Learnable Bible Study Podcast: Recent Episodes
SimplyMo
Learnable Bible Study is about everyday people getting to explore the Bible and transferring its treasures to the next generation.
“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.
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.
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
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
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.
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?
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.
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
The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days. They were all in the ark for 150 days that is roughly 5 months. The flood covered the highest mountain Mt Everest by 22 feet. They Could not go out of the ark. We can somewhat have an inkling of the restriction. With the lockdown and the irritation of being stuck inside, one can begin to understand just a little bit about being inside the ark.
The restriction. The challenges of living in close quarters with animals. For those whose noses are sensitive, different animals have different smells. The uncertainty of life after the flood
Drawing and coloring a picture of Noah's ark in Sunday school didn't help me under the ginormous structure it was. The ark that Noah built is estimated to be the half of St. Paul's cathedral in London. The ark can hold up to 18 massive ships. That's a lot of work. That kind of work can't be done in secret. It would have required Noah's time and resources and energy. Let's explore the Noah's ark
Rebecca did not resolve the rivalry and friction she had caused between her sons instead, she asked for Jacob to leave the area that eventually Esau will forget what Jacob had done to him. She was trying to preserve her household - Where there is conflict we should try to resolve it because after 20 years Esau was still planning to kill his brother Jacob if not for God intervening.
Growing in her relationship with God. As Rebecca joined Isaac's household she must have learnt about the God of Abraham. And we can see her faith as grown that Rebecca learns to enquire from God by herself. She is taking on the faith and walking the walk of faith she saw in the family of Abraham
She was kind to a stranger, who asked her for a drink. The stranger can see the well and probably fetch water for himself. But Rebecca did not point this out to the stranger rather she indulges him and gives him some water to drink.
She noticed if these people were thirst then their camels must be thirst too. She proceeded to offer water to their animals. According to the national geographic, a thirsty camel can drink as many as 30 gallons (135 liters) of water in about 13 minutes. This generous act would have taken considerable effort and time as she gave water to 10 camels.
For her kindnesses, readiness to serve others and hospitality she received unexpected gifts
“For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. 2 Kings 6:16-17.
The Passover meal is eaten during the festival of the unleavened bread when the Passover lamb is Sacrificed. ( where did God say this should be done yearly why?)
Jesus knew what Judas was about to betray Him, yet Judas was at the table. Jesus knew what His purpose was. The purpose of coming to earth was about to be fulfilled. HE was aware of what laid ahead of Him. There was no animosity in Jesus' dealings with Judas. He rather repaid good with the evil Judas was about to do. Judas was part of the meal.
The king on a donkey on a victorious ride seems a paradoxically event. We would see how in spite of the unlikely mode of transportation those who recognize Jesus praised Him.
Christians all over the world fast personally at different times and corporately as local assemblies at different times. In the Christian calendar lent is a time that Christian all over the world fast. A dip into church history showed that lent started around 100 AD, since then annually fasting has been in the Christian calendar.
Now let’s rewind to more than 70 years prior to the book of Zechariah
The Lord sent his word by His spirit through the prophets. This happened when things were rosy and life was all as it should be. But the children of Israel would not listen or obey the words of the Lord. The repercussion to the continuous disobedient of Israel led to them being taken captive to different parts of the world. In captivity, the children of Israel continued fasting in the 5th and 7th month as an act of worship. They were doing this over and over again. But the question they sent Shenezer to ask reflects the expected results of their fasting was not materializing so they enquired should we fast again? They didn’t receive a yes or no reply.
God replied, can you really say you were fasting for Me says the Lord?
It's in the middle of the night and you need something urgently: who do you go to, how quickly will they respond and most importantly why will they respond to you.
Today we read a parable of Jesus.
- In this parable the neighbor is also a friend with his own family.
- This man needs some assistance and knocks the door of his neighbor's in the middle of the night
- The neighbor finally response
Then Jesus draws an analogy of our posture when asking God for assurance. 1. Ask and keep asking and you will receive
2. Seek and keep seeking and you will find
3. Knock and keep knocking and the door will be opened.
Going on my afternoon stroll I pondered on Nehemiah 3, it was so wonderful to see everyone was working in unity to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
And next to them Zadok son of Baana repaired and the next section was to be built by the men of Tekoa. Amongst these Tekoa men were some men called nobles. These noble men will not put their hand to work under their supervisors.
I wondered who declared these men noble. What makes one man noble and the other not? It’s us; we measure people by the plumb line of men: rich, influential, courteous, civilized and the list goes on.
These nobles may have considered their supervisors beneath them and would not receive instructions about the walls from them. I guess if their supervisors had fitted their own criteria they would have joined in the building. The supervisors might have been younger, not as experienced or poor.
To men these men seemed noble but to God they weren’t. Their names were not even mentioned.
