Bible Minute

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 26, 2013
Topic: Hope, Faith/Trust

Faith and Hope

Sometimes a result cannot be achieved without a combination of factors. For example, water requires that two molecules of hydrogen lock onto one molecule of oxygen or the desired results will never be obtained. Neither the hydrogen nor the oxygen by itself can produce water.

Enjoying the promises of God requires a combination of factors as well: faith and hope. Hope needs to lock arms with faith to fully realize all God promises us. Abraham is a good example.

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"In hope he [Abraham] believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.' He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was 'counted to him as righteousness'" (Romans 4:18-22, ESV).

What hope did Abraham have?
What circumstances might have destroyed this hope?
What saved him from losing hope?
What was the end result of Abraham's faith and hope?

Reflect

Sometimes we use the word hope to describe something we desire, but we're not sure whether we'll actually ever get it. That's not the way the Bible use this word. Because hope is always combined with faith in God's Word, biblical hope is never an uncertainty.

It is said that as Winston Churchill lay critically ill, he reflected on the conditions in the world he had helped to rescue. His dying words were: "There is no hope. There is no hope."

As believers, we never have to reach such a level of despair. Because we know what God promises both for us and this world (the Bible tells us), we can by faith look forward to the fulfillment of those promises. This gives us hope.

Respond

Do you have biblical hope? Make a list of the things you hope for. Then turn to God's Word to see what it says about these hopes. If the Bible confirms your hopes, then, by faith, lay hold of them. When you combine faith with hope, the results are always a certainty.

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 29, 2013
Topic: Hope

Genuine Hope

Many of us use the word hope as a synonym for wish. We say, "We hope this or that will happen," but in reality we have little confidence or certainty that it will. What we hope is what we'd like to see occur.

On God's terms, however, hope is a far stronger word. This genuine hope looks forward with confidence; it holds on with certainty; it believes without faltering. It is rooted in the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God.

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Hope is something we usually need when life is rough. It's what keeps us going when everything in us says, "Give up." When trouble, uncertainty, chaos, disaster, depression or any other problem comes into our lives, from outside forces or of our own making, that's when we need hope.

And genuine hope has to begin with God. In Psalm 42:11, the writer pours out his troubles and then says,

"Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God" (ESV).

Only God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--provides the hope we need because He can be trusted. He is sovereign, and He knows where things are going. He is faithful to His promises and will never fail. He is unchangeable, an anchor that never falters. This is why hope is so tightly tied to faith or trust: You can't enjoy the hope God offers if you don't trust Him or put your faith in Him.

Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (ESV). God is the source; faith or believing is essential; joy and peace are hope's companions; and with the Holy Spirit's power, you can live in abundant hope. Or, as one translation puts it, "That God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." (NLT, emphasis added).

Reflect

How do you tap into this hope? Through Christ. Without Him, there is no hope. Take a look at Ephesians 2:11-13.

What was it like for the Gentiles or those without Christ (2:11-12)?
What changes at verse 13?
How did this happen in your life?

See what Hebrews 6:17-20 says about tapping into hope.

What makes God trustworthy to provide your hope (6:17-18 )?
What does this hope bring to our lives (6:18-19)?
Where does Jesus fit into this picture (6:19-20)?

Respond

The Bible has much to say about hope: hope for the future, the hope of salvation, etc. Use a concordance to do a word study for yourself and see what you discover.

While hope is often one of those intangibles like peace or joy or faith, there is something very concrete about it too. You see, Jesus not only offers hope, He is our hope. By coming and dying as our Savior, He became our hope (see Titus 2:13). Through Him, we have the opportunity to know God; to be forgiven of our sins; to live in faith and obedience; to serve with a joyful, peaceful heart; and to experience hope at its best. If you're looking for hope--or if you know someone who is--you only need to look at Jesus.

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 30, 2013
Topic: Hope, Christian Living/Situational

Real Hope

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. So said Martin Luther King Jr. And the Bible echoes that hope for the Christian. It is a hope not based on finite "Pollyanna" wishes but a reality rooted in Easter Sunday.

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"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:3-5, NASB).

1. List the words/phrases which are the basis for hope.

2. In these verses, what truth is the most significant to you?

3. Write out what you think the meaning of "a living hope" is.

Reflect

Hope is only as reliable as the basis for that hope. What does Peter tell us is the basis for living in hope? Before you answer, read the following verse and then re-read the above verses. Now, write down your thoughts.

"Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory" (1 Peter 1:21, NLT).

Respond

If, for the Christian, our hope is a living hope (and it is), then what is the application of this truth? We who are Christ-followers have placed our hope for now and eternity in the God who is the God of the present ("I Am," see Matthew 22:32) and the Jesus who is always with us ("Lo, I am with you always," see Matthew 28:20).

