Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 1, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Wisdom & Money

Some people think the Bible condemns wealth. Others think God wants all Christians to be wealthy. So who is right? Don't let yourself be influenced by others, let's look and see what God has to say in the Bible.

What Does God Say?

Did you know that the Bible actually tells us how to make money? It's true. There is actually a God-prescribed way of acquiring more money.

"A slack hand causes poverty,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich" (Proverbs 10:4, ESV).

If you want money, work for it. OK, maybe that's not a huge revelation, but it runs counter to many messages we hear from the world around us.

The next verse says,

"He who gathers in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame" (Proverbs 10:5, ESV).

Casinos, lotteries and the myriad of get-rich-schemes in today's world are based on the principle that you shouldn't have to work to get money. But the Bible is clear: if you want money, you need to work for it.

But wealth is not an end in itself. What do you do with your money once you have it? The first thing to know is that the money you earn is one of the ways God provides for your needs. You need food; you need shelter and many other things. Each time you pay a bill or buy your groceries, take a moment to say thank you to God for providing the money to meet your needs.

Once you've met your personal needs, there's more to be done with your money.

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want" (Proverbs 11:24, ESV).

Once you've met your needs, consider the needs of others.

My Thoughts

As you read Proverbs 10:1-5, think about the following questions:

1. What is God's message to us in these verses?

2. Why is righteousness the better path to follow?

My Part

Whatever your financial situation is today, God knows about it. But take time to pray about your finances. Ask Him to give you wisdom about using your money. Ask Him for opportunities to demonstrate generosity. And always be quick to praise Him for His provision.

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 2, 2008
Topic: Thankfulness, Christian Living/Situational, God's Care


Generosity

You know the saying "membership has its privileges"? Well, so does generosity. And giving generously is wise whether you're giving your money, your time or other resources to those who need it.

What Does God Say?

Proverbs 22:9:
"Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor" (ESV).

That "bountiful eye" refers to seeing with a generous heart; seeing a need and being happy to do something about it. And here's the benefit: blessing!

Proverbs 28:27 adds another benefit: "Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing" (NLT). In meeting the needs of others, God continues to provide for you.

However, Proverbs 28:27 also cautions: "But those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed" (NLT). It's hard to hear that if we ignore the needs of others, we're risking God's displeasure. But it makes sense.

You see, everything you and I have--money, possessions, time, even life itself--comes from God's generous hands. He gives us what we have and what we need. He then expects us to give to others the same way. He uses us to meet the needs of the poor, the helpless and those in difficulty. Read His instructions in Deuteronomy 15:7-11, and you'll see how God uses His people to meet the needs of others--and blesses their generosity in turn.

My Thoughts

Look up 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 for instructions concerning generosity.

    * What benefits or privileges do you find when you're generous?
    * What attitude do you need to exhibit when you give?
    * What does God do about your needs?
    * What does generosity produce?

My Part

In these tough economic times, we're easily anxious and that can make us stingy. "I can't give because I may not have enough for my own needs." Have you looked at Matthew 6:25-34 lately? How will your needs be met? What does it say about your relationship with God when you're anxious or stingy with what you have?

You may not have as much material wealth as some people have, but you're probably richer than most of the world. So, what will you do with it? If you can’t give money, what can you give--energy, time, etc.? Jot down a few ideas today; then begin to act more generously. And ask God to help you give as He wants, with a bountiful eye and a cheerful heart, trusting Him to take care of you too.

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 3, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Wisdom of Giving

A wise man wrote, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." The man was Moses, in Psalm 90:12 (KJV). Another wise man said,

"Forsake foolishness and live,
and go in the way of understanding."

That man was Solomon, in Proverbs 9:6 (NKJV).

Smith's Bible Dictionary defines wisdom as "the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding." True biblical wisdom requires that you know God and obey His will in all areas of your life. Sadly, both Moses (Deuteronomy 4:21-22) and Solomon (1 Kings 11:3-12) suffered loss at the end of their lives because they failed to exercise godly wisdom.

