now and ask God to let you experience this part of knowing Christ.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 13, 2007
Topic: Bible Study/Theories




Praying for Difficult People, Part 1

Any difficult people in your life? Ever pray for them? Not a "give-them-'what-for'" type of prayer because of the way they've treated you but a real prayer. The Bible teaches we ought to do that.

What Does God Say?

Jesus says it like this: "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you" (Luke 6:27-28 NLT)

Not only did Jesus tell us He expects us to pray for difficult people, He lived it.
"When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on his right and one on his left.
"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.' And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice" (Luke 23:33-34 NLT).
And His followers have tried to do the same. The Bible records that first Stephen followed the example of Christ:

"As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' He fell to his knees, shouting, 'Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!' And with that, he died" (Acts 7:59-60 NLT).

And then much later, Paul followed the same course: Paul wrote: "The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them" (2 Timothy 4:16 NLT).

How is it possible to react like that when someone is trying to hurt you? It's impossible for us in our own strength but it is possible with the Lord's help. It begins with having an attitude that acknowledges there will be difficult people in our lives, and we will sometimes bear the brunt of their words and actions. But the Bible teaches we are not to return evil for evil or try to get even. Instead, we are to pray for them and bless them. Here is our attitude:

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it" (1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV).

My Thoughts

Relationships are our greatest joys and our greatest sorrows. The poet wrote that "No man is an island." Our lives intersect and connect. Sometimes we experience hurt and disappointment and frustration with others.

Describe an experience in your life when this has been true?

How have you responded?

In light of the above Scriptures, how do you think Jesus wants us to respond?

Are you at a place spiritually where you can genuinely and sincerely pray for the difficult people in your life?

If so, thank the Lord for His work of grace in your life. Ask for His help in continuing to do that. If not, is it because you honestly do not want to? Why not ask the Lord to give you a desire to pray for your difficult people? And when He does, then ask for His strength to go ahead and truly pray for them.

Remember, Paul tells us that God will help us to want to do the right thing as well as help us live it. 

"For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13 NLT).

My Part

Take time now to thank the Lord for what He has revealed to you of His Word and His will. Pray, asking the Lord to bring to mind two people from your past or present that at the very least have been difficult. Read again the above Scriptures. You’ll know, then, what to do next.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 14, 2007
Topic:




Praying for Difficult People, Part 2

I had just committed a flagrant violation of sibling etiquette, caused, of course, by my younger sister--I had pushed her and she pushed me back! In response to my protests, my mom's only response was: “Nobody likes a tattle-tale!"

I wonder what my mom would have said if I had presented my situation in more "prayerful" tones. "Dearest mother, I am concerned for my younger sister, who despite my best efforts, remains ignorant of the respect she owes her older brother. Would you please help her not be so violent toward me in the future and let her recognize the value of sharing the cookies she made and not be so selfish." I have no doubt my mom would have responded the exact same way.


What Does the Bible Say

Have you ever mouthed a similar prayer to God? Maybe not about a sibling but someone who was annoying you or causing trouble in some way. We pray to God for them, thinking we're doing them a service. But all we're really doing is complaining.

Miriam and Aaron had a similar complaint about their brother Moses. Moses had married an Ethiopian woman and his siblings didn't approve. The story is recorded in Numbers 12:1-15.

Now, Miriam and Aaron didn't specifically lift this complaint up to God in prayer, but that doesn't mean God didn't hear their grumbling. We must never think God only hears us when we preface our statements with the words, "Dear God." He knows our thoughts and feelings

God responded directly to Miriam and Aaron. "If there is a prophet among you,

I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision....

Not so my servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house." (Number 12:6-7, NKJV).

Sometimes our prayers reveal more about our hearts than they do about the people we are praying for. So, the first step in bringing any request before God, concerning another person, is to ask God to reveal any attitudes in our own lives that need to be addressed first.


My Thoughts

As you read through Numbers 12:1-15 think about the following questions: 

What truth about Moses did Miriam and Aaron miss because of their complaints?
How could Miriam and Aaron have handled this situation better?
Was Miriam's punishment excessive? Why or why not?