Take time to pray and ask God to show you and help you to live daily in the hope that is yours in Jesus.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 1, 2013
Topic: Hope, Christian Living/Situational, Joy

Hope & Friends

If you're a fan of the Peanuts comic strip, you recognize certain partnerships like Linus and his security blanket, Snoopy and Woodstock, Charlie Brown and that reluctant kite, Peppermint Patty and the patient Marcie, Pig Pen and a cloud of dust or Schroeder with his piano, Lucy and her psychiatrist's booth or a football, depending on the season...well, you get the picture. Some things just "go together." Even in the Bible you find partnerships like love and truth, faith and trust or hope and... Well, hope has several friends.

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One of hope's partners is joy. In Romans 5:1-2, we read "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (ESV). When you have hope, you have a reason to rejoice. In fact, having hope--in this case hope in Christ, the glory of God--produces joy in our lives.

Hope is not wishful thinking but a confidence in God. A lack of hope produces fear, anxiety, worry; and it eats away at our joy. But when our hope is found in Christ, it produces joy, gives us peace and builds our faith.

Faith is another close friend of hope. Romans 4 talks about Abraham's faith and hope in the promises of God. Look at Romans 4:18-21, "In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.' He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised" (ESV). Abraham placed his confidence in God for the future fulfillment of the promised son. That was faith built on hope in God's character.

Reflect

If you want hope, you need to know where to find it. See what the Bible says in the following verses.

Psalm 42:5,11

Lamentations 3:21-24

Where does hope come from?
What examples have you seen of hope?
What does hope produce in your life?

Take a look at hope and its partners. After each verse below, indicate what partner you find there.

Proverbs 10:28

Jeremiah 29:11

Romans 15:13

1 Corinthians 13:13

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Titus 3:7

Which of these partners do you need most right now?
How have you seen these partnerships evident in your life?

Respond

We said earlier that hope is confidence placed in God. It's based on who He is and what He can do today and in the future. When do you struggle with hope? Is it when you look at the future or is it a confidence issue? Does hope produce some other benefits in your life, like joy or peace? Or do you have trouble seeing past the circumstances, the worry and the anxiety?

Take time today to consider hope and its place in your Christian life; then ask God to help you to live in hope and enjoy the benefits of joy, peace, faith, security, etc.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 2, 2013
Topic: Hope

Hope & Purity

Moms are smart, aren't they! My sister and I were occasionally asked to babysit our younger siblings. Plus Mom would always add, "And be sure to clean up while we're gone." But if we asked when she and Dad would be back, she'd say, "We'll be back when we get back."

Mom knew that if we were expecting her to be back at 9:00 o'clock, we'd start cleaning at 8:50--and do a terrible job of it! But if we were expecting her and Dad back at any time, we'd start cleaning right away. And we'd keep the house clean in anticipation of her imminent return.

I find a very similar concept when I read 1 John. Let's take a look.

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John closes out chapter 2 with these words: "And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him" (2:28-29, ESV).

John is reminding us here that Jesus will appear again and that we will all stand before Him. Those who abide in Him--continue on in His work--will be able to stand tall on that day.

In the next verse, John rejoices that we can be called children of God. He goes on to say, "We are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure" (3:2-3, ESV).

Just like we kept the house clean in anticipation of my parent's return, we're to keep our lives clean in anticipation of Christ's return. We're to live lives of purity as children of God.

We'll look more at what this means in the next section.

Reflect

As you read 1 John 2:28-3:3, think about the following questions:

1. What do the words, "abide" and "purity" mean to you?

2. What evidence is there that someone "has been born of Him"?

3. Why according to 3:1 does the world not know us?

4. Why will we be like Jesus when He appears? (3:2)

5. What challenges do you face as you seek to live a life of purity?

Respond

How often do you think about the day Christ will return? I'll be honest, some days it feels more like a fairy tale than a future certainty. But let the reality of that day sink in. Let yourself become excited for the return of Jesus. Then let that excitement spill over into your daily routine.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 3, 2013
Topic: Evangelism

Tell It Boldly

Americans have a proverbial saying, "He who hesitates is lost." The Chinese put it this way: "He who deliberates fully before taking a step will spend his entire life on one leg."

Sometimes we Christians are very hesitant to talk to an unbeliever about the Lord, so we lose precious opportunities. To put it simply, we just don't have the boldness to share the Gospel.

Why? And what can God's Word teach you about witnessing with boldness?

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Acts 3:1-11 tells how Peter and John, right in front of the crowd going into the Jerusalem temple, miraculously healed a forty-year-old man who had been born lame. He was a beggar known to almost everyone in Jerusalem. When the people saw the man leaping about and praising God, they were astounded.

