Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 14, 2009
Topic: Prayer


Will God Really Answer?

Let me tell you about the first time God showed me plainly that He answers prayer. I was just a few months along on my journey in the Christian life, a poverty-stricken 17-year-old, trying desperately to work my way through college. Shortly into my first semester, I encountered an unexpected predicament. The college required a sports jacket, slacks and tie for some of the events I had to attend regularly. For five dollars, I managed to buy a "pre-owned" sports coat; but, unfortunately, neither of the two pairs of slacks I had came close to matching the jacket ("matching" was important in those days).

I had no way to buy a pair of slacks, but I didn't mention the need to anyone, except the Lord. "Father," I prayed, "You know how badly I need a pair of slacks. I don't have any money to buy them. I pray that you will somehow provide them. And, Father, I really need brown ones. Amen." I left it there with God.

Early the next week, a package came from a faraway person who had no clue about my request. Inside, I found a note. It simply said: "I'm sending you a pair of slacks. I don't know what you need, but I thought you might like some brown ones." I instantly knew those slacks were from the Lord. He has answered prayers innumerable times since, but you can see why I've never forgotten that first time.

God is good and righteous. He cannot lie. He doesn't tell you to pray and then turn His back on your prayers. He doesn't say He will answer and then go back on His promise. But He does have guidelines you need to be aware of, and He has some things to say about how and when you may expect your prayers to be answered.

What Does God Say?

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15, ESV).

    * In 1 John 5:14-15, what is the condition God requires for answering your request?

    * If He hears you, what is the promise He makes?

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, ESV).

    * What quality does Hebrews 11:6 say you need in order to please God?
    * What two truths about God must you believe?

Read the following Scripture passages and write down your answers to the questions.

    * John 16:23-24 . How many times do you find forms of the verb "ask" in these verses? What condition does Jesus give for asking? What two results come from asking properly?

    * 1 Peter 3:12 . Whose prayers does this verse say the Lord hears? Whose does He not hear?

    * Name the attitudes that will block your prayers, as mentioned in these three verses: Psalm 66:18, James 1:6 and James 4:3.

My Thoughts

Prayer is communication with God. It's a two-way conversation. He has spoken to you in His Word, the Bible, and He has given you the privilege and responsibility to talk with Him in prayer. Just as good human-to-human communication requires open relationships, an effective prayer life depends on your keeping the line open. The Lord always has His ear tuned to your prayers, but He requires that you come to Him in humility (Luke 18:9-14), belief (Matthew 21:21-22) and expectancy (Luke 11:9).

My Part

There's no better time than now for you to start a prayer journal. List the needs you have today and the people you want to pray for specifically and regularly. As time goes on and you see God work, be sure to note His answer and the date. If your list is too long and your time limited, don't try to pray for every need or every person every day. Instead, pray for certain requests on certain days of the week or month. Make your prayer calendar or prayer journal work best for you personally. But pray!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 15, 2009
Topic: Prayer


Like Breathing

How often do you get up in the morning, take one deep breath and say, "That's all the breathing I need for today"? You wouldn't make it if you tried. Yet, we often do that with prayer.

We send up one quick breath of prayer and call it good for the day or week or longer. Once we've gone a few days like that, we think we can get by without it; we fail to see it as necessary. But prayer is contact with God, a key to becoming intimate with Him.

What Does God Say?

You wouldn't think much of a friend who never talked to you. Your friendship wouldn't grow any deeper. Prayer is the way we talk to God. And He wants us to talk to Him. That's why there are so many instructions on how to pray and what to pray about.

Jesus taught us: "Pray then like this:

'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.'" (Matthew 6:9-13, ESV)

This isn't the only prayer you can use, and you can talk to God about more than this. But it gives us a framework. We see that God wants a close relationship with us; in fact, He wants us to call Him Father. We learn about Him and what's important to Him (His name, His kingdom, His will); that He wants us to ask for what we need (daily bread). We learn how we should relate to others (forgiving, being forgiven) and that His desire is to help us daily (deliverance from evil, guard against temptation).

