Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 23, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Beginning the Journey

An ancient Chinese proverb reminds us, "A journey of a thousand miles begins by taking the first step," or another version says that the journey "starts beneath your feet."

You've been studying this past month about spiritual gifts--how God has given these gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ.

We've also seen how every Christian believer has at least one spiritual gift to be discovered and honed and exercised for the glory of God in the local church.

You've seen that there are many of these gifts listed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. Possibly you have been thinking about what your gift is and how God wants to use you in ministering to others.

Well, every journey must have a beginning, so let's see what the Bible says about the first step you'll need to take for an effective use of the gift the Holy Spirit has given you.

What Does God Say?

Your first step toward effective service for God is self-examination. You must inspect some things about your present relationship to Christ and your willingness to be obedient to Him.

Self-examination is biblical. Look up these passages in your Bible. Write out in your own words what these verses are telling you to do.

    * The first has to do with unconfessed sin--1 Corinthians 11:28 , and note 11:31.
    * The second has to do with faith--2 Corinthians 13:5.
    * The third warns about spiritual alertness--Galatians 6:1.
    * The fourth refers to your work--Galatians 6:4.
    * The fifth tells you the goal of self-examination--Romans 12:2. Note the ESV translation: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Italics added for emphasis).

My Thoughts

The first step of the journey toward properly using your spiritual gift isn't deciding what your gift is or how you are going to exercise it. Rather, the journey begins with a careful evaluation of your walk with the Lord. Write down your answers to these personal questions and take any steps God requires you to make.

    * Is there any known unconfessed sin in my life? The Bible says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV ).
    * Do the things of this world have a grip on my mind?

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:15 -17, ESV ) .

    * Is pride hindering my service to the Lord?

"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned" (Romans 12:3, ESV ).

My Part

Go before the Lord in worship right now. Bow before Him and ask Him to cleanse you of anything that may impede your fellowship with Him--sin, worldliness, pride or any other matter that He lays on your heart.

Do you see how Romans 12:1-3 relates to the gifts in Romans 12:4-8? Your heart preparation is the essential first step of a thousand miles of using your spiritual gift for His honor and glory!

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 24, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Steps to Discovery

Some time ago on a well-known talk show, the guest was a body builder. During the interview, the host asked, "Why do you develop those particular muscles?"

The body builder simply stepped forward and flexed a series of well-defined muscles from chest to calf. The audience applauded.

"What do you use all those muscles for?" the host asked again.

This time the muscular specimen flexed his biceps and triceps which sprouted to impressive proportions.

"But what do you use those muscles for?" the host persisted.

The body builder was bewildered. He didn't have an answer other than to display his well-developed frame.

The Bible tells us that Christians are given spiritual gifts not simply to look good or to brag about, but for a special purpose. Let's see what that purpose might be.

What Does God Say?

"A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other" (1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT).

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).

"So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others" (Romans 12:5, NLT).

    * Why does God give spiritual gifts?
    * What does God expect from you when He gives you a spiritual gift?
    * How are your relationships affected by your spiritual gift or gifts?

My Thoughts

Discovering your spiritual gifts and using them wisely means grasping the truth that all gifts are

From God
In Christ
Through the Holy Spirit
For the church family
To God's glory

Is there any part of that that you have difficulty accepting? If not, then you have made progress in your journey to discovering the purpose for your spiritual gifts.

My Part

Now might be a good time to pray about what the Bible has taught you and what you've learned in these Bible Minutes about spiritual gifts. You could begin by acknowledging God's sovereignty in giving gifts. Tell Him that you are open to any gift He chooses for you. And then commit to using that gift as best you can to edify your church family.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 25, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Gift of Encouragement

Mark Twain said, "I can live off one good compliment for a week." George Adams declared, "Encouragement is oxygen to the soul." When it comes to Christians, William Barclay in his commentary on the Book of Hebrew observes, "The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another."

