Renfer, Kara

Name:  Kara Renfer

Host:  Stephanie Renfer

City/State:  Ferndale, California 

Why I Love the Bee:

The Bible Bee is the tool that God has used in my life to draw me into a deeper relationship with Him.  Without participating in the Bible Bee, I would definitely not be at the place I am now spiritually.  It has been so exciting and encouraging to look back since the first year I participated, and see how I’ve grown and matured in my relationship with God over these past 6 years that I have been involved.  Being immersed in the Bible through memorization and study has not only increased my knowledge of God, but has also changed me and given me a desire to become more and more like Christ and to honor Him with my life, thus reaping benefits that will last forever.  I am so grateful to the Lord for directing me and my sisters (and our entire family as a whole) into this wonderful program that has played such a huge role in our spiritual lives.  The Bible Bee has also taught me very good study and memorization tools, which will be useful as I continue to study the Word of God throughout my entire life.  And last but not least (since I’m sure God wants us to enjoy studying His Word), Bible Bee is FUN! J  There are so many fun things about the Bee: meeting and fellowshipping with like-minded people that value God’s Word, making forever friends from all over the U.S., having discussions with Bible Bee friends about what’s being studied, and the competition!  I know, the competition is the nerve-racking part…but it really is fun, and without it, I definitely would not have memorized so many verses nor studied a passage/book so in-depth (and I’m sure others would agree with me J)!  Because of our human nature, the competition aspect makes us go farther than we would’ve ever had without it!  But even though Bible Bee is fun, encouraging, and motivates me to attain more than I ever thought was possible, the most important thing is that it has given me tools to study God’s Word and has deepened my relationship with Him, which is what matters the most and will last forever!  

My Favorite Verse and Why:

Like many Bible Bee participants, I do not have one favorite verse.  However, one of the verses from this year’s National passages that I have really enjoyed is Isaiah 6:1-5 (ESV):

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.  Above him stood the seraphim.  Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.  And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;  the whole earth is full of his glory!”  And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.  And I said, “Woe is me!  For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

The great and awesome majesty and glory of God—the King, the Lord of hosts—really popped out at me in these verses, and I really enjoy reciting this passage with drama, enthusiasm, and expressiveness. 

Why I Would Encourage Others to Get Involved:

Christian young people in this present age need to have the correct skills in order to deeply study the Eternal Word, rightly dividing it, and using it as the light and lamp for their feet/lives in this corrupt world. (Psalm 119:105)  If Christians know the Word of God well, they will not so easily fall into ungodliness and the temptations of the world.  The Bible Bee will help you to do this, by getting you into studying and memorizing the Bible in a deep and fun way.  And, because you are memorizing and inductively studying the Active and Living Word of God, you will be thus transformed and changed, and will gain a deeper knowledge of and relationship with the Triune God.  You will also obtain the tools you need to fight the good fight, take hold of the eternal life, finish the race, and keep the faith that is so crucial for your eternal destination. (1 Timothy 6:12 & 2 Timothy 4:7)

So, will you join me, as together we store up God’s Word in our hearts and minds in order that we may follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?  Let us equip ourselves for action to defend the truth of Jesus against the Evil One, the deceiver of the whole world, wielding the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God!  But how can we use our Great Sword, unless we study and deeply know it?  

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

~ Hebrews 4:12