Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11:24 KJV https://bible-strong.app
Mark 11 1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.
20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
27 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Welcome back to another in-depth Bible study.Let’s dive into God’s Word together, seeking understanding and insight. May His spirit guide us as we explore Scripture.
Deuteronomy 18:13
13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.
17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.
18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Deuteronomy 19 1 When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;
2 Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
3 Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.
4 And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;
5 As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
6 Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.
7 Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.
8 And if the LORD thy God enlarge thy coast, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, and give thee all the land which he promised to give unto thy fathers;
9 If thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them, which I command thee this day, to love the LORD thy God, and to walk ever in his ways; then shalt thou add three cities more for thee, beside these three:
10 That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee.
11 But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:
12 Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.
13 Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.
That concludes our lesson for today. Comeback tomorrow as we continue right along in the Bible. Have a great day and God bless!
An hour into her stake out and the adrenaline began to fade. Standing in one spot was not only increasingly difficult but also not very well hidden either. What did she hope to accomplish anyway? Sure, she could lay eyes on the sneaky snake, but then what? What if the perpetrator turned on her? Rose started to have thoughts about returning home, there was no guarantee they were hiding out on this particular night anyways. I am sure they had other spots just like her little shop to dip into at night.
Desperate to justify her decision to play detective, Rose stayed. She lowered herself to the ground, finding a more comfortable position. Quietly she snacked on butterscotch and tootsie rolls. Somewhere along the night boredom caused sleep to overcome her, despite her repeated efforts to fight it. She was startled awake by the click of the deadbolt lock. Rose held her breath and calmed her shaking nerves as she waited. The bottom lock softly clicked, the door knob turned and the door swung open. Out walked a young girl who closed the door behind her and walked around the opposite side, oblivious to her presence. Rose stared in shock. Never did she consider a child cunning enough to pull off such a feat. She hopped to her feet and followed the side of the building.
Once the girl reached the sidewalk she hung a right, disappearing into the darkness. Rose decided not to follow further. The girl’s quick steps were far faster than hers. Instead, she returned to her car and slept until it was time to open the book shop. All day she pondered what to do. From the looks of her, she couldn’t be no more than 10 or 11. Rose wondered about her story and why she was sleeping in her book store. What sort of circumstances leaves a young girl in such a situation? Where were her mother and father?
Elianna
Elianna strolled the streets of Yellow Town, she knew the businesses wouldn’t be openfor at least another hour. Any time she saw headlights she would dip into an alley, not wanting to draw attention to herself. A child alone at this hour never looked good. Elianna walked the half a mile to Piggly Wiggly and around to the back of the store. The large building sat nestled against a patch of overgrown greenery. A couple handful of saplings and thick briers sat just behind the dumpster. One tree managed to grow to a sizable height, sprouting up in the middle. Somehow forgotten or unseen during employees’ daily duties. Elianna pushed through the shrubbery and scaled the tree. She sat in the nook of the branches and waited for sunrise, blissfully listening to the morning song birds.
About two hours later, Elianna climbed down and circled to the front of the store. She casually walked through the parking lot and to the sidewalk. Elianna walked the long route to her destination, along the way she gathered flowers. She took care to only choose ones that extended to the side walk. She considered those free game and not stealing. She may wear many unfavorable titles, but a thief wasn’t one of them. By the end of her walk she had assembled a marvelous bouquet. She pulled a piece of ribbon from her pocket and tied the flowers together. She finished just before the hospital steps.
Visiting hours began at 10:00 AM. She climbed the familiar walkway, the same as she had done at least 500 times. Once a stark reminder of what was, now warm and inviting like home. Elianna climbed the staircase all the way to the top, nodding at nurse Jackie as she went past the nurses station . As expected Scarlette was sitting in her bed watching cartoons.
“Good morning Scarlette.” “Good morning Eli.”
A nickname only a handful of people have ever called her. She never cared much for the cutesy name but for Scarlette she doesn’t mind. Elianna extended the flowers, pride beaming from her face.
“Look what I brought you today.” “Real flowers! They are gorgeous we must get them into water soon so they life as long as possible.”
Scarlette rang the nurse call button prompting nurse Jackie to appear in the doorway.
“What is it Scarlette?” “Can you get me something to put these lovely flowers in please?” “I’ll see what I can do.” “What would you like to play today.” Elianna asked. “Tick Tac Toe, Gold fish?” “I’m actually kind of tired today can we just watch cartoons together?” “I think TV sounds perfect.”
Nurse Jackie appeared once more this time carrying a small beaker.
“Not its intended purpose but it should work just fine.” Jackie placed the flowers into the makeshift vase, already half full with water.
