Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 9, 2008
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Bible Characters, Faith/Trust


Divine Instructions

Wouldn't it be nice if God just handed you the instructions for your life and said, "Go for it"? We'd like to think so. Especially when we read the story of Noah and think he had it easy because God so clearly told him what to do.

What Does God Say?

Noah's story begins in Genesis 6 when God points him out as a righteous man living in a corrupt world. The divine instructions begin in Genesis 6:13-14, "And God said to Noah, 'I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood" (ESV). And then He went into detail on building the first boat.

In the next three chapters, you'll find God gave Noah instructions at least four more times, each time adding the next step. And according to Genesis 6:22 and 7:5, Noah did everything just as God commanded--even up to the very moment he stepped onto dry land again (Genesis 8:15-16).

Noah shows us it's important to listen when God instructs us and to obey at the right time. If Noah had chosen to do his own thing and leave the ark before God said so, he'd have been stuck in the mud or even drowned. He heard from God, then acted accordingly.

Through the rest of Genesis, you'll find others, like Abraham and Jacob, who received specific instructions from God. When they did what God said, things worked out better than when they did their own thing. Their lives reflected three attitudes:

    * Trust--that God knows what's best,
    * Belief--that obedience is the best way to operate,
    * Confidence--that God is with you through it all.

My Thoughts

If you're thinking, Noah had it easy because God was direct and specific, look at how we find God's instructions today. You know what I'm going to say: God put His Word, the Bible, into our hands--and it's all we need. In Psalm 32:8, He says,

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you." (ESV)

These verses have a few of God's instructions. Jot down your findings.
Deuteronomy 30:16
Joshua 1:7-9
Matthew 22:36-38
Colossians 3:12-17

Use a concordance, study Bible or commentary to help you find more of God's instructions for you.

My Part

So, what are you looking for today? A plan that has your name on it, spelling out everything you're supposed to do between here and the end of your life? Or are you looking at God's Word regularly to see how He wants you to live? Sometimes that's really the harder task. For example, instead of asking if God wants you to change jobs, ask Him to help you to "work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23, NIV).

There's enough instruction in the Bible to keep you busy forever. Start reading God's Word and see how He wants you to follow Him. Some details--like where and when--He engineers as you seek Him first. Remember to ask yourself:

    * Do I trust that God knows what's best?
    * Do I believe that obedience is the best way to operate?
    * Am I confident that God is with me, no matter what?

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 10, 2008
Topic: Faith/Trust


When God Calls

Genesis 12 records one of those great moments in the history of faith. Abraham, called by God, leaves his homeland to go to an unknown country. God blesses Abraham and later promises, "To your offspring I will give this land" (Genesis 12:7, ESV).

There are others of these moments throughout the Bible, when God calls and people listen. God called Moses to return to Egypt and later to lead the Israelites across the wilderness. He called Gideon to lead the battle against the Midianites. Nehemiah heard God's call to restore the ruined city of Jerusalem. And Jesus called many of the disciples directly to follow Him.

So often we look at these stories and marvel at the faith of these saints in the face of the unknown. But this time I want to focus, not on what Abraham didn't know, but instead on what he did know.

What Does the Bible Say

God called Abraham to go to an unknown country, but is there anything Abraham did know? Quite a bit actually. "Now the Lord said to Abram" (Genesis 12:1, ESV).

Let's stop there because here's the first thing Abraham knew: it was God who was calling him. When other people ask us to do something, we can have valid reasons to doubt depending on who's doing the asking. But not so when God calls. Standing behind His requests are all the promises He's ever made--to love us and to guide us as a Father.

"Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you" (Genesis 12:1, ESV). Another thing Abraham knew is that God was going to guide him. Though he didn't know the country he was going to, Abraham had God's promise that when he got there, he'd know.

"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2, ESV). Finally, Abraham knew that God had a purpose in calling him. God didn't say, "do this" and expect Abraham to jump for no reason. God had a purpose and a reason for calling Abraham. The same is true when He calls us today.

