Hey there! This week, the girls of One Verse are diving into Judges chapter 11. During this week’s study, the girls discuss: how your friends affect your choices and how your choices determine your life; distinguishing between the gifts of God and the gifts of the world; the true sacrifice of fulfilling a vow; and the detriments of not approaching or seeking God.

Welcome to week 10! Journey with the girls of One Verse as they examine the intricacies of Judges chapter 10. During this week’s study, the girls of One Verse discuss: the importance of fully obeying God; identifying specific sin in our lives before repenting; understanding the power your mind has over your situation; and learning to mirror God’s response to forgiveness.

Welcome to week 9! Follow along as the girls of One Verse dive into Judges chapter 9, while discovering the truths of God’s Word. During this week’s study, the girls of One Verse discuss: the impact our choices have on our lives; finding God in the everyday details of life; submitting to the will of a father, and discovering the power of a sibling.

Welcome to week 8, this week in judges we see God move and learn some very important lessons about his character. During this study the girls discuss: God being tied to His promises; what your reputation says about you; if your character and what God says about you align; and discovering the proper way to serve God in gratitude.

Join the One Verse girls as they continue their bible study in Judges Chapter 7. During this study the girls discuss: the affect and consequence fear has on the believer; distinguishing between God’s blessing and a counterfeit one; the challenge of being a faithful steward of God’s possessions; and allowing God to decapitate your sin at the root.

Episode 6: God’s response to the called 

In this episode we talk about God’s desire for our hearts to rest in the place where our victories come from, because that’s where our faith stems from. God will speak a word of remembrance to your heart but it’s not meant to stay in your heart; he wants it to come out audibly so that it builds your faith in him.  He redirects you to his Word, his promises and his consistency.  We then talk about the ramifications of choice, and how weighty that is. Too often we find ourselves outside of the will of God not by ignorance but by choice. The world minimizes the cost of choice, whereas God emphasizes it. Next, we point out the fact that our vision or perspectives are limited. God always calls us by the purpose within us and not by our current conditions or state. God is with you and his presence gives you purpose. He will call you in the going. It’s the little faithful things you’re doing, that seem to go unnoticed, which actually qualify you for what he’s called you to be.  And lastly, we point out the fact that God usually calls the weakest link, the outcast (i.e. David, Moses, Saul, the barren woman, Gideon). It’s God’s presence that makes us victorious. God uses the foolish to shame the wise. To those who struggle with belonging, God is the one who calls you by what he’s placed in you. What has God placed in you, the visions/dreams? Speaking them out builds faith.

Notes:

Vicki 6:8 We have to allow ourselves to be sober when we are coming from a place of sorrow, pain, or grief. When we’ve been praying for something for so long and not hearing anything; wondering where the Lord even is. It’s in those times that God will remind us of who he is even when that’s not what you’re remembering or recounting. God’s response will always be to remind you of who he is. He redirects you to his word, his promises and his consistency. God wants our hearts to be set on where our victories come from because that’s where our faith comes from. God will speak a word of remembrance to your heart but it’s not meant to stay in your hearts, he wants it to come out audibly so that it builds your faith in him. 

Melissa 6:10 First thought was listening is key to understanding and interpreting signs. The weight of choice is expensive. When God gives a command, it is not optional. Yes, he loves us and gave us free will but choice is expensive. Too often we find ourselves outside of the will of God not by ignorance but by choice. The world minimizes the cost of choice, whereas God emphasizes it. Listening is a sign of respect. God’s instructions are for our protection and preservation. Our choices have eternal consequences. It takes more than sheer willpower to overcome the flesh. It takes surrender, and that’s when the Holy Spirit steps in and gives you supernatural strength. 

Jeanny 6:12 God will call you what he made you to be not what you are acting like. God is with you and his presence gives you purpose. God will call you in the going. Even things as miniscule as sheepherding God sees the future and knows what’s in you (your purpose). The little faithful things you’re doing, that nobody sees you doing, qualifies you for what he’s called you to be. The character of God always kicks it up a notch. There’s a process to purpose. He won’t leave you where you’re at but being where you are enables you for greatness in the kingdom of God. 