In 1 Thessalonians 5, we're told: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV). It's what God wants, what He wills for us--to rejoice, to pray, to give thanks. These three are tied together, and they should be as natural as breathing.

My Thoughts

David, the king and psalmist, saw prayer or conversation with God as necessary in his life. You can read many of his prayers in 1 and 2 Samuel and in Psalms. Let's look at a few:

Psalm 17:1-12
Psalm 18:1-3
Psalm 25:1-10
Psalm 36:5-12
Psalm 42
Psalm 51

    * What are some of the things David talked about with God?
    * What do you see that fits with the Matthew 6 prayer?
    * Which of these things do you take to God when you pray? What's missing?
    * How do you think conversations like these could deepen your intimacy with God?

My Part

When we do pray, it's often a list of requests and needs. Then, when we don't get what we want, we say prayer doesn't work. Instead of focusing on getting your requests answered, try prayer as conversation. Jot down about three or four things you'd talk about with a friend--things that are important, that excite you, that have you struggling to understand, people you're concerned about, etc. Use these to start your next conversation with God, to build intimacy, to be open and transparent before Him, to look for His will and not your wants.

If prayer hasn't been part of your daily "breathing," plan to take time to pray tomorrow. Pick three times in your day when you're likely to have about 2-3 minutes. Set an appointment, a sticky note, an alarm on your phone, etc. When that time comes tomorrow, talk to God about one thing from the list you just created. Do the same for the next day or plan for several days. These are small steps, but they'll help you see prayer as necessary for your life.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 18, 2009
Topic: Prayer


In Jesus' Name

Ever wonder if God hears your prayer? Have you ever desperately needed the assurance that God was listening when you prayed? The Bible teaches us some great truths about prayer that can bring a sense of confidence.

What Does God Say?

Here, from Jesus, is the first truth: "In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9, NKJV).

Jesus taught us that we can communicate with God in prayer, just as we would talk with a father who is loving and caring. God is our Heavenly Father. And so, just as a child eagerly comes to his father to share with him, so a Christian may confidently go to God in prayer.

What do you think might be the second truth? Search for it as Jesus continues to teach.

"Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:9-10 NKJV).

Notice where the emphasis is? Jesus reminds us that the focus of prayer is not us but God. If prayer becomes about us, when God doesn't answer our prayers, we begin to say, "Well, prayer didn't work for me because I didn't get an answer." But the whole point of prayer is not to get answers; the whole point of prayer is to communicate with God.

The last truth has to do with our access to God and the authority by which we pray: I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name" (1 John 2:12, NIV).

We pray in the name of Jesus because it is through Him we can come before God (His shed blood makes it possible for God to forgive our sins.) and by His name we acknowledge the authority God has given Him.

"For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:9-10, NASB).

"And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth' (Matthew 28:18, NASB).

So, prayer is communicating with the Father in the name of Jesus.

My Thoughts

Has it ever seemed to you like praying in the name of Jesus was just a convenient or traditional way of ending prayers? What is the significance of ending your prayer in Jesus' name?

If prayer is about communicating with God, what is it that you most would like to share with Him?

Sometimes, we experience an urgent or deep need to talk to God. Do you realize that God wants us to talk to Him and wants us to feel privileged and blessed to pray to Him.

My Part

Spend a few minutes in prayer now. Pray, guided by the truths you have learned about praying.

Are there times when you do not feel like praying? The best thing you can do in those moments is to talk to God about how you feel.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 19, 2009
Topic: Bible Study/Theories


Learning to Listen

Connecting with God is like connecting with a friend or a family member. It's a two-sided conversation. You call, email and talk to friends; but you also listen, pay attention and try to understand them. We need to make sure that we do those things in our relationship with God. Not only do we talk to Him (prayer), but we listen, pay attention when He speaks and try to get to know Him and understand Him by reading His Word.

What Does God Say?

