Matthew 24:4-5 - For many will come in My name, claiming, 'I am the Christ'

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many." - Matthew 24:4-5 (NIV)

Taught during the last week of His life, Jesus was giving His followers some strong boundaries so that they would not fall away after He was gone. Here he talks of people who say that they are the Christ (“anointed one”). Notice the word that Jesus uses - deceive. To be deceived is to not know the difference between the truth and a falsehood - they both look the same. In a time when many are saying, “I am God’s anointed now.”, Jesus explicitly tells us that God’s anointed One is found in only one place - Jesus the Christ. Jesus is God’s final statement to humanity.

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

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John 12:23-26 - The man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life

Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." - John 12:23-26 (NIV)

The message of the gospel is so powerful that it is best described in the language of death and resurrection. It seems that as we follow after Christ we are brought to places where we must die to our will and plans. Unless we are willing “hate his life in this world” we will always go the route of safety and comfort. Yet the Christian walk is the road less traveled. Many times the roadblocks that we face can only be crossed when we let go our our lives to enter into the path that Christ walked on this Holy Week - a path of losing our lives to find them.

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

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Luke 19:37-40 - Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"

"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

When the miracle worker came into Jerusalem the Jewish crowds were ready for a king to sweep the Roman occupation out of power. The praise was overwhelming - so much that the Pharisees were nervous about the attention this would bring from the Roman guard. Yet Jesus had a bigger picture. He WAS the king, but this king was not coming to deliver the Jews from political oppression, but all of humanity from the oppression of sin. Even the rocks understood what the crowds didn’t; the King has come to take his rightful place on His throne.

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

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Amos 7:7-8 - Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel

This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. And the LORD asked me, "What do you see, Amos?" "A plumb line," I replied. Then the Lord said, "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.
- Amos 7:7-8

This passage compares the people of God to a wall built to the straight angles that plumb lines provided for ancient builders. Notice that the wall had been built true to plumb. The standards that God applied at the end had been there from the beginning. In other words, we serve a God who is not arbitrary. He equally applies law and grace to all that He does. Since this is the nature of God, how can we live up to this standard? Only through the One where the law and grace met perfectly - Jesus Christ. He became the plumb line for all humanity. He is the wall that is straight and true, and in Christ we have the resources needed to live according to God’s standard.

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

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Mark 6:14-15 - Jesus' name had become well known

King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him." Others said, "He is Elijah." And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago." - Mark 6:14-15

Each year at this time we begin to see a flurry of “documentaries” that are trying to describe the life and impact of Jesus Christ. Yet just like the days of Jesus, there is much confusion about who this man is. Some will say that he is a mystic, others a prophet. Yet when the disciple Peter proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus told Peter that only God the Father could reveal God the Son. What was true back then is true today. If we look to major media networks to reveal the Christ we will become as confused as King Herod was. But for those who are willing to go to the source itself, Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scripture, we will encounter the same power that opened Peter’s eyes to the Word made flesh.

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

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Luke 9:43-44 - The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men

And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men." - Luke 9:43-44 (NIV)

There are many people who have been around Christian teaching their entire lives yet are fearful to ask about things they do not grasp. Many have felt that this would be a form of doubt, but if we look at the pattern of Scripture, we see that God will purposely hide things from our understanding. It is our religiousness that keeps us ignorant to what God is really doing in our time. The key that unlocks the mysteries of God is asking, seeking, knocking. To those who ask, God is ready to answer!

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

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John 6:28-29 - What must we do to do the works God requires?

Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." - John 6:28-29 (NIV)

Isn't it interesting that Jesus responds to a cry for action with a statement of belief? The disciples want to do stuff and Jesus tells them to believe. We are so interested in trying to get God’s attention by our religious activity. But Jesus is telling his followers that if they believe in Him they already HAVE God’s attention! This takes away the frenzied efforts to please God. It brings us to the shepherd who leads us to the works that HE has for us. The works of God that come out of relationship will be far greater, fulfilling and fruitful than the flurry of activity that we create to in order to appease our lack of belief.

