Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 30, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


What's Best for Us

Years ago Ivory soap was one of America's favorite soaps. What made it so popular? It could float. But this attribute was not intentional--at least to start with. It was due to a mistake in its original production. In 1878, Harley Procter and James Gamble decided to create a new white soap that would rival the castile soaps made by their competitors. Their soap was a success, but in 1879 a worker accidentally allowed the soap solution to be over mixed. The new version of the soap was an immediate success because it bobbed to the surface of the water. That's the way it is in our lives. God turns even those things we consider evil into something good.

What Does God Say?

"When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, 'Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.' So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, 'Before your father died he commanded, saying, "Thus you shall say to Joseph: 'I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.' Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

"Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, 'Behold, we are your servants.'

"Joseph said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.' And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them" (Genesis 50:15-21, NKJV).

● Joseph recognized that his brothers meant him evil, so why didn't he punish them?
● How did Joseph demonstrate that he truly forgave his brothers?
● Joseph's saw that God brought good out of evil not only for him, but for whom?

My Thoughts

Keep in mind that Joseph's transformation from slave/prisoner to second-in-command in Egypt didn't happen overnight. When he was sold into slavery, he was a teenager. When he was brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams, Joseph was a mature man. But during all this time, Joseph never wavered in his commitment to the Lord.

Some people become angry and even bitter at God because a tragedy occurs for no seemingly good reason. What advice would you give them based on the life of Joseph?

My Part

Maybe you or someone you care about has been unjustly treated. Write out this event in as much detail as you can. Bring this story to the Lord (maybe you would like to actually spread the page(s) out before the Lord as Hezekiah did in 2 Kings 19:14). Ask the Lord to 1) bring about justice in His own time, 2) bring good out of this for you and others, 3) give you patience and a positive attitude while you wait for Him to work. Then take the papers and destroy them putting the whole situation into God's hands.

____________________

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 31, 2008
Topic: God's Care, Bible Characters, Faith/Trust


When God Writes Your Story

Are you someone who peeks at the last pages of a novel, just to make sure the story turns out all right? Then you probably find it frustrating when God doesn't give you a sneak preview of how your own story goes. It's true, when we read the accounts of people in the Bible, we have the benefit of knowing how their stories end. But imagine what it must have been like for someone like Joseph who had no clue about the outcome of his own story. What do you do when you're in the midst of adversity and have no idea how it's all going to turn out? The Bible tells us.

What Does God Say?

Joseph started out just fine as his father's favorite son, with a gift for dreams (Genesis 37:3-11). But not everyone appreciated him. In fact, his brothers hated him enough to try to kill him, but sold him into slavery instead (Genesis 37:12-36).

As a slave in Egypt, Joseph ended up working for a powerful man, and that seemed fine until the boss's wife made false accusations which landed him in prison (Genesis 39). While still a prisoner, Joseph earned a privileged position, one where he was able to interpret some dreams for a couple of people who might provide him a way out. But he was forgotten and left alone again (Genesis 40). That's the first half of Joseph's story--setbacks, injustices, a few glimmers of hope and then...nothing.

Nothing except that "the LORD was with Joseph" (Genesis 39:2, 21, 23), and we see over and over that Joseph held onto his faith in God. Even a meteoric rise to power as second in command over all Egypt (Genesis 41) didn't change his faith in God.

Then Joseph faced an even greater test: His brothers, the very men who started the trouble, showed up again when he had the power to take revenge (Genesis 42-44). In fact, when the brothers figured out who they were dealing with, that's what they feared the most.

But Joseph, without reading the end of the book, expressed his own faith in God's perfect plan. In Genesis 45:4-8, we read, "And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life...God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God" (ESV).

Even later, after their father Jacob died, the old fears resurfaced and Joseph once again told his brothers, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" (Genesis 50:19-20, ESV).

My Thoughts

God can bring good out of evil. Joseph's entire life demonstrates that fact. What made the biggest difference for Joseph was that he trusted God to carry out His perfect plan...even if it was personally unpleasant or uncomfortable for him. Read through Genesis 37, 39-45, and 50 on your own with these questions in mind?

