Daily Family Bible Studies 120

May 12, 2012 Gary Henry DFBS Year 1

We should be willing to give up some things for the Lord

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Life is full of choices, some of which are not very easy to make. In being Christians, certainly, there are times when doing the right thing requires not doing (or sometimes not having) certain other things. When we face such choices, it is usually a waste of time to try to figure how to have it both ways. The fact is, WE SHOULD BE WILLING TO GIVE UP SOME THINGS FOR THE LORD.

We live in a bountiful society, surrounded by good things that are very interesting. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we have a right to have and do all that we want, and that there must be some way to have it all and do it all without hurting our spiritual priorities. Such is not the case, however. There is simply too much out there. No Christian can have everything and do everything that strikes his fancy and still have the resources left over that the Lord’s work deserves. Some choices have to be made. Some things have to be let go.

Someone has said that the good is often the enemy of the best. It is certainly so in matters that relate to eternity. If our heart is not so fully set on heaven that we are willing to relinquish anything, however good, in order to get there, it is not likely that we will get there. Receiving the best (heaven) often requires a willingness to sacrifice that which is merely good (this world’s pleasures). Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mt. 5:8). This means not only that we must purge our minds of anything dirty; it means we must sacrifice any concern, even if it is good, that gets in the way of our wholehearted pursuit of God.

Jesus made the point clearly in Mt. 16:25 when He said, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” If we had to choose between heaven and our physical life, we should be willing to let go of even such a precious thing as our life!

This week, as we meditate on the Lord’s word, let’s concentrate on the concept of sacrifice. Let’s see if we can’t get a fresh understanding of the notion of LETTING GO of activities and priorities that hinder our full dedication to the Lord and His work. It is vital for us and our children.

Monday: Matthew 16:24-26

Key Idea: Sometimes we have to make a choice between the Lord and other things.

Questions for Family Growth: What did the Lord mean when He said that we must “deny” ourselves? What are some ways we might “save” our lives instead of giving them up for the Lord? If we refused to let them go, what would these things “profit” us?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:11.

Tuesday: Luke 18:18-23

Key Idea: We cannot serve Christ if the things we possess mean too much to us.

Questions for Family Growth: Think carefully: what was the “one thing” the rich young ruler lacked in order to serve the Lord? Why would he not do such a thing? How can we tell if we are developing the same kind of attitude?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:12-14.

Wednesday: 2 Samuel 24:18-25

Key Idea: What we give to the Lord should “cost” us something.

Questions for Family Growth: Why would David not accept the things that Araunah wanted to give him for the sacrifice free of charge? What does the word “sacrifice” really mean? What are some things that we may sacrifice today?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:15,16.

Thursday: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Key Idea: We will sacrifice anything we HAVE if we have first given OURSELVES to the Lord.

Questions for Family Growth: What good work did the Macedonians want to help out with? Why might they have been excused from helping? What does it mean, in practical terms, to give OURSELVES to the Lord?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:17-22.

Friday: Mark 10:28-31

Key Idea: We never give up anything for the Lord without receiving better things in return.

Questions for Family Growth: What are some valuable things we might have to “give up” in doing the Lord’s will? What are some things we might “get” in doing the Lord’s will? How might the “first” come to be “last”?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:23.

Gary Henry – WordPoints.com

Daily Family Bible Studies 119

May 5, 2012 Gary Henry DFBS Year 1

Jesus wants us to be His disciples

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It will do us good this week to consider that JESUS WANTS US TO BE HIS DISCIPLES. Sometimes we think that when we obeyed the first steps of the gospel we did all that is necessary to attain heaven. We may think that, having obtained membership in the Lord’s church, our salvation is certain. But there is a big difference between becoming “member of the church” and becoming a disciple. It is discipleship that the Lord wants, and without it, nothing else matters very much.

