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nChrist
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« Reply #300 on: June 12, 2006, 07:05:12 PM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference John 19:23-42 Ezra 1-2

A Bright Spot

Ezra 1-2, John 19:23-42
Key Verses: Ezra 1:5-6

The morning newspaper is not typically encouraging reading for the start of the day, and neither is the evening news for the end of the day! Yet sprinkled among the stories of crimes and severe weather are bits and pieces of encouragement. Sometimes we can read the repeated stories of failure by God's people and miss the words telling of their successes. The Book of Ezra begins with an encouraging note.

God was at work not only in the hearts of His people but also in the heart of the king. Cyrus was moved to do what would fulfill the word of the Lord. He decided to send back to Jerusalem some of the people living in captivity so the temple of God could be rebuilt. God at work in the events of man is an encouragement!

He was at work also in the hearts of His own people, moving them to go and build the temple. The king was making it possible, but he needed workers who were willing to make the journey and do the work. Again, it is encouraging to see God at work, this time in the hearts of His people.

One other encouraging note here. As the workers prepared to go, their neighbors assisted them by providing silver and gold, goods and livestock, and valuable gifts (v. 6). Cyrus would also send along things taken from the temple by Nebuchadnezzar, but what an encouragement that people would give what they had to help.

Be encouraged as you see God at work. Look for examples and thank Him for the evidence that people are responding to the moving of His Spirit. Also, be an encourager. You may be able to help-financially, physically, spiritually or emotionally-someone who is serving God.

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« Reply #301 on: June 12, 2006, 07:06:17 PM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Ezra 3-5 John 20

The Fork in the Road

Ezra 3-5, John 20
Key Verses: John 20:21-22

"When you come to a fork in the road," Yogi Berra said, "take it." Not the most coherent piece of advice, but possibly one of the most realistic. We do come to forks in the road of life and often do not know which path to take. What we know is that we cannot stay there.

The disciples came to a fork in the road when Jesus died, and they couldn't stay there. Already they were locking the doors for fear of the Jews. Then came the news and their run to the tomb--Jesus was alive! So they gathered in a room with the door locked as they stood at their latest "fork." And Jesus met them there.

At that place He gave them three things:

1. Peace. He pronounced a blessing of peace on the disciples.
2. Push. He pushed them toward the fork of His choosing when He said, "I am sending you" (v. 21).
3. Presence. He told them to receive the Holy Spirit, the Comforter who would be with them as they went, bringing them inner peace.

Jesus had brought them to that fork in the road. They were there by His design, and the path of His choosing now lay before them. With His peace they were to go fort, accompanied by the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever sensed that you were standing at a fork of God's design? It may seem safer to stay at the fork in the road, but Jesus promises you peace and will give you a push, sending you along the road of His choosing in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Have you been stalling? Perhaps God has brought you to a decision point where you need to take a next step. Don't hesitate to go where He is leading you. Remember, He gives you peace and the presence of the Spirit.

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« Reply #302 on: June 22, 2006, 12:49:51 AM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference John 21 Ezra 6-8

Precedent’s Detriment

Ezra 6-8, John 21
Key Verse: John 21:22

Ever hear of the "law of unintended consequences"? It's the idea that sometimes there are consequences that were neither intended nor expected. Sometimes that happens with establishing precedents. Something is done once and becomes the benchmark by which other similar things are done. Precedents are feared by those who inadvertently set them and revered by those who want to use them. They can be positive in effect but often are not.

When we focus on precedents, we may get sidetracked, leaving undone the important things. Jesus did not want that to happen to His disciples. These weren't His exact words, but his message in John 21:19 and 22 was, "Don't get sidetracked by how someone else is treated."

Jesus gave Peter an indication of "the kind of death by which [he] would glorify God" (v. 19). Then He said what really mattered: "Follow Me." But Peter got sidetracked. Was Jesus setting a precedent here? "Lord, what about him?" Peter asked of John (v. 21).

Immediately, Jesus brought Peter back to what was important. Peter did not need to wonder about how John would die but did need to remember that he must follow Jesus. True to human nature, a rumor then began to spread among the disciples about John not dying. That was not the intended consequence, but a needed reminder that we can get so curious about how others are treated that we miss what is important.