    * What are some of the things Joseph says about God?
    * How do you see his view of God influencing his actions?
    * What are some times when he demonstrated confident faith?
    * You see Joseph's brothers operating without much faith in God. How did that work for them? What characterized their actions?
    * How would you describe your faith in God to write your story?

My Part

Remember, Joseph didn't know how his story would end, but he was willing to trust God to do what was best, even when life was at its worst. Rejection, attempted murder, slavery, injustice, prison--Joseph held onto his faith through all that because he believed God was good, God was greater--and God knows the end of the story.

So, where are you at now? What answers are you anxiously waiting for? Are you willing to let God work it all out for good? You've read Joseph's life statement in Genesis 50:20, but what would your life statement be? Take a few moments to think it through and write it down. Keep it in your Bible or make it part of your prayer time as you commit your life to God.

____________________

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 1, 2008
Topic: Salvation, Bible Characters, God's Love


What's A Prodigal?

The word "prodigal" means one who is reckless, wasteful or a spendthrift.
Prodigal is most often understood from a story that Jesus told. In 313 words,
Jesus paints a picture that has more reality than any of the "reality" shows on
TV--a drama that has touched hearts for 2,000 years.

What Does God Say?

"Jesus told them this story: 'A man had two sons. The younger son told his
father, "I want my share of your estate now before you die." So his father
agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.

"'A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a
distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time
his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve.
He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to
feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding
the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.

"'When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, 'At home even the
hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will
go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and
you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a
hired servant."'

"So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his
father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son,
embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned
against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your
son.'

"But his father said to the servants, 'Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house
and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill
the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of
mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.'
So the party began" (Luke 15:11-24, NLT)

My Thoughts

    * List the main scenes in this short story.
    * What emotions color each scene?
    * In light of the story, how would you describe a "prodigal?"
    * Here's the big question: Jesus was doing more than just telling a touching
story. What was He intending to teach us?

The emphasis in the story of the prodigal son is not about the son but about the
father. Jesus used the heart and actions of the father to teach us about the
heart of the Heavenly Father. God loves sinners and with open arms always
welcomes them to His heart and home.

My Part

If you have never experienced the love, forgiveness and joy that God gives
through Jesus, why don't you come to Him?

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 4, 2008
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Bible Characters


Starting Line Lessons

A key to running a successful race is getting a good start. You want to come off
the blocks quickly, keep your balance, focus your energy in the right direction
and move forward. But a good start is only part of the race. Peter, one of
Jesus' disciples, had a great race--a few stumbles along the way but on the
whole a good race. What can we learn, however, from his start?

What Does God Say?

In Matthew 4:18-20, Jesus called Peter. "While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he
saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a
net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me, and
I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed
him" (ESV).

John 1:35-42 tells us that Andrew had first followed John the Baptist, but when
Jesus came along, he made the switch and introduced Peter to Jesus. So, this
moment along the shore probably wasn't their first meeting. But meeting Jesus
and being called to follow Him are two different things. Jesus wasn't interested
in making new friends; He wanted to make disciples, working with people who
would change the world in His name.

That's what He called Peter to do: "Follow Me. Be one of mine; put your faith
and your future in Me and you'll fish for others for My kingdom."

And Peter's start? Right off the blocks, he drops everything and takes off after
Jesus. He leaves his livelihood, his family and his home. The only promise Jesus
made was that He'd teach him to fish for people. Not much to go on, is it? But
Peter did it anyway. He turned his back on the past and moved forward with
Jesus.

This is faith in action; belief that has an impact. Andrew had told him earlier
that Jesus was the Messiah (John 1:40-42), but it was enough for Peter to act.
We often say we believe, but then our actions don't reinforce it. We struggle to
do what Peter did--to drop our own lives in order to live the one Jesus has for
us.

