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Choosing God's Best
Choosing God's Best
Choosing God's Best
. International copyright secured. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All italicizing of words and phrases in Scripture quotations are added by the author for emphasis. BACK TO THE BIBLE P.O. Box 82808 Lincoln, Nebraska 68501 Produced with the assistance of The Livingstone Corporation (www.LivingstoneCorp.com). Project staff: Neil Wilson and Katherine Cloyd. Editorial Assistance: Allen Bean, Susan Hertzler, Rebecca Holmstedt, Mindy Kroesche, Tami Weissert Cover and Interior Design: Laura Poe Cover Photo: Photos.com Additional copies of this book are available from Back to the Bible. You may order in the U.S. by calling 1-800-759-2425 or through our Web site at www.backtothebible.org. In Canada, call 1-800-663-2425 or visit www.backtothebible.ca. ISBN 0-8474-6030-4 Printed in the United States of America.
Choosing
Gods Best
Woodrow Kroll
Welcome
As we begin this months Meet With God study booklet, I welcome you to a time of learning together! We hope this series will continue to help you choose the best God has to offer. The biblical insights you are about to consider have been selected from the radio teaching ministry of Woodrow Kroll. We trust these lessons will provide an ongoing and encouraging extension of the ministry of Back to the Bible in your walk with Christ. You dont have to listen to Back to the Bible to use your study booklet. But if you can listen, the study will be even more powerful. We hope this series will not only encourage you to read the Bible, but also to study it. On the following pages youll find devotional readings, questions to help you review and meditate on Scripture passages, and practical suggestions for applying the truth of the Bible to your everyday living. Our prayer is that as you use the Meet With God series you will experience rich dividends of biblical knowledge and spiritual growth.
Remember It
Answer the following questions on the passage you read this week. See answers below. 1. Isaac went to Egypt during the famine. True/False 2. Isaac told the men of ___________ that Rebekah was his sister. 3. The LORD made Isaac a wealthy man. True/False 4. The _____________ stopped up the wells made by Abrahams servants. 5. Isaacs servants and the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled over the well at a. Rehoboth b. Sitnah c. Shebah d. Beersheba
Week One
This week, think about how to show love toward those who mistreat you.
Answers: 1. False (Gen. 26:26) 2. Gerar (Gen. 26:67) 3. True (Gen. 26:1213) 4. Philistines (Gen. 26:15) 5. b (Gen. 26:21)
treat his guest and his request with charity and hospitality. Just think of the alternative. If Isaac had snapped, he would have been placing himself as judge over Abimelech. Yet Isaac himself certainly had been no model of honesty and forthrightnesshe had misled Abimelech about his relationship with Rebekah (see verses 711). Fortunately, at the crucial moment when Abimelech came to him, Isaac chose wisely and forgave Abimelech. Clearly, the trouble with taking revenge when were mistreated is that none of us can claim complete innocence. When we feel wronged, we need to remember our own guilt in Gods eyes and His continual forgiveness. This gives us all the reason we need to forgive others.
As you read through Genesis 26, reflect on the following questions:
Apply It
Is there someone in your life against whom you continue to hold bitterness? Pray that God will help you forgive and release that person. Since our first response to mistreatment is often to react with vengeance, make a plan right now to counter your initial reaction to future mistreatment with love and gentleness. Write your plan in the space below.
__________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________
1. How did Isaac and his herdsmen deal with opposition and mistreatment in a gracious manner? 2. What specific consequences might Isaac have faced if he had not forgiven Abimelech? 3. In what ways did Isaac demonstrate his complete forgiveness through the peace treaty with Abimelech? 4. In verse 28, Abimelech notes that he could clearly see that the LORD was with Isaac. What attributes in Isaacs life would have brought Abimelech to this conclusion?
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Express It
Lord Jesus, You have forgiven me for so much. I have no right to withhold forgiveness from anyone else. When others say or do hurtful things, help me to choose an attitude of love.
Remember It
Answer the following questions on the passage you read this week. See answers below. 1. When Mary Magdalene first saw Jesus, she thought He was _____ _______________. 2. The disciples met in secret because a. Jesus had told them to. b. they wanted to overthrow the government. c. they were afraid of the Jews. d. none of the above 3. Thomas believed that Jesus had risen from the dead even before he saw Him. True/False 4. Jesus asked Peter ___________ times if Peter loved Him. 5. Everything that Jesus did is recorded in the Bible. True/False
Week Two
This week we will look at the kinds of people Jesus chose to follow Him.
Answers: 1. the gardener (John 20:15) 2. c (John 20:19) 3. False (John 20:2429) 4. three (John 21:1517) 5. False (John 21:25)
not Thomass doubting and Peters betrayal, we would be reading about Jesus grace concerning another disciples faults and weaknesses. The second answer is more hopeful. Jesus knows us and He loves us still. He actually enjoys giving us the opportunity to do great things, despite our weaknesses. Even after we make monumental mistakes, He sticks with us as we stumble along. Hes right there cheering for us when all other fans lose heart. It doesnt matter how many times we lose in life because Jesus has won alreadyfor us. Jesus is alive. His victory over death gives us hope for our bankrupt hearts.
As you read through John 20 and 21, reflect on the following questions:
Apply It
List some of your spiritual weak points. How have you allowed these weaknesses to dishearten you?
__________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________
1. According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, Gods strength is made perfect in peoples weaknesses. How does this verse apply to the lives of Peter and Thomas? 2. What did Jesus say to prompt Peter to take personal responsibility for his actions? 3. How did Jesus acknowledge Thomass weakness while offering him grace and love? 4. Beginning with Jesus resurrection, find several instances of active faith and active doubt in John 2021.
