Matthew 4:2-4 - Man does not live on bread alone

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.'"

As Jesus was fasting and praying, he came directly into the path of his adversary. We are surrounded by obstacles, yet it is only when we set ourselves aside to pray, fast, and seek God's face that we become aware of all that is around us. It is in the place of prayer that we come to grips that as great as food is, we were made to be sustained by God's words. A life lacking prayer is a life lacking perspective.

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

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

Acts 13:2 - While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting...

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Prayer and fasting revealed the next stage of the journey for Barnabas and Saul. How many times have we made major life decisions without the counsel of the Lord? If we are willing to slow down and seek after the Lord we speed up our ability to clearly discern the next step in life. Are you able to trust that God can and will give direction? Are you willing to slow down in order to speed up?

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

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

Proverbs 12:25 - An anxious heart weighs a man down

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

If you walk into a dark room and turn on a light, the darkness flees. In the same way, a kind word acts as light to an anxious heart. It fills the heart with hope and joy, forcing out anxiety.

Yet if you are the one who is apprehensive today, fill your own heart and mind with God's Word and peace. Let His words cheer you up.

God tells us to cast all our cares on Him (1 Pet. 5:7) and not to be anxious. (Phil. 4:6)

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Ephesians 1:3 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Do you see yourself as already blessed in Christ? Many people don't realize what God has already made available to us through Jesus Christ. To acknowledge Jesus as "Lord" is a lot more than a ticket to heaven; it's a gateway to tap into blessings that God HAS ALREADY given you. Whether in hardship or in triumph, our heavenly Father has given you and I everything that we need to walk on this earth. His promises applied to our unbelief can reap amazing benefits!

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

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

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-

Toward the end of Job, this Scripture is God's rebuke to Job's friends on their attempts to explain why good people suffer. God makes it plain that we don't even have the frame of reference for those questions. Our role is to watch our own hearts before God and come before Him with humility, knowing that some things are reserved for God and God alone.

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

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

Lamentations 3:22-23 - His compassions never fail. They are new every morning

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

The author (possibly the prophet Jeremiah) spent chapter 3 exposing the grief he felt not only for himself but for the suffering community that he was a part of. He felt his life was in ruins.

After his lament he says, "yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope (v. 21)" that God's love and compassion is never failing and new every morning. Great is His faithfulness to us.

No matter the struggles, challenges and obstacles you have in your life, wake up every morning and know that each day is a new opportunity to bask in His love and compassion, like the sun. No matter your circumstances, His love is there, never failing, new every morning.

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Psalm 118:24 - This is the day the LORD has made

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

How did you start your day this morning? Did you awaken with joy? Are you refreshed knowing that today is a gift from the Lord?

Or are you dragging? Just barely making it with complaint after complaint? The weather... the kids... the.. job.... so many burdens to bear.

There are many things that HE prepared in advance for you to do. Be glad of the gift and serve Him today with joy.

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Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

When the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost one of the effects was that the early Christians devoted themselves to the teaching of the Scripture.

There is a difference between devotion and learning. The early believers laid their views on the altar of God's Word. They allowed it to shape them.

How do you view the Scripture? Are you willing to devote yourself to it? To simply learn is not enough.

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

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

Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

There are so many awesome ways to learn about God and make our light shine; through prayer, church, the Bible, friends, the Holy Spirit and the list goes on.

He did not intend that we store up the light of His teachings for ourselves, but that we share it with others! We should let our lights shine brightly, so that when people see our good works, they will glorify our Father in heaven.

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Esther 4:14 - for such a time as this...

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?

Esther was given the unique role of being the queen of Babylon when the king had given an order to eliminate the Jewish people. Her cousin, Mordecai, reminds her that she was placed there for purposes that they could not have fathomed until now.

In the same way, we have been placed in positions for such a time as this. Whether employed or unemployed, demoted or promoted, God has placed us where we are for a unique purpose.

