Time for Lunch: An Intentional Bible Study for Busy Hearts

 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

This past spring, I visited New York City for the first time. It blew my mind to see the skyscrapers and buildings that I’d only read about. The Statue of Liberty. Wall Street. The Met. Walking through Central Park and the Natural History Museum. Going down into the caverns of the 9/11 Museum. Getting a migraine at a Yankees game while sitting 7 rows from the loudspeakers (the game was totally worth it!).

But the thing that blew my mind the most were the people. From the moment I stepped on the subway to the time I boarded the ferry (and all the sidewalks and museums and stadiums between), I was surrounded by people. For a small-town girl, this was overwhelming, and I couldn’t stop staring. (I know, that’s the #1 thing you’re not supposed to do!) So many different people, so many different ethnicities and languages in one place. They wore clothing I’d never seen before and had technology that hadn’t hit my corner of the world yet. I felt like Rip Van Winkle seeing the world years more advanced than what I knew back home. It was amazing!

So, I stared. A lot.

And no one seemed to notice or care because nearly everyone was glued to their phones. The thick green lawns of Central Park were filled with hundreds of people lounging on blankets or park benches as they watched their phones. The Natural History Museum was filled with visitors scrolling their phones who looked like they belonged in a Modern Human display. In the Yankees Stadium, I was surrounded by baseball fans texting, watching videos, taking selfies, and playing games on their phones while the most exciting game of the season happened below.

I’m not opposed to modern technology, but anyone can see that it’s headed in a concerning direction. Life seems to be getting harder, not easier, and people constantly work to improve, improvise, or ignore problems as the race accelerates. The pursuit of happiness is just that: constant pursuit. Yet even though there are many things of this world that bring happiness, it was never designed to be the source. Isaiah 40:8 reminds us, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” And Psalm 36:9 states, “For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” In his Confessions, Augustine describes, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

Being glued to our phones or other electronic devices isn’t inherently sinful. The issue is deeper than simply right or wrong. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 hits the heart: “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.”

Think about screen time. Where do we go, and why do we spend time there? Are we compromising because of how something makes us feel? Do we justify escaping when surrounded by others on their phones? Are we being dragged down or built up? Do we feel depressed by what we can’t have or content with what we do? Are we influencers for Christ in the world, or are we influenced by the world and lukewarm towards Christ? Are we escaping the craziness of life into the craziness of our phones?

The wisest man on earth once said, “There is an appointed time for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and the apostle Paul concurs in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil.”  

Jesus tells us where true escape is found: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29). He prays for His disciples (and for those who follow Him), that “they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one…Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:13b-15, 17).  

The apostle Paul lived in a world marked by hedonism and power struggles much like ours. He describes spiritual renewal as an active purifying process where Jesus sanctifies us “by the washing of water with the word” (Eph. 5:26).

The apostle Peter understood constant upheaval as fellow Christians were scattered by persecution. But instead of escape, he calls them to “long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord” (1 Peter 2:2-3).

Where do we find strength to resist sin and cope with the hectic demands of the day? Jesus answers in Matthew 4:4 with, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Without spiritual strength, we will suffer.

 

NOT YOUR AVERAGE LUNCH

About ten years ago, I went through a heavy season of depression as I worked through a bunch of tough stuff in life. I found myself seeking escape in unprofitable ways as I tried to stay afloat. How do you avoid drowning in your thoughts? By focusing elsewhere. But during the night when I couldn’t escape, all those suppressed thoughts returned. I often woke up exhausted from night terrors, my brain foggy as I tried to sort fiction from reality. I knew that my soul was weak and vulnerable, but I also believed that Christ held the answer somehow.

Through biblical counseling and the regular means of grace at my church, I discovered that God’s word was sufficient for everything I was going through. It became a lifeline at a time when everything I knew was flipped upside-down.

My soul wanted the Bible. It was the only solid and truthful reality in my life. The problem was finding a Bible reading plan. I struggled to retain anything after reading large chunks of Scripture. Daily devotionals worked well for an extra boost but often lacked depth and hopped all over the place, which made life feel even more chaotic. Weekly small group studies gave a general overview of themes and practical application, but what about the details? And who decided that 12 weeks was the perfect length of time for studying any given book of the Bible, regardless of that book’s length?

