Faith Walk

[Rookieupgrade1]

“God, help me not only to pray, ‘Not my will but thine,’ but also to know clearly the difference.

Amen

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 16:22-40 Job 41-42

Oops!

Job 41–42, Acts 16:22–40
Key Verses: Job 42:5–6

Have you ever wished you could take back what you said? Probably the question isn’t if you ever did that but how often you have—or how recently! Some of us have “foot- shaped mouths,” the result from too often putting our foot in our mouth.

That may have been how Job felt when he said, “I despise myself”(42:6). He wished he could take it back. Not only did he despise himself, but he also repented “in dust and ashes.” That indicates more than a bit of embarrassment.

What brought him to this point of humility was the response to his questioning of God. He had spoken presumptuous words, ones that were more than a searching for reasons behind his suffering. They were directed to God.

God had heard and He responded, but not with answers to Job’s questions. Instead, God fired back a sequence of unanswerable questions, questions that made Job realize how great God is and how insignificant in comparison is man. “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know,” Job said (v. 3). No wonder he despised himself and repented in such a dramatic fashion.

There are times we want to ask God, “Why?” Trying to make sense of the struggles in life is a natural response. We err, though, when our questioning turns into demanding of God an answer. We, the created ones, have no right to call on the Creator to account for His actions.

There will be times when we want to ask God why. Ask God to help you be only a seeker, one trying to understand. Pray for the grace and wisdom needed to keep from questioning God about His actions, His motives and His plans.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 17:1-15 Psalm 1-3

Carry Your Bible

Psalms 1–3, Acts 17:1–15
Key Verse: Acts 17:11

In the church I attended as a young person we had a name for the sound of Bible pages turning. So many people had the same Bible that the collective rustling sound was called “the Scofield shuffle.” Instead of the text, the pastor could have announced the page number!

Appearances can be deceiving. Not everyone who has a Bible reads it or obeys it. Still, people using their Bibles in church can indicate the spiritual quality of a congregation. If the people do not see the need for bringing their Bibles or have no desire to do so, it undoubtedly is a weak church.

Many churches have a class called “Berean.” Some even choose that name for their church. It is an often-used name because of the spiritual quality of the believers in Berea. “They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (v. 11). Today we might say, “They carried and used their Bibles!” But there was more to it than that. They looked carefully at the Word, following the messages of Paul and verifying what he preached. And they did this daily.

To be spiritually strong, we must read, learn and live the Word. To be a strong church, the same is necessary. Use your Bible!

Ask God to help you keep up the practice of reading His Word daily. Pray also that as you read you will learn, and that you will put into practice what you learn.

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[Rookieupgrade1]

Amen to that!

It's on my desk right now.............marked in Job 22

almost through it for the first time!!!

Started at the NT and then around to  "In the begining......"

[nChrist]

Hello Rookieupgrade1,

If you're talking about a Scofield Bible, I have one also that's about 50 years old. My dad got it for me, and it's the first Bible I had with maps, concordance, and a few other goodies. I still like it, but my worn out eyes like large print now.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 18:30-31 NASB  As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God,

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 17:16-34 Psalm 4-6

The Soft Side of a Board

Psalms 4–6, Acts 17:16–34
Key Verse: Psalm 4:8

When he wanted to let me know how little trouble he had sleeping, a friend would say, “I could sleep on the soft side of a board.” For others, though, the agony of insomnia is real. We can have trouble both falling and staying asleep, especially when wrestling with a problem. Difficulties can deny us a good night of rest.

Then we read a verse like Psalm 4:8: “I will lie down and sleep in peace.” “Well, good for David,” we say. “It must be nice to be king, having all your needs met, living in the lap of luxury, snoozing away the night.”

But then we look closer. Verse 1 says, “Give me relief from my distress.” This was not a time of calm in David’s life. Perhaps it was when he was fleeing from his own son, Absalom. Whatever it was, David’s distress did not disrupt his sleep—and therein lies the challenge for us.

