Exodus 20:7 - You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God

You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.

Exodus 20:7

Commentary

Did you know that God's name is not God?! The word that we see throughout the Bible translated as LORD is actually a transliteration of the Hebrew letters that make up God's name, meaning, "I AM that I AM". God said that this would be his name for all generations.

God's people, the Israelites, were permitted to use his name in swearing solemn oaths, but they were not to use God's name to pledge or make promises that they never intended to keep or for personal gain. To use God's name in making a vow was to command the power and holiness of God himself into the relationship. It was to show others that we could be trusted because God was trustworthy. If we are keeping no other gods before God (the 1st Commandment), then we will never invoke God's name and glory for personal gain. "Oh, you can trust me, I'm a Christian..." That would be putting our self and our desires before God's. God cares deeply about keeping first position in our lives and is not pleased when we misrepresent him, and use his name to make us look like "gods" to others.

Today's Commentary by:
Caesar Kalinowski, Pastor, Soma Communities

Exodus 20:4-5a - You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything

You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God,

You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God,

Exodus 20:4-5a

Commentary

We can mistakenly think that what God is talking about here are merely idols made by human hands-things like totem poles or statues of other gods or people. But bigger than that are the idols of the heart. An idol is anything that takes first place in our life and affections; anything that becomes a "functional god" in our life is an idol. What are the things you put your trust in? What controls your thinking and actions throughout the day? Is it your job, education or social status? Maybe it is approval from a certain person in your life. When any of these things take first priority, above God in your life, they are idols.

If we truly live out the first commandment, "have no other gods before God", we will not bow to success, public opinion, savings accounts, career or anything else that is not actually the living God himself. He alone will be our God having first place in our hearts and lives, displacing all other idols.

Today's Commentary by:
Caesar Kalinowski, Pastor, Soma Communities

Exodus 20:1-3 - You shall have no other gods before Me

And God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.

And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Then God spoke all these words, saying, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me."

Exodus 20:1-3

Commentary

The first of the 10 Commandments is "I am the LORD your God...you shall have no other gods before me." If we truly believe and live out this first commandment, it will keep us from breaking any of the remaining nine! This is because if we keep God first in our life, above everything else, he himself will actually make us righteous before him. He is the LORD-I AM that I AM. He is the ultimate reality of life, love and power. When we believe this and submit our lives to him, we'll not be led astray by other "gods" of this world or the "gods" of our flesh that would seek to destroy us. God desires to bring us out of a land of slavery to sin and self, and under his loving rule in all areas of our lives. Living out this first command truly will fulfill all the rest!

Note: In the days that follow, we will look more closely at each of the 10 Commandments and how obedience to the 1st Commandment is the fulfillment of all the rest.

Today's Commentary by:
Caesar Kalinowski, Pastor, Soma Communities

Genesis 2:16-17 - You are free to eat from any tree in the garden

And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

The LORD God commanded the man, saying, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die."

Genesis 2:16-17

Commentary

The story of God and his interaction with man begins and ends with a call to obey his commands. God has initiated a relationship of love and care with all of humanity, but his call for our obedience to his Word is central to this relationship. Great author and preacher Andrew Murray concerning obedience states, "Note how obedience to [God's] command is the one virtue of Paradise, the one condition of man's abiding there, the one thing his Creator asks of him. In the life of man, to obey is the one thing needful." We can praise God that he sent his own son, Jesus, to be our perfect obedience. He alone lived a perfect life so that we could receive the blessings of the Father. Because of Jesus' obedience, we now have the Holy Spirit to give us the life of obedience that the Father desires!

Today's Commentary by:
Caesar Kalinowski, Pastor, Soma Communities

Psalm 103:17-19 - The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, To those who keep His covenant And remember His precepts to do them. The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.

Psalm 103:17-19

Commentary

To fear the Lord is to have a proper understanding of who God is, his power and ultimately his great love for us. The Psalmist here connects this understanding, this fear, with obedience to God's Word. We have God's love (and so will our children's children!) when we are obedient to what he asks of us and commands us. It is interesting that the passage says we must "remember to obey". We are so prone to forget! We can be thankful that, for those that are in Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit in our life now gives us the remembrance and the power to obey God's commands and live fully in his love.

Today's Commentary by:
Caesar Kalinowski, Pastor, Soma Communities

Romans 1:20 - For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

Commentary

Much like examining a painting reveals aspects of its creator, studying science and our world reveal to a limited extent God's nature. The size and expanse of the universe and the uniformity of its physical laws clearly reveal God's power and authority over all creation, and the extraordinary complexity and ingenuity of life reveal God's indescribable intelligence and wisdom. In addition, the regularity of seasons and the capacity of the earth to produce crops and other benefits for all people show God's care and love for mankind (Acts 14:17). In fact, modern science has even shown that every detail of earth's design and every natural process were perfectly crafted for the benefit of life-if our planet were a different size or resided at a different distance from the sun or lacked the magnetic field surrounding it or if water did float when it froze or light traveled at a different speed, life could not exist. Therefore, people who deny God's existence can not claim ignorance, since they must actively ignore the voice of nature all around them.