As I walked, favouring the paths with more grass to cushion my feet, I wonder how many times I remove my eyes from the goal and concentrate on the supervisors.
Looking around me and the world we live in, the elder must lead; the rich and influential must have the first say, the only say in between and the last say. But when God puts supervisors above us, how do we react?
Do we think; goodness me I can do a better job than Reuben. Reuben is so young or inexperience. I can see a lot of zeal in him but he is not mature enough to pull this through. We question Reuben’s background and eloquence. We think he is not smart enough. He doesn’t know how to talk to people. He doesn’t carry everyone along. Reuben cannot do anything praiseworthy in our eyes.
So also the nobles of Tekoa thought and did not put their hands to work in the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. Were there no other nobles in the other families that rebuild other parts of the wall?
The names of the people recorded that rebuild the wall would be what I term the nobles of God. What did these men do to be God’s nobles? They were obedient to the instruction to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Their focus was on God not the background of their supervisors.
There is a purpose we must all fulfil and at different times and places in our lives God will allow supervisors above us that don’t measure up to the plumb line of men. Would we be submissive and see God instead of our various supervisors?
Let us remember, King Josiah was 8 years old, King David was a Shepherd boy, Tamar was an outsider, Rahab was a prostitute, Peter was an illiterate and our Lord Jesus Christ earthly father was a carpenter.
God’s nobles obey irrespective of the person or circumstances trusting God to make everything beautiful.
When instruction comes in piece meal are we irate or are we willing to obey God? Trusting Him to see us through.
Parable of the Labourers in the vineyard Matthew 20:1-16
Rabbis or teachers use stories to teach their students about philosophy of life.
Jesus taught with parables not to confuse his listeners but to provoke their thoughts.
Here is a parable of a boss who hired workers and paid them the same wage at the end of the day.
The master went out early in the morning to hire workers to work on his farm and agreed to pay them a penny per day. After a few hours, he went to the market to look for more labourers who could be of use on the farm. He told them he was going to pay them fairly. Then he went out to look for more labourers again at different hours of the day even to the eleventh hour. He paid them equally in the end but not everyone was happy.
New Paths open to us from time to time, with mixed emotions. We would explore how Joshua and the Israelites tackled their new path
Setting goals is important, but what is more paramount is the plans we lay down to achieve these goals.
The 2nd Espionage
Who, What, When, Where, and How tool We have Joshua in this passage. He has recently been made the leader of the over 1 million Israelites to lead them to the promised land. Now they were on the verge of crossing the Jordan river to enter.
Joshua who was one of the 12 spies publicly sent by Moses about 40 years earlier now is sending just 2 spies secretly
The spies crossed the Jordan river and spied out the land, especially Jericho. Where they encountered an innkeeper. Who hid them on her rooftop behind flax. Gave them the load down of the state of Jericho. This innkeeper professed her faith in Yahweh and made an oath with them to save her family.
Rahab the innkeeper was also a prostitute: her keen eyes were able to recognize the spies. She hid them from the king’s army and formed an alliance to save her family. She let the spies down through a scarlet rope from her windows which was part of the walls of Jericho.
Using the - What does it mean tool? Joshua: A former spy and now leader used the lesson from what happened 40 years previous in sending 2 spies and doing so secretly. Israel entering the promised land meant they would be at war. While he knew God was fighting for them Joshua still did his due diligence before going to war. To access his opposition.
Jericho is known for the walls that surround the city. As these spies moved around they came upon Rahab, an innkeeper and prostitute. The first thing Rahab does was to hide these men on the roof. And shortly afterwards the king's security came to ask for the men. She sent them on a wild goose chase. She hid the spies which is a great risk to her own life if the army or the king were to discover.
Raheb testifies that it was common knowledge that the God of Israel fought for Israel.
The state of mind of the Jerichoans. Her own personal conviction that the God of Israel was the only true God indicates the reason why she got involved in the spy expedition.
Spy Report to Joshua The spies repeated Rahab’s testimony of their victory and the power behind them the Israelites were known to their enemies even more than the Israelites knew. They also informed him of the oath they had made to Rahab as we would see in Joshua 6:17 -
How does it apply to me today? Due diligence: While we have God’s promises and help and God will do His part, so we need to do ours. We need to do a comprehensive appraisal of the situation and evaluate
Raheb recounts Israel victory one after the other and states that they had already won. The whole of Jericho was already afraid of the intending war. Just like the scriptures says
1 John 4:4 - Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. - Do we know this and act according or are we acting based on just our physical strength
Rahab acted on her conviction. She aligns herself and her family with the God of Israel. Her testimony forms part of the spies report. The spies report was not based on the produce or the military might or the walls of Jericho, rather it was based on the testimonies of the victories the Lord had secured for Israel which even their enemies knew about.
