Daily Bible Verse - 12/1/2007 - Proverbs 21:13

If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered.

Proverbs 21:13

Commentary
A person who is indifferent to people in need will find no one helping him when he calls out for help.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Pr 21:13). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?

"God helps those who help themselves" is not in Proverbs, or anywhere else in the Bible.

Miller, S. M., & Gross, P. (1998). How to get into the Bible. Includes index. (158). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/30/2007 - Matthew 6:9-10

This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Pray, then, in this way: Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:9-10

Commentary
In this manner does not mean to pray using only these words, but to pray in this way. People often reduce this prayer to empty recitation-exactly what the Lord said not to do (v. 7).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Mt 6:9-10). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?
The Jews did not address God directly as Father but used this personal title to describe God's relationship to Israel or to refer to Him as Creator. "Our Father" was a new title used by Jesus, who chose the term "Abba" (carrying the more intimate sense of "daddy") and invited all who belong to Him to do the same (see Gal. 4:6).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Mt 6:9). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/29/2007 - 1 John 5:14

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

1 John 5:14

Commentary
When we know that we have eternal life, needless to say, we can go before the Lord with confidence. John describes this confidence in verses 14, 15. We know that if we ask anything according to God's will, He hears those prayers and will answer them. Indeed we should fear to pray for anything that is not in accordance with His will. Perhaps someone will say, "But how can I know the will of God?" In a general way, the answer is that God's will is revealed to us in the Sacred Scriptures, and so we should study the word in order that we might know better what God's will is and how we can pray more intelligently.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (1 Jn 5:14). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Faith in Practice

Jesus had once told His disciples, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and truth shall make you free" (John 8:31, 32). The truth of which Jesus spoke could only be known by keeping Jesus' words, for God's truth is to be experienced rather than simply comprehended. Thus we come to "know" God's truth by doing His will. Unlived truth has little meaning to the believer and none at all to those in the world.

The wonderful promise Jesus gave His disciples is that the Holy Spirit will guide believers into the will of God, and that in living that truth we are set free.

Richards, L., Pegoda, D., & Gross, P. (2001). Every teaching of Jesus in the Bible. Includes index. (171). Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/28/2007 - Matthew 6:6

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:6

Commentary
It is reading too much into the passage to use it to prohibit public prayer. The early church met together for collective prayer (Acts 2:42; 12:12; 13:3; 14:23; 20:36). The point is not where we pray. At issue here is, why we pray-to be seen by people or to be heard by God.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mt 6:6). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/27/2007 - Matthew 6:5

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

Matthew 6:5

Commentary
Next Jesus warns His disciples against hypocrisy when they pray. They should not purposely position themselves in public areas so that others will see them praying and be impressed by their piety. If the love for prominence is the only motive in prayer, then, Jesus declares, the prominence gained is the only reward.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mt 6:5). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?
The term hypocrite originally referred to Greek actors who wore masks that portrayed in an exaggerated way the roles they were dramatizing. Thus hypocrites are pretenders-persons who are playing a role. The only thing you truly know about them is the false image that disguises their real beliefs and feelings.

MacArthur, J. (1995). Alone with God. Includes indexes. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/26/2007 - Isaiah 26:4

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.

Isaiah 26:4

"Rock of Ages"

They realize at last that "in YAH, the Lord (Heb. YAH, a shortened form of YHWH), is everlasting strength," or "the Rock of Ages" (NJKV marg.). It was from this expression that Augustus Toplady got the idea for one of the greatest hymns in the English language, "Rock of Ages."
Seeking shelter in a cleft in a rocky crag during a violent thunderstorm, he wrote:

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Cleanse me from its guilt and power.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment-throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Is 26:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/25/2007 - 1 Chronicles 29:11

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.

1 Chronicles 29:11

Commentary
The purpose of the temple was to exalt the Lord and to acknowledge the universality of His kingdom. David modeled before the people the worship of the living God. It typically starts with praise for God's eternity, His complete control over the universe, and His great power. He is the glorious Master over all (Ps. 134:3).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (1 Ch 29:11). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Crosses by Brian
Creator of crosses that carry a message to be proclaimed with courage.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/24/2007 - 1 Chronicles 29:13

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.

1 Chronicles 29:13

Commentary
David responds to the phenomenal offering expressing amazing sacrifices of wealth with praise in which he acknowledges that all things belong to and come from God. He concludes that God is everything and that man is nothing, much like Ps. 8. This magnificent prayer of thanks gives God all credit, even for the people's generosity (v. 14).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Ch 29:10). Nashville: Word Pub.

Did you know?

Like the books of Samuel and Kings, the two volumes of Chronicles were originally one book, later separated so each could fit onto a single scroll.

Chronicles was probably written in the early 400s b.c., roughly a hundred years after many of the Jews returned home from exile and rebuilt the temple.

Miller, S. M., & Gross, P. (1998). How to get into the Bible. Includes index. (115). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/23/2007 - Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Matthew 5:6

Commentary
These future possessors of the earth are its presently installed rightful heirs and even now they hunger and thirst for righteousness. They experience a deep desire for personal righteousness, which is, in itself, a proof of their spiritual rebirth. Those who are poor and empty in their own spiritual poverty recognize the depth of their need and hunger and thirst for that which only God can give them. "To hunger" means to be needy. It is joined with "to thirst"; the born-again man has a God-given hunger and thirst (inner passion) for righteousness. This hungering and thirsting continues throughout the life of the believer. He continues to hunger and to be filled and to hunger and to be filled. God supplies his every spiritual need daily. This act of hungering and thirsting after righteousness is the by-product of a regenerated life.
They shall be filled (Gk. chortazō) refers to a complete filling and satisfaction. The psalmist proclaimed: "He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness" (Ps. 107:9). This filling comes from God, who is the total source of satisfaction of His people. It comes now and it will continue to come throughout eternity to those who hunger and thirst for it.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Mt 5:6). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/22/2007 - Revelation 11:17

saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign."