When God calls us today, He may not fill in all the blanks for us but that shouldn't worry us. Instead of worrying about the unknown, remember what you do know and walk forward with confidence.

My Thoughts

Look up the following verses and indicate what you have been called to based on each verse:

● Romans 1:7

● 1 Corinthians 1:9

● Galatians 5:13

● 1 Timothy 6:12

● 1 Peter 2:20-21

My Part

Select one or more of the verses above to explore in depth. Read the verses before and after so as to understand the context. Then write out the things that you can know about this particular calling.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 11, 2008
Topic: Faith/Trust


God Calling

A professor sat at his desk one evening working on the next day's lectures. His housekeeper had laid that day's mail and papers on his desk, and he began to shuffle through them discarding most in the wastebasket. He then noticed a magazine, which was not even addressed to him but delivered to his office by mistake. It fell open to an article titled "The Needs of the Congo Mission."

Casually he began to read when he was suddenly consumed by these words: "The need is great here. We have no one to work the northern province of Gabon in the central Congo. And it is my prayer as I write this article that God will lay His hand on one--one on whom, already, the Master's eyes have been cast--that he or she shall be called to this place to help us." Professor Albert Schweitzer closed the magazine and wrote in his diary: "My search is over." He gave himself to the Congo.

God may be calling you. Perhaps He's calling you to a ministry. Maybe He's calling you to put away habits that are hindering your spiritual growth. How should you respond? Let's look at the example of Abraham.

What Does God Say?

God told Abram: "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you."

"So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth--his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran--and headed for the land of Canaan." (Genesis 12:1-5, NLT).

Obedient faith, that's how to begin the journey--especially the journey of leaving the past and/or our past lives behind. And when we respond to God and His guiding, we'll find ourselves on the journey of a lifetime--a journey that God blesses.

    * What are the lessons you learn from Abraham's response to God's call in the above Scripture?
    * Which of these lessons do you have the most difficulty applying?
    * What did God promise Abraham?

My Thoughts

When God calls us to leave behind our old lives, it doesn't necessarily mean a physical leaving like Abraham's move to a distant land, but it could mean something even harder--like leaving bad relationships or old habits.

    * How can you let go of those kinds of things in order to follow Jesus?
    * How will you measure your success?

My Part

Get alone with God. Spend time in prayer. Make the right decisions, decisions that square with God's will and God's Word. And then, spend a lot of time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to give you strength, to give you wisdom, to give you the right timing and the courage necessary to step out on your journey of faith. If you have someone who can help you, then accept their support; if not, the Holy Spirit is more than enough help to give you a clean break with your past.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 14, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Obedience/Discipleship


Running Ahead of God

We often think that only in modern times have humans become impatient. We have fast cars, fast computers and fast food. We use cell phones now, so we don't have to wait to talk to our friends--and with the rise of texting, writing out whole words can be tiresome--idk y, ttyl (I don't know, why?; talk to you later).

But humans have always been impatient. It's always been hard to wait, and if we have to wait too long, we often take matters into our own hands. Over 4,000 years ago, Abraham and his wife did that very thing.

What Does the Bible Say

Genesis 15 ends with this wonderful promise from God to Abraham: "'To your offspring I give this land'" (Genesis 15:18, ESV). Abraham and Sarah didn't have any children at the time, so they knew they'd have to wait. Problem was, Abraham was 86 years old and Sarah was around 76 years old when chapter 16 begins.

Sarah took matters into her own hands and gave Hagar, her handmaiden to Abraham, to bear children. The results were less than perfect. Jealousy arose between Sarah and Hagar. Hagar boasted that she could have children and Sarah couldn't. And, finally, Sarah kicked the pregnant Hagar out of the house. So much for trying to fulfill God's promises on her own.

As it happened, Abraham and Sarah would have to wait another 14 years until Isaac was born. And when it happened, it was perfectly clear that it was God providing the child and not some scheme of Sarah and Abraham's.

