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

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...

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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.

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

Psalm 104:24-25 - How many are your works, O LORD!

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.

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

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

Psalm 84:10 - Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

The "house" of the Lord provides eternal dwelling, whereas the wicked dwell in temporary "tents." A single day in His presence is far superior to all of the thousand best days the world can provide combined.

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

Psalm 119:165 - Great peace have they who love your law

Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

The Word gives peace in a world of turmoil and comfort in times of trouble. The verse doesn't mean that believers are immune from sorrow in this world, but that nothing will overcome them since nothing can separate us from Jesus if we are true believers. (Romans 8:38-39)

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

Matthew 4:1-4 - Man does not live on bread alone

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Notice the Scripture states that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert. In ancient times, the desert is equated with a place incapable of sustaining life. Matthew (with Luke and Mark) is stating that Jesus was going into a place where His only hope would be in God. Notice that the journey into the desert was the first act of Jesus ministry after His baptism.

Do you feel like you are in a wilderness? We may think that we are being set up for destruction, but God is training us to live a life of dependence upon Him and not our surroundings. This was the path of Jesus and we should not be surprised that this is a part of our journey as well.

Today's Commentary by:
David Whitehead, Pastor, Grace NYC

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

Acts 15:1-2 - Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers

Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.

The Jewish apostles of Jerusalem were faced with the dilemma of a Gentile church in Antioch. To see Christianity beyond Judaism was a hard thing for the first Christians. Yet this seems to be a pattern: when there is a new manifestation of God's power some of the greatest opposition comes from the LAST manifestation of God's power. Jerusalem thought they were the center of God's power until Antioch challenged their need for control. Fortunately for us, they passed the test. The real question is: Will we pass it as well?

Today's Commentary by:
David Whitehead, Pastor, Grace NYC

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

Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the LORD with your wealth

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Bringing our firstfruits to God is simply a way to honor Him. When we do so we are proclaiming that He is Lord of all of it.

What a coincidence that those who honor God from their wealth are usually found not to be in lack. In other words, if you feel you don't have the money to give you can't afford NOT to give to God. Don't let the over exaggeration of the "health and wealth" preachers take away from the Biblical truth that God promises to materially bless those who honor Him. He wants to bless His children, but He wants them to give that blessing back to him. Each tithe is a deathblow to the idolatry of materialism.

Today's Commentary by:
David Whitehead, Pastor, Grace NYC

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

Job 1:21 - The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

It's interesting that Job, the oldest book in the Bible, is all about suffering and it's purpose. Job wrestles with why bad things happen to good people, but one of the things that keeps his focus intact is the understanding that all of life is a gift from God. The question is not why bad things happen, it's really why good things happen at all! We know that there are things that are good and beautiful, but many times that beauty isn't realized until it's taken away. But Job reminds us that even when life seems to disappear in the dust, that death is a signpost toward the One who loves His creation so much He will reclaim it. For those who follow Jesus Christ, there will come a day when that same God will take us into His arms. May the name of the Lord be praised!

Today's Commentary by:
David Whitehead, Pastor, Grace NYC

Matthew 7:24-29 - The Wise and Foolish Builders

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

The differences between these two houses is not in their outward appearances, but in their foundations. Faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His Word is our only true foundation -- in this life and after. The wise man will not only listen to Jesus, but will follow and obey Him.

When the storms of life come crashing in, where is your foundation?

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

Proverbs 12:14 - From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things

From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

Our mouths and our hands both produce a product. It is their "fruit." Wise words bring rewards just as hard work does.

Our words should be used to honor God and build up others in the truth.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." - Ephesians 4:29

Do your words benefit those who listen?

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

1 Timothy 4:8 - For physical training is of some value...

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Physical fitness is important. There is no doubt about that. But this passage reminds us that we can make the mistake of thinking that physical fitness will make us a happier person. If we are insecure, physical training only gives us an insecure person who is in shape. But giving ourselves to the Scripture and prayer promises to change us from the inside out. Here are just a few of the promises: long life, purity, a clean conscience, being changed, renewing our thinking, blessing in business, relationships, and the list goes on. Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value in ALL things.

