Stolen Lunches Bible Study

Led by Flyty and Jacinda

Joshua 3 | The Crossover A. Preparation is key to crossing your Jordan River. B. God is with you as He was with Moses. C. They were obedient to face the Jordan River afraid. Do it scared and full of faith. D. Trust God to show up and show off. Matthew 1:23 Emmanuel translates “God With Us.” Colossians 2:15 “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Whatever fear you have about stepping out in faith has been disarmed. God will shelter you with His wings! 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.”

Hebrews 11:1-40 Main Point: Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Faith was modeled and can be applied to our lives today.

Stolen Lunches began in 2014 as a women's Bible Study then grew tremendously from there. Join us for our women's Bible Study every 1st Tuesday at 7pm EST. Let's share from personal experience what it's like to grow spiritually as a woman of God. This Bible Study is led by DeQuonna Wise. All women are welcome to attend. Tune in virtually from anywhere. Join the Stolen Lunches email list to receive the zoom link and connect with the Stolen Lunches Women's Groupme community. In the Groupme Community you will be able to expound on the lessons & stories shared plus meet new ladies. In this community we also post in-person gatherings and share updates. To lead a Bible Study email info@stolenlunches.org

Every Thursday at 7pm we feature Co-Ed Bible Studies for all to attend. We also have multiple Co-Ed Bible Studies on Tuesdays as well (check the calendar). Join our Stolen Lunches Community by signing up above. Choose which group-me communities you would like to join and stay up-to-date with our events calendar. Let’s grow and learn together.

Kings & Queens - Ravenous Things Study:  Scripture References:   Genesis 8:1-19 Main Points:    Focus and wait in the process. Have faith in the process. Feel the weight of the process - Our biggest struggle is When?  Additional Discussion:   Surrender, the length of the process was God’s will all along. Learn to feel the blessings of the process in the process.

HOW TO PERCEIVE YOUR BATTLE 1 Samuel 17:33-37; 45-47 NEWS: Current events, doctors report, job loss... TRUTH: Puts God in the picture, works in the spiritual realm, moves in the unseen. *Truth takes the supernatural into account. News does not! 1.Look through the lens of TRUTH   -Saul viewed David through the lens of NEWS. But we must view our battle  through the LENS OF TRUTH.  2.Remeber God’s Faithfulness -Recount Gods faithfulness. He was faithful then. He is faithful now! 3.Declare the Battle is Won -“For the battle belongs to the Lord”   

Mark 11:12-25 Message Translation - Don’t put your faith or religion in something that bears no fruit. - Assume the posture of prayer. It’s not all about asking. - Pray in faith and forgiveness. Prayer changes things.  

The Prodigal Son  Luke 15:11-32 If you have strayed away from God, you can come back to Him... bruised, broken, and/or incomplete. God will be happy that you’ve chosen to return home. His blood is in your body. You are an heir!  Romans 8:1 KJV  “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” *Conviction: a firmly held belief or opinion;  a formal declaration that someone is guilty *Condemnation: the expression of very strong disapproval; the action of condemning someone to a punishment

God’s Promises  Psalm 27:14  “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, i say, on the LORD.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-13  “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” Isaiah 49:13  “Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.” Isaiah 64:2-4 “As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you! For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”

Every Thursday at 7pm we feature Co-Ed Bible Studies for all to attend. We also have multiple Co-Ed Bible Studies on Tuesdays as well (check the calendar). Join our Stolen Lunches Community by signing up above. Choose which groupme communities you would like to join and stay up-to-date with our events calendar. Let’s grow and learn together.

Every Thursday at 7pm we feature Co-Ed Bible Studies for all to attend. We also have multiple Co-Ed Bible Studies on Tuesdays as well (check the calendar). Join our Stolen Lunches Community by signing up above. Choose which groupme communities you would like to join and stay up-to-date with our events calendar. Let’s grow and learn together.