In Bible times, the idea of discipleship was more familiar than it is now. In those days, before the existence of universities and trade schools, if one wanted to become learned in a certain field or skilled at some craft, one found a scholar or master craftsman and became his “disciple.” The disciple often lived with his master. He and the master became intimate friends. The disciple not only learned the INFORMATION available from his master, but he patterned his LIFE after him. He ate and drank with his master. He traveled with him. He emulated his master’s words and actions and attitudes. He tried to become LIKE his master, believing him to be worthy of such imitation. There was a personal relationship of friendship and trust, in which the master shared what he knew with his disciple and the disciple patterned himself after his master.

We ought to seek that kind of relationship with Christ. He wants us to follow Him, to learn from Him, to become His friends. He wants us to “walk” with Him, to live with Him day and night, absorbing His skill in living and adopting His way of thinking. He desires that we become so devoted to Him as our Master that it becomes the height of our ambition to be just like Him. He wants us to be His disciples! And it is a far more personal thing than we often make it out to be. It is more than the dry and dusty obligation of doing what He demands. Instead, it is the privilege of learning life from the Lord of life in a relationship of closest intimacy. Discipleship is not a hoop we have to jump through to gain heaven. IT IS A BLESSING EVEN NOW.

In the long run, “Christianity” without genuine discipleship is worthless. Many have thought that having their names on the roll of some faithful congregation assured their entrance into eternal glory. But the gospel which saves is the gospel which produces DISCIPLES (Mt. 28:19). So the question this week is: ARE WE DISCIPLES? Let’s think about it.

Monday: Matthew 28:16-20

Key Idea: When we obey the gospel of Christ, we enter into a discipleship.

Questions for Family Growth: In v.18, what did Jesus command His apostles to do? What were they to teach those who were baptized? On the basis of this passage, what would you say a “disciple” is?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:5,6.

Tuesday: John 8:31; 15:14

Key Idea: A disciple is one who learns from and obeys his master.

Questions for Family Growth: If we say we are Jesus’ disciples but we do not obey Him, is that not inconsistent? In Jn. 15:14, what did Jesus say we are if we obey Him? How can we know what Jesus wants us to do?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:7.

Wednesday: John 15:1-8

Key Idea: Jesus’ disciples are those who bear much fruit for Him.

Questions for Family Growth: In practical terms, how do we “bear fruit” for Jesus Christ? What will happen if we say we are Jesus’ disciples but do not bear fruit? Will Jesus help us do the things He wants us to do?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:8.

Thursday: Acts 9:36-43

Key Idea: There are things that all of us can do to demonstrate our discipleship.

Questions for Family Growth: Who is called a disciple in this passage? In what ways did she “bear fruit” as a disciple? What are some activities we can engage in today to show our discipleship to the Lord?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:9.

Friday: Acts 11:19-26

Key Idea: The disciples of Jesus Christ are called Christians.

Questions for Family Growth: Can a person be a faithful Christian without being a disciple? What does the term “Christian” mean? If we wear the name of Christ, what sense of responsibility should we feel?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:10.

Gary Henry – WordPoints.com

Daily Family Bible Studies 118

Apr 28, 2012 Gary Henry DFBS Year 1

God shows His love in the help that He gives us

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When Jesus was about to send out His disciples to preach the gospel of the coming kingdom, He warned them of problems they would have and dangers they would face. But He said they should not be afraid: “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt. 10:29-31). It is greatly comforting to know that we worship and serve a God who knows us personally and cares about us. Since He is intimately involved in everything that concerns our well-being, we may rest in the assurance of His help.

God’s love causes Him to be steadfast in the help He gives. He is trustworthy and dependable. We may confidently entrust ourselves to His care. In the Old Testament, hesed (“lovingkindness” in the KJV) is translated in the English Standard Version as “steadfast love.” That’s exactly what God’s love is: a love that can be counted on because God has entered into a covenant with us.

Peter wrote, “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (1 Pt. 4:19). Because He “cares” for us, we may cast our “care” upon Him: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pt. 5:6,7). God loves us with a benevolent, active love. When all other sources of help in this world have failed us, our Heavenly Father will be there to graciously fill our needs.