Throughout the Old Testament, you see God speaking to His people as individuals as He gives the Law, as He uses the prophets and the psalmists to reveal His heart and will to them. "'You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand'" (Deuteronomy 11:18, ESV). What God wants you to hear is right in front of you in the Bible. That's essential as Deuteronomy 30:19-20 says, "'Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days'" (ESV).

In the New Testament, we discover that Jesus is the Word of God. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father" (John 1:14, ESV). And Jesus' words come from God, as He explains in John 14:10, "'The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works'" (ESV).

And we have help: the Holy Spirit teaches us through the Word of God. "'But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and

bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you'" (John 14:26, ESV). Plus, the Holy Spirit can bring to God all the things we have trouble saying. Romans 8:26-27 tells us, "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" (ESV).

My Thoughts

Hearing from God takes the discipline of quiet, waiting and meditating, not the kind of meditating where you empty your mind or make a buzzing sound; but where you focus attention on God, His presence and His Word. Psalm 1:1-2 gives this picture:

"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).

Read sections of Psalm 119:1-16; 41-48; 89-104; 129-136.

    * What are some of the descriptions of God's Word (or law)?
    * Why should you pay attention to them?
    * What does God do for His people through His Word?
    * Does the writer reflect how you listen for God? What's the same? What's different?

My Part

The next time you go to God (prayer), don't do all the talking but try to listen instead. Borrow Samuel's prayer from 1 Samuel 3:10: "And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears'" (ESV). Be silent, but focus on God. Keep your Bible handy so when the Holy Spirit prompts you, you're ready. And once you've heard, you're to follow and obey. Jesus said, "'My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me'" (John 10:27, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 20, 2009
Topic: Prayer


No Substitute

We live with substitutes in every area of our lives. Instead of sugar in our coffee, we use artificial sweeteners. At the drive-thru, instead of the high calorie combo meal, we'll order a health-conscious salad with fat-free dressing. When you want to talk to a friend but the cell phone is dead, you can send an instant message instead.

With so many substitutes out there, what is the substitute for talking with God? Nothing.

What Does the Bible Say

If you want to communicate with God, if you want to get in touch with the King of kings, there's really only one way to do it.

"When you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.... But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father" (Matthew 6:5-6, ESV).

When you pray, you talk to God. The hypocrites Jesus talked about weren't really talking to God though it looked like they were. They were putting on a performance so people would admire them. These hypocrites substituted a public performance for real communication with God the Father.

"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:7-8, ESV).

Prayer is coming humbly and sincerely before God. The Gentiles (Jesus mentioned) were trying to impress their gods by the continuous repetition of memorized prayers (1 Kings 18:26). They believed the more often they asked, the more likely their god would be to answer. They thought they could substitute quantity for quality. Of course, there is nothing wrong with being persistent in prayer (Matthew 26:36-48, 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 ); but God is looking at our hearts, not our words.

My Thoughts

    * Do you find yourself seeking substitutes in your prayer life?
    * Is it comforting, or does it make you nervous to know God wants an authentic relationship with you?
    * Is there anything you can do today to draw nearer to God?

My Part

Typically, our most authentic prayers are when we're alone. Use these times to pour out your heart to God. Try keeping a prayer journal. In addition to recording requests and God's answers, also record your praises. What are you thankful for? What about God do you love? How did you see Him at work today? Pray that God would show you there are no substitutes for prayer.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 21, 2009
Topic: Prayer


Is Prayer Really Necessary?

A college student was home for vacation after his first semester. His mother asked him, "How come you didn't write or call us while you were at school?"

He replied, "I've just been too busy."

His mother looked at him sadly and said, "If you are too busy to write home, you are too busy."

Has God ever had to remind you, "If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy"? The Bible study today looks at the necessity of prayer--every believer's need to pray.

What Does God Say?

Do you see the difference between the mother's attitude and the attitude of her son? She rightfully felt that communication was necessary; the son didn't feel that it was really needed. In the same way, the Lord tells us that, for our spiritual well-being, communication by way of prayer and His Word are essential.