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

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James 5:7 - Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. - James 5:7 (NIV)

The arrival of spring is a welcome event for most people (except for the allergies it brings). For many of us, we endure the winter with the knowledge that spring is around the corner. Without spring, winter would be almost unbearable. This is how we are to see the Lord’s coming. Without knowing that a day is coming when this broken world will be renewed fully, the day to day struggles would overwhelm us. But as spring is faithful, how much more can we trust that the Lord will come again? It is the faithfulness of the seasons that gives us the strength to wait patiently for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!

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

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Ecclesiastes 1:10 - Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"?

Is there anything of which one can say,
"Look! This is something new"?
It was here already, long ago;
it was here before our time.
- Ecclesiastes 1:10 (NIV)

When I hear of a "new revelation" or a bible teacher who says, "This has never been taught before," I want to run away!

God is always doing something new, but if we look closely, we'll find that the new thing is actually something very old that has come to life in our generation. When one reads church history, we find many of the same challenges that we face today. To think that we are original is naïve at best and dangerous at worse.

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

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Psalm 122:6-7 - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." - Psalm 122:6-7

Many scholars would say that this psalm was written to be sung as pilgrims would come into the temple in Jerusalem. It was a way to prepare the hearts of those who were coming to offer sacrifices to God. For those who are followers of Christ, we recognize that the sacrifice has been made once for all. We are free from the need to bring an animal to be slaughtered in our place for our sins. But when we come into the living temple of God's people, the church, do we pray for it's peace? Do we ask God to use our gatherings to be a citadel of security for the broken, the hurting, the pilgrim? This passage is rightly used to continue to pray for Jerusalem, but there is a "Jerusalem" that we should be a part of - a local church. Pray for your church today, and if you don't attend a community, may this Psalm become your guide as you start your pilgrimage to find one.

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

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Nehemiah 4:15-16 - When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot...

When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah
- Nehemiah 4:15-16 (NIV)

Even though God had frustrated the plans of Nehemiah's enemies, there was a level of diligence and readiness that was needed as they proceeded. As we experience God's grace and goodness in our day-to-day lives, we still need to work with a state of alertness. Unlike Nehemiah's day, our enemy is not physical. The Scripture talks of Satan as a prowling lion, therefore we need to keep on the alert with our skills to build in one hand and the word of God in the other.

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

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Psalm 34:10 - those who seek the LORD lack no good thing

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. - Psalm 34:10 (NIV)

Psalm 34 is all about praising the Almighty. Here, David praises God for his deliverance.

The lion, even young and strong lions, do not always catch their prey. Time after time, however, the believer is able to attest how God has met their needs.

How sweet that the Lord shows His goodness to us again and again. We grow weak more often than the mighty lion and are blessed far more. When you focus on the needs God has met in your life, you will find yourself praising Him like David.

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Psalm 34:1 - I will extol the LORD at all times

I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.- Psalm 34:1(NIV)

The psalmist's resolve is to praise God in every situation and under every circumstance. Is this verse, David is giving praise to God for protection and deliverance from his enemies.

Do you praise Him during times of trial as well as times of deliverance

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Matthew 7:28-29 - He taught as one who had authority

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. - Matthew 7:28-29 (NIV)

It was Jesus self awareness that has troubled so many people. If taken just as moral instruction, the teachings of Christ have many benefits. It’s just that Christ never allowed his teachings to be just moral tales to be used as needed. He taught with an authority that demanded a response. This was not like the religious leaders, who were talking about God. This was God Himself telling His creation about who He is. The amazement came from the teaching because the teaching came from God.

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

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Matthew 6:22-23 - The eye is the lamp of the body

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! - Matthew 6:22-23 (NIV)

How do we view our circumstances? Jesus tells us that our perspective is very important. If we are able to look at the situations that life has through the lens of God’s promises, even though the circumstances are tough, we are filled with light. But if we look at our surroundings through the lens of a world without God, we are left with despair and hopelessness. Jesus is telling those who want to follow Him that seeing the world through the lens of Scripture is a discipline that brings great reward.

