Bible Study

I remember when I asked those who read my blog before the New Year in 2021 to join me on their knees to bring in the New Year and to speak prosperity, love, and peace over themselves and their loved ones. Here it is 2024 and Bible Study has continued, but it has not continued without its challenges. It is kind of funny how even when communing with other Christians, the devil has a way of showing up, even if it is for a minute. I was and still am determined not to be caught off guard when my focus is on the Lord. However, he got me one Saturday, and I caught him the next time he tried to interject.

My older sisters have always had a problem with me and my younger sister, we do not know what the problem is, so we say, “It is between them and God” and we leave it there. But what I will not allow is them to steal the Lord’s time or to attack me when it is undeserving. Anyways, on Saturday, one of my older sisters showed up and she proceeded to bring in garbage that I do not directly recall right now. Still, somehow the argument ensued until I ended it by saying, we are done discussing this right now. She neglected to show up to another Bible Study session because “Rhonda cuts me short and does not allow me to speak my mind,” is what she told my mother. It is not that I will not allow her to speak her mind, because the point of Bible Study is to bring our personal experiences into how the Bible is fulfilling itself. Just as Jonah ran in the Bible, I run today from God when there is something that I do not want to do but He calls me to do it.

Then my aunt used to show up to Bible Study. She brought up the past which is a sore spot for my mother and contorted some facts that my eldest sister was not willing to let go. My eldest sister and aunt began to argue over the past when I interjected, “We can discuss family matters after Bible Study.” Everyone got quiet we proceeded and when it ended so did the attendance of that aunt. However, I later learned that it was because of “Rhonda” that she stopped showing up.

Then my eldest sister who used to show up every Saturday, became spotty in her attendance then stopped showing up. Now her attendance is sporadic. However, I still show up.

The only ones still showing up faithfully and loyally are myself and my mother. We enjoy the company of each other and the lessons from the Word. We enjoy hearing each other’s testimonies and tribulations because we know that God is great and will bring us out of all things! We continue to pray for the family while not indulging in their problems.

Some major lessons have come out of hosting and continuing Bible Study which I will share.

1. When God calls you to continue, you must continue. There have been so many times in which I said, “I should not show up,” and then find myself joining the Google Meets because I feel that I am missing something that God needs me to know. Even when I have appointments I find time to make it, it has become something that has to be done on Saturday at 10 am and I feel so much better afterward. There are tears of release sometimes and laughs of joy and always praise given to God for being who He Is.
2. The devil can show up too. It was amazing that the devil thought he could cause corruption during a time that was dedicated to God. I am so glad that I recognized him and put him in his place, outside of our Bible Study, there is no place for evil, disruption, distraction, hatred, jealousy, or lies during that time. It is important to remember that the devil can intercede in anyone at any time, and while many people may say he’s there to cause lies, sometimes if the truth causes pain he will force true feelings out of the one being interceded. While I know my sisters have a problem with me, I will still love them but I will not be a part of their mess while they straighten out their problems.
3. Communing with other Christians, reminds one that they are not isolated or their problems are not unique. One of the tricks of the devil is to convince Christians and the human race that they are alone, when in fact Christians and people are not. The devil will also try and convince one that one’s problems are unique to only them and no one else has ever experienced something similar, when in fact that is not true. Why, does he want to convince one that one is alone? So that it is easier to fall victim to his tricks, manipulate, and isolate one from love.
4. Life is a consistent battle, that must be fought spiritually. Every day, one is faced with so many choices, and there is either right or wrong, no gray space. Christians must wear the Armor of God at all times, and be prepared to battle at any time, in any place.

In conclusion, it is imperative to be on guard at all times and to remain faithful and loyal to Christ, who is being served. Garbage has no place during the Lord’s time and it will remain that way. If I am the reason why one stops showing up, one has larger problems as no one should be able to separate one from the Lord.

Remember, pray about all things and speak life!