In the Bible we meet a man named Joses who had the gift of encouragement. In fact he was such an encourager that he is better known by his nickname, Barnabas (Son of Encouragement), than his real name. Barnabas provides us an outstanding example of the way this gift should be used. Let's look into God's Word to find out.

What Does God Say?

Barnabas exercised his gift of encouragement in many different circumstances. Read the following Scriptures and determine the kind of situations in which Barnabas provided encouragement.

    * Acts 4:34-37
    * Acts 9:26-30
    * Acts 11:21-24
    * Acts 15:37-39

My Thoughts

Whether you have the "gift "of encouragement or not, you still have the responsibility to encourage others. As Barclay points out, the world is full of discouragers which makes it even more important for Christians to encourage those around us.

My Part

Notice the different types of people that Barnabas encouraged. (the needy, the rejected, the new Christians, the failures, etc,). Who do you know that might fall into one of those categories? Ask the Lord to show you ways you might encourage them.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 28, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Finding Your Motivation

A loaded mini van pulled into the only remaining campsite. Four youngsters leaped out and began feverishly unloading gear and setting up a tent. The boys rushed off to gather firewood, while the girls and their mother set up the camp stove and cooking utensils. A nearby camper marveled to the youngsters' father: "That, sir, is some display of teamwork."

The father replied, "Well, I have a system. No one goes to the bathroom until the camp is set up."

Motivation makes all the difference, and that's true when it comes to using our spiritual gifts. Let's see what the Bible says should motivate us to use our gifts.

What Does the Bible Say

After giving his list of spiritual gifts in his letter to the Romans, Paul offers some general advice to all believers. "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good" (Romans 12:9, ESV).

You can read 1 Corinthians 13 for a good description of genuine love. In essence, it comes down to serving God and others. It's probably not too hard to point out people you've encountered who pretend to love others. But a person who shows genuine love will have a tremendous impact.

Paul goes on, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord" (Romans 12:10-11, ESV).

Not only are we to show genuine love to each other, we're to actively seek opportunities to serve the Lord. When you do, you'll start to discover your gifts. Just like a musician trying out different instruments to find the one she has a "knack" for, when we actively seek to serve God, we'll soon find an area of service that just seems to "fit."

My Thoughts

As you read Romans 12:3-21 think about the following questions:

    * How have you sought to serve God lately?
    * Do you know what your spiritual gift is? What opportunities to use it are available?
    * What things are all believers called to do?

My Part

When thinking about your personal spiritual gift, be careful about limiting yourself. Although you may have the gift of exhortation, you are still called to give. Although you may be gifted in teaching, don't pass up opportunities to show mercy. Again, this won't be a problem if you're truly motivated. Pray today that, above all, love would motivate you as you seek to serve the Lord.

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[nChrist]

Bible Study


Title: Finding Your Gift
Date: Apr 29, 2008
Topic(s): Service/Servanthood
Scripture: Ephesians 4, Romans 12, Matthew 7:7-8, James 5:16, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Peter 4, John 14:13-14


Is there a Global Positioning Satellite device that will help locate spiritual gifts? Not exactly. But there are three places you can look that will help you discover your gift.

What Does God Say?

The first place to look is upward: "

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).

    * The expression "in my name" means "according to My character" or "consistent with My will." So, pray and ask God to lead and guide you. You already know that you're asking for something that is in His will for your life. So, ask away--ask sincerely, fervently and often (Matthew 7:7-8, James 5:16).

The second place to look is inward. Ask yourself:

    * How has God used me in the past?
    * When I've have been involved in my church, is there some area of service that I am drawn to?
    * What is it in life that I have a passion for?
    * What do I enjoy doing?
    * Study the different gifts in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4. Remember, these lists are not exhaustive.
    * Compare the different spiritual gifts and see if any pair up with your innate abilities and talents.

The third place to look is outward.

    * Ask your friends and family for confirmation of what you think might be your gifts.
    * Ask them to tell you if they have seen any evidence of a particular gift, other than the gift you think is yours, in your life.