As a follower of Christ, you should practice wisdom in your relationships, your actions, your attitudes, your plans and every other part of your life. Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV).

If wisdom must be practiced in all walks of life, then your use of money and your giving is included. For many, that is the most difficult place to apply wisdom--and it's what we will look at today.

What Does God Say?

Both the Old and New Testaments abound with teaching about giving. Jesus stressed to His disciples the importance of the wise use of money and right attitudes in giving. Paul gave further extensive instruction on the same topics.

In this list of verses about money and giving, identify the one that best answers each question that follows:

    * Mark 9:41
    * Mark 10:23
    * Luke 16:13
    * 1 John 3:17
    * Luke 6:38
    * 1 Corinthians 9:7

          o Which verse shows that God will reward the wise believer who gives to those who are in need?
          o Which verse tells you that the unwise love of money can prevent entrance into the Kingdom of God?
          o Which verse shows the mindset a believer should have when giving?
          o Which verse assures you that withholding from those in need reflects a lack of God's love in your life?
          o Which verse tells you that money has the power to gain control of your life?
          o Which verse tells you that God is pleased with your giving and you will be blessed for your generosity?

My Thoughts

Solomon, in the Book of Proverbs, says much about both wisdom and wealth. In Proverbs 3:7-10 (ESV), he connects the two, saying:

"Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine."

Solomon is saying that true wisdom comes from God and that you are to use wisdom in donating to God and to others out of the blessings He provides.

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

    * What relation does sowing have to reaping? (v. 6)
    * Who should determine how much you give? (v. 7)
    * What will God do for the wise giver? (vv. 8-11)
    * What will your liberal giving produce for God? (v. 11)

My Part

Review your personal giving to the Lord's work and put down on paper these results:

    * How much you are giving regularly.
    * What organizations your contributions are going to.
    * What changes you would like to make in your giving as the Lord provides.

In your prayer time, ask God to give you wisdom in your giving and your handling of money.

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 4, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


What Money Can't Do

Have you ever been asked to do something that wasn't part of your job description? Do you remember the frustration of trying to figure out how to handle a new task and the gut feeling that there was someone else in the company who was better fitted to handle the assignment?

That's the way it is with money. We ask it to buy us happiness—but it can't. We ask it to buy us love—but it can't. We ask it to buy us friends—but it can't. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon, the wisest as well as the richest man who ever lived, gives us the real scoop on what money can and can't do.

What Does God Say?

"The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
they imagine it to be a high wall of safety " (Proverbs 18:11, NLT).

In other words, many who have vast amounts of money get a false sense of security from riches. They feel invincible and, tragically, can begin to trust in themselves rather than God. But God is the only One worthy of your trust.

Look at Proverbs 11:4 for more wisdom about money:

"Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death" (ESV).

Having money isn't bad, but it can't save us from death. This life, when compared to eternity, will last as long as it takes your eye to blink. And when it comes to determining our eternal home, bank accounts will be worthless.

The most important decision any of us will ever have to make isn't about money. It's about whether or not we will accept Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf.

God never gave us money to provide happiness, fulfillment and security--He gives us Himself to provide all that. Money can be a powerful tool for accomplishing God's work, but we must recognize that only God can truly provide everything we need. As Jesus told said, "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33, ESV).

We'll look more at this passage from Matthew in the next section.

My Thoughts

As you read Matthew 6:25-34, think about the following questions:

1. Why did Jesus use the birds of the air and the grass of the field as an example for listeners?

2. What does Jesus say we should not be anxious about?

3. What does He suggest we focus on instead?

My Part

A lot of people feel like they don't have enough money. If that's the way you feel, take some time to think about why it is you feel that way. Ask God to show you the areas where you are trusting money to provide something He's promised to give you Himself.

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 5, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Treasure: Lasting or Rusting?

I was standing in line waiting for the supermarket cashier to total up my grocery bill when a man stepped ahead of me and asked, "Care if I go in front? I'm really in a hurry!"

Curious about what it was that he so urgently needed to buy, I said, "Fine. Go ahead."