There are those who observe the pain and heartache in the world and question whether God is there, or at least whether He cares. But the evidences of God’s concern are literally all around us every day. And we should stop often to think that GOD SHOWS HIS LOVE IN THE HELP THAT HE GIVES US. This week, let’s make it our aim to more fully appreciate the wondrous love with which our God loves us. And let’s more fully express our gratitude for His help by devoting ourselves to the work and worship of God.

Monday: 1 Samuel 17:31-37

Key Idea: God will help us when we need Him.

Questions for Family Growth: In this story, what needed to be done that all the soldiers in Israel were afraid to do? Why did David think he could do this? Had God ever helped David before? How can we be like David?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:31.

Tuesday: Psalm 23:1-6

Key Idea: God provides for us as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

Questions for Family Growth: What are some things a shepherd does to care for his sheep? What are some things God does to care for us? Is there any kind of help that would be too much for God to give us? In v.4, why did David say he would fear no evil?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:1.

Wednesday: Romans 5:6-11

Key Idea: God gave His Son for us.

Questions for Family Growth: According to v.6, what condition was the human race in when Christ died for us? According to v.8, what does the death of Christ demonstrate to us? Should we ever doubt that God wants to help us?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:2.

Thursday: Hebrews 4:14-16

Key Idea: We should not be afraid to ask God for His help.

Questions for Family Growth: What are some characteristics that make Jesus a perfect “High Priest” for us? What does it mean that we can “come boldly to the throne of grace”? What will we find when we do that?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:3.

Friday: 1 Peter 5:6,7

Key Idea: We may cast all our care upon God, because He cares for us.

Questions for Family Growth: What are our “cares”? What should we do with them? What does it mean that God “cares” for us? What did Jesus say that we should do in Mt. 7:7-11? How can we thank God for the help He gives us?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:4.

Gary Henry – WordPoints.com

Daily Family Bible Studies 117

Apr 21, 2012 Gary Henry DFBS Year 1

It is a blessing to have fellowship with gospel preachers in other places

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If we are able to worship with a congregation that supports one or more men to work within the congregation as evangelists, we are participating in an arrangement that can do great good. Obviously, we need to be grateful for the relationship we can have with gospel preachers in the local congregation. It’s also important, however, for us to remember that IT IS A BLESSING TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOSPEL PREACHERS IN OTHER PLACES. Whenever we have the opportunity to help with the support of faithful men laboring in other fields, we should look upon that opportunity as an extension of the work we are doing at home. We should be grateful for the additional privilege.

To the Philippians, Paul wrote, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil. 1:3-5). He was more specific about this fellowship when we said, “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only” (Phil. 4:15).

It is sad that some Christians seem to have little interest in the Lord’s work and His people in other places. Such individuals appear to think that there’s no need to concern ourselves about anything except what is happening right around us. Yet, as the song says, THE GOSPEL IS FOR ALL: “Say not the heathen are at home, beyond we have no call; for why should we be blest alone? The gospel is for all” (J. M. McCaleb). We miss out on great joys and blessings when we fail to take an active interest in the Lord’s work worldwide.

The world is “opening up” in ways that we could not have predicted a few years ago. It is now possible for faithful saints to carry the gospel into places that were almost unthinkable before. These developments have broadened the horizons of the saints of the Lord in the United States. In most congregations, there is now a keener interest in the work of the gospel around the world. This is a wonderful development. Let’s think this week about the need to carry the gospel everywhere — and let’s be thankful for the part we can play in that great enterprise.

Monday: 1 Corinthians 9:3-14

Key Idea: It is right for gospel preachers to receive wages for their work.

Questions for Family Growth: What basic principle is pointed to in v.9? What did Paul say in v.11 concerning spiritual things and material thinngs? What privilege is granted to gospel preachers in v.14? What point is made in Gal. 6:6?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:24-26.

Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 11:5-9

Key Idea: It is right for gospel preachers to be supported by brethren in other places.

Questions for Family Growth: In v.7, what did Paul mean when he said he preached to those in Corinth “free of charge”? What is meant by the word “wages” (v.8)? According to v.9, who had helped Paul while he was in Corinth?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:27.