Brittany 6:15 God usually calls the weakest link, the outcast (i.e. David, Moses, Saul, the barren woman, Gideon). It’s God’s presence that makes us victorious. God wants the outcast. God uses the foolish to shame the wise. Get to know the God you serve. To those who struggle with belonging, God is the one who calls you by what he’s placed in you. What has God placed in you, the visions/dreams? 

Episode 5: A reasonable service

In this dynamic collaboration of thoughts, inspired by God’s word, we start the conversation off by talking about the power of music and how it can be a form of communication with the Lord. Afterall, why do we sing to begin with?  We also talk about the benefits of recounting the Lord’s blessings. Reciting God’s victories serve to fuel our faith, as it grows our belief in the Savior and prepares us for what lies ahead. The conversation then takes as slight shift as we discuss some very valid points, such as God being a God of numerous opportunities. No matter how many times we fail him he’s always willing to give us a chance to clean up our act. It’s not how many times we’ve failed that matters but what we do after our experience that counts.  Lastly, we end by encouraging the listeners to reject neutrality, as it equates to elimination. It’s vital to make decisions carefully. When God issues a call, you don’t get to be neutral. Your choices determine whose side you’re on.

Notes:

Brittany 5:3 When you sing, you’re giving the message of Christ, you’re proclaiming his victories to everyone around you. Singing is much like teaching; it gives the message of Christ; you can teach and counsel with music. Your music is pleasant to the Lord. Singing is powerful, it’s more than a talent it’s a gift to God and is very useful. It’s a form of communicating with the Lord. 

Melissa 5:11 Rehearsing your past blessings. The benefits of recounting the Lord’s blessing. Processing history shows us that not only is God faithful but he will see you through every single time. He is consistent. History gives you courage, especially when it comes to the Supernatural. God wants to be known, just as he fully knows us. This happens when you understand your need for knowing the Lord. When you search the scriptures for truth they lead to Salvation. You can’t follow what you don’t know. You have to go based off of experience and not only what you’ve been told. 

Vicki 5:17 Zebulan failed to drive out their enemies, in chapter one, as did Naphteli and many of the other tribes. And in this chapter, we get to revisit it again through the song of Deborah. In short, the point here is that God continues to give you opportunity after opportunity to do that thing that he’s told you to do. He is for you and actually wants you to win. No matter how many times we fail God, he offers us more chances to get it right. Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. God is a God of multiple chances. There is yet hope for those who continue in their wickedness. God is patient, turn from your ways, repent and God will have mercy on you. Go where he tells you go, obey when he tells you to obey. When you make it up in your mind to change, your reputation changes from one to another, from disobedient to obedient. People will then begin learn from you. You will become the example, when you start listening and doing what God tells you to do.

Jeanny 5:23 Since when does the Lord ever need help? But yet he’s he cursing Meroz, through the angel of the Lord. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t that God needed help but his people did and Meroz was indifferent. They played Switzerland. And if one thing God really hates is indifference. He rather you be hot or cold, but if you’re lukewarm he’ll legit spit you out of his mouth. This also sort of speaks as of a sibling or a family member. It’s classic case scenario of If you mess with one then you mess with all. When God issues a call, you don’t get to be neutral. Neutrality causes a curse when there’s a call. Which side you pick tells God whose side you’re on. When there’s a standard being raised, for the Christian there’s a choice to make because neutrality is not an option. Choose God, choose obedience, reject sin but make a choice. Neutrality equates to elimination. Make your choices carefully. 

Episode 4: Our Role in Divine Providence

The nuggets shared on this episode will have you asking a multitude of questions. The wisdom provided here reminds us that God is not a respecter of persons. He can use anyone; no matter your feelings, disposition or situation, to showcase his glory. No one is too far gone! We start off by ministering to married women, elaborating on their roles within the home, and how they are literally the priests of their households. We then talk about God’s faithfulness and how he is tied to his promises. Jeremiah 1:12 tells us that the Lord watches over his word to perform it.  We also discuss the value of planning, completing your mission and having something to show for your work. It’s so important to know who your ally is, which for the believer is Jesus Christ.  Join us in proclaiming that God’s providence results in victory every single time. Providence is God’s protection.

