Bible Studies

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Hebrews 11:6

“It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.”

Faith is the key element to our relationship with God. Going to Him in confidence that He’ll answer is the only way to approach Him, trusting that He’s a good Father who wants to bless us. As a fairly new Christian, the Lord has been disciplining me, building a strong foundation of good morals that I can carry with me forever. Because of that, it hurts to trust His whispers when it’s contrary to what I want. He’s been ripping away idols like bandaids, causing an initial shock but a quick recovery.

The Lord only wants our best, and blessings follow obedience. When Abraham was told to leave his native country, (Gen. 12) he was promised a grand inheritance. I can imagine it was tough to pack up and immigrate to the unknown, but following the Lord’s call is the only way to true peace.

God is in control of the entire universe, meaning we can trust He knows where we’ll best grow. The Lord see’s our lives as one large snapshot; He alone understands how today’s struggles turn into tomorrow’s smiles.

Making major decisions with our wavering minds leads to heartache, failure, and hurt dreams. Through the Lord’s guidance, we are offered a path leading directly to Heaven. Although trials and tribulations are many, God’s strength is far greater than human strength, and I’d much rather go through a struggle walking in God’s plan than live an easy life following the evil one. Satan keeps people in a cozy, padded jail cell. The door is wide open, yet people find the cell comfortable and stay put. At the end of time, the pads are removed, their arms are chained, and the door is shut. Outside the door is true life, but walking out the door takes trust and confidence. Through faith, we are called to leap out the door without a glance backwards, offered a spacious, free life!

The Word shares how living the Christian lifestyle is not an easy walk, and Jesus serves as the primary example to the hardships of following God. But, through all the trials, we are assured that trusting in the Almighty does lead to grand rewards, both in this lifetime and Heaven’s paradise.

Through persistent prayer and fasting, our relationship with the Lord can be one of complete dependence. Trusting Him is the single most important decision any human can make; union with the creator is essential. Accepting His call, trusting His judgement, and holding tightly to the Spirit gives us new eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to love.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Galatians 5:22-23

“The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

As Christians, the Lord hasn’t left us alone. He’s graciously given us the Holy Spirit to serve as a helper and encourager along the path of life. Once the Spirit has entered our hearts, we become a new creation, and our old self is buried. The Spirit holds the characteristics of Christ: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through our newfound union with God, these traits are freely offered to us throughout our entire lives. The Holy Spirit pumps His grace into our veins, supercharging us to serve through the enlightening wonders we possess. The fruit of the spirit acts as a tool-belt for life, and gaining its council far exceeds any inspiration books found in Barnes and Noble.

Having the Spirit means we no longer have to rely on our fleshly, swaying minds. The Lord is the creator of the galaxies, this Earth, and most importantly: you. Because of that, we rest-assured that asking the Spirit to guide our decisions fans our flame of righteousness. The Spirit allows us to laugh without fear of tomorrow, knowing we have something greater lighting our path. The door of freedom is opened, and we can skip freely through the light of Jesus, darkness free.

Forks in the road don’t bother those engulfed by the Spirit; instead, they’re led where they were predestined to go. The Spirit kills all selfish, lustful desires, breaking every prior stronghold Hell had on us, and our bondage is broken forevermore. The love Christ had towards His children was un-comprehensible, and we’re told that the same love now lives in our hearts. Through His love, the world is our oyster; nothing holds us back!

The Lord’s joy is oozing out of our actions, rewarding us in various ways. By using our joy-tool from the spiritual tool belt, we kindle the smile of a child, the laugh of a friend, or a hug from a loved one. The peace of God we’re given is said to surpass all understanding, equipping us to live stress-free. Anxiety is overcome! The Spirit molds us to be kind, willingly turning the other cheek through attack. The goodness of God shields all arrows by the Devil, and His faithfulness opens our ears to His daily whispers. The trait of gentleness provides encouragement to walk against the grain in a crude society. Self-control gives us dominion over Satan, offering a way out of addicting and lustful living.