My Thoughts

As you read Genesis 16, think about the following questions:
What are the consequences of Sarah and Abraham's actions?
How do you see the graciousness of God at work?
What things do you have trouble waiting on God for?

My Part

It's interesting that, as far as I can tell, God never specifically punishes Sarah and Abraham for taking matters into their own hands. It's a reminder that the consequences of our sins are often punishment enough. Maybe you're dealing with the consequences today of trying to move too fast, of getting ahead of God. Remember the words of 1 John 1:9 as you pray today and allow God to restore you to the right path.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 15, 2008
Topic: Prayer, Obedience/Discipleship, God


Promises & Prayer

God has made many promises to us. One is that He will hear and answer our prayers. His answers may not come at the time or in the way we expect, but He still keeps His promise. Just ask Abraham.

What Does God Say?

Abraham's greatest prayer was for a son. God listened and at least six times, He promised an answer. Genesis 15:4-6 gives us one example. "Then the LORD said to him, 'No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.' Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, 'Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have!' And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith" (NLT).

Sure, Abraham had to wait years to see his prayer answered; and, even then, he saw only one or two more generations, not the whole nation God had promised. But that was something he trusted to God.

This promise to answer is one of the great promises God makes to you and me. Isaiah 30:19 tells us to have confidence in God because "He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you" (ESV). Jesus said, "You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!" (John 14:13-14, NLT).

My Thoughts

God promises to hear and answer our prayers, but we also need to understand prayer better. What do you observe about prayer in these verses?
Psalm 86:1-7
James 1:5-8
1 John 5:13-15

The following verses give you several reasons why God answers prayer. What are they?
John 17:1-5
Numbers 14:17-21; 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Exodus 32:12-13

My Part

God hears your prayers, and He's promised to answer. But what if you have to wait, like Abraham did? Or if the answer isn't what you thought you wanted? That's when you do what Abraham did and believe God. Trust Him to do what's best according to His will (Matthew 6:10). That's how Jesus prayed: "'My Father…not as I will, but as you will'" (Matthew 26:39, ESV). Some call this the "prayer that never fails," because it means you're willing for God to do exactly what He thinks is best and you'll leave it to Him.

Try including that statement in your prayers. Feel free to lay out all the details before God but entrust those details to Him for the best possible solution. You may even want to do it in writing if it helps you. Borrowing a prayer from God's Word is good, too--try Psalm 86 that you read earlier.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 16, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Salvation


Being Right

Mark Twain said, "Always do right. This will gratify most people, and astonish the rest." If that were only possible, Twain might be right. But all of us know that "always doing right" is a pretty impossible standard. Fortunately, God has a different standard. Rather than "do right," He wants us to "be right." Let's see how the Bible distinguishes between these two.

What Does God Say?

The focus of the Law was on "doing right." But look at what Paul says in Romans 4:1-6.

What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

"But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works" (NKJV).

● What was the basis for Abraham's righteousness?

● Read Genesis 15:4-6. What did Abraham believe?

● Read the following verses and indicate what they tell you about "being right" (righteousness):

Ephesians 2:8-9
John 3:16-17
John 1:12

My Thoughts

Righteousness is having a "right" relationship with God. As the verses above indicate, that relationship comes not by "doing right" but by believing (faith) that God has provided the way to this right relationship through His Son, Jesus Christ. Abraham had faith that Someone from his descendents would be a blessing to all the nations (Genesis 22:18 ). We, for our part, have faith that God sent that Someone in the person of Jesus Christ.

Whether we lived in Abraham's time or we live today, righteousness comes not from "doing right" but from "being right." And we can only "be right" through faith in Jesus Christ.

My Part

Take a few moments today to thank God for the righteousness which is ours not by works but through Jesus Christ. We can "be right" with Him because Jesus died for our sins. If you are not right with God, you can become "right" by accepting Christ as your Savior.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 17, 2008
Topic: Holiness, God


God's Judgment

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good things happen to bad people? Those are not easy questions, and the Bible does not always provide an answer or understanding that satisfies us. But there is a question the Bible does answer to our satisfaction: Why do bad things happen to bad people? Let's see what the Bible teaches.