Wednesday: Philippians 4:10-20

Key Idea: It is well pleasing to God when we help support gospel preachers.

Questions for Family Growth: In vv.14-16, what did Paul say the brethren in Philippi had done to help him? According to v.18, what does God think about that kind of generosity? What is “the fruit that abounds to your account” in v.17?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:28.

Thursday: Philippians 1:3-7

Key Idea: Gospel preachers are thankful for brethren who have fellowship with them.

Questions for Family Growth: Why was Paul particularly thankful for the brethren in Philippi? What does the expression “fellowship in the gospel” (v.5) mean? Look at 4:15. What do you think were Paul’s feelings for the Philippians?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:29.

Friday: Acts 13:1-3; 14:26-28

Key Idea: We should be eager to hear about the work of the gospel in other places.

Questions for Family Growth: From what congregation did Paul and Barnabas leave on their first preaching trip? To what congregation did they return? What did they do immediately after they got back?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:30.

Gary Henry – WordPoints.com

Daily Family Bible Studies 116

Apr 14, 2012 Gary Henry DFBS Year 1

Youth is a time to love God and be faithful to Him

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While there are certainly good things about every stage of life, it is true that youth is an especially good time. Solomon said, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’” (Eccl. 12:1). Later in life, when the difficult days have come and the years have drawn near when we have no pleasure in them, it is very gratifying to be able to recall the days of youth and remember not only that we enjoyed them, but that we were mindful of our Creator in those days and enjoyed them within His will. A godly youth is a great storehouse of pleasant memories.

Let’s spend some time this week considering the importance of youth as a time of dedication to God. Indeed, YOUTH IS A TIME TO LOVE GOD AND BE FAITHFUL TO HIM. If there is a sense in which youth is the “prime” of life, there is a good argument that can be made for giving those premium years to the Lord — rather than spending them on our own selfish indulgence and only giving the Lord whatever years are left over. The song “Give of Your Best to the Master” has some good advice: “Give of your best to the Master, give of the strength of youth; throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor into the battle for truth” (Howard B. Grose). In whatever ways youth is the “best” time of life, shouldn’t we give that “best” to the Lord?

Youth is a time when unique contributions can be made to the Lord’s work. There are things our young people can help us with in the local congregation that they can do better than anybody else. We need the things they can do so well, just as they need the wisdom of their elders. Our congregations will be better able to carry out the Lord’s work when we fully employ the energies and skills of our younger ones.

Let’s be positive about our young people — and encourage the highest and best that is in them. Let’s let them know how important they are to the Lord and to us. And let’s meditate on the qualities of youth — such as zeal and vigor — that the rest of us should determine to hold on to. Let’s be thankful for youth!

Monday: Psalm 119:9-16

Key Idea: When we are young, God’s word can keep us in the right path.

Questions for Family Growth: What does it mean for a young person to “cleanse his way”? According to v.9, how can a young person do that? What does v.11 say we should do with God’s word?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:14.

Tuesday: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Key Idea: Faithful young people are valuable to God.

Questions for Family Growth: Out of all his sons, why might Jesse not have thought of David as a possibility for the new king? Even though David was still young, what was special about him? In regard to David’s character, consider 1 Sam. 13:14.

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:15.

Wednesday: 2 Timothy 2:22

Key Idea: When we are young, we should stay away from certain kinds of temptation.

Questions for Family Growth: What kinds of temptation might be called “youthful lusts”? How does one “flee” from them? What does this verse say we should “pursue”? With what kind of heart should we call on God?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:16-21.

Thursday: 2 Timothy 1:3-7; 3:14-17

Key Idea: It is important to remember what we have been taught from God’s word.

Questions for Family Growth: Where had Paul first met Timothy? See Ac. 16:1,2. What kind of reputation did Timothy have? What kind of training had he had? How does one “continue in” the things he has learned?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:22.