Peter seized the opportunity to preach a powerful sermon, resulting in his and John's immediate arrest (Acts 3:12-4:7). They then stood before the Jewish authorities. Acts 4:8-14, ESV, tells you what happened:

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead--by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.'

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition."

What did the rulers and elders of the Jews see in the behavior of Peter and John that astonished them?

What in these verses indicates why the apostles were so bold?

Some people speak with boldness about various topics because of their education, their confidence in their natural speaking abilities or their standing in society. Peter and John had none of those qualities. They were both fishermen from Galilee. The rulers and elders were right. The two were uneducated, common laborers who had no social position. Yet, they had a remarkable boldness to speak out about Jesus and affirm His life, death, Resurrection and sole power to save people from sin.

The New Testament frequently mentions the boldness of the early Christians. Find the following verses in your Bible and answer the questions below.

Acts 4:31. What influences do you find in this verse that gave boldness to the disciples?

Romans 15:15. What does the apostle Paul say gave him boldness to write the things he did?

Ephesians 6:18-20. What did Paul earnestly desire from Christians in order that he might speak with boldness? What does this tell you about his confidence in his own abilities to witness?

Reflect

Boldness for effective witnessing comes from God. That's one of the reasons you need to regularly read and meditate on God's Word--it brings you in touch with the mind and heart of Jesus. Peter and John had "been with Jesus," as the rulers and elders noted. There are two primary ways that you can be with Him today: First, by reading your Bible; and second, by spending time with Him in prayer. The Word of God is the instrument which the Holy Spirit uses to guide your life. Prayer is the means by which you communicate your needs to God and intercede for others including those to whom you've witnessed. In Ephesians 3:12, Paul says of Christ, "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him."

Respond

Make a list of the things that make you shy about witnessing for Christ.

Make another list of people you want speak to about Christ.

Go to the Lord in prayer, asking for godly boldness, and then keep your eyes open for opportunities Christ gives you to share your faith.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 6, 2013
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, New Life, Holy Spirit

Boldness

What's the second greatest frustration in the world? Doing something efficiently that does not need to be done at all.

What's the greatest frustration in the world? Trying to live a courageous Christian life apart from the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible tells us how to avoid that frustration.

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"Jesus asked them, 'Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn't you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me."

"Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away" (Mark 14:48-50, NLT).

"But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, 'Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too.'

"But he began to curse and swear, 'I do not know this man you are talking about!'"(Mark 14:70-71, NASB).

"The disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders" (John 20:19, NLT).

Write down the disciples' actions in the above verses.
After reading the verses, what one word would you use to describe Jesus' disciples at that time?
Why do you think they were acting in the way they were?

Now, read the following verses and write down the reactions of the disciples to the authorities who'd had them arrested. How are they different from the actions of the disciples in the verses you just read?

"While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees...They arrested them...They brought in the two disciples and demanded, 'By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?'

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures where it says...."There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."'

"The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus."...

"'What should we do with these men?' they asked each other. 'We can't deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus' name again."....

"But Peter and John replied, 'Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.' The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go." (Acts 4:1-21, NLT).

Reflect

What happened to the disciples between John 20 and Acts 4? What gave them the ability to act confidently and courageously instead of cowering in fear? Take a look at Acts 2:1-4 and then describe in your own words what happened that day.

"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Who was there?
What happened to them that accounts for the dramatic turn-around we see in the disciples after this incident?
How did they respond?

The Scriptures refer to this occurrence as the Day of Pentecost. Now, look at Acts 4:23-31 for another example of the disciples' changed behavior after the Day of Pentecost.

"As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God...."O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word."...After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:23-31, NLT).

Respond

The boldness that every Christian should experience comes from the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit comes from a personal commitment to Jesus as Savior. Is God is calling you to take a bold stand for Jesus on something?

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 7, 2013
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Holiness

Coming Clean

In the 1850s, cleanliness in all parts of the United States was at Third World levels. It wasn't that sanitation was unknown, but most people just didn't feel it was all that necessary to clean up. After all, dirt brought food, crops, survival. Dirt was good.

But then it was discovered that dirt--and specifically the lack of proper sanitation that often came along with it--also brought germs, disease, suffering and death. It was then America came clean on a scale unequaled in world history.

But just as dirt does harm to the body, the dirt of sinful living does damage to the soul. Let's see what the Bible says about coming clean.

Receive

"But that is not the way you learned Christ!--assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:20-24, ESV).

How does Paul describe the "old self"?
What does he urge us to do?

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9, ESV).

This verse is written to Christians. What are Christians supposed to do when sin gets them dirty?
What does God promise in response?

Reflect

When we surrender our lives to Christ, the old nature is crucified (see Galatians 2:20). But the habits we formed that belong to our former life are not. It becomes a life-long process of getting our outward actions to conform to our new inward condition.

Our usability to God is directly related to how well others are able to see the new life we claim to possess. Jesus said, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16, ESV).

