Bible Minute

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 23, 2009
Topic: Jesus


Jesus the High Priest

Ever had to go to the boss's office for an evaluation? That can be an event filled with anxiety. But how much more anxiety will there be when you stand before God for an evaluation of your life? The Bible says that Jesus, as your High Priest, can help. Here's what the Bible teaches.

What Does God Say?

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe" (Hebrews 4:13-14, NLT).

In the Old Testament, the Jewish people had a high priest whose job it was to make things right with God for the sinning Israelites. Because we also have sin in our lives, we need help in dealing with the consequences of it. In Jesus, God has provided a way to deal with all the sin in our lives. God did it out of love.

"This is real love--not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10, NLT)

My Thoughts

Isn't it a wonderful thing that because Jesus died on the cross, He can make us right with God?!! Do you ever feel anxious about being in God's presence? Does it make a difference to know that God loves you and accepts you because of our High Priest, Jesus?

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:19-22, NLT).

My Part

Jesus understands things that perhaps the high priests of the Old Testament didn't understand about our sins. But, better than that, because He is God, He can do something about them. Why not take a few minutes now and thank God for His love and mercy, and thank Him that Jesus is our High Priest who takes away our sin and makes us right with God.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 24, 2009
Topic: Salvation


The Sacrifice Like No Other

Maybe you've wondered why the Old Testament has so much to say about sacrifices and offerings. The first murder in the Bible came about when Abel's offering was accepted by God and Cain's wasn't. In the Book of Leviticus, you find chapter after chapter full of detailed instructions to the priest of Israel about how to properly approach God through animal sacrifices and other offerings. According to Numbers 28 and 29, there were at least 1,273 official offerings each year, making nearly two million sacrifices in the years from Moses to Christ, not to mention millions and millions more private offerings. But every one of them was insufficient in itself to accomplish the lasting forgiveness of sin!

Next, turn to the New Testament. We find there a breath of fresh air! Carefully read what God says in the following verses from the Book of Hebrews.

What Does God Say?

"And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" (Hebrews 10:11-14, ESV).

On the cross, Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb of God, paid the price for your salvation with His own blood, then "sat down at the right hand of God," because the saving work He came to accomplish was eternally completed by that single sacrifice.

My Thoughts

Have you thought about what Christ's sacrifice on the cross means to the believer? In the following verses, you will find several gifts that He obtained for you through His death. Look up these Scriptures and write down all the benefits you find.

    * Romans 6:5-6
    * Galatians 2:19-20
    * Galatians 3:13
    * Colossians 2:13-14
    * Hebrews 2:14-15

My Part

Go back through each of the items you recorded in the section above. Think over what each one means to you personally. As you go through the list, thank God in prayer for the riches He has given you because of the sacrificial death of Christ.

If you haven't made these riches your own, you can right now by believing Christ and asking Him in prayer to forgive your sins and save you. He is ready and waiting!

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 27, 2009
Topic: Jesus, God, Bible Study/Theories


Opens the Book

So what do you know about now about God? Where did you pick up those ideas? I know, you've seen the movies or Veggie Tales videos, or maybe you even remember the old flat flannel-graph boards in Sunday school. Great tools, but they give you an incomplete picture. The best way to find the truth about God is to open the Bible, God's own word to you.

What Does God Say?

God is on every page of the Bible, either actively visible or behind the scenes. We see that not only is God the Father there, but Jesus (God the Son) is there too. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1, ESV). From the dawn of creation (Genesis 1) through the glorious eternal future (Revelation 22), you can trace Jesus' part in the Father's unfolding plan.

And it's in the Bible that we discover Jesus brings us eternal life. In John 5:39, Jesus says "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me" (ESV). The Bible or Scripture doesn't save you, but you are saved through the One it bears witness or testifies about. He has "the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God" (John 6:68-69, ESV). You would never know that if you didn't open your Bible.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for your sins, you not only have the gift of eternal life, you have new life today with access to the Father. "Jesus said to him, '"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him'" (John 14:6-7, ESV). It's through Jesus that you get to know God the Father.

Revelation 1:5-6 describes Jesus Christ as "the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth...who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father" ( ESV). That's a lot you'd never know about Jesus if you skipped reading His Book.

My Thoughts

Read through these passages and jot down what you learn about Jesus.

Colossians 1:13-23

Hebrews 1:1-4

Hebrews 2:9-18

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

    * Did you find something new or something you didn't really think of before?
    * Where else do you think you could find out more about Jesus?
    * What are you doing on a regular basis to get to know Jesus better?

My Part

Let's go back to the first question we asked today--what do you know about Jesus now?

