The Real Thing

From a letter I received from Kimm Car at      Community Bible Study:

Twenty-four hours ago, with absolute conviction, my twenty-year-old daughter said to me “I don’t like pudding.”  And so began a crazy conversation about the university’s cafeteria, high school lunch hours and what really happened to the items I packed in her school lunch.  “And I KNOW that I do not like pudding, chocolate or otherwise!”

I do.  So I pulled out 5 simple ingredients and went about the slow, time consuming process of making chocolate pudding from scratch.  OK, 6 ingredients but that’s because I am always looking for a way to add flavor and it worked because after the constant attention to whisking, stirring and tempering, I took a lick of the thick, hot, chocolate pudding-to-be and swooned.  Really, it was amazing.

My anti-pudding twenty year old was watching me.  She sniffed the hot chocolaty goodness and asked what was in it.  I told her.  “That’s all?  Maybe I’ll try it, but I know I won’t like it.”

She used an iced teaspoon, the long handle for protection I assume, and gathered a micro speck of still hot chocolate pudding.  She looked, sniffed and quite gingerly licked.  I cannot even begin to describe the delighted smile that spread across her face.  It was like looking into the face of a 2 year old on Christmas morning.  “This is . . . good.”

The problem was this; she had never had the real thing before.  She had always had “pudding” from a box, can or plastic cup.  Processed and fake flavored, it was called pudding, but it was not the real thing.

Last year, I started going to Community Bible Study in my county in North Carolina. I asked God for a single book to study at home and He gave me a single book, Revelations, and a study group of passionate women to go with it. I am forever grateful for His wisdom. These committed ladies in leadership have shown me and given me the 'real thing': consistent shepherding. And...accountability as I study the Word. First, I study at home with a study guide. Then, I meet with my core group to go over the study guide. Finally there is a short lecture on the meaning of that day's verses and how they apply to us today. When I leave, I feel like I have been surrounded with a shield of love and grace as we have delve into the word of God together each week.

Today, I started my second year of study. I am still experiencing the 'real thing' as well as giving back what I am learning to others. This year, I was also asked to joined the leadership team and work in the children's department. WOW! A double portion. Let the learning begin!

Are you experiencing the 'real thing'? Are you making time for quality Bible study on a regular basis? Some are able to be in a faith-filled group while others have no choice but to study the Word individually. Either way, your purpose will be the same: drawing closer to God through His Word as well as learning to listen to His Spirit. This is the only way to get through these tough times with victory. I pray the only question you are considering now is: Where do I want to begin? You may need to seek help but DON'T GIVE UP! 

There are tons of resources online. I use Blue Letter Bible to help me with my search for the truth between the verses. I have learned so much lately and the Scriptures are coming to life. I know it will happen for you too if you DON"T GIVE UP!!

Thoughts on Revelations

In August of last year, I asked the Lord where He wanted me to go in my Bible Study time. He lead me the Community Bible Study in my area. This is an international group whose mission is to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in our community through in-depth Bible study for all. They do not try to persuade anyone to believe a certain way but encourage everyone to pray and seek the Holy Spirit as each lesson is done.

When I went to the first class, I found out we were studying Revelations. I thought, Oh My! I’m not sure I want to study that book with all of the difficult imagery and the destruction of the world. Then,I thought it best to trust God’s leading.

At each meeting, we met in small core groups to discuss any insights we may have gotten when answering the questions in the workbook. Then there was a corporate meeting where there was teaching on how the scriptures from that day’s study applied to us today. I gain some wonderful insights as well as a sober mindset on future events.

Thoughts to Ponder

This is our Heavenly Father’s world and He is in complete control of all events. God is a God of love and mercy but He also requires that justice be served for the life each one of us has lived. If we have not accepted Jesus’s blood sacrifice for our sins, then we will have paid the penalty of rejecting Him ourselves.

Am I witnessing to others while there is still time?

There will be a collapse of life, as we know it today. The tribulation will be a time of intense testing and prosecution as never before for those who remain on the earth. We do not like to think about God allowing these catastrophic events. However, each step is necessary for the last of the decisions for Christ to be made and for God’s kingdom to come on the earth. Christians may go through some strong prosecution before the Rapture, but I believe we will be spared the brunt of the trials and testing.

Am I really ready for Christ’s return by following His directives or am I allowing worldly wisdom to influence most of my decisions?

The ending of Revelations is the greatest of all. Evil is banished forever, we are rewarded for what we have done in our lives, and best of all, we get to go and spend eternity with Him. What a blessed hope we have to ponder, as we face our present circumstances. There will come a time when God will say enough, call us home, and close the end of this age.

Have you thought about how amazing heaven is going to be lately? Are you looking forward to Jesus Christ return? Are you learning how to live in His Presence to overcome whatever lies ahead? I pray we all come to more of the knowledge of the Truth as we walk on towards eternity.