As a woman of faith, I recognize the need to refill my tank with the Spirit regularly. Only the Lord can provide these fruits to supercharge me every morning in order to live a set-apart life. Starting as a small apple tree, our dependence on the Lord can morph us into an entire orchard. Asking the Spirit to enter my being every morning is essential for my character to match that of the Lord Jesus.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Acts 8:15-16

As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Peter and John left their home of Jerusalem with the intent of laying hands on the the new believers to solidify the group’s faith and baptize them with the Holy Spirit. The believers, which were many, were not all purebred Jews, yet Peter and John recognized the Lord’s equal love for all. Peter and John didn’t see a difference between Gentiles and Jews, as all people are created by and for God. The duo knew that baptizing the group with the Spirit would motivate them to stay strong in the faith through hardships.

In my own life, I sometimes look at people and think, “there’s no way they could ever become a Christian.” I see them drinking, smoking, and partying, and I find myself sticking my nose up at their ignorance. I see teen girls idolizing relationships and compromising their bodies. I saw people cheating on their college finals without a second thought. I see people bowing to false idols in sad adoration. Meanwhile, I’m forgetting that I was recently living that same life. If someone had met me before Jesus became my Lord and Savior, they would never have pinned me a future Christian. I was lost without much hope to be found, proving how real and big the miracles of God can be.

I have a lot of non-Christian friends, and I find I doubt the power of God, thinking they could never find true faith. Because of that, I’m sometimes hesitant to invite them to church, mention an upcoming Bible study, or bring up the Lord. I’m nervous they’ll judge me or persecute me for my faith, and I’m paralyzed in worries that if they saw my faith they’d pin me a Jesus freak.

I must be more open to the saving power of God and remember God actually created these friends of mine, knitting them together in their mother’s womb and planning their lives before their parents even had their first date! Inside every heart lies a desire to know the Lord; everyone wants union with their maker whether it’s conscious thinking or not. Therefore, I should be confident in my walk with Christ and translucent with the change He’s done in my life. Why would any of my friends be attracted to Christianity if I’m hesitant to share it?

Accepting Christ is like having an Abercrombie model as a prom date. You can’t help but show them off and introduce them to everyone! In the same way, I should introduce the saving work of Jesus Christ to everyone I know! Why on Earth would I want to keep the key to eternal life to myself? This is kingdom come! The gates to Heaven are wide open, and all are invited in! Come one, come all!

Peter and John were not hesitant to spread the saving power of the Gospel with all who would listen, serving as an example for Christians throughout eternity. In the same way, I need an open heart to show other’s His grace.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Matthew 6:30-34

And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Don’t worry about these things, saying ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

As a human, and especially as a girl, I worry about things. I worry my hair’s too thin, my nail polish is always chipped, and that the pimple which decided to take residence on my chin two years ago won’t take a hint it’s not welcome. Daydreaming, I tend to veer toward worldly thoughts, using a microscope to analyze my calorie intake, how many designer pieces are in my closet, and the amount of friends writing on my Facebook wall.

During one of Jesus’s sermons, He shares how worries of this world are pointless as we’ll soon be in eternity with the Lord forever. Because Jesus died for our all our past, present, and future sins, we have nothing to fear! As a daughter of the King of the universe, I should be bothered by nothing!

Satan is a master deceiver, trying his best to distort my thought process so I focus on my outward appearance. When I’m in line at the market I see magazines boasting “Five Ways to Shed Pounds,” telling me I need to be thin to be worthy. I turn on television to see all the women having perfect hair and makeup. I hear advertisements about the the latest diets, be it raw or Paleo, explaining my eating habits need to change.

Unlike the smoke and mirrors of the world, the Lord’s wisdom is no fad. It’s the same as it was 2,000 years ago; He’s teaching me to put down the Cosmo and pick up His word!