My Part

Mark 11:25 says, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" (NKJV). Pride is one of the biggest obstacles to our prayers. Pride that keeps us from forgiving a friend will also keep our prayers from reaching heaven. Before you pray today, ask God to show you if your prayers for others are just complaints. Ask God for the wisdom and humility to address your incorrect motivation if they are. Pray that your relationship with both God and your friend will be strengthened.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 15, 2007
Topic: Bible Study/Theories




Praying for Difficult People, Part 3

Do you ever avoid praying for someone because they have done something to hurt or anger you? Do you pass over some people in your prayers because they are making life difficult for you? Do you steer clear of praying for a contentious spouse, a rebellious child, a mean boss or a corrupt politician?

Well, the Lord isn't silent about circumstances like these. Get your out Bible and look at what it says about praying for difficult people.


What Does God Say?   

Jesus gave a simple, clear command recorded in Luke 6:28 (NLT). He said:  "Pray for those who hurt you."

Jesus Himself set the example of the proper attitude toward those who accuse us, malign our character and even persecute, torture or kill us. Just before dying on the cross He prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34, NASB)


My Thoughts

Does the Bible mention anyone besides Jesus who has actually prayed like that? Yes, it does. Read about the following three incidents in the Bible and respond to the questions.

Numbers 12:1-16
              * What two people made life difficult for their brother? (vv. 1-2)
              * What was God's reaction? (vv. 9-10)
              * What did Moses do? (v. 13)
              * How did God respond? (vv. 14-15)
              * Job 42:7-10 (This is the last chapter of Job, after Job's neighbors had spoken harshly against him and made several accusations about his "spiritual shortcomings")
              * What did God think of the neighbors' bad-mouthing? (v. 7)
              * How did the three men react? (vv. 8-9)
              * What did Job do for the three? (vs. 10)
              * Acts 7:59-60, Acts 8:1 and Acts 9:1-17 (After Stephen, the first Christian martyr, gave a powerful testimony for Christ, he was taken outside the city of Jerusalem and stoned to death.)
              * What did Stephen pray? (Acts 7:60)
              * What young man was there? (Acts 7:59; 8:1)
              * What was the outcome in the life of the young man who witnessed this murder? (Acts 9:1-17)

My Part

Jerod, who had had some trouble one day with Abby, his little sister, offered his usual bedtime prayer, "God bless Dad and Mom and Abby, for Jesus' sake. Amen." He arose, but soon got on his knees again, and said, "Lord, never mind Abby. Amen."

Maybe you feel like Jerod sometimes. There are people you'd like to leave out of your prayers. But take a moment to read what the Lord says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV):
 
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 

Think of those people you don't feel much like praying for. Stop now, consider their needs and remember them in prayer. They need God's work of mercy and grace in their lives too.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 16, 2007
Topic: Bible Study/Theories




Praying for Difficult People, Part 4

Most of the really good action movies begin with a character or characters who are plotting revenge. They want to get back at someone who's injured them. Many comedies, too, depict people who humorously try to extract payment from those who have hurt them. But, unfortunately, it's not just Hollywood who's bought into the idea that we need to seek revenge. Many times we as Christians harbor feelings of resentment and anger toward those who have hurt us. Today we're going to see what the Bible has to say about responding to those who've been unkind to us.


What Does God Say?

"When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.' And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice" (Luke 23:33-34, NLT).

"'But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you'" (Luke 6:27-28, NLT).

Who did Jesus ask God to forgive?
Who are we called to love?
How are we to respond when people hurt us?
What to do we do about people who hate us?

My Thoughts

We have a tendency to try and play God. Have you ever prayed and told God how He should deal with a person who has hurt you? The scary part is, if we pray that someone else will get what they deserve, it means God has to give us what we deserve as well. When the Bible tells us to pray for the very people who have hurt us, it's not to inflict more pain on us. Prayer is not about our hurt, it's about the needs of other people. Consider these questions:

Is there someone whom I have not forgiven?
Am I praying for that person?
If so, am I praying for revenge or am I praying that God will have mercy on them?


My Part

It's no surprise that it's hard to pray for good things to happen to those who've hurt us. But you will never be closer to God than when you're praying for them--and not asking for revenge. Remember that justice comes from God and not us. If you aren't ready for them to get the very best that God has for them, then you're not ready to pray for them.