Look at what Samuel said in 1 Samuel 12:23: "Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way" (ESV). Samuel saw that his prayer for others was essential.

Why? Because Samuel realized

    * It would be a sin against the Lord not to pray for others.
    * It would be a sin against others not to pray for them.
    * It would harm his personal spiritual life not to pray.
    * It would make his ministry to others ineffective.

Now, look at another Bible passage, where the apostle Paul asks Christian believers to pray for him: "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you" (2 Thessalonians 3:1, ESV).

Do you see why Paul felt prayer was necessary? In this case it was because he knew the effective spread of the Gospel of Christ happens when God's people pray. Again, prayer is essential. Compare the words of Jesus in Matthew 9:38, "'Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest'" (ESV).

My Thoughts

What do you think were the mother's reasons for wanting her college-student son to communicate with her?

Why would God want us to communicate with Him? Write down all the reasons you think He may have.

Next, write down as many excuses as you can think of for not regularly communicating with God. Which ones do you feel cause times of prayerlessness in your life?

My Part

The tongue-in-cheek motto on a pastor's desk read, "Why pray, when you can worry?"

Make up some of your own mottos that begin: "Why pray, when I can...?

Memorize this verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:17. It's easy to memorize! But it's also easy to forget.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 22, 2009
Topic: God's Care, Faith/Trust


Pour Out Your Heart

Ecclesiastes 3:7 tells us there is "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." And Psalm 62 includes both a time of silent waiting before God (v. 1) and a time to pour out your heart to Him (v. 8 ). So, what does this "pouring out your heart" involve?

What Does God Say?

"Trust in him at all times, O people;
 pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:8, ESV).

Pouring out involves a struggle during which the deepest gut-level emotions and needs of your heart flow out of you and into God's hands. We might call it "spilling your guts." It's when you're honest, earnest and purposeful in what you bring to Him.

Psalm 102 is described as "a prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the LORD" (emphasis added, notes in ESV). Here's just a sample of the writer's poured-out heart:

"Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to you!

Do not hide your face from me
in the day of my distress!
Incline your ear to me;
answer me speedily in the day when I call!

For my days pass away like smoke,
and my bones burn like a furnace.
My heart is struck down like grass and has withered;
I forget to eat my bread" (Psalm 102:1-4, ESV).

Among others, Psalms 28 and 31 show us what we can "pour out" to God: need for mercy, need for help, need for refuge, need to be saved from enemies. We can pour out specific needs or issues close to a person's heart; he or she brings to God what matters most and seeks God's face as well as an answer that meets their need and honors God.

My Thoughts

Look at prayers from an ordinary woman named Hannah and a king named Hezekiah.

1 Samuel 1:9-18

2 Kings 19:1-19

2 Kings 20:1-6

    * What mattered most to the person praying?
    * How was God addressed?
    * What did they seek as a response or answer to their prayer?
    * How do these prayers differ from yours?

My Part

Remember Psalm 62:8?

"Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us" (ESV)

Did you notice what comes before pouring out your heart? Trusting in God--at all times, no matter what's going on in your life. It's a lot easier to pour out your heart or share what's really on your mind with someone you trust. Do you trust God with what's on your heart? He is the most trustworthy Friend you could ever have. Not only that, He's the only one powerful enough, wise enough, compassionate enough to take care of you.

What do you need to pour out to God today? Picture it filling a bottle or pitcher. Don't be afraid of what God might think or say about your struggle. Just pour it out; empty it from your heart and into His capable hands.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 25, 2009
Topic: Prayer, Relationships, God


Pray with Focus

Earnest prayer comes from the heart; it's sincere, focused and real. It's not about impressing others and putting on a big show of spirituality. But what's in the heart will come out in our expression and our actions.

What Does God Say?

Jesus gives us a vivid example. As He prayed in the Garden before He was betrayed, His prayer was so earnest and intense that "his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:44, ESV). That probably won't happen in your life, but it reveals to us the incredible focus and depth of Jesus' prayer.