Friday: Ecclesiastes 11:9,10; 12:1,13,14

Key Idea: We should remember our Creator in the days of our youth.

Questions for Family Growth: What are some things about youth that we should “rejoice” in? What does it mean to “remember” God in our youth? According to 12:13,14, what is the main thing about life?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:23.

Gary Henry – WordPoints.com

Daily Family Bible Studies 115

Apr 7, 2012 Gary Henry DFBS Year 1

Our homes should be places where we learn about God together

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It’s no coincidence that God often uses relationships in our families to explain or illustrate the relationship that ought to exist between Him and us, His creatures. The relationship we know as the “family” is modeled after His relationship to us. The parallels are not coincidental.

Consequently, it should come as no surprise that the home is an excellent place to learn ABOUT God and our relationship to Him. As people live together in the closeness of a family, things happen nearly every day that can teach us much (if we are looking and listening) about God’s love for us and the way He wants us to relate ourselves to Him. The family is the best “laboratory” that ever existed for discovering the practical truth of the principles that we have read in the Bible. We need to be USING our homes for this good purpose. OUR HOMES SHOULD BE PLACES WHERE WE LEARN ABOUT GOD TOGETHER.

There is no less need today than in ancient Israel for us to make God’s word the central part of our family life. As Moses said, “These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut. 6:6-9).

Daily Bible study and prayer ought to characterize our homes. Talk and discussion of spiritual things ought to be frequent. Our children need to be growing up in environments where God is real and His word is held to be precious. Our little ones desperately need to be seeing in their parents more than a “Sunday and Wednesday night” religion. They need to be observing in Dad and Mom nothing less than a living example of the love and purity that exists between Christ and His church (Eph. 5:22-33). This week, let’s strive for a week of progress in the spiritual priorities of our homes. Let’s think and talk together of our need to grow — and help one another to grow — in the things that concern heaven.

Monday: 2 Timothy 1:3-7; 3:14,15

Key Idea: Faith in God should be imparted by parents to their children.

Questions for Family Growth: According to 1:5, what kind of faith did Timothy have? Who influenced him to have that kind of faith in God? What had Timothy known since he was a child, according to 3:15?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:7,8.

Tuesday: Ephesians 6:1-4

Key Idea: Parents, and especially fathers, are responsible for teaching their children about God.

Questions for Family Growth: What is the “training (nurture) and admonition of the Lord” that Paul spoke of? What does it mean to “bring up” children in this? What role does the father play? What about the mother?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:9.

Wednesday: Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Key Idea: It is good to talk of God during the ordinary activities of daily living.

Questions for Family Growth: What were the people of Israel to talk about in their families? When were they to do this? What determines the kinds of things we usually talk about when we are together as families?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:10,11.

Thursday: Deuteronomy 6:20-25; Joshua 4:1-7

Key Idea: Parents should explain the significance of God’s commandments and memorials.

Questions for Family Growth: What are some things that Hebrew children were likely to ask their parents to explain? How were the parents to use these opportunities when their children asked questions?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:12.

Friday: Psalm 78:1-8

Key Idea: Parents should tell their children of God’s wonderful works.

Questions for Family Growth: According to v.4, what did the writer say “we will not hide . . . from our children”? If the children were taught these things, what would be the result, according to vv.7,8?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:13.

Gary Henry – WordPoints.com

Daily Family Bible Studies 114

Mar 31, 2012 Gary Henry DFBS Year 1

We can expect the devil to make things difficult for us

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From the beginning of time, it has apparently been Satan’s intent to overthrow the good creation of God. By temptation, he introduced sin and rebellion into the world, and since then he has worked with evil ingenuity to obstruct God’s work of bringing us back to Himself. We are called upon daily, both in our individual lives and in our congregational work, to overcome the devil’s obstacles in our path to heaven. Since he does not want us to be saved and go to heaven, WE CAN EXPECT THE DEVIL TO MAKE THINGS DIFFICULT FOR US. He is, as Peter put it, a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pt. 5:7).