My Thoughts

So, what can we learn from Peter's good start? Here are three lessons to
consider:

Lesson #1--When Jesus calls you to follow, He doesn't negotiate or make
suggestions. You respond either by accepting Him or rejecting Him. Look at these
people and describe their responses: Genesis 12:1-5; 1 Samuel 3:1-11; Mark
2:13-17; Luke 19:1-10.

Lesson #2--There's no half-measure in following Jesus, no holding onto your past
life. Yes, there are a few times when Peter went fishing again, but it's clearly
no longer the focus of his life.

    * Have you been trying to hold onto your own life AND follow Jesus?
    * What do you need to let go of?

Lesson #3--A good start doesn't keep you from stumbling...but recovery is
possible. Peter made some big blunders including denying Jesus. But Jesus also
restored him. Read John 21:15-19 to see what Jesus said to get Peter back in the
race. Anything we've seen already in Peter's story?

My Part

As any runner knows, a great start doesn't guarantee a great finish. But a good
start is the first, best step. When Jesus calls you, get off to a good start;
let go of the past; drop your nets and move forward with Him.

Take a few moments to think about how you started this race. Write out your
story and share it with someone else. Is there anything about your "start" that
might be hindering your race today? If so, write it down and then seek help in
dealing with it. If it's sin, confess it and forsake it. If it's a lack of
knowledge, then ask your pastor if there's some course of study you could take
that will help you overcome this obstacle. But don't just sit there (you can't
run a race sitting still), do something!

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[Def]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 4, 2008
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Bible Characters


Starting Line Lessons

A key to running a successful race is getting a good start. You want to come off
the blocks quickly, keep your balance, focus your energy in the right direction
and move forward. But a good start is only part of the race. Peter, one of
Jesus' disciples, had a great race--a few stumbles along the way but on the
whole a good race. What can we learn, however, from his start?

What Does God Say?

In Matthew 4:18-20, Jesus called Peter. "While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he
saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a
net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me, and
I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed
him" (ESV).

John 1:35-42 tells us that Andrew had first followed John the Baptist, but when
Jesus came along, he made the switch and introduced Peter to Jesus. So, this
moment along the shore probably wasn't their first meeting. But meeting Jesus
and being called to follow Him are two different things. Jesus wasn't interested
in making new friends; He wanted to make disciples, working with people who
would change the world in His name.

That's what He called Peter to do: "Follow Me. Be one of mine; put your faith
and your future in Me and you'll fish for others for My kingdom."

And Peter's start? Right off the blocks, he drops everything and takes off after
Jesus. He leaves his livelihood, his family and his home. The only promise Jesus
made was that He'd teach him to fish for people. Not much to go on, is it? But
Peter did it anyway. He turned his back on the past and moved forward with
Jesus.

This is faith in action; belief that has an impact. Andrew had told him earlier
that Jesus was the Messiah (John 1:40-42), but it was enough for Peter to act.
We often say we believe, but then our actions don't reinforce it. We struggle to
do what Peter did--to drop our own lives in order to live the one Jesus has for
us.

My Thoughts

So, what can we learn from Peter's good start? Here are three lessons to
consider:

Lesson #1--When Jesus calls you to follow, He doesn't negotiate or make
suggestions. You respond either by accepting Him or rejecting Him. Look at these
people and describe their responses: Genesis 12:1-5; 1 Samuel 3:1-11; Mark
2:13-17; Luke 19:1-10.

Lesson #2--There's no half-measure in following Jesus, no holding onto your past
life. Yes, there are a few times when Peter went fishing again, but it's clearly
no longer the focus of his life.

    * Have you been trying to hold onto your own life AND follow Jesus?
    * What do you need to let go of?

Lesson #3--A good start doesn't keep you from stumbling...but recovery is
possible. Peter made some big blunders including denying Jesus. But Jesus also
restored him. Read John 21:15-19 to see what Jesus said to get Peter back in the
race. Anything we've seen already in Peter's story?