Jesus also offered two parables that show us earnestness in bringing a request or need before God. In Luke 18:1-8, He talks about a widow who is persistent in seeking justice from a judge. She didn't give up; her "prayer" was specific, focused and from the heart. She didn't take it lightly.

Then Jesus goes on to describe two men in the temple and their contrasting prayers. While the story in Luke 18:9-14 is a warning about trusting in our own good works, we also see earnest prayer from a repentant man. "But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'" (Luke 18:13, ESV). If you saw him, you could tell his prayer was real.

You can find many other prayers in the Bible that are earnest and sincere. But they're also prayers that are focused, actively seeking God's will, confident that He will hear.

My Thoughts

It's easy to dash off quick prayers or a long list of needs or even address God with a glib attitude that says, "God, if you're listening, would You mind...?" That's not earnest and effective prayer. Take a look at these verses and jot down the characteristics your prayer should have:

James 1:6 2
Chronicles 7:14
Deuteronomy 4:291
John5:14

We're also warned about what prayer is not to be like. Describe what you find in Matthew 6:5-8 and Mark 12:38-40.

    * Which descriptions fit your usual prayer?
    * What's missing from prayer in your life?
    * What's the outward evidence of your inner prayer life?

My Part

One of the biggest challenges to earnest prayer isn't time but focus. You've probably had those moments when your mind drifts from one thing to another and soon you're planning next week instead of praying about today. It takes discipline to pray with focus.

Start small. What's the one thing you really need to bring before God today? Use a set time to pray about that one thing, even if it's just two or three minutes. Set a timer or clock if you have to. What usually distracts you? The phone, other noises, your own thoughts? Turn off what you need to; close a door; jot down those thoughts so they're out of the way; then focus your attention on God.

Remember, prayer is serious business--it's your personal appointment with the Creator and Lord of the universe. Make it a "big deal" because you have a big God.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 26, 2009
Topic: Prayer, Jesus, Christian Living/Situational


Recognize Emotions

When you describe a person as "emotional," is it a compliment? To many, it's a criticism. When they say, "She's really an emotional person" they mean, "She is weak" or "She can't think through her problems logically and sensibly; she relies totally on how she feels." So, it'd be a surprise to them to know that Jesus, God in human flesh, was an emotional person.

What Does God Say?

Jesus was a great Teacher, and He was a man of action. But He was also a man of deep feeling and emotion. His feelings did not develop when He took on a human body. God has feelings. That's why He designed us to be people who have feelings and who express emotion.

From the following passages, identify the emotions Jesus exhibited.

John 11:38
John 12:27
Matthew 21:18
John 4:6
Mark 3:5
Mark 6:6
Mark 8:12
Mark 10:14
Mark 10:21
Matthew 9:36
John 15:9
John 19:26

My Thoughts

    * Describe how knowing Jesus has emotions makes a difference in your relationship with Him?
    * Jesus expressed His emotions openly. How does that help you deal honestly with your emotions? Write out at least three ways.

Jesus had feelings, and He expressed them openly, so we should never be afraid of revealing our true feelings to Him. Jesus not only understands; He cares about us--our thoughts, our words, our actions and our feelings.

My Part

There are two areas in our Christian lives where we need to recognize emotion. The first has to do with God's purpose of shaping every Christ-follower into Christ-likeness. God intends we become more like Jesus. That means we need to accept our feelings and emotions as Jesus did and, with His help, stay in control of our feelings.

Second, if we are to pray for others in a specific and helpful way, we must recognize their feelings. Knowing how someone feels will help us pray in a more focused way.

So, how do you feel about feelings? Talk to God about your feelings right now, and ask for His help with all that He designed as a part of who you are in Christ.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 27, 2009
Topic: Prayer


Serious Business

It's really encouraging to have a God you can pray to anytime, anywhere, for any reason. But prayer can become meaningless and ineffective when we take it for granted. Let's see what kind of an attitude God's Word says we should have toward prayer.