Today's Commentary by:
Dr. Brian Miller, http://drbmiller.wordpress.com

Psalm 146:5-6 - Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them- the LORD, who remains faithful forever.

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:

How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever;

Psalm 146:5-6

Commentary

Anyone who places their trust or hope in people will ultimately be disappointed, since no one has the ability, permanence, integrity, or reliability to perfectly keep their promises or meet others expectations. In contrast, God existed throughout all eternity and created everything in existence, and He has governed and guided His creation throughout the eons. He is also perfectly good and faithful to keep His promises, and He always acts for His children's benefit. Therefore, those who follow God can trust that He will guide our lives toward beneficial ends, according to His eternal perspective. Moreover, He will never abandon us.

Today's Commentary by:
Dr. Brian Miller, http://drbmiller.wordpress.com

Job 38:4-6 - Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?

Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone-

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;

Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone,

Job 38:4-6

Commentary

In previous chapters Job complains to God about His allowing continuous calamity to beset his life. As part of God's response to Job, He points out that Job's perspective is limited due to his relatively short span of life, limited knowledge, and limited experience. In contrast, God not only existed from eternity but created the entire world with all of its complexity and wonder. Creation of the world is described, as commonly done in ancient Near Eastern literature, in terms of the building of a temple, since temples were seen as microcosms of the entire cosmos. The mention of dimensions and measuring lines alludes to building blueprints with measurement grids, and the description of setting pillars and laying the cornerstone alludes to the foundational stages of the temple building process. The extraordinary majesty and harmony of both the design and continued functioning of nature demonstrates God's absolute authority and ability to perfectly govern every facet of the world. As such, we can take great conform in knowing that God sees and constrains every detail of our lives to work for His greater purposes (Romans 8:28), even if many tragedies and challenging circumstances can not be fully understood until we enter the new creation.

Today's Commentary by:
Dr. Brian Miller, http://drbmiller.wordpress.com

Psalm 104:24-25 - In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number- living things both large and small.

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

O LORD, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; The earth is full of Your possessions. There is the sea, great and broad, In which are swarms without number, Animals both small and great.

Psalm 104:24-25

Commentary

Psalm 104 praises the wonder of God's creation, full of diverse and extraordinary creatures. All of the millions of species and the entire cosmos were crafted in God's wisdom-according to his eternal plans and purposes. The seas in particular showcase a dizzying array of life, ranging in size from microscopic flora and fauna to the great blue whale, which weighs over 200 tons. All of these creatures live in symphonic harmony with each other and with hundreds of other physical and chemical processes which drive the oceans. Moreover, the seas allow explorers and traders to travel throughout the earth, and they provide humanity with abundant food and other resources. These insights further illustrate God's governance of all creation and His benevolence toward mankind.

Today's Commentary by:
Dr. Brian Miller, http://drbmiller.wordpress.com

Isaiah 45:18 - "I am the LORD, and there is no other."

For this is what the LORD says- he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited- he says: "I am the LORD, and there is no other.

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, but formed it to be inhabited, "I am the LORD, and there is none else."

Isaiah 45:18

Commentary

Previously in the chapter, God discloses His plan to use King Cyrus to reestablish the nation of Israel and rebuild the city of Jerusalem. Here, God declares that he is the creator of the heavens and the earth, and He did not create them in vain but for the benefit of humanity. Together, the two themes highlight that God intended the region promised to Abraham to be populated by the Jewish people, despite their current exile in Babylon. And, He will ensure that His intentions come to pass. Christians can also take comfort knowing that God created and redeemed us to participate in His plans of eternal significance on the earth. Therefore, if we surrender our lives to Him, He will ensure we accomplish those purposes.

1 Corinthians 13:11 - When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

1 Corinthians 13:11

Commentary

Barack Obama referred to this Scripture during his historic inaugural address as the 44th President of the United States. His reference to the nation putting aside the childishness of old thinking that has divided our country captured the apostle Paul's original intent for this famous passage. The Christians of Paul's day were guilty of childish thinking that divided the church. There are many times in our spiritual growth that we have to put petty, childish things away. What childish thinking are you facing today? What petty walls of division need to be put behind you? As we take on the bigger picture of adulthood, we will see those minor infractions for what they are - childish reasoning that point more to our need for change than anything else.