My Part

As any runner knows, a great start doesn't guarantee a great finish. But a good
start is the first, best step. When Jesus calls you, get off to a good start;
let go of the past; drop your nets and move forward with Him.

Take a few moments to think about how you started this race. Write out your
story and share it with someone else. Is there anything about your "start" that
might be hindering your race today? If so, write it down and then seek help in
dealing with it. If it's sin, confess it and forsake it. If it's a lack of
knowledge, then ask your pastor if there's some course of study you could take
that will help you overcome this obstacle. But don't just sit there (you can't
run a race sitting still), do something!

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____________________

REPEAT_REPEAT_REPEAT  and  _REPEAT...

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 5, 2008
Topic: Faith/Trust

Faith and Failures

The old high school football cheer went something like this:

"When you're up, you're up;
When you're down, you're down.
But when you're up against our team,
You're upside down!!!"

Unfortunately, my high school team always started the game on the "up" side; but
the trouble was, when the final whistles blew, the team finished "upside down"
more often than the opponents.

In your life as a Christian, you've probably already experienced some ups and
some downs, some mountains and some valleys. And there may even have been days
when you felt "upside down." But let's take a look at one of the apostle Peter's
experiences of being "up" in his spiritual life. Keep in mind, however, he also
had his downs--we'll look at those later.

What Does God Say?

Before continuing today's study, take time to read Matthew 14:13-29. Look again
at Matthew 14:25-29, which says, "And in the fourth watch of the night he came
to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea,
they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' and they cried out in fear. But
immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be
afraid.'

"And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the
water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water
and came to Jesus" (ESV).

On the day before this boat trip, Peter and the other disciples had watched the
Lord miraculously provide an evening meal for over 5,000 people. His disciples
participated in the miracle by serving the bread and fish to hungry families. It
was a high point, and the disciples were elated.

That evening, as Jesus saw them off and they got into the boat, excitement was
in the air. They must have talked about their growing assurance that they were
following the true Messiah. Like many others in the crowd, they were eager to
see Jesus crowned king of Israel.

But now, it was shortly after 3:00 a. m. They were still in the boat, buffeted
all night by wind-blown breakers and making little headway toward the other side
of the Sea of Galilee.

That was bad enough for a bunch of tired men but to look out across the water
and see a ghost coming toward them was too much. They were terrified and
screamed in fear (Matthew 14:26).

Now, read the following verses (Matthew 14:27-29) and write down your
observations:

    * What did Jesus do to calm their fears? (See v. 27.)
    * What was Peter's response? (See v. 28.) Do you detect any doubt on Peter's
part in this verse?
    * Do you think what happened in v. 29 was an "up" time in Peter's spiritual
experience? Why?
    * Why did Peter sink? (See Matthew 14:30-31.)

My Thoughts

Sometimes Peter showed astonishing trust in the Lord, but he suffered from
instability, so at other times he hit bottom in his relationship with the Lord.
He "sank" more than once. Aren't you relieved to know he was one of the greatest
Christians in history in spite of his flaws?

You've heard that you should beware of pitfalls in your Christian life. There is
a lesson in Peter's life, however, that teaches Christians to be aware that some
of the "ups" that come in life may also make you susceptible to doubts that drag
you down. Like Peter, it's possible to depend on the "up" more than on the Lord,
leading to a "down."

There is a word in your English Bible that translates several Hebrew and Greek
words. The word is "steadfast." All the words carry the same basic idea in the
original: "to be firm," or "stand firm." Look up the following verses in your
Bible and see what they say about steadfastness, the opposite of instability.

    * What did Paul pray for the Thessalonian Christians in 2 Thessalonians 3:5?
    * To whom does James say the "crown of life" will be given (James 1:12)?
    * What should a Christian know that will produce steadfastness in life (1
Corinthians 15:58 )?

My Part

Ask God in prayer to help you identify any areas of instability--the ups and
downs--in your spiritual life; then ask Him to give you the firmness of faith to
overcome those weaknesses.

