Lessons from Samson's Mother on Leading by Example

Lessons from Samson's Mother on Leading by Example

Judges 13 is all about the announcement of the birth of Samson- best known for his rendezvous with Delilah, which ultimately led to his downfall. The first person to receive the announcement of his birth from the angel of the Lord was Samson's mother (although the angel did visit a second time to make the announcement to both her and her husband after that). Within both announcements Samson's mother was also given a set of instructions.

By default of carrying Samson in her womb and receiving the angel's instructions, Samson's mother became a Nazirite. It wasn't enough that she was the vessel through which Samson entered the world to fulfill his purpose of "[delivering] Israel out of the hand of the Philistines". It also wouldn't have been enough for her to tell him what being a Nazirite involved. She had to show him by becoming one herself and leading by example...

 

An Interview with Isata on Mary (The mother of Jesus)

An Interview with Isata on Mary (The mother of Jesus)

Today's interview installment comes from my friend and "big sister," Isata. This lovely lady is a youth worker with a real heart for helping young people holistically to promote their emotional, mental, physical as well as spiritual growth and well-being. She is also an administrator and mother one, which really ties into her affinity with Mary (the mother of Jesus). Read on as she explains why Mary is her favourite woman of the Bible and what we can learn from her:

An Interview with Nadia Wilder on The Woman at the Well

An Interview with Nadia Wilder on The Woman at the Well

Today's interview installment comes from Nadia Wilder of narrowpathhome.com, a self-confessed "Jesus girl, wife, mama, writer, photographer [and] taco lover". Read on as she shares her affinity with The Woman at the Well, how she fits into her own personal testimony and what we, as modern women, can learn from The Woman at the Well's story.

Lessons from Rebekah on Striking a Balance between Faith and Works

Lessons from Rebekah on Striking a Balance between Faith and Works

We are first introduced to Rebekah in Genesis 24. This chapter begins just after the death and burial of Sarah, Abraham's first wife. As such, Abraham became quite aware of his own mortality and, like any responsible father, was keen to put things in order before he died too. One of the things that he became concerned with was that Isaac find a wife- but not just any wife- "a wife from [his] country [and] family" rather than from Canaan (the land that he had settled in).

He was also adamant that Isaac not go back to Abraham's country to find a wife and settle there but that this woman do what he and Sarah did years ago- leave house and home for the establishment of the vision of God. He set all of this in motion by telling his chief servant of his wishes and making him swear that he would do everything to ensure this happened. Therefore, and thereafter, the servant set off on a journey back to Abraham's country to find Isaac a wife. A very long story short, this ended up being Rebekah. (Psssst! If you prefer, you can continue to listen to this devotional by pressing play on the audio below)

An Interview with Alyssa Braddix on Mary (Martha's sister)

An Interview with Alyssa Braddix on Mary (Martha's sister)

Today's interview feature comes from Alyssa Braddix who previously blogged at beautywithinhim.tumblr.com. Read on as she discusses Mary (of Mary and Martha fame), her favourite woman of the Bible, how she ties into her own personal testimony and what we as modern women can learn from Mary's example:

An Interview with Eleanor Akaho on Ruth

An Interview with Eleanor Akaho on Ruth

Today we have the privilege of hearing words of wisdom from Eleanor Akaho who, in her own words is:

"A mental health practitioner, who is passionate about personal development, travelling and writing. One of my most important causes is educating the general public about mental health in order to help reduce stigma towards those with these difficulties. 

I believe that my purpose in life is to be a light, which is coincidentally the meaning of my name! In keeping with this, I aim to reflect qualities of God such as warmth, hope and enlightenment. My journey so far has taught me how important it is to be my authentic self and embrace that person. I hope that my future works will encourage others (especially girls and young women) on their own personal quests for wisdom and sense of purpose."

With being said, read on as she explains why Ruth is her favourite woman of the Bible, how she ties in with Eleanor's testimony and what we, as modern Christian women, can learn from Ruth.

Lessons from Peninnah on the Nature of Bullies and Haters

Lessons from Peninnah on the Nature of Bullies and Haters

Like most women in the Bible, there are only a few verses dedicated to Peninnah. For those who have never heard of her- she is mentioned in 1st Samuel 1:2-7, which says:

"And [Elkanah] had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. Also the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there. And whenever the time came for Elkanah to make an offering, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat."

So, as you can see, Peninnah wasn't the nicest of people. Yet, I still feel that she has much to teach us, particularly about the nature of bullies and haters.

To continue by listening to the rest of this devotional, press play on the audio below. Download and share with your loved ones also:

 

An Interview with Maggz Edefah on Hannah

An Interview with Maggz Edefah on Hannah

Today;s interview comes from a very close; personal friend of mine- Margaret (Maggz) Okiemute Edefah. In her own words:

"I am a:

  • Blessed woman of God on a beautiful journey of self discovery. I am loving it! The lord has been good.
  • Into the ministry of being faithful and passing on wisdom to women from great mentors I look up to, to build their God given purposes.
  • Currently working in the food industry in quality assurance. However I am making strides to work for myself and prove that, with the faith of a mustard seed, it is possible to have the life that I dream of everyday.
  • I live by the principle, with GOD all things are possible.
  • My fave scripture right now is: prov 5:15-23."

Now that you have been properly introduced, read as she explains why Hannah is her favourite woman of the Bible and what we, as modern women, can learn from her.