Learnable Bible Study Podcast

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

When you say yes do you really mean it? Today we would be looking at following through on our yes in Matthew 21:28-32 The text is a parable: What is a parable? A parable is a story with an heavenly meaning A parable is a succinct made up story designed to illustrate a lesson through comparison. Parables have human characters. When you hear the story, you can relate it to your own life. A parable conveys a message of truth.

Are events really unprecedented?

Who do you get alongside with? Who gets alongside you? What are the qualities of an ally?

Exploring the life of Achsah, the only daughter of Caleb. We see how she persuaded her father with appreciation and strong reasons among other things to get what she wanted.

Have someone done something for you or have you received something that was so on point that you can't but think I have to repay this person one way or the other. This was exactly how Prophet Elisha felt. In episode “116_ A gift with no strings attached” we see how prophet Elisha became a beneficiary of a great gift from the Shunamite woman. In our study today, we would look at Elisha's reaction.

A journey of purpose begin but with the instructions not complete. How will you handle the journey

Jesus said to do good and invite to our parties those who will not be able to return the favour. A gift with no string attached. We would be exploring a lady who gave such a gift in this 1st part of this 3 part series on the Shunammite woman. In this study, the tools we would use for this study are Who, What, When, Where, and How tool What does it mean? How does it apply to me today? So let's dig in and turn the bible to 2 Kings 4: 8 - 13

But Jesus died last year during Easter. Why does he have to die again this year? This was a question put to me by one of the under 5 years children in Sunday school. Today let's discover why we have Easter every year from Exodus 12: 26-28 So let's turn the bible to Exodus 12: 26-28 Here God instituted the Passover feast which is a parallel for the Easter celebration of the redemption of mankind to God for as many as believed and acted. In the Passover, the children of Israel had to use the blood of lamb on their doors and windowsill to be part taker of the redemption God was bringing. In Easter we have to believe in the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, this was a feast the Israelites were to celebrate annually. In the bid to explain the annual remembrance of important things in our lives like Easter, the annual celebration of birthdays. Other celebrations we do annually are Anniversaries, Christmas, independence day etc. If it's important we tend to recall it and the importance of it remains fresh in our mind. Leviticus 23 shows the 7 feasts the Lord instituted for the Israelites. These feasts were to be carried out annually except the sabbath which is weekly. Have you ever wondered why we need to celebrate these feasts annually? It serves 2 purposes One it is as a reminder for the adult generation and a learning for the children. With each year, there is a consolidation of the knowledge of the reason for Easter celebrations. Looking at our text Exodus: 12: 26 26 And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?' 27 then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.'” Then the people bowed down and worshiped. Children will always ask question after question when something is happening around them. The celebration of this season is a teachable moment for all involved, both the children and the adults. As we see from Exodus 12 one of the reasons for the annual celebration of the feast is because God knew that the children would ask questions which would make the reason for the celebration alive and active in the minds of both the adult and children. As I do a throwback of different Easter celebration I remember, There was a year when it was the activities of the event leading to the cross that took my attention. In my teenage years it was the words on the cross that took my attention. At another time it was the persons mentioned. As a young adult it was the crowd in Jerusalem who shouted “crucify him”. As a child I didn't just discover the different elements of Easter, rather it was my Sunday school teachers and adults around me that pointed out different things about Easter from questions asked. And with each year even to now God unfolds the mystery of Easter each year to me and to you. As you celebrate Easter this year, remember to point out the different elements of the season to the younger ones around you. I pray as we read and celebrate Easter May we receive a fresh revelation from Jesus Christ. The Lord our redeemer about Easter Amen.

Psalm 84

Wisdom! The Cambridge dictionary describes wisdom as the ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good decisions and judgments. The book of James 3 in the Holy Bible tells us there are two types of wisdom, one is demonic and the other is godly. Today let's discover godly wisdom from James 3:17 So let's turn the bible to James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. There are 8 attributes James uses to qualify godly wisdom Pure: Wisdom that is morally and spiritually sound not corrupted by self interest. Peaceably: Wisdom which is not contentious or quarrelsome rather free from strife. When the judgement or decision made brings peace. Gentle: This is when good judgement is kind, or tender temperament not violent. When being carried out Willing to yield: Not rigid. Not saying my way or the highway. Being open to listen to what others have to say Full of mercy: Wisdom is forgiving. Letting someone off the hook Good fruits: Wisdom produces good outcomes Impartiality: Wisdom does not show favouritism Without hypocrisy: Wisdom is trustworthiness, truthfulness, and honesty it is not self-serving.