Take some time today to think about the people who have hurt you. Pray that God will allow you to forgive them. If you're ready, start praying for them every day. Pray that God will be gracious, forgiving and merciful to them. Not only will it help you deal with your feelings of anger, but you will become closer to God.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 17, 2007
Topic: Bible Study/Theories




Dealing with Discouragement

Perhaps you have been there. Maybe right now you're so far down you have to look up to see the bottom. Maybe you're feeling like a failure. I was reading recently about a young lawyer who became very discouraged. He had reached a point in his life where his friends thought it best to keep all knives and other sharp objects away from him for fear of a suicide attempt. In fact, during this time he wrote in his diary, "I am now the most miserable man living." Who was the young lawyer who wrote these feelings of utter hopelessness? His name was Abraham Lincoln.

That's not the way God wants us to live--so let's see what the Bible says we can do about discouragement.


What Does God Say?   

Hopelessness and its cousin, discouragement, are tools Satan uses whenever and wherever he can to attack your faith. The writer of Psalm 42:5 (ESV) experienced discouragement and cried out: 
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?" 

Have you felt that way at times? 

The Bible has some reassurances for God's people who are struggling with feelings of hopelessness and despair. The same psalmist in the same verse recognized God's faithfulness and went on to say,

"Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God."

Think over these encouraging words that Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth: "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV).


My Thoughts

Paul is saying that no matter what happens to you in this life, as a believer you must keep your eyes on the eternal prize God has laid up for you. When hopeless feelings come, recognize that the setback is temporal and focus on the joy that is set before you.

Look up the following scriptures and write down all the lessons you can find about discouragement or encouragement and hope or hopelessness. What do you find about overcoming those feelings?

Deuteronomy 31:7-8
      * Joshua 1:6-9
      * Isaiah 41:10
      * 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
      * Titus 2:11-13
     
 


My Part
 
Paul also wrote to the Corinthians: "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:6-8 ESV)

Next time you feel discouragement about a difficult situation, what steps do you think you might take to overcome it? What does God reveal in the verses you have looked at today that may help when things aren't going your way? What does "walking by faith and not by sight" mean to you?

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

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





Time to be Quiet

It sounds crazy! Impossible! The idea of waiting before God and especially waiting in silence doesn't seem to fit with our noisy, busy world. We can't even wait at a stop light or for our order at a drive-thru without making noise about it. But waiting quietly is an important part of connecting with God and listening to Him.

What Does God Say?

King David put it like this in Psalm 62:

"For God alone my soul waits in silence;
      * from him comes my salvation.
        He only is my rock and my salvation,
        my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken (Psalm 62:1-2, ESV).
       
Waiting means…waiting. The dictionary refers to "delaying action for a specified time or until some event occurs; to be expectant or on the watch." Waiting on God means stopping long enough for Him to speak, expecting Him to respond, being alert to His work. And you can't do that very well if you're rushing about, filling every moment with noise and activity.

David also talks about waiting silently or in stillness in verse 5 of this same psalm:

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him" (ESV).

Silent waiting means you're not doing all the talking--in fact, you're not doing any of the talking. You're ready, eager and confident that you'll hear from Him.

If you're willing to slow down, be quiet and wait, you might hear great things from God. David mentions:

"Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work." (Psalm 62:11-12, ESV)

Tapping into God's power and steadfast love, putting your confidence in Him as your rock and salvation--those things make the quiet waiting worthwhile.

My Thoughts

Psalm 62 isn't the only place that talks about waiting on God. Take a look at these passages.

Psalm 27:13-14                       Psalm 33:20-21
Psalm 37:7                              Psalm 130:5-6

What can you do while waiting?
      * What is not part of waiting silently?
      * What do you gain from time spent listening to God?
      * What do you learn about God in these waiting times?
     
My Part

You can't "wait" in a hurry; you'll need more than 30 seconds on your way out the door in the morning. So, plan it into your time with God once or twice a week.

Historically, some Christian orders or communities would practice the discipline of silence, setting aside a period of time when talking was not allowed so a person could devote that time to prayer and listening to God. You also may want to set aside a quarter hour or so when you turn off all the other noise in your life, put your own voice on hold and be quiet before God. Keep your Bible handy because that's His Word to you.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 21, 2007
Topic: God




Finding a Constant in the Midst of Chaos

There was a popular commercial a few years ago showing a guy going into an electronic store and buying a computer. The store associate promised him that it was the latest and newest computer on the market. It held more information, ran faster and outlasted all other computers. On his way home, the proud new owner drove by some men changing a billboard. To his dismay, in the ten minutes since he had purchased his computer they were already advertising an even newer and more updated model! Isn't that how most of life seems? Things are constantly changing, and we just can't keep up. But in the midst of our chaotic world, there is one person we can learn to lean on no matter what.

