Lessons On Living

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 22:9-10

Making Sense

Genesis 22:9-10

Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.

Making Sense

Pablo Picasso was the most famous painter of the 20th century. His paintings often broke with the traditional notion of beauty and harmony. When questioned about his unusual artistic style, the distinguished painter replied, "The world today doesn’t make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?" Many people would probably agree with his observation. Often the world doesn’t seem to make sense.

Surely this thought must have passed through Abraham’s mind when God commanded him to sacrifice his son. After all, Abraham had waited 100 years for the birth of this child. But there was more involved here than paternal love. God had made significant promises with worldwide implications based on Abraham’s descendants. It simply didn’t make sense for Abraham now to take this essential link to the future welfare of the world and offer him as a sacrifice.

Fortunately, if this thought did pass through Abraham’s mind, it didn’t stay. He bound his son on the altar and lifted the sacrificial knife. He had learned from his past mistakes never to question God and never to delay obeying Him. With a faith that took captive his feelings, he prepared to do exactly as God commanded.

The lesson of Abraham is clear. It is not necessary to understand; it is only necessary to obey. The prophet Samuel reminds us, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams" (1 Sam. 15:22). Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15).

If God is calling you to take a step of faith that defies earthly wisdom, put obedience first and let logic catch up.

If you can’t understand the why, trust the Who.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 22:18

Make My Life a Blessing

Genesis 22:18

In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.

Make My Life a Blessing

The creed for a lot of parents these days is, "Get even. Live long enough to be a problem to your kids." That’s humorous, and in some circumstances, understandable, but it’s not very good advice. Abraham’s life illustrates a different approach: he lived long enough to be a blessing.

Think what we might have missed had Abraham died at an earlier age. During his first 75 years, he lived as a dutiful son to his father, Terah, and a faithful husband to his wife, Sarah. He was a blessing to these two, but there were many others ahead. Through years of tests and trials God purified his life and taught him obedience. Then finally, at age 99, he stood ready to be a blessing to the whole world. Through his son, born when Abraham was 100, came the Messiah, who would bring hope and salvation to "all the nations of the earth."

Christians should view each year God gives us as an opportunity to be an even greater blessing to those around us. The older we grow, the more blessed our presence should be. We must be careful that the years don’t simply increase our litany of complaints or add to our list of ailments. Let’s seal our lips against giving unwanted advice; let’s be available but not meddlesome. Instead of seeking how we can be blessed, let’s seek to be a blessing instead.

Whose life might you bless today? Is there someone you can encourage with a note or phone call? Is there an act of kindness you might do for a neighbor? Accumulate more for yourself than just the years you live; collect the opportunities to be a blessing to others.

Live life to be a blessing, not a bystander.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 23:12-13

Guarding the Golden Years

Genesis 23:12-13

Then Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land; and he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, "If you will give it, please hear me. I will give you money for the field; take it from me and I will bury my dead there."

Guarding the Golden Years

Before and after the Civil War, the Reverend Henry Ward Beecher was the most famous preacher in America. He drew crowds of thousands to his church in Brooklyn each week. He reportedly earned the princely sum of $40,000 per year. Delighting in his treasures, Beecher enjoyed carrying with him uncut gems and openly endorsed commercial products ranging from soap to watches. Then in 1874, Beecher’s friend and protégé, Theodore Tilton, accused the preacher of seducing his wife. His trial was such an attraction that admission tickets were sold to the public. The jury failed to reach a verdict, but Beecher’s influence and popularity continued undiminished for another 13 years until his death.

What a contrast this is with the closing days of Abraham’s life. While he had faltered in his earlier years, failing to fully trust the Lord, he spent his latter days as a shining example of a man who had total faith in God. Even in the midst of his grief, as he prepared to bury his beloved Sarah, he maintained his integrity. Confronted with the exorbitant request for 400 shekels of silver for a plot of ground, he courteously conceded. Refusing to lower himself to the level of a Bedouin huckster, he demonstrated the graciousness of a man who had learned to put his life in God’s hands.