The success and posterity of a king is based on 3 things he should not do. Let's discover these 3 things as we look at Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Do not stay stagnant, get up.

Jealousy's antidote! Have you ever been jealousy of a person before? How did you overcome the jealous? Or are you still battling with the emotions of Jealousy? In today's study, we would look at a well known passage of scripture. Let's turn the bible to Genesis 37. In this passage, we see the family of Jacob that they are now receding in Canaan land the land God promised to Abraham's descendant. Jacob had 12 sons. From our previous episode 094 and episode 095 we see that Rachel has 2 sons for Jacob and their names were Joseph and Benjamin. We have a free resource on our website titled “Learning the Acts of Gratitude” you can either go to the resource page on the damselwrites/simplymo.co.uk website to download your copy or click on this link.

When we think or talk about lent, we normally see this as a time of giving up one thing or the other. In today's study we would look at Luke 4:1-13 The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where he gave up food for 40 days. At the end of the 40 days He was tempted by the devil and it is His reply that begins to show what is gained during a period of fasting. Purpose Knowledge of the word and power Wisdom on how to use power He knew who He was and did not have to proof himself to no one. A knowledge of the word of God, and detailed when some tries to bend God's word t their personal advantages Jesus came into the world to reconcile the world back to God. When the devil tried to deceive Him that there was a short cut. The devil could not reconcile the human race to God in the first place. So what he was offering Jesus was a lie. He wanted Jesus to give what should be only given to God . Worship. The period of fasting brings a clarity of what needs to be done and the path that needs to be taken. The path to worship God alone and not look for short cuts. An assurance of who you are. An assurance of who God has called you to be. Do not try to proof that to anyone. Jesus did not need proof this to the devil, or anyone. He knew who He was. And the evidence we see in scripture was His obedience to the calling of God, His Actions. Our obedience to God is our assurance. When we weigh the things given up to the thing gained. We can begin to look at the time of lent as not a time of giving things up rather a time where we cultivate a deeper relationship with God. And a clearer path to take.

Are you good at waiting? And what do you do while waiting? Today we would be looking at Matthew 25:1-13 The text is a parable: What is a parable? A parable is a story with an heavenly meaning A parable is a succinct made up story designed to illustrate a lesson through comparison. Parables have human characters. When you hear the story, you can relate it to your own life. A parable conveys a message of truth

Do not be distracted. Focusing on Jesus.

To be rich towards God is to invest in the worth of one's soul, to place importance on eternity. To look beyond one's self alone and cater for the needs of the poor in the capacity one has. The man who asked Jesus the question might have thought he had little but he could still be of help to another. And Jesus tells this parable, the rich man here has a lot and he still did not think of others or bless God. Being rich towards God is not a measure of the quantity of money or resources one has, it is sharing with the poor out of whatever resources that one has. Jesus' parable teaches us that we don't have to wait to become rich before we are generous but rather generosity is a state of mind. It is firstly attributing what one has to God's provision and sharing with others who don't have. How are you investing for eternity?

How do you approach the Bible? Want to understand its treasures? This episode will give you simple tools for digging deep into the Bible.