How great to know our Father in Heaven loves us because of our hearts, not our looks? Finally, the chains of society can be broken, and we can live freely! Living as a missionary in Guatemala, my hair isn’t styled, I’m makeup free, and my wardrobe is based on comfort and modesty. My food intake is different, as well; my new rice and beans diet is far from Paleo. But, instead of being worried about my body, I’m finally at peace, knowing my worth is not wrapped up in my day-to-day appearance and meals. I’ve never felt this beautiful and free in my entire life because the Lord is where I place my worth.

By giving Him every area of our lives, we don’t have to live as prisoners to society. Worrying we’re too fat, thin, tall, or short is all worthless, and soon we’ll all have new bodies in the presence of God. This life is a passing wind, and through His help I don’t have to waste it worrying about myself.

Monday, July 28, 2014

James 3:13-17

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth by boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are Earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

Preaching the Gospel is done best without words. Leaving flowers for a loved one, holding the hand of a child, or grabbing Starbucks for co-workers all portray the Christian lifestyle. As followers of Christ, we’re called to be salt of the Earth, leaving everyone with a thirst for Jesus.

Before I accepted the Lord, I was turned off by some “Christians” I knew. Instead of being loving and kind, I felt a shadow of judgement. Being in their presence left me shameful and broken, giving me a mindset I didn’t deserve to be a Christian because I didn’t match up. I idolized boyfriends, begged acceptance from others, and ignored the teachings of the Bible because, frankly, I had never read it! Instead of feeling welcomed, I felt judged and ashamed. If God’s followers didn’t accept me, why on Earth would God accept me? I was a lost cause, on a path of destruction with no way out.

After year’s of living without Jesus as my savior, the Lord began to tap at my heart. He told me I was beautiful despite my mistakes; He told me I was His darling daughter; He told me He had majestic plans awaiting. He graciously poured His spirit into my heart even though I had been spitting in His face all throughout my life.

As Christians, we’re representatives of Christ, living temporarily in this world but holding our true citizenship in Heaven. Therefore, we’re called to minister to everyone through a loving, nonjudgemental heart. In church, we’re called to much more than “coffee and donuts” fellowship. We should form a close-knit community and safe haven to encourage and motivate each other on the path to righteousness all throughout the week. Likewise, we should pour into non-believers, spreading the name of Jesus with everyone, be it the barista at Starbucks making a latte or the local librarian scanning  books. We have the words of eternal life; why keep salvation a secret?

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Trillions of people have lived and died on this Earth. Why, then, do I live with the mindset that my life will last forever? Going about daily tasks, I tend to drudge along, mindlessly living a routine without so much as a thought it’ll end someday. Because I live as if I’m eternally on Earth, I rarely ask the Lord to work radically in my life on a day-to-day basis.

Jesus knew from birth exactly when He would die on the cross. As much as five year old Jesus could comprehend the idea of execution, He knew it was His destiny. He knew He would faithfully serve His father as a carpenter until age thirty and have exactly three years to change the world forever through His teachings and miracles.

His life was anything but ordinary, performing miracles right and left to shake the foundations of the world. Jesus knew He didn’t have much time, placing ministry before His meals and rest. Knowing the importance of spreading the Good News, He used His life as an offering for others.

We’re told to follow His lead. As a young woman, I shouldn’t act as if I’ll live forever. Instead, I should live as if I’ll die tomorrow! Placing others before myself, following the calls of Jesus, and serving the church should be my only priorities, placing my physical appearance and personal status in the back-seat of my mind.

As a non-believer, my thoughts were consumed with selfishness, and I thought the world revolved entirely around me. I was obsessed with keeping a slim figure, holding straight A’s, keeping my boyfriend happy, having a pretty Facebook picture, and driving the nicest car. My identity was wrapped up in how other’s perceived me; Heaven forbid they may have thought I had any weaknesses. And, although my life may have seemed put-together on the outside, it was hard for me to fall asleep at night due to worrying about keeping up my artificial social standing. I lived entirely for myself and upholding my facade.