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

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, GraceNYC.org

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.

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.

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Ecclesiastes 7:14 - When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad...

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.

Ecclesiastes is an amazing book of the Bible. The main point of this book is that life without God is an exercise in vanity. We can work very hard over things that bring no real value to our lives. If we think that good circumstances are the validation of our lives, we have set ourselves up for despair when bad circumstances come. Both responses don't give us the perspective needed to know how to proceed in victory or defeat. The person who has been apprehended by God has a perspective that goes far beyond being blessed or experiencing want.

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

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

Habakkuk 2:2 - For the revelation awaits an appointed time

Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Dr. Martin Luther King's vision has finally taken root in America, yet he never lived to see it. There is an appointed time for vision to become reality. Are you discouraged because what you believe in is not seen? Don't lose heart. As Dr. King's vision shows us, some visions come through diligence over time. Things that are worthwhile don't happen quickly.

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

Isaiah 1:17 - Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow

learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Concern for orphans and widows in need is a demonstration of godliness (James 1:27). Children and widows are often powerless in a hostile world and need caring individuals to speak and act on their behalf. Because God cares deeply for poor orphans and widows, so should we!

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

Matthew 9:36 - When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

What goes through the heart of God when he looks at the multitudes? Anger? Judgment? When the Scripture describes Jesus and crowds we see a heart of compassion. To look upon God's earth without compassion separates us from God's heart for His creation. As followers of Christ He is looking to us to display His compassion on the earth. What moves you toward compassion and how can you display that compassion?

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

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

Proverbs 19:17 - He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD

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

The Scripture tells us that one of the greatest ROIs (Return On Investment) comes when we lend to the poor. The God who came to earth in the humble manger identifies Himself with the poor more than any other economic class. As we are faced with the devastation in Haiti, one of the poorest areas of the earth, are we willing to lend to the Lord by helping the Haitian people?

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

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

Matthew 28:18-20 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

In these verses, known as The Great Commission, Jesus commands His disciples to go, to baptize, and to make disciples everywhere. God's plan to make disciples of people throughout the world is part of His overall, long-term objective of making His name great among the nations (Mal. 1:11).

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

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

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

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).

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Psalm 103:17-19 - From everlasting to everlasting 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, Soma Communities

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

John 15:18-19 - You do not belong to the world

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

One of the hallmarks of the Christian faith over the ages is that many Christians have been vilified for their convictions. When the Christians were thrown to the lions of Rome the spectators cried out, "Kill the atheists." To proclaim allegiance to Christ was to be in rebellion to the deity of Caesar. This Christ allegiance compels us to engage our culture, but in doing so we expose the separation that the world around us has from God. That exposure is rarely met with open arms. At some point in our Christian faith we must draw the line and stand for something that will infuriate people. It is happening now in India, Malaysia, China, Iraq, Iran and, at a lesser level, even in the United States. But this is the path that Jesus took and He calls us to follow him. He chose us to break the holds of worldly conformity and to bring us into significance. We are chosen out of the world into our true citizenship; the Kingdom of heaven.

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

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

1 Peter 3:15-16 - But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Have you ever met a Christian who was prepared to correct everyone around them but didn't have gentleness or respect for those who disagree? In an age of reality TV we have lost the art of respectfully disagreeing. One of the things that I have come to realize is that it's my job to answer those around me who ask about Christ, but it's the Holy Spirit's job to win their hearts. This keeps me from taking on the pressure to be right or win the argument. We can win the battle but lose the war for someone's soul. Sometimes the greatest statement is how we endure ridicule or slander. Remember Jesus, who when He was slandered didn't retaliate. Sometimes it's our suffering that becomes our greatest witness.