What type of thinker are you? Do you use logic or imagination or linear or lateral? Today we would explore a Samaritan man. So let's dig in and turn the bible to Luke 17:11-19 Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, 10 men who were ill cried out to Him for help. When Jesus saw them, He asked them to show themselves to the priest. The law in Israel was, when people are healed of leprosy they had to go to the priest who examines them and certify that they have been healed and can return back to their family, friends and community. As these men went to show themselves to the priest, they came to the realization that they were healed. O what a miracle and elation they must have felt. One of the men came back praising God and thanking Jesus for his healing. Jesus noted that the man was a Samaritan. Why was the nationality of this thankful man important? Jesus inferred that the one person that returned to give appreciation was the foreigner among the men who was healed. The Samaritan tribe was estrange to the Jewish people. Within the then Jewish community they perceived the Samaritans were not a pure race like the Jews. These 10 men approached Jesus, having a knowledge of the things Jesus had been doing in the community. And knowing He had the capability to heal them. They also would have known He was a Jew. I wondered why the other 9 Jewish men did not return to say thank you. Why was it only the foreigner among them that returned? Could it have been an issue of entitlement or deserving? This grateful Samaritan man did not feel entitled to the miracle- that is why he returned to say thank you. Entitlement means the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment. Access all that you have gone through this year and evaluate things. We take stock of the goals we set ourselves at the beginning of the year and then compare them to if we achieved or progressed on our way to achieve our dreams and goals. Are we where we want to be? If we take a good look at ourselves, are we entitled to all that we are or have or don't have? But as we reflect, we also need to take inventory of how many meals have we had? How many liters of water did we drink? How many nights did we sleep? How many times did our heart beat? Taking stock is about the incoming and the outgoing. It should be about those things we received as well. So what is our stature as we reflect on this year? Thanksgiving is humbling ourselves to say we didn't do it all by ourselves. It is acknowledging that we had help. It is saying God you helped me and I am grateful for it. Not because I deserve it but because You choose to bless me. The Samaritan man who went back to thank Jesus got additional blessing from Him. Growing up my mum always said this “ A child who remembers to says thank you for the gift she received yesterday would receive another blessing” Whatever this year may have been to you, look laterally and give thanks. If you are reading or listening, then you have received far more than you have given and so I would encourage you to return thanks to God. God bless. And Have a happy new year.

What were your earliest scriptures that talked about Christmas? This passage is one the first scriptures of Christmas that I committed to memory as a child. While I did not understand it, it seemed like a mystery. I thought the passage was about Jesus but it was not like in the story format that the gospels tell us about Jesus' birth and the events that occurred. Today we would exploring Isaiah 9.6–7 How does it apply to me today? This passage is about the prophecy of Jesus Christ and His kingdom. But how does it apply to you and me today? This passage brought hope to those who lived before the fulfilment of this prophecy and it also gives hope to us who live after the fufillment of this prophecy. It gives us the hope of the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. We daily need guidance in little decisions, big decisions and life changing decisions. But to whom do you turn to for counsel? God himself offers us His counsel. Do we turn to Jesus to receive counsel, advice, guidance, direction, instruction, information, and enlightenment about our decisions? Or do we decide by ourselves or watch what others are doing. We have the hope to make the right decision all the time, if we just turn to the wonderful counsellor for it. We have hope in the Mighty God The quest for the good to win over the bad is internal cry and desire of all humans. We see this in our folk tales, stories and movies. We always want the good guys to win. When we bring it to reality, it sometimes seems that the good guys do not always win and it brings questions to our heart. There is hope in this as the Mighty God rules in the affairs of men. While the logic of things may seem out of place from our own view, when have hope because the Mighty God who is invariably God is in charge. We have hope in the Everlasting Father. The owner and the one who created all things. To provide and care for us. His fatherhood of us is not time bound but timeless. His eternal fatherhood provides, protects and enables us to be who He created us to be. Our identity and purpose stems from Him. If ever the question, why am I here crosses your mind? You need to look to the eternal father We have hope in the Prince of Peace. He gives us peace within and without John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. As we celebrate the fulfilment of this prophecy in Isaiah 9 this Christmas, let our hearts be filled with hope. As we have been given the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. Let us receive Him into our hearts and life and share this hope with those around us. Merry Christmas