For this reason also, the apostle Peter says, "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12 ESV).

Cleanliness may not be next to godliness when it comes to the body, but it is when it comes to spiritual matters. Come clean for Jesus!

Respond

Read the following verses and list the actions/attitudes that we are to "put off" as believers in Christ: Colossians 3:8-9; Romans 13:13.

Now, read the following verses and list the actions/attitudes that we are to "put on" as believers: Ephesians 4:1-3; Ephesians 5:16-21.

Select three from each list to concentrate on in the year ahead. Ask God to help you put off the old life and put on the new life so that He can use you for His service.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 8, 2013
Topic: Faith/Trust

Wait on God

Have you ever noticed that one of the hardest things to do is to do nothing? We get frustrated when traffic is stopped. When the line at the supermarket isn't moving, we start fidgeting and look for a line that's moving faster.

And, occasionally, when life is getting really rough; and God doesn't seem to be doing anything at all, some people decide it's time to take matters into their own hands. David, whom we read about in the Bible, certainly had a rough life. Let's see how he handled his difficult times.

Receive

Psalm 62 starts out like this:

"For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken" (Psalm 62:1-2, ESV).

If you didn't know any better, you'd think David was in a pretty good place in life. His words sound like the confident assertions of a happy person. The next two verses paint a different picture though.

"How long will all of you attack a man to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
but inwardly they curse" (Psalm 62:3-4, ESV).

Instead of being on easy street, David was surrounded by liars and backstabbers. They were people with no fear of God who only wanted power for themselves. David knew they didn't care about him, and the situation was getting desperate.

So, when in verses 5 and 6, David repeats what he said in verses 1 and 2, we see that they are not the shallow sentiments of a person who has it easy. These words are the foundation of David's faith. David knows that no one besides God can improve his life; no actions of his own can ease the pressures. David is content to wait on God, even in the darkest of hours.

"On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God" (Psalm 62:7, ESV).

Waiting silently is hard enough in a trivial traffic jam, but it takes a rock solid faith in God to be tranquil at the eleventh hour. This kind of faith and trust in God's character doesn't come overnight, but it can start today. We'll look into that in the next sections.

Reflect

As you read the verses for today, think about the following questions:

1. When David repeats himself in verses 5 and 6, there are small differences from his words in verses 1 and 2. What are the differences and what do they tell you about David?

2. What words does David use to describe God's person and character? How does David see God in this time of his life?

Respond

No one would expect you to put your trust in someone you don't know--not even God. That's why He's given us His Word, the Bible. That's why He's given us the testimonies of our friends and family members who have put their faith in God. That's why He's given us the testimony of a precisely ordered nature so even the stars reveal His faithfulness. Spend some time today, and every day this week, getting to know God. Start in His Word and go from there.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 9, 2013
Topic: Faith/Trust

Faith-based Expectations

Have you ever had a great expectation dashed? You were sure the small package among your birthday presents was the new iPhone you expected, but it turned out to be a box of Junior Mints. You expected a friend to visit, but he never showed up. You expected a promotion, but it went to someone else instead.

Sometimes human expectations are based on what we want to see happen. But what we want may not be realistic; other times our expectations are based on what another person has promised. But not everyone carries out his or her promises. In fact, some people may have disappointed you so often you no longer believe anything they say.

If you are struggling with unmet expectations, you need to turn to God's Word. Let's see what the Bible has to say about expectations.

Receive

King David, the composer of half of the Book of Psalms, knew the difference between expectations and reality. Though he had been anointed king of Israel, he could not immediately ascend to the throne. Instead, he spent years fleeing from King Saul, who had vowed to kill him. His expectation was to lead Israel, but in reality he was concealing himself in caves and hiding out in foreign countries. David could have found this very disappointing. The promises made by the prophet Samuel and even God Himself appeared unmet. But during this time, David had plenty of time to reflect on what his true expectations should be. In Psalm 62:1 (ESV) he wrote:

"For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation."

In Psalm 62:5 (ESV), he repeated his thoughts in slightly different words:

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him."

David wasn't basing his expectations on his own desires or abilities. He didn't assume that he would someday be king simply because he had been anointed for the task. He saw his future anchored securely in the sure promises of his God.

What are the foundations of your expectations in life? Your education? Your family name? Your abilities? Your connections? Your bank account? Someone's promises?

Can you say with David that your hope is in the Lord? Look at the following verses and write your answers to the questions.

Isaiah 26:3. What can you expect God to give you when you truly trust in Him?
Philippians 1:19. Paul expected to be freed from prison. On what did he base his expectation?
Psalm 62:11. What two things does the writer say belong to God? Why should they give you reason to place your expectations in God?
Hebrews 13:5. What specific worldly expectation does this verse warn against? Does God give you an alternative?