Elianna spent the day watching cartoons with Scarlette; a peaceful silence settled amongst them. Scarlette drifted in and out of consciousness happy to know Elianna was still there each time she awakened. Nurse Jackie signaled for her of to stay just a little while longer, permitting her to stay past visiting hours. Elianna knew if she did, the bookstore was out of the question for a place to sleep. The old lady would already have locked up and went home by the time she could walk there and hide away, Despite the dilemma Elianna stayed a little while longer knowing all too well tomorrow is never promised.
Rose
Rose tried to stay vigilant all day, determined to see the moment the child came into her shop. Beyond that she wasn’t sure, should the confronts her? Doing so might scare her away. Should she call CPS and notify them? She has heard horror stories about children in foster care. Some homes they get placed in our unloving and cruel to say the least. For now Rose would leave her be, at least until she had just a little longer to thinkabout what to do. She was doing no harmand Rose was no longer concerned about her safety.
To her disappointment, the pale faced girl never showed. She was certain of it. Just to be sure Rose searched every nook and cranny but no little girl lie hidden between the pages. Finally, Rose locked up and headed home. Out of curiosity she took the long way home. She drove past all the local shops on main street and all the way to Ol Blessness Hospital. As she drove past the pale face little girl made her way down the steps of the hospital. Rose parked her car and watched as walked down the side walk. A million questions ran through her mind, they only fueled her curiosity. Rose followed close behind the girl. Close enough for her old eyes fo see but not close enough to draw suspicion. Rose lost sight of her as she rounded the corner of Piggly Wiggly, persumably heading to the back of the building, unreachable by vehicle. Tired and stilled needing time to thank, Rose drove home.
Elianna pushed herself through the small gap between the corner bookshelves. She turned to watch as the old woman rang up her last customer of the night. Like clockwork, at exactly 7:00 PM she turns off all the lights and leaves for the night. Presumably to some cute little cottage with a white picket fence somewhere along the outskirts of town.
Elianna waited motionless after the ding of the closing register drawer. She faced the wall hoping her black hair would be better camouflage than her pale face and bright blue eyes. She counted how many times she had stood in this corner like a toddler enduring time out, 7 maybe 8 . It didn’t take long to pick up on the old woman’s habits. The same routine day in, and day out, or so it seemed from the snippet of her life that Elianna had been able to observe. Her aging eyes made it difficult to spot her in the dark crevasse between the book cases. This was quickly becoming her favorite spot to sleep.
The moment she walked into Rose’s bookstore she knew she had found refuge. The sign read “Find a Home Between the Pages”. She didn’t expect to find home, rather a safe place to get a little sleep. The location appeared to be promising especially with the owner and sole employee being an elderly woman.
Elianna shifted out from her hiding spot, confident that the old lady was well on her way home by now. She had the place all to herself, at least until 7:00 AM. She would be long gone by then, usually waking up before dawn. Then she would casually walk out the back, making sure to lock the door behind her. She walked to the furthest corner of the book store by memory, the rooms now thick black. She retrieved the small flashlight hidden between the books. Covered with a torn piece of cloth it illuminated just enough to see but not enough to raise alarm if a passer by happened to see a glimpse in one of the windows. She quickly memorized the laborth of bookshelves and tapestry on her first visit. She knew every nook and cranny by heart, often utilizing them to stash necessities, long before she dared the overnight sleep-ins.
Elianna made her way to the front of the shop to make sure the old lady lowered the blinds on the front windows. Sometimes she forgets and one time Elianna risked lowering them just for the added security. To her relief they were both closed. She turned to retreat back into her labyrinth of safety when something caught her eye. The old lady’s lunch bag. The one she brought everyday, sat in her chosen chair. She must have forgotten it. Elianna debated the likelihood of her returning to fetch it? Should she hide in the corner just in case? Then another thought echoed through her mind. What if it still contained food?
She hadn’t ate a decent supper in longer than she could remember. Usually lunch at school would be her last meal of the day, but during breaks, like now, food was hard to come by. Her belly rumbled and mouth watered as she thought of all the possibilities. Mild starvation pushed her to risk opening the bag, just for a peek. Her heart trembled when she saw a fully packed lunch. Ham and cheese sandwich with potato salad on the side and a red shiny apple. Elianna pondered the chances that she wouldn’t notice. Could the old lady possibly think she ate it? If not, finding her missing lunch pale tomorrow with devoured contents would be sure to raise suspension. Obviously the ol lady’s cognitive function was slipping if she forgot not only her lunch bag, but to eat her lunch as well.