As a new believer and student in a Guatemalan missions school, the Lord has opened my eyes to the tremendous amount of need in the world, especially in downtown Antigua. I’ve seen young boys serving as shoe shiners and young girls caring for their infant siblings. I’ve seen tired women sitting next to a dump holding out a styrofoam cup. I’ve seen homeless men literally cry asking for a slice of bread.

As the greatest man who ever stepped foot on the Earth, Jesus was never too busy for anyone. He came to serve the lost, broken, sick, and undeserving, and not once does the Bible mention Jesus worrying about His reputation, weight, or carpentry skills. He used every waking moment to further His message, leaving everyone He met wide-eyed and wanting more.

Wednesday, July 29, 2014

Psalm 111:10: Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey His commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise Him forever!

As humans, we look far and wide searching for the meaning of life. We travel the world exploring obscure villages and far-away countries. We pay upwards of two-hundred grand for an education and place all our marbles in the hands of professors. We push ourselves to read more, study more, and listen more in hopes of achieving the supreme knowledge we strive for.

As a freshman in college four years ago, I held the mindset college would prepare me for life. I figured I’d graduate with a head full of knowledge ready to take on the world. I thought four years in a reputable institution would open the gates of wisdom for a life of adventure and clarity.

Looking back, I now see life experience and academic knowledge alone will not lead to wisdom. We need to acknowledge God as the source of wisdom in order to build a solid foundation to make wise decisions. Without the fear of God, my thought process was shaky, and I was prone to foolish decisions. Allowing the Lord to discipline me is the only way to real peace.

The world’s artificial knowledge is far different than God’s real wisdom. As a non-believer attending college in Los Angeles, I thought I was living the “high life.” I had bumped shoulders with celebrities at bars, dance clubs, and parties; my friends and I drove nice cars; I dated attractive, wealthy guys. From the world’s eyes I should’ve been on cloud nine. If worldly wisdom was true, why wasn’t I feeling euphoric?

Once I accepted Christ two years ago, the scales fell from my eyes and I began to see my life for the sham it really was. Looking inside myself with God-goggles, I saw how insecurity and lonesomeness clothed my heart.

The Lord stripped away my identity in the world, advising me to find my identity in Him alone. He told me to throw out the magazines, pick up His Word, and treasure each verse to build up true character. He taught me to throw out the “bitter fruit” and replace it with His fruit of the Spirit. He told me to re-evaluate my friend group, convicting me with Proverbs 1:10 warning to “turn your back on sinners that entice.”

Having recently graduated, I see how becoming a Christian made me far wiser than all my other classes combined. Unlike Earthly knowledge, the wisdom of God doesn’t fade. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and human-sparked fads go in and out of style. 

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Colossians 3:16

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Before coming to Christ, my life was broken, disheveled, and confusing. I had no direction, no purpose, and no concrete goals. Frankly, I was a lost cause, unsure of where I belonged or why I was here. I was living for myself, ignoring the needs of others and finding my worth in what others perceived about me. I didn’t stand for anything, meaning I fell for everything, lost in the maze of life with no way out. I was giving my heart away piece by piece hoping for a sense of love in return.

Once I came to Christ and joined a church, everything changed. My friends changed, my wardrobe changed, and my personality changed. By the grace of God, I found a small, close-knit church, and they welcomed me with open arms.

Although we met in an elementary school gym, I could truly feel the presence of the Lord. It didn’t matter that our worship wasn’t professional and our seats weren’t always filled.

Often, people are drawn to churches because of the worship concerts, massive congregations, and fancy facilities. In the early church, people were attracted because they saw the saving power of Christ through miracles and testimonies. Sometimes Christians and churches are so focused on looking fancy and put together that they lose the real focus: Jesus.

Through the women at my church, they poured wisdom into me and gave me a thankful heart. The pastor knew us each individually, and we’d have potlucks and study-nights at each others’ houses. ..