Great Christians are not great because of what they say; they’re great because of what they do. And what they do during their darkest days is the best indicator of their integrity.

The latter years of every Christian should be our best. A good start is a wonderful thing, but a good finish is even better.

Make sure your golden years are more than gold-plated.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 25:11 Genesis 25:8

Pass It On

Genesis 25:8, 11

Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi.

Pass It On

A man’s character often lives on long after he is gone. Take Jonathan Edwards, for example. He loved the Lord and taught his children to do the same. According to one estimate, he has had 929 descendants. Of these, 430 were ministers; 86 were university professors; 13 became university presidents; 75 authored good books; and 7 were elected to the United States Congress. One was vice president of his nation. Edwards left a spiritual heritage that became a blessing not only for his descendants, but for all of society.

Abraham did the same. At the age of 175 he was "gathered to his people." But that wasn’t the end. Abraham passed on to his son a spiritual heritage that brought God’s blessing upon Isaac and, down through the centuries, to all of us through Jesus Christ, a distant descendant of this godly patriarch. Abraham didn’t merely "pass on"; he made it possible for God to pass on His blessings through his descendants.

We all need to live with future generations in mind. It’s not enough to live a godly life to gain God’s blessings for yourself; consider what influence your life will have on your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren and the rest of your family tree. The character you choose to develop will leave its mark on the lives of generations you’ll never live to see.

Don’t be content to leave an inheritance of material possessions. Instead, strive to be a channel for God’s blessings to reach generations still unborn. The greatest inheritance your posterity can receive from you is the heritage of God’s blessing.

Live so your descendants will rise up and call you blessed.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:8 1 Samuel 13:14 1 John 1:9 1 Samuel 16:7

Looking on the Heart

1 Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

Looking on the Heart

Outward appearances can be deceiving. An airline captain who flew international routes also ran a small filling station near his home. Between trips abroad, he got a kick out of changing tires and pumping gas. One morning, dressed in his greasy overalls, he walked down to the local hardware store to pick up a new wrench. "What’s new?" the store owner asked. "Oh, I’m thinking of taking the Cairo run this month," the captain said. "I enjoy flying to London and Frankfurt, but I think the change of pace will do me good." He paid for the wrench and left. Another customer asked, "Who’s the world traveler?" Rolling his eyes, the store owner said, "Some nut who runs the gas station down the street. Thinks he’s an airline pilot!" Both men got a good laugh.

The prophet Samuel also learned that outward appearances don’t necessarily make the man. David’s brothers, who were first interviewed for the job of future king of Israel, were all kingly looking. God, however, knew their hearts were not right and rejected them. It was not until David was brought before Samuel that God found a man "after His own heart" (1 Sam. 13:14).

The most important responsibility Christians have is keeping their heart right with God. Physical exercise profits a little (1 Tim. 4:8), and there is certainly nothing wrong with looking clean and neat, but the real test in God’s sight is our heart. No matter how "together" we might appear, if our heart is not pure before the Lord, He can’t use us to accomplish His will.

Are you taking good care of your heart? If it has become spiritually out of shape, apply the 1 John 1:9 principle. Make sure that when God looks at your heart, He likes what He sees.

It’s the internal, not the external, that affects the eternal.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: Psalms 27:10 Matthew 19:30 1 Samuel 16:11

Last but Not Least

1 Samuel 16:11

And Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all the young men here?" Then he said, "There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here."

Last but Not Least

A friend once told me that the moment he dreaded most in high school was when his classmates in PE chose sides for a team. Being the non-athletic type, he consistently was chosen last. The rest of the school day was usually clouded by the realization that in athletics, at least, he was viewed as the LVP (least valuable player).