Memorize James 1:4 (ESV) "And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you
may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 6, 2008
Topic: Bible Characters, Faith/Trust


Answering The Big Question

Have you ever been asked one of those really deep questions about what you believe only to come up short with an answer...until about three hours or four conversations later? Sometimes it's hard to know how to respond immediately to those questions. Maybe Peter can give you some help.

What Does God Say?

Peter was asked one of those really important questions, and Jesus did the asking. In Matthew 16:13-15, Jesus asked His disciples, "'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?'" (ESV)

"Who do you say I am? What do you believe about Me?" That's what Jesus asks of these men (and of you too). And look at Peter's answer:

"Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God'" (Matthew 16:16, ESV).

Pretty simple, isn't it? Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. That's what Peter believed. Yet in Matthew 26:69-75, we see Peter distancing himself from Jesus, even denying he knew Him. But that was a momentary lapse. And Jesus forgave and restored Peter. (Read John 21.)

Later, after Jesus' Resurrection and return to heaven, Peter's simple statement, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" became something much more. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter addressed a massive crowd and, under the power of the Holy Spirit, made it abundantly clear who Jesus is, what He came to do and how He fulfilled the plan of God just as Scripture said He would. When you read Acts 2:14-39, you see a statement of faith from a man absolutely confident and sure of the truth. No more distancing or denials, no matter what the risks Peter would face.

My Thoughts

Take a look at two of Peter's statements concerning what he believed about Jesus.
Read Acts 2:14-39.

    * How does Peter identify or describe who Jesus is?
    * What does he say about Jesus' power and authority?
    * What does he say about how Jesus fits and fulfills God's plan?

Then read Acts 3:11-26.

    * How does Peter identify or describe Jesus here?
    * What does he say about Jesus' actions and purpose?
    * What does he call people to do with what they learn about Jesus?

You may also want to look over 1 Peter 1:3-12 for more from Peter.

My Part

So, Jesus asks you the same question He asked Peter: "Who do you say that I (Jesus) am?" And others will ask you that, too: Who do you think Jesus is? Why do you believe what you do about Him?

It's worth taking the time to create your own statement of faith. Keep a copy in your Bible or journal or day planner--somewhere you can refer to it whenever you're challenged about why you put your faith in Jesus. You'll be better equipped to answer because you've already thought it through.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 7, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Peter's Over-confidence

Have you ever seen a lion-tamer at work? Clyde Beatty was a renowned lion-tamer from the 1920s-1960s. His circus act consisted of entering a cage with a whip, a pistol, a chair and up to 40 lions, tigers, cougars and hyenas. (It's believed that Beatty was the first animal trainer to use a chair.) He believed the chair was the most effective of the objects he took into the cage because the animals would try to focus on all four legs of the chair at the same time rendering them weak because their attention had been divided. The apostle Peter experienced a similar problem.

What Does God Say?

"Then Peter called to him, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.'
"'Yes, come,' Jesus said.
"So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. 'Save me, Lord!' he shouted.
"Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him"(Matthew 14:28-31, NLT).

    * What did Peter want to do?
    * What made Peter falter and become afraid?
    * What was Jesus' response to Peter plea for help?

If we lose sight of the One who is helping us and leading us, we are finished as far as accomplishing God's purpose for our redeemed lives.
Knowing that makes keeping focused on Jesus a necessity in our lives. That's sometimes a really hard thing to do when we're facing all that the world bombards us with: financial concerns, grief, illness, stress of all kinds. We, just like Peter, have to learn (again and again sometimes) that a follower of Jesus has to keep his eyes on the Master.

My Thoughts

    * Have you wanted to do something that seemed nearly impossible--minister to a difficult person or witness to a coworker--and asked Jesus to help you; then taken your eyes off Him and felt overwhelmed by the "wind and waves"?
    * How do you keep focused on Jesus on a daily basis?