He asked the cashier for five lottery tickets, hurried to the end of the counter and began checking his purchase. "Nope! Nope! No!" he said, becoming more agitated as he discovered each losing number. By the time I reached the counter, he had angrily dashed out the door.

Losing may be tough, but according to many lottery winners, that loser was better off than they are because their sudden wealth only brought them financial, domestic and social ruin.

The desire for wealth is a powerful magnet and once it draws you in, its pull can rarely be overcome. When Jesus warned His listeners that it is impossible to serve both God and riches (Matthew 6:24), He was cautioning them that they had the choice of yielding to one of two opposing realms--the sphere where God works, through His Spirit, or the world system where Satan works, through money. Jesus did not condemn the use of money, but He warned against turning your life over to its power. God's Word is loaded with lessons about the need for wisdom in using money.

What Does God Say?

Read the following Bible passages and answer the questions related to each one:

Matthew 6:19-21, NKJV

    * What are the two contrasting places where you can lay up treasures?
    * How does the place where you lay up your treasures affect you personally?
    * Thought questions: Was Jesus talking only to rich people or can you be poor and still lay up treasures in the right or wrong place? Is it possible for you to "lay up treasures on earth" while still making donations to the church and Christian charities?

Luke 12:16-21, NKJV

    * Does Jesus say this rich man's soul was lost? If not, then what did he lose?
    * Thought question: What do you think it means to be "rich toward God"? (v. 21)

James 4:13-15, NKJV

    * Does James say the people in verses 13-14 were wrong in planning a business to make profit?
    * What were the people doing wrong?
    * Thought question: Do you think getting people to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will do so and so," is all James wanted to teach?

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, NKJV

    * In verse 11, what three activities does Paul encourage believers to practice?
    * In verse 12, what are the two purposes for practicing those activities?
    * Thought question: Who are those who are the "outsiders" and how does this lifestyle help you to "walk properly toward them"?

My Thoughts

Proverbs 23:4-5 (ESV)warns against working for the purpose of amassing wealth, and it also gives you the reason for the warning:

"Do not toil to acquire wealth;
be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
for suddenly it sprouts wings,
flying like an eagle toward heaven."

Read a similar warning from Paul in 1 Timothy 6:7-10.

My Part

So that you have a Bible verse to remind you of the wisdom of keeping your financial priorities straight, memorize Matthew 6:24 (ESV), which says:

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 8, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


What Makes You Happy

I remember a Sunday school song called, "Happiness Is the Lord." The song informs children (and adults) that knowing Jesus and living a life that pleases Him brings us happiness.

And that's an important truth because the secret to happiness is found in wisely living to please God.

What Does God Say?

Psalm 1:1-2 shows us what makes a happy or blessed person:

"Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night." (ESV)

Happiness begins with tapping into God's Word--taking delight in the Law of the Lord, keeping it to the forefront of your mind and actions through your day. It's the wisdom of ignoring wicked advice and staying away from bad company. The result (found in Psalm 1:3) is a rich and fruitful life, growing strong and happy.

Psalm 119 also offers the link between joy or happiness and walking God's way.

"Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths" (Psalm 119:1-3, NLT).

It only makes sense: Pleasing God and living by His wisdom and instruction leads to blessing or happiness. It's "living a life within His favor."

My Thoughts

Check out these verses and look for the things that bring blessing or happiness to you.

    * Proverbs 3:1-2, 13
    * Proverbs 9:9-12

What is pleasing to God? List what you find in these verses:

    * Proverbs 3:3-12
    * Philippians 2:12-18
    * Hebrews 13:1-21

Why not do your own search? Use a concordance or online resource and search phrases like "pleasing to the Lord"; "God's favor"; "happiness" or "blessed is the man." Discover the link between pleasing God, tapping into His Word and your happiness.

My Part

What about you--what makes you happy? What do you expect will give you that feeling? How has that worked for you? How much does God's Word influence your daily actions or choices? What needs to change so your life is more pleasing to God?

This isn't an easy process; we're geared to think doing our own thing will make us happy. Ask God to help you find your happiness in pleasing Him instead of doing it your way.