⚔️Becoming Battle Ready⚔️   1. Declare WHO your God is Verse 13-14: “Is it true?”   -Names of God: Jehovah Jireh- My provider Jehovah Rapha- Healer  Jehovah Nissi- Banner over me   2.Watch for the Enemy Verse 15: “Then what God will be able to rescue you?”   -when you take a stand, watch for the enemy coming in hot pursuit of your joy, peace, happiness -***Satan is always the second sower*** Ex: Good farmer sows then came enemy to sow right behind him. Or In Genesis a serpent came slithering in after God created the Garden of Eden.   3.Submit to Gods Will  Verse 18: “But even if he does not”   -Hardest most painstaking fundamental truth. We must submit to Gods will. His way and his plan. Even when it doesn’t look of feel the way we expected or hoped.   4.Know God is There Verse 25: “Four men walking around”    -God is in the fire with you. He is in the battle right beside you. “There’s another in the fire”  -Jehovah Shammah: The Lord is there

Every Thursday at 7pm we feature Co-Ed Bible Studies for all to attend. We also have multiple Co-Ed Bible Studies on Tuesdays as well (check the calendar). Join our Stolen Lunches Community by signing up above. Choose which groupme communities you would like to join and stay up-to-date with our events calendar. Let’s grow and learn together.

Every Thursday at 7pm we feature Co-Ed Bible Studies for all to attend. We also have multiple Co-Ed Bible Studies on Tuesdays as well (check the calendar). Join our Stolen Lunches Community by signing up above. Choose which groupme communities you would like to join and stay up-to-date with our events calendar. Let’s grow and learn together.

God works in mysterious ways and in His own timing. God customizes blessings to fit our individual needs. Change your mindset and timeline.    Thomas was a doubting disciple but God knew his heart. Remove fear and increase your faith. God will never leave or forsake you. Trust God and don’t worry. (John 18)    God hears our negative self talk. Watch what you say as life and death are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21)

Every Thursday at 7pm we feature Co-Ed Bible Studies for all to attend. We also have multiple Co-Ed Bible Studies on Tuesdays as well (check the calendar). Join our Stolen Lunches Community by signing up above. Choose which groupme communities you would like to join and stay up-to-date with our events calendar. Let’s grow and learn together.

Please join us every Monday and Wednesday at 6am for morning prayer. Also, if you have a prayer request, please let us pray with you and for you. Once you submit your prayer request, our team or Prayer Warriors will begin to pray for you, immediately.   Your prayer request will be added to the prayer list for our weekly, Monday & Wednesday 6am prayer calls (EST).  Join us on the call. Simply call the number below and place your phone on mute. Please call in 712-775-7031 ext 252-054-715 ~Please keep us updated with your Praise Report. John 14:13

Please join us every Monday and Wednesday at 6am for morning prayer. Also, if you have a prayer request, please let us pray with you and for you. Once you submit your prayer request, our team or Prayer Warriors will begin to pray for you, immediately.   Your prayer request will be added to the prayer list for our weekly, Monday & Wednesday 6am prayer calls (EST).  Join us on the call. Simply call the number below and place your phone on mute. Please call in 712-775-7031 ext 252-054-715 ~Please keep us updated with your Praise Report. John 14:13

Guest speaker Micheal Figgers spoke on understanding who you are in Christ.  For his latest book: http://michaelfiggers.com/   Romans 12:2 Phil 2:5 Phil 2:2   Know who God is calling you to be 1. Be Authentic 2. Be Vulnerable 3. Be Accepting 4. Be Present 5. Be Useful

Ephesians 5: 1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.    

Today's scriptures: John 4:7-14 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”  8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a]) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?  12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,  14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”   Prayer bullet points: 1. Speak and commune with people as Jesus did in verse 7. 2. Give love always: Don't allow the differences or rules/laws stop you just as Jesus didn't let the rules of Jews speaking to Samaritans stop him from speaking in Verse 8 3. Put on the lens of Jesus and look at others with the heart Jesus has for them. They're his children too

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 (ESV) Through - used as a function word to indicate movement into at one side or point and out at another and especially the opposite side of. God wants us to be reminded of this world is full of hardship, but we can be comforted in knowing that He knows our hearts more than anyone, even ourselves. He hears our cries and wants us to run to Him. 1. Lean in - It’s in our desperation the hardships, pain and trials we face that we cling to God most tightly. *** listen to the still small voice meaning the voice of God.  ***God is a gentleman 2. Our test is our testimony  - -YOU are not alone.  -Fight isolation -Our pain can be our platform to relate to to others and bless them we our store There's so many stories in the bible of Jesus walking with ordinary people like you and I. In the midst of their struggles, which means He will for us, too! Whatever it may be. He’s there. He’s listening, and He wants to fight for us. All He asks for us to do is rest in Him. Jesus is a: Healer Restorer Way maker Keeper Provide Friend Comforter You feel in the blank _______ Jesus is __________ Ask Jesus to give you the strength today to endure all that is in front of you. Help you believe God is with you in the highs and lows of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Remember: 2 Corinthians 4:16 - So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.(ESV)

