Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Title: Keys to Freedom
Date: Nov 1, 2007
Topic(s): Salvation
Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10


In the United States, we know a lot about freedom. We also know that freedom isn't cheap. Two hundred thirty years ago, the British didn't exactly sit back and let the Colonies become their own nation--there was war. Many soldiers died to win the freedom that we are blessed with today.

Our spiritual freedom didn't come cheaply either. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul describes the sacrifice Jesus made and what it means to you and me.

What Does the Bible Say?

When we say that we're free, that we've been saved, the natural question to ask is, "Free from what?"

"And you were dead in trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind" (Ephesians 2:1-3, ESV).

That was before. We were spiritually dead, living lifestyles of disobedience and subject to the wrath of God. But that's not where our story ends.

The next verses describe the love God has for you and me. "Even when we were dead in our trespasses, [He] made us alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:5, ESV). In other words, while we were once spiritual dead, unable to connect to God, we are now through Christ made spiritually alive. With our sins paid for and forgiven, we are reunited to the Father and adopted into His family. "So that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7, ESV).

My Thoughts

Take some time today and meditate on this passage, Ephesians 2:1-10. Think about the following questions:

    * What does it mean to be free in Christ?
    * What does this free life look like?
    * What can we enjoy today that we couldn't before?
    * Why do you think Jesus made such an extreme sacrifice for you and me?

My Part

In the United States we celebrate our independence every July 4, the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Can you remember the day you trusted your life to Christ, your "independence day"? Make it a point to celebrate in some way when that day next comes. But don't hold back all your praise until then. Take some time today to thank God for His great love and mercy.

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[nChrist]

Title: True Freedom
Date: Nov 2, 2007
Topic(s): Salvation
Scripture: John 8:31-34, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:1, Matthew 11:29-30, Romans 6:17-19, Titus 3:3-7


A computer search program offers 199 million sites that talk about "freedom," 31.4 million where you can study "bondage" and 24.6 million on "slavery."

Turn on the TV, and you are bombarded with your need to be "financially free," free from debilitating diseases, free from clogged drains and free from the ravages of old age.

As a pastor's counseling session ended for a couple planning to divorce, the wife declared angrily, "I don't care what you say about our marriage. I just want to be free to be me."

Humanity's introduction to slavery came about under a fruit tree in the Garden of Eden when Satan offered the first couple freedom from the restraints of their good and righteous Creator. Since that event, like it or not, every one of Adam and Eve's descendants has experienced the grinding bondage of sin. With that bondage comes an inescapable longing to be free. Is there any answer? The Lord has it in today's lesson.

What Does God Say?

"So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' They answered him, 'We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?

"Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed'" (John 8:34-36, ESV).

Jesus told His audience that they were not free. They were slaves to sin. The truth is universal: You cannot be freed from sin's bondage until you receive Christ and are set free in Him. You cannot reverse the effects of sin--separation from God and eternal death--unless the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life saves you. There is no other escape from sin's horrible grip.

My Thoughts

As a Christian, you must recognize something further. When Christ frees you forever from the slavery to sin, you become a "bondservant of righteousness." Jesus assures you that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30).

Paul says in Romans 6:17-19 (ESV), "But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification."

    * Look up Galatians 5:1. Why did Christ set you free? What should your response be?
    * In Titus 3:3, how does Paul describe the condition of a lost, enslaved person? How does he contrast the saved person in verses 4-7?

My Part

    * Think about and write down some ways you experienced bondage to sin in your life before becoming a Christian.
    * Are there any remains of that old bondage in your life now? Read Romans 6:19 and compare it to Romans 12:1-2. Confess and ask Christ to take away any slavery to sin that is standing between you and Him. Present yourself to Him as a bondservant of righteousness and a living sacrifice to do His will.
    * If you have not asked Jesus to be your Savior, you're still living in slavery to sin. But Christ is calling you to come to Him for salvation. Ask Him right now to be your Savior.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 5, 2007
Topic: Jesus, Obedience/Discipleship, Faith/Trust


Applied Faith

Some people just love numbers! They revel in figures, formulas and statistics. They're grounded in the reality of facts, eager to determine concrete solutions for problems. And that's great....unless Jesus is asking for more.

