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Psalm 18 expressed the faithfulness of God to his own. Beginning with v. 25. He's my strength when I need it, defender, protector, and shows his favor to me even when I have not been faithful to Him. I'm grateful that He knows I am but dust, his forgiveness is there when I fall away. He wants to show great and mighty things to me, and do His work through me, if I'll simply really take hold of His hand and trust Him. I'm so thankful for His longsuffering patience with me. David was an imperfect pot of clay... so am I. How my Lord longs to work with imperfect pots of clay. He knows the humbled heart. Debra - 6/12/08

Powered by 4 has again helped me to see how wonderful the Lord is. It is programs as these that spread the Word of God. Donald - 6/12/08

What really came alive to me about Psalm 16 is the second part of verse 11. I have heard the song "Here In Your Presence" over and over again and I've always noticed the first line, "Found in Your hands, fullness of joy....". How deeply true is this verse in the song? Not that we seek God for what is in His hands, but the FULLness of joy that can only be found in His presence. When I find that the Word is used in song then I find one of the deepest vertical connections known to man and woman. It's just gratifying to understand why getting so lost in a time of worship is a direct effect of communication with our Loving and Almighty God. Chris - 6/9/08

My favorite verse in Psalm 16 is verse 8. It says "I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." My husband and I have had some big bumps in the road over the past several years. But as I look back, we were able to stay the course and not be shaken because we depended and relied on God. When things go wrong, our typical human response is to think "how can I fix this?" or "what am I going to do?" As I grow in my relationship with the Lord, though, I have found myself asking the "I" questions less and less. And that's good because I'm trusting God through whatever comes my way. It's so much better that way---not to mention, easier. :) Tami W. - 6/9/08

I was blessed to read again of how God blessed Joseph's family as a result of Joseph's mature faith, and trust, that was developed over many years of suffering alone. Many years were spent in preparation with God alone by his side. I love this. What a testimonial as to the faithfulness of our God who works in all situations and circumstances of our lives. He honors his child for trusting Him. Debra, 5/28/08

Judah's argument convinces Jacob to send Benjamin with them to see Joseph because Joseph's reason behind what he did was to see his little brother. Remember Judah was the one that convinces his brothers not to kill Joseph but instead to sell him to the Ishmaelite. In Genesis 46:28, it was Judah that Jacob sent before him to see Joseph, to point out the way before him to Goshen; before they came into the land of Goshen. He was an effective leader and spokesman for the family. Now he was responsible to make sure all his brothers return home to their father and he did. Grace, Canada - 5/22/08

What did Joseph revealed about his faith? He reveals that he is in constant touch with the Lord, and it is this relationship that has caused him to be a forgiving person. He called his brothers close to him to reassure them so they would not be afraid of him. He also reveals that it was no accident or ill will that had befallen him when his brothers sold him into slavery. But in fact, it was the perfect will of Almighty God. God had in fact charted this course for Joseph for such a time. Because of what happened to Joseph, he was made father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. I've learn that you have to forgive in order to be forgiven. You have to have a forgiving spirit for God to work in you and through you. Norville - 5/25/08

One of the things that excites me so much about reading God's Word is how alive it is. Even if you have read it many times, you will still discover new insights. Today Genesis 43:14 leapt off the page at me. Even though I have read Genesis many times, I never caught the little, but important phrase "your other brother" in verse 14. Does that mean that Jacob still held hope after all these years that Joseph was still alive? What faith! Pam - 5/22/08

In regards to the Video Blog, yes, I believe that what Joseph had to go through, was all God's plan since the beginning. God knew that Joseph was the right person to go through all that, and that Joseph wouldn't give up on Him. But, I do believe also, that Joseph didn't know at times what was going on, and what I like about Joseph is that he always would trust God with everything, no matter what happened. Susanna - 5/21/08

well i think that we can all relate to this as now our food is so high and there has been talk of rationing certain foods. had the pharaoh not listened to joseph, he would have starved the land. i feel in God's Word he warns us about upcoming problems we may face. joseph gave God the glory for his promotion, would we do the same?? would we use that power or money for good?? makes you wonder and realize maybe when you pray to win the lottery and do good with the money, ya never win...because God knows your heart. joseph gave God the glory and worship before he became important, he showed his true heart and intentions to God. Rose - 5/19/08