Why do we let stress rob us of our rest? Sleep aids may only mask the pain. For David, the only “sleeping pill” was prayer. Read this psalm again carefully. Look for the words prayer, trust, joy, gladness and peace. David’s sleep came as he rested not on the best mattress in the kingdom, but in God, “for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (v. 8).

The next time you are struggling to sleep, read Psalm 4 and ask God to help you turn over your problems to Him.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 18 Psalm 7-9

Long-Time Friends, Short-Time Acquaintances

Psalms 7–9, Acts 18
Key Verse: Psalm 9:10

To the casual observer, the wedding party looked typical. The bride wore white; her groom stood tall next to her. The bridal party had the usual complement of bridesmaids, groomsmen, a matron of honor, best man, flower girl and ring bearer. But there was an interesting difference—nearly everyone in the group was a close relative.

Over the years the bride and groom had observed that people eventually lose track of their “close” friends from college days, but one always have his family. So they chose to make their wedding a family affair. Friends may come and go, they reasoned, but family stays.

As you think of former friends, perhaps ones that left you feeling deserted, consider this praise David gave to God: “You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you” (9:10). Knowing that God would be his forever friend, David also wrote, “Those who know your name will trust in you.” In God’s faithfulness we find comfort, and since He never forsakes us, we can trust in Him.

David wrote those words in a time of difficulty. He recognized that the Lord is a refuge, a stronghold in times of trouble, and in those times his trust was in God. Is yours?

Is there some difficulty in your life? Do you feel alone? Remember, God will never forsake you. Ask Him to help you experience the peace that comes when you truly trust in Him.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 19:1-20 Psalm 10-12

Who Are You?

Psalms 10–12, Acts 19:1–20
Key Verse: Acts 19:15

If you are a “nominal Christian”—that is, you live the Christian life in name only—the devil probably will not bother you much. Why should he? You are little or no threat to him. But when you determine to be a fully devoted follower of Christ, living out the truth of God, seeking to impact others with the Gospel message, then brace yourself. You will be known.

If it weren’t for the reality of demonic opposition, this account would almost be humorous. Paul’s ministry in Ephesus included those who tried to copy him. Like him, they wanted to drive out evil spirits and tried to do so by invoking the name of Jesus. “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches,” they would say (v. 13).

Well, one day the sons of Sceva got more than they bargained for. The demons answered them, saying, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” (v. 15). Then they were literally beaten up by the possessed man.

Notice whom the demons knew or knew about. They knew Jesus and knew about Paul. But Sceva’s sons were unknown to them. The demons did not know those who were not really seeking to serve Christ.

Sometimes we wonder if anyone notices what we do for Christ. Rejoice that God knows! And stick close to Him, because it may be that some of the attention that comes your way may challenge you to the core of your commitment.

“Father, help me stay close to You and draw from You the strength I need to resist the devil. May the shield of faith extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

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[nChrist]

Author: Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Psalm 13-15 Acts 19:21-41

Admit One

Psalms 13–15, Acts 19:21–41
Key Verse: Psalm 15:1

Two friends who minister in Asia have had special opportunities to meet visiting dignitaries. A few years ago, when Prince Charles was visiting the country, the wife received an invitation to a reception. More recently it was the husband’s turn when he was invited to a dinner given for President Clinton.

Neither event was “open for public.” Both required a special invitation and security clearance, more so with the second than the first. There were other U.S. citizens in the country, but the door was open only to certain ones.

David asked, “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?” While there were many in Israel, he realized that close fellowship with God was open only to certain ones. Having asked the question, he then answered it. The rest of the psalm is a description of a godly person. Read the psalm again and notice the following:

Their walk is blameless (v. 2).
The words are truthful (v. 2).
They respect and honor those who fear God (v. 4).
They keep their word (v. 4).
They help others with their money and do not accept bribes (v. 5).

The godly person is then described as being very stable, “never shaken” (v. 5).

Our salvation is not based on what we do. We are saved through faith in Jesus. But how we live as a disciple does affect the closeness of our fellowship with God. The godly person enjoys the closest fellowship and experiences a stability that God gives to those whose lives match the one described in Psalm 15.