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 9, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Key to Happiness

For thousands of years, people have tried to figure out what brings happiness. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, declared, "Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient." The philosopher/theologian Albert Schweitzer said, "Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory."

But the Bible reveals the true source of happiness. The Hebrew word that we usually translate "blessed" can also be translated as "happy." It makes sense. The person who is blessed by God is bound to be happy.

So that leaves us with the question, "How can we be blessed?" In the Book of Psalms, we discover at least seven ways we can make ourselves available to be blessed by God.

What Does God Say?

Read the following Scriptures and indicate how you can be blessed by God:

    * Psalm 1:1-2
    * Psalm 2:12
    * Psalm 32:1-2
    * Psalm 41:1
    * Psalm 84:4-5
    * Psalm 94:12
    * Psalm 112:1

My Thoughts

Happiness can't be found apart from God. Other things might bring temporary relief, but eventually you will sink once again into the doldrums. The happiness God gives, however, is based on His blessings--which never end (Psalm 16:11). So, why settle for temporary pleasures when you can have eternal blessings?

My Part

Are you feeling unhappy? Select one of the above verses (you might want to start with Psalm 1:1-2) and seek to make it a part of your daily life. As you accomplish one, move on to the next. The more you seek those things that bring God’s blessings, the more you’ll experience a happiness that only He can provide.

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 10, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Wisdom & the Fear of the Lord

In C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis wrote about two talking animals, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, who are preparing two children, Lucy and Susan, to meet Aslan the Lion (who represents Christ).

"Ooh," said Susan, "I thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."

"That you will, dearie." said Mrs. Beaver.

"And make no mistake, if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knee's knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."

"Then isn't he safe?" said Lucy.

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the king, I tell you!"

This situation is really similar to what the Bible means when it talks about the "fear of the Lord." We'll find out more in the next section.

What Does God Say?

Do you come before the Lord with the feelings Mrs. Beaver portrayed? Feelings of awe and reverence along with a knowledge that God is good? That's what the Bible calls "the fear of the Lord"? Why do think that "fear" is such an important concept? I'll let Solomon explain.

"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline " (Proverbs 1:7, NLT).

Wisdom is the key to living a God-honoring life. Wisdom helps us make the right choices. And true wisdom begins with a healthy fear of God. This fear, as the Bible defines it, is a balance between reverential awe for who God is (the Creator of the universe) and a respect for what He desires--a personal relationship with you. We need both attitudes to find wisdom.

If we see God only as Creator, how can we draw near to Him? His power is so awesome and terrible we could do nothing more than cower in His presence. On the other hand, if we see only His desire to have a relationship with us, we could run the risk of being flippant. We might think of God as our "buddy," our "pal" or even worse, our servant.

Finding the balance between reverence and familiarity will give us a proper fear of the Lord. Then we'll find a personal, intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe and the Savior of our souls.

It sounds difficult, but there is a way.

My Thoughts

As you read Proverbs 1:1-33, think about the following questions:

1. Why is finding wisdom so important?

2. What does God do to help us find wisdom?

3. How are lives of wisdom and lives of foolishness described?

My Part

The first step to finding wisdom is finding a relationship with Jesus. If you haven't done that yet, click on "Meet Jesus." If you already have a personal relationship with Jesus, then you need to continue reading the Bible. There is no better way to find the fear of the Lord and the wisdom that comes with it than by immersing yourself in the Word of God on a daily basis.

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 11, 2008
Topic: Evil


Godly Hate

As a child of God, your aim for this life, as well as for the life hereafter, is to be like Christ. The apostle John wrote, "Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he has appears we will be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure" (1 John 3:2-3, ESV).

This means that your Christian hope should involve seeking to be like Christ right here and now. It means that you ought to be demonstrating a godly life in your actions, purposes, words and thoughts.

But how can you know what Christ is like? Well, He didn't leave you to guess about what He's like. In the Bible, you have a clear revelation of Christ. You can go to God's Word and see the very character and personality of the Creator, whom you will someday meet face to face as John pointed out.