She decided the least risky choice was the apple. So, despite the risk, she ate it slowly, savoring each bite. After she finished nibbling. away at the core her little belly rumbled for more. Desperation encouraged her to eat the rest despite the danger of the possible consequences.
Overly grateful to have a full belly, she returned the bag to its original place and retreated to her sleeping spot. A far back corner where she could stretch out on the floor, her little backpack used as a makeshift pillow. At night she liked to read stories of fairy tales and far away lands. Stories that always had heros and happy endings. The sound of her internally narrating the words would lullaby her to sleep, where she would dream of her own hero and happy endings. But tonight the hunger pains were subdued, no longer stealing her rest so sleep came swiftly and peacefully. She loved the way rows of books blocked out sound and created a sense of security. The tall stacks offer shelter and hope.
Rose
Rose unlocked the bookshop door and scurried to her lunch bag. She had to prove to herself she wasn’t getting batty in her old age. Sure enough, the lunch she purposely left was all gone. Presumably by whomever had been staying in her shop. How else could the dead bolt be unlocked and her food missing. The first time she saw the door unlock she chalked it up to her aging mind. The second time, she seriously began to doubt her sanity. The third time she knew something was wrong. Nothing was ever missing nor out of place, but someone undoubtedly was hiding away in her shop at night. The question was, what were their intentions?
Rose pondered all day as to what she should do. Should she call the police and inform them of a break in? Could it be a criminal on the run or some mentally disturbed person? Could it be a wife leaving her husband or an illegal immigrant looking for freedom?
Curiosity got the best of as she formed a plan to spy on the sneaky snake to see for herself. She locked up as usual, turning the sign to “Close”, lowering the blinds and turning off the lights. She locked the door behind her and double checked that it was locked. Then climbed in her car and drove away. Instead of going home she parked about a block down the road where she waited for darkness to settle.
Slowly she walked back to her beloved book shop, adrenaline causing her to feel 10 years younger. She cut through the back alley and across the adjacent yard stopping at the furthest corner of the shop. She slid around the side of the building, immersing further into darkness and preparing to wait on the mystery mooch to emerge out the back door.
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 KJV https://bible-strong.app
Isaiah 54 1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.
5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.
7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.
8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.
9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.
10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.
16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Welcome back to another in-depth Bible study.Let’s dive into God’s Word together, seeking understanding and insight. May His spirit guide us as we explore Scripture.
Deuteronomy 17:7
7 The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.
8 If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;
9 And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment:
10 And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee:
11 According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.
12 And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.
13 And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.
14 When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me;
15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.
16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.
17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:
19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
Deuteronomy 18 1 The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.
2 Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.
3 And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.
4 The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.
5 For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.
6 And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the LORD shall choose;
7 Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the LORD.
8 They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.
9 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
That concludes our lesson for today. Comeback tomorrow as we continue right along in the Bible. Have a great day and God bless!
What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?
What strategies do I use ro maintain my health and well-being? Each and everyday I wake up I put the armour of God on. I pray for Him to lead, guide, direct and protect me through the day through His will. I am conscious of the things I consume through all possible avenues.
Summer is a fantastic time to gather various plants with potential medicinal benefits. The warm weather encourages the growth of vibrant herbs, perfect for harvesting. Many of these plants, when carefully collected, can be used to create soothing remedies. Furthermore, utilizing nature’s gifts can offer a natural approach to wellness. Remember to always practice sustainable harvesting to preserve these valuable resources.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) – Description: Sage is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. It has grayish-green leaves and purple flowers. – Medicinal Properties: Sage contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and terpenes, which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cognitive-boosting effects. – Uses: Sage tea or infusion can improve cognitive function, memory, and digestion. It can also relieve menopausal symptoms, sore throats, and mouth ulcers.
– Habitat: Sage typically grows in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s native to the Mediterranean region but can be found in many parts of the world. – Harvesting: Pinch or cut off the top sets of leaves to encourage bushy growth. Harvest individual leaves or stems as needed, or cut off the entire plant just above the woody base. – Best Time to Harvest: Spring and summer, when the leaves are at their peak flavor and aroma. – Precautions: Wear gloves when handling sage, as the leaves can be quite prickly.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) – Description: Marshmallow is a perennial herb native to Europe and Africa. It has soft, velvety leaves and pink or white flowers. – Medicinal Properties: Marshmallow root contains mucilages, which have anti-inflammatory, soothing, and protective effects on the mucous membranes. – Uses: Marshmallow root tea or infusion can relieve respiratory issues like bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. It can also soothe digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcers. – Habitat: Marshmallow typically grows in wet environments, such as marshes, riversides, and coastal areas. – Harvesting: Dig up the roots in the fall or early spring, when the plant is dormant. Cut the leaves and flowers in the summer, when they’re in bloom. – Best Time to Harvest: Fall or early spring for the roots, and summer for the leaves and flowers. – Precautions: Be sure to identify the plant correctly, as some lookalike plants can be toxic.
