Choosing God's Best

7/31/2019 Choosing God's Best

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Choosing Gods Best

2004 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved.International copyright secured.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writingfrom the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articlesor reviews.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New KingJames Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. Allrights reserved.

All italicizing of words and phrases in Scripture quotations are added by the authorfor emphasis.

BACK TO THE BIBLE

P.O. Box 82808Lincoln, 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 atwww.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.


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Meet With God Series

ChoosingGods Best

Woodrow Kroll


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4

Welcome

As we begin this monthsMeet With Godstudy book-

let, 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 anongoing and encouraging extension of the ministry of

Back to the Bible in your walk with Christ. You dont

have to listen toBack 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 toread 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 theMeet With Godseries

you will experience rich dividends of biblical knowledgeand spiritual growth.


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5

From the Author

Life is about making choices. On average, an adult

spends hours each day just making decisions. We must

decide what to wear, what to eat, when to get up, where

to drive, what floor we want the elevator to stop at,

whether well overlook an insult or not, whether we will

consciously love the unlovable. The choices we make

range from the important to the mundanebut they all

require our time and concentration.

This month takes us through some of the most vital

choices we can make in life: choosing to withhold

revenge, choosing to run after the Lord, choosing to

move on after a mistake and choosing to move out in

order to follow Gods will. Well examine both the deci-

sion-making process and the consequences of certainchoices in the lives of the people who had to make them.

I am pleased that you have made the choice to study

along with us this month. May your decision be support-

ed and strengthened by what you learn. It is my prayer

that as we make each daily decision, our sensitivity will

continue to grow in accordance to Gods will.


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Week OneThis week, think about how

to show love toward those who

mistreat you.

Our First Response

Key Passage: Read Genesis 26

So he made them a feast, and they

ate and drank (Gen. 26:30).

How ironic that our first inclination

after being mistreated is to do the same

hurtful thing right back! We proudly hold

our flawless character up for public sym-

pathy while privately plotting vengeance.

This kind of behavior hides an unbiblical

attitude behind a hypocritical mask.The truth is for every wrong that has

been served to us, we have likely spread

equal portions to others at one time or

another. This detail rarely makes it to the

front of our minds when we feel wronged.

Just think of Isaac. He grew a little too

rich for the local landowner, so he wascallously banished from the country.

Rarely will any of us experience mistreat-

ment of this magnitude. Obviously, Isaac

had ample motivation to respond to

Abimelech in anger.

In verses 2629, Abimelech gave Isaacthe perfect opportunity for payback.

Abimelech came pleading for a peace

treaty because he sensed that a greater

power was with Isaac. Instead of respond-

ing with hostility, however, Isaac chose to

Remember It

Answer the following questionson the passage you read thisweek. See answers below.

1. Isaac went to Egypt dur-ing the famine.True/False

2. Isaac told the men of___________ thatRebekah was his sister.

3. The LORD made Isaac awealthy man.True/False

4. The _____________stopped up the wells

made by Abrahams ser-vants.

5. Isaacs servants and theherdsmen of Gerar quar-reled over the well ata. Rehobothb. Sitnah

c. Shebahd. Beersheba

6

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)


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treat his guest and his request with charity

and hospitality.

Just think of the alternative. If Isaac had

snapped, he would have been placing him-self as judge over Abimelech. Yet Isaac

himself certainly had been no model of

honesty and forthrightnesshe had mis-

led Abimelech about his relationship with

Rebekah (see verses 711). Fortunately, at

the crucial moment when Abimelech

came to him, Isaac chose wisely and for-gave 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, reflecton the following questions:

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 thepeace 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?

Apply It

Is there someone in your lifeagainst whom you continueto hold bitterness? Pray that

God will help you forgiveand release that person.

Since our first response tomistreatment is often toreact with vengeance, makea plan right now to counteryour initial reaction to

future mistreatment withlove and gentleness. Writeyour plan in the spacebelow.

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

Express It

Lord Jesus, You have forgivenme for so much. I have noright to withhold forgivenessfrom anyone else. When oth-ers say or do hurtful things,help me to choose an atti-tude of love.

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Week TwoThis week we will look at

the kinds of people Jesus chose

to follow Him.