Friday, August 1, 2014

James 1:5

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He’ll give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Why does God tell us He’s like a shepherd and we’re His sheep? Why wouldn’t He say we’re baby dolphins swimming after our father? Or dogs looking to our owner? The reason is simple: sheep are not smart animals, known for aimlessly following each other and getting into trouble. Sheep have no means of defense against wolves and lions, making them helpless and constantly fearful.

The Lord has been gracious by giving me wisdom over these last three weeks on the mission field. I’ll admit, it’s been painful, and it feels like bandaids are being ripped away one by one. But, in the end, it leaves me clean and healed. The Lord created every subject, be it mathematics, science, languages, astronomy... He knows everything. The Lord is the creator of all the Heavens and the Earth, knowing how the birds fly in the air and the deer gather their food. Through the Lord’s grace, we can have our eyes and ears opened to His immense glory. Wisdom starts at the fear of God, and without asking for His wisdom we’ll never achieve true peace and understanding.

Once I came to Christ and joined a church, everything changed. My friends changed, my wardrobe changed, and my personality changed. By the grace of God, I found a small, close-knit church, and they welcomed me with open arms. Although we met in an elementary school gym, I could truly feel the presence of the Lord. It didn’t matter that our worship wasn’t professional and our seats weren’t always filled. So often, people are drawn to churches because of the worship concerts, massive congregations, or fancy facilities. In the early church, people were attracted because they saw the saving power of Christ through miracles and testimonies. Sometimes Christians and churches are so focused on looking fancy and put together that they lose the real focus: Jesus.

The Lord is a good God who wants to bless us with His wisdom. Over these last 3 weeks, I’ve been both hesitant and excited to allow Him entrance into my heart. Although it hurts to hand over my identity, it’s ultimately for the best. Jesus is all I need, and as long as I can know that deep in my heart, I can be at peace. I plan to ask the Lord to give me a transparent heart through His wisdom instead of my own fallible worldly lies I thought was wisdom.

Monday,  Aug 4, 2014

Luke 8: 11-15

The mouth is a powerful thing. With one slip up, we have power to say words to pierce companions deeper than a two-edged sword. In contrast, keeping thoughts and actions in line with the Gospel leads to glorifying words free of darkness.

Words start at the heart, and when I’m not aligned with the Lord, my physical words and actions follow suit. Living in Guatemala with forty others, I can sometimes have selfish thoughts: “I” need the last scoop of peanut butter. “I” need more time in the bathroom. “I” need to use the phone. So often I’m caught up in me, me, me, thinking of my personal needs and holding myself on a pedestal.

Sad as it sounds, America revolves around selfishness, and magazine titles serve as examples of the troubled times. First Our Stars, then Us Weekly, and now Self Magazine. It’s all about us, and we’re not ashamed to flaunt it. 

Living with my new spiritual family in Guatemala, I’m training myself to untangle the ugly web of lies society taught me. Before arriving three weeks ago, I had my own room, car, phone, and time. I wasn’t told what to do or eat or wear, resulting in a prideful ego well over the roof.

Funny as it is, Americans may have immense freedom, able to do and say whatever, yet they’re desperately craving a savior. Names of latest stores and fads prove it: True Religion, Soul Cycle, Salvation, Free People, All Saints... executives on Wall Street are not fools; they see a yearning for God, using it to their advantage.

As Christians, we’re called to be set apart from selfish ambitions of society. In  Luke 8, Jesus instructs to keep “fertile soil” in actions and thoughts, free of thorns and thistles. Reading this, I tend to think I’ve mastered Christianity; surely I must be good soil, right?

Thinking further, who am I to assume my soil is fertile? Are the plants I’m producing always tall, bright, and colorful? Are there any withering leaves? Is my fruit ripe and juicy, and have I matured to completion?