Join us for CoEd bible study at www.stolenlunches.org Hope Grace and faith Resisting distractionHope:When there’s no vision, the people get out of control, but whoever obeys instruction is happy.Proverbs 29:18 CEBhttps://bible.com/bible/37/pro.29.18.CEBWhen there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint, but as for he who guards instruction, happiness is his.Proverbs 29:18 LEBhttps://bible.com/bible/90/pro.29.18.LEBHave you had a prophetic Word come true? What do you do with prophetic Words?Prophetic word about suitcase for a missionary being lost but was eventually found by the person I prophesied over.  I look back on that to remind me and encourage me that God speaks.Vision and hope are similarLet's look at what happens when we lose hope or the VisionIt happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to  battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “ Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, “I am with child.”II Samuel 11:1‭-‬5 NKJVhttps://bible.com/bible/114/2sa.11.1-5.NKJVDistractions can impact the Vision God has for us.What should believers do? Our purpose?Our purpose is to walk by faith and not by sight.For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”Romans 1:17 NKJVhttps://bible.com/bible/114/rom.1.17.NKJVThen the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.Habakkuk 2:2‭-‬4 NKJVhttps://bible.com/bible/114/hab.2.2-4.NKJVFaith is obviously a lifestyle.Elements of faith1. The Word2. Speaking or confession3. Rest4. FightFight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.I Timothy 6:12 NKJVhttps://bible.com/bible/114/1ti.6.12.NKJVWhen have you fought in faith and overcome?Further your study by reading about God's grace.      

Connect with us at www.stolenlunches.org   Exodus 3: 5-20   Who was the stuttering man that saved 600,000 men, women and children from slavery? Moses.   UNIQUENESS: He was born a Hebrew slave.  His mom didn’t want him to die so she wrapped him up and sent him down the river. Pharaoh’s daughter found him in the river and took him in.  He was raised up as royalty.  Years later he saw a Hebrew slave being beaten and something stirred up in him so he killed the guard then he fled into the dessert.   YOUR STORY MAKES YOU WHO YOU ARE.  IT DOESN’T MATTER THE UPS AND DOWNS ALL OF IT CAN AND WILL BE USED FOR YOUR PURPOSE.   YOU WILL EXERIENCE THE STIR: There always comes a point when you feel the stirring.  It’s forcing you to make a choice Moses answered it but the he fled out of fear. For 40 years he hid in the desert.  He lived a quiet life, married, as a shepherd.     YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THE CALL: He was minding his business and God spoke to Him from a burning bush.  Told him everything he needed he already had in his hands and was already fully qualified for saving the slaves. Yours may not come to you in the form of a burning bush but there is a call over your life.    QUALIFIED: Let’s talk about what he didn’t have?  As a peasant, shepherd, old man, with a speech impediment, lack of training, no money, no team, no connections. He was considered a killer, liar, slave. HE TRUSTED GOD: God told him what to do and he did it God gave Him everything he needed: Staff God told Him everything to say: 10 plagues God never left him       Pharaoh let everyone go! Even if I was Moses today and literally freed you right here and pushed you into your purpose, unlocked your destiny. Placed the calling inside of you. Ignited the stirring—only a few of your would say YES.   Moses led 600,000 men, women and children out of slavery without sneaking out in the middle of the night.  They were released after hundreds of years in captivity.  After a while of walking and hiking they started to get mad a Moses.  They started to want to go back.   MANY OF US HAVE FELT THE STIRRING.  WE’VE HEARD THE CALL BUT WE WILL NOT MOVE BECAUSE WE RATHER STAY IN OUR OWN COMFORT.   Your burning bush moment will find you.  Stay committed to a season of YES. Trust God and walk in faith.  

