Daily Bible Verse - 12/4/2007 - Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34

Commentary
The believer's responsibility is to live for the Lord, trusting God for the future with unshakable confidence that He will provide. We are called to live one day at a time: tomorrow can worry about its own things.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mt 6:34). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

Just as Matthew 6 is Jesus' great statement on worry, Philippians 4 is the Apostle Paul's charter on how to avoid anxiety. Those passages are the most comprehensive portions of Scripture dealing with our topic, and therefore are foundational to understanding how God feels about anxiety and why He feels that way. The teaching is clear, compelling, and direct. In Philippians 4:6-9, Paul issued these series of commands:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

MacArthur, J. (1996, c1993). Anxiety attacked John MacArthur, Jr. "Personal and group study guide included"--Cover.; Includes indexes. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/3/2007 - 1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

1 John 4:18

Commentary

Love is evidence of salvation. If you are born of God through faith in Jesus Christ, you have His nature within (2 Pet. 1:4). Since "God is love" (vv. 8, 16), His children who have His nature should also manifest His love. The children should be like the Father!

Our love for others makes God's love real and visible to them (v. 12) so we can better witness to them about Christ. It also makes God real and personal to us. Merely reading in the Bible about God's love is not enough. Seek to experience that love in your heart by sharing it with others.

Just as truth is victorious over lies (vv. 1-6), love is victorious over fear (vv. 17-19). As you mature in your love for God, you realize that you have nothing to fear, for your Father has everything under control. You trust those you love, and faith and love will give victory over fear.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (1 Jn 4:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.