Now that we are in the Story of Joseph it is interesting to see how much he is a type of the Lord Jesus. The following are 14 examples of what I mean.
1. Both were special objects of their father's love.
2. Both were sent by their father.
3. Both were hated by their brethren.
4. Both made superior claims.
5. Both were rejected by their brethren because of these claims.
6. Both had their brethren conspire to slay them.
7. Both had false accusations made against them.
8. Both suffered for these accusations.
9. Both Joseph in a figure, and Christ in reality, were slain.
10. Both were a blessing to the Gentiles.
11. Both got a Gentile Bride.
12. Both are reconciled to their brethren.
13. Both are exalted, Joseph then, and Christ now.
14. Both reign, Joseph then, and Christ in a future day.
15. Both do not complain during their life, regardless of the circumstances.
How beautiful is the study of Joseph. Gord - 5/13/08

Genesis 33:7 "...These, sir, are the children whom God has been good enough to give me..." brought questions to my mind in light of the abortion debate that is now going in my country. The debate surrounds, in part, the legalization of abortion under certain circumstances. The question to be asked is‹does God sanction abortion under any circumstance, including life and death situations or instances of rape? This is a tough question to answer from a Christian perspective. Jacob is certain that all his children came from God. In our world, we think of children that are born "normal" as gifts from God and those that are "not normal" as a mistake. We think of a child created during consensual sex as a gift from God but a child conceived during rape as an "accident". I thank God for using this verse to remind me that every child that is conceived comes from Him. Thanks for today's reading. The peace of the Lord be with you. Stacy-Ann - 5/8/08

Special Message: Tami W. here from Powered by 4. Today we're looking for some input from you. No doubt you've noticed that the Scriptures we've been reading lately are historical, laying out an ancient storyline. So besides getting a grasp on the details and timeline of the story, what do we do with Scripture passages like these? How do we apply them? How are they helpful for your life today? Tami W. (yeah, the one from the video blogs) - 5/6/08

I do agree that the stories are historical but what I have learned from the stories is that we are not perfect people but that doesn't stop God from using us. We all must maintain our faith in God and he will not desert us. I will always keep faith in God, even when I sin, I will not desert my Faith. I have heard you say this also and also Dr. Kroll, even this morning, we may not always be faithful but God is fatithful. He kept his promise to Jacob despite all that Jacob did. Eglon - 5/8/06

First of all I would like to say that I am truly thankful that I found Back to the Bible's "Powered by 4". It has been a big help to me even (or especially) as a pastor. It has re-enlightened me as to the vast source of information to be found in Old Testament scriptures that most definitely apply to today. The reading today reminded me of a time in my life when I was in a situation where I was to meet someone from my past with whom I had not dealt fairly in some area of our lives. Fear overcame me as I recalled what I had done and, since becoming a child of God, had become truly regretful of. I had not seen that person for years and was very anxious about what might happen in our meeting again after so many years. I see this in Jacob as I am sure he recalls what he had done to Esau and could only envision the worst outcome. He let down his trust in God for a moment and allowed fear to take over. or my congregation I find these stories of the Old Testament very relative to their lives today. The history of the Bible holds many lessons for us all and I thank you for reminding me of that. I meet so many people who say they really don't bother with the Old Testament because it doesn't apply to us today. These studies have reminded me of how very wrong they are. God bless all of you at Back to the Bible for the wonderful work you are allowing Christ to do through you. Joe, Oklahoma - 5/6/08

Greetings of joy, peace and love to the beloved of God…these OT stories remind me of the parable of the wheat and tares, God left enough memory recall for me to fearfully yet lovingly remind me of my evil traits of a tare, or "bastard wheat"/fake Christian, my will was choking out nutrients meant for the wheat, and He rescued me, gave me new life, transformed me into a healthy authentic wheat stalk, rooted in good soil, a life-reborn of the spirit that will now endure forever. Dear brothers and sisters, there are tares among the wheat, there are betrayers among the brethren, there are birds of the air (sent by Satan, the prince of the air) to roost in the branches of the mustard tree (the church), so, yuck, there is evil in the church? Yes, more so now that the church is growing and growing. Remember, the world takes notice of things that grow, it loves anything that grows Big, because the world lusts for Attention, the world lusts for Fame, the world Prides itself on Accomplishments…so are we to wipe out evil from among us?...what did Jesus tells us...we are to leave the tare with the wheat, God will separate it at His appointed time. What must we do? We must repent of our evil ways, then God will heal our land, and His will can become ours....If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world...(lust of flesh,eyes, pride of life)...is not of the Father, but is of the world...the world passeth away (and the lust thereof)...but, he that doeth the will of God abideth forever..." 1 John 2:15-17… Prayer for the day:…Speak your Truth dear Lord to those who have ears to hear…Matthew 13:24-32 Let us love and adore Him, for He loves us and committed Himself to save us, not condemn us…John 3:17. Craig - 5/6/08