Do you exhibit the traits of a godly person? Ask God to help you evaluate your walk, your words, whom you honor and your attitude toward money.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 20:1-16 Psalm 16-17

Grave Robber

Psalms 16–17, Acts 20:1–16
Key Verse: Psalm 16:10

Archeologists sometimes uncover less than they hope when digging because someone else got there first—namely, grave robbers. Artifacts that can help us understand past civilizations may be disturbed or the burial site looted. Both groups seek the items made with precious metals or gemstones, but for different reasons.

In Psalm 16 we read about a type of grave robber. This one robs the grave of death itself. David believed that even death could not rob him of life because eternal life is found in God.

The ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 16:10 was in Christ. Note the carefulness of the wording. “You will not abandon me to the grave.” It does not say, “death.” Jesus did die, but He was not abandoned to the grave.

“Nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” Consider this carefully. With death comes decay—unless the grave is robbed, by God. God robbed the grave of Jesus not with crowbars, shovels and picks but by His awesome resurrection power. Jesus truly died, but He did not remain dead. Jesus truly lives, bodily! The promise of Psalm 16 was fulfilled in every aspect when Jesus arose.

Unless Jesus returns first, you will die. Your body will be in a grave, and one day that grave will be robbed—of death. “The dead in Christ will rise first,” Paul said (1 Thess. 4:16).

Jesus has conquered death and sin. If you have accepted Him as Savior, rest assured that life on this earth is temporary and that God will give you permanent life with Him. Thank God now for the wonderful gift of eternal life.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 20:17-38 Psalm 18-19

Hypocrisy Is Skin Deep

Psalms 18–19, Acts 20:17–38
Key Verse: Psalm 19:14

Ever wonder what another person is thinking? We may try to figure it out by what he does or how he looks, but the best thing is to listen to what he says—or at least you would think so. The fact is, someone may say one thing but not appear to mean it. We prefer that what a person thinks in his heart is the same as what he says. Anything else is hypocrisy, which is skin deep. Integrity comes from the depths of the heart.

To develop integrity begin with the prayer of Psalm 19:14: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Think about how this prayer, lived out, would keep you from hypocrisy and make you a person of integrity.

First, God knows when your words and your heart match and when they don’t. He wants both to be the same; anything else is unacceptable to Him. Second, a person of integrity is the same on the inside as on the outside. Third, when we please God, our words and meditations will match. And since we want to please God all the time, our words and meditations will match all the time. The result will be integrity before God and man. And God will be pleased.

So, what are you thinking? Does it match what you are saying?

Integrity is an important character trait for the child of God. Are you known as a person of integrity? Begin with the prayer of Psalm 19, and live these words.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 21:1-17 Psalm 20-22

Torn Away

Psalm 20–22, Acts 21:1–17
Key Verse: Acts 21:1

“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out,” our pastor would say as the communion service concluded. And then we would sing the hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” Nothing more clearly communicates our oneness in Christ as the Lord’s Supper. Sadly, though, at times the family of God appears dysfunctional, even splintered.

The closeness Paul had with the church at Ephesus was indicated by the tears, hugs, kisses and grief evident as they accompanied him to the ship (Acts 20:37–38). Emotions ran high. The opening verse of the next chapter paints a powerful word picture: “After we had torn ourselves away from them . . . .”

Torn. Like two things glued together and then ripped apart. The separation is difficult, and the tearing is not clean as bits of pieces, held fast by the glue, are ripped and remain attached. Paul’s break from the Ephesians was not a clean one. Their hearts were so attached to one another that saying good-bye was extremely painful.

It can be painful just to read about it. It’s painful as we think of the agony the church felt knowing they would never see Paul again. It’s also painful if it reminds us of the final farewells we’ve had to make.

And then there is a third kind of pain—the pain of never expecting an emotional farewell because our relationships with others are already fractured.

Are you experiencing close fellowship, or are your relationships broken? Jesus wants oneness in His Body, the Church. Are you a promoter or destroyer?

