Stolen Lunches Bible Study

Love Is a Choice

 

We’ve bought into this myth that love is something that just happens to us, or that it’s uncontrollable. 1 Corinthians 13 says, Love is a choice! We first choose to love God, then ourselves and then others. This is something we must put into practice, so our actions can back our words.

Here is a challenge: think of 3 people today who could use a gesture of Gods love and think of creative ways to show them that love!

P.s. one of the people can be you!

 

1 John 4:8

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love

Don’t Give Up

There probably are days when you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, and you want
to throw in the towel and just give up. These are the times when you should draw closer to God. We
have the hope of eternal life with Jesus to combat the stress of this world. There is joy and purpose in
our hope. Hope guides us to an abundant life. So don’t give up. God is always in control and He is
guiding you every step of the way.

1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the
work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Give Thanks!

As you enter this Thanksgiving season, certainly it’s like no other. In spite of all you’ve experienced this
year, there’s still a reason to give thanks. As with most of the world, there has been great loss
relationally, financially, emotionally, and spiritually but we still have reason to be grateful and thankful.
It may be easier for some than others, but through it all, God is with you. He loves and cares for you. As
you go through the day, think of good times, do something that brings joy to you. Encourage someone.
Whisper a word of thanks to the One who has brought you to this day. Be thankful.

Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Depend on God

Do you try doing things without God? Of course, you do! You’re human. But how far do you get without
Him? Not very far. Remember even to perform some of the simplest daily tasks, you need God. It’s okay
to be independent, but regardless of how independent you are, don’t ever think you don’t need God.
Start each day asking God to show you what he wants you to accomplish. He will order your steps.
Depend on God for all things.

Psalm 62: 5-7 “I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. He alone protects and saves me; he is my
defender, and I shall never be defeated. 7 My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong
protector; he is my shelter.”

People Who Don’t Like You

Let’s face it. We will have people in our lives that simply don’t like us. It can be for any reason they so
choose. We work hard to get the person to like us because we naturally long to be loved and find
acceptance. But no matter how hard we try, they still reject us. So we mold and reshape ourselves into
who we think we should be, instead of who God already created us to be. The enemy is busy and will try
to do things to make you second guess all that God has planned for you. Don’t fall for the distraction!
Talk to God and He will speak truth over you.

Luke 6:27 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,”

Is It Okay To Complain?

We have so much in our lives to be grateful for, but oftentimes we can catch ourselves complaining
about the little things. Is it okay to complain? Yes! - but tell it to the presence of God, not your Facebook
group. The presence of God isn’t a place to bypass your emotions, it's a place to process them. The only
way into the presence of God, is to go to Him from where we truly are! God is the only safe place, where
we can pour out our complaints. And if you don’t learn how to do that in his presence, they will spill
over somewhere else.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus for you.”

Be Free in Him

True freedom is to live life with purpose and to be a blessing to others in your daily walk.  God has given us all gifts to share with the world, so share them often.  Take time to know and develop who you are in Christ.  Be free and own your truth. Experience the magnitude of ultimate freedom. John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Give with a Good Heart

Giving to others is the key to your increase. God wants to shower down blessings on you.  If you give with a good heart and with good intentions, God will bless you with so much more. Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Forgiveness- An Attribute of the Strong

Some of us struggle with forgiveness in our lives because we are unable to let go. What are you still holding onto?  The moment it happened God immediately forgave you.  If He's forgiven you, it's time for forgive yourself. Let go.   Matthew 8:21-22, "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, "I tell you not just seven tines but seventy seven times.    The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. -Mahatma Gandhi

Change Starts with Love

Make it your mission to show others what love feels like every where you go.  In all that you do– give love. It's the best way to show Christ.  So give love freely.  How can you give love to a stranger? Co-worker? Neighbor or friend?  Let your Holy Spirit to guide you. Change starts with love. Give love and be part of the change. Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”   “If you want to bring happiness to the whole world, go home and love your family.”  - Mother Teresa