I see that the change is Jacob is evident in his behavior, and isn't that cool! Perhaps in the past, he would have tried to send messengers ahead with the intent of hiding his great wealth. This time, giving complete acknowledgment to God, he sends gifts - pretty generous gifts! He lays aside his insecurities and gives worth to his brother. The other thing I noted, that is so true in my life when it comes to being fearful, is that Jacob had these big fears as he crossed the desert. I'm sure he was imagining all kinds of crazy scenarios (I know I can!) But...if you know the rest of the story (yikes! I'm giving it away!) It turns out to be just a mirage. So many times my fears turn out like that. So this passage challenges me to be mindful to give it all to God. Pour out my heart to God, thank Him for all He's done in my life, and trust that He has it all under control. When I fret and worry, nothing good comes out of that except wasted time and energy. I love these flawed people. So like myself. So loved by God. Amazing love, isn't it? Leisa - 5/6/08

Thanks for the question [above]. it's a hard slog sometimes, reading these stories but not really seeing a lot that's directly for my life. my life and my family aren't really in the kind of mess that jacob's is. But i guess that's where i do appreciate these stories: God's working with real people...messy, mixed up, even stupid people, who get jealous, who don't play fair, who do crazy stuff because they're unhappy. i guess if God can choose people like that to be the one He works with, who are part of his greater plan, then maybe He will be faithful and gracious and loving to me too. Plus it reminds me that no matter what mistakes we make, God is both still in control and able to bring good out of bad. bee - 5/5/08

The history in the Bible is incredible! Everything we read is a story in one way or another - and you wonder why Jesus always had to speak in parables...because stories are easier to understand, easier to relate to. There are times that I definitely wonder how I'm going to relate to this person or that situation? But God is so good in allowing there to be something I can focus on applying to my life. Whether that means finding something I can do more research on to enhance my understanding--like why it was so bad to have a spotted, streaked or speckled goat/lamb in the flock. Or finding I can practically apply to my life situations such as Jacob waiting on God to bless him even though Laban had cheated him so many times and how I myself need to learn to be patient and wait on the Lord's timing for things, knowing that in my faithfulness of waiting the Lord will bless me as well. Even the "stories" are helpful in my life today because it gives me the chance to read and learn from tons of people who've already been there - done that. It's like I have a wide variety of biographies to look to when going through something in my own life to see how they handled it or how God showed up. So needless to say - be encouraged even when it feels like you're reading a "story". I have to remind myself all the time as well that if this wasn't important in God's eyes, it never would've been documented, but since it was, there's a reason for it somehow, some way - so dig a little deeper to see what insight God is trying to give you. - 5/5/08

Do you ever feel like what you do for the Lord couldn't possibly make much of a difference? Well satan would like nothing more than for all of us to believe that and just sit back and take no action. But here's the cool thing, the reading today from Jonah 3 shows us that one person can make a HUGE impact. Jonah was one man who went to "an exceedingly great city" and obediently proclaimed the Lord's message. That message reached the entire city--all the way to the king--and they "believed God" and repented. So next time you feel a prompting to share the Lord with someone or show God's love in a situation, do it and do it boldly. If enough of us take action who knows, maybe God will use us (yes, little us) to change the exceedingly great nation we live in. Tami W. (yeah, the one from the video blogs) - 4/21/08

I just wanted to say your ministry has been a big blessing to me. I've had times in the past, when I tried to get in the habit of reading the Bible everyday, and somewhere, along the way, suddenly stop. I love your broadcast so much, I started listening to it online every night before bed. Instead of hit and miss on the radio, I go straight to my email, and get today's broadcast, lessons on living, and Bible minute. I haven't missed a night, since I joined! I haven't been a [P4] member long, but I'm so blessed by your ministry, I have asked God to keep blessing your ministry more, and more abundantly every day, and the listeners, such as myself, who receive God's word, and Wood Kroll's teaching on it, be blessed indeed. I'm truly thankful for your program. God bless you indeed! Mike, Mississippi - 4/16/08