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

Matthew 5:14-16 - You are the light of the world

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

How do you view your identity as a follower of Christ? Is it as a good church goer? Or reading your bible everyday? Jesus goes past all of that and calls us the light of the world. Do we see ourselves as a force that illuminates all that is around us? Notice that the light is based upon a life that is lived for those around us to see. True spirituality is not based upon religious observance, but upon bringing the reality of God to the places that need to know that God cares for the world.

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

Psalm 138:2 - I will bow down

I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word. - Psalm 138:2 (NIV)

David's psalm of thanksgiving begins with individual praise.

Since Solomon's temple has not yet been built, David worships towards the tabernacle instead. He worships God for his steadfast love and faithfulness.

Is there something hold you back from worship today? Worship God where you are -- you don't have to wait for the "perfect" church.

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Revelation 4:8 - Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." - Revelation 4:8 (NIV)

We often think of heaven as a pleasant, even sedate place. But the Scripture paints a very different picture. It seems that ethnicity is eternal, for John’s vision had people from many different tribes and tongues. It is filled with fantastic creatures like the ones this passage describe. But most pronounced in the midst of this is a greater sense of the majesty of God. Heaven is a place where God’s holiness is seen fully and that holiness causes such a response that all of heaven can’t help but worship. To be caught up in worship on earth is only a primer of what awaits us in heaven.

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

Matthew 4:18-20 - "Come, follow me," Jesus said

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. - Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)

I often hear people say, “I'm not quite ready to follow Jesus.” Yet Jesus never asked us to pull ourselves together, then follow Him. Like the uneducated fishermen Simon and Andrew, Jesus called them to follow Him THEN he would make them fishers of men. Jesus did not chose them for their intellect, for fishermen of that day were simple people. He also did not chose them for their skill, for Jesus was about to redefine what fishing meant to these experienced fishermen.

What excuses do we make in not following Jesus? It is neither our skill or lack of it that counts, but simply obeying when we hear the call.

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

Philippians 2:3-4 - In humility consider others better than yourselves

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

The enemy of harmony and unity is selfish ambition. It quickly divides us.

Paul is not saying that we should have an inferiority complex or belittle our own abilities. Rather, Christian love puts others above selfish ambition.

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Ecclesiastes 10:12 - Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious

Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips. - Ecclesiastes 10:12 (NIV)

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.

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1 Corinthians 13:3 - If I have not love, I gain nothing...

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. - 1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV)

Jesus tells us that love is the key to life. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself" - Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV).

The Bible tells us that God is love. He loved us so much that He sent His son to die for us so we can have a relationship with Him.

Giving is important. Sacrifice is significant. But loving God and others needs to be the focus of our lives. And when we truly grasp this concept - everything else falls into place.

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Philippians 4:12-13 - I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

The apostle Paul applies the strength of God both to good and bad circumstances. He is basically saying that the gospel gives him the power to process victory and defeat similarly: as under the hand of God. In other words, how we handle our victories is also the way we handle our defeats. When our identity is in Christ and not in our achievement, success and setback are held in the same hand.

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

Matthew 26:31-33 - Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will

Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:"

'I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."
- Matthew 26:31-33 (NIV)

The Last Supper is noted for its gift to all of us of the communion table.

But it is also the moment when empty promises were made and the betrayal had begun. Yet in all of that, God used those broken promises to set the stage for our Redeemer to free us!

Do you feel like you've failed God? This week reminds us that God can use our failures to fulfill His ultimate purposes. He waits ahead of us in His victory!

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

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.
-Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

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.

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

Malachi 3:17-18 - "They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty

"They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." - Malachi 3:17-18 (NIV)

Malachi spoke as a prophet to God's people during a time when their national identity was being restored. The Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon to Israel, Ezra saw temple worship restored, and Nehemiah had rebuilt Jerusalem. Malachi is telling the people of God that the knowledge of God was again being restored. Even when the people of God seemed to be vanquished, God showed himself faithful again. The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of our God will last forever.