I have 6 legs, two boggling eyes yet an empire I can build. Let's explore this 6 legged creature as we explore Proverbs 6 In this study, the tools we would use for this study are Who, What, When, Where, and How tool What does it mean? How does it apply to me today? So let's dig in and turn the bible to Proverbs 6: 6 Who, What, When, Where, and How tool In this verse, we have two characters, the ant and the sluggard. The sluggard is asked to go and observe or study the way ant behave and learn. Be wise to use the information gotten from the ant. The ant an insect would be the teacher and the sluggard a human being would be the student What does (this passage ) mean? Let's take a closer look at the ant What are the ways of the ant Scientists estimate there are more than 12,000 species of ants worldwide The ants work together (team) The ant also plans for the future. Instead of putting off tasks, the ant works in a proper and timely way. The ant sources (looks for ) its food in the summer, and gathers food in the harvest. The ant though tiny, through teamwork , unity and collaborative effort is able to achieve their goals. The ant does not work in isolation but rather surrounds itself with other ants with like purpose The ant is diligent Who is a sluggard: A sluggard is a lazy, sluggish person. The Synonyms we would often use these days for a sluggard are deadbeat, sitdone look, do-nothing, layabout, lazybones, How does it apply to me today? If you were to do a360 degree appraisl review on yourself covering all aspect of your life where would you stand? Close to the ant or the sluggard. Here are a few question to check our Diligent barometer Do you keep your eyes open for tasks that need to be accomplished? (Examples; if you have chores to do, do you automatically do it, or do you need a lot of prompting to get the work done? When you have a task to complete, who do you surround yourself with? Are they people who will help and support you in achieving your goals? The ant doesn't work in isolation so don't work in isolation find like minded people and achieve. Do you feel like giving up or putting off a task? tell yourself: “Hey, Remember the ant! And knuckle down How is your self appraisal going? Which areas need more attention? Diligence is being constant in effort to accomplish something.

Worship. What is it all about?

Tender heart, courage and bravery are the garlands of this princess. While little is known of her, the nation of Israel can never tell its history with this unnamed princess. Let's discovered her existence in today's stuy as we explore Exodus 2 How does it apply to me today? While the bible was not explicit about Pharaoh's daughter's marital status, she was now the mother to one of the boys her father was going to kill. I wonder how that might have impacted the relationship she had with her father, her eligibility to marry and if she was already married how she explained it away to her husband. Irrespective of the personal cost to her (costs which are beyond money) Pharaoh's daughter stepped in to save a baby boy. She stuck her neck out? What would we stick our neck out for? How do we react to the injustice around us in our communities? Are we indifference thinking it does not affect us directly or do we step up to help in the capacity of our ability? Proverb 31 6-8 says Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. The bible tells us Ecclesiastes 9:10 : Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might This unnamed princess by providence was raising an inter-racial man. And she did all the best that she could. What do we have in our hands to do? Are we putting the very best to it? While there is not much recorded about Pharaoh's daughter, we don't even know her name but what she did for Moses and the nation of Israel cannot be overlooked. God changed many people's names in the bible or gave them their names before they were born. I have wondered why God never asked that the name of Moses be changed? His name Moses was given to him by the mother ( Egyptian) who saved him and brought him up. For me it points to the recognition of the sacrifice and service this unmanned Princess made to bring up this vulnerable baby boy into the man God used to deliver Israel from Egypt. The garlands of this unnamed princess are tender hearted, courageous and resolved. What are the garlands around your own neck?

Would the hands that have been gifted to bring life also bring death to the lives they have brought forth? This is the delimer of these 2 ladies. Let's explore this in our study today in Exodus 1:15-21 How does it apply to me today? Atimes we may find ourselves facing an ethical decision. A boss, an organisational policy, a societal expectation are requiring you to carry out something that is not ethically or that is in direct contradiction to God's law? What would our decision be? Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than they feared Pharaoh. Pharaoh could destroy the body but God could destroy the body and the soul. Just like our Lord Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 And fear not them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear Him that is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. What would our decision be? God's law or man's law? Shiphrah and Puah honoured God rather than man, and God honoured them too. They honoured God out of the reverential fear and with no expectation that God was going to bless them for their actions. Let us remember that obedience to God is not an automation for blessing. God sees the motive of our actions. Why are we obeying God? Do we feel entitled to blessings because we obeyed God? Or do we obey God from a place of reverential fear and love? Also Shiphrah and Puah valued the lives of the children they were instructed to kill. Their profession was to help women birth live babies. This was their calling. They were at the start of the lives of those children. Now how could they that were there to help now use those same hands to kill and end the lives that have been brought forth. They became a voice to save the lives of these baby boys who couldn't speak or stand for themselves. Proverbs 31:8a admonishes us to Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, When we see injustice around us, let's not be silent but speak up. When I think of Shiphrah and Puah the words that come to me are courage and uncompromising faith in perilous time. I hope you have been blessed and encouraged by these two women. God bless.

