The Daily Bible Verse

Luke 9:23-25 - What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?

2009-11-16T00:15:00.000-08:00

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"

Unfortunately we live in an age where Christianity has become a product. From Christian mints to bobble head Jesus, the faith has been commercialized to the point that we go to the church of our choice, we rate the preacher or music, we'll even opt for online community because sacred space and live people seem too inconvenient. We've created a consumer Christian who, according to recent polls, is more dissatisfied with their spiritual walk than ever. But the true Christian message is one of denial, not convenience. A cross-less Christ becomes stale bread and cheap wine. It has no power and therefore can be easily parodied and marketed.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

John 7:24 - Make a right judgment

2009-11-15T00:15:00.000-08:00

Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.

Jesus rebuked the Jewish religious teachers who were angry with Him for "working" by healing a man on the Sabbath.

They weren't happy that the man was healed. Instead, they were jealous of Jesus's power, wisdom, and the attention He was receiving from the crowds. Hypocritically, they themselves also worked on the Sabbath.

Jesus rebuked them by telling them to make a righteous judgement, not the wrong judgement they made based on their own jealousy and self-interest.

When we judge, aren't we often motivated by our own self-interests as well?

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John 1:5 - The light shines in the darkness

2009-11-14T00:15:00.000-08:00

The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

In the opening verses of John's Gospel, the Apostle has taught us that Jesus Christ is eternal and divine (vv. 1-2), He has created all things (v. 3), and He is the source of all life (v. 4). Now, the writer goes on to make a comment or two about Christian salvation. In verse 4, John described how Jesus "was the light of men." Now in verse 5, he says that while Jesus' light shines in the darkness, the darkness has not understood it.

"The darkness" here is another way of saying "those who are not Christians." If the only light of men is found in Jesus Christ, then there is no way to escape darkness without Him.

While other religions and philosophies may have a lot to offer, they cannot offer the light that leads to salvation; that is only offered through the Son of God. And, because of the simplicity of that, those who are not Christians cannot understand it apart from the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:6-8; Titus 3:5-7).

Today's commentary by:
Jeremy Cagle, Pastor
Middletown Bible Church, Middletown, IL, justthesimpletruth.com

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

John 1:4 - That life was the light of men

2009-11-13T00:15:00.000-08:00

In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

There is a very old Latin law of science that goes like this: ex nihilo nihil fit. "Out of nothing, nothing comes."

In other words, nothing does not produce something. Yet, every theory of creation except the Biblical one violates this simple law.

In the Biblical view of creation, everything that exists originally came from God. All life originated in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Here in John 1:4, the Apostle tells us that life came from Jesus Christ. And Jesus used His life here on earth to serve as a light to men, teaching them about salvation (see John 8:12).

Today's commentary by:
Jeremy Cagle, Pastor
Middletown Bible Church, Middletown, IL, justthesimpletruth.com

John 1:3 - Through Jesus all things were made

2009-11-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

In verse 3, the Apostle begins to discuss Jesus' creativity - all things were made through Him and nothing was made without Him. As God, Jesus was involved in every aspect of creation.

The Greek word for "made" is ginomai, from which we get the English word "genesis." It means to "to come into being, to happen, to become." God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit brought everything into being out of nothing.

Everything in the universe, from the stars to the planets to the trees to the animals, was originally spoken into being by God. And Jesus Christ, before He entered time and became a man, was alongside His Father in this act of creation.

Today's commentary by:
Jeremy Cagle, Pastor
Middletown Bible Church, Middletown, IL, justthesimpletruth.com

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

2 Timothy 2:3 - A good soldier of Christ Jesus

2009-11-11T00:15:00.000-08:00

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Just as our soldiers endure hardships and sacrifice for our country, we as Christians should joyfully serve our Commander and His Kingdom dutifully at any cost.

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John 1:2 - Jesus existed in the beginning with God

2009-11-10T00:15:00.000-08:00

He was with God in the beginning.

The Apostle John reminds his readers of two truths: Jesus Christ has a unique relationship with God and Jesus Christ is eternal.

John places these two truths side -by-side in saying that before anything was made, Jesus was with God. Being divine Himself (see Colossians 1:19; 2:9) and being involved in creation Himself (see Colossians 1:16-17), Jesus existed alongside God the Father.