The scriptures tells us in Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Recount the testimonies of the Lord over and over. Count your blessing over and over and experience your overcoming. Let your previous testimony swing you to action.
From this chapter there 3 distinct events
-
Succession planning: Joshua was to led the children of Israel into the promised land
-
The charge: Be strong, Be courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged. God is with you.
-
My Brother’s keeper: helping others be successful too
What do you say? And the child replies thank you. Gratitude is a virtue we are taught from our earliest years.
Gratitude is learning or acknowledging the things we have received and being thankful for them. They may be little, mundane or significant things.
In (Psalm 100:4) it reads Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
Learning the acts of Gratitude through our senses
Christmas, why can’t it be Christmas every day? It’s not just a wish that children have, it’s also a wish I mull over often when Christmas rolls around again. At Christmas time everyone tries to love others a little better. As I mull over this, I looked at what people did with the first Christmas.
In the scriptures, we would meet different people presented with the message of the first Noel and watch their various reactions.
Today we would be looking at the 10th chapter of the book of Esther
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 the last chapter of the book of Esther
Who, What, When, Where, and How tool
This chapter tells us of the achievement of both the king and Modecia were recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Media and Persia.
Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King
Mordecai never forgot where he came from. he always looked out for his people
What does it mean?
Looking at Mordecai entrance in the book of Esther. There was a problem and he became the solution. Esther was an orphan - that was the problem. Modecia stepped in and raised Esther as his own daughter.
Modecia trained up Esther and when she became Queen, Esther did not turn away from Modecia's teaching.
Mordecai was loyal to the king, even when no one was watching by reporting those who wanted to assassinate the king. ( loyalty)
Modecia would rather obey God than man - he would not reverence Haman
Mordecai the motivator- his reply to Esther made Esther see the purpose of God in the platform He had provided her.
Mordecai the prime minister continue to discharge his duty with greatness
How does it apply to me today?
The character and faith of Mordecai was constant and unwavering in all the ups and downs life threw at him. When he identified the problem, he did not complain or pass on the responsibility to find a solution to another person. He brought about the solution.
To an orphan he became a father
To a young woman finding her feet he became a motivator and encourager of faith
To an employer he discharge his duty
To his God, he was obedient even when it could cost him is life
To the Jews, he wrote the decree for the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies
What are the problems and issues around me or you today? You and I are the ones to bring the solution. I should not pass the bulk, rather find a solution. You should not pass the bulk, rather find a solution.
Today we would be looking at the 7th chapter of the book of Esther
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 the Esther 7
The book of Esther, is mainly descriptive, telling of the events that occurred.
Who, What, When, Where, and How tool
King Ahasuerus and Haman attended Queen Esther's 2nd banquet the next day to Modecia having received a reward from the king for his loyalty.
Queen Esther presented her request to the king for her life and her people's lives.
The king is enraged that the life of his queen should be threatened
Queen Esther names the enemy as Haman
Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, collaborated Esther’s accusation informing the king of the gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king’s behalf, standing at the house of Haman.” this collaborated that the Jews were not rebellious to the king as Hamman had tried to intimate to the king earlier
Haman is killed with the same instrument he had prepared to killed Modecia
king Ahasuerus angry is subsided
What does it mean?
Esther delighted the king with what he liked before making her request. This king likes banquets as we have seen from the beginning of this story. He had a banquet for 6 months. Esther delighted the king before making her request.
When God tells us in Psalm 37:1-2
Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
The downfall of Haman, the enemy of the Jews.
How does it apply to me today?
From time to time we make requests from different relationships. But to understand the person or persons we intend to make the request for and make necessary preparations.
As one will not attend a board meeting without reading the brief or preparing for the meeting. We make requests from our domestic relationship like spouses, siblings, parents, children do I understand what delights the other party that we are making a request from?
God tells us how to approach Him. Psalms 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
The second lesson that shouts out to me is not to be envious or feel powerless when it seems like evil men are thriving.
Do not envy the wicked even though they may seem to be succeeding because only God gives success without sorrow.
Today we would be looking at the 6th chapter of the book of Esther
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 the Esther 6. The book of Esther, is mainly descriptive.
Who, What, When, Where, and How tool
King A could not sleep.
He reads reports for what has been happening in this kingdom
He noticed Modecia's loyalty had not been rewarded
He asked who is in the court. Haman is in the court with his own agenda to have a death order issue for Mordecai
The king asked Haman's suggestion on rewarding a loyal subject
Haman thought it was him the king wanted to reward and came up with an elaborate reply to show off his affinity to the king
The king instruct Haman to carry out the elaborate reward on Modecia
Haman, put Mordecai on the king's royal horse dressed in the king's robe. He walked before Modecai through the city declaring this is what is to be done for the subject the king wishes to honour
Haman returned home to prepare for Esther's second banquet. Informed his wife and friends all that happened. He was warned that Mordecai being a Jew means that He could not succeed in his plan against Mordecai and it could be fatal for Haman to continue his pursuit to destroy Modecai.