Is there a couple you admire? The balance of their talents, teamwork and togetherness. Today we would explore the journey of a power couple in the Bible. Their courage, bravery and consistency. We would be looking at their lives across a few scriptures Acts 18:1-11, Acts 18:18-28, Romans 16: 3-5, 1 Corinth 16:19, and 2 Timothy 4 How does it apply to me today? We have met Priscila and Aquila, a Christian couple whose faith and walk with God is consistent. I will say they are a power couple who has encouraged many in their Christian faith and walk. Priscila is one of the women in the new testament. I have wondered why her name was always written before her husband's name. It was to shine a spotlight on her. A woman, in a patriarch world, she owned her faith, she was a skilled tentmaker and her hospitality, her encouragement of believers. All these were done by the couple together. Priscilla showed an ownership of faith, decision and actions. This power couple were courageous and hospitable in uncertain, perilous times. They challenge us with courage and hospitality, in our world as things are uncertain and hospitality is a rare word. Our faith in God should not depend on the presence and absence of any human being. If we are Christians in the north of the country, and we had to relocate to the south of the country, would we still be Christian? When all around is unfamiliar and it may seem we are all alone? Would we own and walk our faith wherever we may find ourselves. We see Priscilla and her Aquilla do this several times. Priscila and Aquila, recognized the gift of Apollos. While they noticed Apollos needed some tutoring, they did not tutor Apollo right in the middle of his preaching in the temple but rather brought him to their home and explained things to him. How do we correct others? Is it publicly or privately? And what is our motive to correct? Is it to show off all that we know or is it to build another person up? Correcting others should be done in a way that does not demean the person but rather privately so that they are able to use and benefit from the correction. We may have different callings to serve in the body of Christ, but all are equally important and recognized. Therefore we should be consistent in the calling of God in our lives. It may not look big or glamorous but what is required of us is to do what we have been called to. The interactions of Priscilla and Aquila with Paul, Apollos and the different churches that met in their homes reminds me of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:20-23 20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' The servant who was given 2 talents was rewarded as well as the servant who was given 5 talents. They were both rewarded for doing what they have been called to. What has the Lord committed to your hands? What has the Lord committed to my hands? Are we serving to the best of our ability?

The status of a judge does not necessarily spell out poetry or song writing. Let's explore the song written by this female judge in our study today. We would be looking at Judges 5 In this study, the tools we would use for this study are Who, What, When, Where, and How tool What does it mean? How does it apply to me today? How does it apply to me today? Deborah exemplified good leadership. In instructing, going to battle and leading in the praising of God for the victory He gave them. How do I stand with a brother or sister whose faith is shaking? How do I handle the weakest person in a team? Is It with jest, or ignoring the person or standing with them? When I lead, is it to lord it over another or is it by example? How do I stir up my own faith and the faith of others. We see Deborah use music that sings of God's victories. To remind ourselves that it is God that secures victory and on Him we should rely and put our confidence. Do you acknowledge those who helped you along the way? Ultimate praise belongs to God but it is proper to notice those human beings that help us on our journey. When there is a common task to do, do you fold your arms thinking others would do it or do you do your bit? God wanted something done in Israel but not all the tribes pitched in. The thing is that what God wants done will still be done. It is our privilege for God to want something done through an effort we make. He does not need us, but He chooses us. What will be our response? The battle against king Jabin of Canan and general Sesira who had oppressed Israel for 20 whole years was not an easy task. Those who kept away from the battle did they keep away because they were afraid, or unconcerned, or laziness or selfish. Jesus called all believers to make disciples of all nations. It is a general calling for the body of Christ but in what way are you and I pitching in to this task? Are we leaving it to others to do without joining in, or are we partakers? Philippians 2:21: For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. For we cannot keep away from the contest between the Lord God and his enemies; Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-14 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world We Christians are the light and salt of the earth. If we do not actively endeavor to promote God's works in this wicked world, then we are like the salt losing its use and being trampled upon. Let us do our part in the body of Christ. This concludes our study of the female judge in ancient times. Remember Jesus said you are the salt the earth needs. Be blessed