Reflect

Philippians 4:6-7 gives significant directions about placing your expectations on the right foundation.

How can your expectations be a cause of anxiety?
What is to accompany your prayers and supplications?
What do you need to let God know about?
What does God promise that His peace will do for you?

Respond

Set aside some time today to simply pray and tell God of your confidence in His power, love and strength. Thank Him for being the solid rock on which your expectations rest.

"We ask less of this life because we know full well that more is coming in the next. The art of living with suffering is just the art of readjusting our expectations in the here and the now." -- Joni Eareckson Tada. Leadership, Vol. 17, no. 3.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 10, 2013
Topic: Faith/Trust

Coping with Change

Have you ever slid out of control on black ice or snow? There's one substance worse: in south Texas, it's known as caliche (a funny word referring to a soft clay soil). When it rains, the caliche turns slick and wheels just spin. Houses built on caliche have a different problem--in the summer heat, the caliche can dry and crack, and a foundation can shift. Wet or dry, hot or cold--you need a solid foundation. Caliche doesn't provide that.

God is different. For life now and for eternity, God is a sure and solid foundation.

Receive

He [God] alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will not be shaken. (Psalm 62:6, NLT)

Who does the psalmist claim as his source for living "unshaken"?
What does he compare God to?
What image does one metaphor conjure up as compared to the other?

God is not only a sure place to stand but He, and only He, is our salvation--our safety and our security.

The song writer said it like this:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand--
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand--
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.*

Reflect

Have you ever felt like life is going nowhere--you're just spinning your wheels? Or that you're walking on quicksand? Or that nothing is nailed down and everything may be coming apart? You need a place to stand, and a foundation you can trust not to move or give way.

Perhaps you would like to get a report about what to do and not do. Read on.

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.

"When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority--quite unlike their teachers of religious law" (Matthew 7:24-29, NLT).

Respond

What are you building your life on? Have you done a good foundation check? Make a list of the ways life can seem out of control:

Without God, nothing in life can be counted on. In spite of that, folks try other ways. List some of the ways people attempt to provide security for themselves. Beside each choice, list how change can sink such false foundations.

If you want to know how to build your life on the solid foundation, visit the Meet Jesus page.

*Edward Mote and William Bradbury, "The Solid Rock," lyrics Public Domain.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 13, 2013
Topic: Hope, God's Care

When You're Down, Look Up

When you're feeling down and discouraged, where is your focus? When I feel that way, I'm usually focused on me--my problems, my worries, my pain--and I really can't see anything else--including God. But as long as we stay self-focused, we can't receive any help. Help comes only when we set our eyes, our hearts and our hope on something better.

Receive

In Psalm 42, the psalmist speaks to his troubled heart:

"Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?"
Then he offers a solution:
"Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God" (42:5-6, ESV).

Why does he "hope" in God? Because he has the sure and certain confidence that God is faithful.

When we're down and discouraged, we need to get our focus back on God where it belongs. That's the perfect time to look to Him for our hope and to trust Him to deliver and take care of us. The rest of Psalm 42:6 says,

"My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember you" (ESV).

It's time to remember God who is faithful, good, compassionate, powerful--all the things you need when you're down.

There's a second step included. The first is to look to God and remember who He is and what He can do, but Psalm 42:5 also encourages praise. You see Him as your hope; then you praise Him for that. You remember His faithfulness; then praise Him for that too.

Psalm 20:5 tells us to celebrate:

"May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!" (ESV).

Raise the flags; hang up the banners or set off fireworks; show everybody that you belong to the God who is your salvation. That's what setting up banners is all about. It's how you tell others about God's faithfulness and draw them in to celebrate with you.

Reflect

Of course, before you can celebrate it, it helps to be familiar with God's faithfulness and the hope He offers. Jot down what you learn about God's faithfulness from these verses:

Deuteronomy 7:9

Psalm 86:15

Lamentations 3:22-23

Hebrews 10:23

The fact of God's faithfulness is awesome, but you can also find a reason to celebrate when you see examples of when or how He is faithful. How do you see that in these verses?

Psalm 91:1-6

Psalm 143:1-2

1 Corinthians 10:13

2 Thessalonians 3:2-3

1 John 1:9

Lamentations 3:20-24 is an excellent way to adjust your focus. Put it in your own words or memorize it for future need.

Respond

What are some examples of God's faithfulness you've seen in your life? When you've found your hope in Him? Put those in writing as a concrete reminder for days when you're feeling low and discouraged.