My Part

Write Hebrews 12:1-2on an index card and carry it in your pocket this week. Whenever you feel you're losing your focus on Jesus, take it out and read: "Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith"

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 8, 2008
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


The Case of the Distant Disciple

You've learned that Peter, who walked on the sea with Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33), stood with Jesus at His Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) and once openly confessed to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:13-20)," enjoyed many times on the "spiritual mountaintop" in his experiences as a disciple. But Peter also went through phases when he moved away from his Lord. None of those times, however, was as demoralizing to Peter as his denial of Jesus at the Lord's trial before going to the cross.

What Does God Say?

Notice what Peter was doing as the Lord's trial began.
Matthew 26:57-58 (ESV) "Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end."

Next, look at Peter's downhill slide into denial of any relationship with Jesus.

Matthew 26:69-75 (ESV) "Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, 'You also were with Jesus the Galilean.' But he denied it before them all, saying, 'I do not know what you mean.' And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, 'This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.' And again he denied it with an oath: 'I do not know the man.' After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, 'Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.' Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, 'I do not know the man.' And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, 'Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.' And he went out and wept bitterly."

That's where things stood through the days following. Jesus was crucified and buried. Peter was still filled with remorse. Jesus rose from the dead and nothing was mentioned until several days later, by the seaside, when Jesus confronted Peter:

John 21:15-17 (ESV) "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' He said to him, 'Feed my lambs.' He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' He said to him, 'Tend my sheep.' He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, 'Do you love me?' and he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.'"

● How many times did Peter deny Christ?
● How did Peter respond when he realized his failure?
● How did Jesus expect Peter to express this love?

My Thoughts

Have you ever tried to follow the Lord "at a distance?" Have you ever hoped at times that people would not find out you are a Christian? When you get in that spot, you can easily grow completely cold in your relationship to Christ.

My Part

Imagine that Jesus asked you today, "Do you love Me?" Write down what your response would be.

Is this the response Jesus would want to hear? If not, what can you do about it?

Jesus told Peter, "Feed My sheep." It's not enough to simply say you love the Lord; you must have a relationship to Him that inspires you to serve Him with all your heart. How can you show Jesus your love today?

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[HisDaughter]

Thanks Brother Tom.  I really liked that one.

In Christ,
Yvette

[nChrist]

Thanks Brother Tom.  I really liked that one.

In Christ,
Yvette

Hello GrammyLuv,

I liked it also because I know that all Christians need to look at themselves often and consider whether or not we are yielding to GOD and doing HIS Will that HE has planned for us. We could look at many things as a matter of duty, but it SHOULD be more accurate that these things are a matter of LOVE. LOVE first to CHRIST, obviously the lost, and other Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST. Our LOVE for CHRIST should make these things more pleasant and satisfying to do, and the Bible tells us ways that our JOY can be more full. It's not ironic that we can be pretty miserable when we don't do the things that we know we should be doing. Our happiness grows greater when we yield to the Perfect Will of GOD in our lives. This does NOT hint that this short life should be or will be easy. GOD didn't make any promises like this.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable GIFT, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour Forever!

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 11, 2008
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Jonah & God's Will

The enemy was approaching. The sergeant shouted, "Fire at will." From the front lines a new recruit exclaimed, "But I don't know any of their names!"

OK, as a joke, maybe that's kind of feeble. But when it comes to our relationship with God, most of us know a lot about "Will." And typically it's "my will" rather than "God's will." We see that played out in Jonah's life.

What Does God Say?

"The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: 'Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are."
"But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish" (Jonah 1:1-3, NLT)

● What was God's will for Jonah?

● How did Jonah respond to God's will?

● Although it's not given in the verses above, what was the result of Jonah's actions?

My Thoughts

Now, there's good news and bad news at this point. The good news for the child of God is that we can never escape the presence of the Lord. (Read Psalm 139 for details.). The bad news for the child of God is that we can never escape the presence of the Lord.

When Jonah ran, he discovered God was already there, at work. And that's more good news/bad news. The good news is that Jonah's futile attempt to escape has resulted in one of the most intriguing stories in the Bible. And Jesus attests to the existence of Jonah, the story of Jonah. The bad news is that running from God's will was a very unpleasant experience for Jonah.