What Does God Say?

"So the Lord told Abraham, 'I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know " (Genesis 18:20-21, NLT).

    * What is it that attracted the attention of God to Sodom and Gomorrah?
    * What do you think might be the cause of the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah?
    * Who do you think might have been the source of that outcry?

My Thoughts

After seeing or hearing the news reports regarding school shootings, child abductions, home invasions and all the other horrifying incidences happening today have you ever asked, "Why does God let such wicked things keep happening?" The more conscious you are of how ungodly our world is, the more that question can haunt you. When will God ever punish the evildoers? We know that at the end of time, God will judge all those not in Christ for the sins they have committed. But there are times even now, before the final judgment, when God says to the wicked, "That's enough."

And that is what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah.

"Then the Lord rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky on Sodom and Gomorrah. He utterly destroyed them, along with the other cities and villages of the plain, wiping out all the people and every bit of vegetation" (Genesis 19:24-25, NLT).

Why do you think the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was justified?

My Part

The judgment of God is a terrible thing, but His heart is always turned to mercy if we will repent and respond to His grace.

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

Now would be a good time to turn to God in repentance (because our sins grieve His heart), in gratitude (because His mercy is extended to us) and in worship (because He is a God of judgment and love).

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 18, 2008
Topic:


The Promise Keeper

Someone has estimated that there are 7,487 promises in the Bible. Of course some of them are made to specific individuals or groups of people. But many of them can be claimed by you and me.

The question is, however, can we trust God to fulfill them? Owen Felltham, a 17th century English writer, put it well when he said, "Promises may get friends, but it is performance that keeps them." So, what is God's performance record when it comes to fulfilling His promises? Let see what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

"But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us--by me, Silvanus, and Timothy--was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee" (2 Corinthians 1:18-22, NKJV).

● What does Paul mean when he says his words were not "Yes and No"?
● Where are God's promises found to be a "Yes"?
● What is the guarantee that God's promises will be fulfilled?

My Thoughts

All of God's promises from Genesis to Revelation are focused on one person--Jesus Christ. In Him the promises of our salvation, the redemption of Israel, our future in heaven and everything else find their fulfillment. When doubts about God's faithfulness to His Word crop up, open your Bible to the Gospels, and read again about the fulfillment of God's promises. As Paul reminds us in Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son , but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (NKJV)

My Part

Read the Gospel of Matthew. As you read, keep a notebook handy to record the promises that you find fulfilled through the life and death of Jesus.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 21, 2008
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Faith In The Fire

Student: "Hey, Prof! What kind of test will we have for the semester final?"

The rest of the class: "Yeah, will it be essay? True/False? Multiple choice? Fill in the blank? Are there any oral questions? How long will it be? "

But the professor, in his wisdom, refused to answer beyond saying, "Just be sure you're ready for anything!"

Do you find it hard to believe that there are tests God gives you as a Christian, especially tests of the genuineness of your faith, and that you don't know how or when they will come to you or what the nature of them will be? Is that fair of God? Why does He test us?

What Does God Say?

Abraham, the father of the Hebrew nation, was famous for his faith in God. He was even called the "friend of God" (James 2:23). Yet, Abraham's Friend put him through one of the severest tests of faith you will find in the Bible. You can read about this test in Genesis 22:1-19.

Hebrews 11:17-19 (ESV) comments on that test: "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, 'Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.' He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back."

My Thoughts

If Abraham and other famous men and women of God were tested in order to refine their faith, can we deny that our faith, as well, needs to be tested and proved genuine?
Peter, whose faith was tested more than once, wrote: "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6-7, ESV).

Now, look up James 1:2-4 and answer these questions:

    * What is to be your attitude when God sends a test your way?
    * What kinds of trials does He use?
    * What does the testing of your faith produce?
    * What are further benefits of the testing?