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Psalm 23-25 Acts 21:18-40

God’s Welfare Program

Psalm 23–25, Acts 21:18–40
Key Verse: Ps 23:1

How much more change can we take? We have information overload, wireless communication that reaches everywhere and unbelievable stress. And the only change on the horizon is more change of the same kind—more information, expanded communication, all taking its emotional toil. What used to be the promise of the future causes us sometimes to brace ourselves, wondering how we will find our way through the maze.

David said, “The LORD is my shepherd.” Silencing the incessant ring of the cell phone, slowing the pace of microprocessors, filtering out the Internet downloads is this calming, comforting, memorable statement. This is God’s program for our welfare.

"The Lord"...None other than God Himself.
"is"...A present, on-going reality.
"my"...First-person singular, personal, possessive, mine.
"Shepherd"...One who cares for, provides for and protects.

Say it aloud: “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Each part carries special meaning, so say it repeatedly, changing the emphasis. “THE LORD is my shepherd.” “The Lord is MY shepherd.” The Lord is my SHEPHERD. No matter which part is emphasized, the blessing is superb. And when all the parts are emphasized, we then experience God’s welfare program: He shepherds us.

The cell phone will still ring, the information will still bombard us, the pace will be warp speed. But in the midst of it all, the child of God can stand calmly knowing that God cares, provides, protects. The “mantra” for survival is thousands of years old—“The Lord is my shepherd.”

Say this truth slowly and let each part sink in. Then thank God. With the assurance that the Lord is your shepherd, rest in that truth.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 22 Psalm 26-28

Blessing of a Blameless Life

Psalms 26–28, Acts 22
Key Verses: Psalms 26:2–3

A candidate stepped out of the race and another stepped in to take his place. What was called a battle of titans now took on a different flavor. A relatively unknown candidate was now on the ballot against the well-known one. Unfair? Not really, the political analysts speculated. In fact, it became a much more difficult campaign for the well-known person. You see, there was plenty of mud to sling about the previous opponent, but nothing bad was known about the newcomer. Oh, the value of a blameless life when in a race for office!

Of far greater value is the blessing of a life that is considered blameless by God. David knew that blessing when he wrote this psalm. He even invited examination by the deity Himself. His actions, he was confident, would withstand the scrutiny.

The list in Psalm 26:4–8 is not exhaustive but is representative of the actions found—or not found—in the blameless life. They are good to review, reflect upon, remember and emulate. We should desire to be blameless in the sight of God and man. Lists like this help us evaluate ourselves.

Of course, David was not without sin. But the intent of his heart was to do the will of God, whom he trusted without wavering.

We do sin, but our lives must be focused on living to please God. Make no excuses. Repent. Change. Seek to live a blameless life.

If you were running for office, what mud would your opponent find to sling at you? When you answer that question, you will have a list of the areas in which you are not blameless. Determine to remove all such things from your life.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 23:1-15 Psalm 29-30

A Clear Conscience

Psalm 29–30, Acts 23:1–15
Key Verse: Acts 23:1

Similar to the proverbial “satisfaction of a job well done” is the experience of being able “to look them straight in the eye.” There is something about unblinking eye contact that communicates both truthfulness and determination. When we know we are right, we will stand up straight, look the other person in the eye and say, “I know I am right.” To do that in regard to our job or payments made or obligations kept is important, but all of these pale in comparison to being able to say, “I have fulfilled my duty to God.”

Paul did all of the above. He looked his accusers, the Sanhedrin, in the eye and said, with truthfulness and determination, “I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day” (v. 1). He knew he had done right, and not even the authority of this group would make him back down.

Often we look at this verse and think in terms of the confrontation between Paul and his accusers but overlook the insight it gives into Paul’s character. He knew he had done what God wanted—and could look anyone straight in the eye and say so. His conscience was clear before God and man. It was the testimony of what truly was “a life well lived.” Knowing and doing the will of God is the great aspiration of a Christian’s life, but far too often we just fit it in around what we want to do instead. If you were put on the defensive like Paul, what statement could you make? Do you live in such a way that you could say, “I have fulfilled my duty to God”?

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