● Have you ever had a Jonah experience?

● What did you discover from that experience?

● Are you back in spiritual closeness with God? If so, how did you do it?

Dr. Woodrow Kroll encouraged readers who'd had a "Jonah" experience in his poem, "Start Over."

When you've trusted Jesus and walked His way,
When you've felt His hand lead you day by day;
but your steps now take you another way,
Start Over!

The journey away from God took Jonah hundreds of miles and days of traveling but coming back ready to do God's will was a journey of 18 inches (the distance from his head to his heart) and only a few minutes. When Jonah repented, asked God's forgiveness and committed himself to walk in obedience, God welcomed him back to His heart, forgave Jonah and restored him. Now, that's grace.

My Part

How about you? If you're still walking far from God, why not take that 18-inch journey from your head to your heart and pray, "Lord, forgive me for following my will and running from Your will. Now, Lord, as best I can, I commit myself to doing your will, today and every day?

That's the way to live.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 12, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Messy Prodigal

I wouldn't be surprised if the phrase "all washed up" originated with Jonah. Imagine him at the beginning of chapter 3 lying on the shore of the Mediterranean. And he wasn't trying to get a tan, either. For three days Jonah had lived in the stomach of a great fish (the Bible never actually says "whale"). He must have looked terrible and probably didn't smell too sweet either. It could be said that he was "all washed up."

We use the phrase "all washed up" today to describe someone who is down and out; someone out of ideas with no future ahead of them. But Jonah's story didn't end in chapter 3--and yours won't end either just because it may seem that you're "down and out" at the moment.

What Does the Bible Say

Jonah's transformation actually begins in chapter 2. In the belly of the fish there wasn't much to do, so Jonah prayed.

"When my life was fainting away,
I remembered the Lord,
and my prayer came to you,
into your holy temple" (Jonah 2:7, ESV).

Jonah was at the lowest point of his life. When you reach that point, what do you do? So many people just give up; but others, like Jonah, call out to God. And like Jonah, they find that God is there for them. Sure, Jonah was in the stomach of a fish, but the alternative was a watery death. When you're down, look up and pray for God to lift you out.

"But I with the voice of thanksgiving
will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay.
Salvation belongs to the Lord!" (Jonah 2:9, ESV).

Let's not ignore one of the key facts of Jonah's situation--Jonah had been disobedient. He didn't like where God was sending him, so he ran the other way. It's still true today that when we willfully choose to be disobedient to God, life is going to get worse. Maybe not immediately but soon. "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23, ESV). If you're on the bottom rung today because of willful disobedience, recommit yourself to the Lord. You're not so far away that He can't hear you.

"Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.' So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh" (Jonah 3:1-3, ESV).

Jonah had been detoured because of his disobedience, but he hadn't been disqualified. God still wanted to use him. And now on the shore of the Mediterranean, God set Jonah's face back toward Nineveh and sent him out. If you're all washed up today, your story isn't over. Thank God for His gracious forgiveness and move forward.

My Thoughts

As you read Jonah 2:1-3:3, think about the following questions:

    * Have you ever felt "washed up"?
    * How did you move on from there?
    * Have you witnessed this cycle in others? What happened to them?

My Part

Through the whole Book of Jonah, we don't see him interact with many people, certainly none that you would call a close friend. I can't help but wonder if Jonah's story would have been different if a godly friend had stopped Jonah in Joppa and said, "What are you doing?"

Don't underestimate the power of a godly friend. Pray today for discernment and wisdom to know how to confront a friend.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 13, 2008
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness


Grace For All Their Sins

Maybe you've heard the old hymn whose chorus proclaims,

Grace, grace, God's grace;
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

What Does God Say?

The apostle John, in his epistle, talks about that same grace--God's saving grace: "And from his [Christ's] fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:16-17, NLT).
The word "grace" in the original language is also the word for "gift." When God forgives us, He's extending "grace" to us. When we forgive those who hurt us, we are giving them a gift (grace). Think for a moment about grace in the terms of a gift.

