The Daily Bible Verse

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

2010-03-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-29T00:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-28T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2010-03-27T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2010-03-26T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2010-03-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-03-24T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2010-03-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2010-03-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2010-03-21T00:15:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-03-20T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2010-03-19T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-17T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-16T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-14T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-13T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-11T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-10T00:15:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-03-09T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-08T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-07T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-06T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

"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.

Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

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."

2010-03-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-03T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-02T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-01T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-28T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-27T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-26T00:15:00.000-08:00

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.

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

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

2010-02-25T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-24T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-23T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-22T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-21T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-20T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-19T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-18T00:15:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-02-17T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-16T00:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-14T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-13T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-12T00:20:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-11T00:20:00.000-08:00

"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

2010-02-10T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-09T00:15:00.000-08:00

"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

2010-02-08T00:30:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-07T01:45:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-02-05T22:33:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-05T01:30:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-02-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

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..

2010-02-03T03:15:00.000-08:00

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

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

2010-02-02T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-01T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

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

2010-01-31T00:15:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-01-30T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-29T01:15:00.000-08:00

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)

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

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

2010-01-28T00:15:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-01-27T01:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-26T00:15:00.000-08:00

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.

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

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

2010-01-25T00:15:00.000-08:00

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.

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

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

2010-01-24T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-23T00:15:00.000-08:00

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.

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

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

2010-01-22T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-21T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-20T00:15:00.000-08:00

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.

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

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

2010-01-19T00:45:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-18T02:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-16T23:30:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-16T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-15T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-14T00:45:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-13T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

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).

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

Psalm 103:17-19 - From everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him

2010-01-11T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-10T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-09T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-08T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-07T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-06T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-03T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-02T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-01T00:15:00.000-08:00

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

Galatians 5:16 - So I say, live by the Spirit

2009-12-31T00:15:00.000-08:00

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

How many times have we made New Year resolutions only to find ourselves discouraged by the 2nd week (maybe even the 2nd day!). Every New Year we intend to stop this or lose that - so much so that we resign ourselves each year to making a list with the assumption that we won't keep it. But the apostle Paul gives us an important hint in what it takes to truly change: we don't make a decision to keep away from the desires of our sinful nature, we make a decision to live by the Spirit! We need to focus our gaze on where we want to go instead of looking at what we want to avoid. Let's start this New Year by taking our gaze off of our weaknesses and refocus it on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. When we do, we find that He can change us more than our resolutions!

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

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

Isaiah 9:2 - The people walking in darkness have seen a great light

2009-12-30T00:15:00.000-08:00

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.

This passage has been associated with the Christmas season due to the usage of it in Handel's Messiah. The implications of this Scripture are immense. This passage says that 1) we all are walking in darkness and 2) we all need to see a great light. It's not very flattering to think that we walk in darkness, but a view of history would validate this claim pretty quickly. But now Christ is the light that gives light to every man. There is a light that has dawned upon us. We didn't figure it out nor could we figure it out. We need help. Another way to put it is Jesus is not a celestial Sugar Daddy trying to help us out; He's our Savior to set us free from our sins!

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

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

Matthew 2:10-11 - When they saw the star, they were overjoyed

2009-12-29T00:15:00.000-08:00

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

As we said yesterday, the magi were not Jews. They were astrologers who appear "out of nowhere" and were aware of the birth of a new king. Think about it: God led these men to Jesus using skills that were foreign to the Jewish mindset of the time. As the Jewish high priest was oblivious to God in his midst, three pagans were worshipping the Christ. From his birth to his death on the cross, Jesus came to bring the earth to himself. He is doing the same today. How would we respond to the wise men? Are we willing to serve and accept those who are looking for the Christ from different backgrounds?

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

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

Matthew 2:1-2 - We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him

2009-12-28T00:15:00.000-08:00

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

The Magi add a fascinating twist to the Christmas story. They were ancient astrologers who were regarded as the wise men of their time. They were not Jewish and this is the only time that they are mentioned in the Scripture. Their appearance and departure is mysterious and full of imagination. Notice the two groups who knew of the Christ: poor shepherds and respected wise men. Jews and Gentiles. God wanted to make it clear that the gospel was meant for rich and poor alike. It was meant for the smart and the uneducated. In other words, the gospel has been sent to the entire world.

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

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

Isaiah 9:6-7 - For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given...