It is important that you recognize the difference between temptations and God's tests of your faith. Temptation is a lure to sin in order to get something by disobeying God. God never tempts you, but Satan does. On the other hand, God does test you in order to strengthen and purify your faith and confidence in Him.

Some of the Lord's tests are sudden and unexpected requiring you to make a decision, such as Philip experienced (John 6:5-6). Some are encountered as you are simply following the path of obedience as Abraham was (Hebrews 11:17-19). Some are short, but others are long and drawn out (Job); and some tests, though simple, have great consequences for other people as well as the one who is tested (consider Adam and Eve, in Genesis 3).

My Part

Your faith in God will be tested. To see why this will happen, look up the following verses and write down what things God may want to accomplish in your life as you go through tests of your faith.

Job 23:10
Exodus 20:20
1 Corinthians 3:13
1 Peter 1:6-7

Proverbs 17:3 (ESV) says:

"The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and the LORD tests hearts."

Pray this prayer of David as you come to the end of your study today:

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 22, 2008
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


It Takes Character

A clerical error at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, sent a supply clerk with the 82nd Airborne Division out the door of an airplane on his first parachute jump--without any formal training. Army Specialist Jeff Lewis, 23, who landed unhurt, said he was just doing what a good soldier is supposed to do: Follow orders. "The Army said I was airborne-qualified," Lewis said. "I wasn't going to question it."

Now, that's the kind of obedience God wants. In Genesis 22 we find a man named Abraham who was willing to give just that kind of obedience. Let's take a look.

What Does the Bible Say

In Genesis 22 Abraham traveled to the land of Moriah to sacrifice his only son as a burnt offering in obedience to God's command?

Abraham and Sarah had waited years to receive God's promise of a child. They loved Isaac deeply and wanted their little son. But Abraham was a man of obedience. And after so many years of faithfully serving God, he wasn't about to stop obeying Him. When we get to verse 8, we see the heart of Abraham's character.

In verse seven, Isaac asks, "'Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?'"

Then in verse 8, "Abraham said, 'God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son'" (ESV).

Abraham, though he didn't understand God's command that he sacrifice his only son still trusted that God would provide if he obeyed. God had provided blessing after blessing in Abraham's life. And God had provided a son for Abraham and his wife even when they were very old. Abraham had seen too much to doubt God. And so he set off to obey God's instruction.

My Thoughts

As you read through Genesis 22:1-19, think about the following questions:

    * Would people today respect Abraham's obedience to God's request? Why or why not?
    * What would it take for you to trust God and obey Him even if what you desired with all your heart seemed to be in jeopardy?
    * In what areas of your life are you finding it difficult to obey God?

My Part

If you have identified an area of your life where you are finding it difficult to obey God, ask God to help you be obedient. Then go one step further-ask someone you can trust to make you accountable for being obedient in that area.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 23, 2008
Topic: Salvation


Jacob's Ladder

The Bible is made up of 66 books, composed by more than 40 authors over a period of 1,400 years. Is it possible to sum up the message of the Bible in 25 words or less? Yes. In fact, the theme and focus of the entire Bible can be summed up in one word: Jesus.

What Does God Say?

The first 39 books (Genesis to Malachi) tell us that Jesus is coming. The next 4 books (Matthew to John) tell us that Jesus has come. The next 22 books (Acts to Jude) tell us that Jesus can come into our lives. The last book (Revelation) tells us that Jesus is coming again.

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God's purpose has always been to connect people to Himself through Jesus. Repeatedly, people, situations, events and places affirm this message. Jacob's ladder (angels ascending and descending from God--Genesis 28:10-22) is one example of God reminding us that He has made it possible for us to have a relationship with Him, to forgive our sins and to be involved in our lives. That happened through Jesus.

    * Describe Jacob dream in Genesis 28:10-22?
    * What did God say to Jacob in the dream?
    * How are all the families of the earth being blessed through Jacob's descendants?

What do the following Scriptures teach you about Jesus and the message of Jacob's ladder?