What Does God Say?

In John 6:5-14, Philip, one of Jesus' disciples, was busy with figures and facts. They were in a hungry crowd, with no pizza delivery and no money to pay the bill. For Philip, the problem was this: 5,000 people + 5 loaves of bread + 2 fish=big disaster!

"Jesus said to Philip, 'Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?'.... Philip answered him, 'Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little'" (John 6:5, 7, ESV). And he was right. But Philip only saw the facts before him, so he crunched out his formula and came up short.

Jesus had another idea. Look at John 6:6, the verse we skipped, "He [Jesus] said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do" (ESV). Jesus knew what He was going to do; He just asked Philip to give this disciple an opportunity to grow in faith. Jesus wasn't asking for solutions--He already had one in mind. He was looking for a heart that would trust Him. Philip was so busy considering his options and obstacles that he completely forgot who he was talking to.

Someone, however, did have an inkling of faith's possibilities. John 6:8-9 says, "One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 'There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?'" (ESV) Andrew saw something Jesus could work with, but he wasn't sure what was possible. But as Jesus said at another time, "What is impossible with men is possible with God" (Luke 18:27 ESV).

Faith doesn't ignore the facts; it just adds Jesus. Faith is confident in what Jesus can do, who He is and what He promises. It views the facts or numbers through the lens of Jesus' power and places them all into His hands.

My Thoughts

There were other times when Jesus looked for faith from people who were caught up in facts and circumstances.

Mark 2:1-12

Mark 7:24-30

John 4:46-54

John 9:1-7, 24-38

    * What are the facts?
    * How was someone required to exercise faith?
    * What were the results?

My Part

So, what about you? Caught up in the facts or numbers of your circumstances? Are you lost in a problem which seems to have no formula or solution? Then take a few minutes to make some notes:

    * What are the "facts" or "numbers"?
    * Strip it down to the essentials.
    * Can you see two or three ways you might take a step in faith?
    * Then add those to your notes.

Now, take your notes to Jesus in prayer. Remember, it's not that you disregard the facts, but that you ask Jesus to take care of the equation. Ask Him for His help; give the "five loaves and two fish" into His hands.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 6, 2007
Topic: Salvation, Faith/Trust


Facts and Faith

Facts and faith are often thought of as contradictory; the two just don't go together. But the Bible teaches that, like the two wings of an airplane, both are necessary in our relationship with God.

What Does God Say?

"Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord's commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.

"One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.

"While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, 'Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.'

"Zechariah said to the angel, 'How can I be sure this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.'

"Then the angel said, 'I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn't believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time'" (Luke 1:6-20, NLT).

   1. Why did Zechariah react the way he did to the message of the angel?
   2. Were you surprised by the angel's response to Zechariah's lack of faith?
   3. What example in Scripture should Zechariah have turned to (hint: it's in Genesis)?

My Thoughts

Are we related to Zechariah? Not by birth, but often by lack of faith? See how your faith accepts these facts.

"Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.'"(John 11:25, NLT).

"[Jesus said,] 'Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me." (John 14:10)

And here is a fact: if you will receive Jesus by faith, God will forgive your sins and give you a home with Him in heaven for all eternity. The apostle Paul tells us in Romans:

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." (Romans 10:9-10, NLT).

My Part

God could have done whatever He wanted to bring the message of salvation through Christ to this world. He could have written it across the skies so you and I could look up at the heavens and read it. He could have inscribed it on the palm of your hand so every time you uncurled your fingers, there you would see the message that God loves you and has provided a Redeemer for you.