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

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

Matthew 10:32-33 - Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him

Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

Christianity is not a designer religion. God is serious about getting us on His agenda. One of the famous prayers that goes around today is "Jesus, come into my life and make me the person that you want me to be." We find that the person that God wants us to be is someone who engages the world with His truth. One of the sins of this generation is to make religion a private thing. It never was meant to be private, and the discomfort of making our faith public proclaims God's control in our lives. Do we shrink from this? Then who is in charge? You don't have to buy a bullhorn or pass out tracts, but you do need to stand out as one who is ready to acknowledge Jesus to those around you. Jesus doesn't hold back on this truth and neither should we.

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

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

Romans 1:16-17 - I am not ashamed of the gospel

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

When the apostle Paul stated that the gospel IS the power of God for salvation, he is saying that when the gospel is known to people, God's righteousness is revealed. This is not an act of convincing; it's an act of revelation. When we do our part, God will do His part. That kind of trust can hold us from first to last. It gives us an opportunity to live by faith in God and watch His promises work!

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

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

2 Corinthians 4:18 - For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Our world is filled with unsolved mysteries. How did the universe begin? How can it expand infinitely? What are sub-atomic particles made of? Science can only go so far until it collides into things that are not measurable. According to Scripture, we live in a miraculous world that ultimately defies explanation. Jesus tells us that there is a place where rust or moth can't destroy our treasures. C.S. Lewis stated that every person we see is immortal. God gave us the Scripture and prayer because we need eternal reference points to navigate in a world that is passing away. Both the despair of our struggles and the ecstasy of our successes are temporary, so keep your eyes on that which lasts forever - the Kingdom of God.

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

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

1 Timothy 4:8 - Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things

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.

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, GraceNYC.org

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

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - honor God with your body

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

The Temple of Israel was where God dwelled among his people. It was a holy place, set apart for God's purposes and presence. The Apostle Paul is telling us here that this is what our bodies have become. "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit." Our bodies have now been set apart for God's Holy Spirit to live in. This is an amazing thought! Because of this we are not to treat our bodies like they were given to us merely for our own personal use. God paid a great price for us with the life and death of his Son. We are responsible to take good care of our bodies-valuing them-and in so doing, honoring the God who now dwells within.

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

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

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 4 is filled with instruction on how to gain wisdom and have lives that are full and complete. Then near the end of the chapter the writer says, "above all else, guard your heart". Why is this so important? Because our hearts guide and direct all that we do. Every word that comes out of our mouth starts in the heart. All of our actions and choices are driven by the desires of the heart. We often spend large sums of money to guard our earthly possessions. The government spends untold fortunes to guard our nation. But God tells us that it is even more important to guard our hearts. If we don't it can lead to spiritual ruin! Who we are in Christ is being formed in our hearts. If we let them be filled with perverse or unrighteous things we live at odds to God's purposes. Ask God to show you the areas of your heart that need guarding as you enter the new year.

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

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

Isaiah 40:31 - those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

It has been said that as we get older the years get shorter and the days get longer! Life can often feel like a race that we are running and can't quite keep up. Placing our hope in the Lord and the new life that he offers us in Christ is compared here to soaring on wings like eagles-like flying. Imagine it, no longer are we destined to place our hope in ourselves, our jobs, the economy, our friends or a spouse. We now have a hope that cannot be shaken. When our hope is in the Lord our strength is renewed. Whatever you are facing today you have a choice. Where will you put your hope?

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

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

2 Corinthians 5:17 - the old has gone, the new has come

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

When a new year rolls around we often feel regret for the past or great hope for the future...or both! But what hope do we have of really having a "new year" if we are the same ol' people? This passage tells us that when someone has dedicated their life to following Jesus, they are re-made. Not just rehabilitated or reformed, but re-created-a new person. We're not talking about a new way of doing or not doing things, or a different way of behaving, but in Christ we are now new creations. However, we must yield to the perfecting work of the Holy Spirit to experience this new creation work in our lives. This new life is not something that WE muster up. It is the gift of God given and kept by the Spirit. Today, this year and forever.

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

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