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

Mark 1:9-11 - And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." - Mark 1:9-11 (NIV)

This passage reveals the Trinity in action: Jesus being baptized, the Holy Spirit as a dove, and the voice of the Father. Though the word “Trinity” is not in the Bible, the nature of God is trinitarian from beginning to end. This is God’s witness of Himself - a mysterious being that is three yet one. And that being displays the satisfaction of community that we all long for. There is a mutual love and admiration that is not based upon duty, for Jesus had the Father’s approval before He did any ministry. The type of community that Jesus brings us into is endorsed by the Father, empowered by the Spirit, and brought to us by the Son. The Trinity is a mysterious and wonderful communion that calls people out or darkness and into His light.

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

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

This is one of the most familiar verses in our day and it stands as a ray of hope for all of us. Love is a major theme in John’s gospel: the love of the Father for His Son, the love of Jesus for his Father, the love of the disciples for each other. But this passage reveals that God also loves the world, and the world according to the Bible is not a pleasant thing. It is filled with sin, decay and rebellion. Herein is the great hope; we are of that world, yet God loves us. God’s love is so great that he offers us eternal life in the midst of this fallen creation. Those who believe in Jesus Christ do not have to perish the way the world is perishing, for God’s love brings eternity to this dying world.

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

2 Peter 1:3-4 - His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

We are faced with a startling opportunity. We may think that we can't walk this Christian path, but Peter tells us that we have all of the resources that we need in his "very great and precious promises". When our circumstances cause insecurities and thoughts of despair to dance around our minds, God gives us a way out. We can escape this corruption by knowing God through Jesus Christ. How can we know God? By taking Him at His word! God has already provided for us and He is looking for people who will have the courage to replace their current thinking with God's faithfulness. Are you looking for the thoughts of God? The Bible is God's life support to us as we encounter a world of difficulty.

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

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2 Timothy 4:6-8 - I have finished the race, I have kept the faith

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

This is Paul's last letter before he was executed. Look at how he reflects upon his life. Paul is satisfied that he has done what God called him to do. When we face our final moments, what do we want to say about our lives? This is more than achievement, for Paul is writing this from a prison cell. This is not perfection, for Paul made many mistakes. This is the satisfaction that comes from a life lived before God with integrity. For those who long for Christ's appearing, we can take strength in Paul's words.

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

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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:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

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2 Timothy 2:1-2 - be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

How does one be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ? By holding on to the promises of God so vigorously that those promises actually begin to shape the way that we think and act. Paul was able to model this "strength in grace" by boldly stating that what he taught needed to be entrusted to others. What about us? Have our lives been so shaped by God's promises that we expect those around us to take those promises and teach others? We need to take hold of God's word and be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ!

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

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Proverbs 8:10-11 - Choose my instruction instead of silver

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Wisdom is to be desired above diamonds, rubies, money, status, or any material possession we desire.

Wisdom yields benefits that go far beyond material comfort and convenience. For it leads us to truth and glorifies God with our lives. Seek wisdom, pray for it and desire it.

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Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie

God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

This is from the story of the prophet Balaam, who was hired by King Balak to curse the people of Israel. Instead of a curse, God would give Balaam a blessing for Israel each time he tried. Eventually King Balak was faced with a dilemma: he could either hold on to his plans or surrender them to what God was doing in his generation.

Thousands of years later Jesus would put it this way: The Kingdom of heaven is here. God is on the move. We must learn to die to our plans and follow Him. This has been the clarion call of God to humanity from Genesis to Revelations. He does not change His mind.

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

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

Romans 1:20 - 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.

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 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/

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

Psalm 146:5-6 - the LORD, who remains faithful forever

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.

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/

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

Psalm 103:17-19 - the LORD's love is with those who fear Him

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.

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, SomaCommunities.org

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

Galatians 3:8-9 - The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith

The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

This is one of the most stunning passages that equate the Scripture with God. Notice how it "foresaw" and "announced the gospel in advance". The Scripture is addressed as a person. It's almost as if Paul is saying that when we look at Scripture it actually is looking at us! It is announcing the gospel to us just like it did for Abraham. For those who are like Abraham, the Scripture becomes a living, breathing power that blesses us with God's promises. We don't make the Scripture alive, it makes us alive!

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

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

Ecclesiastes 1:18 - For with much wisdom comes much sorrow

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.