    * As you've read through these passages and made notes, has it changed your picture of Him?
    * What do you think matters most to you, today?
    * What about Jesus can change your view of tomorrow?
    * How could you take what you know and talk about Jesus with a friend, to your kids, with your spouse?

When you do that, you're not only opening the Book, you're making it part of your life. You're bringing Jesus right in where He wants to be, in your heart, mind and soul.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 28, 2009
Topic: Faith/Trust


Promises, Promises

A promise is only as good as the person who makes it. Someone has observed: "America is always a land of promise during an election." The political candidate who promises jobs and a utopia but can't deliver; the bridegroom who promises lifelong commitment, then is unfaithful to his wife; the soldier who pledges loyalty to his country but goes AWOL--all demonstrate that promises can be empty.

What Does God Say?

God promises, however, are never empty. They are totally trustworthy. It seems like you can find gracious promises on almost every page of His Book. Though many of His promises are already completed, there are loads more yet to be fulfilled. God made promises to the first couple as soon as He created them, assuring them of His provision and His purposes (Genesis 1:26-29). When they broke faith with their Creator and sinned, their future seemed hopeless. But God promised them a Savior (Genesis 3:15). And His promises endured and flourished down through the generations of Old Testament history. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David and others received promises from God, assuring them of a wonderful future, although they often didn't see the fulfillment during their lifetimes.

Now is a good time for you to take your Bible and turn to Hebrews 11:1-13. Note especially verses 8-10 and verse 13.

    * What was Abraham's response to God's promise (11:8 )?
    * What was Abraham looking for in the future (11:10)?

If Abraham and others didn't see the fulfillment, what good was the promise? Well, God's promises are the soil in which faith grows. Look at Hebrews 11:13.

    * Does it say they died hopeless? How did they die? What had they seen in the promises God gave them? How did it make them look at this life?

Why does God delay the fulfillment of many promises? Read Hebrews 11:39-40 very thoughtfully. What does it say about "us," we who also wait in faith?

My Thoughts

The birth and ministry of Christ Jesus added even more promises that you, as a believer, share in today. Try to find the promises that include you in each of the following verses. Jot them down.

    * 2 Peter 1:3-4
    * Ephesians 1:13
    * James 1:12
    * James 2:5
    * 2 Peter 3:13

My Part

The psalmist expressed something in Psalm 119:123 that all believers should look for--the final outcome of our salvation. Memorize this short verse from the ESV:

"My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise."

And read 2 Peter 3:4-9. Our Lord is coming! Are you ready?

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 29, 2009
Topic: Faith/Trust


A Better Faith

Have you ever compared yourself to the people of faith you find in the Bible? People like David or Paul or Ruth, who seemed to believe and trust God no matter what?

But these people didn't have a "super-faith" pill or secret formula; they did what you and I can do. They simply believed God and put all their hope, trust and faith in Him through every experience of life. Like a rose opening petal by petal, your own faith can grow into something beautiful.

What Does God Say?

What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 says that "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (NIV). It's believing in God and His Son Jesus Christ, and trusting God for all that He's revealed through the Bible and through Jesus.

Faith is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (ESV). It does "not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:5, ESV).

In 1 Timothy 1:5, the apostle Paul lists a sincere faith as one of three visible results of following God and His Word. He also tells us in 1 Timothy 6:11 to pursue faith, along with righteousness, godliness, love, steadfastness and gentleness.

My Thoughts

If we want to pursue or grow in faith, we need to know what it takes. Read Psalm 37:3-7. Each verse begins with a verb or two that relate to living in faith. List them, then come up with ways to do each of these things in your life.

Do the same thing with Jude 20-21.

Is there a particular area where you're constantly challenged to exercise faith? Consider memorizing a passage that encourages you to trust God, such as Exodus 15:2, Isaiah 26:3-4 or Habakkuk 3:19.

My Part

Chart your own faith by outlining your life, beginning with your earliest memory of faith.

    * What steps have you taken?
    * What are situations where you trusted God?
    * What times in your life has your faith been tested?

Your chart probably has highs and lows, but does it show positive growth? Is there a recurring theme or area where you struggle to exercise faith?

After you complete your chart, take a moment to ask God to help you grow in faith, and thank Him for the growth you've already seen.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 30, 2009
Topic: Jesus, Christian Living/Situational


Superior Values

Values serve as the foundation for how we operate. We act based on what we believe is important: if honesty and integrity are valued, then we don't lie or cheat or steal or deceive. When Jesus brought you new, eternal life, He also brought a superior set of values.

What Does God Say?

The core value Jesus gives us is simple: "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself'" (Luke 10:27, ESV).