Today in Psalm 6 I'm so reminded of me and my husband, about 3 years ago. We had a very serious problem, which I had a very difficult choice to make. I could have left him for good, but my choice was, I'll rather stay, and trusting God to work things out for good. And thank God He made everything good again. Because he already had blessed us with 3 beautiful kids, and I knew when I would leave their Daddy, it would be so very hard for the kids as well. I rather chose to forgive my husband for everything he had done, because I remembered how much Jesus had to forgive my own sin. What I didn't even deserve. Praise God. Yes, this Psalm 6. starts off exactly the way I was at that time. I was very angry for a while, and it took me about 7 month to a year to forgive him completely. It might sound strange, but that is the truth. Praise God, today we are still together and have a beautiful marriage. God is good. God Bless you all. - 4/14/08

Today in Philippians 3:12-4:1, I find myself knowing, where I want to go. That my future is absolutely in Jesus Christ, the one who died for my Sin, and set me free. And that it is very sure to me, that we have to have a goal, where we want to be in the End. And I want to leave a good path here on Earth for the next Generations, that when the look at me, they want to follow the Lord as well. I do not mean that I'm perfect, no, I'm a sinner, just as everybody else. But I want to do my best for the Lord, and my Hope is that there will be all the Peaple come to know the Precious Lord and Savior, and that we will meet each other in Heaven. To be with Jesus. God Bless you all. Susanna - Steinbach MB - 04/11/08

Challenge Blog by Tami W. (yeah, the one from the video blogs), 4/10/08
1 Chron. 29:11-12 says so much. First off, that God is the owner of all things. It took me quite a few years to truly grasp this--that all the things I have are God's and I'm really just a keeper of them. That means my hands need to be open to Him--period--not just with possessions, but with relationships and my thoughts and my heart. Sometimes that's tough, but it's absolutely freeing.

Second is that God is in control of everything, and that includes all my life and circumstances. Sometimes, though, I don't exactly operate like God's in charge. Not smart on my part, but here's the cool thing. When I crash doing my own thing, God is right there--in control of it all--still loving me and definitely sustaining me. He is so good.

So I'll end with these words "Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all." I can only thank the Lord for that!! Tami - 4/10/08

Thanks for reminding me of such a great verses! God's word is so rich and so deep! It is amazing how God is speaking to me in the verse of the day in Philippians and 1 Chronicles 29. God pinged my heart and by His grace started me on the road back to Him about two years before I was diagnosed with cancer. The time off from full time employment has allowed me time that I should have taken years ago to immerse myself in His word. I have come to realize that all things are His and anything I have achieved is "rubbish" (as Paul puts it). The greatest thing is His grace! I know that I am in His hands and nothing can snatch me out of it. This has given me peace and a new perspective on the commandment that Jesus gave, Love God with all your heart, all your mind and all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Lynn - 4/10/08

I took your challenge and read 1 Chronicles chapter 29 verses 11 and 12. I have always knew everything belonged to the Lord. Today was the first day that I realized all of my relationships also belonged to the Lord. The readings today made me realize that I need to be more understanding and patient when I am dealing with the people in my relationships. When my frustration sets in because people will not respond or live in a Christ like manner I will have to remember the Lord is in control of all things and I will have to just keep praying for the people in my relationships. I will have to let people see the Lord working in me because it is the Lord who gives strength to everyone. Thanks for the Insight. Michael - 4/10/08

When I took the Crown Ministries study, I had to memorize this passage. It has really stuck with me. It gives you a whole new perspective on "ownership and control." I love this passage! I’m just a steward of what God gives me. He is all powerful! Julie - 4/10/08

Thank you Tami. Yes I think it is a very important Scripture, to know, who God really is. Well, we read through the Bible and always find that God is only good, and that he never fails. What an awesome God we serve, to Him be all the Glory. Amen. In 1 Chron. 29.11-12. makes it very clear to me, that Everything is in His Hands. From Greatness, to Power, Glory, Victory, Majesty, and everything in Heaven and on Earth, to the Kingdom. And that it is also His Will, to make everyone of us strong for everything. Praise God. Just to look at that scripture, chill's me, to know that I'm strong, but only in God. Sometimes when I go through a very difficult Time, I have to admit, that it is really hard to move on, but ones you know who God really is, you very soon realize that, with God everything is Possible. And even in those difficult moments to Praise God. And everything will come out after Gods Plan. Gods Plan is always good. Hallelujah. Susanna - 4/10/08

