J for James (Staying at Home) Dr. Kroll Writes......

James

Staying at Home 

Pic. Credit. A to Z Blog challenge 14

Dr. Woodrow Kroll

I grew up in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania.  Nearby lived a simple, godly family named Hershey with five children.  One by one they left home to go to the mission field.  All but one, who stayed home to serve the Lord.

  

NAME: “Supplanter” ("Jacob” in Hebrew)

DATE: 1st Century AD

IDENTIFICATIONS: Oldest son of Mary and Joseph, author of the Book of James

STORY LINE: James was the oldest of Jesus' four younger brothers

READ IT IN THE BIBLE:  Matthew 13:53-58; Acts 15:1-21

Not all of God's servants are called to leave home in answer to God's call.  When Isaiah said, "Here am I! Send me," God sent him to his own people in his own land (Isaiah 6:8-9).  And when the demoniac of Gadara wanted to go with Jesus after the Savior healed him, Christ told him to go home and tell his friends what the Lord had done for him (Mark 5:19).

  

While Thomas was going to India, Philip to Asia Minor, and Paul to the rest of the Roman world, someone had to remain behind in Jerusalem to faithfully lead the flock there.  That someone as James, the younger brother of the Lord Jesus.

Like the rest of Jesus' brothers, James did not come to faith in Jesus until after His crucifixion.  But in the Book of Acts James emerged as a leader of Jerusalem church.  His younger brothers also became believers and traveled to foreign places (1 Corinthians 9:5), but James knew the home front was his mission field (Galatians 2:9).

If you long for a passport filled with stamps from foreign countries, but instead you just have a class of junior high boys, be encouraged by James.  It was his junior high boys who were the next generation of those sent out to capture the world for Christ.  Your home job is important.  Be proud of it. CL

This post is posted as part of  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 

Source: 

Back to the Bible Intl.

Confident Living Magazine

Pic. Credit: A to Z Blog Page/ Back to the Bible Int.

The People Behind the curtain of  A to Z Challenge [2014]

Arlee Bird -The Founder: Tossing it Out

Alex J. Cavanaugh: Alex J. Cavanaugh
Stephen Tremp: Author Stephen Tremp
Tina Downey: Life is Good
Damyanti Biswas: Amlokiblogs
Jeremy Hawkins: [Being Retro]
Nicole Ayers: The Madlab Post
M. J. Joachim: M. J. Joachim’s Writing Tips
Heather M. Gardner: The Waiting is the Hardest Part
AJ Lauer: Naturally Sweet
Pam Margolis: An Unconventional Librarian

I For Ittai - Woodrow Kroll Writes....

I For Ittai

An Unlikely Alliance

Pic. From Freedownload

The Lone Ranger had Tonto, and unlikely companion.

Sherlock Holmes had Watson, a complete mismatch.

David had Ittai the Gittite, one of the most unlikely friendships ever.

NAME: “Timely”

DATE: 10^th Century BC

IDENTIFICATIONS: Man from Gath who accompanied David in flight

STORY LINE: Ittai came to Jerusalem as Absalom drove David out

READ IT IN THE BIBLE:  2 Samuel 15:13-22; 18:1-5

Goliath of Gath was no match for the shepherd boy and his sling, but when David became king, he had more giant-sized problems to deal with.  At one point, David's son Absalom rebelled against his father, and David had to flee from Jerusalem.  Among those who fled with him as Ittai the Gittite.

When David saw that Ittai was in his entourage he suggested the Gittite return to Jerusalem.  No one would blame him if he did.  Ittai wasn't Jewish.  He wasn't member of the king's household.  Besides, he had only arrived in Jerusalem the day before Absalom's rebellion.  What horrible timing.

But Ittai refused, saying that he wanted to go wherever David went.  The reason this alliance is so unlikely is that Ittai was a Gittite.  Do you know what you call natives of the city of Gath, where Goliath lived?  You guessed it.  Gittites.  After the rebellion was thwarted, David made Ittai commander over one third of his armies.

This is one of the most unlikely alliances in history.  Still, it shows that it doesn't matter who you are, what your nationality or ethnic background is, if you want to enjoy the blessing of God, you need to hang out with the people of God.

Enjoy the fellowship of those whose skin color is different form yours or whose denomination is different from yours.  You may just discover that one of your most faithful fiends will also be one of your unlikely fiends.

                  —Dr. Woodrow Kroll

              (Former President and Bible Teacher, Back to the Bible)

Source: 

Back to the Bible Intl.

Dr. Woodrow Kroll

Confident Living Magazine

Pic. Credit: colourbox.com/ A to Z Blog Challenge 2014

This post is posted as part of  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 

H is for Herod

H is for Herod

(God is in Control)

Pic.Credit: colourbox.com

Dr. Kroll 

The long war against God has been as fierce as it has been constant.  Since his personal rebellion, Satan has amassed an army dedicated to thwarting the purposes of God.  We still wrestle against principalities and powers, the rulers of the darkness of this age.

NAME: “Song of a Hero”

DATE: 1^st Century BC

IDENTIFICATIONS: Jewish king who ruled Judea when Jesus was born.