Listen to them. Family members or friends who have been walking with the Lord for many years, who know about spiritual gifts and have seen God work are folks who can share great wisdom with you about gifts.

My Thoughts

Read the following verses, Romans 12:4-8, and answer the questions:

"Our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

  "In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

   1. How does Paul compare your spiritual body with the Church, the Body of Christ?
   2. Who provides us with spiritual gifts?
   3. How are we to use the gifts we are given?
   4. Can you name the gift He has given you, a family member, a friend?
   5. How does knowing that God has gifted you make you feel?

My Part

Don't know your spiritual gift? You might find it helpful and interesting to take a formal spiritual gifts inventory. There are several online that are good. Check out this link for possible ones.

Remember, finding your gift is only the first step. You need to begin using your gift as soon as possible.

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[nChrist]

Bible Study


Title: Try It, You'll Like It
Date: Apr 30, 2008
Topic(s): Service/Servanthood, Obedience/Discipleship, Christian Living/Situational
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10-11, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 1 Corinthians 14:3, Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Corinthians 14:5, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Galatians 5:13, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:3


An old Alka-Seltzer TV commercial used to say, "Try it, you'll like it." Well, I was one of those kids who fought that idea…a lot, usually with "But I won't like it; it'll be awful." If I had to learn something new, I'd pull out the old, "But I'll be really bad at it," to which my wise father would reply, "How do you know? You've haven't even tried yet." Don't you just hate it when Dad is right?

What Does God Say?

Well, your Heavenly Father is right, too, because He says the same thing about using your spiritual gifts. You can take the applicable tests, read up on each gift and study them like crazy. But at some point, you have to "try it"—try using your gift in service to God.

Spiritual gifts are listed in Romans 12:6-8, "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness" ( ESV).

Don't miss the words before the list: "Let us use them." First Corinthians 12:7 says, "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" ( ESV). These gifts need exercise; they're used to build up the Body of Christ.

My Thoughts

1 Corinthians 12:12-13:3 describes these gifts in the context of the Body of Christ.

    * Where do these gifts come from?
    * What happens when you use them? If you don't use them?
    * What's the most "excellent" gift that we're all to use?

1 Corinthians 14:3,5,12,26

    * What's the recurring reason given for using your gift?

1 Peter 4:10-11

    * What's the end result of using your gift?

Galatians 5:13

    * How are you to use your gift?

My Part

Remember, "you won't know unless you try." Once you've used the tools and talked to people who can help you discern your gift, you need to try it out. Practice will make you confident in knowing and using your gift.

At church, we often see lists of needs in terms of tasks or activities, not gifts. So, try this:

    * Look over your church bulletin, newsletter, worship folder or Web site.
    * List the areas in which they're asking for help (nursery, maintenance, meals, music, teaching Sunday school, youth sponsors, tech needs, etc).
    * Think about what gifts might be required to meet those needs. For example, teaching children's Sunday school taps into gifts of teaching, leadership, mercy, giving (time and resources), exhortation and helps.
    * If you think your gift is in that list, volunteer and see what happens.

Remember that time when you tried some new thing and discovered it was great? So great you had to tell everybody, and you probably did it over and over again! You went from fear to passion in about 30 seconds (all right, maybe 5 minutes, depending on the experience). Well, the same thing happens when you discover the effects of using your spiritual gift. You move from fearful questions and curiosity to living with a passionate mission. So, take the next step; get your feet wet and "try it, you'll like it."

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 1, 2008
Topic: Prayer


A Special Day for Prayer

If you go to the Internet today and look up "National Day of Prayer," you will find a Presidential Proclamation that begins like this:

"A prayerful spirit has always been an important part of our national character, and it is a force that has guided the American people, given us strength, and sustained us in moments of joy and in times of challenge. On this National Day of Prayer, we acknowledge God's grace and ask for His continued guidance in the life of our Nation."

A glance at the newspaper headlines or a smattering of news is enough to make you aware of the chaotic condition of the nations of the world today, so you may wonder, What is the use of praying for my country and its leaders? How is that going to accomplish anything?