Being like God may involve some attitudes and actions that will surprise you. Let's look at one of those surprises today.

What Does God Say?

Is it right for a Christian to hate anything? Doesn't our society tell us all hate is wrong?

Being like Christ means not only exercising love like He does, but also hating the things He hates. If you do not hate what God hates, then you are not like Him and you can end up hating God instead. So, what does God hate?

God hates evil and despises all that is related to it. First, look at some Scripture passages that speak of things that He hates. Find the verses and write down what He says He hates:

    * Proverbs 6:16-19
    * Isaiah 61:8
    * Zechariah 8:17

Second, find these Scriptures and list what God's people have said they hate:

    * Proverbs 13:5
    * Psalm 139:21-22
    * Psalm 119:104, 128
    * Psalm 26:5

Third, look at some passages where God tells His people of certain things they should hate:

    * Psalm 97:10
    * Amos 5:15

Finally, read Jesus' commendation of the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:6. Notice what He praises them for.

My Thoughts

There are several verses in Proverbs that speak of the fear or reverence of the Lord. It is called "the beginning of wisdom," "the beginning of knowledge," "a fountain of life," and Proverbs 16:6 says, "By the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil."

But in Proverbs 8:13, we learn that the fear of the Lord also includes hatred of evil. If you love Him, you hate evil, just as He hates it. Read that verse in your Bible.

Christ's love for sinners is so great that He went to the cross to provide forgiveness for our sins, but His hatred of evil and its consequences is also seen at the cross where He defeated Satan, the author of sin and evil.

My Part

Take some time today to write down any specific areas of failure or weakness you see in your life that are due to tolerating actions or attitudes that God hates. Ask God to give you the spiritual backbone to resist the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil. Ask Him to help you see as He sees, love as He loves and, yes, hate what He hates.

"When good people in any country cease their vigilance and struggle, then evil men prevail."-- Pearl S. Buck

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 12, 2008
Topic: Holiness, Christian Living/Situational


Love Holiness

You may be familiar with an old hymn that declares, "Take time to be holy." That's wise advice because one of the secrets to wisdom is holiness. Wisdom begins with our "fear of the Lord" but it also includes loving what He loves and hating what He hates--the essence of holiness.

What Does God Say?

Proverbs 9:10 tells us,

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (ESV).

To fear the Lord means you have the proper sense of reverence and respect for God, His power, wisdom and character. It's the foundation for wisdom; it's what we build on to become wise.

But "the knowledge of the Holy One" takes us a little further along. It means we not only revere and respect God, but we recognize that He is the Holy One. Because of God's holiness, He cannot put up with evil; and, in fact, hating evil is also linked with the fear of the Lord (see Proverbs 8:13).

If you want to build godly wisdom into your life, you'll demonstrate your fear of the Lord through your reverence for Him. That means you'll take Him and His Word seriously. And you'll take His holiness seriously. You'll love what He loves; you'll embrace what He embraces. Holiness is only perfected in God, but you can do your part to reflect Him to others.

My Thoughts

Holiness means to be set apart. God is holy because His greatness, power and perfection set Him apart from anything and everything else. He wants us to be "set apart" as well for Him. What do you learn about your holiness from these verses?

    * 1 Peter 1:14-16
    * 1 Peter 2:9
    * Ephesians 1:3-4
    * 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

My Part

In Hebrews 12:14, we're told to "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (ESV). How do you reflect the holiness that helps others see the Lord?

We've already mentioned that we're to love what the Lord loves. What are those things? Make a list from Psalm 146:8; Psalm 33:4-5; Colossians 3:12-14. Are these things you love? How would someone know that you embrace holiness? What do you need to do to live out the fear of the Lord in this way?

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 15, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Wisdom on Display

There's a danger to avoid when we begin our pursuit of wisdom. It's the danger of thinking that simply knowing facts is all there is to becoming wise. Knowledge may be power as the saying goes--but this power needs to be used to do the right things.

What Does God Say?

James does a masterful job of summing this up in a single verse. "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom" (James 3:13, ESV).