A prophet, a wife, a judge. How does she juggles these different hats she is privileged to have on. Let's discover what she does with these different hats in our study today. We would be looking at Judges 4 In this study, the tools we would use for this study are Who, What, When, Where, and How tool What does it mean? How does it apply to me today? So let's dig in and turn the bible to Judges 4 How does it apply to me today? Deborah's versatility was evident. She had a home to take care of but that did not hinder her from carrying out the call of God on her life as a prophet in a difficult season for her nation. She also fulfilled her duties as a judge. She was top notch in performing her duties. SHe wore many hats. Today women too wear many hats. You and I have many hats that we wear. A home hat, a caesar hat, A christian hat etc etc. For as many hats that we may be privileged to wear, how well do we perform our duties in those hats. Are we carrying out our duties shabbily or mediocre or top notch? Another lesson from Debrah in Judges chapter 4 is how she handles Barak's request. Barak was saying I will obey God if you will go with me. She was ready to go with Barak to boost his faith and help him obey God. And she did not berate him. Barak had 10K men in his army to go against general Sisera's army, which was Israel's oppressor's army. This army had oppressed Israel for 20 years. The task was daunting. Deborah walked the talk. She backed her belief in God's instruction with her not being shy of going to the battle front. She was confident in God's word. Her own reassurance of victory was in God. Which helped Barak's faith in charging into the battle. How well would we handle someone who does not have our level of faith or confidence? Would we ignore them, or berate them or hold their hand till their faith is built up? 1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Deborah would not send Barak where she would not go herself. Those who in God's name call others to their duty, should be ready to assist and encourage them in it. The question for us is that will you be willing to hold another's hand till their faith is built up. Thank you.

Two sisters and a man. Betrayal, envy and contention. When allies became rivals. In today's study we explore the story from the viewpoint of one of the sisters - Rachel. In this study, the tools we would use for this study are Who, What, When, Where, and How tool Walk-in their shoes How does it apply to me today? The story of these sisters cut across Genesis 29, 30, 31, 33, & 35 So let's dig in These passages are mainly descriptive telling what happened . A descriptive text is reporting or telling us about what happened. Text like this lays out the events, characters and situations in which different things happen. They show how people responded to God and their situations and at other times it shows how God played a part in the text. To find out more on how to study your bible using different tools accessible to everyday people, head over to our website www.damsekwrites.simplymo.co.uk to download a free copy.

Two sisters and a man. Betrayal, envy and contention. When allies became rivals. In today's study we explore the story from the viewpoint of one of the sisters- Leah. In this study, the tools we would use for this study are Who, What, When, Where, and How tool Walk-in their shoes How does it apply to me today? The story of these sisters cut across Genesis 29, 30, 31, 33, & 35 So let's dig in These passages are mainly descriptive telling what happened . A descriptive text is reporting or telling us about what happened. Text like this lays out the events, characters and situations in which different things happen. They show how people responded to God and their situations and at other times it shows how God played a part in the text. To find out more on how to study your bible using different tools accessible to everyday people, head over to our website www.damselwrites.simplymo.co.uk to download a free copy. How does it apply to me today? I think the words one hears daily can affect one's mindset. Leah heard weary many times a day. Poor kid. Leah was desperate. Desperation pushes people to make decisions they won't take on a normal day. Her society placed a lot of women's self worth and survival on marriage. In our society today, how do we appraise women? Beauty, fame, fashion, relationship? Our blogs, print media and digital media scream this all out. Lets quickly parallel Leah's story, In school, there was this girl that wanted to be in the popular group. She felt she had to do everything the group leader told her to do even when she knew it was wrong. She went ahead to cheat in an exam to be accepted in the group. They were all cut and expelled. The group leader still blamed this girl and told others not to speak with her. When we look for our identity in another human being rather than God this makes us desperate and take actions that are little our self worth. What are the words you & I hear everyday? Are they words that affirm us as God's words do in the scriptures? Or are they negative words? What do I believe about myself and how do I measure my worth? Is it based on the things or people around me? I like this song by Jamie Grace, it talks about your uniqueness and don't let others talk you down. I will put a link to the song on the show notes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlmSRuVNp6o&list=RDEMIk1seMQ3FfauNoKtxZSQYw&index=20 Another lesson from Leah's story is Don't be short sighted in decisions making Leah accuses Rachel of taking away her husband from her, when it was Leah who tricked Jacob into marrying her in the first place when Jacob Was engaged to marry Rachel for 7 years. So who betrayed who? She betrayed her sister, lived in a loveless marriage, and was a second class citizen in her own home. Don't turn from doing right to doing what is not acceptable to God, just because others are doing it and you are desperate. It may look good for a short term but will that decision stand the test of time? For Leah 7 days of winning in inverted commas was a lifetime of bitterness and contention. Be your original self. Don't put the source of your joy in any human being's hands. If anything is causing you to be desperate, take your request to God with thanksgiving. Hold on to God. Next episode, we would look at this same study walking in Rachel's shoes. Be blessed.