Instead, God gave us His Word, the Bible. And He gave us His Holy Spirit to apply that Word to our hearts. And He gave us the gift of faith (Romans 12:3) that we might respond.

Take time today to thank God for all these wonderful gifts.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 7, 2007
Topic:


Satisfy Hunger

I'm at a time in life when a lot of my friends are having their first child. And as I've watched these newborns, I've noticed that there are at least two things that are critical to an infant's growth: first, liquid nourishment and, as they get a little older, solid food.

And you know what? The same thing is true spiritually.

What Does the Bible Say

In John 3 we see Jesus describing our new spiritual life--our life in Him--as being born again. "Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God'" (John 3:3 ESV).

Elsewhere in Scripture, we find that spiritual lives, like physical lives, need nourishment too. In Hebrews we see a description of this spiritual nourishment.

"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:12-14, ESV).

Our spiritual nourishment comes from the Word of God. And the Bible provides milk for those who are new in their relationship with Christ as well as solid food for those who have learned to discern between good and evil.

It's sad to see those who have been believers for years, yet are unable to answer simple questions from the Bible. These people need to move from the milk of the Word to the meat. How do we do that? It takes a little time and a healthy diet of God's Word.

My Thoughts

Read again Hebrews 5:12-14 above and think about the following questions:

What were the basic principles of God's Word called? Can you name one?

While we all start with learning the basic principles, what does the writer of Hebrews urge us to do?

What are those, who are mature, able to do that others can't do?

My Part

If you're reading these daily Bible Minute studies, you've already come a long way toward spiritual maturity. But make sure you're taking time to read God's Word and listening to what God has to say to you. Books about the Bible are good, but they're no substitute for the Word of God. Also, look around. Maybe at home or at work there are people you can encourage to become more spiritually mature. Ask God for wisdom as you seek to help them.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 8, 2007
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Following the Leader

You've trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. You're a new Christian. You have the gift of eternal life. Now you wonder, Is that all there is? If there's more, what's next?

You've started the greatest adventure of your life, and you want to do it right. What would Jesus tell you to do?

What Does God Say?

Your next step after receiving Christ is to begin growing as a disciple. A disciple is a follower of a teacher, and for a Christian that means Jesus. How do you become a disciple of Jesus? When you trust Christ as your Savior, He calls you to move forward in your Christian life, to follow Him and learn constantly from Him. He calls you to become like Him--to be one of His disciples.

Jesus says that being His disciple involves service: "If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him" (John 12:26 ESV).

But discipleship goes deeper than mere Christian service. Here are some other things Jesus said about being His disciple. Look at the following verses and write down the requirements Jesus gives for being a disciple. Ask yourself how each one affects you as a Christian disciple.

    * John 8:31
    * John 15:8
    * John 13:35
    * Luke 14:33
    * Luke 14:27
    * Luke 6:40

My Thoughts

If you're a disciple, then you've made some choices. You're willing to give up your life for your Teacher; you're willing to be taught, with the goal of becoming like Him; you're willing to hand over the reins of your life to Christ.

There's another word that is closely related to the word, "disciple." It is "discipline." One definition of discipline is "training that corrects, molds or perfects the mental faculties or moral character."

You will learn that there are several disciplines that will make you a better disciple. Let's look at just two of them:

In John 8:31, Jesus mentions abiding or dwelling in His Word. Here is what a noted Bible scholar says about the discipline of Bible study:

*"There can be no real discipleship apart from Bible study. Bible study is no option for Christians. It cannot even be a minor, occasional, or 'vacation time' pursuit. Bible study is the most essential ingredient in the believer's spiritual life, because it is only in study of the Bible as that is blessed by the Holy Spirit that Christians hear Christ and discover what it means to follow Him."

Another discipline that is vital to your growth as a disciple is prayer. *Oswald Chambers said: "The point of prayer is not to get answers from God; the goal of prayer is perfect and complete oneness with God."