Connect with us at StolenLunches.org   How to overcome Jealousy & Envy as women Scriptures: Job 5:2 and Exodus 34:14   Steps to overcoming these layers:  Being Honest about what you are jealous and envious of,  deal with that feeling immediately. Ask yourself where this feeling is coming from How long have you felt this way Dispel the lies you tell yourself Write down how you can overcome the feeling 

Connect with us at StolenLunches.org! Nehemiah 8:10 said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”   What Is the Joy of the Lord? When Ezra was reading the law to the people it produced sorrow because their lives and behavior were not in alignment with the law.  Alignment is so important: proper positioning - purpose -  God - Family - Friends - Business/Work, other   What does it mean to be in alignment with God? It is when our hearts are right with God, where our spirits, souls, and bodies work together in peace and harmony. We are three-part beings; spirit, soul, and body. When we are aligned with God, the spirit rules the soul and body.   Jesus loves us and welcomes us as we are! But instead of being rebuked and condemned, they were instructed to celebrate because of “the joy of the Lord.” Why would the Lord have joy when they were “a bunch of sinners?”   The children of Israel were never known for their perfect behavior. They were known for being the people of God. They were His. He loved them.   His people had been separated from Him in exile for years and were finally reunited to Him. God had His beloved people back — why would He not have joy?  The joy of the Lord gives us strength to reach for God’s provision of love and salvation. What season are you in – Ecclesiates 3 – there is a time and season If you’ve been caught in a season of disappointment or struggles, maybe you’ve lost your joy, and as a result, laughter is a rare occurrence.  You’ve likely heard the old adage that laughter is the best medicine. That happens to come from the Bible! Proverbs 17:22 is true—a merry heart really does a spirit, soul and body good like medicine.  There are spiritual, emotional and physical benefits of joy and laughter. Science has proven why the Bible tells us to laugh—it’s good for our health! Laughter reduces stress, fights against depression and sorrow, fosters a positive outlook on life, and puts you in an all-around good mood. Laughter also lowers blood pressure, and impacts the cells in your body, preventing disease and setting you up to live long and strong If you don’t laugh enough (that means every day!), or if you need to restore the joy in your life, begin today by renewing your mind: Find the word - scripture to back you up! – Joy - Jar - Go to scriptures list: Genesis 21:6: “And Sarah declared, ‘God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me.’” Job 8:21: “He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” Psalm 2:4: “But the one who rules in heaven laughs.” Psalm 30:11: “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.” Psalm 37:13: “But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.” Psalm 42:5: “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again.” Psalm 65:12-13: “The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!” Psalm 96:12: “Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy.” Psalm 98:4: “Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!” Psalm 126:2: “We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.’”  Proverbs 15:13: “A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:15: “For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Ecclesiastes 3:4: “A time to cry and a time to laugh.” Ecclesiastes 8:15: “So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.” Isaiah 55:12: “You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!” Jeremiah 31:13: “The young women will dance for joy, and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.” Everybody Laugh and walk with the joy of the Lord. Remember to laugh ***Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.  

Scripture References:   Ecc 4:7-12, Deut 31:6, Heb 10:24-25, Romans 12: 4-6, Ps 133:1     What keeps us away from the community? Dejection, Rejection, and Subjection   What draws us and keeps us in the community? Give and Take, Points us to God, and Bear one another's burdens    Ecclesiastes teaches us that a lot of things that we seek after or use to help us find meaning in this lifelike wealth, status, knowledge, pleasure is nothing but a vapor, vanity, and meaningless. There is only 1 thing that provides meaning to life: Having the fear of the lord and he also charges us to enjoy life.

3 Tips to Inject Prayer into Your Marriage: Set Prayer Triggers Set Prayer Alarms Write Out Your Prayer  

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

  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”

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

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

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.

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 wantto throw in the towel and just give up. These are the times when you should draw closer to God. Wehave the hope of eternal life with Jesus to combat the stress of this world. There is joy and purpose inour hope. Hope guides us to an abundant life. So don’t give up. God is always in control and He isguiding you every step of the way. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in thework 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 thisyear, there’s still a reason to give thanks. As with most of the world, there has been great lossrelationally, 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. Asyou 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, givingthanks 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 withoutHim? Not very far. Remember even to perform some of the simplest daily tasks, you need God. It’s okayto 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 mydefender, and I shall never be defeated. 7 My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strongprotector; 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 sochoose. We work hard to get the person to like us because we naturally long to be loved and findacceptance. But no matter how hard we try, they still reject us. So we mold and reshape ourselves intowho we think we should be, instead of who God already created us to be. The enemy is busy and will tryto 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 complainingabout the little things. Is it okay to complain? Yes! - but tell it to the presence of God, not your Facebookgroup. The presence of God isn’t a place to bypass your emotions, it's a place to process them. The onlyway into the presence of God, is to go to Him from where we truly are! God is the only safe place, wherewe can pour out our complaints. And if you don’t learn how to do that in his presence, they will spillover 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 ChristJesus 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

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