Praying for your government will seem meaningless to you if your own heart attitude is not in tune with God and prepared to pray in the right way. How can you make the National Day of Prayer or any other day an effective time both for your own spiritual life and the life of your country?

What Does God Say?

The Hebrew prophet, Daniel, could have concluded that praying for his country was hopeless. His nation's home territory was desolate. Its people were captives, scattered throughout the hostile land of Babylon ; and, now, to make things worse, Babylon itself had fallen to the Medes and the Persians. Daniel could have felt he had every reason to throw up his hands in despair and cry out, "My nation is hopeless! My prayers are useless!"

But Daniel didn't. He loved his nation and its people. So, instead of despairing, he went to God's Word and found hope in God's promises. In Daniel 9:1-3 ( ESV ) we read: "In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans--in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.

"Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes."

Our country and our leaders need the prayers of God's people. Consider some of the following Bible passages and write down the answers to the questions.

    * Daniel 2:21 with Romans 13:1. What relationship does God have to human governments?
    * In Titus 3:1 , what did the apostle Paul tell Titus to teach Christians about governing authorities?
    * Romans 13:2 . How does God view those who resist His appointed leaders?
    * Romans 13:6-7 . Besides taxes and revenue, what else do you owe to your leaders?

My Thoughts

Carefully read all of Romans 13:1-7. What do you see there that convicts you of having an attitude toward your country that is not pleasing to God? What do you need to do to prepare properly for coming to God in prayer for your nation? What bearing does 1 John 1:9 have on your personal preparation for prayer?

The New Living Translation paraphrases Proverbs 28:2 as follows:

"When there is moral rot within a nation,

its government topples easily.

But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability."

My Part

Take another look at Romans 13:1-7 and Titus 3:1. Add 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Read through them and write down a list of the things you see that God tells you to pray for your country and its people today; then keep the list in your Bible and remember to pray regularly for our nation, its leaders and its citizens. Make the National Day of Prayer a special time in your own prayer life. Make your nation a regular target of your daily prayers.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 2, 2008
Topic: Prayer, Christian Living/Situational


Pray for Your Nation

Here in the United States, we have the privilege of a National Day of Prayer. One day, in the early part of May, people across the country set aside time to pray for our leaders and the future of this diverse nation. It's an awesome task when you stop and think about it, but it's not really a "new" idea. We find it in the Bible.

What Does God Say?

Daniel recognized this need to pray for his nation. He was a Jew in exile with a unique position of influence in the government. But he was also a faithful and devoted man of God. As he read the prophecies of Jeremiah one day, he realized the time of exile was about to end and the Jews would return home to Jerusalem. But Daniel wondered whether or not they were ready?

So, he went before God. Daniel 9 records his powerful prayer requesting God's mercy, confessing the sin of His people and seeking His blessing on their future. Take a few minutes right now to read Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9:4-19:

    * How does Daniel address God?
    * What are some of the sins he confesses on behalf of his people?
    * What does Daniel ask of God?

Daniel shows us the value of intercession (prayer you make on behalf of another or, in this case, intercession for a nation). He also demonstrates the value of confession (being honest about sin before God and seeking His forgiveness). It's crucial that you are clean before God if you want your prayer to be effective. Why should God hear you confess the sins of other people when you ignore your own? Psalm 32:1-2 tells us:

"Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,

whose sin is covered.

Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,

and in whose spirit there is no deceit" ( ESV).

If you intend to pray for your nation and ask God for His mercy and forgiveness on the sins of your people, you'd better start by getting your own heart and life right with God. Once you go to God with "clean hands and a pure heart" (Psalm 24:3-4, ESV), you're prepared to pray for others.

My Thoughts

When you pray for your nation, what will you pray about? Confession of sin was a big part of Daniel's prayer. But there was another need. Read Daniel 9:9, 16-18 again.

    * What aspect of God's character does Daniel praise?
    * What is the "need" revealed in these words of prayer?