I finally landed on the Journible method by Reformation Heritage Books where I wrote Bible verses on one side of the page and jotted down my thoughts on the other side. It gave me an attainable goal and forced me to process God’s word slowly. After a while, I realized I was retaining Scripture better, and my hunger grew as providentially I read exactly what I needed every day.

As you’d expect, it took a while to get through books when digested only a handful of verses at a time. For example, it took 1 ½ years to get through the Psalms, and six months through Leviticus, which felt like torture some days. But there’s an African proverb that says, “The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.” Why did I feel the need to hurry anyway? This crazy life expects us to meet deadlines and stay on schedule, but God doesn’t work that way. He feeds us His way in His timing by His word. So don’t rush the process.

I wanted to share this Bible study method with others like me who struggle with spiritual lukewarmness and find themselves easily distracted by escaping or struggling in the craziness of life. I know there are many Bible studies out there already, which is great! I’m not trying to replace what’s already available, so think of it as a lunch option, not a diet plan. Each “lunch” is short and intended for daily reading. Check it out!

The Sandwich – The Scripture passage (usually 5-7 verses).

Tidbits – Fun facts, connections between the context and other Scripture passages, or pointing out a small key point.

Ruminate – A simple commentary on the Bible passage.

Seeing the Bread of Life – How these verses compare with Jesus and other New Testament connections.

Food for Thought – Real life application from the verses.

One of the dangers of going this slowly is that when we study only a few verses at a time, we will miss the bigger context. On the flipside, if we focus only on bigger themes and contexts, we will miss the details. The Lunchbox method studies a handful of verses at a time and connects it with bigger themes, so you don’t miss the forest for the trees. I’ve also designed it to be short, so next time you take a break, your soul can eat lunch too.

 

COME TO THE FOOD TRUCK

The “sandwich” portion of the Lunchbox study is the most important part because it’s God’s word verse-by-verse. I use the New American Standard Version which is translated into American English from the original Hebrew and Greek texts, but you can follow along with a different version if you prefer. The rest of the study is like potato chips or fruit salad. They aren’t the main course but support healthy digestion of the text.

Maybe you’re wondering who might benefit from this type of Bible study. I originally designed it for teenagers and new Christians. I’ve also found it to be helpful for:

·         Those who struggle with depression or discouragement. God’s word is a lifeline when we’re falling apart. The Lunchbox project provides an achievable goal to pursue God’s word and cope with life more profitably.

·         Those who want faithful Bible study resources. The Lunchbox method is like a study Bible, except it focuses on one book at a time. I use the “exegesis” approach to Scripture, which submits to the word of God as the sole authority and starting point for interpretation. Exegesis looks at the historical culture, grammatical structure, original audience, language, geography, and timeline, including the underlying basis that all Scripture is fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Luke 24:44-47).

·         Those who are young in the faith. We live in an increasingly secular culture and shouldn’t assume that new Christians know the fundamentals of the Bible. This Lunchbox project explains the Bible for anyone’s benefit. It’s intended to whet the appetite for further study of God’s word.

·         Those who teach their families. Many families want better Bible study resources for home school, family Bible time, and discipleship. This Lunchbox project connects the dots between the Bible and Jesus and real life without skipping the hard parts, which is helpful for those awkward questions that inevitably arise.

·         Those who are mature in the faith. Life is a journey of unexpected joys and trials and doesn’t get easier as we age. Sometimes our faith feels like two steps forward, one step back. This Lunchbox project revives our hearts to love God’s word no matter what season we’re in.

My goal is to start with some of the lesser-known books of the Bible. Right now, 1 & 2 Samuel are in the works! Life was crazy in the ancient world too – wars, adultery, murders, business dealings, political intrigue. 1 & 2 Samuel encourage us to see shadows of hope in Jesus through God’s plan in the real lives and real faith of ordinary people. 

I’m planning to post these on my Substack for now, and we’ll see where God leads. You can also follow the Lunchbox Bible Study on Facebook and Instagram.

In the Valley of the Shadow

 

IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW

Why do I keep getting pulled down under?

Why can’t I maintain a sense of wonder?

Where is the joy that I once displayed

At the power of God to raise from the grave?

Is my heart so hard or my sin so big

That I cry like the prodigal mixed with the pigs?

Why do I weep when the sun shines bright

And the birds sing sweet in the morning light?

Why do I feel every tremor of pain

From life in a world that is marked by strain?

 

Is there a friend when I’m sinking down?

Have I done some sin to deserve God’s frown?

Is His arm so short that it cannot save?

