Stolen Lunches Bible Study

Is there something that the Lord gave you or placed in your heart? A dream or vision that you can’t get out of your head? A special vision, that no one else may understand or even agree with, but the Lord showed it to you. That is likely your gift and its brewing on the inside of you. Ask the Lord for guidance and take a leap of faith! Your parachute may not open right away, but the Lord rejoices when He sees the work begin, and He who starts the work in you will finish it. Trust in God and take that leap of faith! You may never know what could have been your if you don't jump. Zechariah 4:10 “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”

Be Grateful Exactly Where You Are To be grateful is to be in a state of peace and joy. Be grateful in every situation you're in, whether it's in lack or in abundance.  Many times we find ourselves hoping and dreaming of being in a better situation.  Today, challenge yourself to make the choice to be happy.  Simply be grateful exactly where you are.   Philippians 4:13, " I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength."

It's Winning Season Many of us are stuck on the defense. Always on guard, and constantly in protective mode.  We're fearful of what we may lose, so we never try to win.  There are seasons when we must defensively be covered by the armor of God, however we are not allowed to stay in defensive mode forever. There's an offensive side to life that must be played. It's time for you to run the ball with confidence knowing the battle is already won.  Keep expectancy in your heart. Let's win this! Deuteronomy 20:4, "For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”    

            You are Perfection   God made you perfect just the way you are. He has purpose for your life. Be open, free, silly, serious, weird, and smart; be "Uniquely" YOU! There's purpose in you.  Make no apologies about it.  Jeremiah 1:4-5, "Now the Word of the Lord came to me saying, 5 “Before I started to put you together in your mother, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart as holy. I chose you to speak to the nations for Me.”

Give Grace   Ask God to guard your tongue so you can speak blessings not curses.  When someone hurts you, ask God to intervene.  Many times our flesh is so weak that we want to react based on our feelings.  It is your job to show God's grace in everything you do.  Swallow your pride and give it to God.  You will be surprised how God shows up.  He may even change the entire situation for your good. Proverbs 12:25, "Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Let Your Light Shine   You may think being afraid of the dark is just for kids, but many of us are still scared of "darkness."  Be encouraged today, its in those dark moments when your light shines the brightest. Don't let fear of the unknown shake your foundation. This is when you need to lean on God the most.   Psalm 18:2, "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Kindness is a Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5 22-23). In the Old Testament (I and II Samuel), Jonathan showed kindness in his relationship with David (Yes, the one that killed Goliath and ruled Iseral as a King for over 40 years). Jonathan and David were best friends. One day, Jonathan spoke to his father, King Saul, in regard to David’s life. Why you may ask? Well, King Saul was jealous of David, so he wanted him dead! However, kind-hearted Jonathan reminded Saul of how reliable David had been to him. And because of Jonathan’s kindness, David’s life was spared. Later on, David remembered the kindness shown to him by Jonathan and in turn, showed kindness to Jonathan’s son. Sometimes, it may be hard to show kindness. Nevertheless, you’re to be kind to everyone, even when you don’t feel like it. I challenge you to do a good deed for someone, today! Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Fear is something everyone experiences throughout life. Whether that be fear of the virus, not being lovable, not having enough money, failure in our jobs, being average. The list can go on and on! Take the Bible for example. Even in biblical days, fear was an issue. Moses lived with fear. He feared Pharaoh would not let the people go. Elijah feared Jezebel and feared for his life. Moses and Elijah overcame their fear with Faith. Faith is confidence and trust in our Father, even if its the size of a mustard seed! The way to grow our faith is to know God; and to know God, is to read His Word. So repeat this with me: Know the word, Obey it, Pray it, and Live it. What a great recipe in overcoming fear with faith. Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Do you praise God when you’re unemployed and the bills are due next week? How about when the doctor comes in with disappointing news or when your child has gone astray? Have you sung the praises of God as the bank is about to foreclose on your home? Can you praise God when all hope is gone? God never said life would always be easy. Oh, no it’s quite the opposite! He says we will experience tests in our lives. This year alone, I’m sure most of us (if not all)  have gone through tests. You may not be able to see the end of the tunnel, just yet.  But worship and praise God in advance, even when it’s tough! Even when all hope is gone, there’s still hope in God! Praise him for ALL things! God’s Word is the best medicine to withstand the test of time. James 1: 3-4 “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Who are you obeying - Man or God? Ask yourself this, “Is the way of the world more inviting than the direction God is leading me?”. Your steps should be ordered by God. The Holy Spirit can speak a word that may be in opposition to what man or YOU may want! But God doesn’t have to explain His “why’s” to us because His ways, thoughts, and plans are higher and greater than we could possibly understand. Nevertheless, God uses every situation for His glory and for the ultimate good. Be obedient and faithful as God leads you, today.  Acts 5: 27-29 “The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood." Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than human beings!”

How often do you ask God his plans for you? Do you ask God daily or every now and then? Do you want to be a blogger, but don’t know what to blog about? Is that what God wants you to do? What about the passion you have to write that book?  Have you asked God if this is His will?  You can save yourself time and not be disappointed if you seek God for direction. Through God’s word and prayer, He will speak and direct you down the path He’s chosen for you.  Now ask yourself, are you willing to Be still and wait for God’s leading? Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

God Loves You Isn't it amazing to know there's nothing you can do to make God love you any more or any less?  God's favor simply gives us unconditional love whether we deserve it or not.  God always welcomes you with open arms even after you've made a wrong turn.  God loves you and there's nothing you can do about it.  1 John 3:1, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him."   When's The Next Bible Study? Virtual Bible Studies are every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm. Click zoom link to access Bible Studies at 7pm EST and/or join a Groupme community below to stay-in-the-know. ZOOM LINK   JOIN OUR ONLINE BIBLE STUDY COMMUNITY   Our faith communities are joined together through an APP called Groupme. Download it now & click on the Bible Stud(ies) you would like to join. MEN’S GROUP- JOIN WOMEN’S GROUP- JOIN CO-ED GROUP- JOIN COUPLES GROUP