STORY LINE:  Herod slew Bethlehem’s infant boys in order to kill Jesus.

READ IT IN THE BIBLE:   Matthew 2: 1-23

One of Satan’s soldiers was Herod the Great.  With the support of Mark Antony, Herod managed to get himself appointed king of Judea by the Roman Senate in 40 BC.  He was a ruthless fighter, a subtle diplomat, and a prolific builder.  His crowning achievement was the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.  Rabbinic literature says, “He who has not seen the Temple of Herod has never seen a beautiful building."

Herod enjoyed being king until wise men from the East arrived and asked.  “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”  (Matthew 2:2).  Herod must have said to himself, I thought I was the king of the Jews.  When the chief priest and scribes informed him that the Savior and Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the ruthless  Herod put to death all the male children of Bethlehem from two years old and younger, hoping to kill Jesus.

Neither Herod nor any other of Satan’s henchmen can thwart the plan of God.  The Almighty said, “I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass.  I have purposed it: I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:11).  When it seems that Satan’s power and influence are becoming pervasive, don’t worry.  God is still in control and He has the devil on a short leash.  God will prevail.  You can count on it.

                 —Dr. Woodrow Kroll

              (Former President and Bible Teacher, Back to the Bible)

Source: 

Back to the Bible Intl.

Confident Living Magazine

Pic. Credit: colourbox.com

This post is posted as part of  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 

The People Behind the curtain of  A to Z Challenge [2014]

Arlee Bird -The Founder: Tossing it Out

Alex J. Cavanaugh: Alex J. Cavanaugh
Stephen Tremp: Author Stephen Tremp
Tina Downey: Life is Good
Damyanti Biswas: Amlokiblogs
Jeremy Hawkins: [Being Retro]
Nicole Ayers: The Madlab Post
M. J. Joachim: M. J. Joachim’s Writing Tips
Heather M. Gardner: The Waiting is the Hardest Part
AJ Lauer: Naturally Sweet
Pam Margolis: An Unconventional Librarian

G for Gamaliel

G for Gamaliel

Unstoppable

Pic. Credit: A to Z Blog Challenge 2014

“If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Paul’s logic in Romans 8:31 was inspired, but it may have reflected his training as well.  Another great rabbi also believed this.

NAME: “Recompense of God”

DATE: 1^st Century AD

IDENTIFICATIONS: Famous member of the Sanhedrin, teacher of Paul

STORY LINE: Advised the Sanhedrin to use moderation on the apostles

READ IT IN THE BIBLE:  Acts 5:17-42

Gamaliel was a Jewish scholar in the first century AD.  He had a particularly bright and eager student named Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:3) from Gamaliel Saul learned the Law and the traditions of the rabbis. Two influential Pharisaic rabbinical schools had evolved by this time, one by Hillel and the other by Shammai.  Gamaliel is considered to be the grandson of Hillel.

Gamaliel was not only a member of the Sanhedrin, but he served as its president during the reigns of Roman emperors Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius.

Once when the high priest hauled the apostles before the Sanhedrin and ordered them to quit preaching in Jesus’ name, Peter said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  Incensed, the Sanhedrin wanted to kill the apostles until the cool-headed Gamaliel rose and advised,  “Keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men,  it will come to nothing;  but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it” (Acts 5:38,39).

Hudson Taylor delighted in saying, “God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.”

Paul said, “If God is for us, who can be against us?

Gamaliel said, “If it is of God, you cannot overthrow it.”

If you have clean hands and a pure heart, and if you have a green light from God, then no one will be able to keep you from accomplishing His work.  Rejoice in that, and live like it.

                      —Dr. Woodrow Kroll
                      (Former President and Bible Teacher, Back to the Bible)

Source: 

Confident Living Magazine
This post is posted as part of this years A to Z Blog Challenge 

F is For Follow Your Leader

Follow Your Leader

Read Psalm. 25:8-15

I have little sense of direction.  Fortunately, my wife was built-in radar.  If she did not travel with, I’m afraid I often would be lot.  David talks about the guidance of God in these verses.  So much has been said about God’s guidance.  Does He still guide us?  Does He have a specific plan for each of our lives?  How does He guide us?

David gives us some simple advice on receiving God’s guidance.

We must start with meekness.   “The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way” (v.9).  Meekness means that we are not telling God what to do; we are not counseling Him.  Who could possibly be His counselor?  The meek person receives the Word of God and is submissive to His will. “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies (v. 10).  God does not reveal His will to those who are curious.  He reveals His will to those who are obedient.

God guides those who are concerned about His glory.  “For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great” (v.11).  Surely goodness and mercy follow us, but they won’t unless we are walking in the will of God for His glory, for His name’s sake.  “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3).  That leads us to the fear of the Lord.  “Who is the man that fears the Lord?  Him shall He teach in the way He choose” (v.12).  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps. 111:10).  Finally, we must be alert to God’s guidance.  “My eyes are ever toward the Lord” (v.15).  We must watch and pray.  We must keep our eyes open if we want our Shepherd to lead us.

God desires to lead His sheep and use them for His glory.  Is your life characterized by meekness, obedience, a desire for God’s Glory and the fear of the Lord? As you remain alert to His leading, you may be assured of His guidance in the decisions and steps of your life.