● Who pays the price of a gift?
● What does someone have to do to receive a gift?

It's sometimes difficult to show grace toward those you find hurtful. But Jesus expects us to show the same grace, to others, that He's shown to us:

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect"
(Matthew 5:43-48, ESV).

● The word "perfect" in these verses means "complete, whole, with no parts missing." If we fail to show the gracious attitude that Jesus describes in these verses, in what way are we incomplete?

● How does God treat those who are evil and unjust?

● According to these verses, what is at least one way that we can show love (grace) for those who persecute us?

My Thoughts

Ask yourself the following questions:

● Am I willing to accept God's grace for myself but unwilling to extend grace to others?
● What do you find most difficult to forgive in others?
● How does this compare to what Christ has done for you (Colossians 3:13)?

My Part

Write down the name of at least one person who needs your gift of grace. Commit yourself to pray for that person every day for 21 days. Ask God to help you show grace toward that person no matter what he or she does--or doesn't do.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 14, 2008
Topic: Relationships


Seeds of Prodigality

To start your study today, take up your Bible and read Jesus' story about the father and his two sons in Luke 15:11-30.

Jesus told earthly stories like this one to teach spiritual truths. Those stories are called "parables." You may already know Luke 15:11-30 as the "Parable of the Prodigal Son." As you continue in the Bible Minute Studies for the next few days, you'll be thinking more deeply about this parable.

You won't find the word prodigal in the Bible, but basically it means, "one whose life is characterized by wasteful expenditure." That waste may be wasted resources, wasted time or a wasted life as you see in this parable.

Today, in preparation for further Bible Minutes, let's speculate a bit about the home life and attitudes of two prodigals.

What Does God Say?

That's right. Two prodigals! Jesus' parable begins, "There was a man who had two sons." (Luke 15:11, ESV). Now, Jesus had two groups of people in mind when He told this story. One group was the tax collectors and sinners who had been coming to hear Him (Luke 15:1); the other was made up of the complaining scribes and Pharisees who despised the sinners and, therefore, hated Jesus as well (Luke 15:2). The sinners and tax collectors were like the younger son; the scribes and Pharisees were like the older son.

The parable continues in Luke 15:12 (ESV): "And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them."

While the story is "fictional" (it was made up to reflect a truth Jesus wanted to teach), it's more than likely based on a true event. Who doesn't know a good Christian family who has at least one prodigal living in a "far off country"? So what happened to these two boys, who grew up in the home of loving parents, to cause them to develop the attitudes they display in this parable? Jesus didn't talk about their earlier home life, but the Bible certainly gives us some hints. The development of similar attitudes in the lives of people today is what leads to prodigality later on. Look up the following verses in your Bible and see what they say about some of these mind-sets.

    * Dishonoring one's parents--Deuteronomy 5:16. This is the fifth of the Ten Commandments. It is quoted several times in the New Testament. Look at Ephesians 6:1-3, especially, to see the proper attitude.
    * Discontentment--What does the apostle Paul say about his fellow-worker, Demas, in 2 Timothy 4:10? What else does Paul teach about contentment in 1 Timothy 6:6-10?
    * Disrespect of others--Romans 12:10 and Galatians 6:10 reveal the proper mindset.
    * Disinterest in the needs of others--Paul gives you God's directive in Philippians  2:3 -4.

My Thoughts

Go back and re-read the parable in Luke 15:11-30. Can you identify damaging attitudes? Is it necessary to leave home to be a prodigal? In what ways were the sinners of Jesus' day like the younger son? In what ways were the scribes and Pharisees like the older son?

My Part

There's more to come about the prodigal sons. Meantime, think about your own life, both past and present. Try to identify any attitudes you harbor that may be seeds of prodigality in your life. Jot them down along with what you would want to do to change direction. Ask the Lord to reveal any weaknesses in your current relationships that could lead you to wander further away from Him.

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