Then follow the example of Psalm 20:5 and "raise a banner." Be specific as you tell your spouse, your children or grandchildren how God has been faithful to you. Drop it into an email or a letter. If your family is around, turn dinnertime into a mini-party and give each member an opportunity to share. You can create a poster or maybe an actual banner that reminds you of God's faithfulness and how you find your hope in Him. Use your imagination to find a way to remember and celebrate today. It's a great cure for those times of self-focused discouragement.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 14, 2013
Topic: Hope

Waiting in the Desert

King David was having a wilderness experience, and it wasn't a good one. In the first place, this wilderness was not a land filled with beautiful fir trees, snow-capped peaks and clear, rushing streams. It was a barren, waterless, sun-scorched, desert wasteland. Secondly, David wasn't there to relax on a camping trip with the family. He was fleeing for his life from his rebellious son, Absalom. David had sought God in the matter and longed to be back at home in the sanctuary of God.

But it was not the moment when God was answering his prayers. David had to pray and wait and wait some more upon God.

Maybe you've been in a spiritual desert. You've prayed. God has been silent. What can you do while you wait on God for an answer? Let's look at David's plight and hopefully learn some biblical lessons about dry times in your spiritual life.

Receive

Read Psalm 63:1-8 (ESV) below and answer the questions that follow.

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

How does David describe both his spiritual and physical state (verse 1)?
What three attributes of God gave David unswerving confidence in Him (verses 2-3)?
In spite of David's bleak circumstances, what were the many ways in which he responded to the Lord (verses 4-7)?
How does David express his ongoing faith in God (verse 8 )?

Reflect

Why does God sometimes leave you in the "desert" to wait for His answer? How should you respond in a way that honors Him and strengthens you? Look at some promises as you reflect on the following verses:

Psalm 25:5. What does the psalmist ask God to do while he waits?
Psalm 38:15. What confidence does the psalmist have while he waits?
Psalm 130:5. What gives the psalmist confidence that waiting is not hopeless?
Isaiah 30:18. Why does the Lord sometimes wait? What is granted to the one who waits on God?

Respond

Your desert of dryness is a good place for silently meditating on God.
Your desert of waiting is a good time for actively serving God and others.
Your desert of weakness is a good place for strengthening your faith.

Work in the next few days on memorizing what is likely the greatest passage on "waiting" in the whole Bible:

Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV)

"He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the L ord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint."

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 15, 2013
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Not Moved

It's not difficult to walk on a sidewalk under normal circumstances. However, it's a little more difficult when the surface is coated with ice. And it would be almost impossible if there were hundreds of ball bearings covering the concrete. Balance and stability are adversely affected by anything that prevents reliable traction. We need a sure, solid surface to make any headway when we're walking.

Life is like that too. We need sure, solid footing in our lives. How do we keep balance and stability so we can keep moving forward in life? For the Christian, two things provide a solid foundation.

Receive

"For you [God] have delivered my soul from death,
yes, my feet from falling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life" (Psalm 56:13, ESV).

1. What is the first thing that provides Christians with a sure footing?

2. Why is this done?

The Psalmist also tells us a second thing that keeps Christ-followers from falling:

"Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105, ESV).

3. What is something else that gives us stability when we walk?
4. How can you apply this verse to your life?

Reflect

Falling down is no fun--it hurts! You can end up with broken bones or other major damage. And what is true physically is also true spiritually. Falling spiritually can damage not only our own lives but the lives of other people.

That's why in a world of spiritually slippery surfaces (jealousy, lust, hatred, etc.), it's vitally important to maintain your relationship with God and His Word.

In Psalm 73, the psalmist realized he was about to fall. He said,

"But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped" (verse 2).

He was envying the wicked because of the easy time they were having. But notice verse 17 says,

"Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end."

When the psalmist went to God's house, he was able to refocus on God and His Word. It was then that he got his sure footing back again.

Respond

Are your feet ready to slip? Make it a point to go to God's house this weekend. And while you're there, focus on God and His Word. Make it a true worshipful experience. When you come home, write down what God has said to you. How will this keep your feet from slipping?

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 16, 2013
Topic: Faith/Trust

Unshakable Faith

Look back over the last few days or weeks of your life. Can you point to anything that was constant? A lot of our lives are in flux. And these days, it's hard to be certain that we'll even have our jobs or our homes in the near future.

But two things are certain: one is that life is uncertain, and it always has been. (People in King David's day had worries similar to today's concerns.) But something else is certain. Let's look at Psalm 16 and see what it is.

Receive

In verse 8, David tells us,

"I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure" (Psalm 16:8-9, ESV).

David goes on,

"For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:10-11, ESV).

Look back at verse 7.

"I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me" (Psalm 16:7, ESV).

What was the certainty in David's life?
What affect did that fact have on his life?
How did David approach eternity?
How did he respond to God?
Who gave David counsel?
How do you seek the Lord's counsel?
When was the last time you sought the Lord's counsel?

If you want to bring some certainty back into your life, start where David did by seeking the counsel of God.