Today's commentary by:
Jeremy Cagle, Pastor
Middletown Bible Church, Middletown, IL
www.justthesimpletruth.com

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word

2009-11-09T00:15:00.000-08:00

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Of all four Gospels, the Gospel of John is certainly the most unique. In fact, John Calvin made the interesting comment that if Matthew, Mark, and Luke exhibit Jesus' body, John's Gospel "exhibits his soul."

And in this exhibition, John starts off with a description of Jesus Christ in which he says four things about Him.

1) Jesus is the Word. In Greek, Jesus is the logos, the cause or reason for everything that exists.

2) Jesus existed in the beginning. Before time began, Jesus was.

3) Jesus was with God. Although Jesus is divine Himself, He exists in a Trinitarian relationship with God the Father.

4) Jesus is God. He contains all the attributes and characteristics of God the Father.

Today's commentary by:
Jeremy Cagle, Pastor
Middletown Bible Church, Middletown, IL
www.justthesimpletruth.com

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Luke 22:19-20 - This cup is the new covenant

2009-11-08T00:15:00.000-08:00

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

We are created as multi sensory creatures, and our Creator gave us a way to experience Him that emphasizes the senses.

To feel the bread break; to taste of the cup. These are not abstract concepts but actions that capture our senses and brings them into play.

His sacrifice is more than a story; it is to be a physical encounter. Jesus wants to be remembered in a way that makes us come, taste, and see that the Lord is good!

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the full armor of God

2009-11-07T00:15:00.000-08:00

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

The Armor of God is an expression used in the Bible to symbolize the combat equipment of a Christian soldier who fights against spiritual wickedness.

When our brave soldiers fight for our country, they wear protective armor. No soldier would go into battle without it.

Paul urges Christians to protect themselves in battle each day with godly attributes of armor such as truth, faith, righteousness, peace, and the Word of God.

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Romans 12:15 - Mourn with those who mourn

2009-11-06T00:15:00.000-08:00

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Our tendency is to be jealous when others rejoice, and to pass by when they mourn. God's way is to enter into the joys and sorrows of those around us.

Source:
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Ro 12:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

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Ecclesiastes 10:12 - A fool is consumed by his own lips

2009-11-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious,
but a fool is consumed by his own lips.

Our words reveal our character (Matthew 12:34) and we should choose our words wisely.

The fool makes false assumptions and therefore even more errant conclusions. He babbles on and on without thinking. (Ecclesiastes 10:14)

Let's be gracious with our words today, praying and reflecting before sharing and speaking.

As our grandparents said, "we have two ears and one mouth for a reason."

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Proverbs 22:1 - A good name is more desirable than great riches

2009-11-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

What's in a name? Plenty!

In today's world where anyone can "google" you, a good name is worth more than ever. Today's employers research potential candidates using all types of online tools.

Each day we are truly building our own legacy. We should live our lives as Godly men and women of character who are not afraid to attach our names to anything we do.

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Colossians 3:23 - Working for the Lord, not for men

2009-11-03T00:15:00.000-08:00

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men

Our work is both given by God and should be done in service to Him; no matter how small or great the task.

God promises to recognize and reward our efforts whether others do or not. (Matt. 6:19-21; Heb. 6:10).

Further, Jesus taught that if believers do something solely for the recognition of others, they completely miss God's reward.

A Christian's work should be characterized by enthusiasm, confidence, and diligence in work.

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1 Peter 3:10 - Whoever would love life and see good days...

2009-11-02T00:15:00.000-08:00

For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech."

To enjoy life we must refrain from speaking evil and keep our lips from lying.

Peter quotes Psalm 34:12-16a (see memory verse below) to confirm that God's blessing rests on those who practices righteousness.

Why is speech so important? Consider the following verse:

"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body." - James 3:5-6a

ACTION: What steps can you take to guard your tongue today?

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Genesis 39:1-4 - his master saw that the LORD was with him

2009-11-01T00:15:00.000-07:00

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.

The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Up to this point in Genesis, Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob have experienced miracles. God is very visible and audible through visions and appearances.

But when we get to the abduction and selling of Joseph into slavery, there seems to be silence. But God's silence is not his absence. When Joseph thinks that he has been doomed to destruction, God was preparing for a day when Joseph would save not only his own family but much of the ancient world.

When God seems the most hidden, he is working nonetheless.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

James 2:19 - Even the demons believe...