Hope for the Bankrupt Heart

Key Passage: Read John 2021

So when they had eaten breakfast,

Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon,

son of Jonah, do you love Memore than these? He said to

Him, Yes, Lord; You know that I

love You. He said to him, Feed

My lambs (John 21:15).

Doubt. Betrayal. Unbelief. Not quite the

qualities you look for in a close friend.But Jesus selected men and women with

these weaknesses. Even more, He took

extra measures to help them believe. And

when theystilldisappointed Him, He for-

gave them and placed them in charge of

His whole church.

Sounds incredible, doesnt it? These twochapters of Johns Gospel report on two

men with serious flaws. Thomas had trust

issues and Peter was scared of commit-

ment. To us, these men display setbacks

and headaches more than they display

support for Christs ministry on earth.

So why did Jesus choose them? The

first answer is simplewhom else could

Jesus have chosen? All of us come with

our own unique baggage that constantly

trips us up in our walk with the Lord. If

Remember It


1. When Mary Magdalenefirst saw Jesus, shethought He was _____

_______________.

2. The disciples met in secretbecausea. Jesus had told them to.b. they wanted to over-

throw the government.c. they were afraid of theJews.

d. none of the above

3. Thomas believed thatJesus had risen from thedead even before he sawHim.True/False

4. Jesus asked Peter

___________ timesif Peter loved Him.

5. Everything that Jesus didis recorded in the Bible.True/False

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Answers:

1.thegardener(John20:15)

2.c(John20:19)

3.False(John20:2429)

4.three(John21:1517)

5.False(John21:25)


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not Thomass doubting and Peters betray-

al, 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 weakness-

es. Even after we make monumental mis-

takes, He sticks with us as we stumble

along. Hes right there cheering for uswhen 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:

1. According to 2 Corinthians 12:9,

Gods strength is made perfect in peo-

ples 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.

Apply It

List some of your spiritualweak points. How have youallowed these weaknesses to

dishearten you?

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

Remember that Jesusstrength is all you needlet Him change your weak-nesses into opportunities todisplay His power.

Express It

Almighty God, I admit that Iam weak. When I thinkabout all my failings in thislife, I dont know why Youwould choose me for Your

servant. But You did chooseme. Thank You for givinghope to my bankrupt heart.I praise You for giving mestrength through my weak-nesses so that I can serveYou.

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Week ThreeThis week, we will examine how to

wisely move on in our lives, while

maintaining integrity.

Leaving With Integrity


Then the LORDsaid to Jacob,

Return to the land of your fathers

and to your family, and I will bewith you (Gen. 31:3).

Jacobs mission was clearGod was

telling him to return to his home. His real

home. For 20 years he had been living in

the old country with his father-in-law

Laban and Labans two daughters whomhe had married. The situation turned sour,

and now God was telling Jacob to return

to his true homeland.

Jacob made the decision to follow Gods

direction (good decision). However, his

method of departure left something to be

desired. No good-byes. He just packed uphis household and fled (bad decision).

When their hasty departure was discov-

ered, Laban furiously pursued them.

While this was not the best plan for

escape, Jacobs actions teach us valuable

lessons about leaving.

Considering the family ties, the hin-

drances to Jacobs leaving seemed insur-

mountable. In the end, Jacobs sneaky

departure showed lack of faith in Gods

protection. But at least he had been wise

Remember It


1. Laban changed Jacobswages _______ times.

2. Rachel and Leah werereluctant to leave theirfather.True/False

3. When Jacob fled fromLaban, he took only hisfamily.True/False

4. Rachel had stolen thehousehold _________from her father.

5. Jacob and Laban swore anoath thata. Jacob would not mis-

treat Rachel and Leah.b. Jacob would not take

other wives.c. neither of them would

pass beyond the heapof stones.

d. all of the above.

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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)


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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 shouldlook 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 clearguidance to move on, we should make an

attempt to do so with integrity and wis-

dom. God will do the rest.


1. What would have been a better way forJacob 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 hehad refused to leave Laban and follow

God?

4. How did Jacob defend his actions to

Laban? What was Labans response?

Apply It

Have you ever needed to getout of a certain situation?Could you have accomplished

this with more grace andlove for everyone involved? Ifso, how?