Reflect

As you read Psalm 16:7-11, think about the following questions:

What does it mean to "set the LORD always before me"?
How have you seen these verses at work in your life?

Respond

The Bible is like a compass that always points to God. It's like an antenna that allows you to hear His words of love and comfort loud and clear. That's why we will never apologize for telling people day in and day out to read their Bibles every day! If you'd like some guidance, check out our goTandem and Powered by 4 ministries.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 17, 2013
Topic: Faith/Trust, Christian Living/Situational, God

Trust at All Times

On July 30, 1956, President Eisenhower approved a Joint Resolution of the 84th Congress declaring IN GOD WE TRUST the national motto of the United States. But do we really? Look at your own life. When do you trust God? Do certain experiences help you trust Him more? Do the ups and downs of life undermine a consistent confidence in God? Not easy questions but consider them.

Receive

Psalm 62:8 tells us,

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

That tells us exactly when we need to trust the Lord: at all times.

All means "all." There should be no time when we're not trusting God. And because the Lord does not change (Malachi 3:6) and He is always good (Nahum 1:7), God is always--at all times--completely trustworthy.

What are those "all times"? Well, the same root word is used in Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace" (ESV).

Each of those times--birth and death, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughter, etc--are times when we are to place our trust in God. When it's hard, when you wonder and question God, even when you're angry with Him, that's when you need to still trust Him.

Reflect

Trusting God is not an emotional response but a choice--a commitment you make.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Psalm 37:3-6

Psalm 31:15

What do these verses tell you about the choice to trust?
What times or circumstances require you to trust?
How do you trust God with your "times"?

Respond

Go back through Ecclesiastes 3 and match these "times" up with experiences in your life. Think about when you found it easy to trust God and when it was a struggle. Is it harder when life is difficult? When you're weeping or mourning or seeking? Maybe it's harder when things are going well because you think you don't really need God.

With your list in mind, do two things: First, thank God for both the ups and the downs, the times that tested you and the times when trusting came easily. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He [the Lord] has made everything beautiful in its time" (ESV), so it's good to praise Him for what He's made beautiful in your life.

Second, make the choice to trust God at ALL times, not just when you feel like it or when emotions run high. Make a conscious choice for your life; post it where you can see it; write it across each day on your calendar, whatever it takes to choose to trust at all times. Then ask God for His help--and ongoing reminders--to keep you trusting Him.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 20, 2013
Topic: God, Obedience/Discipleship

A Rock-solid Friend

Have you ever had a friend you felt you could pour out your heart to? You knew your friend would never betray you. Not only that, but you were confident that, if it were possible, your friend would do whatever he or she could to help you with the concerns of your heart.

David had a friend like that. It was God. And he urged others to develop that same kind of relationship with God--one of love and trust. Let's see what he says about this friendship.

Receive

"My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.

"Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:5-8 ).

What do you think it means for your soul to "wait silently"?
Find at least two descriptions of God in these verses that would encourage you to trust Him.
Because David trusted God, what were some of the results?
If you were to "pour out your heart before Him" today, what would you say?

Reflect

Everyone needs a friend they can trust implicitly. That's the kind of friendship God offers to those who accept His Son as their Savior. He is Someone whom we can pour our hearts out to and know that He will both listen and act on our behalf. The hymn writer says,

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee--
Thou wilt find a solace there.*

Respond

Find a copy of the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." If you know the tune, quietly sing it and notice all the ways Jesus is our friend. If you don't know the tune, read the words. Then prayerfully ask Jesus to help you experience that kind of friendship with Him.

*Scriven and Converse, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," Public domain.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 21, 2013
Topic: Other, Pain/Suffering

Complaining to God

It's hard to miss the pain poured out in some of the psalms. It's almost shocking, sometimes, how honest the psalmist is, not just when he's describing his situation but when he asks God, "Why"?

And like the writer of the Psalm 102 shows us, there is a right way to take our pain and our complaints to God. Let's look at this psalm and explore that idea a little.

Receive

In my Bible, Psalm 102 has this subtitle, "A prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the LORD." Right away, we know something is wrong in the psalmist's life. And so he takes his complaint to God.

"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!" (Psalm 102:1-2, ESV).

The fact that the psalmist is even crying to God for help says something. It's pointless to complain to someone you don't believe can help. In verses 3-11, the psalmist describes his situation.

Look at verse 12, though:

"But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever;
you are remembered throughout all generations" (Psalm 102:12, ESV).

It's all right to take our complaints to God, but we need to remember who He is. As you read through the rest of Psalm 102, look for all the ways the psalmist describes God.

Yes, the psalmist was in distress, and he was very honest about it. But in his distress, he knew he could trust God. He understood enough about God's character and His promises to be assured that:

"The LORD builds up Zion;
he appears in his glory;
he regards the prayer of the destitute
and does not despise their prayer" (Psalm 102:16-17, ESV).