Does the Lord not see me in the waves?

Here in the valley lower and lower,

Why does the silence pull me under?

Instead of an answer to my sighs

The God of creation opens my eyes.

The problem is not that I know such pain;

The problem is when I ignore what’s plain.

 

Why does the sun come up each morning?

Why does His kindness keep outpouring?

Why is God here in the darkest night?

As a beacon of hope and steadfast light?

Why do the sparrows fly in number?

Why do the seasons help me remember?

Why do I hurt, yet Your strong arm keeps

And Your strong arm holds,

And Your strong arm seeks?

When I get pulled down, I can see Your heart,

And Your mercy vows it will not depart.

 

You’re here in the dark and in the light;

You’re here in the pit and in the heights;

You’re here in the sea and on the land;

You won’t let go; I’m in Your hand.

Doesn’t the Potter shape the clay?

Doesn’t the Shepherd seek the stray?

Doesn’t the Father give what’s good?

Doesn’t the King deliver you?

How does a Savior heal my soul?

Praise to the God who’s making me whole. 

Book Review: True Betrayal by Brad Hambrick (New Growth Press, 2025)

 

              Over the past couple weeks, I read the book, True Betrayal: 9 Steps for Processing Your Spouse’s Infidelity by Brad Hambrick (published by New Growth Press, ©2025). I initially read this book for two reasons: 1) To review as a possibility for our church library; and 2) To be better equipped to help others and deal with betrayal that hits every marriage in various degrees.

           The book has many good points, and its structure is designed for small groups, which is very helpful. I appreciated the detailed 9-Step program that sympathized with the agony of marital betrayal and pursues reconciliation in a God-honoring way despite sexual infidelity. The 9 Steps are summarized as: preparing oneself to face betrayal and suffering from a Christian worldview, acknowledging the history and realness of suffering, understanding the impact of suffering, making sense of the suffering story, mourning over sin and receiving God’s comfort, learning my gospel story, identifying goals to fight the impact of suffering, persevering in new normal, and stewarding life for God’s glory. Two sections are included at the end of the book, one for G4 leaders on leading this topic and the other for talking with children about sexual sin in the family.

                The biggest problem with this book is its lack of emphasis on the sufficiency of Scripture and God as the starting point for healing the situation and changing sinners. One of the largest themes in the Bible is the picture of marriage in the reality of the gospel and the Lord’s relationship with sinners who frequently betray their Creator and one another. The Old Testament uses the example of marital infidelity to describe Israel’s broken covenant and adulterous relationship against the Lord with sin and pagan idolatry, and the New Testament shows the solution which brings sinners to God through reconciliation, forgiveness, salvation, and love through Jesus Christ, the faithful Husband of God’s people.

These themes should be emphasized with someone who’s experienced betrayal in marriage. They need reassurance that their feelings are normal, that they’re not crazy, that they’re not alone and can safely process the betrayal with other Christians, but it needs to go further into restored reassurance of identity in Christ, reality of truth according to God’s word, and understanding the Bible’s sufficiency for the entire situation.  

In True Betrayal, these themes are referred to but never really expounded on. Overall, the Bible seems to be supportive of the author’s counsel, not the other way around. The Bible is referenced in each chapter, especially in Steps 4-6, but not every usage is contextually applied, and most of the book processes betrayal according to steps or False Love, a G4 study for the adulterer. Restoring trust in God and connections to Jesus and the gospel aren’t addressed until the middle of the book.

                For example, on p. 57, “You should have as much hope as your spouse is honest.” This quote is part of the benefits of disclosure and measuring the hope of a marriage. The author claims that the power of God is “not an effective gauge” but rather the honesty of a spouse. He continues on p. 60 that the basis of increased closeness is truth between the spouses. Certainly, truth is important for increased closeness, but the basis of closeness is truth through Jesus Christ, and a personal relationship with Him. P. 61 says, “A full disclosure provides a substantive foundation for your spouse to engage in the process of marital restoration.” Though full disclosure is an indication of humble repentance, the foundation must be greater than a person’s actions. The “substantive foundation” must be God’s word and the Spirit’s work through repentance and faith in both the one betrayed and the traitor. Full disclosure is obviously a desired result.