At harvest-time, I want the Lord to choose me, noticing my bright colors and strong stem; I pray He’ll store me in His barn and use me for pies and jams.

To become an orchard, it’s crucial I pick out weeds at their root every morning. Every ill-thought, temptation, or word sparks a new thistle, and it’s imperative to remove them immediately. Spending time with Him every morning and evening serves as sunlight and rain, moistening and nurturing my garden with utmost care. Through Godly wisdom, my newly bloomed plant can grow and eventually multiply, providing fruit my Gardener desires. I need to accurately evaluate my heart constantly to keep soil up-to-par.

Disciples produce fruit. (Luke 15:8) All things flow out of the heart, be it flowers or thorns, and nipping sin in the bud is crucial. Standing at the pearly gates, I expect one question: where’s your fruit? Through His provision, I pray to produce a plethora of produce, lay it at my Gardener’s feet, and thank Him for care.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Luke 21: 19: By standing firm, you will win your souls.

Looking back at life thus far, I didn’t achieve the perfect fantasy I held as nonbeliever. I figured I’d be working at Bolthouse Productions, engaged to a wealthy stud, and living in a Santa Monica ocean-front. I’d belong to Equinox gym and have a tab at SoulCycle and order carry-out Nobu sushi every weeknight. I’d have VIP access at the Roosevelt rooftop parties and start my morning’s rollerblading the boardwalk with a cute puppy and win my age-division in the LA Marathon and be thin as a rail with hair down to my back-end. My life would be effortless and wonderful.

I planned various dreams and aspirations to achieve, setting high worldly standards without a thought of the Lord. But, once I came to Christ, my view of God changed. God is not a harsh, judging criticizer; Instead, He’s a loving Father and Friend. Seeing His love and mercy, I handed Him the reigns of my life, trusting He knew better than I where I belonged. I shook away lofty goals and trusted His caring provision, knowing I could trust the creator of the universe.

I handed Him my life on a silver platter, allowing Him to have His way with me, finding this to be the most life-changing decision I could ever make. The Lord has a bit of a sense of humor, choosing me of all people to be a missionary. If someone was to tell my twenty-year old non-Christian self where I’d be in two years, I would’ve laughed in their face. “Me? Go to Guatemala? With no Starbucks or internet? Not in a million years!” But, after accepting His love and trusting His guidance, He’s changed my desires and led me down roads I never thought possible.

Instead of living as a business-woman after graduation, I packed up my bags, kissed family and friends goodbye, and set off for a year-long missions school in Antigua, Guatemala to eat, sleep, and live life with forty likeminded people. I traded fleshly desires of success in replacement for a servant lifestyle, meanwhile taking a dating hiatus in faith the Lord will lead me to the right match.

Although its only been three weeks, God has shattered my perception of reality in replacement for authentic wisdom. He’s given me insight on what life is truly about, gently taking my quivering hand and laying me in His lush, green pastures.

Reading the Word, I often wondered why God says He’s our shepherd and we’re His sheep. Why wouldn’t He say we’re baby dolphins swimming after a whale? Or dogs looking to an owner? The reason is simple: sheep are not smart animals, known for aimlessly following each other and getting into trouble. Sheep have no means of defense against wolves and lions, making them helpless and constantly fearful.

Two years ago, I was a fearful sheep. I thought I knew what was best for me; I thought I knew exactly what I needed in life. Finding Christ,I saw how much of a scam my dreams really were. Even if I had achieved all those goals, I’m positive I still would’ve felt discontent and restless. I’d be constantly worrying; whether it be that my fiance would leave me or boss would fire me. With Christ as my shepherd, I have nothing to fear, knowing He’ll place me exactly where I belong. He tells me to cast my burdens on His shoulders and be anxious for nothing, but in everything pray and trust His Word.

I may not live the high-life I once dreamt, but I know this much: I’ve never felt as much peace as I do right now, laying in a bunk bed in Central America. Through His guidance, I know there’s nowhere else I should be.