Learnable Bible Study Podcast

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

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

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

Let’s take a closer look at the ant

What are the ways of the ant

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,

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

(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.

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

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

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

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

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

So let's dig in and turn the bible to Judges 4

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

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

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.

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.