In His message to the saints in Philadelphia, Christ spoke of the threat of Satan to their well-being, but He also spoke of His power to help them: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie; indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (Rev. 3:8-11). It’s a fact that our adversary is a terrible foe. But it’s also a fact that our God is greater than our adversary.

The wonderful, triumphant truth is that we worship and serve a Risen Savior who has overcome every work of Satan. In the end, God will “crush” his efforts completely (Rom. 16:20). This week, let’s concentrate our minds on the overwhelming victory that we are assured of in Jesus Christ. He never promised us that life in His kingdom would be without resistance; He only promised to help us deal with that resistance in His strength. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). Yes, we do have an enemy — but our God is a mighty fortress! “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).

Monday: Genesis 3:1-8

Key Idea: Sin entered the world when Adam and Eve gave in to the devil’s temptation.

Questions for Family Growth: What lie did the devil present to Eve? Did he really want what was good for Adam and Eve? Why do you think he was trying to get Adam and Eve to disobey God? Did they have to do what the devil said?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:2.

Tuesday: 1 Peter 5:6-11

Key Idea: The devil wants to keep us away from God.

Questions for Family Growth: What kind of animal is the devil compared to? What is an “adversary,” and why would the devil be described that way? What can the devil do to try to keep us away from God?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:3.

Wednesday: Matthew 4:1-11

Key Idea: Even Jesus was tempted by the devil.

Questions for Family Growth: What three things did the devil try to get Jesus to do? What did Jesus do to overcome these temptations? Do you think Jesus knows how hard it sometimes is to do the right thing? What does Hb. 4:15,16 say?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:4.

Thursday: 1 Corinthians 10:12,13

Key Idea: We never have to say yes to temptation.

Questions for Family Growth: What does it mean when it says that temptation is “common to man”? What does it mean that “God is faithful”? What does God always provide for us when we are tempted to sin?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:5.

Friday: Romans 8:31-39

Key Idea: If we choose to be faithful to God, He will defeat the devil for us.

Questions for Family Growth: Can the devil ever pull us away from God against our will? What has God done to prove how much He loves us and how much He can do for us? Do we ever have a problem that is bigger than God?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:6.

Gary Henry – WordPoints.com

Daily Family Bible Studies 113

Mar 24, 2012 Gary Henry DFBS Year 1

We ought to look forward to the Lord’s Day

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When you think about it, it really is a long way from one Sunday to the next. As busy as we are, a week seems to go by rather quickly — but spiritually there are so many temptations and difficulties and discouragements in a week’s time, we ought to be glad there aren’t any more than six days from one Sunday to the next. And considering the toll that each week takes on our spiritual lives, WE OUGHT TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE LORD’S DAY. Sunday is a true “oasis” in the often dry desert of our weekly routine. The things we do on this day are much more than duties and responsibilities. They are blessings.

A part of what we ought to look forward to is the MUTUAL aspect of what happens on the first day of the week. When Paul wrote to his brethren in Rome, expecting to visit them soon, he said, “I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established; that is, THAT I MAY BE ENCOURAGED TOGETHER WITH YOU BY THE MUTUAL FAITH BOTH OF YOU AND ME” (Rom. 1:11,12). As an apostle, Paul obviously had some encouragement that he could give to the Christians in Rome. But he also looked forward to being encouraged by them. It was a mutual thing. And so it ought to be with us.

Such encouragement is not limited to Sunday, of course, but when we’re together on the Lord’s Day, we should encourage our brethren and be encouraged by them. This MUTUAL ENCOURAGEMENT is not only very important, it is something we ought to look forward to very much. The first day of the week ought to be a much-anticipated day of refreshment.

Sunday should not be the only day when Christians meet together (Ac. 2:46). Nevertheless, God did intend the first day to have a special meaning that no other day has. It is, among other things, the one day each week when we observe the Lord’s Supper (Ac. 20:7). Sunday is the day, more than any other, when we receive inner strength and refreshment to go onward and successfully meet the challenges that are before us. In a sense, our attitude about the Lord’s Day — along with the feeling we have when we anticipate it — says a great deal about the state of our spiritual health. If we don’t find ourselves looking forward to the best day of the week, then it’s time for a spiritual checkup. This week, let’s think about that.