My Part

Go before the Lord in prayer right now. Thank Him for the great salvation He has freely given you in Christ, then ask Him to make you the kind of disciple He wants you to be. Ask Him to make your daily time in His Word the core of your life as a follower of Jesus. Ask Him to change and mature you more and more into oneness with Him.

Someone has said "A Christian is a mind through which Christ thinks; a heart through which Christ loves; a voice through which Christ speaks; a hand through which Christ helps."

Does that describe your life?

*James Montgomery Boice, Christ's Call to Discipleship, p. 52.

* Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, (August 6).

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 9, 2007
Topic: Jesus, Evangelism


Truth Sets You Free

A young man, just turned 18, declared, "I can't wait for graduation so I can be on my own. I'm tired of people always telling me what to do. I'm ready for some freedom and independence." When asked what he was going to do after graduation, he replied, "Join the Army."

According to the Bible, no one is born free and no one lives a life of complete freedom--anymore than a private in the Army.

What Does God Say?

Here's what Jesus has to say about freedom and what really prevents us from living lives of freedom.

"Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living " (Romans 6:16, NLT).

"Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin'" (John 8:34, NLT )

The life of slavery to sin Jesus referred to was described by the apostle Paul to Titus (a friend of Paul's). Paul wrote Titus about the attitudes that existed among people before they accepted Christ and while they lived in slavery to sin.

"Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other" (Titus 3:3, NLT).

And this is what the apostle Peter had to tell us about slavery:

"For you are a slave to whatever controls you" (2 Peter 2:19 NLT).

    * Can you summarize the main truth these Scriptures teach?
    * How does Paul describe those who are enslaved to sin?

No person has ever been able to go where they want, do all they want or have all they want. Whatever freedom we have on earth is always limited.

My Thoughts

Yet Jesus told us there was a way we could experience freedom, more freedom than we have ever known.

"Jesus said to the people who believed in him, 'You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free'" (John 8:31-32, 36, NLT)

Jesus tells us what true freedom is all about--what it really means to be free. "The truth" here clearly means God's special revelation given through the person of Christ and through the work of Christ. Being free in Christ Jesus means realizing we are free through His person--what He did for us on the cross, who He is. He alone is the Savior of the world. We are free through the work that He did.

Obviously, Jesus wants us to see that truth is something that sets us free from the power and the penalty of sin--and that only comes through Jesus.

My Part

Freedom not to be a slave to sin or self or desires and passions is only found in Jesus, God's Son and the Savior of the world. To experience that freedom we must choose to make Jesus the Master of our lives and to follow Him. Then, and only then, will His truth set us free.

"So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free" (John 8:36 NLT).

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[nChrist]

Title: God Is Good
Date: Nov 12, 2007
Topic(s): God
Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5



God is good.

God is good.

God is good.

Read through those three phrases again. The phrase "God is good" tends to get overused. As a result, we don't often think about the incredible truth of such a simple statement. But, "God is good" is one of the most richly descriptive statements about God. Let's see what the Bible says:

What Does the Bible Say

Look at Psalm 100:1-5.

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations" (Psalm 100:1-5, ESV)

If God wasn't good, there would be no joy. There would be no such thing as gladness. There would be no reason to sing and no reason to give thanks.

God's goodness is eternal. There has never been nor ever will be a moment when God is not good because goodness is part of what makes God who He is! *A. W. Tozer puts it this way, "By His nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness and He takes holy pleasure in the happiness of His people".

Take some time now to think about this:

My Thoughts

As you read through Psalm 100, think about the following questions:

   1. What does it mean to you personally that God is good?
   2. How would you describe a world where God wasn't good?
   3. There are a lot of things that happen in the world that aren't good. How do you reconcile that reality with the fact of God's goodness?