This Bible story of revenge and murder is a mother mourning for her fallen son. She waited for him to return from the war against all odds. Then she suffers the horrible pain of losing a child. Rizpah of 2 Samuel 21:1-14 is one of the mothers who loses sons, two of them, as a result of ancient Israel's tribal conflict. What lessons can be drawn from how Rizpah handled herself and her faith at such a terrible time.

Jane, an avid gardener's favourite flowers are lilies. She wants to transplant a lily flower from a friend's garden but receives the shock of her life when she sees the length of the root of this lily flower. How can this be? Let's discover how this is possible in our study today. We would be looking at Hosea 14 In this study, the tools we would use for this study are Who, What, When, Where, and How tool What does it mean? How does it apply to me today? So let's dig in and turn the bible to Hosea 14 Who, What, When, Where, and How tool Israel is charged to return to God. As she had lost her footing with God and what she was experiencing was due to her iniquity Israel is charged to go back to God in repentance. Asking God to receive her not on her words only but on God's graciousness. "Grace is undeserved favour" Israel affirms that Assyria and idols couldn't save them. But they see God as a merciful God and now look to Him for salvation. God's response to heal Israel's backsliding He will turn anger away from Israel He will restore their relationship back to Himself The relationship will be outwardly like the lily and inwardly like the roots of the cedar of Lebanon. With branches and beauty like an olive tree and fragrance like Lebanon Israel shall be revived again Ephraim shall say They will have nothing to do with idols. God's fruit is found in Ephraim The wise and prudent understand these things - that the ways of the LORD are right. The righteous walk in them but the transgressors stumble in them

Are you an influencer? What is your personal brand? What does it say about you. In Today's study we would be looking at Hosea 13, In this study, the tools we would use for this study are Who, What, When, Where, and How tool What does it mean? How does it apply to me today? So let's dig in and turn the bible to Hosea 13 Who, What, When, Where, and How tool Ephraim was a powerful and influential tribe within Israel. Then they too became guilty of Baal worship (idol worshiping) and died. They increased their making of idols from any materials of their choice and increased their idol worshipping which invariably led to an increase in their sin. And because they offered human sacrifices, Ephraim will disappear like the early dew, like the smoke escaping through a window. The Lord declares He has been Ephraim God since its infancy when He brought them out of the land of slavery in Egypt. God is stating He is the only God that Israel should acknowledge and their only savior. God reminded Israel of how He cared for and preserved them through when they were vulnerable in the wilderness. He protected and fed them. Now Israel is satisfied, proud and has forgotten God. Israel is about to experience God as a God of judgement. The verse says "like a lion I will devour them". You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your helper. The kings, princes and rulers, Israel had put her confidence in are no match to the God of the whole universe. He gave them their king and He removed them too. An unborn child knows that when the labour pains start, it's time to exit the womb of its mother. The unborn child knows what to do but Israel does not know what to do. But God will deliver Israel from the power of the grave. In Israel's judgement, she will experience: her spring & well will dried up all her treasures would be plundered they will fall by the sword, the men, women and their little ones. They will bear the guilt of their sin

So let's dig in and turn the bible to Hosea 12 Who, What, When, Where, and How tool Ephraim, which is a tribe in Israel, chases the wind with increasing lies and violence. Jacob to be punished according to his deceptive deeds. Here God is representing the choices and the repercussions of Jacob to the children of Israel. Jacob's struggle from the womb, to the contention he had with his brother Esau and also with the Lord God Almighty. Israel is admonished to return to God, maintain love and justice within its borders and wait for God always. Israel uses dishonesty and defrauding ways to gain wealth and even boast of these acts. Saying their ill gotten wealth is their protection. God reiterates that He is their God since Israel came out of Egypt and He will humble them again to living in tents again. Gilead has become worthless through their idol worship. The place where they worship these idols will become a pile of stones. Israel is reminded of her history; Jacob ran away from his actions and tended sheep to get a wife. And also of Moses, the prophet God used to lead Israel out of Egypt. Ephraim will be repaid the guilt of bloodshed