Notes:

Jeanny 4:8 Ministering to married women. As a mother or a wife, you priest over your house, with your husband and judge your kids. God is not a respecter of persons. Sometimes God will call you, and give you the victory, and see if you invite him to see what he can really do. 

Brittany 4:11 Not only does God keep his promises but they always come to pass. God is tied to his promises. This verse talks about Heber, who is a descendent of Hobab. In Numbers you read about Hobab. Moses talks to Hobab and convinces him come with the Israelites, promising that if he comes with them that he’d receive a blessing. Hobab does indeed receive a blessing. Fast forward to Judges, Heber has a wife named Jael, who the victory was won through all because of Hobab’s faithfulness. The Lord watches over his word to perform it. Don’t make light of prophecies, because God pays people back for what they’ve done.  

Melissa 4:15 God’s providence results in victory every single time. Providence is God’s protection. When you go, God will show. 

God reveals the outcome but not the process, because he’s waiting to see if you will trust him. Barak had his instructions but he still hesitated. This made me question myself. How many times have I been prompted to move but hesitated? How many prophetic words have discarded for lack of faith? Instead of moving forward I allowed myself to be crippled by fear. But God’s call and his gifts are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). A great example of this is Esther. God can use anybody. You are not too far gone, too old, or past the point of utilization. It’s about you but God receiving the glory through your life. Don’t give up and believe the lie that you are too far gone. God will you.

Vicki 4:22 Jael. Three points that were taken away from her mission.

There’s value in planning, completing your mission and having something to show after you finish completing your mission.

She subdued her enemy by being super hospitable, and ultimately put the Israelites to definite rest. Learn who your ally is, which for believers is Jesus. And have something to talk show to who you report to, which is God. Be prepared, and strategic, so that you have something to show for your actions when the Lord comes. 

Even if you marry someone who has no purpose, because you have purpose, they automatically have purpose. God is so faithful to watch over his Word to preform it. Choices are so important!!!

Episode 3:  Wisdom in the Test

This is a rich chapter, with a plethora of spiritual depth. All of the verses point us to the fact that God is very specific. We deep dive into the instructions God left the Israelites, by way of Moses, that instruct them not to settle and not to get too comfortable in the land their God was giving them. The Lord made it clear that there was to be no intermarrying with people from other nations, because he didn’t want them picking up the same abominable practices these foreigners were known for. However, they did the exact opposite and as a result what they were meant to destroy ultimately wound up destroying them. This serves as a great reminder that the things we don’t destroy will eventually destroy us.

Notes:

Brittany  3:5 The Israelites settled or dwelt in the land, and because they did this what they were supposed to destroy ultimately wound up destroying them. Before the people entered into the land Moses had told them, “Don’t settle, don’t intermarry with the people of the land. Destroy them or they will lead your hearts away from the Lord. God is very specific. What you don’t destroy will ultimately end up destroying you.” Deuteronomy 7:1-6.  Don’t settle in sin, destroy it!

Vicki  3:12 There’s a cycle with the Israelites and with God. Here in this chapter, and throughout the entire book, you see the Israelites continually doing evil in the Lord’s sight, at which point God causes enemies to conquer his people until they cry out to him for mercy, and then he raises up Judges to rescue them because at this point, he’s no longer doing it himself anymore. Othniel 8 years of disaster to 40 years of peace, Ehud 18 years of captivity and 80 years of freedom.