                The author gives a confusing view of God in our suffering on p. 133, “You will be able to receive the compassion and comfort God has wanted to provide but was hindered by your suffering story.” I agree that vulnerability to the Lord exposes shame and guilt, and Jesus is a compassionate Savior who heals the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. I agree that fear can keep us in bondage to shame, but God’s compassion and comfort is not dependent on our vulnerability. He sovereignly works in circumstances to draw us to Himself. He’s not “hindered” by anything we feel or do.

                P. 153: “But God is the ultimate gentleman, honoring us at every stage of our journey…All God desires of us is faithfulness.” It’s true that when we’re grieving, we’re in a lot of pain, and unable to think clearly sometimes. Small tasks can be overwhelming, and shame can be so heavy. The Lord is the Good Shepherd who walks slowly for suffering sheep, as the author noted, but God also gives supernatural strength when we suffer. He binds up their wounds and restores the joy of their salvation. We aren’t honored at every stage of our journey. Rather, God treasures us, and He’s honored at every stage as He works all things for our good and His glory.

                The more I read this book, the more I felt like I was being manipulated to play mind games with myself and my spouse. On p. 178, “Repetition is a key difference between merely passing a theology quiz and embracing a new narrative.” The article “a” allows for other key differences, but faith isn’t mentioned at all. Repetition might get you in a calmer mental state and establish good habits, but it can also subtly replace the Lord as our refuge. Telling yourself truth over and over will help you believe it, but anyone could do the same with a lie. We must embrace Jesus Christ as our identity, not a new narrative, and apply His word to our hearts in heart-searching, intentional ways, not merely repetition. When a person is drowning emotionally, repetition can be helpful through Scripture memorization and prayer, but repetition is not helpful as self-help mantras.

The author continues on p. 178, “Embracing a redemptive narrative for your life is more than simply naming lies and articulating corresponding truths. It’s about resting in the new truths you’ve come to understand and muffling the lies that echo in our mind.” And how would we do that if there’s little mention of resting in Jesus, trusting in the Lord with all our heart, filtering everything through the objective word of God, etc.? The feelings of betrayal erupt at the hardest times, and no matter how much you rest in truth and muffle lies, your efforts are nothing without the presence of Jesus Christ and the armor of God to resist the devil who fuels the lies. It’s not willpower over lies; it’s Christ over all.

                The chapter on trust (p. 200) starts with trust between spouses and reestablishing in better, healthier ways what’s been lost. He goes through 10 stages of trust, timetables and trust, and sex and trust. I would agree that these are crucial topics, and conflicting emotions are a huge part of processing them, but why isn’t trusting God the basis for reestablishing trust patterns with a spouse? “By the end of the progression [of trust], your marriage should be as intimate (if not more) than it has ever been…If you communicate well, your enjoyment of sex will return” (p. 205). And what if you have the best communication in the world, yet sexual enjoyment doesn’t return? Deeper struggles with trusting God in these areas must be addressed, yet the chapter is silent, though there’s plenty of validating conflicting emotions with some Scriptural principles thrown in as “how to’s.” This would be discouraging for someone who may be following the “steps” as a recipe for success.

                I was interested in reading the appendix on talking to children about sexual sin in their parents or family members because this is important for a family’s hope and healing. P. 252, “The biggest damage that has been done is undermining the child’s sense of security at home and definition of love.” I would agree that damage has been done, but how does the Bible repair the damage? The goals are addressed, as are the do’s and don’t’s of what to say. Having a plan, dealing with the emotional maturity of children, how to talk with various ages of children is explained, even walking through the conversation with adult children is included, but this section falls short. Where is the hope of the gospel? How can parents answer the deepest questions of a child, not just “address those deepest questions”? How can the sinning parent reconcile with a child, not just acknowledge their emotions and give them time?

                On a positive note, the book does an excellent job referring the reader (and group members) to local churches for fellowship and accountability, rather than staying primarily in “True Betrayal” groups. It’s clear that identity is bigger than a broken marriage, and the body of Christ can provide balanced help and hope in the Christian life.

                Overall, the book wasn’t unhelpful if you’re looking for some practical tips to walk through betrayal in marriage, but it fell flat because the Bible wasn’t foundational to the counseling format. It put all the secondary practical helps as the foundation, and the foundation of Scripture as the secondary help. True hope for betrayal doesn’t start with a 9-step process or better communication with a spouse or acknowledging a suffering story. It starts by connecting Jesus Christ to the situation, redefining “safe place” in Jesus and His word, and reestablishing faith and repentance through His word. Only when we’re stabilized here will the practical helps be profitable, and our suffering stories not overwhelm.