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

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 40:31 - but 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, SomaCommunities.org

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

Joshua 1:6-9 - Be strong and courageous

"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua had an encounter with God as he was leading God's people into the promised land. Notice the emphasis: be strong and courageous. Why? Because Joshua was going places he had never been before, doing things he had never done before, and facing challenges he had never faced before. There was every reason for Joshua to run back to the comfort of what he knew. But God knew the temptations that Joshua would face and offered him the same thing that He offers us today: His words. Like Joshua, if we are willing to look at the words of God over the unfamiliar surroundings, we too will experience success.

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

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

Colossians 2:13-15 - He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

There is a written code that is against us. It consists of every action and thought that we have done that has fallen short of our Christian intents. Yet the Bible states that Christ has forgiven all of our sins. The code that wants to rightly hold our failures over us has been taken away. The guilt and shame that wants to hold us captive has been disarmed. The triumph of the cross breaks the power of condemnation and as a result releases the power of transformation in our lives. This is the paradox and the power of the cross.

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

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

Hebrews 4:9-11 - For anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.

Just like the other commandments, the Sabbath of Moses was a shadow of the Sabbath that Christ gives us. Jewish adherents celebrate Sabbath once a week, but Christ wants to offer Sabbath to his people everyday. Notice that we are to take great effort to enter the rest of God, because we are prone to take the burden of our work and our lives everyday. But to constantly wrestle with those burdens, willingly lay them down and rest is an action of faith and obedience that God blesses.

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

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

Genesis 18:13-14 - Is anything too hard for the LORD?

Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the LORD ? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son."

We think that since people in the Bible were pre-modern, superstitious people that it was easy for them to believe. The Scripture actually paints a different picture. We find Sarah's laughter to be a nervous reaction to a promise from God that was preposterous. Have a child at her age? Impossible! Yet when Sarah had her child, she named him Isaac - which means "laughter".

God is in the business of turning our laughter of skepticism to the laughter of joy, because for God, all things are possible.

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

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

Proverbs 12:16 - A fool shows his annoyance at once

A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Self-control is a characteristic of wisdom. When we react too quickly and with annoyance, it makes us look foolish.

When we take the time to listen, answer with patience, and overlook insults, we act wisely.

Instead of closing the door with insults, we are to leave the door wide open for reconciliation through wisdom.

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

Philippians 1:3-6 - He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion...

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

So many times sincere believers feel anxious about where they stand in life. How do I know that I'm in God's will? How can I be sure that I haven't missed something along the way? Paul assures the Philippian church and the church today that God is ultimately in control. He is able to hold us to Him better than we are able to hold onto Him.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Matthew 22:37-40 - This is the first and greatest commandment

Jesus replied: '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.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

When we love God with all of our heart, soul and mind, we declare that we have no other gods or idols in our life. God alone is worthy of our worship, admiration and affection. Everything and everyone else pales in comparison to this great and loving God! This total heart, soul, and mind devotion to God encapsulates our desire to obey all of his commands. And because this loving God loves me, I overflow with love and generosity toward others. No longer do I need to control though lies, or steal from others to provide for myself. I do not spend my days wishing for that which others have. I am satisfied. I can love with God's love. When God is in the center of my life I can rest. And loving others as we have been loved includes declaring praises for all that God has done, through Christ, on our behalf. Praise the name of the LORD-this is the law fulfilled!

Today's commentary by:
Caesar Kalinowski, Pastor, SomaCommunities.org

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

Romans 1:8 - Your faith is being reported all over the world

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.

The believers in Rome became famous due to their faith in God being shown.

The recent devastation in Haiti gives us a unique chance to show the world the love of Jesus. Many are looking to the church to help in this crucial hour. The need is great and the response must be great. May the world look at the church and marvel because they are seeing faith being shown in works of good deeds. Don't miss this moment!

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

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