Jeanny  3:16 God is showing you strategies of warfare. Made a double-edged dagger that was about a foot long and strapped it to his right thigh, keeping it hidden under his clothes.  Ehud three strategies He made something sharp and purposefulHe strapped it to himself for an opportune time He hid it from plain sight. Question: What purposes has God awakened in you? Preacher, healer, mother, wife, husband. When God awakens you to your calling the next step is strategy. You need to be called and affirmed. How have you sharpened and what have you made with your purpose. Ehud found something and sharpened. He sharpened his purpose i.e. blade. We need to learn that whatever purposes God has called you to do sharpen those skills. Where and how have you placed your purpose for an opportune time? It takes time for you to sharpen your skill and whatever fruit is going to come out of you to come forth. To those who feel like they’ve been waiting for a long time. It’s supposed to be this long. There’s no early release, there’s an opportune time. God is  not just going to release you without strategy because he’s releasing you among wolves. There are some things that must be pondered in your heart. You can’t be blabby blabby blabby. You have to trust God to deliver the message or the strategy to where it’s supposed to go and where. Ehud never would have gotten to the king if everyone knew about the dagger he had. Find a secret place. There’s power in privacy.   

Melissa 3:28 The Lord is strategic in battle. People usually gain their strategy, direction and boldness from those that are positioned in leadership. 

Without leadership the people are scattered. As the sheep are scattered without the Shepard, so the people are scattered without leadership. Ehud was the least unlikely person, in the natural, that would be able to deliver the Israelites. God is looking for faith. He qualifies the called, he doesn’t call the qualified. Faith is what initiates God’s plan and puts it into action (i.e. David and Goliath). God is strategic and undefeated. 

Episode 2: God the Judge

This chapter really emphasizes the character of God, His goodness. It’s important to understand that God is not a god of confusion. He is very clear with His expectations.  He’s the one who gives us victory. In this podcast, we explain the consequences of forsaking God. We encourage our listeners to determine who their allegiance belongs to, because when you follow anyone other than the Lord you are literally losing out on God. The Bible tells us that friendship with the World makes us enemies of God. We then talk about the power of remembrance, specifically teaching others about God and acknowledging what He’s done in our lives, so that the promises of God may continue to be remembered from generation to generation. It is vital to instruct others to value and prioritize the testimony of Jesus Christ. A great example of this would be Communion, which is part of remembering God’s ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. We have an obligation, as believers, to the next generation. What does your life say to those who aspire to follow in your footsteps? . God wants us to listen with the intent to obey. When we listen, we position ourselves to finish strong, or in essence to conquer. Have you ever wondered why Joshua’s work of conquering the promised land seemed unfinished? This was on purpose. Join us as we unpack powerful truths that will leave you wanting more of God’s Word and His goodness.       

Notes:

Brittany 2:3 Consequences of forsaking God and what he’s done for you. The Lord is the one who gives you victory in everything. James 4:4 says that friendship with the World makes you an enemy of God. When you become friends with the World it’s literally contempt against God, and as a result you become the enemy. Know who your allegiance is to because if you’re following the World then you’re losing out on God. 

Vicki 2:10 The remembrance of the Lord telling the Israelites write these words on your foreheads and on your hands. Teach them to your families, so that the promises of God may continue to be remembered from generation to generation. And as a result of that generation’s disobedience this is where we’re at. What are we carrying on to the next generation? The Israelites did not acknowledge him and they did not remember him. We need to teach others to value and prioritize the testimony of Jesus Christ. Communion is a sign of remembrance. Don’t forget the promises of God. Defend the faith. Meditate on his truth. 

Melissa 2:18 Love is a choice not a feeling. God is gracious to the undeserving. He is just but his love over triumphs over his wrath. We were created for community, to make an impact. We are better together. The value of accountability. Isolation is a lie of the enemy. Disobedience will cause you to become God’s enemy. We’re free to make choices but we’re not free from the consequences of our choices. Feelings demand validation whereas love needs none. 

We have an obligation as believers to the next generation. With obligation comes responsibility which positions us to stay the course. (Response to Vicki)

Jeanny 2:21 Listen!!! God wants us to listen with the intent to obey. Admiration and trust are lacking here, as a result God will no longer drive out the nations that Joshua left unconquered before he died. The work of Joshua was left purposefully for the listener to finish the work of conquering. When we listen, we position ourselves to finish strong, and ultimately to conquer.