My Part

Tozer, in the same chapter quoted above made this claim, "That God is good is taught or implied on every page of the Bible." Check that out. Open your Bible to five pages at random. As you read each of those pages, write down in a journal the ways you see God's goodness either directly or indirectly.
* A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy, Chapter 16 Online: Internet, http://www.heavendwellers.com/hdt_chapter_16_koh.htm

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[nChrist]

Title: God Is Merciful
Date: Nov 13, 2007
Topic(s): Thankfulness, God's Love
Scripture: Acts 13:22, 1 Chronicles 16:41, Lamentations 3:22-23, Malachi 3:6



You experience lots of changes during your lifetime. Think about it. You were once a child, but you changed; now you're an adult; maybe once or twice (or more often) you moved from one city to another; it's likely that you've changed jobs at some time; you've made new friends through the years and someday you'll retire. But one thing never changes--you can count on it every day of your life: God's mercy.

What Does God Say?

David, the poet laureate of Israel, "a man after God's own heart" (See Acts 13:22.) highlighted the mercy of God. First Chronicles 16:41 says, "David also appointed Heman, Jeduthun, and the others chosen by name to give thanks to the LORD, 'for his faithful love'"(NLT) and for His enduring mercy.

Which of the choices following best describes God's mercy?

Faithful love
Kindness
Loving-kindness
Steadfast love
Eternal love
All of the above

The last choice is the best. God's mercy includes all the descriptors you just read. In fact, because of His mercy God doesn't give us what our sins say we deserve. He graciously gives us what we desperately need: His mercy.

My Thoughts

If you were going to make a list of the times that you needed God's mercy in your life, how long would that list be? As Christians, we would run out of paper or space on our hard drive, before we exhausted all the times we have needed God's mercy.

The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah knew how much he relied on God's mercy and His loving-kindness--and how often it had been there for him. How do you think Jeremiah felt when he wrote,

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23, NLT).

● Will God's mercy ever change? Why not?

● What is the basis for our faith in God's continuing mercy?

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

My Part

Take time to thank the Lord that He does not change. We constantly need His help to become more godly, more grateful and more aware of His mercies. Ask Him to change you to be more like Jesus. Because of His great mercy, He'll answer your prayer.

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[nChrist]

Title: God Is Sovereign
Date: Nov 14, 2007
Topic(s): God
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

   

After more than 200 years of democracy, many Americans have a poor understanding of what a sovereign--a king or queen--is. We tend to think of a monarch in one of two ways: either as a figurehead with little power or as a ruthless tyrant. We just can't imagine that a solitary person, who has such absolute power, can be a "good" person.

But that's exactly what God is, and we can read all about in the Bible.

What Does the Bible Say

The last two chapters of 1 Chronicles record the transition of power in Israel from David to Solomon. Though David wasn't the first king in Israel, he was certainly one of the most influential. In his 40 years as king, Israel became a nation to be reckoned with. The citizens had borders and an army and plans to build a magnificent temple to God. In those days, David was one of the most powerful men on earth.

So, it's kind of surprising to read this prayer of David as he prepares to transfer his kingship to his son Solomon:

And David said: "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name" (1 Chronicles 29:10-13, ESV).

David recognized that even kings bow to God. That's why we call Him King of Kings, and Lord of Lords--or Sovereign of Sovereigns.

My Thoughts

As you read through David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, think about the following questions:

● Would it be accurate to compare God to an American president? Why or why not?

● We've heard the phrase, "with great power comes great responsibility." In what ways do we see God exercising His power in these verses?

My Part

There's really only one appropriate response when coming before the King of Kings, and that is to bow the knee. If you are able, pray on your knees today. And before you pray anything else, pray the words of David from 1 Chronicles 29:10-13:

"Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name."

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 15, 2007
Topic: Thankfulness


Bringing Back Thank You

When I think of thankfulness, I'm reminded of an old hymn of the church:

*Thanks, O God, for boundless mercy
From Thy gracious throne above;
Thanks for every need provided
From the fullness of Thy love!

