Stolen Lunches Bible Study

Episode 42: The Christ In Christmas

As you celebrate Christmas, how often do you reflect on the birth of Christ? Do you get caught up in all of the Christmas gatherings, finding the perfect gifts, decorating, baking, and all of the Christmas “to-dos”? By the time you look up, Christmas has come and gone - and there was no room made for Christ in your schedule. But rejoice! Every day we wake up, God gives us the opportunity to celebrate Him! Do an advent study, read about the birth of our Savior. Don’t leave Christ out. He’s your reason for this holiday season

Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Episode 41: The Importance Of A Mentor

Do you have a mentor? Someone who can be honest with you and tell you when you need to turn your focus back to God. Everyone needs a mature spiritual leader in their life. Your mentor is there to pray for you, give you sound advice, and speak truth that you cannot see for yourself. When looking for a mentor, look for someone who lives by example - the same way your future self wants to live. The word “mentor” may not be directly used in the bible, but the concept of a mentor is evident in the life of Christ with His disciples. Then they became mentors to others whom they taught, and that is the ultimate goal.
Psalms 119:68  “You are good, and you do what is good; teach me your statutes.”

Episode 40: Daily Nutrients

Being connected to God probably reminds you of a plant that grows on a vine. As long as the plant is connected to the vine, receiving its nutrients, it can survive.  As soon as it is cut off from the vine, it no longer has access to its nutrients. When you’re connected to God, you will receive nutrients. His daily nutrients consist of reading the Word, praying, worshipping, praising God, fellowshipping with other Christians, attending Bible study, and lots more. Set a reminder, to fill your body daily with the right nutrients; and stay connected to the True Vine.

John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Episode 39: Christmas Always The Same

Outwardly, Christmas may look different this year, but we still get the best gift this Christmas season! God himself became flesh, dwelt among us; all so we could have an eternal relationship with Him! Let us spend time, today, reflecting on the Christmas story and discover the Hope that came from Bethlehem. Yes, Christmas may look a little different this year, but the true meaning of Christmas will never change. 
Luke 2: 4-7 “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.”

Episode 38: Choose To Be Better

Sometimes, we can be guilty of having a selfish attitude and acting out of character, because things may not go our way (or at least I can). We act out of our flesh and not the Holy Spirit. Every now and then, that reaction can cause a spiral of emotions to make us think that is just “who we are”. But take heart! We are flawed humans just trying to be 1% better, every day. Today, make it a point to show the character of God whenever things do not go as planned. We have control of very few things in life, and our reaction/attitude to a situation is one of them! 

Proverb 25:28 “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.”

Episode 37: Refreshing Others

We all have heard the proverb, iron sharpens iron. Meaning, a strong person can only sharpen another strong person. But often, while we’re pouring into another person, our own zeal and energy become low on fuel. It’s not that your faith has weakened, or that you’re not practicing what your preaching, you simply got tired. But the good news is, God promised a sudden turnaround. Because you’ve partnered with God and walk in agreement with Him, He promised a full restoration! Therefore take heart when you are low. Rest in knowing that God is sending someone or something to refresh you.

Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Episode 36: Yes and Amen

Living is different from existing. If you want to live your best life, then you must jump forward. You must take a leap of faith and jump in order to see what’s on the other side. Your best life will always be on the other side of the fear wall. Believe in yourself and believe in the vision that God showed you. Trust that God already placed the right people and provisions for you. You can live a life of abundance, don’t let the devil and small-minded people steal your joy. Simple say, Yes, and Amen. 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”

Episode 35: Walk Daily In The Light

Walk daily in the light

Your decisions mirror your heart. Does your heart resemble God’s heart? Every decision or choice we make says a lot about us. Our attitudes, how we treat others and ourselves, reveals our heart. There are times our choices have led to disappointment or great pain. The great news is that we serve a loving, forgiving, patient God. He knew all of our shortcomings and still calls us his beloved. Allow that truth to be your motivation to walk in light. Strive to make decisions that reflect that you are a child of the most high. Make a commitment in your heart to seek Gods wisdom in all you do.

 

Proverbs 27:19

Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart

Episode 34: Healthy Friendships

Healthy friendships

 

God wants us to have the right kind of relationships. The right relationships consist of people that pour into each other’s lives giving & receiving fuel for our tanks. The best friendship example is in 1 Samuel, with the bond between Jonathan and David. They had such a deep friendship and brotherly love. God desires that for us. People who encourage others, easily forgive wrongs. People who are following God’s will for their lives. These are healthy relationships. People that will help you get to the next level in your relationship with God, which leads to a full and abundant life.

 

Proverbs 17: 17

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity

Episode 33: Learn to love the process

Learn to love the process

 

The process of going through difficulty polishes your unique and marvelous qualities. Process, makes you wiser. Process, unlocks us and requires us to teach a new level. Process, changes you and helps to order your priorities. Process, reveals supernatural reality. Be thankful for the process, it brings growth. Ask God for clarity and perspective for what he desires you to learn, during this time. And don’t forget to praise God before, during and after the process!

 

1 Peter 4:12-13

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.