It's not enough to simply know the right thing to do; we show we have wisdom when we actually do the right thing. In fact, James says later, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin" (James 4:17, ESV).

However, there are wrong ways to do the right thing. If you've ever watched your children mumbling and muttering as they clean their rooms (after being told for the eleventh time), you know what I'm talking about.

There are people who give to the poor simply to be seen. There are some who preach the Word simply for the recognition it gets them. But as James says, "The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17, ESV).

We'll look at how to display this kind of wisdom in the next section.

My Thoughts

As you read James 3:13-18, think about the following questions:

1. What does James mean by showing your works "in the meekness of wisdom"?

2. What does James say is the result of acting out of earthly motives?

3. What is the result of acting in true wisdom?

My Part

It's natural to want to be recognized for the good things we do. Take comfort in the fact that nothing you ever do escapes God's notice. Though your acts done in wisdom often go unheralded by others, you can be sure that He sees and approves.

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 16, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Wisdom of God

A few years ago, a study revealed that at least 12 million people (in the United States alone) believe that their lives can be influenced by the arrangement of the stars and planets. In fact, these people keep 175,000 part-time and 10,000 full-time astrologers busy seeking information that will help them make decisions about their lives.

On the one hand, it is sad to know that this many people are deluded into believing that they can receive guidance based on the location of heavenly objects. On the other hand, it's encouraging to know that so many people realize they need something more than their own wisdom to direct their lives.

The Bible says, however, that they're looking in the wrong place for direction in their lives. There's only one source of trustworthy guidance, and that's the Word of God. Let's consider the verses below.

What Does God Say?

For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity
(Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV).

    * Notice that this verse mentions "knowledge," "understanding," and "wisdom." How would you distinguish between these three?
    * Where do "knowledge," "understanding," and "wisdom" come from?
    * To whom does God give these?

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV).

    * Notice the source for God's Word. By relating it to the verse above (Proverbs 2:6-7), what do we find out about the Bible?
    * What is the Bible profitable for?
    * Ultimately, what can God's Word do for us according to 2 Timothy 3:17?

My Thoughts

The increasing commonness of horoscopes in newspapers and magazines; the popularity of such TV shows as Crossing Over and the increase in the number of people claiming psychic powers all point to the growing acceptance of seeking knowledge and wisdom through occult practices.

Yet the Bible clearly forbids this. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (ESV) says: "There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a wizard or a necromancer, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. "

As a Christian, you need to avoid these activities and turn to God's Word for guidance. Encourage others to do the same.

My Part

Is there anything on your person (such as jewelry) or in your home that relates to the occult? If so, dispose of it in such a way that neither you nor anyone else will have access to it again.

Take the time you've spent in reading your daily horoscope or watching programs that seek to "normalize" occult practices (such as contacting the dead) and invest it in reading the true source of wisdom, the Bible.

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 17, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Wisdom & Righteousness

Milk and cookies. Peanut butter and jelly. Thanksgiving and football. Some things just seem to go together. Scripture reveals a combination designed especially for your Christian walk: wisdom and righteousness.

What Does God Say?

Proverbs 2:6-7 says,

"For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity" (ESV).

Wisdom comes from God. It's the practical knowledge that helps you live in a way that pleases God, is best for you and benefits others. The Lord gives wisdom to the upright. To be upright means "standing straight, living rightly according to God's standards." Being upright is the result of having a right relationship with God (righteousness).

James 3:13 asks, "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom" (ESV). Good conduct is righteousness in action, and it's tied to wisdom.

You can't live a righteous life without tapping into God's wisdom. And it would be impossible to have God's wisdom yet live in an unrighteous way. One is the internal knowledge; the other is that knowledge translated into action. Each influences, shapes and fuels the other.

My Thoughts

Read Proverbs 2:6-22.

    * What is the source of real wisdom?
    * What do you gain when wisdom and righteousness combine (2:7-12)?
    * What traps or dangers does wisdom help you avoid (2:11-20)?
    * What characterizes those without wisdom or righteousness (2:12-19)?
    * What are the lasting benefits of wisdom and righteous living (2:20-22)?