Thanks for daily toil and labor
And for rest when shadows fall;
Thanks for love and friend and neighbor
And Thy goodness unto all!

As we read those stanzas, we are reminded that God is due our thanks for literally everything that life brings our way. The hymn next goes on to suggest, "weakness and...health," "clouds as well as sunshine" and "pain as well as pleasure" are all reasons to say, "Thanks!" to the Lord.

What Does God Say?

God is pleased to hear prayers of thanksgiving. He does not appreciate ungratefulness. Listen to what He says:

"Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name"
(Psalm 30:4, ESV).

That's an Old Testament command, but what about Christians today? Well, here's something from the New Testament!

"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).

Rejoicing is God's will for you. Praying is God's will for you. Giving thanks is God's will for you.

Have you ever said, "Thank You!" to God because you have been reminded of His character? Why thank Him for that? Isn't that just the way He is? Yes, He's good; He loves; He's gracious; He's merciful, and He's kind. You may have thanked Him for being such a wonderful God. But He is also worthy to be thanked because He is holy and righteous and just. You need to thank God for all that He is!

My Thoughts

Do you sometimes wonder what has happened to the old-fashioned "Thank you"?

The apostle Paul warns that in the last days before Christ's return, ungratefulness will be one of the marks of the world.

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people" (2 Timothy 3:1-5, ESV).

Unthankfulness marks the world, but you should show the mark of a Christian by being thankful. Jot down some reasons, from the following verses, you find to be grateful to God.

Psalm 7:17
Psalm 9:1
Psalm 28:7
Psalm 106:1
1 Corinthians 1:4
1 Corinthians 15:57
2 Corinthians 9:15

My Part

Here's a way you can remind yourself to stay faithful in giving thanks to God. Write the following verses on a card you can carry in your purse or pocket, and then review them daily until you have them completely memorized. Emphasize the words, with thanksgiving, as you say the verses.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7, ESV).

*Storm, August Ludvig. Thanks to God! # 527in Great Hymns of the Faith. Compiled and edited by John W. Peterson. (Grand Rapids, MI: Singspiration Music of Zondervan Corporation, 1968 ).

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 16, 2007
Topic: Holiness


What About Holiness?

It may be the first word on the cover of your Bible. Some churches use it in their name. It appears in the hymns and choruses we sing. It's used to describe the City of God in Revelation and the Spirit of God throughout the New Testament.

The word is Holy. You probably see it often. Do you know what it means? Does it have anything to do with your own life? Let's look at what the Bible says about the word holy and its related word, holiness.

What Does God Say?

In Leviticus 19:2, God uses the word holy to describe both Himself and His chosen people, saying, "Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, 'You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.'" (ESV)

It's very important for you to notice that God did not say, "You shall be holy, as I am holy." God is holy in a way that is totally different from any of His creation. Yet, He did say His people are to be holy, so what did He mean?

The word, holy, in both the Old and New Testaments, means "to be separated from or set apart from." Used of God, it especially refers to God's majestic uniqueness, His moral perfection and His utter separation from all that is evil or impure. Read Psalm 99:1-5. Note that verses 1-3 speak of God's apartness from the things of earth; verses 4-5 speak of His purity and separation from sin and evil. When used of God's people, holiness refers to their responsibility to develop godly character in their lives.

But does the New Testament say anything like that? Do you have the obligation as a Christian to cultivate God-given holiness or godliness in your life? Read carefully what the apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 1:14-19, ESV:

"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.' And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."

So, it is clear. Both Old Testament and New Testament believers are called to be holy. That, by the way, is why they are called saints which means "set apart" or "sanctified" people.

My Thoughts

Here are some Bible questions with verses to look up. Write down the answers.

   1. Who is called holy in these references?
          * Exodus 15:11
          * John 6:68-69
          * Acts 1:8

   2. Who or what is called holy in these references?
          * Ephesians 1:4
          * Ephesians 5:27
          * 2 Timothy 1:9
          * Colossians 3:1

My Part

You are called to be holy, for God is holy. But how does the Lord make you holy?

