15. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello 

Here’s our text that we’re studying just for review purposes.

I Samuel 1: “Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: 2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 And this man went up out of his city yearly  to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.”  (KJV)

Okay, if you did the history then you will find that the reference to Hophni and Phinehas puts us in the period of the Judges.   During this particular season, Israel was ruled as a theocracy (GOD RULED). 

There were 13 judges and the bible teaches us that the children of

Also, during this period the phrase was coined “And everyone did what was right in their own eyes.”  There is a story in Judges the 19^th chapter that gives you an idea of how evil the times were.  The story teaches us that there was a certain Levite who took to him a concubine and this concubine played the whore against him and she went to her father’s house for four months.  The Levite decides to go after her and when he finds her she agrees to come back home with him.  While they are traveling back home an old man offers his home to them so they could get out of the streets for their journey had gone into the night. 

During the middle of the night the men of the city came and beat against the door demanding that the old man send out the man that he had brought into his house to be used for sexual purposes.  The old man refused and ended out throwing out the man’s concubine to them. 

The text goes on to say that they raped this woman all night long.  Early the next day, they let her go and she crawled back to the house where she was staying. When the Levite went to the door to begin his journey again, He saw the woman at the door and she was dead.  The Levite took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her together with her bones into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel and it was so that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day.   I gave you this story to share with you the mind frame and the times in which this Hannah story was created.  People had lost God consciousness and were defining their own truth.   In the midst of this something so amazing is happening.   A season when people were turning away from God, and people were teaching their own truths, and did what felt right to them (sound familiar).  It was in this season, this atmosphere that our story develops.    Okay, enough history for today, tomorrow we will study Hophni and Phinehas.    I am going somewhere with this. Watch how powerful this history gives insight to the text that we’re about to study. God Bless! 

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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14. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

Due to the different timeframes that people are in that view this daily devotional, people are requesting a little extra time to participate in the homework assignment.  I’m so glad that so many of you were interested in doing it. 

So tomorrow, we’ll discuss the historical context of the verse.  For those of you that don’t know what I am talking about, please go to yesterday’s devotional for all the details. 

Just Google some of the names in the text and you will come up with some fascinating history that will give so much insight to the text.   

Don’t forget to email me your work; I would love to read it. 

God Bless! 

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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13. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Good Morning: 

Today, I’m going to do things a little differently.  I have homework for you.  Those of you that will continue to study with me will learn that I love teaching “how to study the bible.”  I just think with the right tools and resources people will find it difficult to put the bible down as I do.  Below, is the first part of the text that we will be studying for the rest of the week.   Should you want to read ahead then read this entire story of Hannah.   

In order to properly understand scripture, you must interpret it in the context in which it was written.  When we talk about context, we mean the setting or environment in which something is created.   There are immediate, remote, and historical contexts.   For our purposes today, I want you to focus on the historical. 

Look at the passages below and do some research on some of the names and people in the text to see if you can identify time frame, the situation in which it was created, what was going on, who was ruling, what was the mind frame of the people, etc.   Even though below just looks like a bunch of names that you would just ignore when reading, it is loaded with fascinating information that will help you clearly understand the text.   

Email me your results; I would love to read it.  Looking to hear from ladycrystal especially.     Tomorrow, I show you what I mean.  This is so exciting, you’ll see.   

I Samuel 1: “Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: 2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 And this man went up out of his city yearly  to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD.” (KJV)   God Bless. 

 Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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12. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

Sorry, I haven’t posted in a couple of days, but I was having technical difficulties with logging in, but things are all fixed now.  I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day Weekend.    

Let’s review the scripture we’ve been studying:

Matthew 5: 13 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” So far we have covered the characteristics of salt and we’ve applied the saying of Jesus; “you are the salt of the earth” to mean you have “influence” in the earth.  We have discussed what that influence is and we have discussed how to lose that influence.   Today, we want to talk about the second part of that scripture.  Jesus not only refers to us as the salt of the earth, but he also refers to us as the “light of the world.”   Light gets rid of darkness. When light comes into the room, it exposes truth.  Light exposes while darkness covers up.    We were born to be the light of this world.  We hold the truth of God. 

Jesus then instructs us that no one lights a candle and puts it under a bushel but when it is placed on a candlestick, it gives light to everyone that is around or all that is in the house.  

 It’s not a good thing to go into hiding.  Remember, Jesus said, that light is not suppose to be hid but to illuminate, and bring truth to whatever environment it is in.   

Jesus also commands us to let our light shine before men so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven. 

Jesus clearly tells us who we are and who we belong to.  We are the salt and light of the world.  We have influence and hold truth to illuminate the mind and bring glory to God.   