2009-10-31T00:15:00.000-07:00

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shudder.

Halloween is a season where many scary things are showcased. Our fears are exploited as the images of frightful creatures and horror movies come to the front. Evil is depicted as a powerful and unstoppable force. But the Scripture paints a different picture: all of hell trembles before the living God. Not only did Jesus defeat ALL the power of fear at the cross, he gave that same victory to us! To stand in the power of Jesus name is the opportunity given to every believer. Even demons shudder before those who know this!

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Luke 4:33-36 - In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon...

2009-10-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, "Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-the Holy One of God!"

"Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.

All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!"

The Scripture acknowledges a dimension of demons and angels. This is more than a superstition of the ancient world; this is a biblical reality. Notice what happens when these worlds collide: demons screaming while Jesus quietly but sternly casting them out. Even though evil may have a louder voice, it is only the sound of desperation. The authority that Jesus has doesn't need a lot of fanfare; it only needs someone who is willing to speak. God's whisper is greater than all of hell's cries.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Psalm 66:18-19 - God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer

2009-10-29T00:15:00.000-07:00

If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;
but God has surely listened
and heard my voice in prayer

Ongoing sin in a believer's life hinders effective prayer (Ps. 32). This is especially true if we cherish certain unconfessed sins in our lives.

Proverbs 23:17 says "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD."

We are commanded not to cherish sin or envy sinners.

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Psalm 3:3 - But you are a shield around me, O LORD

2009-10-28T00:15:00.000-07:00

But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

This psalm was written while David was fleeing as his own son, Absalom, was attempting to take over David's kingdom. The emotions in this psalm run strong and well they should. Yet in the midst of this turmoil David cries out to God to be his shield. God is ultimately the one who lifts our head from our current circumstances. As we cry aloud God will answer!

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Proverbs 22:9 - A generous man will himself be blessed

2009-10-27T00:15:00.000-07:00

A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.

The promise here is very simple: The person who seeks to relieve the wants and misery of others will be blessed.

What sorts of blessings do we receive when we share with others? The practice of giving out of a generous heart enables us to escape the hold of material things and the power money has over us. We are also freed from unexpected disappointment that descends when financial success fails to satisfy the soul. Instead we grow emotionally and spiritually as we experience fulfillment through real stewardship and the joy of loving sacrifice.

Giving to those in need is not an obligation, but an opportunity. Think about your standard approach to money and belongings. Ask yourself, "Am I holding on with a tight fist or offering my open hand to share with those in need?

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Romans 8:31-34 - If God is for us, who can be against us?

2009-10-26T00:15:00.000-07:00

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Think about this: you are so valuable to God that He sent His own Son to pay the price for your sins. You are VERY special to God!

We all face internal and external voices that speak negatively of our worth, but God made the final statement in Christ. Do you feel guilty? God comes to your aid.

Jesus took the wrath of God so we could have His favor. He is standing the gap for us today! God wants us to know this and live in the truth of it.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Isaiah 54:10 - My unfailing love for you will not be shaken

2009-10-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,"
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

After Israel has declined due to the rise of the Assyrians, Isaiah was sent by God to correct Israel of her stubborn heart. After chapters of correction, this passage finds Isaiah comforting Israel. He is contrasting where the Jewish people were at that moment to a story that was bigger than they could imagine. It was a story of hope, because much of what was happening to them at that time was confusing. With their national identity gone, Isaiah was reminding them that there was an unfailing love that would uphold them. A covenant of peace was eternally theirs. 800 years later, these words stood true as Jesus was born in a Jewish nation that should never have survived. The mountains were shaken, the hills removed, but God's covenant stood true.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

1 Timothy 5:3-4 - Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need

2009-10-24T00:15:00.000-07:00

Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

The church is there to take care of the needy, but notice how the Apostle Paul instructs his young disciple Timothy to associate care within the family with putting our religion into practice. We should see our family as one of our primary ministries. When we see this, to sacrifice the wellbeing of one's family for the sake of ministry would be a misuse of religion. The family becomes a multi generational model of relationship and peace. The God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob is exalted in such a family.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

James 4:8 - Come near to God and He will come near to you

2009-10-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

We draw near to God in honest prayers with open sincere hearts.

God forgives those who truly come to Him. We cleanse our hands and purify our hearts through forsaking sins. The double-minded are those who are divided in their hearts between God and the world.

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