 By Warren W. Wiersbe

 Source;

Back to the Bible Intl.

Warren W. Wiersbe

Confident Living Magazine  
Pic. Credit: A to Z Blog Challenge 2014

This post is posted as part of this years A to Z Blog Challenge

This post is written as part of the  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 - Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014 - See more at: http://pvariel.com/few-amazing-facts-about-the-most-often-used-f-word/#sthash.UR82vecB.dpuf

his post is written as part of the  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 - Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014. - See more at: http://pvariel.com/few-amazing-facts-about-the-most-often-used-f-word/#sthash.UR82vecB.dpuf

his post is written as part of the  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 - Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014. - See more at: http://pvariel.com/few-amazing-facts-about-the-most-often-used-f-word/#sthash.UR82vecB.dpuf

his post is written as part of the  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 - Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014. - See more at: http://pvariel.com/few-amazing-facts-about-the-most-often-used-f-word/#sthash.UR82vecB.dpuf

his post is written as part of the  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 - Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014. - See more at: http://pvariel.com/few-amazing-facts-about-the-most-often-used-f-word/#sthash.UR82vecB.dpuf

E is for ERASTUS

ERASTUS

Christians in Government

A Latin inscription on a marble
paving stone at Corinth,
Pic, Credit. Wikiepedia

Politics is a dirty business.  How often have you heard those word?

But government service can be as much a ministry as serving in the local church.  Paul said those who serve in positions of authority are “God’s minister to you for good” (Romans 13:4).  The Mayor of the town is as much God’s appointee as the pastor of the church.

NAME: “Beloved”

DATE: 1^st Century AD

IDENTIFICATIONS: Corinth’s city treasurer, director of public works in Paul’s day.

STORY LINE: Erastus was a city official who sent greetings to Rome

READ IT IN THE BIBLE: ROMANS 16: 21-27

Tucked away in the list of those who sent greetings along with Paul to the Christians at Rome was a government official.  In some translations he is called a Chamberlain,” which originally was a royal official in charge of the private quarters of the king.  But with time. Chamberlains took on other official duties as well.  Perhaps that’s how Erastus became the treasurer of his hometown, Corinth (Romans 16: 23).

 In 1929 archaeologists from the American School of Classical Studies found a Latin inscription on a marble paving stone at Corinth with the name Erastus on it.  Whether it was the same man or not we cannot tell, but Paul’s friend apparently was well known to the believers in Rome.

The fact that Erastus cold serve the Corinthian government and the Lord

at the same time is not surprising.  God never intended politics to be a dirty business.   Government service has always been honorable when it honors God.  Perhaps if more Christians like Erastus entered government service, politics wouldn’t be such a dirty business.

Take some time today to pray for the leader of your nation, your local government, and your town.  And pray for your city treasurer too. You might just be praying for another Christian like yourself.

—    Dr. Woodrow Kroll

(Former President 

Back to the Bible)

Source: Back to the Bible Intl.

Confident Living Magazien

Dr. Woodrow Kroll

PS:

This post is the part of 2014 A to Z Blog Challenge

D is for 'Delighting In God'

Delighting In God

Psalm 18:20-27

God wants to have a personal relationship with each of us.  He is the God of the individual believer through Jesus Christ, and He delights in us just as we delight in those we love.  The highest and holiest experience we can is the worshipful delight of the Lord.

This passage gives us insight into how we can delight in God and How He delights in us. 

First, how does one delight God?  By one’s character.  David had integrity (v.20).  He was not free from sin, but his heart was devoted to God.  Righteous means “obedient.”  David was obedient (vv. 21, 22).  He had the Word of God in his heart.  God delights in us when we do what He wants us to do it (Matt. 3:17).  What counts is that He delights in what we do, not what our neighbors think about us.

Second, how does God deal with those in whom He delights?  He treats us the way we treat Him (vv. 25-27).  We are as close to God as we want to be.  David was wholly devoted to Him, so God was able to bless him.  David was merciful to those who wronged him; God was merciful to him (v. 25).  David was loyal; God was loyal to him (v.25).  David was pure, submissive and humble.

In contrast, Saul was devious.  Shrewd means “to wrestle.”  God wrestles with us (as He did with Jacob) when we are perverse and devious.  Parents often wrestle with their children when it comes to discipline.  God wrestles with us to bring us where He wants us to be; then He can delight in us.

Third, how can we increase our delight in God and His delight in us?  Believe that He wants you to be happy; Happiness and holiness go together.  Submit to and enjoy God’s will, but not grudgingly.  He will give us the best.  When we delight in Him and He delights in us, life becomes delightful, and we bring glory to our Father’s name.

Delighting in God is an expression of your personal relationship with Him.  His delight in you is an expression of His love for you.  Be the kind of person who delights God.  Walk with integrity and obey His Word.  He will bless you and use you to bring glory to Himself. 

—Warren W. Wiersbe

(Former General Director  and Bible Teacher Back to the Bible)

Soruce: 

Confident Living Magazine

Back to the Bible Intl.

Warren W. Wiersbe