A one sided love is painful to watch. In Today's study we would be looking at Hosea 11, exploring Israel's indifference to God's show of love and patience. False prophets are punished for their deception. While they know they are falsely representing God, and leading people astray they do it for selfish reasons. For one to be able to decipher an information if it is true or false, one must know one scriptures, pray to God discernment and thirdly test all spirits. The bible admonishes us in 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. There is an effort and discipline we have to put into the study of the scriptures for ourselves. It is a personal responsibility every Christian has. Listening to sermons and preaching cannot replace one's personal study of the scriptures. Studying the scriptures presents our mind, and spirit to God's word to inform and change our mindset. When we discover a principle or truth from the scriptures it gives one clarity and safeguards when one encounters a false teaching. The bible says to ask God for discernment. Psalms 119:66 reads; Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. We can pray to God to teach and give us discernment. The Bible enjoins us to test all spirits. In 1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Since false teachings aim is to deceive, and deception itself is not glaring. A believer must be on guard to test all spirits, all messages that they listen to or read by the word of God to ensure validity before accepting it. Deception was what made Eve eat the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil in Genesis. So as believers, we need to be on our guard.

It is often inferred that success is evidence of God's approval to the ways and means of success. In Today's study we would be looking at Hosea 10, exploring Israel's continued success and idol worshipping.

Explore how David trusted God in uncertain times in Psalms 27 Psalm 27 Of David. 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked advance against me to devour[a] me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. 4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. 7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. 8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. 10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. 11 Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. 12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. 13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

John, an avid traveler, has driven on countless types of road in different terrain, as he drove down the narrow winding country road, the view was breathtaking. However there was repeated signage of a cliff edge down the road warning drivers to be cautious. John was so taken by the beauty of what he saw, would he pay attention to the warning signs?

Who made you? Have you forgotten you made you? The start of a life is misceous , yes we know from science that egg and sperm must come together. But who determines which sperm or egg. Israel as a nation was formed by God many years ago when God promised Abraham but it seems Israel had forgotten its origin. The people of Israel have broken God's covenant. They had turned to idol worshipping. Idols which were handicraft items of people. They had chosen leaders outside the guidance and parameters that God gave them as a nation in choosing their leaders.

Pleasure is a common pursuit of all people. No-one goes after a short lived pleasure but rather a pleasure that will last a long time. In today's study we would explore pleasure that lasts forever. Today we would be looking at Hosea 7

Today we are going to look at the topic of suffering and affliction. What does the Bible teach us about suffering? How can face difficult times with a biblical perspective that will sustain us, and give us the hope, courage, and peace we need to endure the struggles we inevitably face in a fallen world?

There in the scale of justice seats sacrifice at one end and at the ends seats obedience. Where would the scale tip in favour of? Obedience or sacrifice? Let's explore this further in Hosea chapter 6

Have you ever had to say sorry to someone and you didn't mean it and they can see that you don't mean it. You're just saying it because it is what is expected?

Looking at the time, age and season of the life of Daniel.

The act of blaming others and not taking responsibility is yet to resolve any problem. As we see in Hosea 4, Israel did not take responsibility and repent and gain the knowledge she needed from God but rather continued in her sin that passed onto the next generation. How does this impact you and I today?

Hosea purchased back his wife from the life of prostitution. Rehabilitated her and reconciled her back to himself. Hosea showed his wife forgiveness, forbearance. He had to let go of his right to be angry and to choose forgiveness This is the same path Israel would follow to be reconciled back to God. Israel had prostituted herself by worship and sacrificing to different idols.

Now she is even more shocked, confused, and afraid. Who is this person who found her out here? Who could she trust in such a setting? But she says, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” In spite of her fear, she is truthful.

Growing up I went to boarding school. In the boarding school, there is a term that we use called FFF. This means that a particular boy or girl is only your friend when you have plenty of provisions. Provisions as in extra snacks and things that we are allowed to bring into the school.) These FFF will no longer be your friends when your provisions have dwindled.

Hosea to marry a woman who is promiscuous who has the high likelihood of not remaining faithful to their marriage vows.

What is faithfulness? Who can you say is or was faithful?

A 5 years old could tell me all the colors of the rainbow. I wonder if he or she could tell me its meaning. Today we would be looking at what the rainbow stands for