What Does God Say?

If you were to have a conversation with a king or a president, you wouldn't just waltz in and say, "Hey, how you doin'?" You'd prepare yourself; you'd be respectful and thoughtful and take it very seriously.

Prayer is conversation with God--but don't forget who God is. "For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God" (Deuteronomy 0:17, ESV). When you come into His presence, remember that:

    * "Splendor and majesty are before him;
    * strength and beauty are in his sanctuary" (Psalm 96:6, ESV).
    * That's nothing to be taken lightly.

However, don't be afraid to come before God. Hebrews 4:16 says "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" (ESV). We're welcome to come to God, to seek Him for all that we need, the questions we have, etc. But we have to balance the fact that we can come to God without fear with the fact that He is God. We can't lose sight of who we are before Him.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God gave Solomon one of the keys to privileged prayer: a humble heart. "'If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven'" (ESV).

My Thoughts

What attitude do you bring before God? Do you take Him for granted and treat prayer like a nice way to get something good? Or is it serious business for you?

Jesus told a story about two men praying in the temple. Read Luke 18:9-14; then describe the prayers of these two men.

    * What's the attitude of each heart?
    * Which one was more pleasing to God?
    * Which prayer sounds more like yours?

My Part

Don't be afraid to come to God in prayer but don't take Him lightly. Prayer is a privilege we enjoy because Jesus died to give us a relationship with God the Father. Because of Jesus, 1 John 5:14-15 says "this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him" (ESV).

So, how are you going to pray today? When you do, pray with humility and confidence, seeking God's will. And ask Him to show you how to become intimate with Him but never take Him for granted.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 28, 2009
Topic: Prayer


Prayer That Touches Home

Two of the most famous and influential Old Testament prophets never wrote a Bible book. Their names were Elijah and Elisha. Elijah was a rugged outdoorsman who sometimes made his home in caves. He challenged the idolatry and wickedness of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. God blessed his service and took Elijah alive into heaven at the end of his ministry.

Elisha was Elijah's successor. For 50 years he prophesied, worked miracles and led a school of young prophets. The Bible records twice as many miracles for Elisha as it does for Elijah. Though Elisha was not as "rustic" as Elijah, his ministry for the Lord was every bit as effective. You can read about these two prophets in 1 Kings 17:1 through 2 Kings 13:21.

Elijah and Elisha are both known for their powerful prayer ministry. James 5:17-18(ESV) refers to one of Elijah's prayers in this way: "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit."

What does that kind of prayer look like? You can catch glimpses of Elisha's passion in prayer by reading the account of his restoration of a little boy from death to life in 2 Kings 4:8-37 (note especially verses 32-37).

What Does God Say?

Elisha's prayer for the Shunammite's son models many aspects of prayer that Christian believers do well to pay attention to. Open your Bible to 2 Kings 4:32-37. Consider how Elisha dealt with a tough situation; then compare some New Testament statements about prayer and answer a few questions.

1. Elisha faces the impossible (2 Kings 4:32).

    * What situation did Elisha face that was humanly impossible to solve?
    * What response might you have had at this point?
    * How did Jesus view humanly impossible situations (Mark 10:27)?

2. Elisha shuts out distractions (2 Kings 4:33).

    * How many people were in the room after Elisha shut the door?
    * What was the first thing Elisha did?
    * What did Jesus say about privacy in prayer (Matthew 6:5-6)?
    * How might you shut out your distractions?

3. Elisha's personal touch (2 Kings 4:34).

    * What happened when Elisha made personal contact with the dead child?
    * Read 2 Kings 4:8-17 to see why Elisha had special concern for this boy.
    * How did the apostle Paul feel about the importance of specific prayer for those he knew (1 Thessalonians 3:9-10)?

4. Elisha doesn't quit too soon (2 Kings 4:34-35).

    * Did Elisha consider his prayer work to be over when the boy's body became warm?
    * What happened to show Elisha that the child was truly alive again?
    * What did Jesus say about giving up too soon in prayer (Luke 18:1)? What did Paul say (Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)?