Remember that Jesus strength is all you need let Him change your weaknesses into opportunities to display His power.
Express It
Almighty God, I admit that I am weak. When I think about all my failings in this life, I dont know why You would choose me for Your servant. But You did choose me. Thank You for giving hope to my bankrupt heart. I praise You for giving me strength through my weaknesses so that I can serve You.
Remember It
Answer the following questions on the passage you read this week. See answers below. 1. Laban changed Jacobs wages _______ times. 2. Rachel and Leah were reluctant to leave their father. True/False 3. When Jacob fled from Laban, he took only his family. True/False 4. Rachel had stolen the household _________ from her father. 5. Jacob and Laban swore an oath that a. Jacob would not mistreat Rachel and Leah. b. Jacob would not take other wives. c. neither of them would pass beyond the heap of stones. d. all of the above.
Week Three
This week, we will examine how to wisely move on in our lives, while maintaining integrity.
Answers: 1. ten (Gen. 31:7) 2. False (Gen. 31:1416) 3. False (Gen. 31:21) 4. idols/gods (Gen. 31:19,34) 5. d (Gen. 31:4852)
enough to follow Gods instructions, no matter how hard it seemed. And God intervened, helping him come to terms with Laban. Moving on in our lives is always easier said than done. Often we arent good at leaving with integrity. People leave jobs by taking everything that isnt nailed down or, even worse, they attempt some kind of sabotage. If were fired or laid off, pride gets in the way. Instead, we should look at such a situation as Gods sign for us to move on, and then see what He has for us. If we need to resign, we may be afraid to take the leap. Like Jacob, we should follow God, trusting Him to clear the way. We cant always part with others in peace; but when we sense Gods clear guidance to move on, we should make an attempt to do so with integrity and wisdom. God will do the rest.
As you read through Genesis 31, reflect on the following questions:
Apply It
Have you ever needed to get out of a certain situation? Could you have accomplished this with more grace and love for everyone involved? If so, how?
__________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________
1. What would have been a better way for Jacob to leave Laban and still obey God? 2. In what ways did both Laban and Jacob succeed and fall short in demonstrating integrity? 3. What would Jacob have forfeited if he had refused to leave Laban and follow God? 4. How did Jacob defend his actions to Laban? What was Labans response?
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Express It
Lord, give me the wisdom to know when I need to step out of situations. Also, give me the strength to treat those who have hurt me with grace. As I leave, may You surround all the people involved with Your love.
Remember It
Answer the following questions on the passage you read this week. See answers below. 1. Esau brought ______ men with him to meet Jacob. 2. Jacob sent gifts of __________ to Esau. a. goats b. camels c. sheep d. all of the above 3. Jacob hoped his presents would appease Esau. True/False 4. Jacobs name was changed to ____________. 5. The Angel of the Lord did not tell Jacob His name. True/False
Week Four
This week seek Gods blessing first before facing your most pressing troubles.
Answers: 1. 400 (Gen. 32:6) 2. d (Gen. 32:1315) 3. True (Gen. 32:20) 4. Israel (Gen. 32:28) 5. True (Gen. 32:29)
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that, in all of our struggles in life, we are not fighting against flesh and bloodthe true battle takes place in a spiritual realm. God had no problem handling Esau and his anger. He has no problem taking care of our troubles either. Jacobs story teaches us that our first response to pressures should be to move our perspective toward God and seek His blessing.
As you read through Genesis 32, reflect on the following questions:
Apply It
When you think about the struggles in your life right now, how might you turn toward God and connect with Him first before tackling anything else? Dont only wish you could connect with Godfight for His blessing with your whole self until you receive it.
__________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________
1. Notice the specific interactions between Jacob and God throughout the chapter. How did these encounters strengthen Jacobs faith? 2. Why do you think the Angel of the Lord put Jacobs hip out of place at the end of the match? 3. Jacobs new name Israel means a prince with God. In what ways does this name also apply to the entire Israelite nation? 4. How did Jacob try to buy his brothers favor? What finally resolved Esaus anger at Jacob?
Express It
Lord Jesus Christ, if only I could keep my priorities straight! I constantly allow myself to be drawn into my problems until they consume me. Help me to refocus on You and Your power whenever I begin to look away.
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Prayer Journal
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Learn more about this months topic: Jacob: Reaping What You SowBack to the Bible radio series Cassettes (set of 2) Item #5143-7
*Suggested donation $12.00 Canadian price $16.20 Transcripts of this series are available at www.backtothebible.org.
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
Theodore Epps masterful study of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will show you how God uses ordinary vessels of clay to accomplish His great plans and purposes. Discover that God can use your ordinary life to bring glory to His name.
Item #1286-5
357 pages, softcover *Suggested donation $13.00 Canadian price $17.55 To order: U.S.: call 1-800-759-2425 or visit www.backtothebible.org Canada: call 1-800-663-2425 or visit www.backtothebible.ca
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Woodrow Krolls speaking, writing and radio ministries have clearly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ for more than 30 years. He serves as President of the international ministry Back to the Bible and is heard daily on the nationally-syndicated radio broadcasts Back to the Bible and The Bible Minute. His numerous books include The I Am God, When God Doesnt Answer, Empowered to Pray and 7 Secrets to Spiritual Success. Back to the Bible is a worldwide ministry dedicated to leading people into a dynamic relationship with God. Using radio,TV, the Internet and other media, we share the Gospel message and help Christians grow to spiritual maturity. With broadcasts in 23 languages and an Internet reach to millions, Back to the Bible teaches the Word and touches the world. 0-8474-6030-4
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