Fennel
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Description: Fennel is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. It has feathery leaves and yellow flowers. – Medicinal Properties: Fennel contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and anethole, which have anti-inflammatory, carminative, and antispasmodic effects. – Uses: Fennel tea or infusion can relieve digestive issues like bloating, gas, and cramps. It can also relieve respiratory issues like bronchitis and coughs.
– Habitat: Fennel typically grows in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s native to the Mediterranean region but can be found in many parts of the world. – Harvesting: Cut off the leaves and stems as needed, or harvest the entire plant just above the base. – Best Time to Harvest: Spring and summer, when the leaves are at their peak flavor and aroma. – Precautions: Wear gloves when handling fennel, as the sap can cause skin irritation.
Burdock
Burdock (Arctium lappa) – Description: Burdock is a biennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It has large, coarse leaves and purple flowers. – Medicinal Properties: Burdock root contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and lignans, which have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and diuretic effects. – Uses: Burdock root tea or infusion can relieve skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It can also relieve digestive issues like constipation and urinary issues like kidney stones.
– Habitat: Burdock typically grows in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, fields, and waste areas. – Harvesting: Dig up the roots in the fall or early spring, when the plant is dormant. Cut the leaves and flowers in the summer, when they’re in bloom. – Best Time to Harvest: Fall or early spring for the roots, and summer for the leaves and flowers. – Precautions: Be sure to identify the plant correctly, as some lookalike plants can be toxic.
Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Description: Yarrow is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It has fern-like leaves and white or yellow flowers. – Medicinal Properties: Yarrow contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and sesquiterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antispasmodic effects. – Uses: Yarrow tea or infusion can relieve digestive issues like bloating and cramps. It can also relieve menstrual issues like heavy bleeding and cramps.
– Habitat: Yarrow typically grows in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s native to Europe and Asia but can be found in many parts of the world. – Harvesting: Cut off the leaves and stems as needed, or harvest the entire plant just above the base. – Best Time to Harvest: Spring and summer, when the leaves are at their peak flavor and aroma. – Precautions: Wear gloves when handling yarrow, as the sap can cause skin irritation.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – Description: St. John’s Wort is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It has yellow flowers with five petals. – Medicinal Properties: St. John’s Wort contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and hyperforin, which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mood-boosting effects. – Uses: St. John’s Wort tea or infusion can relieve mild depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It can also relieve skin issues like wounds and inflammation.
– Habitat: St. John’s Wort typically grows in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s native to Europe and Asia but can be found in many parts of the world. – Harvesting: Cut off the leaves and stems as needed, or harvest the entire plant just above the base. – Best Time to Harvest: Spring and summer, when the leaves are at their peak flavor and aroma. – Precautions: Be sure to identify the plant correctly, as some lookalike plants can be toxic.
Calendula
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – Description: Calendula is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region. It has bright orange or yellow flowers. – Medicinal Properties: Calendula contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing effects. – Uses: Calendula tea or infusion can relieve skin issues like wounds, burns, and eczema. It can also relieve menstrual issues like cramps and heavy bleeding.
– Habitat: Calendula typically grows in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s native to the Mediterranean region but can be found in many parts of the world. – Harvesting: Cut off the flowers as needed, or harvest the entire plant just above the base. – Best Time to Harvest: Spring and summer, when the flowers are in bloom. – Precautions: Wear gloves when handling calendula, as the sap can cause skin irritation
Mullein
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) – Description: Mullein is a biennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It has large, woolly leaves and yellow flowers. – Medicinal Properties: Mullein contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and saponins, which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and expectorant effects. – Uses: Mullein tea or infusion can relieve respiratory issues like bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. It can also relieve ear infections and skin issues like eczema.
– Habitat: Mullein typically grows in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s native to Europe and Asia but can be found in many parts of the world. – Harvesting: Cut off the leaves and stems as needed, or harvest the entire plant just above the base. – Best Time to Harvest: Spring and summer, when the leaves are at their peak flavor and aroma. – Precautions: Wear gloves when handling mullein, as the sap can cause skin irritation.
Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – Description: Basil is an annual herb native to India and Southeast Asia. It has green leaves and white or purple flowers. – Medicinal Properties: Basil contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and volatile oils, which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic effects. – Uses: Basil tea or infusion can relieve digestive issues like bloating and cramps. It can also relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
-Harvest individual leaves or stems as needed, or cut off the entire plant just above the base. – Best Time to Harvest: Spring and summer, when the leaves are at their peak flavor and aroma.