2009-12-27T00:15:00.000-08:00

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah has more messianic prophecies than any other book in the Hebrew Bible. Augustine called Isaiah the "5th gospel". This famous passage was declared during the rise of the Assyrian dynasty. Israel would be reestablished, but not in the way that was expected: a child would be born. The Jewish leaders of the 1st Century were looking for a Messiah that would ride in on a white horse and set the Jews free from the Romans. Instead, a baby was brought into the world. In weakness and vulnerability, the child was born and nurtured to fulfill His God-given destiny - to establish and uphold God's true kingdom. The kingdom of God that began with the baby king has not stopped increasing ever since.

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

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

Luke 2:15-16 - Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened

2009-12-26T00:15:00.000-08:00

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

After the angel announced the coming of the Christ and a host of angels sang, there was the normal night sky. The shepherds could have just gone back to their business of watching sheep, but they were did something more profound: "Let's go to Bethlehem...". Many Christians have had a spiritual experience, but have they then gone to see what the Lord is doing in their generation? We have made the revealing of the Christ the end point, instead of the beginning of a journey. Now that you know that Christ is alive, what is God doing in your generation? Are you willing to hurry off to find it?

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

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

Luke 2:10-11 - I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people

2009-12-25T00:15:00.000-08:00

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

We can think of the people in biblical times as more prone toward angelic visits or children in mangers. But they were just as unnerved by the announcement of the birth of Christ as we would be. "Do not be afraid" is one of the most consistent commands in the Bible. It seems that the heavenly realm is so different from ours that we have to be told not to run away! When the gospel is proclaimed the heavens open up in our world and people have to be assured to not be afraid. For those who are able to conquer their fear and not run away, the good news of a Savior will create great joy in our hearts, for it is the reality of God's kingdom on the earth. Joy to the world, let earth receive her king!

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

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

Luke 2:8-14 - And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night

2009-12-24T00:15:00.000-08:00

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

This famous passage of Scripture is the most beloved in our day recounting the birth of the Christ. The contrast is striking. Shepherds were regarded as one of the lowest castes of the culture in their day. They lived outside the cities and were not allowed to participate in many events. Yet to whom do the angels proclaim their good news? Who hears the greatest choir in the universe? The shepherds. The picture of the outcasts with the magnificent gives us a glimpse into the heart of God. He takes the parts of our lives that we regard as unclean and proclaims good news. He opens our hearts to tell us what He is about to do in our generation. May we be in a position to hear the angels and join in the purposes of God for our time.

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

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

Micah 5:2 - But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah...

2009-12-23T00:15:00.000-08:00

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times."

We find a pattern with the Scriptures: Abraham was called out of his established place in his father's household to become a nomad. Once he was outside known territory, God could use him. Moses was required to live in the desert for 40 years before he could lead the Jewish people out of Egypt. It seems that God loves to take mighty things and make them smaller in order to confound the world and it's wisdom. Bethlehem was a border town with the Gentiles. It was considered unclean and totally out of touch with the rest of the Jewish realm. Yet it was Bethlehem that God chose to birth the Savior of mankind, Jesus Christ. Do you feel that God is whittling you down? Rejoice, he's getting ready to use you in a great way! Do you see yourself on the margins and insignificant? Congratulations! You're positioned to do great things for God. He has a record of taking weak and foolish things to confound the strong and wise.

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

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

Luke 1:46-50 - My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

2009-12-22T00:15:00.000-08:00

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
or he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me-
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation."

This proclamation occurs during the meeting of a pregnant Mary with her pregnant relative, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a miracle pregnancy because she is beyond childbearing age. Mary is a miracle pregnancy because she is a virgin. The angel of the Lord set up this meeting, and the event has dramatic impact. They find great strength in each other and their circumstance. Elizabeth's miracle encourages Mary. When we face overwhelming circumstances, the power of encouragement can't be underestimated. The verse that we see here indicates a woman who is engulfed with relief! Her faith in God is reaffirmed. As hard as it will be, she is on the right track. Many times all we need is someone to say to us, "Stay with it, you're doing what God wants you to do." This gives us the strength to carry on in difficult circumstances.

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

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

Luke 1:30-31 - you are to give him the name Jesus

2009-12-21T00:15:00.000-08:00

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.

Mary was an amazing woman. Think of the situation: a 13 - 15 year old virgin is told that she has favor with God. Favor? She will be pregnant and have to convince her fiancée that she was not unfaithful. She will have to endure the gossip that will follow her for the rest of her life concerning the birth of her son and the timing of her wedding to Joseph. In the culture of her day, unwed mothers were quietly "put away" (see Matthew 1:18-19). Yet God DOES give Mary favor: He reveals to her the unique role that she plays in God's purposes. And she embraces that role, even though it will come a great personal cost. We want God to fit into our story, yet Christmas is a reminder that our story is never really understood until it's seen in the light of God's story. Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King!

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

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