First, He credits Christ's holiness to your account when you are saved. See Romans 8:1, which (although the word, holy is not used) speaks of your standing in Christ. Note also 2 Peter 1:4, "partakers of the Divine nature."

But you are not perfected yet, so God also trains you in holy living which is a process that goes on throughout your life until you enter into His presence. Finally, He finishes the work of making you holy and complete forever in your heavenly home.

Read Hebrews 12:9-11. What are some disciplines God is using in your life now to enable you to share in His holiness? Write down as many as you can think of.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 19, 2007
Topic: Thankfulness


To Life!

Every day you get a gift. God handed it to you the moment you were conceived. It's called your life. And no matter how well your day goes or what your physical, mental or emotional condition might be, life is a precious gift--one you need to thank God for.

What Does God Say?

Genesis 2:7 describes that first life-breathing gift: "The LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature"(ESV).

In Job 33:4, Elihu says,

"The Spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty gives me life" (ESV).

And "in his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10, ESV).

Isaiah talks about the Lord God as the One "who gives breath to the people on it [the earth] and spirit to those who walk in it" (Isaiah 42:5, ESV).

It sounds so simple, doesn't it? God gives you life--the air you breathe, the energy you burn, the muscles and thought, skills, emotions, personality and soul--all come from Him.

In Ecclesiastes, the Preacher (King Solomon) records a long and thoughtful search for meaning and purpose in life. In the end, he comes down to a few simple truths: daily food, good work and obedience to God. "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth" (Ecclesiastes 12:1, ESV), and to "fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13, ESV).

This type of "remember" is more than not forgetting something; it's a conscious choice to recall and reflect on something (specifically God) with gratitude, worship, honor and respect. It translates into how you live, not just what you say.

My Thoughts

Ecclesiastes focuses on life--what makes it meaningful or pointless, pleasant or unhappy. See what these verses say about the basic elements of a good life.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
Ecclesiastes 3:11-13
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Ecclesiastes 8:15

    * What activities do these verses talk about?
    * What attitudes keep cropping up?
    * What is/are God's gifts according to these verses?
    * What are some ways you can translate these things into your view of daily life?

My Part

When the alarm goes off too early, when your body doesn't work like it used to or your job drags you down, it's easy to forget that life is a gift from God. And you view your activities and routine as meaningless, difficult or without any joy. Maybe it's like that because you've forgotten to be thankful. God calls us to be thankful. First Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."(ESV)

Take a few moments to list some of the gifts you receive every day that you have life. Make it as basic as you want; maybe start with just two or three things. Then write God a thank-you note for those. Over the next week, take a moment to read your note out loud to Him (in prayer, if you like), adding to it whenever something else catches your attention. Making that conscious choice to be thankful for the basics of life can change your perspective.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 20, 2007
Topic: Thankfulness


Thanks For Work!

A man got up in the morning, rushed to the window, jerked up the shade, looked outside and lamented, "Oh, no! Not another day!"

Is that the way you feel about your daily work? Is it a burden to be borne until this weary life is over or is it a God-given privilege for which you give thanks?

Is work something eternal, or is your work forever over after you die? What attitude should Christians have about work? Let's look at some key lessons the Bible teaches about work.

What Does God Say?

The first mention of work in the Bible is in Genesis 2:2-3, where you see that God worked six days to accomplish His entire creation.

The first mention of work as it relates to human beings is in Genesis 2:5, where you find that "there was no man to work the ground."

Now, look up Genesis 2:15, what do you discover there about man and work?

All of those events took place before Adam and Eve sinned, showing that work is not a result of sin but a lasting gift of God.

Sin, however, made work more difficult and less rewarding--but no less necessary. Read Genesis 3:17-19.