Follow Jesus and don't get sidetracked. That is what is most important.

We can easily get sidetracked wondering about other people and what God might be doing in their lives. Instead of wondering about others, we need to focus on these simple words of Jesus: "Follow Me."

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« Reply #303 on: June 22, 2006, 12:50:57 AM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Ezra 9-10 Acts 1

Part of the Crowd

Ezra 9-10, Acts 1
Key Verse: Acts 1:14

In today's passages are two scenes of prayer: one at a time of confession, the other at what must have been a time of confusion. Both remind us that while we should often have times of private prayer, we also need times of praying with others.

The people in Ezra's day were enjoying the blessing of God's good hand upon them. Then they became aware of a sin that needed to be addressed. Ezra's prayer is a powerful statement of confession before God--no excuses or pulling punches, no requests mingled in, just confession. Most people like to confess in private, but at times we need to confess as a group before God.

The disciples had experienced a veritable blitz of contrasting emotions. Jesus died and was buried. Sadness. He arose! Amazement. He ministered with them for another 50 days. Excitement. They were instructed to wait to receive the Holy Spirit. Anticipation. He ascended into heaven. Confusion. What next?

What better recourse than to pray? But notice that the disciples "joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers" (v. 14, emphasis mine). Yes, they could have prayed alone, but they did not. They established the practice of praying together, one that became a characteristic of the early church (Acts 2:42).

We do not live the Christian life in isolation but in community. We are to be people who pray alone and pray with others.

If you want to establish a closer relationship with others, pray with them regularly and often. You will find that the closer you draw to God, the closer you will draw to one another.

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« Reply #304 on: June 22, 2006, 12:52:07 AM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 2:1-21 Nehemiah 1-3

A Model to Follow

Nehemiah 1-3, Acts 2:1-21
Key Verse: Nehemiah 1:11

You can make a career out of writing instructions. People need them for all kinds of things--assembling, installing, using and replacing. Sometimes we need pictures to go with the words. To know what to do is good. To be told what to do is good also. But to be shown what to do can really help!

We can talk about the importance of "having devotions," but still we wonder how to have them. The words in Nehemiah 1 provide a picture, a model to follow. It is not the only way but is an excellent pattern.

Notice that Nehemiah worshiped as he spoke of the awesomeness of God (v. 5). Thus, our devotional times should include worship as well as what followed: confession (vv. 6-7). Nehemiah confessed without offering any excuses. We, likewise, should regularly make sure the slate is clean before God. Yes, our sins are forgiven when we accept Christ as Savior, but God desires that we confess those wrongs we do after becoming His children too.

Nehemiah's devotional life also reveals that he knew the Word of God. In verse 8 he cited what God said to Moses. Do you read the Word regularly, consistently?

Finally, after worship, confession and recalling the Word, Nehemiah presented his request. Too often our requests can be the entirety of our praying, yet we find many examples in the Bible where worship, confession and reading the Word preceded the request.

So, how do we "do" devotions? Nehemiah gives us a model to follow.

If you are using this devotional guide regularly then you are spending time in the Word. That's great! Keep some paper with this guide and make a prayer list. Include on that list praises and thanksgivings to God. Remember also to keep the slate clean--confess. And ask, but keep a balance. Don't just be an asker. Be a pray-er.

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« Reply #305 on: June 22, 2006, 12:53:15 AM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 2:22-47 Nehemiah 4-6

Back to the Future

Nehemiah 4-6, Acts 2:22-47
Key Verse: Acts 2:42

What we learn from the past can help us prepare for the future. God has given us the Bible to tell us how to be saved and how to live as His people. It is very important that we learn to live as part of the community of believers, in fellowship with others as part of the church. In Acts we are given a picture of the first church, and it is a model for us to follow. When we look at it we are in one sense going back, but as we learn and follow this model, we are looking to the future.

The first church was devoted to very specific things: being taught, fellowship, communion and prayer. Together, they learned the Word, remembered what Jesus had done and prayed. These were the hallmarks of the first-century church and should be of the last-century church, whenever that may be.

Notice also that they were together both in the temple courts and in homes. The large-group gatherings and small-group ones provided a balance in their experience and increased their accountability.