My Part

Review Proverbs 2 adding your name whenever it talks about the "upright" or the "righteous" or "you." For example, verse 7: "He stores up sound wisdom for [your name]; he is a shield to [your name] who walks in integrity." Or verse 11: "Discretion will watch over [your name], understanding will guard [your name]."

Then ask yourself if that's really happening in your life? Are you guided by wisdom from God in your daily life? Are you walking in integrity? How do others see that integrity in you? How has wisdom and righteousness protected you? How has it shaped your choices and actions?

Use this exercise from Proverbs 2 as a reminder and set it as a goal to help you lean on God's wisdom and live in His righteousness.

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 18, 2008
Topic: Love


Nothing Stops His Love

God's love: None of us deserve it; none of us can earn it. But He freely gives it to all of us.

When you read the Bible, you'll read about people who tested the limits of God's love--David, Abraham, Isaac, Paul and others--but learned that a limit to His love doesn't exist. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

King David is a classic example. As King of Israel, David used his power to seduce a married woman and then killed her husband to cover up the resulting pregnancy. (2 Samuel 11).

Abraham lied (Genesis 20:2); Isaac lied (Genesis 26:9); Noah got drunk (Genesis 9:20-28 ); Moses had an anger problem (Exodus 32:19). In the New Testament Peter denied Jesus (John 18:25); Paul killed Christians (Acts 8:1-3). Yet God never said to any of them, "That's too much; I can't love you anymore." Again and again the Bible shows us that God's love isn't based on what we do. It's based on who He is.

John wrote, "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:9-10, ESV).

Because of Jesus' sacrifice, all our sins are forgiven. John uses the word "propitiation" which means "to appease." We deserve to experience the wrath of God for our sins (Ephesians 5:6), but Jesus satisfied (appeased) that just requirement through His death on the cross. God's love is that big. Even though we don't deserve it; and we can never earn it, yet we all have it. But we do have to accept it.

My Thoughts

As you read 1 John 4:7-12, think about the following questions:

    * How did God show His love?
    * What effects does John expect God's love to have in our lives?
    * Why is it important that we share God's love with others?

My Part

God's example shows us that love needs to be demonstrated (see Romans 5:8 ). Think about those you love and plan some way to show them your love in the next few days. Write down at least seven ways you can demonstrate to God that you love Him. Then act on one daily for the next week. Offer your demonstration to God as a gift of love and praise for His love to you.

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 19, 2008
Topic: Love


Deep Love

Love is an easy word to say, but a difficult word to define. According to my dictionary, love can mean many things including, "strong affection for another," "an informal term of address in Britain" and "a score of zero (as in tennis)."

When we talk about God's love, we can discard the last two definitions. But does the first definition describe God's love adequately?

What Does God Say?

One of the best-known passages of Scripture about God's love is John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (ESV).

    * Whom does God love?
    * How does John describe God's gift?
    * What does it mean to "believe in Him"?

My Thoughts

When Nicodemus heard Jesus say the words, "gave his only Son," he probably didn't understand what those words meant for Jesus or for mankind. We know now that Jesus was referring to His own death on the cross, His sacrificial death that would atone for all of our sins. Think about the agonizing moments just before Jesus' life was over. Does "strong affection" seem a sufficient definition of the love that drove Him to die for us.

In his first epistle, John has a lot to say about God's love. Here are a couple examples. "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God" (1 John 3:1, ESV). "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10, ESV).

Add to this other attributes of His love such as eternality (Psalm 102:27) and faithfulness (Psalm 119:90), and you can begin to see how inadequate this definition is. When you put everything together, "strong affection" only scratches the surface of what God's love is really like.

As you study this lesson, think about the following questions:

1. In what ways does God's love differ from examples of love you see in the world?

2. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate this kind of love?

My Part

Grab a concordance or head to your favorite online Bible and look at what other New Testament writers had to say about God's love. Using these descriptions, write your own definition of love.

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
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