The Bible makes it clear that God expects His people to work. Even Jesus, on the night He was arrested and condemned to be crucified, said in His prayer to the Father: "I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do" (John 17:4, ESV). He came to earth with an assignment from the Father, and He finished the job.

Paul says in Colossians 3:23, ESV, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

Work will continue in eternity on the new earth with the curse lifted forever: "There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him." (Revelation 22:3 NASB). To work in an environment of freedom and blessing will be a glorious experience.

My Thoughts

With the above information in mind, look up the following Bible passages and write down what you find concerning a Christian's attitude about his or her work.

    * Proverbs 16:3
    * Proverbs 18:9
    * Ephesians 4:28
    * 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13
    * 1 Corinthians 15:58

"Just think, God, the Creator of heaven and earth will be watching over you as you work today. He will delight in every extra effort you make. Then on Judgment Day He will say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:21,23, ESV).

My Part

Think today about two great gifts God has given you. One is the gift of life--for without that you could do nothing. The other is the gift of strength and skill to do work. Without that, you would have no way to give meaning to your life. Whether your work is driving a semi or praying for others, it is important to God.

Your daily work may seem insignificant, but consider what Lowell Lundstrom says in his devotional book, Daily Power Thoughts for Busy People:

"Your work is your ministry unto the Lord. Remember that when Jesus was sawing boards in the carpenter shop of Nazareth, he was fulfilling the will of God as much as when He preached the Sermon on the Mount. Your work as a secretary, housewife, farmer, mechanic or whatever is the expression of your love for God. So do your job well. The Bible says, 'Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might'" (Ecclesiastes 9:10, ESV).

Take pen and paper and write down some ways that you can make your work more of a blessing to yourself and a testimony to others. Give God thanks today for the work He has given you and the strength to do it.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 21, 2007
Topic: Thankfulness


God Gives Food

What is the eighth wonder of the world? That a black cow can eat green grass and give white milk. Ask a young child where milk comes from, and he is likely to name the local grocery store. We laugh, not just because he's cute; but because we know it comes from cows and dairy farms and distribution centers. But to be completely accurate, we would need to say that, like all our food, it is provided by God.

What Does God Say?

The Bible teaches that God is the source of our physical as well as spiritual necessities.
"Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God on the harp.
He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.
He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens when they call" (Psalm 147:7-9 NIV).
"He does great things too marvelous to understand.
He performs countless miracles.
He gives rain for the earth
and water for the fields" (Job 5:9-10 NLT).

The Bible teaches that God provides for all.

This is what God does: "he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike" (Matthew 5:45, NLT).

"He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever" (Psalm 136:25, NLT).

"Let all that I am praise the Lord.
O Lord my God, how great you are!
You are robed with honor and majesty
You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home,
and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor.
You cause grass to grow for the livestock
and plants for people to use.
You allow them to produce food from the earth--
wine to make them glad,
olive oil to soothe their skin,
and bread to give them strength " (Psalm 104:1,13-15, NLT).

My Thoughts

What might be one of the reasons God provides so generously for us?

"Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy" (Acts 14:17, NIV).

And what ought to be our response to His continuing provision? Remember how the Psalmist said it?
"Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God on the harp.
He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.
He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens when they call" (Psalm 147:7-9 NIV).
One of the great encouragements to give thanks to God for our food is the example of Jesus.

John 6:11 says, "Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish" (NIV). Jesus thanked God for the food when He fed the 5,000.

"After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, 'Take this and divide it among you.' And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me'" (Luke 22:17, 19 NIV).

"As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them" (Luke 24:30, NLT).

My Part

When God gives us what we need but do not have, that is an expression of His grace. And we follow Jesus' example when we "say grace" before a meal, thanking God for His goodness and His provision.

"Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat" (Acts 27:35-36, NIV).

By the way, when we do that sincerely with grateful hearts, we, too, feel better and eat with less indigestion and stress.

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