Perhaps David felt the same way. While all his brothers were given responsibilities at home and their father’s attention, David was sent off to the lonely task of herding sheep on the Judean hillside. He probably was speaking from personal experience when he said, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me" (Ps. 27:10). Yet the one whom others saw as a person of last resort, God considered a person of first choice. Even though David’s father deemed him worthy only of leading sheep, God saw him as the future leader of Israel.

How the world sees us is of little importance; of utmost importance is how God sees us. Heaven will be filled with those whom others considered to be of little value but whom God knew to be of supreme importance. What is hidden now will someday be revealed—if not on earth, then certainly in heaven. Many who humbly stood in last place in life will find themselves in that day at the head of the line (Matt. 19:30).

Don’t be discouraged if those around you do not hold you in high esteem. Little can they know the plans God has for you. You may be last in their sight, but you are not least in God’s sight.

Those whom man puts last God often puts first.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:13 Ephesians 5:18

A Filling, Not a Flash

1 Samuel 16:13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

A Filling, Not a Flash

In the days of electric trolley cars, it was common for the small wheel to jump off the power-charged wire overhead. When that happened, the connection was broken and the power was gone. Sometimes in the motorman’s efforts to get the wheel back on the power cable, he would make a false contact. There would be a flash of fire, but still the car was motionless. When the proper contact with the power line was made, however, the flashing stopped and the trolley would move forward with its load of passengers.

God knew that David would need more than just a flash of power. If this young man was to be the leader he needed to be, he required a steady contact with God through the Holy Spirit. To symbolize that experience, Samuel anointed David with oil and the Spirit came upon him "from that day forward." All that David accomplished of an eternal nature could be traced to this ongoing guidance from God’s Spirit. It was not a momentary occurrence; it was a lifetime experience.

Christians have many "spiritual flashes." It may be the exhilarating experience of a weekend retreat. Perhaps God gives an overwhelming sense of His presence in the midst of a worship service. These are wonderful encounters, but they are not meant to replace continual, daily contact with God’s Spirit. Be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). His steady influence is what you need to move forward on your Christian journey.

Don’t be satisfied with an occasional flash of emotion. Let the Holy Spirit take control of your life and experience His power on a daily basis. Confess your sins and keep in contact with Him. A flash can never replace a filling.

Steady contact makes for steady progress.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:7 1 Samuel 16:18

Are You Lacking?

1 Samuel 16:18

Then one of the servants answered and said, "Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him."

Are You Lacking?

Dr. John Broadus, a distinguished professor and gifted preacher, was asked by a student to write in his autograph book. The young man was known as an outstanding scholar, but Dr. Broadus knew he was not a Christian. So the professor wrote in his book three Greek words that meant, "One thing thou lackest." Years later Dr. Broadus received a letter from an eminent medical doctor in Texas. In the letter the physician said that he had never been able to forget those words in his book and that now he had the one thing he formerly lacked. He had Christ.

David was a very gifted man as well. He was a talented musician whose psalms are still set to music today. He was a valiant warrior. The women of Israel sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Sam. 18:7). He was a wise counselor and a handsome person. But more important than all these was this fact: the Lord was with him. All David’s giftedness would have been for nothing had he lacked that one essential element—God’s presence.

People often look at others and admire them for their various abilities. They may wish they could play an instrument like their favorite musician, or that they could be as intellectually astute as their college professor. Rarely, however, do we ask ourselves, Does this person have God’s presence in his or her life? Would we really want to trade places with even the most talented person if he didn’t know the Lord?

If you feel left out in the giftedness department, remember that you can have the most important gift of all—Christ’s presence in your life. There are no auditions, no IQ tests, no talent contests required. All you need is an open heart to receive the Savior. Do it today.

If you have only one gift, let it be Christ’s presence.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:14-15

Faithful in Small Things

1 Samuel 17:14-15

David was the youngest. And the three oldest followed Saul. But David occasionally went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.