"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love--not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:9-10, NLT).
"So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God" (Romans 5:11, NLT).
"God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:5-6, NLT).

My Thoughts

What do the following truths teach you about the coming of Jesus?

When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

 "'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
 for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
and that the time of the Lord's favor has come.'
"He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. 'The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!'" (Luke 4:16-21, NLT).
"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand. And he told them, 'Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!'" (Acts 7:55-56, NLT).

"'Men of Galilee,'" they said, "'why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!'" (Acts 1:11, NLT).

My Part

The most important question that you can answer is this: Do I have a personal relationship with God because I have accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord?

That's the only way to God. That's the only way to heaven. That's the only way to face life and face death. Invite Jesus into your heart to be your Savior, forgive you of your sins and make you a part of God's family. He'll do it gladly--that's why the Bible tells us He came.

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.... Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:1-4,6, NLT).

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 24, 2008
Topic: God


Encounter With God

If you turned around right now and God was standing there, how would you react? I've heard some people say they'd love a chance to meet God and give Him a piece of their minds. But if you take a few moments to read what the Bible says, you'll find out exactly what happens when people encounter God.

What Does the Bible Say

Jacob, on the run from his angry brother, stopped for the night. "And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, 'I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac" (Genesis 28:12-13, ESV).

It was probably the last place Jacob expected to have any kind of encounter with God. But that just underscores the point that God can meet us anytime, anywhere. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof," (Psalm 24:1, ESV) the psalmist says. "Where shall I go from your Spirit?" (Psalm 139:7, ESV). Even in the wilderness, even on the run, God's not too far away.

"Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.' And he was afraid and said, 'How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven" (Genesis 28:16-17, ESV).

Jacob knew in an instant who it was who had appeared to him in his dream. There was no scratching his head wondering, Was that really God who spoke to me? When you encounter God, you know it.

"So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar" (Genesis 28:18, ESV). Notice two things about Jacob's encounter with God: Jacob was struck with fear at what he had seen, and he was moved to worship God. Anyone who thinks they can approach God and demand anything from Him is, quite frankly, a fool. Look at the number of times God told His servants, "do not be afraid," and it's not too hard to realize that the presence of the holiness of God is both awesome and terrifying.

My Thoughts

As you read Genesis 28:10-22, think about the following questions.

    * It's hard to think of God, who is good, causing fearful reactions, and yet we see it many places in the Bible. Why do you think that is?
    * What does God do to show Jacob that He still loves him?
    * Have you ever known that God was talking to you? What did you do?
    * Based on Jacob's response, how would you describe "worship"?

My Part

We may not have dreams like Jacob, but it is still possible to encounter God in a personal way. How does your worship response compare to Jacob's? What could you do to prepare yourself to worship with the same attitude that Jacob had?

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 25, 2008
Topic: Relationships, Christian Living/Situational, Bible Characters


Giving Grace

So, you're about to meet the person you've seriously wronged...He or she has every right to be furious with you—maybe even do you bodily harm. But instead of anger and violence, you're met with open arms and a generous heart. Surprised? Of course, surprised by grace when you really deserved something much different.

What Does God Say?

This was the scenario for Jacob when he came face to face with his twin brother, Esau. Esau was the brother he'd conned into turning over the family birthright and then cheated out of their father's blessing. Esau's response? Check out Genesis 27:41. "Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, 'The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob'" (ESV). Not exactly the guy you want to run into, even years later!

We don't know what happened to Esau during the years in between. Maybe he'd done all right for himself and the inheritance didn't matter as much; maybe he'd grown up and let the grudge go. Whatever it was, Jacob had no expectation of a meeting like the one he got. "But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept" (Genesis 33:4, ESV).

That's a great example of grace. Most of the time we think of grace as something between God and us and that's true. Grace is a gift God gives us through Jesus--enjoying the rich benefits of our relationship with God even though we've done nothing good or right to deserve it. But we're also to be imitators of God, giving grace to others. That means we need to respond with an attitude that shows undeserved or unearned forgiveness and restores strained relationships, a response that lets people back into our lives, not because of what they do but because of what God's done for us.