5. The powerful work of Elisha's God brings great joy (2 Kings 4:36-37).

    * What was the Shunammite mother's response to God's miracle?
    * In the last part of James 5:16, what do you see about prayer?

My Thoughts

God will not always heal or work a miracle in answer to your prayers, but He does tell you these things:

    * You should always pray for every need you face.
    * You should seek to shut out distractions in your private prayer times.
    * You should pray with a heart of genuine personal concern for others.
    * You should not give up simply because God has not answered your prayer immediately or in the way you thought He should answer.

My Part

Elisha prayed with deep concern for this child because he knew the boy and loved his parents. Here is something important to remember: You may be the only person who upholds certain people in prayer, such as members of your family, friends, people you work with, people you know who are in danger and others. If you don't pray for them, who will? If you are not upholding them, then who will?

Take time to write out a list of people you honestly know God wants you to pray for regularly. Then, be their Elisha!

"The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" (James 5:16, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: May 29, 2009
Topic: Prayer


God's Answers 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.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 1, 2009
Topic: God's Love


The Power of a Friend

I've lost my car keys--on more than one occasion. And I don't know what's more frustrating, the time I spend looking for my keys or the realization that if I'd pulled the couch back just another inch I could have ended my search much earlier..

But let's change the situation. Let's say you are the lost object. You see caring people and organizations all around you who appear to want to help those who are lost and hurting. But they somehow never see your need. Would you feel frustrated?

What Does the Bible Say

John 5 tells about a man who'd been crippled for 38 years. He'd spent his days near a pool of water called Bethesda in Jerusalem. People believed the water would heal the sick if they climbed into it at just the right time. When asked why he'd never climbed in, the man answered, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me" (John 5:7, ESV). In other words, he had no one to help.

In Mark 2, we see another crippled man. When Jesus came to his town, he must've hoped Jesus would notice him; but with the crowds around, his expectations were probably not very high. Imagine, then, his joy when his friends tore back the roof of the house where Jesus was speaking and lowered him down to the very feet of Jesus.

Both these men were healed, but the second example shows us the impact that we can have on the lives of others. The first man had no friends. No one reached out to him, and for 38 years he lived by the side of a pool hoping for a miracle. The other crippled man wasn't alone. Four men reached out to him and brought him to the very feet of Jesus.

My Thoughts

Are there those around you today who could use a friend who cares? Reach out to them. Get some friends and show them God's love. And someday you'll know the joy of the crippled man's friends when they heard Jesus say to him, "My son, your sins are forgiven" (Mark 2:5, ESV).

As you read John 5:1-17 and Mark 2:1-12 think about the following questions:

    * In both these passages, who objected to the healing of the crippled men?
    * What was the reason in each case?
    * In addition to healing them, what else did Jesus do for these men?

My Part

The example of these four friends shows that reaching out to those in need doesn't have to be a solo affair. If you're in a small group at your church, look for a need that you can address together. Talk to your pastor or church leaders. Prepare by praying that God would lead you to a specific person or family that needs to hear of His love. Praise God for the opportunity to serve Him.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 2, 2009
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Obedience/Discipleship


Do What Jesus Says

WWJD--that stands for: "What would Jesus do?" It's a great question. And in the Bible we see Him do a lot of things that give us an awesome example to follow. However, the Bible is packed with even more things Jesus said--His instructions for living. So, maybe the better letters would be DWJS--"Do what Jesus says."

What Does God Say?

The "Do what Jesus says" concept first shows up in John 2. As Jesus attends a wedding with His friends and His mother, the host family runs out of wine. His mother, Mary, thinks He should do something about it. Then in John 2:5 we read, "His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you'" ( ESV). I'm not sure what she anticipated, but she said the right thing--do what Jesus says.

So, what did Jesus say we're to do? Read through the Gospels, and you'll find a wealth of instruction. Let's look at just a few we can "do" each day.

Matthew 4:19: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (ESV).