Today's passage (Phil. 2:19-30) was a good reminder for me. What excellent examples Timothy and Epaphroditus are for us as part of the Christian body. My brothers and sisters in Christ need encouragement, support and help from me (and I need the same thing from them). So as I go about the rest of my week, I'm going to be a little more intentional and look for opportunities to be a Timothy or an Epaphroditus to a few of my Christian friends. Why don't you join me? Let me know how it goes. Tami - 4/9/08

As I meditated on Philippians 1:18-30, two words came to my mind--ATTITUDE [defined (Oxford): a settled way of thinking or feeling] and PERSPECTIVE [defined (Oxford): understanding of the relative importance of things].

Verses 17-18 and 20 states Paul's current problems, his attitude toward them and his perspective on the entire situation. Paul did not see his imprisonment and persecution as a source of embarrassment or neglect on the part of God. Instead, he understood the importance of the trials that he was facing (that God is spreading the Gospel through his imprisonment and suffering) and he settled in his mind that whatever it took to bring glory to God, whether life or death (v. 20), that he would do. His desire was that, through the prayers of the saints and by the grace of God, he would endure to the end, being confident that God would set him free in the spirit, if not in the body, too.

Over the last 5 to 6 years, I have had to deal with some major health problems and continue to do so. As the various illnesses were diagnosed, I prayed for healing but I never got it. Instead of deliverance from the situation, there seemed to be more problems to deal with and more pain to endure. I went from feeling confident in God to feeling embarrassed and neglected by God. I constantly struggle between choosing to trust God to carry me through the situation, even though I don't understand it, or giving in to the physical evidence that manifests itself in what I see and feel everyday--which suggest that God doesn't care about my problems.

Today, as I look at Paul's experience, God has shown me two "spiritual weapons" that I can use to fight these battles--ATTITUDE (choosing to take God at His Word no matter what circumstances I am facing) and PERSPECTIVE (understanding that God (uses) works in ALL THINGS for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Even in painful experiences that I don't understand. Thanks for today's reading. God bless you. Stacy-Ann, Jamaica - 4/7/08

What God did for Abraham was set him free, though at the time, he did not know that would be the outcome, he just knew that he wanted all God had for him. He trusted and believed God, that is where his righteousness came from. If God said "do it," he was going to do it, no matter what God asked of him, he was willing.

This belief set him free from depending on himself. It set him free from having to deliver himself, which he could never do anyway. It set him free from looking for earthly solutions.

I believe Abraham had a MUCH deeper walk after this incident because he had experienced God's provision. The picture painted in Genesis 22 of Isaac carrying the wood up the hill is a very strong picture of Christ going to calvary to redeem us. Included in my redemption is a freedom from guilt, oppression, hunger, destitution, sickness, and death.

I have experienced, recently, God's provision for me. What he provided was so much larger than I could have ever asked or imagined, that I was completely humbled and, yes, set free, by the experience. Trusting God will give you bigger and better outcomes than ANYTHING you could ever provide for yourself. I pray that I can walk freely, KNOWING that GOD will supply all of my needs because of his riches in Glory, by Christ Jesus. Sonya, Nebraska - 4/2/08

I am struck by the way this passage reminds us that God keeps His promises. It says that Sarah bore Abraham a son in his old age "at the time of which God had spoken to him". Other translations say "at the exact time", "at the appointed time" or "at the set time". God WILL fulfill all His promises at the exact time, the appointed time, the set time ... and I don't need to plan or plot. Rather, I can live expectantly and hopefully knowing that He's taken care of everything! Thank you God! Paula - 4/1/08

As I read the lesson for today I was reminded how it is so easy for me to sometimes misunderstand what God is saying. Just like Abraham, I look at the impossibility of one avenue and automatically assume God is talking about the more "reasonable" way. I am a pastor who just turned 65. I will be eligible to retire in one year. However, I have no directing from God at this point to retire anytime soon and what is happening in my church goes to confirm that thought. I have felt that my age and inadequacy would keep me from being productive for God but I now see that I am not doing it--He is. I learned that a long time ago but have put it on the back burner of my mind. This passage has spoken to me as a reminder that God can do anything with anybody, no matter what their earthly status or circumstances. Joe - 3/27/08