What does it mean?
It is God that gives sleep. King A as powerful as he was could not command sleep to come when God had not given it. Providence commends Mordecai to the king's favour.
God worked behind the scenes to protect Mordecai. The morning Haman wanted to kill Modecia is the same morning Mordecai is honoured. With all the intent to kill Modecia unknown to both Modecia and king A
Haman was conceited in his estimation of his own self worth. How could he have thought the only person the king could honour in the vast 127 province of king Ah kingdom was himself. Did he dull others' efforts before the king and only sang of his own praises? Since he was second in command to the king and would be privy to any other province princes reports and happenings?
Well Haman's counsel honours Mordecai.
Mordecai’s good work was eventually reward
How does it apply to me today?
God protects us even from danger we are unaware of. God knew Haman’s plan and setup events to protect him. King ah sleepless night brought him to notice Mordecai
As it is written in Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Sometimes it may seem that our efforts go unnoticed. Modecia’s good work was unnoticed for a while. The bible reminds us Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
The 3rd lesson culled front his chapter is
Do you try to dull out other shine. Is your self worth pinned to other people's appraisal of you
In a position of leadership, do you take all the credit for yourself. This type of conceit breeds pride which goes before a fall as we see in the life of Haman.
The book of Esther, is mainly descriptive.
Who, What, When, Where, and How tool
King Ahasuerus promoted Haman to be above all other other rulers within his kingdom. He was second in command to the king.
The king issued all his servants within the gates to pay homage and reverence to Haman.
Modecai refused to pay reverence to Haman. Modecai's actions were reported to Haman
Haman was filled with rage. And decided not to take up the issue with Mordecai but destroy the whole of the Jewish race.
Haman convinced the king Ahasuerus to make a law to wipe out all the Israelites.
A degree to wipe all the Jews was made and signed with the king's signet ring by Haman
This degree was delivered to the 127 provinces of king Ahasuerus. And all the people were perplexed.
What does it mean?
Why did Modecai refused to reverence Haman?
First what does revenge mean and why did Mordecai refuse to reverence Haman
Reverence is an attitude of deep spiritual respect tinged with awe; veneration. To respect is so far different to reverence.
"Mordecai refused to reverence Haman. While we can see Mordecai's character obeys and honors the king, the only person that should receive reverence is God. Being a Jew, they were to worship one God and not man. He was working with other people who did not share his faith. They paid reverence to Haman but he would not disobey God’s law to obey man’s law.
Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite was an evil man and yet he rose to second his command. The platform of influence was not to help but to stroke his ego.
How does it apply to me today?
Standing up for what is right even when everyone is going the other way ( if no one follows Jesus, would you still follow him?)
This is very adept of this time, where the lines between good and evil is relative. Would you pick to obey God or rather obey the laws of our times.
Today we would be looking at the 1st chapter of the book of Esther
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 the Esther 1
The book of Esther, is mainly descriptive.
Who, What, When, Where, and How tool King Ahasuerus who reigned over 127 provinces, from India to Ethiopia. His Capital or throne was in Shushan
He had been king over these 127 provinces for 3 years
He threw a great party to show off his riches, power and splendor to all his noble princes. This party lasted 180 day that is like 6 months.
King Ahasuerus made a further 7 days party to include all people in the city of Shushan. which include drinking as much as you can in whatever style of drinking to like.
Queen Vashti also threw a party. On the final day of the party, the king sent for Queen Vashti to show her off. Queen Vashti refused to obey the king. The king was furious and angry.
The king consulted his ruling council. The decision to depose Queen Vashti of her position has her manner of disobedient might be copied by others. And a decree was issued by the king to that effect.
What does it mean? King Ahasuerus had a very large empire, he had military might and had rule over 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. King Ahasuerus wanted to show off to all his subordinates and the people assigned to rule in all the provinces. He wanted to show off his might and influence.
The party was all about him, being strong and might and wealth and powerful
He also wanted to show he could be generous. He gave a party for the whole city with an abundance of wine.
Now king Ahasuerus now wanted to show off his queen but she refused. This must have been a big stab to his ego. He was so angry that he called the ruling council to settle this domestic affair.
A new law was drafted to dethrone queen Vashti
How does it apply to me today? King Ahasuerus made a decision when he was angry and furious. Making a decision when one is angry does make for the right decision as the negative emotions of anger can cloud one's judgement.
When asking for counsel, make sure to ask the right people. The ruling council was not interested in the king's domestic happiness, they were rather interested in stroking their own egos in their homes. The decision to dethrone queen Vashti was to create a fear amongst the families that.
When seeking counsel, look for people who have the right motive. How does the impact of the decision being advised impact those affected and even those giving out the advice.?
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