Matthew 5:16: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" ( ESV).

Matthew 6:31-32: "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs" (NLT).

Luke 6:27-28: "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you" (NLT).

Luke 6:37-38: "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive" (NLT).

Luke 17:3-4: "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him" (ESV).

My Thoughts

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus offers direct statements, illustrative stories or real-life examples that guide us through life. Matthew 5 and 6 is a teaching session Jesus had with His followers. Take a few minutes to read through these chapters.

    * What attitudes does Jesus want you to cultivate? Which are hardest for you?
    * How are you to treat other people? How well do you think you're doing with this?
    * What instructions does He give for responding to those who don't treat you well?
    * What does He say about your relationships with family? With people around you?
          o What about your relationship with God?
    * What do these actions say about your heart?

Read Matthew 7:24-27 and describe what happens when you hear and obey Jesus.

My Part

When you start "doing what Jesus says" instead of just asking what He'd do, you move from considering a suggestion ("here's an example you might want to follow") to obedience ("act on my instructions"). Obedience is our positive response to God's Word to us. He speaks; we hear and we take action. And it flows out of love: when you love someone you want to do your best for him or her.

Obeying Christ shows Him that we love Him, and it's visible evidence to others as well. John 14:23-24 tells us, "Jesus answered him, 'If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me'" ( ESV). And by the way, Jesus was our best example of obedience, too--obedient to His Father in all things, even death (Philippians 2:8 ).

Do a self-check: Am I doing what Jesus says? Or just wondering what He'd do? Do I obey out of love? Do I take His instructions seriously and make them part of my life? Can anyone around me tell that I'm doing what Jesus says?

If this is a new idea for you or one you struggle with, ask Jesus for His help. Remember, He also says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 3, 2009
Topic: Salvation


Born Again

Do you remember all the steps you went through to join your family? The application you filled out, the questionnaires about your future plans, the endless interviews with potential mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters? And then the whole probationary period when you had to be on your best behavior or you'd be shopping for a new family all over again?

You don't!?

Well, I don't either and for a good reason. Becoming a member of a family doesn't work that way--even if you're adopted. Generally, you're born into a family, and you'll die as a member of that family. No matter how good or bad the relationships get in between, the people you are related to are your family.

So, if we can't earn or buy our way into our families here on earth, what makes us think we can do that when it comes to God's family?

What Does the Bible Say?

You see, you become a member of God's family the same way you become a member of your family here on earth: you're born into it. "'Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God'" (John 3:3, ESV). That's what Jesus said to Nicodemus. And Nicodemus asked a very natural follow-up question: "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" (John 3:4, ESV).

Yes, there is a difference between being born and being born again. You had no choice about your first birth. But when it comes to being born again, there is a choice to be made--by you and by God. See, it's God's family you'd be born into; so, naturally, He gets a say in the matter. And here's what He says: "For [ I ] God so loved the world, that [ I ] he gave [ my ] his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, ESV).

God's choice is this: He wants you to join Him in heaven. That means there are no good deeds you can do to make God accept you into heaven--He's already accepted you. All you have to do is respond to Him, for "everyone who believes in him will have eternal life" (John 3:15, NLT).

Being born into God's family is something that has immediate benefits. We get a new outlook on life. We get a peace that comes from seeing life from God's perspective. We get a genuine love and compassion for others. Sure, these things don't come overnight--after all, you weren't born physically as a 25-year-old--but as you grow and mature in God's family, they'll become a part of your life.

My Thoughts

Based on John 3:1-21, think about the following questions:

    * We read that not only is Jesus providing a way into God's family, He's also saving us from something. What is that?
    * What does it mean that whoever does not believe "is condemned already" in verse 18?

My Part

If you've ever felt like you need to live up to God's standards before He'll let you near heaven, let this message sink in: You're already accepted.

If you live in constant fear that you'll slip up and God will disown you, remember: He'll always love you. Even if you've already made the choice to be born into God's family, take some time today to think about these truths.