When your life is crumbling, going to anyone besides God with your concerns is like asking a toddler to fix your broken car; it's not likely to happen.

Reflect

As you read Psalm 102, think about the following questions.

1. According to the psalmist, why does he think God would help him?

2. What reasons does the psalmist give for trusting God?

3. What were some of the physical responses to despair the author of Psalm 102 was experiencing?

4. In verse 12, how does the tone of the psalm change?

5. How does Psalm 102 conclude?

Respond

There's a difference between registering your complaint with God and second guessing what God does in your life. Remember, taking our complaints to God isn't so much about making the world the way we want it but making it the way God wants it. If there's something troubling you today, don't be afraid to take your complaint before the throne of God.

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 22, 2013
Topic: Faith/Trust

Two Masters: It's Your Choice!

It's not uncommon to see leaders of the world's nations scurrying about, desperately trying to find answers to their countries' financial problems. Newspaper articles, radio and TV shows and Internet bloggers consume huge blocks of time speculating and advising us about money--how to keep it, why we're losing it, where to find it and whom to bail out. Fear often grips governments, industry and individuals.

As a Christian, you must be careful not to get caught up in the world's worries about money. Oh, of course, you are to be a good steward of all that God provides; and you are responsible to care for your family's needs. But you also need to avoid any attitude toward money that would cause you to spiral down into the world's way of thinking. God is still on the throne. He knows your needs and has much to say about trust and money.

Receive

Have you thought seriously about Jesus' warning in Matthew 6:24 (ESV)? "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Why did He say that? Is it a sin to earn an honest living? Didn't Jesus Himself use money to pay taxes and buy groceries? Didn't the disciples have a money bag and a treasurer? When Jesus sent the disciples forth a second time, didn't He tell them they would need money (Luke 22:35-36)?

Now, read a few verses and jot down your answers to the questions:

1 Timothy 6:10. What two results of loving money does the apostle Paul mention in this verse?
Hebrews 13:5. What does God want to see in your life instead of the love of money?
Matthew 13:22. In the parable of the sower, what does Jesus say about how an obsession with wealth can affect your relation to God's Word?
Deuteronomy 8:17-18. If God does bless you with wealth in this life, what should be your proper attitude toward it?

Reflect

Jesus never claimed that money is evil. But He did teach that the love of money will get you into deep trouble and draw you away from God (1 Timothy 6:10).

Satan, the Prince of this world, runs his domain on money. It will all come to sudden ruin one day. God, on the other hand, operates His kingdom in the power and provision of the Spirit of God. His Kingdom is eternal and will never fade away. While you are in this life, you are, in a sense, caught between the two worlds of God's everlasting kingdom and Satan's doomed realm. You need some money and material things to live and to support God's work on this earth, but you must constantly be on guard against trusting in the things that will ultimately rot and rust.

Today, read Revelation 18:1-24. It describes the sudden destruction of Satan's economic and financial system in the final hours of this old earth. As you read, compare today's godless worldview and ask yourself, Is this something I want to be part of? Am I getting entangled with the love of money?

Respond

Take time to review your own attitudes toward money. Is money at the center of your purpose in life and your career? Are there changes you need to make that will bring you more into line with God's teaching about wealth?

Reflect on Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Then memorize it!

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 23, 2013
Topic: God's Care, Faith/Trust

Money and Trust

Will any one group of people find it especially difficult to trust in Jesus and receive the gifts only He can give including eternal life in heaven? Jesus thought so. In fact, He singled out one particular class of people who will have great difficulty trusting God.

Receive

"And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!' And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, 'Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God'" (Mark 10:23-25, ESV).

What specific pitfalls do the rich face?
Who supplies us with all we have?
Read the following verse and name some reasons why it is difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven?

"Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17, NASB).

Reflect

Because it is difficult for the rich to get into God's kingdom, is it better to be poor? Read the following verse to learn the answer to that question.

"But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction" (1 Timothy 6:9, NLT).

What is the real problem according to this verse?
What traps someone who is striving for riches?
Create a newspaper headline (just a few words) to summarize 1 Timothy 6:9.
What does a wise person realize about wealth? (See Proverbs 23:4-5.)

Respond

So, how should you, as a Christ-follower, view possessions and wealth? Jesus teaches us a great truth to build our lives on.

"'Do not worry then, saying, "What will we eat?" or "What will we drink?" or "What will we wear for clothing?"

"'For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.'

"'But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you'" (Matthew 6:31-33).

Take an inventory of your life. Ask yourself these questions:

Do I trust God? Do I believe His promises? Do I trust Him for His provision and care? Do I worry often about having too little? Do I seek first "His kingdom and His righteousness"? And now the real question, Will I trust God completely for everything?