Faithful in Small Things

Little things can make a big difference. In the 1968 Winter Olympics, Frenchman Jean-Claude Killy made a sweep of the men’s Alpine events, but it was nip and tuck. He won the downhill by 8/100ths of a second, the slalom by 9/100ths. By comparison, the giant slalom was a rout, with Killy coming in more than two seconds ahead of Swiss silver medalist Willy Favre. Small as they seem, those seconds, even fractions of a second, made the difference between winning and losing.

David also knew the importance of small things. The war between the armies of Saul and the Philistines must have been very exciting for a young boy. The fortunes of David’s family and the whole nation of Israel hung in the balance. Yet in the midst of such monumental battles, David didn’t forget about his father’s sheep back in Bethlehem. He never failed to leave the allurement of the battlefield when necessary and tend to what others might consider insignificant responsibilities like feeding sheep. He knew these tasks were as needful as the more glamorous duties.

It’s easy for Christians to respond to the attraction of exciting ministries. Involvement in mass evangelistic rallies is thrilling. Being part of a stadium filled with people enthused about Jesus Christ is exhilarating. These things make the chore of teaching a class of three-year-olds or photocopying the Sunday worship folder seem so small and insignificant by comparison. Yet we need to remember that our faithfulness to these apparently small tasks is necessary as well.

If you struggle under the load of what appear to be insignificant responsibilities, realize that God doesn’t rate the size of the task, only the faithfulness of those He calls to complete it. Be faithful to the duty and don’t worry about the dimensions.

Being faithful in small things is no small thing.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: Romans 8:16-19 1 Samuel 17:26

Standing Up for God

1 Samuel 17:26

Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

Standing Up for God

When my son, Tim, was about 14 years old, we were visiting my mother and father in western Pennsylvania. My father was outside on a ladder washing an upstairs window. Tim opened the window, stuck his head out and said, "Whatcha doin,’ old man?" If there’s one thing you never said to my father, you never called him "old man." He thought that was disrespectful. So what did he do? My father turned the hose on Tim! My son never forgot that lesson.

David felt the same way about the challenge issued by Goliath. The nine-foot-tall champion of the Philistines was not just making Saul’s armies look cowardly for refusing to respond to his harassment; Goliath was showing disrespect toward the living God. When the Philistines taunted the armies of Israel, they were mocking the God of Israel as well. By throwing insults at Israel, they were implying that God was also weak and ineffectual. This was something David couldn’t tolerate.

Our own honor is insignificant. When people do not show us the respect that perhaps they should, it matters little. God ultimately will make up for such oversights (Rom. 8:16-19). But when God’s character is called into question, that’s a different issue. When God is ridiculed or belittled, it is the duty of every Christian to object, whether we do so privately or publicly. We should never ignore those who dishonor God.

Do not be afraid to defend God’s honor. God will sustain you if you are willing to take a stand for Him. Whether it is in the workplace, in the university classroom or in a social setting, let others know that God deserves their respect.

Honor God and He will honor you.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:38-39

Be Yourself

1 Samuel 17:38-39

So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. And David fastened his sword to his armor, and he tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, "I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them." So David took them off.

Be Yourself

Students at Morningside High School knew Mr. Sullivan as a strict English teacher who would kick them out of class for talking. But on August 6, 1997, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office kicked Mr. Sullivan out of class. It was discovered that Mr. Sullivan was really Willie Clifton Wright, who was charged with numerous felonies for stealing the identity of a teacher at another Los Angeles-area school. The imposter was uncovered when the real Robert Sullivan retired. For the past ten years, Willie Wright had been posing as someone he really wasn’t.

With the best of intentions, Saul also tried to turn David into someone he really wasn’t. The young shepherd was clothed in a suit of Saul’s armor and given the king’s sword. But at this point in his life, this wasn’t who David was. He wasn’t a warrior; he was a shepherd. He wasn’t accustomed to heavy armor and swords; his battles were fought with a slingshot and stones. Wisely, David refused to pretend to be someone he wasn’t.