Mint
Mint (Mentha spp.)
-Has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits. Some of the medical uses of mint include:
– Digestive Issues: Mint tea or oil can help relieve digestive issues like indigestion, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). – Respiratory Issues: Mint’s expectorant properties make it an effective remedy for relieving congestion, coughs, and colds. – Skin Issues: Mint oil or tea can help soothe skin irritations like acne, eczema, and minor burns. – Stress and Anxiety: Mint’s calming effects can help reduce stress and anxiety. – Oral Health: Mint oil or tea can help freshen breath, reduce plaque, and prevent gum disease.
Habitat Mint is a hardy, perennial herb that can grow in a variety of habitats, including:
– Moist Soils: Mint prefers moist, fertile soils with good drainage. – Partial Shade: Mint can thrive in partial shade, especially in warmer climates. – Temperate Climates: Mint is native to temperate climates, but it can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions as well. – Streams and Rivers: Mint can often be found growing wild near streams and rivers.
Harvesting Mint is typically harvested in the summer months when the leaves are at their peak flavor and aroma. Here are some tips for harvesting mint:
– Pinch or Cut: Pinch or cut off the top sets of leaves to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from flowering. – Harvest in the Morning: Harvest mint leaves in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. – Use Fresh or Dry: Use fresh mint leaves in teas, salads, and sauces, or dry them for later use. – Harvest Roots: Harvest mint roots in the fall or early spring, when the plant is dormant. Use the roots in teas, tinctures, or infusions.
Precautions When harvesting and using mint, keep the following precautions in mind:
– Skin Irritation: Mint oil or tea can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Use with caution and perform a patch test before using. – Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to mint. If you experience any symptoms like hives, itching, or difficulty breathing, discontinue use. – Interactions with Medications: Mint can interact with certain medications, such as antacids, blood thinners, and diabetes medications. Consult with a healthcare professional before using mint for medicinal purposes.
Othniel, the first judge of Israel after Joshua’s death, is a significant figure in the biblical account of the Israelites’ history. According to the Book of Judges, Othniel was the son of Kenaz, making him a relative of Caleb (Judges 1:13, 3:9). Othniel’s story is deeply connected to the conquest of the city of Kirjath-sepher, also known as Debir.
The biblical narrative highlights Othniel’s bravery and military prowess when Caleb offered his daughter Achsah as a reward to whoever would capture Kirjath-sepher. Othniel successfully conquered the city, and as a result, he received Achsah as his wife (Joshua 15:16-17, Judges 1:12-13). This union not only brought Othniel into the family of Caleb but also solidified his position among the Israelites.
As the first judge of Israel, Othniel played a crucial role in delivering the Israelites from the hand of Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia. After the Israelites sinned and were oppressed by Cushan-rishathaim for eight years, they cried out to God for deliverance. The Lord raised up Othniel as their deliverer. Empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, Othniel led the Israelites to victory over Cushan-rishathaim, and the land had rest for forty years (Judges 3:7-11).
Othniel’s leadership and military victories demonstrate his faith in God and his role as a deliverer of the Israelites. His story serves as an example of how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Through Othniel, the biblical account highlights the cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the period of the judges in Israel’s history.
The legacy of Othniel extends beyond his military achievements. He is also mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, being listed as a great-grandfather of David (1 Chronicles 2:15, Matthew 1:3-6). This connection underscores the importance of Othniel’s role in the biblical narrative and his place in the lineage of significant biblical figures.
In summary, Othniel’s story is one of faith, courage, and leadership. As a judge and a warrior, he played a pivotal role in the history of the Israelites, delivering them from oppression and leading them to victory. His legacy as a deliverer and his inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ highlight the significance of his contributions to biblical history.
Welcome back to another in-depth Bible study.Let’s dive into God’s Word together, seeking understanding and insight. May His spirit guide us as we explore Scripture.
Deuteronomy 16:3
3 Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life.
4 And there shall be no leavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days; neither shall there any thing of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.
5 Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee:
6 But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.
7 And thou shalt roast and eat it in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents.
8 Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work therein.
9 Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee: begin to number the seven weeks from such time as thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn.
10 And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:
11 And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.
12 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.
13 Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine:
14 And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates.
15 Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.
16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:
17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
21 Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.
22 Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth.
Deuteronomy 17 1 Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination unto the LORD thy God.
2 If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,
3 And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;
4 And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:
5 Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.
6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
That concludes our lesson for today. Comeback tomorrow as we continue right along in the Bible. Have a great day and God bless!
