Strength and Courage

Introduction: Pleasure is a state of amusement or gratification. Being pleased is a desired status for all of us. Interestingly, humans are not the only ones that seek pleasure. God takes pleasure in people, his creatures (including of course, the environment), praises from his people, good things, Himself and son on. Indeed, one of the reasons why God will judge his people is because of failure to give him His due pleasure. Text: Mat 17:15, Ps. 50:9-15 Discussions: ·          What do the following verses teach concerning God’s pleasure? Ezra 10:11, Ps. 103:21; 105:22, Luke 12:32, Phil 2:13 ·          Discuss things that give God pleasure. Rev 4:11, Ps. 35:27; 147:11; 149:4, Matt 17:15, Hag 1:8, 1Kings 3:10 ·          How important is pleasure to God? Ps. 50:9-15, 1Cor 10:15 Summary: Pleasure is not always the right virtue and we must not dispose ourselves to havin...

  Introduction: Humour is a recognised attribute of God. Darkness, depression and gloominess are alien to Him. Several sections of the scriptures indicate that He is obsessed with restoration of laughter to Himself and all who follow Him. In the beginning was darkness. God brought light. Light brightens our countenance. Ps 2:4.  records that God has a store of a kind of laughter (derision) for those who plan evil against Him and His children.  In our declared year of laughter, it is imperative that we lay hold of this attribute of God for maximum benefit. Text: Gen 17:16-18, Prov 17:22 Discussion questions: What is laughter, and how does God view laughter? Ps 59:8 Discuss situations in which people laughed in the scriptures and the causes. Gen 17:15, Prov 1:26, Ps 126:2, Ecc 10:19 From the following verses, discuss whether God is humorous or sadistic. Ps 37:13, Luke 6:21-25 How can we enjoy perpetual laughter in our daily experiences? Job ...

Introduction: Following creation, procreation and evolution (if indeed it exists), survival has been associated with competition (survival of the fittest). Biologists inform us that fertilisation comes about when the female ovum is joined by the male egg. In most instances, the type of male egg that gets to reach the female ovum first determines the gender of the offspring. Similarly, the scripture is replete with illustrations supportive of healthy competitions. For example, 1Cor. 9.24 talks of running according to rules... The account of the birth of Jacob and Esau shows us the innate tendency for competition. Jacob struggled to come out first, but as Esau came through, Jacob came out holding Esau's heel. This was apart from the struggle they had before they were matured for delivery. Interestingly, one notes that this zeal and zest that characterised Jacob was not frowned at; instead, he obtained the promise. We will discuss this and more during the study.   Text: Gen. 27:5-...

Introduction: Several examples abound to justify fighting for our rights. Historically, strives marked the separation from Egypt, as well as advancement in the wilderness, to fighting the inhabitants of Canaan for the Israelites to lay hold of their inheritance. During the time of Jesus' earthly ministry, He warned that God's kingdom had been suffering violence and that only by violence shall it advance. In contemporary times, human rights and "human wrongs" groups are always on the go with authorities, heating up the world. In our daily experiences, we strife in the home, church, workplace, school, business and so on. Today's bible study aims to demonstrate it is not always fighting for what belongs to us, but that a quiet meditative life can be a great treasure. Text. Gen. 26:1-35 1. Who was Isaac? What kind of background did he have? Hint...note how he followed Abraham to be sacrificed; meditations in the fields as he awaited arrival of wife by Abraham...

Introduction: Living with a difficult person is an awful situation to be in. There are some people that have psychological challenges and create problems for others while some people are just mean. Some can be so overly critical that you are never at ease in their presence. Whatever the disposition of the difficult person, the effect of interacting with difficult people can be stressful. We come in contact with people in the home, at church, work place and at social events. We shall study how to dispose ourselves to be able to stay on course, and hence to overcome the effect of stress associated with being with difficult people.   Text: 1Sam 25:3-37 ·          Who was Nabal? Compare his character with Abigail’s. ·          How was Nabal viewed by: a) his servant, and, b) his wife? ·          Discuss Abigail’s method in handling Nabal’s behaviour, in regards to:...