Saying, We give thee thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

saying, "We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign."

Revelation 11:17

Thanksgiving Proclamation

As President, on October 3rd 1789, George Washington stated the following proclamation and created the first official Thanksgiving Day.

"

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks, for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation, for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed, for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed, to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and Us, and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/21/2007 - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Commentary Why is giving so important? In Paul's words, it tests the sincerity of our love for God and others (8:7, 8). To paraphrase the words of Christ (Matt. 6:19-21), how we handle material wealth is a barometer of our spiritual health.
What will be the results of our giving? We should not give primarily to get, but Paul makes it clear that giving does lead to abundance. Cheerful givers experience God's love in a special way (9:7). They enjoy the spiritual blessing of participating in a rich harvest of righteousness (9:10).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (2 Co 9:10). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/20/2007 - Proverbs 19:17

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.

Proverbs 19:17

Commentary

Charity to the poor and needy is perceived in this verse as a lending to God. If one is to lend to anyone, then lend to Him. He will repay. Yahweh's concern for the poor is well-attested in Scripture (e.g., Deut. 10:18, 19).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Pr 19:17). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/19/2007 - James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

James 1:27

Commentary
Pure (Gk. katharos) versus impure is the issue, not true versus false. Some people go through religion (Gk. thrēskos), or the external aspects of worship, with an unclean heart. James is confirming that the externals of religious activities are not acceptable to God unless accompanied by a holy life and loving service. Rites and rituals have never been an adequate substitute for service and sacrifice. Corporate worship within the church cannot take the place of individual works outside the church. Private profession must be coupled with the public expression of one's faith. To visit comes from the Greek word usually translated bishop, a person who oversees God's people (1 Tim. 3:1).
Orphans and widows were among the most unprotected and needy classes in ancient societies (Ezek. 22:7). Pure religion does not merely give material goods for the relief of the distressed, it also oversees their care (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 5:3-16).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Jas 1:26-27). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/18/2007 - Proverbs 15:17

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

Better is a dish of vegetables where love is Than a fattened ox served with hatred.

Proverbs 15:17

Commentary

A plate of vegetables in an atmosphere of love is better than a filet mignon roast where there is strife. Moffatt says, "Better is a dish of vegetables, than the best beef served with hatred."

A fatted calf is one that has been raised in a stall and given the best feed; its meat is tender and delicious.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Pr 15:17). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

One had to be wealthy, as Abraham was, to keep many cattle (Gen. 12:16; 21:27). Being larger animals, they needed more and better pasture than goats or sheep.

Packer, J., Tenney, M. C., & White, W. (1997, c1995). Nelson's illustrated manners and customs of the Bible (216). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/17/2007 - Psalm 105:1

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.

Psalm 105:1

Commentary
The psalmist calls to memory what God did for His people in fulfillment of the covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15:13-21; 17:7, 8; 26:3, 4; 28:13-15).
Remember is the key idea of the psalm: the psalmist wanted to remind God's people of His goodness.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ps 105:1-6). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?

The first 15 verses of this psalm (Psalm 105) were used as a psalm of thanksgiving to the Lord when David brought the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chr. 16).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Ps 105:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/16/2007 - 2 Corinthians 5:20

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Commentary
Paul thus described his role-and the role of all believers-as a messenger representing the King of heaven with the gospel, who pleads with the people of the world to be reconciled to God, who is their rightful King (cf. Rom. 10:13-18).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (2 Co 5:20). Nashville: Word Pub.

Ambassador

An official representative of kings and rulers. In ancient times many kings and rulers spoke to other nations through official representatives who congratulated (1 Kin. 5:1), sought favors (Num. 20:14), made treaties (Josh. 9:4-6), and registered protests (Judg. 11:12). How the other nations treated the ambassador represented how they related to the ruler. If one treated the ambassador rudely, it was an insult to the ruler and could lead to war (2 Sam. 10:4-6).
In the New Testament the apostle Paul called himself Christ's ambassador (Eph. 6:20)-an idea that he applied to all Christian ministers (2 Cor. 5:20). An ambassador is sometimes called an envoy.

Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 11/15/2007 - Matthew 4:17

From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 4:17

Commentary
From that time Jesus began to preach. This marks the beginning of His public ministry. Note that His message was an exact echo of what John the Baptist preached.
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.See note on 3:2. The opening word of this first sermon sets the tone for Jesus' entire earthly ministry (cf. Luke 5:32). Repentance was a constant motif in all His public preaching. And in His closing charge to the apostles, He commanded them to preach repentance as well (Luke 24:47).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Mt 4:17). Nashville: Word Pub.

Did you know?
The phrase from that time Jesus began occurs twice in Matthew (16:21), and both mark a crucial direction in the book. The one in 4:17 looks to the beginning of His earthly ministry, while 16:21 anticipates His crucifixion and resurrection.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Mt 4:17). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.