This passage is not a deterrent to getting wisdom or knowledge. It is an observation by a wise man of how knowledge or wisdom without God will shape us. To try to acquire academics without the compass of Scripture has taken many people into the darkness of a world where ethics and morals are objects to be used. This quickly descends to cynicism, and the world goes from a mysterious and beautiful poem to a dry dissertation. To remember the Creator of one's youth is more than a romantic notion: it's a lifeline that propels us to unlock the mysteries of God's creation.

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

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

Revelation 21:22-24 - The nations will walk by its light

I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.

As great as the Olympics are for their pageantry and celebration of diversity, there is coming another event far greater. This future celebration won't need opening ceremonies or the Olympic torch. The Lord Himself will be the torch that we will walk by. The glory of God will be the focus and the nations will bring the greatest aspects of their culture and identity to this city of God. For all of the beauty that we love about the Olympics, there is a beauty that is yet to come. An international feast is waiting for those who follow the lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

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

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

1 Peter 1:3-4 - He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you,

The Olympic games bring us stories of great victories and stunning defeats. Young men and women from around the world sacrifice for years in order to compete on the world stage. Yet for all of that effort, most will go home disappointed. Their hopes are hinged upon a moment in time. For the person who trusts in Christ, there is a different hope; we have an inheritance that can't be taken in the heat of competition. There is a prize that has already been won through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. His victory is the ultimate gold medal that no one can match, yet everyone can benefit from!

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

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

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 - if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves...

When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

This Scriptural account comes to us as God visits King Solomon in a dream after he has built the temple. At the peak of national power and prosperity God is telling Solomon what to do when judgment comes upon a land. It is interesting that God says that He will send the drought and the famine. Why? Ultimately God's judgment belongs only to God and not to us. Our part is to humble ourselves, admit our wickedness and pray for God to heal our land. To do this is to eat from the Tree of Life and not from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

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

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

Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart

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.

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

Matthew 20:25-28 - Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

In a stunning reversal of the concept of leadership, Jesus challenges His followers with servanthood over dominance.

Is it any wonder that we study the military genius of Napoleon or Alexander but we follow the life of Jesus?

At the end of this age it will not be displays of power that are valued, but displays of sacrifice for others.

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

Genesis 2:18 - It is not good for the man to be alone

The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

It is interesting that God called everything in His creation good until He looked at Adam alone. This is more than a scripture about marriage; this is about the nature of mankind. We are made for relationships. We can't grow without others in our lives. Even though people have had bad experiences with relationships, we can't get rid of the need for them any more than we can get rid of the need for food because we had a bad meal. God made you and I for relationship and, like Adam, to be alone in paradise with God is not enough. We need others.

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

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

Ecclesiastes 4:10 - But pity the man who falls and has no one to help

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

We are created to live in community and engage in caring relationships with one another.

The practical outcome of this truth is described in Ecclesiastes 4:10, which pictures someone who has "fallen and can't get up." Should any of us falter, or have unexpected needs, a friend can come along to lend a hand. But when a person lives in isolation, too "independent" to need or help anybody else, he or she quickly discovers no one is there when trouble comes.

We need one another. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (see Matthew 19:19). Love for one another is not some passive feeling, but a practical response to a need expressed through "compassion in action."

What might that look like in your life today?

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

1 Corinthians 9:25-27 - Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

As we approach the Winter Olympics one is struck with how much focus it takes to even credibly compete in the Games. The apostle Paul looks at our spiritual walk in the same way. Walking with Christ demands thoughtfulness and discipline. Getting the crown that lasts forever requires that we examine our time, our talent and our treasures the same way that an athlete examines their abilities to compete. We need training. We need to allow boundaries that keep us from beating the air. Preaching the gospel is not enough to complete the course. We must let the gospel challenge us personally and keep us qualified for the race ahead.

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

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

John 15:1-2 - I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

Notice that both branches get cut. The difference is in how we respond to the pain of the pruning. In many ways, the way that we bear the pruning is how we know that we are growing in our relationship with God. Do we get bitter, or better? What does the experience of loss or hindrance expose in us?

Our Father is a faithful gardener, ready to cut off the things in our lives that don't bear fruit, and reminding the fruitful ones that our life is not in the fruit, but only in the vine.

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

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