Among other reasons, we need large-group worship and fellowship to remind us that we are part of something much greater than ourselves and to give testimony to others that the church is alive. And in small groups, the instruction can be more specific, we can be held accountable to one another, and we can more effectively minister to others in the Body of Christ.

What is your involvement with others in the Body of Christ? Follow the example of the first church and be devoted as they were to learning the Word, fellowshipping, remembering Christ's work and praying.

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« Reply #306 on: June 22, 2006, 12:54:30 AM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Nehemiah 7-9 Acts 3

The Person for the Job

Nehemiah 7-9, Acts 3
Key Verse: Nehemiah 7:2

"Who ya gonna call?" became a catch phrase back in the 1980s. Both the question and its intended answer came out of popular culture but hit on a basic need. When you need something done, who are you "gonna call"? And from the world of advertising came the slogan, "When it absolutely, positively has to get there . . . " From both movies and Madison Avenue, a basic need was recognized-the need for being able to trust that the job will get done. In particular, it is knowing whom you can trust.

When the wall was completed, Nehemiah knew that the job was not done. There was more to restoring the city of Jerusalem than just putting the pieces back together. He needed to put someone in charge of the city, to see that things were run the way they should be. He chose his brother Hanani, along with Hananiah, the commander of the citadel. Nehemiah knew his brother's ability and he also knew two things about Hananiah that made him the right choice.

First, Hananiah was a man of integrity. When someone is a person of integrity, he can be trusted. There is no deceit or acceptance of wrongdoing in such a person.

Second, Hananiah feared God more than most men do. For many people, the opposite is true: they fear man more than God. But Hananiah kept it in the right order. He was more concerned about what God thought than what other men thought. That perspective would keep him a person of integrity.

Hananiah is an example of what every one of us should be--people of integrity who fear God.

Are there any weaknesses in your integrity, areas of life that you hope no one learns about? Today you can take the first step in strengthening your integrity. If you really fear God, you will not want any wrong in your life.

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« Reply #307 on: June 22, 2006, 12:55:57 AM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 4:1-22 Nehemiah 10-11

Put It in Writing

Nehemiah 10-11, Acts 4:1-22
Key Verse: Nehemiah 10:29

Every time you sign a credit card receipt, you are signing a legally binding contract. The wording of the contract states simply that you agree to pay the debt. Putting something in writing carries more weight than a verbal agreement.

Imagine putting in writing and signing your commitment to God. The people of Jerusalem did that; they made a binding agreement, put it in writing and sealed it (9:38). What they agreed to should challenge us to be so committed in the following areas:

Separation. The promise not to intermarry was not a prejudice against the people but a commitment to be separated from the world and unto God.

Sabbath. The determination not to buy and sell on the Sabbath was a return to obedience. One day in seven was to be set aside, as God had commanded.

Support. They also promised to support the house of God. This was a commitment to giving their finances, which also was a return to obedience.

Each of these commitments is significant in and of itself. But the people put their commitment in writing, signed it and sealed it before God. They were serious about these things!

The next time you are making a commitment to God, make it a contract. Write it out, date it and sign it. Then keep it in your Bible so that periodically you will review it to see how well you are keeping your commitment.

Have you been slack in one of your commitments? Perhaps it is your commitment to read your Bible, to support God's work or to tell others about Jesus. Write a contract, renew your commitment and keep it before God.

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« Reply #308 on: June 22, 2006, 12:57:10 AM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 4:23-37 Nehemiah 12-13

Agreed

Nehemiah 12-13, Acts 4:23-37
Key Verse: Acts 4:32

It doesn't take too many percentage points above 50 for an election to be considered a landslide. When the vote totals edge closer to 60 than 50 percent, politicians talk about the mandate they have and how the people have spoken. Really? More than half the voters may have agreed, but not much more than half.

Consider this description of agreement: "All the believers were one in heart and mind" (v. 32). We're not talking a simply majority here, but unanimity of consent that was both felt and known, of heart and mind.

The evidence for this is indisputable. Stronger than a recorded vote is the demonstration of unity that extended to their attitude toward personal possessions. Among the things that can be a source of division within a local church are the issues that relate to material things-such as how the congregation uses it money, what it buys, how much it pays the pastor or which missionaries it supports.

The early church gives us a model of unity we can follow. It did not come about by political maneuvering but by the Word, prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 31). Those are the things that characterized the activities of the church.