My Thoughts

The Bible offers other examples of people who responded with grace (and its close cousin, mercy). Compare the following verses.
Abraham: Genesis 13:1-12; Genesis 14:1-16
Joseph: Genesis 37:12-36; Genesis 42:6-25; Genesis 45:1-15
David: 1 Samuel 19:8-18; 1 Samuel 23:7-24:15; 1 Samuel 26.
Jesus: John 18:15-18; John 21:15-19

    * Who exercised grace? How did they do that?
    * Who was the recipient of that?
    * What, if anything changed?
    * What does it take to extend grace to another?

My Part

Something wonderful happens when you experience grace: You understand its value and benefits, and it allows you to offer grace to others. But first, have you received the grace that God offers? Are you taking His gift with an open and humble hand? Or are you still trying to be good enough for Him so as to earn His favor some other way? Ephesians 2:8-9 says that "by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (ESV).

Showing grace is one way you become more like Christ. Now, you can't "save" people, but you can treat someone with the grace God has shown you. You can forgive when you'd rather hold a grudge. You can restore a relationship that's been marred by anger. You can be kind and merciful to those who mistreat or misjudge you. So, who needs grace from you today? What's keeping you from showing grace to them? Can you imagine how surprised they might be if you did? Ask God to show you ways you can demonstrate real grace right now.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 28, 2008
Topic: God's Care


Living In God's Presence

Amy Carmichael commented about God in her book, Gold by Moonlight: "It is not the sense of His presence; it is the fact of His presence that is our strength and stay."

Nothing is more comforting than the knowledge that God is always with you. But what does the Lord want you to know about His presence?

What Does God say?

Joseph, son of Jacob, was mistreated by his brothers, who sold him to Ishmaelite slave traders. Genesis 39:1-2 (ESV) tells us what became of him after that.

"Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master."

As a slave or, later on, as a ruler in the palace of Pharoah, king of Egypt, Joseph never forgot that God was with him and never failed to practice God's presence in his life.

My Thoughts

Read Psalm 139:1-18, paying attention to God's closeness to you.
God has chosen to be with His people. As a believer, you may confidently claim His promise to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

The following Bible passages tell you several things about God's being "with you." Find the passages and answer the questions below. Think about what each passage means to you personally.

    * Psalm 27:4--What did King David desire above all else?
    * Psalm 34:18-19--Where is God when you go through problems and difficulties?
    * Psalm 140:12-13--What does God promise to believers who are persecuted?
    * Isaiah 57:15--In what two places does God say He dwells?
    * Jonah 1:3-4--What wrong notion did Jonah have about God?
    * Jeremiah 23:23-24--What does God say about trying to hide from Him?
    * Matthew 1:23--What name of Jesus reflects the truth of His presence with you?
    * Revelation 21:3--What is God's eternal desire and plan for you and all His children?

My Part

Oswald Chambers, in his book, Run Today's Race, makes this observation about God's unchanging presence with us: "Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret, and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God" (p. 26).

Memorize Psalm 23:4. Ask the Lord to give you the same kind of confidence David had about God's presence with him.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 29, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Revealing God's Wisdom

All of us want to be wise and want others to have that opinion of us. But many people don't know where to find wisdom. They look to human philosophies or the latest self-help books trying to find the answers to life. The Bible, however, tells us the source of genuine wisdom.

What Does God Say?

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (James 1:2-5, ESV).

    * Wisdom appears in the context of trials and patience. How do these three subjects fit together?
    * Where does wisdom come from?
    * What is God's attitude toward those who ask Him for wisdom?

My Thoughts

Wisdom begins with becoming a Christ-follower and choosing to guide your life according to His Word.

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it" (Matthew 7:24-27, ESV).

My Part

Take time now to pray and ask God to help you spend time in His Word seeking His wisdom. Make it your goal to read His Word at least four times each week.

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