Daniel also wanted God to be honored. Read Daniel 9:15-19 again.

    * What is the reason Daniel wants God to show mercy and forgiveness?
    * What's your usual reason for asking God for His mercy and forgiveness?

Look up Jeremiah 14:7, 20-22 for a similar plea.

    * What's the recurring reason for God to act?
    * How does this bring honor to God?

My Part

Here are some tips to help you pray for your nation and for the people in your life.

    * Personal purity: Start with "clean hands and a pure heart." Make sure you're right with God first, before you start to focus on the sins of others.
    * Confession: Think through the sins of your people which need to be dealt with before God. Daniel's list included problems we wrestle with today: rejection of God; people who worship or pursue other "gods"; those who ignore or ridicule God's Word; actions and attitudes that dishonor God's name and blatantly rebel against His commands.
    * Petition: Remember to pray for God's mercy, to seek His forgiveness. Ask Him to do it for the sake of His name. His actions reflect His character; His mercy shows the world more of who He is.

If you need or want to, you can borrow from Daniel's prayer or the Jeremiah reference we used. Remember to thank God for hearing your petitions and praise Him for being the God of righteousness, mercy and grace.

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[nChrist]

Date: May 5, 2008
Topic: Prayer


God's Answer to Your Prayers

Dr. Helen Roseveare, a missionary to Zaire (now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo), told the following story: "A mother at our mission station died after giving birth to a premature baby. No incubator was available--not even a serviceable hot water bottle. So during morning devotions we asked the children to pray for the baby. One of the girls responded: 'Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. That afternoon a large package arrived. The children watched eagerly as we opened it. Much to their surprise, under some clothing was a hot water bottle! The heavenly Father knew in advance of that child's sincere request, and 5 months earlier He had led a ladies' group to include the needed item.

We've all heard stories of answered prayers and even experienced them in our own lives. But, sometimes, months or years will go by and a specific prayer will seem to elicit no answer. Let's allow God's Word to clarify our understanding of prayer.

What Does God Say?

"You don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it" (James 4:2, NLT). James is clear. If there is something we need, we have to pray for it. Often, for the Christian, the problem is not unanswered prayer but unasked prayer. Let's remember what Paul told us: "Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying" (Romans 12:12, NLT). He also tells us, "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart" (Colossians 4:2, NLT).

The preceding verses urge us to pray, but what about the times we feel that our prayers are not answered. There are a number of reasons that may happen: we're praying outside of God's will; we don't understand completely the repercussions of what we're asking; it's not the right time. But the Bible makes it clear that there are other reasons. Read the following Scriptures and write out some of the reasons you find for unanswered prayer.

    * Psalm 66:18 (KJV)
    * James 4:3 (ESV)
    * Proverbs 1:28-30 (NLT)
    * Isaiah 1:15 (NLT)
    * Isaiah 59:1-2 (NLT)

My Thoughts

Read the following Scriptures. What does God require for answered prayer?

"Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
And who shall stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully" (Psalm 24:3-4, ESV).

"Wash yourselves and be clean!
Get your sins out of my sight.
Give up your evil ways.
Learn to do good.
Seek justice.
Help the oppressed.
Defend the cause of orphans.
Fight for the rights of widows" (Isaiah 1:16-17, NLT).

"So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor" (James 4:7-10, NLT).

My Part

Now, take a few moments to pray for God's help; confess any wrongdoing to Him, consciously recognize your dependence on God; trust Him to hear your prayer.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 6, 2008
Topic: Prayer, God


The Place to Start

Remember the old song,

When you read, you begin with A-B-C,

when you sing, you begin with do-re-mi.

Now, think about this: How do think most people begin when they pray? We "begin with me-me-me." But is that the right place to start?

What Does God Say?

The simple, and biblical, answer is "no." Prayer doesn't begin with you; it's supposed to begin with God. One great example comes from Daniel 9 as this godly man prepares to take a very important plea before God.

"Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, 'O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land'" (Daniel 9:3-6, ESV).

Daniel starts by addressing God. I remember doing that as a kid, but my rushed "Dear Lord Jesus" came out like a secret code I used to get God's attention. Daniel does more than that here. Yes, he addresses God, but he also focuses on God's character and nature. Daniel lets God know that he understands just who he's talking to--the "great and awesome God," the one who "keeps covenant," who loves steadfastly.

These will be qualities of God that Daniel will call on later in his prayer of confession as he seeks God's mercy on Israel and asks for His steadfast love to be exercised in compassion and forgiveness. But before that, Daniel tells God what he knows about Him.

We need to start there as well. Prayer isn't about you or me. It isn't about demanding our wants and desires immediately. It's about addressing, praising and extolling God and calling on Him to be God, the only One completely able to answer our prayers.

My Thoughts

Daniel isn't the only example of this important lesson. See how these men began their prayers:

King Solomon in 1 Kings 8:22-25.

King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19:15-16.

    * How did each man address God?
    * What aspects of God's actions or His character did they focus on?
    * Where did their personal needs or requests come in?

When Jesus taught His disciples (including you) to pray, He started with God. Read Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4.

    * How should we address God?
    * What do we focus on?
    * When do your personal needs or requests come in?

My Part

So, where do you usually start when you pray? A quick "Hello, God," before you get down to the list of things you need from Him? Is your prayer time all about you and your concerns? Or do you take time to focus on God and who He is?

Take a few minutes right now to prepare for prayer. What is it about God that you need to acknowledge? For instance, what could you say about His character or actions? Jot those down before you pray. Maybe you could borrow from the prayers of Solomon, Hezekiah or Daniel. Psalm 8 offers you a great start, too, and the Psalmist expresses an appropriate perspective on his place before God.

If you want to try something very different from the norm, try praying without ever getting into your requests or concerns. Keep it focused solely on God, telling Him what you love and cling to and value in your relationship with Him.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

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


Prayer of Confession

I'll admit, when I first started working on this study, I thought I knew what confession was. It's just admitting guilt. At least that's what I thought. And so it seemed strange that based on passages like Daniel 9, it appeared that I was responsible for confessing the sins of my nation. "How can I admit guilt when I'm not guilty?"

But I learned that confession is much more than admitting personal guilt only. Let's look at Daniel's prayer of confession and see what the Bible has to say about the idea of confession.

What Does the Bible Say

"In the first year of his [Darius'] reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years" (Daniel 9:2, ESV).

Daniel, an Israelite, was familiar with the history of his people. But as he compared his nation's history to Jeremiah's prophecies, he realized everything was happening just as God said. Israel had forgotten God. Israel had worshipped idols. And God had fulfilled His warning to send the nation into captivity should they abandon their faith. And now Daniel realized that the prophesied 70 years of captivity (Jeremiah 25:11-12, 29:10) were about to end.

And Daniel confessed: "I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, 'O Lord, … we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land'" (Daniel 9:4-6, ESV).

Daniel confessed the sins of his nation, the sins that led to their captivity. Was Daniel himself guilty of these specific sins? Probably not. Daniel was likely no more than 16 years old when the captivity started. But as an Israelite, it was appropriate for Daniel to confess and then to ask forgiveness for the sins his people committed because he was part of that nation. Daniel realized that it was important to not only confess personal sins but also corporate sins (sins committed by a group of people).

When you look at it closely (and preferably with a Bible dictionary), you find that confession is really about bringing ourselves into agreement with God, acknowledging that what He says is right and true. Often what we agree with God about is sinfulness. But more than that, it's acknowledging the majesty and sovereignty of our God and Savior.

My Thoughts

Read all of Daniel's prayer in chapter 9:4-19 and think about the following questions:

    * What promises, both good and bad, does Daniel mention in his prayer?
    * On what grounds does Daniel expect God to forgive Israel?