Monday: Acts 20:6-12

Key Idea: We ought to look forward to observing the Lord’s Supper.

Questions for Family Growth: What does it say the disciples met to do on the first day of the week? Why do you think they would have looked forward to this event? Why do we call the first day of the week the Lord’s Day? Do you think Rev. 1:10 is a reference to the first day of the week?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:27-29.

Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Key Idea: We ought to look forward to giving of our means.

Questions for Family Growth: What did Paul say he wanted the brethren in Corinth to do every first day of the week? With what attitude are we to do this, according to 2 Cor. 9:7? Should we be eager to do this?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:30.

Wednesday: Acts 2:41-47

Key Idea: We ought to look forward to singing, praying, and studying the Bible together.

Questions for Family Growth: What is said in these verses to indicate that the Christians in Jerusalem enjoyed being together? What effect would this have on their attitude toward the special things they did on the Lord’s Day?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:31.

Thursday: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Key Idea: We ought to look forward to being with the Lord’s people.

Questions for Family Growth: In vv.19,20, what did Paul say about his brethren in Thessalonica? In Rom. 1:11,12, what did he say he hoped for when he arrived in Rome to be with the brethren in that city?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:32.

Friday: Psalm 122:1-9

Key Idea: We ought to look forward to worshiping the Lord with His people.

Questions for Family Growth: What did David say he was glad about? What is the “house of the Lord” of which he spoke? What is the house of the Lord today? What feelings should we have about being with the Lord’s people?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:1.

Gary Henry – WordPoints.com

Daily Family Bible Studies 112

Mar 17, 2012 Gary Henry DFBS Year 1

God is our strength

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Let’s take some time each day this week to meditate on this great thought that GOD IS OUR STRENGTH. Both individually and congregationally, we very frequently come up against things that seem beyond our ability to handle. There are awesome tasks to be accomplished, fearful dangers to be risked, terrible temptations to be overcome, and serious needs to be filled. Nearly every day we are reminded that we can’t make it on our own. And we ought to be genuinely thankful that we don’t HAVE to do so. God is our strength!

God is the inexhaustible supply of everything we need to live joyous lives and do His work productively. Are we in any kind of physical jeopardy? Do we fear for our lives or our health? Is Satan assaulting us with persecution or temptation? God cares, and He will help us. Whatever we need to do to be victorious over the bad things in life, God will see that we can do it. Paul’s attitude can be ours: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).

Do we worry over not having life’s material necessities? Do we fear being inadequate in the spiritual work God has for us? Do we feel inferior or needy? God knows how we feel, and He is the strength that we need to rely on. In fact, God’s strength shines through brightest during our times of greatest need and apparent weakness.

To the Corinthians, Paul wrote, “Therefore most gladly will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9,10). Concerning their work, he wrote, “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8).

God wants us to be cheerful and courageous, not because we feel adequate ourselves but because we can be strong in Him. Jesus told His disciples: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). If God is truly the God that we believe He is, we can “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10).

Monday: Exodus 14:10-14,21-31

Key Idea: God is much stronger than we are.

Questions for Family Growth: Just because a problem looks big to us, does that mean God can’t do anything about it? What did the people of Israel say when they saw the Egyptians? What did Moses say in vv.13,14? What are some things that we’ll need God’s help with this week?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:18.

Tuesday: Daniel 1:1-21

Key Idea: God helps us when we stand up for what is right.

Questions for Family Growth: Do we ever HAVE to do wrong just because somebody else says so? Is it ever permissible to do wrong in order to “get ahead” in life? What does God want us to do when we’re tempted to do wrong?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:19-21.

Wednesday: Luke 22:54-62

Key Idea: We ought never to be ashamed of God.

Questions for Family Growth: What was Peter afraid of? What are some ways we are sometimes like Peter on this occasion? What was Peter forgetting? How did Peter feel when he realized what he had done?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:22.