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

Express It

Lord, give me the wisdom toknow when I need to step

out of situations. Also, giveme the strength to treatthose who have hurt mewith grace. As I leave, mayYou surround all the peopleinvolved with Your love.

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Week FourThis week seek Gods blessing

first before facing your most

pressing troubles.

Shifting Our Focus


Then Jacob was left alone; and a

Man wrestled with him until the

breaking of day (Gen. 32:24).

Jacob made frantic preparations for a

battle against his estranged brother.

Instead, he ended up facing someone

quite different. Jacobs encounter with the

Angel of the Lord remains one of the

most fascinating and inexplicable pas-sages in the Bible. This passage does not

merely describe a cosmic wrestling

match. It teaches us an important lesson

about connecting with God before we

connect with our destiny.

Jacob assumed his brother Esau would

meet him in wrath. In fact, Jacobs mindwas so consumed with fear that he went

to great lengths to protect himself and his

family. In the end, it took an all-night

struggle with the Angel of the Lord to

shift Jacobs focus from managing an out-

ward relationship to discovering a deep

interaction with God. When he finally

understood that God was in control, his

perspective changed. He then persisted in

asking for a blessing and wrestled until he

got it.

Remember It


1. Esau brought ______men with him to meet

Jacob.

2. Jacob sent gifts of__________ to Esau.a. goatsb. camelsc. sheepd. all of the above

3. Jacob hoped his presentswould appease Esau.True/False

4. Jacobs name was changedto ____________.

5. The Angel of the Lord didnot tell Jacob His name.True/False

12

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)


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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.


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 theLord 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?

Apply It

When you think about thestruggles in your life rightnow, how might you turn

toward God and connectwith Him first before tack-ling anything else? Dontonly wish you could connectwith Godfight for Hisblessing with your whole selfuntil you receive it.

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

Express It

Lord Jesus Christ, if only Icould keep my priorities

straight! I constantly allowmyself to be drawn into myproblems until they consumeme. Help me to refocus onYou and Your power whenev-er I begin to look away.

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Prayer Journal____________________________________

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Remember toPray for:

Family

FriendsPastor

Missionaries

Government Officials

Salvation of Unbelievers

Back to the Bible

Christians WorldwideRevival

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15/17

Additional Scripturesfor Study

Psalm 25:5

Psalm 31:3

Psalm 32:89

Psalm 48:14

Psalm 73:24

Psalm 139:910

Psalm 143:10

Isaiah 49:10

Isaiah 58:11

John 16:13

James 1:5

Learn more aboutthis months topic:

Jacob: Reaping What

You SowBack tothe Bibleradio series

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CDs (set of 4)

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Transcripts of this series areavailable atwww.backtothebible.org.

The God of Abraham,Isaac and Jacob

Theodore Epps masterfulstudy of Abraham, Isaac and

Jacob will show you howGod uses ordinary vessels ofclay to accomplish His greatplans and purposes. Discoverthat God can use your ordi-nary life to bring glory toHis name.

Item #1286-5

357 pages, softcover*Suggested donation $13.00Canadian price $17.55

To order:U.S.: call 1-800-759-2425 orvisit www.backtothebible.org

Canada: call 1-800-663-2425or visit www.backtothebible.ca

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Woodrow Krolls speaking, writing and radio min-

istries 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 Prayand 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

Contact us for more information about Back to the Bible or this series:

1-800-759-2425 www.backtothebible.org P.O. Box 82808, Lincoln, NE 68501In Canada: 1-800-663-2425 www.backtothebible.ca P.O. Box 10, Winnipeg MB R3C 2G2

Choose the best God has to offer.

Life is about making choices. Each day, we all make hundreds ofthemwhat to wear, what to eat, when to get up, whether to getangry, whether to love.The choices we make range from the importantto the mundanebut they all require our time and concentration.

Through studies in the books of Genesis and John, well exploresome of the most vital choices we can make in life: choosing to with-hold revenge, choosing to run after the Lord, choosing to move on

after a mistake and choosing to move out in order to follow Godswill.Together, well examine the decision-making process and the con-sequences of certain choices.And ultimately, well learn how tochoose the best that God has to offer.

.

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Choosing God's Best