If you want unity in your church, emphasize the Word, prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Unity in your church begins with you. Be in the Word, pray and allow the Spirit to work in your life. Be the first person of unity and see how God can work in your church.

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« Reply #309 on: June 22, 2006, 12:58:18 AM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Esther 1-2 Acts 5:1-21

Public Faith

Esther 1-2, Acts 5:1-21
Key Verse: Acts 5:12-14

A growing trend in sports is for athletes from opposing teams to gather after the game, kneel and pray. What began as the practice of a few players on one team has spread to other sports, from the ranks of pros down to prep athletes.

A simple act becomes a public confession of faith. Some players refuse to join in, even though they may "respect them" for their faith. Others are drawn to the circle of prayer because they desire a relationship--not just with other athletes, but with Jesus Christ. When they commit themselves to Jesus and join the circle of prayer, they join the people of God as well.

This happened in the Book of Acts too. "The believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade" (v. 12). That was the public arena for them. This simple act became a confession of faith. Yet "no one else dared joined them, even though they were highly regarded by the people" (v. 13). They were respected for what they did. "Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord" (v. 14). Others did join as they committed their lives to Jesus.

Our simple acts, done in public, can be used to bring others to Jesus.

Does your commitment to Christ show? Perhaps praying before a meal in a restaurant will be the testimony that touches another. Maybe you can join or lead a group in prayer after a game. Even the regularity of your church attendance can tell others that Jesus matters to you. But remember to follow up your lifestyle with the verbal word of testimony. Help others come to Christ by how you live and what you say.

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« Reply #310 on: June 22, 2006, 12:59:48 AM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Esther 3-5 Acts 5:22-42

Break The Silence

Esther 3-5, Acts 5:22-42
Key Verse: Esther 4:14

"Silence is golden," but in truth there are times when silence is anything but valuable. In fact, it can be quite costly. Imagine walking by a house and seeing through a window that the family inside is enjoying a quiet evening at home. You walk on in silence, leaving them undisturbed. That is good silence.

But what if you see a fire smoldering on the roof and realize that they are unaware? Would your silence be "golden" or costly?

Esther was in a position to make a difference if she would break the silence and speak, but she feared approaching the king (4:11). She had her excuses. Her uncle Mordecai did not counter all her reasons but laid out before it the price of silence. Her failure to speak out would be costly, costing at the minimum her life as well as that of her family.

Then he said, "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (v. 14). With that verbal push from her uncle, Esther began to take the steps that would ultimately spare the life of not only herself and her family but of her people.

We can engage in golden silence and guilty silence. There will be times when we are in the "right place at the right time" and must make a crucial decision: either we speak or remain silent. Far too often we fail. Fearing man, we remain silent when we should fear God more and speak.

When did you last speak to someone about Jesus? Yesterday's reading challenged us to be living testimonies. Today's focuses our attention on what we say. Is there someone who has seen your testimony but now needs to hear it?

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« Reply #311 on: July 01, 2006, 12:39:40 PM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 6 Esther 6-8

Delegation

Esther 6-8, Acts 6
Key Verses: Acts 6:2-4

If you want something done, ask a busy person. Why? Because busy people are used to getting things done. Some people seem to never get anything done, while others clip along at jet speed, accomplishing task after task. There is a problem with this, however. Things might get done, but is the person still doing the important things?

The Twelve were very busy men. Their responsibilities included distributing food daily to the widows. That was a good thing to do, but the job had grown so large that two negatives things were happening. One is that they were unable to keep up with all the widows who had need. The other is that they were neglecting prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Something had to change. Getting others to help with the work was the solution. Other godly men were enlisted to take over this important work so the Twelve could give their attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

There are two things that a pastor cannot delegate to someone else to do: prayer and the ministry of the Word. The principle of delegation remains. Others can do "material" ministries, allowing pastors time for "spiritual" ministries. Both are important, and neither is to be neglected. But while one can be delegated, the other cannot.

What are you doing to allow your pastor to have time for prayer and ministry of the Word? Your "material" ministry allows for his "spiritual" ministry. The time you take is actually time you give.