What Does God Say?

"I...wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken" (Psalm 62:5-7, NLT).

"Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again--
my savior and my God" (Psalm 42:5-6, NLT).

"I know the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me" (Psalm 16:8, NLT).

"I am the LORD, and I do not change" (Malachi 3:6, NLT).

What is the one thing that doesn't change in life?
What should we do when we're discouraged?
What images in these verses describe God?

My Thoughts

No matter how much we resist, things in life are going to change. We're going to grow older, people are going to let us down, our kids will leave home. But as Christians, we have confidence that God will never change. He doesn't need to change because He is already perfect. Because God never changes, He'll always remain faithful to us. We never have to worry that His character and His goodness will change. Consider these questions:

When life gets hard, do I try to hang on by myself or do I turn to God, my rock?
How has God proved faithful to me in the past?

My Part

God does His part. He remains faithful to us and is the rock we can hang onto when we're in the middle of a rapidly changing world. Hopefully you have begun to think about the ways that God has proved faithful to you in the past. Take it a step further and share that with others. Maybe there is someone in your life that needs to hear it. Send them a card or an e-mail telling them how God has been faithful and unchanging in your life.

Also, take some time today to thank God for being the rock and the fortress in your life.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 22, 2007
Topic: Holiness




Firm Foundation

On the day that a fortress' wall falls to an invading army, no one praises the wall for its many decades of solid support and protection. Anyone who cares will instead ask, "What made it collapse today?"

Wouldn't it be a shame to walk with God in faith all the days of your life and come down to the last years only to have the walls of your faith crumble because you don't have answers to the issues that face you?

I wonder if that was David's concern as he wrote Psalm 16.

What Does the Bible Say

David starts out Psalm 16 by reminding himself about where his strength really comes from.

"Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.
O my soul, you have said to the Lord,
'You are my Lord,
My goodness is nothing apart from You.'
As for the saints who are on the earth,
'They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight'" (Psalm 16:1-3, NKJV).

The strength of a wall, like the strength of a life, is only as good as its foundation. And for David, his foundation was the Lord. He put his trust in God--it was God who gave his life meaning.

David describes the fate of those who don't put their trust in the Lord in the next verse.

"Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god" (16:4, NKJV).

He then goes on to reaffirm his commitment to God.

"O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance" (16:5, NKJV).

David follows this up by telling us the way to remain steadfast, the way to remain strong in our faith even into our last days.

"I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved" (16:7-8, NKJV).

What a confident declaration! "I shall not be moved!" This statement gives David (and us) hope. "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices" (16:9, NKJV).

The secret to remaining strong in the faith even in the last seasons of life is to hold close that which made you strong in the first place: a commitment to a personal relationship with God. We'll look into this more in the next section.

My Thoughts

As you read Psalm 16, think about the following questions:

What benefits does David draw from his relationship with God?
How is verse 10 also a reference to Jesus Christ?
Where can you find true joy?

My Part

Write down Psalm 16:8,

"I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved."

Place this verse somewhere where it will be visible every day. Let it remind you as you go about your day to place God before you in everything you do. Pray that God will continue to strengthen your faith day-by-day and that nothing will move you.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 23, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust




Living in Confidence

Getting swindled is one of the most humiliating experiences you can go through. A person sets you up by gaining your confidence and then misleads you in order to get your money or some other possession. It's called a "con game"--short for "confidence game." And it's as old as the Garden of Eden. Satan conned Adam and Eve. He was a beautiful and charming person, and they put their confidence in him. They lost not only their innocence, but their God-given dominion over the earth. Since that time, Satan has been the "prince of this world" and confidence games are played daily causing loss to thousands of unwary people.

Living in a world like this, you may wonder at times, "Is there anybody I can trust?"

God wants you to know where your confidence must be placed if your life is to be eternally blessed. Want a hint? Despite the advice of this world, it is not in "self-confidence," nor by trusting some other human being!

What Does God Say?

God is the only solid Rock in whom you can place all your confidence:
     
"On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God" (Psalm 62:7 ESV).

You can have complete confidence in God because of His name and nature:
     
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:7 ESV).