In the Christian faith, there are many outstanding examples of men and women who lived their lives gloriously for God. Hudson Taylor adopted the dress and culture of the Chinese among whom he ministered. D. L. Moody never closed a service without extending an invitation for salvation. Amy Carmichael rescued thousands of young girls from serving as temple prostitutes in India. But keep in mind, they are not you and you are not them.

Admire those whom God has used, but let Him show you how He wants to use the unique combination of gifts and talents He’s given you. Be yourself, and let Him make the best you that you can be.

The best person to be is yourself.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:47

The Lord's Battle

1 Samuel 17:47

"Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands."

The Lord’s Battle

When King George VI gave his Christmas address to the British people in 1939, World War II had just begun. The German armies had conquered northern Europe and a long war lay ahead. In his speech the king quoted these words from a book by M. Louise Haskins: "And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’"

As David faced the prospect of confronting a seasoned warrior nearly twice his size and vastly more experienced in battle, he also knew where to place his faith—not in the security of swords and spears but in the power of God. David knew that his skill would not save the day. Instead, the Lord would be the deciding factor. It was His battle.

Life is filled with giants that are bigger than we. Seemingly insurmountable obstacles can dog our every step. But when faced with overwhelming odds, it’s comforting to know that the outcome doesn’t depend on us. Of course, we must be obedient and do our part. Whatever skills or gifts that God has given us must be used. But having put forth our best efforts, we can be assured that God will be the One who ultimately determines the battle’s outcome.

Rest in the knowledge that the battle is the Lord’s. He is the One who gives the victory.

The Lord’s battle is our victory.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: Proverbs 18:24 1 Samuel 18:3

A Covenant Friendship

1 Samuel 18:3

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

A Covenant Friendship

Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines a covenant as a "formal, solemn, and binding agreement" and an "agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action." A covenant turns something ordinary into something very special. It is not an act that should be taken lightly.

A covenant relationship existed between Jonathan and David because Jonathan "loved him as his own soul." The word translated "loved" in the original language means "to have an affection for." This was not a sexual relationship, as some misguided people erroneously claim. Instead, it was a friendship rooted in a deep admiration for each other and sealed with a solemn agreement. According to this covenant, no matter what happened David and Jonathan would remain friends. Their relationship was a loyal commitment to look out for each other’s welfare.

Today, friendship is approached with a very casual attitude. Friendships are made and broken as the need arises. They are no more substantial than the fizz from a can of pop. It’s no wonder that leading psychologists and therapists estimate that only 10 percent of men in the United States have any real friends. It’s a shame that we struggle with issues of loneliness while all along God’s Word sets forth examples of committed friends like David and Jonathan.

While it’s not possible to have a covenant relationship with every friend, ask God to show you a friend who could be more than a casual acquaintance. And remember, if you want to have a friend, you need to be a friend (Prov. 18:24). Establish a covenant friendship in which you commit to look out for each other’s welfare.

No person is more alone than he who is without a friend.

_________________________

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[airIam2worship]

Amen, Brother. The Bible even mentions Abraham as being a friend of God.
Society today is so corrupted that as the above devotion says so 'very few' people have real true friends. People have become selfish, evil-minded and untrustworthy. It is very sad that more people don't have true friends. It is much better to have a friend near to you, than a brother far away. I'm talking about a 'real true friend', one who can share a friendship like David and Jonathan. Looking out for one another, putting their life second in order to protect and help, keeping promises, such as David did even after Jonathan had died, by taking care of Jonathan's son and treating him like his own son like a prince. This is how true friendship should be.
This is the God kind of love that God's people should have towards one another, agape love.  

[nChrist]

Sister,

I am convinced that God richly blesses those who love and fear HIM. So, it stands to reason that the strongest bonds of love and friendship are formed between Brothers and Sisters in Christ who truly do love and fear God. The same is true for a Godly marriage. Some might have questions about the term "fear", but it is Biblical.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Matthew 1:23 NASB  "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."