So what is our purpose in life? I like the way the Westminster Catechism puts it when it asks the question; “What is the chief end of man?”  The answer:  “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.”  One of the scriptures to support that catechism is 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (KJV) 

Salt and light.  Influence and truth.  WOW!!!!!!!!  What a phenomenal purpose.     The dreams that you have, the things you feel “led” to do by God, are all for HIS GLORY.  They simply put us in an arena where we should both influence and bring illumination or truth.    In doing this, we will glorify God and we will experience levels of happiness that are probably far beyond what we could imagine and our needs will be met for God knows what we need.   

Tomorrow, we’re going to break away from our study of Matthew for a minute and I want to talk about the story of Hannah as recorded in I Samuel 1^st Chapter.

Tyler wrote an email on last week entitled “JUST PRAY”.  I preached a sermon on Mother’s Day entitled “JUST PRAY” and I want to share it with you. 

God Bless.  Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily. 

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8. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Good Morning:   

In the text that we have been studying, Jesus makes the statement:  “but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” 

Yesterday, we talked about if we could sum it up in one word what it means to be the salt of the earth, that word would be influence.   

Today, Jesus deals with the “lost of influence” or the salt losing its “savour”.   How do we lose our influence? I think we will all agree that the way we lose influence is sin. Yeah!!!!!!!!  There’s that word.  If we are living in “sin”, it will be problematic for us to cause change or affect the environment in which we are placed.   A person who is currently engaging in sin whatever it is, will find it difficult or should I say hypocritical to try to influence someone else for the “kingdom of God.”   

There is so much for us to do as a people, So much in store for us as “ambassadors of God” but many of us are so overwhelmed with our own issues that we are missing  the Godly work and needs that is perhaps “staring us in the face.” I believe in the power of prayer and I believe that there is deliverance through the word of God for any situation that we are facing.  If you’re ready to move forward, then let’s start with ourselves and as the old folks use to say; “let’s clean up our own back yards first.”  Jesus said:  “If the salt has lost its savour, it is fit for nothing but to be thrown down and trodden under the foot of men. “ 

Sorry, I can’t clean that up for you, if we’re not causing change and being a witness for the glory of God, then in the words of Jesus, we are “fit for nothing.”    

Let’s move forward in the things of God. There are people waiting to hear your testimony, to hear how the power of God and the word of God kept you and nourished you and delivered you from whatever circumstance you may have faced or currently facing. The power is within you.   For all things are possible through God.   There is an abundant life waiting for you and the benefits are far better than the “sin” that we’re holding on to.   Tomorrow, we will talk about the “light of the word.” And close out this teaching and deal with purpose.  

God Bless Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily. 

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7. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Good Morning: Today, we’re going to talk about how do we take the analogy of salt and apply it to us in our every day lives.  What does it mean to be the “salt of the earth?”  

Yesterday, we talked about how salt was used to preserve, to prevent decay, or things from spoiling or going bad.   As Christians, Jesus says that we are the “salt “of the earth.    Now, in order to be faithful to the context, we must remember that Jesus had just finished teaching on the beatitudes, in these beatitudes, he describes the Christian character.   After Jesus closes with the beatitudes, He says:  “You are the salt of the earth.”   

Christians who live like Jesus described in the beatitudes have influence.   We have the ability to preserve, to prevent decay or destruction, to keep something or someone from “spoiling” or going bad.  We have influence.    Don’t let anyone discourage you or make you feel inferior, you have influence.  The world is waiting to hear what you have to say concerning the things of God whether it will be meant with gladness or hostility, you have influence.   

Jesus instructs us that we are to be “in the world” and not “of the world” and he instructs us not to “love the world.”     

What does that mean to be in the world and not of the world?   Let’s look at the example of salt.  Salt has to be mixed with or sprinkled over or rubbed on whatever it is going to affect.    Though the salt is mixed together with the substance that it is “preserving” or keeping from decay, it still maintains its characteristics.   

Do you see where I’m going?    In order to be effective, we have to mingle, be around, be involved  with the people and things of this world, but we are not reduced to the “world’s standards”  nor should we submit to any ungodly action, nor compromise what we believe are Godly requirements for our life.  We should influence whatever environment we’re in and be a catalyst for helping bring about change.    Calm down, relax, don’t run out and announce to the world that you have influence.  Don’t start flexing your muscles on your job, or around your home, or among your peers.  Everything must be done in decency and in order and in love.  Believe me, people who have influence, do not have to announce it.  People will know sometimes without you saying a word, they will know that something is different about you, because of what you are modeling before them.   

You have more power than you probably know.   Just think on this today, and tomorrow, we’ll develop this subject matter further.  No, I did not forget that this week’s subject is purpose, trust me, I’m going there.    God Bless. Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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6. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

Did you do your homework?  (lol) 

Okay, let’s talk about some characteristics of salt.  In the Greco-Roman world (which was the world in which Jesus lived) salt was considered to be divine.   To the Romans, it was said that nothing was more important to them than salt and the sun.  Salt was so valuable that often it would be used to pay wages and if you were a lousy soldier the saying arose that “you weren’t worth your salt.”  So for a day’s work, you would receive salt in return because it was such a valuable trading commodity.   