My Part

Note the pattern in Daniel's prayer of confession. It starts with reading the Bible and understanding God's promises and warnings. Daniel then moves to acknowledging all the ways in which Israel failed to abide by God's commands and the ways God kept His promises. And then Daniel asks that God forgive Israel.

So, today, as you pray for your nation, make sure you have a Bible close at hand. Make sure you read and understand what God has promise; then admit where you see your nation failing to live up to God's standards and acknowledge the rightness of God's judgments. Finally, pray for God's mercy and forgiveness, not just so our lives will be better but so that we will be better able to praise and honor God with our lives.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 8, 2008
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness


If We Confess

Christians sin. Does that surprise you? It shouldn't; just take a look at your life. Even with the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, there are times when we choose to quench His influence (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and go our own way.

So, then what? Have we lost our salvation? No, but we have lost our fellowship with God. That's why the apostle John wrote 1 John 1:9. Let's see what this verse instructs Christians to do when they've sinned.

What Does God Say?

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 ESV)
# When we know that we've done something wrong, what does God want us to do?
# How do we know for sure that God will respond?
# In addition to forgiveness, what else does God do?

My Thoughts

The word confess in the original language means “to agree with.” We can't expect God to forgive us unless we're willing to agree with Him that something is wrong. As long as we deny our attitudes or actions are sinful in God's eyes, we will remain stuck in that sin. Once we agree with God, however, we've taken the first step toward dealing with the hold that sin has on our lives. But that's not all.

In addition to breaking our fellowship with God, sin also leaves guilt, remorse and a sense of hopelessness. When we confess our sins, God promises not only to forgive (restore fellowship) but also to cleanse. We no longer have to live under a cloud of guilt and shame. We truly can be free to start over again.

My Part

Set aside some time today to take a serious look at your life. If the Spirit makes you aware of an area of your life that is displeasing to God, confess it to your Heavenly Father and forsake it. Write down the date that you've done this. When Satan tries to bring up guilt and shame for these sins, point to that date and remind him that not only were you forgiven, you were cleansed as well.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 9, 2008
Topic: Prayer


Coming to God in Prayer

The disciples of Jesus had been watching Him for some time. It became apparent to them that He prayed often, and He prayed with confidence that His prayers would be answered. It also was obvious that their own prayers were not like His. Finally, they came to the Lord with a humble request: "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1).

Have you ever asked the Lord that question? Since the disciples of Jesus wondered how and what to pray, you may be sure that many other believers have struggled with the same questions at some point in their lives.

Daniel was a man of God who knew how to pray. He knew how to approach God, and he prayed with conviction, believing that God not only heard him but that He would answer. Look at part of his fervent prayer for his enslaved nation and think about the way he came before the Lord.

What Does God Say?

"O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate" (Daniel 9:16-17, ESV ).

On your notepad, record your answers to the following:

    * What do you see in Daniel's prayer that shows his understanding of the nature of God?
    * What does Daniel confess to God about Israel 's relationship to Him?
    * What did Daniel ask God to do about his prayer and pleas?
    * What were Daniel's specific requests for the city of Jerusalem and the temple of God ?
    * Was his prayer primarily for his own sake, for his nation's sake or for God's sake?

My Thoughts

How should you approach God in prayer? The Bible has many pointers for you. Below are several Scripture verses that give guidance about what your attitude should be as you come to Him in prayer. Write down all that you see.

    * Psalm 105:4
    * Matthew 6:9
    * Mark 14:38
    * Luke 18:1
    * Colossians 1:3
    * 1 Thessalonians 5:17
    * Jude 1:20

There are many more things that the Bible teaches about prayer. Use your concordance to look up the words "pray" and "prayer" in order to see what other lessons you can learn about a proper attitude in prayer.

My Part

Here is a verse you should put into your mind and heart. It tells you what the Lord will do for you when you pray, and it encourages you to have complete trust that He hears you and will answer every need.

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16, ESV ).