Because of who God is, you should trust Him without wavering:
     
"Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward" (Hebrews 10:35 ESV).

My Thoughts
 
Your trust and confidence in Christ affects every part of your Christian life. Some areas where confidence is a necessity are listed below. Look up the related verses and read them in your Bible.

Your ability to walk the Christian walk (Proverbs 3:26)
      * Your need for God's care for yourself and your family (Proverbs 14:26)
      * Your desire to be sure God hears your prayers and will provide (1 John 5:14)
      * Your right to approach God when in need (Hebrews 4:16)
      * Your hope for assurance of God's love in the judgment (1 John 4:17)
      * Your longing to be unashamed at Christ's coming (1 John 2:28 )
     
Neither you yourself (by working up '"self-confidence"), nor any other human being, can give you what you need for the Christian life and for facing the future. This comes only from God.

Write down some areas where you feel your trust in the Lord is weak. Meditate on Psalm 62:7 and think about how you can strengthen your confidence in God in those areas.

My Part
 
Memorize Hebrews 4:16 from the version of the Bible that you use. Repeat it out loud (or write it on a piece of paper) every time you feel your walk with Christ getting jittery.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 24, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust




Trust at all Times

In Leicester, England, there is an inscription on the outside wall of an old church, "In the year 1653 when all things sacred were throughout this nation either demolished or profaned, Sir Robert Shirley Baronet founded this church. Whose singular praise it is to have done the best things in the worst times and hoped them in the most calamitous"

It may be easier to trust in trouble-free times, but it is also possible to trust in difficult times. The Bible teaches that we can trust 24/7, regardless of the situation or the times or the obstacles.


What Does God Say?
 
"Trust in the him [the Lord] at all times" (Psalm 62:8 NLT).

Here’s the full verse:
"O my people, trust in him at all times.
pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8 NLT).

Who is God speaking to?
Is this a word of encouragement?
What exactly does all mean here?

Why are the people of God able to trust at all times and in all situations? Here are two truths that help us understand living by faith.

What is the first truth according to the following verse?
"Do not tremble; do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim my purposes are for you long ago?
You are my witnesses--is there any other God?
No! There is no other Rock--not one!" (Isaiah 44:8 NLT).

Now, what is the second truth found in the verse below?
"Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock" (Isaiah 26:4 ESV).


My Thoughts

We know that the Lord our God is the only God--there is no other and the Lord who is our God is the strong and solid Rock on which we stand and in which we find safety.

Do you believe that? Do you believe it with all your heart? Do you believe that it is true for you?  For the Christian, there can be no separation between faith and trust.

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6 ESV).


My Part

Take time now in prayer for a moment of thanksgiving and trusting. Praise God for who He is and who He wants to be in your life. Then ask for His help, providing the courage and the faith to trust Him at all times and in all situations.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 27, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, God's Love




The Faithfulness of God

What sort of characteristics do you look for in friends or employees? You probably want people who are honest, hardworking and loyal. What about faithful? Faithfulness is one quality that doesn't seem to be too important in the 21st century. It's hard to find someone who is truly faithful these days. It seems there is a lack of faithfulness in our workplaces and even in our marriages. Fortunately for us, we serve a God who is completely faithful.

What Does God Say?

"Your faithfulness extends to all generations,
You established the earth, and it abides" (Psalm 119:90, NLT).

"Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands "(Deuteronomy 7:9, NLT).

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure" (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT).

"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness" (1 John 1:9, NLT).

In what areas is God faithful?
How long does God's faithfulness endure?
How has God shown you His faithfulness?

My Thoughts

God is consistently faithful to us; therefore, we should strive to be consistently faithful to Him. As Christians, we are to have a relationship with God. Think of the close relationships you have with people in your life: your spouse, your children or your parents. Do you talk to them every once in awhile? More than likely, you are in contact with them every day. Your relationship with God is your most important relationship, yet many times we spend the least amount of time with Him. Consider these questions:

God has proved faithful to me; am I proving myself faithful to Him?
What do I need to do to maintain a consistent relationship with Him?

My Part

First John 1:9 said that God is faithful to forgive our sins. He can only forgive us when we ask Him. Take a moment today to pray and ask God to reveal any sin in your life. When you become aware of the sin in your life, admit it to God and ask for His forgiveness. Make confession and asking God's forgiveness part of your daily prayer life.

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