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

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

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.

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!

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

Matthew 6:2 - So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets

So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

When we give, we are not to have ulterior motives! We are not to give to gain favor with men or grab attention for ourselves. We are to give cheerfully and not under compulsion. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Our reward is in heaven, not here on earth.

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

Deuteronomy 31:6 - the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

In this verse, Moses reminds the people that God had promised to protect them, bless them, and fight for them (Josh. 1:5; 1 Kin. 8:57). Jesus made the same promise to His church in Matthew 28:20 when he says "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." What a promise to remember!

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

1 Peter 4:10 - Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

God has given each believer unique talents and abilities to be used for His glory. These gifts are meant to be used, not abused! We must be good stewards of these abilities and use them to serve others. These gifts aren't meant to merely serve our own self-interest. Further, we should never envy the gifts of others -- we should USE the ones we have in faithful service.

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

1 Timothy 6:9-10 - Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Money is not evil, God knows that at times we need it to pay for food, shelter other true necessities. But this passage points out that the love of money, what we believe about it in our hearts, is the real issue. A heart that trusts in money and wealth for our security is what leads us down the road of destruction. Do I trust in myself to keep my job? Am I trusting in my company to pay my bills? What a frightening thought that I risk wandering from my faith in God when I put my faith in riches...or in my own ability to provide them!

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

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

Luke 12:34 - For where your treasure is...

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

In this passage Jesus has just finished describing all that God has provided for us, including the Kingdom-eternal life. He finishes up by urging them to "invest" in this Kingdom, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Notice that Jesus did not say that we should put our treasures where our own hearts lead us to. He flips that around and teaches that when we put our treasures, our earthly possessions into Kingdom investments, our hearts will follow and go there too.

The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of the heart. Ask God where to invest your treasures and your heart will follow.

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

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

Luke 12:15 - A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions

Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

In these verses, Jesus is addressing two brothers fighting over their inheritance. He gives them a strong warning about thinking that their possessions can give their life worth and ultimate value.

Greed grips are hearts when we place material things (or anything) in the place of God and his ultimate approval and blessings in our life. We have been given the very best God has to offer in the form of his Son!

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

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

Proverbs 15:32 - He who ignores discipline despises himself

He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

Refusing to listen to godly instruction and discipline oneself is self-destructive. While it is a natural reaction to be defensive to corrective counsel, the wise will accept and heed such godly correction and discipline from their friends and fellow believers.

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

Proverbs 22:2 - Rich and poor have this in common...

Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.

The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

What is the difference between the rich and poor? Nothing but circumstances. Though each of us is unique, we were all created by the same Creator. And while the world judges by the outward appearance, the Lord judges the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

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

Luke 5:36 - No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one

He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.' "

Jesus is basically telling us that there will always be a need for new structures (wineskins) to contain new life (wine).

He is referring specifically to the old wine of Judaism vs. the new wine of Jesus, but this has application for us today. The gospel speaks eternal truths in an ever-changing world. Methods will tear or burst if we try to fit the new things that God is doing into the old. To say, "This is the way that we've done it before" becomes an old wineskin or garment fast.

Our responsibility is to see what God is doing in our generation and do the best that we can to facilitate new methods for truths that never change.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

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

Luke 4:42-44 - I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also

At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

When we come to Christ we all have agendas. We see the goodness of Jesus and we look for Him. Then we want to live in those experiences and have our needs met. But Jesus was sent to bring the good news to other places and peoples.

When we have experienced the goodness of God, don't be surprised when that goodness takes us beyond our comfort zones and into a waiting world. God's heart is to propel you and I into our workplaces and communities, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom through our words and deeds.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

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

Romans 10:14 - How can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard?

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

God has chosen the most ingenious way to communicate His truth to His creation - people. It is through preaching, or passionate proclamation, that belief is transferred.

God's word constantly becomes flesh and dwells among us as we proclaim it to each other. Our hearts come alive with resonance, our minds are challenged with truth, and ultimately, our lives are transformed through a living faith being spoken through everyday, normal people.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

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