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« Reply #312 on: July 01, 2006, 12:40:52 PM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 7:1-21 Esther 9-10

Bought by Belief

Esther 9-10, Acts 7:1-21
Key Verse: Acts 7:5

An engagement ring is tangible evidence of a promise. Words can be cheap, but the price of a ring placed on the finger carries more weight than just that of the stone. It says, "I will marry you." We like tangible evidences, but it takes more faith to believe when no evidence is given.

God gave great promises to Abraham--a nation, and a land for that nation to occupy. At the time Abraham did not have any children, nor had God given him any land. A promise with no evidence, yet Abraham believed.

In time a son was born. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the 12 patriarchs, and ultimately a great nation resulted. God kept His promise.

But when Abraham died, all he owned of the Promised Land was a grave--and he paid for it himself. Yet he believed God. That is why he bought a burial plot in the land promised to him. He knew that one day the land would be given to him and his descendants. Ultimately God gave the Promised Land to the nation descended from Abraham. God kept His promise.

God still keeps His promises-perhaps not in our timing or according to our wishes, but He does keep them. Sometimes we have material or physical evidence for those promises, but often we do not. What we do have is His Word, which He calls on us to believe, just as Abraham did. The question is never, "Will God do what He says?" but, "Will we believe?"

God, help me be like Abraham, not expecting or demanding evidences now. Help me believe, trusting You for the "right now" and the right way to fulfill Your promises to me, Your child.

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« Reply #313 on: July 01, 2006, 12:42:03 PM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 7:22-43 Job 1-2

The Most Pitiable Worshiper

Job 1-2, Acts 7:22-43
Key Verses: Job 1:20-21

Worship on Sunday is one thing, but it can be quite a different thing on Monday, especially if things are not going well. On Sundays we gather with other believers to sing, praise, pray and preach. The time together may be uplifting and encouraging. We walk out of the service remembering the words of the psalmist who said, "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD'" (Ps. 122:1).

But life is not always lived in Sunday-morning experiences. Sometimes it is difficult, and worship seems like something far away, almost inappropriate for the circumstances. If this is true of you, then there is a problem with your understanding of worship, because we are to live lives of worship in the good times and the bad.

Job worshiped in spite of the loss of family, livestock and servants. Four messengers arrived one after another, detailing the marauders who stole and killed, the "fire of God" that had fallen from the sky, and the storm that collapsed the house, killing his children. His response is instructive: he worshiped (1:20-21).

When things are going well, it is easy, even natural, to praise God. When things are going so-so, we may still worship, but it is another story to talk about worship on the heels of disaster.

In the Disciple's Study Bible it says, "The praiseworthiness of God does not depend on our circumstances. Job praised God, not for his circumstances, but for God's unchanging and inherent worth." Job demonstrated that worship centers on God, who He is and what He does, not on man and what he wants.

Can you join Job in worship? Perhaps today you are struggling with difficulties or insurmountable problems. You may feel like a modern-day Job! Whatever the circumstances, praise and worship God.

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« Reply #314 on: July 01, 2006, 12:43:13 PM »

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Job 3-4 Acts 7:44-60

Hemmed In

Job 3-4, Acts 7:44-60
Key Verse: Job 3:23

Among the words a child learns first are no and why--two words that indicate a predisposition to do one's own will and not the will of another. Children learn to say "no" very early. The one-word question comes a little later. The child looks at the parent and asks, "Why?" In essence he is saying, "What you ask does not fit my plans."

Sometimes we ask God the same question, looking toward heaven and saying in our hearts, if not with our lips as well, "Why?" Job did the same thing, although with more than one word. His why questions are spelled out in detail, and in chapter 3 he came as close as he ever would to cursing God. Instead, he asked a series of rhetorical questions.

"Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?" he asked. (v. 23). Tough question! He felt hemmed in, but no longer by God's protection. Instead, he felt hemmed in by trouble. The way was hidden to him, made no sense to him, and no way out was apparent to him. So he asked, "Why?"

Job never would get his question answered. Instead, God demonstrated His glory to Job and he was so affected by it that he repented, regretting that he asked why in the first place (42:6).

At times we all feel hemmed in and wonder why. In those times we must trust that God is sovereign, faithfully in control.

Trust can be difficult, especially when things don't make sense. But they make sense to God. Ask Him to help you trust even when you want to ask why.

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