It's the value or law of love, and it goes two directions. First, upward: Love God, value what He values; honor Him; treasure Him with everything you've got: body, soul, strength and mind. Based on that, your actions will not dishonor God; you will not put other things before Him; you will seek to please Him, to follow His commands, etc.

Second, the law of love is outward: Love your neighbor as yourself. What you'd do for yourself, be willing to do for others. This value influences actions and attitudes towards people around us; we're willing to make sacrifices and seek good for them. If I love my neighbor, I'm not going to cheat him, to covet what he has, to do him harm, to lie or deceive him. When love motivates us, it becomes a whole lot easier to keep God's commands.

This is radically different from the world's value system. That system focuses entirely on "me": what I want, how people cater to me, getting more for me, even to the point of self-worship. We put ourselves first so there's no room for God. We work for our own benefit, so there's nothing left to give to others. It's "me first" all the way, and that's not what Jesus wants for you.

My Thoughts

Jesus lays out His new "kingdom values" in Matthew 5-6. Read through some key verses and see what reflects the law of love.

Matthew 5:2-12
Matthew 5:21-26
Matthew 5:38-48
Matthew 6:1-4
Matthew 6:19-34

    * How are these different from the values we're used to in our world?
    * What are some ways you need to practice these new values in your life?

My Part

Luke 10:27 is really the foundation for Christian living: Love God; love others. It sounds simple but, as we all know, the hard part is actually doing it. Hard, but not impossible. Remember that as a child of God, you have the help of the Holy Spirit, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13, ESV). Remember, too, that this love is a conscious choice, not a hopeful feeling. You choose to love as God loves you--as Jesus loves you, even to the point of sacrifice.

Hebrews 13:1-6 and Romans 12:9-21 offer you the practical nuts-and-bolts of love in action.

    * What instructions are we given?
    * How do these reflect love for God? Love for other people?
    * Pick two or three specific areas from these passages you need to do some work in; how could you make this change in your life?
    * Ask the Holy Spirit for help and commit to doing what it takes to live by this new value.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 1, 2009
Topic: Prayer


The Model Prayer

Have you ever wanted someone to teach you to pray? Jesus' disciples did. No one knows more about prayer than Jesus. From the beginning of His ministry up to His final moments on the cross, Jesus' life was filled with prayer. After seeing the Father answer Jesus' prayers in amazing ways, His disciples came to Him one day and said, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1, NKJV).

His response was, "When you pray, say..." (Luke 11:2, NKJV). Jesus then proceeds to give His disciples and us a model for effective prayer. Let's look at it.

What Does God Say?

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed [honored] be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one" (Luke 11:2-4, NKJV).

    * According to Jesus' model, what should be our focus as we begin our prayers?
    * As we move further into the prayer, what attitude is indicated on the part of the person praying?
    * What are some of the requests found in this prayer?

My Thoughts

Effective praying begins by reminding ourselves that we are coming to One who deserves our deepest respect and honor. He is our Father before whom we bow in humble adoration, submitting to His will in the same way that the angels in heaven give unquestioning obedience to His commands. Only when we've placed ourselves in a proper position--mentally and spiritually--before God are we ready to present Him with our needs: our need for daily sustenance, for forgiveness as we forgive others and for protection from the evil one (Satan).

My Part

Determine today that you will begin praying the way Jesus taught us to pray. Instead of rushing into God's presence with a grocery list of requests, begin with adoration. Humble yourself before Him (James 4:10). Make sure you aren't harboring any bitterness or grudges toward others and receive His cleansing for your own sins (1 John 1:9). Then lay before Him your every need. As you practice the kind of praying that Jesus taught, you will discover how effective your prayer life can become.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 4, 2009
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 to do that for you? 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 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).

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 5, 2009
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 promised; 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.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 6, 2009
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 us (restore fellowship) but also to cleanse us. 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.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 7, 2009
Topic: Prayer


National Prayer

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 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 focus of your daily prayers.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 8, 2009
Topic: Prayer, Christian Living/Situational


Pray for Your Nation

Yesterday, those of us who live in the United States had the privilege of taking part in the National Day of Prayer. Every year on 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 prayers 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.

   1. 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.
   2. 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.
   3. 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.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 11, 2009
Topic: Prayer


Need to Talk

There's an old proverb that says, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." Do you think that's a true statement? Let's see what the Bible has to say about it.

What Does God Say?

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, 'If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that'" (James 4:14-15, NLT).

    * Why does this verse begin with a question?
    * How does James describe your life?
    * How should the Lord fit into your planning according to this verse?

Read Psalm 144:3-4 and answer the following questions.

    * Notice that the psalmist began this psalm with a question. Both James and the writer of the Psalm 144 follow their questions with similes. Write your own simile to express the idea of life as temporary.