Thursday: 2 Corinthians 3:4,5

Key Idea: God will always see that we have what we truly need.

Questions for Family Growth: What does it mean to be “sufficient”? Will God give us everything we WANT in life? Why or why not? Does God ever expect us to do anything that we do not have the resources to do? Will He help us in the doing of His will?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:23-25.

Friday: Psalm 23:1-6

Key Idea: With God, we don’t ever have to be afraid.

Questions for Family Growth: What are the things we tend to be most afraid of in real life? What is “the valley of the shadow of death”? What are some practical things we can do to build up our confidence in God’s strength?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:26.

Gary Henry – WordPoints.com

Daily Family Bible Studies 111

Mar 10, 2012 Gary Henry DFBS Year 1

Jesus taught us to pray

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We may be busy, but none of us has ever been busier than the Lord. There were times in His ministry when there was so much to be done and so many people crowding around Him that Jesus and His apostles “did not even have time to eat” (Mk. 6:31). Even so, the Lord did what had to be done to spend significant time alone with His Heavenly Father.

Mark records one occasion when “having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mk. 1:35). On the very busy day when He fed the five thousand, we are told that “when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray” (Mk. 6:46). Luke tells us that the Lord “often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed” (Lk. 5:16). Jesus is, of course, our example in everything. And if He taught us anything by His own actions, it is certain that JESUS TAUGHT US TO PRAY. We can’t be spiritually strong if we neglect the means through which that strength is built.

One of the really unfortunate things about most of our lives is that we spend the least time on the things we say are most important. Perhaps because so many important things are easily procrastinated, we find ourselves spending the bulk of our time doing “urgent” things that matter very little in the long run. What a difference it would make in our spiritual health if we started putting first things first, devoting amounts of time to our spiritual lives that accurately reflect how important we really believe that side of life is. More time in prayer would be conducive to great progress in our relationship with God.

This week let’s take more time not only for prayer, but for Bible study and meditation. Let’s think about the important fact that our love for the Lord and our diligence in His service depend on whether we take the time to build our spiritual resources. In the physical realm, we understand how foolish it is to expect a machine to run indefinitely without sufficient maintenance. The same thing is true in the spiritual realm. Even if the work we are so busy about is the Lord’s work, it is still true that we require regular replenishment and refreshment. Prayer is one of the activities through which we gain spiritual strength. If we don’t take time to pray, we won’t be strong spiritually. Let’s think about it.

Monday: Luke 5:15,16

Key Idea: Jesus often took time to pray in private.

Questions for Family Growth: Is it easy to pray with noise and people all around us? Did Jesus have more time to pray than we do? Consider Mk. 6:31. What can we do if we find ourselves too busy to pray as we should?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:13.

Tuesday: John 17:1-5

Key Idea: Jesus prayed for Himself.

Questions for Family Growth: What did Jesus ask for Himself in v.5? In v.4, what did Jesus say He had done on earth? In v.3, what did Jesus say about eternal life? Can we come to know God without praying to Him?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:14.

Wednesday: John 17:6-19

Key Idea: Jesus prayed for His apostles.

Questions for Family Growth: In v.8, what did Jesus say He had done with His apostles? In v.15, what did Jesus pray for His apostles? What did Jesus mean by His statement, “Sanctify them by Your truth” (v.17)?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:15.

Thursday: John 17:20-26

Key Idea: Jesus prayed for us.

Questions for Family Growth: In v.21, what did Jesus pray for all His disciples? In v.24, what did Jesus say He desired for those whom God had given Him? In v.26, what kind of love did Jesus say He wanted His disciples to have?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:16.

Friday: Matthew 6:5-15

Key Idea: Jesus taught us how to pray.

Questions for Family Growth: According to Jesus, what was wrong with the way the “hypocrites” prayed? In the “Model Prayer,” what kinds of things did Jesus teach us to ask for? Will God answer our prayers?

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:17.

Gary Henry – WordPoints.com