In the days where there was no refrigeration, you can only imagine how valuable salt was for preserving especially meats.   Salt was used to stop things from decaying or prevent it from being destroyed or deteriorating.    

Even though today, we have many ways of refining salt to make sure it did not lose its savor, in the ancient world, it was possible for salt to lose its savor or become bad.  In the event this happened, it would be thrown into the streets and people would trample on top of it.   They dare not throw it in the fields or in farmland, for fear of damaging the soil, so it was thrown into the streets.   

Do you see where we are going with this?  Jesus said:  “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” So how do we bring this into the natural?  What does it mean for us to be salt, and how can we loose our saltiness?  If we do lose it, what does it mean to be “trodden under the foot of men?” 

Tomorrow, we’ll deal with these issues. 

God Bless. 

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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5. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Good Morning:   

This Week, I want to talk about purpose.  So many people ask, why am I here, what am I here for, what am I to accomplish in life, etc.    After Jesus finishes teaching on the beatitudes which reflects what the characteristics of a Christian are and the way to experience true happiness on this earth, he closes out with the following statements: 

Matthew 5: 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, ^F9 but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  

Jesus closes out the beatitude with encouraging the believer that standing up for righteousness comes with persecution.  He does not leave us hanging, but instructs that great  is our reward for enduring persecution. 

Then he makes a statement.  Jesus says “You are the salt of the earth.” 

Whenever you study the bible, you have to figure out what type of language is the text using.  This will determine whether you will take the text “figuratively” or “literally.”    Here, I think we will all agree that Jesus was not instructing us that we are physically salt.      But since Jesus makes such a bold statement as we are the salt of the earth, then we need to do some research as to the characteristics of salt.     

Okay,  I’m gonna end it here today, but if you want to study ahead, you can get on the internet and do some research on the history of salt including its uses.  I think you will find some fascinating information.    After all, we are the salt of the earth.  What does that really mean?   

I know you’re probably wondering; “What does this have to do with purpose?   Keep tuning in and we’ll put it all together by the end of the week.   God Bless.

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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2. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Good Morning:  

Matthew 5: 10 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  So far we have studied seven beatitudes; today we finish the last one which deals with persecution.    

Some scholars argue as to whether there are eight or nine beatitudes, because the verse below also continues with the “blessed” formula but the theme of persecution is the same as beatitude eight.   Some of you may have been taught that there are nine, and others eight, whichever way, the last one/s deal with persecution.    

Matthew 5: 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.   Earlier when we started on this lesson almost thirty days ago, I mentioned to you that order was important.  After you stand up for righteousness for the sake of peace then expect persecution.   

Peacemaking does not always come with popularity.  Becoming a peacemaker often challenges others to analyze their behavior.  This can follow with much persecution.   The Strong’s Concordance definition of persecute is the following:

1. to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away
2. to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after
   1. to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal
   2. to pursue (in a hostile manner)
3. in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one
   1. to persecute
   2. to be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of something
4. without the idea of hostility, to run after, follow after: someone
5. metaph., to pursue
   1. to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire

Yes, there is a price to pay for doing the right thing, but Jesus clearly teaches that “great will be our reward.”   I enjoyed going through this series of the beatitudes with you.  Tomorrow, we will do a review of all eight and on Monday, we will begin a new topic. 

God Bless Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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1. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” 

Today, I want to focus on “children of God.” 

We’ve been studying all week about peace and conflict.  We’ve talked about biblical peace versus the world or even our concept of peace. 

We talked about dealing with situations even though it may stir up unwanted or hostile emotions.     When we stand up for righteousness even at the risk of causing conflict to get to the heart of the problem for resolution sake, then we shall be called “children of God.”   Sometimes, you must go through conflict to acheive “true peace.”  Often times, true peace can only be achieved by going through conflict.  

One of the ways that we can tell that we have an attitude for peace is if we find ourselves refusing to participate or create situations that could cause unnecessary problems or  lead to divisive behavior,  simply to satisfy some selfish need we have.  Peacemakers not only deal with conflict to accomplish true “peace” but we also stay away from idle gossip, unmerited anger, envy, backbitting, jealousy, slander, etc.   Sometimes, we just need to “walk away.”  

One of my favorite verses in the bible is found in Proverbs 16:32  ”He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” 

This proverbial wisdom teaches us that a person that can control their temper and attitude is better than the strong and mighty who can do such great things as conquer cities. 

Peacemakers, People will actually look at our character and personality and say: “Now there goes a child of God.” What a wonderful testimony for “the glory of God.”   

Tomorrow, we will end our journey with the beatitudes but we will still continue to study Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.   

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily. 

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