    * What emotions does the brevity of life evoke in you?

    * Write a short paragraph to God telling Him how grateful you are that He does care about "mere mortals."

Life is brief and uncertain, but we can hope in God. Read David's prayer as he spoke to God in Psalm 39:4-7 about the length of life.

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered--
how fleeting my life is.
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath."

Interlude

We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you" (Psalm 39:4-7, NLT)

My Thoughts

Is the Lord your only hope and focus for finding value and meaning in your life? Talking to God each day is not just a good spiritual exercise; it is mandatory for living lives of significance. There is nothing wrong with planning. In fact, the Bible teaches we ought to plan for the future. But we also should pray as we plan, asking God to provide wisdom for planning and living out our lives. Here is a basic principle for each day for every child of God.

"Pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV).

My Part

We stay closer to God when we let Him into our lives every day. So, keep talking to God as someone who loves Him, knowing He is someone who loves you. The key to wise living for the Christ-follower is talking to God every day all day and being totally dependent on Jesus. Right now might be a good time to begin living wisely--why not talk to God about it?

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 12, 2009
Topic: Prayer


How to Talk to God

Do you know the protocol you'd have to follow if you were to be introduced to the Queen of England? Do you know the proper form of address for a visiting diplomat? In what situations is it appropriate to shake hands with the President?

When the Dignitary we're talking about is God, things get even more complicated. Not only is He King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He's our Savior and Friend as well. How do you talk with such a person?

What Does the Bible Say

Solomon, in Ecclesiastes, has some sage advice for those who would approach the throne of God. "Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, NKJV).

First, notice the privilege we have in being able to approach God in the first place. God personally invites us to bring our petitions to Him. Second, notice the humility with which we are to approach Him. Our time in the throne room of heaven isn't a time to issue demands and ultimatums; it's a time to respectfully and reverently hear the Word of God.

Let's look at another verse. "Then Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said: 'O LORD God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear... Now therefore, O LORD our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the LORD God, You alone'" (2 Kings 19:15-16,19, NKJV).

We'll look closer at this passage in the next section.

My Thoughts

As you read Hezekiah's prayer in 2 Kings 19, think about the following questions:

1. In what ways does Hezekiah follow the advice of Solomon?

2. In what ways can you see that Hezekiah recognizes God's willingness to listen to him?

My Part

Someone described the phrase, "Incline your ear," as God acting like a grandfather who bends down when his little grandchild tugs at his hand. Jesus talked about the importance of having the attitude of a little child when coming before God. That's because many children have mastered that balance between reverential awe and intimate fellowship. Ask God today to help you restore that sense of wonder and fellowship in your relationship with Him.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 13, 2009
Topic: Prayer, Christian Living/Situational, God


God Is Plan A

In my family, we developed an odd habit. Since we had a few cars with ongoing troubles, we'd start to pray whenever the car made a nasty noise or started doing something it shouldn't. By the time Dad would flip on the hazard lights and pull off the road to do a visual check, the rest of us would be praying. Yes, it became a little family joke, but it was also a valuable lesson: Pray first; then deal with your trouble.

What Does God Say?

Hezekiah had bigger problems than car trouble. He had an enemy army camped on his doorstep threatening to take over Jerusalem. But he did what any of us should: he went to God first.

"Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: 'O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God'" (2 Kings 19:14-16, ESV).

God was Hezekiah's "plan A," not a last resort after he tried everything else, but his first response. He took his problem and laid it all out before God. Prayer was priority one.

My Thoughts

Hezekiah wasn't the only one to do this. Read these examples and look for:

    * Who was praying?
    * What was the concern?
    * How did they address God?

1 Kings 17:17-24

Daniel 2:18-23; 6:10-11; 9:1-4

Nehemiah 4:1-9

Acts 12:1-5

So, where do you usually start when you need help? With your family or a few friends? Do you look for answers on the Internet or apply to local agencies? Do you fret and worry first? How often do you exhaust all the other possibilities before you take your need to God?

My Part

It's natural for us to want to sort everything out for ourselves; to trust our family or friends, the people we can see, instead of relying on God whom we can't see. But God is the only One who can take care of our problems, big or small. And learning to rely on Him and go to Him first is really a matter of conditioning, like my family and the cars. It takes practice and an alertness to my need and God's abilities.

    * What are you facing today that has you worried, afraid or even threatened?
    * What have you done about it so far? How's that working for you?

Take a few minutes, maybe even write it out like the letter Hezekiah received, and take your concern to God. Ask Him to intercede for you in the matter; to show you your part or to help you face it. And remember to thank Him for all He does for you.

You may even want to post a note where you'll be reminded: God is my Plan A.