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

Psalm 2:10-11 - Therefore, you kings, be wise

White House State Dining Room Prayer

This photo shows the mantle in the White House State Dining Room engraved with the prayer of President John Adams: "I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof."

Photo courtesy of the White House Historical Society. Source: www.presidentialprayerteam.org

Psalm 2:10-11

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; Take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling.

Psalm 2:10-11

Commentary

This psalm was reported to be used in the coronation ceremony of kings seated in Israel. It starts by admonishing rulers who think that they could govern without the guidance of God. As the psalm progresses we see that God finds these efforts humorous. He has already put a plan in place: His son will rule with power and authority. By the time we get to today's passage the writer gives a word of advice - if earthly kings understand who is the true king is, they will recognize that there will come a day where we will all have to give an account for every action of governance. So kiss the Son and give Him homage. He is a refuge to all who are called to rule on this earth.

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

1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

Commentary

As we approach the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, Christians are given a mandate for rulers: we are to pray for them. We are to give thanks for them. No matter what your political position, followers of Jesus Christ are to pray for God's blessing upon President Obama and his administration. This mandate isn't based upon our agreement or disagreement with policies, but in praying for our leaders we are saying that our trust is ultimately in God for our well-being. Can we give thanks for Governor Blagojevich? To pray for the office is to trust God to work with the person who fills that post. It renders to Caesar that which is Caesar and to God that which is God's.

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

Acts 2:44-45 - All the believers were together

All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

Acts 2:44-45

Commentary

The disposal and distribution of possessions in the early church was directed among all, as anyone had need. When a physical or spiritual need became known in the church, action was taken to address it (1 John 3:17). The NT believers demonstrated their love for one another by giving self-sacrificially. Was this a form of early communism? Most definitely not. Communism teaches that possessions should be distributed to everybody equally, so that nobody will have more than anyone else. Here, the disposal and distribution of the possessions of the early church was based on need. In communism the state uses the police power to accomplish the desired result. Here, the pooling of resources was not obligatory but a free expression of love to those who were poor and hurting.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ac 2:44-45). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good

Compassion Week - Day 5

Today we return from visiting Compassion projects in Ecuador. I hope you enjoyed learning about Compassion's ministry this week and hearing about the amazing work they are doing in Ecuador. If you would like to learn more about sponsoring a child, please visit Sponsor a Child . Compassion International has received a 4 out of 4 star rating for seven years in a row by Charity Navigator, an independent charity review service.

-Carl, Steward, theDailyBibleVerse.org

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

Galatians 6:9

Commentary

Paul reminds his readers that rewards are certain, but not immediate. One does not harvest a field of wheat the day after it is sown. Likewise, in the spiritual realm, rewards will follow faithful sowing in due time. The apostle has argued at length that such works cannot justify (2:16) or sanctify (3:3) anyone. However, good works are, in fact, an important fruit of the life of faith (5:5) that God has planned for each believer (Eph. 2:8-10).

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

Compassion Week - Day 4

Today we met former children from the Compassion Child Sponsorship program who are now young adults attending college. One of these students is even aspiring to be Mayor in Ecuador one day. These students serve as an example that Compassion's child development model truly works. This model seeks to release children from poverty through a holistic approach serving the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, educational, and economic needs of a child. If you would like to learn more, please visit Sponsor a Child in Ecuador.

-Carl, Steward, theDailyBibleVerse.org

Proverbs 22:9

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

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor.

Proverbs 22:9

Commentary

Jesus came to show us a heart of compassion, a heart that was constantly identifying with the least, the last and the lost of our world.
Jesus said repeatedly, "Follow Me." He means for us to incorporate serving others as He did. He cared about children, widows, orphans, sinners, the sick ... everyone.

Proverbs 22:6 - Train a child in the way he should go...

Compassion Week - Day 3

I want to be a policeman when I grow up. I want to be a doctor. I want to be a teacher. I want to be a scientist. These were just several of the future aspirations we heard from children today at the Compassion project site in Ecuador. These aspirations are not now out of reach for these children, who without Compassion would not have access to even basic necessities. These children attend Bible classes each day and are introduced to Jesus Christ, who they call Jesucristo. Most of the children have been saved and profess Jesucristo as their Lord and Savior. In any language, what a beautiful Name!

-Carl, Steward, theDailyBibleVerse.org

Proverbs 22:6

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Commentary

A solid Biblical foundation is the key to properly raising a child. While a child could stray from this teaching later in life, the usual result is a life deeply rooted in the Word of God. Henry Ward Beecher writes,"It is not hard to make a child or a tree grow right if you train them when they're young, but to make them straighten out after you've allowed things to go wrong is not an easy matter."