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 12, 2008
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


God's Priorities

Your child has just run out into the street despite the fact you told him not to. Fortunately no cars were coming, so he wasn't hurt. But you're angry--not for your sake but for his. He could have been hurt badly or even killed.

Returning to the curb, he asks, "Can I go to Johnny's house to play?" You ignore the request not because you want to punish him, but because you have more important issues to deal with him about. Playing at Johnny's house is irrelevant in light of his life-threatening behavior. That's what needs to be dealt with at the moment; the rest can wait.

In a lot of ways, this parallels how God responds. God is not president of the "Make a Wish" foundation; He's in the business of bringing us to maturity. Our disobedience means other things have to wait while He deals with what's more important. Let's look at what God says.

What Does God Say?

"'When you spread out your hands,
I will hide My eyes from you;
Even though you make many prayers,
I will not hear.
Your hands are full of blood.

"'Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.
Cease to do evil,
Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Rebuke the oppressor;
Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the widow.
'Come now, and let us reason together,'
Says the LORD,

"'Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool'" (Isaiah 1:15-18, NKJV).
# How does God respond to sin in the lives of His people?
# What does God require that we do before He hears our prayers?
# What hope do these verses give to those who have sinned?

My Thoughts

Sin isn't the only reason God doesn't answer prayer (for example, see Daniel 10:12-13), but it's a common one. When you sin, God is not angry with you in a vindictive way; He is not out to get even. Instead, He is angry because you've put yourself in harm's way--and that needs to be dealt with first. The good news is that sin doesn't have to stay an obstacle. When we confess our sins (1 John 1:9) and turn from them; when we begin to live in obedience to Him, He washes us in the blood of Christ. God says, "Even though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow." Don't let sin hinder the answer to your prayers.

My Part

Do you feel like God isn't answering your prayers? Don't assume that it's because of sin in your life. However, don't assume that it isn't. Pray David's prayer:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me" (Psalm 139:23-24, NKJV).

If you find sin, confess it and forsake it. If you don't, then wait patiently. Let God have His perfect will in your life--even with your prayers.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 13, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


How You Treat God

In Isaiah 1:15, we see God make this very startling statement through His prophet,

"When you spread out your hands,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers,
I will not listen" ( ESV).

What would cause God to do something like that?

What Does the Bible Say

Isaiah 1:11-20 paints a picture of a people playing at religion. On the surface, the Israelites were doing all the right things. Verse 11 talks about the "multitude of your sacrifices," and their "burnt offerings." Verse 12 mentions their coming before God.

But there was something else present in their lives, something that displeased God: "I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly" (Isaiah 1:13, ESV); "your hands are full of blood" (Isaiah 1:15, ESV); "remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes" (Isaiah 1:16, ESV). The people were living sinful lives and pretending at religion. Their "religion" did not cause them to be moral, righteous individuals who obeyed God.

So, God said, "Enough! If you're going to ignore Me, I'm going to ignore you. If you're not going to observe the laws and commands I gave you, I'm not going to pay attention to the prayers you offer Me."

But despite their disobedience, God gave Israel a way back to Him:

"Remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;
cease to do evil, learn to do good….
Come now, let us reason together, says the
LORD: though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow" (Isaiah 1:16,18,ESV).

We'll see what this passage means for us in the next section.

My Thoughts

As you read Isaiah 1:11-20, think about the following questions:

1. In addition to what's mentioned above, what else does God tell Israel to do?

    * In your own words, what is it that made the "right" actions of Israel (sacrifices, etc.) wrong in the eyes of God?
    * What offer did God make the people in verses 18-20?
    * What did He promise them if they chose to obey Him?
    * What did He promise them if they continued in rebellion against Him?
    * Write a paragraph about a time you feel you may have been wandering away from God. How did He draw you back to Himself? What made you realize your error? How did you correct your life?

My Part

This is a hard lesson because we have to ask ourselves, "How am I treating God right now? Today, am I living my whole life for His glory or am I pushing Him to the sidelines?" Instead of playing at religion like the Israelites did, let's take our relationship with God seriously.

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