Stolen Lunches Bible Study

Meditate on Gratefulness

Take a few moments to meditate on how great God is. Hasn't He been good to you?  Today, stop down every couple hours to reflect on gratefulness.  God is constantly at work on your behalf.  Take the time to notice His goodness.  2 Corinthians 9:11 says, "Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God."   If every moment is sacred, and If you are amazed and in awe most of the time when you find yourself breathing and not crazy, then you are in a state of constant thankfulness, worship and humility. -Bernice Johnson Reagon

Don’t Do It Alone

We may think we’re superheroes and we can do it all on our own. God made us so we would have
helpers. Family, friends, spouses, co-workers are here to help. Ecclesiastes 4:9 “Two people are better
off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” Just remember, we never have to live life alone.
Not only do we have people here on earth to help, but we can always call on our Heavenly Father for help. He knows what we need before we ever ask. So just ask Him. Just Do It!

Psalm 18:6 “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my
voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”

Giving

Each day can present an opportunity to give to others. But giving season is upon us, and at certain times
of the year, we seem to be more in the giving spirit. Do you give from the heart or a sense of duty? Are
you a cheerful giver or are you reluctant in giving? God has been good to you. Don’t have a tight fist and
hold on to your blessings. Share with others that are less fortunate. Share with someone you know
won’t be able to repay you. Be a blessing to others. Be a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever
sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart
to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

In His Presence

God wants to spend time with you! When you spend time with Him, do not come with a shopping list of
things you want. Start with being silent and still before God. Then give Him praise and adoration. Next
allow Him to open your heart, eyes, ears, and mind. You can experience being in His presence through
prayer and reading scripture. So spend time with God, and watch as things begin to change in your life.

1 John 4:12 “No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is
perfected in us.”

 

When You Look Back

When was the last time you looked back over your life and did inventory on the goodness of God? Do
you ever look back and think, “how was I able to get through that situation?”. Well, it was not without
God! God has brought you through so many times and opened doors you would never walk through on
your own accord. Take time today to write down at least 5 things God has done for you this morning and
acknowledge the goodness He does throughout the day. When you look back over your day, it’s easier
to give Him praise and see how the Holy Spirit moved through you.

Psalm 126:3 “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.”

His Love

Growing up, you probably had that one parental figure who was with you through it all. From days
where you received praise for nailing a test; to being disciplined for climbing over the church pews! In
the end, their love has never changed towards you. If your earthly family loves you unconditionally, why
would God love you any less? God’s love is unconditional. This means He loves you when you’re thriving
AND when you’re broken. Spend time today to thank Him for always being with you through the good,
the bad, and the ugly.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you.”

It's Seasonal

Every season has its start and end date. So, if you’re having a bad time right now, rejoice! Because it cannot last! Most importantly, do not make a permanent decision in a temporary problem; rather, accept what you cannot change and allow God to process you by standing in faith. Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens”

Partnering with God

Having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ is the most important thing in life. Partnering with God places a coat of blessings that come in the form of mercy and grace. Through these particular blessings, we can live freely by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and without condemnation. His grace freely gives, even though we may not deserve; and His mercy is a shield for the things that we do deserve. Remember, God covers the ones who love Him, and never will He count their sins against them. All and all, nothing will ever be enough until Jesus is enough. Psalms 103.10-10 “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heaven are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him”

Sustained

There are days were the flames seem to surpass the neck and the pressure is like that of the crushing earth. King David, the appointed king of Israel had many days like this. From, being on the run from a King that he was loyal to, to his very own son trying to dethrone him. David experienced many afflictions during these times. Though his heart was in anguish and he did not fully understand what was going on; he never turned from the Lord; rather, he leaned into the Lord. Through it all, God sustained David and kept him safe throughout the calamity. In the same way! You who call out to the Lord, will he hear and sustain you through it all, because he is the God of promise. Psalms 89:21-23 “My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him. The enemy will not get the better of him; the wicked will not oppress him. I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries”

All the Way Faithful

It doesn't matter how bad you think you are or how bad you think you dropped the ball; God’s love, grace, and mercy covers you through and through! God made a promise never to leave you or abandon you despite the bad choices you’ve made. Yes, you will pay for your sin in some form, however, neither angels, nor demons, nor powers, nor present or future things can separate you from the love of God, that was revealed in Christ Jesus. So rejoice, because God is all the faithful and you are all the way forgiven. A promise kept for His namesake. Psalms 89:32-33 “I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging, but I will not take my LOVE from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness