12/1/22: I just found out that most of the commentaries on the Bible Study Tools website are no longer free. That's where most of the quotes that appear on the "Verse of the Day" and "Previous Verses" pages of my website are taken from, so from now on, many of the "Source:" links that I provide on those pages will not contain the quoted text.

I was disgusted to read about the organization's new "PLUS" membership, and the only thing I can say about it is that the Bible has this warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 for the owner of Bible Study Tools: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
____________________

8/8/21: Something is wrong with my Christian forum. Everything seems to be working normally (i.e., the articles are there, and the links work), but for some reason, the forum's format has changed slightly, and I am currently unable to post anything new.

I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully, the problem is only temporay and will be fixed soon.

OCTOBER 21
Matthew 6:7

During his Sermon on the Mount (or 'mountain'), Jesus said:

Matthew 6:7: "But when ye [you] pray, use not [or 'do not use'] vain [useless] repetitions [in other words, don't keep repeating the same, memorized words over and over again, especially if you don't mean what you say], as [like] the heathen [people, which, in Bible times, referred to Gentiles, or non-Jews] do: for they think that they shall be heard [by God] for their much speaking [or 'long prayers']."
"Pray from the heart" is good advice for everyone, not just Jewish people. Most prayers should be short and simple, and all of them should be sincere.

Regarding the above verse, one Bible commentator (Rhoderick Ice) said:

"Do not use a lot of meaningless words. It is not a torrent [or 'an emotional outpouring'] of prayer, nor long prayer which is forbidden (Jesus did both), but the making of the number of prayers said, their length, and the amount of time spent in prayer [is]--a thing of merit [i.e., something that deserves praise] … Some religious people still believe there is special merit in repeating certain prayers a set number of times."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ice/matthew-6.html, "The Bible Study New Testament," "Verse 7")


The GotQuestions.org article about Matthew 6:7 is entitled "What does it mean to use vain repetitions in prayer?" To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/vain-repetitions.html.

OCTOBER 19-20
James 1:13, 14, 15

Don't Blame God When You Are Tempted to Sin

James 1:13: "Let no man [person] say when he [or she] is tempted [to sin], I am tempted of [or 'by'] God: for God cannot be tempted with [or 'to do'] evil [things], neither tempteth he [or 'neither does he tempt'] any man [or woman or child] [to do wrong]:"

James 1:14: "But every man [person] is tempted, when he [or she] is drawn away of [or 'lured by'] his [or her] own lust [intense desire for something], and [is] enticed [seduced, persuaded to do evil, led astray by promises of pleasure or profit]."

James 1:15: "Then when lust hath [has] conceived [taken over, meaning that when a desire or inclination is indulged (allowed) in an improper manner, as with adultery and fornication (sex outside of marriage), gluttony (eating too much), greed (desiring to be rich), covetousness (wanting what someone else has), etc.], it bringeth forth [brings forth, results in] sin: and sin, when it is finished [or 'committed,' especially when repeated and continued], bringeth forth death [or destruction; in other words, it will kill you or ruin your life]."
According to John Gill, a Bible commentator, in reference to James 1:13:

"neither tempteth he any man; …  he [God] tempted Abraham [in a good way, meaning God tested Abraham], to try his faith, love, and obedience to him; he tempted the Israelites in the wilderness, to try them and humble them, and prove what was in their hearts; and he tempted Job, and tried his faith and patience; and so he tempts [in a good way] and tries all [of] his righteous ones [referring to saved people, or born-again Christians], by afflictions [such as pain, distress, or suffering], more or less: but he never tempts [in a bad way] or solicits [asks, pressures] them to sin …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/james/1-13.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")

Regarding James 1:14, Matthew Henry wrote:

"Every man is tempted (in an ill sense [or 'in a bad way']) when he is drawn [pulled] away [because] of his own lust, and enticed [attracted by something desirable]. In other scriptures the devil is called the tempter, and other things may sometimes concur [agree] to tempt us; but neither the devil nor any other person or thing is to be blamed so as to excuse ourselves; for the true original [origin?] of evil and temptation is in our own hearts. The combustible [flammable] matter is in us, though the flame may be blown up by some outward causes."

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/james/1.html, "Verses 13-18", "(v. 14)")

Commenting on James 1:15, Albert Barnes wrote:

"Then when lust hath conceived - … As our desires of good lie in the mind by nature, as our propensities [inclinations, natural tendencies] exist as they were created, they cannot be regarded as sin, or [be] treated as such; but when they are indulged, when plans of gratification [or 'achieving satisfaction'] are formed, when they are developed in actual life, the effect is sin. In the mere [simple] desire of good, of happiness, of food, of raiment [clothing], there is no sin; it becomes sin when indulged in an improper manner, and when it leads us to seek that which is forbidden - to invade the rights of others, or in any way to violate [break] the laws of God."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/james-1.html, "Verse 15")

OCTOBER 18
1 Corinthians 10:14

In a letter to the Christian church at Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote:

1 Corinthians 10:14: "Wherefore [therefore; i.e., to avoid temptation and sin], my dearly beloved [Christians], flee [run away] from idolatry [which is the worship of, or excessive devotion to, people (such as the virgin Mary, saints, and the pope) and/or things (statues, images, false gods, etc.) instead of the one true God]."
God hates idoatry, so to avoid offending him, all Christians should heed Paul's warning in the above verse. Basically, what he said was this: Don't join in or encourage the worship of idols, don't participate in sacrifices or feasts celebrated in their honor, and avoid going to places where they are worshiped.

GotQuestions.org has some good articles about idolatry. Here are their titles and links:

-- "What is the definition of idolatry?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/idolatry-definition.html)

-- "Is religious iconography considered idolatry?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/religious-iconography.html)

-- "What are some modern forms of idolatry?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/idolatry-modern.html)

-- "Why is idol worship such a powerful temptation?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/idol-worship.html)

-- "Is worship of saints / Mary biblical?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/worship-saints-Mary.html)

-- "Do Catholics worship idols / practice idolatry?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Catholic-idolatry.html)

OCTOBER 17

Hebrews 11:6: "But without faith [i.e., without 'confidence' in God--in his fidelity (faithfulness, loyalty), truth, wisdom, promises, etc.,] it is impossible to please him [God]: for he [or she] that cometh [comes] to God [in worship and prayer] must believe that he [God] is [real] [i.e., that he exists], and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently [earnestly, sincerely] seek him [see note below*]."
*Examples of rewards that people receive for diligently seeking God include salvation and answers to prayer.

Here are two articles related to today's verse:

-- "What does it mean that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/without-faith-impossible-please-God.html)

-- "What is the definition of faith?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/definition-of-faith.html)

OCTOBER 16
2 Timothy 3:12

In a letter to Timothy, a minister of the gospel, the apostle Paul warned:

2 Timothy 3:12: "Yea [yes], and all [people] that will live godly in Christ Jesus [referring to born-again Christians who obey the Bible and try to please God] shall suffer persecution [or 'can expect to be treated unfairly or unkindly by others due to their religious beliefs']."
GotQuestions.org has a good article that answers the question "Is suffering for Christ always going to be a part of being a follower of Christ?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/suffering-for-Christ.html.

OCTOBER 15
John 13:35

To his disciples at the Last Supper (i.e., the last meal that they ate together before Jesus was arrested and crucified), Jesus said:

John 13:35: "By this shall all men [people] know that ye [you] are my disciples [followers], if ye have love [brotherly love, affection, goodwill] one to another [or 'for other Christians']."
"What does it mean to have love for one another (John 13:35)?" is the GotQuestions.org article that relates to today's verse. To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/love-for-one-another.html.

OCTOBER 12-14
Ephesians 6:4

In a letter to the church at Ephesus, the apostle Paul wrote:

Ephesians 6:4: "And, ye [you] fathers [and mothers], provoke not your children to wrath [which means don't make your children angry by saying mean things, having unreasonable rules, punishing from anger rather than love, etc.]: but bring them up in the nurture [training and education, instruction, discipline] and admonition [counsel, warning] of the Lord."
This is good advice for all parents, not just Christians.

Adam Clarke said that when disciplining children, parents should:

"… Avoid all severity [harshness]; this will hurt your own souls [or 'selves'], and [will] do them [the children] no good; on the contrary [or 'on the other hand'], if punished with severity or cruelty, they will be only hardened and made desperate in their sins. Cruel parents generally have bad children. …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/ephesians/6-4.html, "Clarke's Commentary")

Albert Barnes makes some very good points in his excellent commentary on Ephesians 6:4. Here are excerpts from the sections on wrath and admonition:

"Provoke not your children to wrath - That is, by unreasonable commands; by needless severity; by the manifestation [expression] of anger. So govern [influence, guide, and restrain] them, and so punish them - if punishment is necessary - that they shall not lose their confidence in you, but shall love you. The apostle [Paul] here has hit on the very danger to which parents are most exposed in the government [i.e., making decisions and directing the upbringing] of their children. It is that of souring their temper [or causing them to become irritable, bad-tempered, or gloomy]; of making them feel that the parent is under the influence of anger, and that it is right for them [the children] to be so [or 'to be angry'] too. This is done:

"(1) When the commands of a parent are unreasonable and severe. The spirit of a child then becomes irritated, and he is 'discouraged;' …

"(2) When a parent is evidently 'excited' when he punishes a child. The child then feels:

"(a)That if his 'father' is angry, it is not wrong for him to be angry; and,

"(b)The very fact of anger in a parent kindles [arouses, stirs up] anger in his bosom [chest, heart] - just as it does when two men are contending [arguing, fighting].

"If he [the child] submits in the case, it is only because the parent is the 'strongest,' not because he is 'right,' and the child cherishes [holds onto] 'anger,' while he yields [submits, surrenders] to power. There is no principle of parental government more important than that a father should command [control] his own temper when he inflicts punishment. He should punish a child not because he is 'angry,' but because it is 'right;' not because it has become a matter of 'personal contest,' but because God requires that he should do it, and the welfare [well-being] of the child demands it. The moment when a child seem that a parent punishes him under the influence of anger, that moment the child will be likely to be angry too - and his anger will be as proper as that of the parent. And yet, how often is punishment inflicted in this manner! And how often does the child feel that the parent punished him simply because he was the 'strongest,' not because it was 'right;' and how often is the mind of a child left with a strong conviction [belief] that wrong has been done him by the punishment which he has received, rather than with repentance [sincere regret or remorse] for the wrong that he has himself done."

"And admonition - … The sense here is, that they were to put them in mind of the Lord - of his existence, perfections, law, and claims on their hearts and lives. This command is positive, and is in accordance with all the requirements of the Bible on the subject. No one can doubt that the Bible enjoins [instructs, urges] on parents the duty of endeavoring [attempting] to train up their children in the ways of religion, and of making it the grand purpose of this life to prepare them for heaven. It has been often objected that children should be left on religious subjects to form their own opinions when they are able to judge for themselves. Infidels [unbelievers] and irreligious [non-religious] people always oppose or neglect the duty here enjoined [referring to a mandatory (required) obligation to do something]; and the plea [response] commonly is, that to teach religion to children is to make them prejudiced; to destroy their independence of mind; and to prevent their judging as impartially on so important a subject as they ought to. In reply to this, and in defense of the requirements of the Bible on the subject, we may remark:

"(1) That to suffer [allow] a child to grow up without any instruction in religion, is about the same as to suffer a garden to lie without any culture [or 'maintenance']. Such a garden would soon be overrun with weeds, and briars [prickly plants or shrubs], and thorns - but not sooner, or more certainly, than the mind of a child would.

"(2) People do instruct their children in a great many things, and why should they not [also do so] in religion? They teach them how to behave in [or 'around'] company; the art of farming; the way to make or use tools; how to make money; how to avoid the arts of the cunning seducer [or 'how to protect themselves from manipulation (influence or control), deceit (deception), and charm used by someone with an ulterior motive (a secret reason for doing something)']. But why should it not be said that all [of] this tends to destroy their independence, and to make them prejudiced? Why not leave their minds open and free, and suffer [permit] them to form their own judgments about farming and the mechanic arts [practical skills involving manual work] when their minds are matured [i.e., when they are grown up]?

"(3) People do inculcate [teach by frequent repetition] their own sentiments [attitudes, opinions] in religion. An infidel [unbeliever] is not usually 'very' anxious to conceal [hide] his views from his children. People teach by example; by incidental remarks [or 'comments made in passing']; by the 'neglect' of that which they regard as of no value. A man who does not pray, is teaching his children not to pray; he who neglects the public worship of God, is teaching his children to neglect it; he who does not read the Bible, is teaching his children not to read it. Such is the constitution [composition] of things, that it is impossible for a parent not to inculcate [instill] his own religious views on his children. Since this is so, all that the Bible requires is, that his instructions should be right.

"(4) To inculcate the truths of religion is not to make the mind narrow, prejudiced, and indisposed [unwilling] to perceive [recognize] the truth. Religion makes the mind candid [truthful and straightforward], conscientious [wishing to do what's right], open to conviction [or 'open-minded'], ready to follow the truth. Superstition, bigotry [prejudice], infidelity [or, in this case, 'unbelief'], and 'all' error and falsehood, make the mind narrow and prejudiced.

"(5) If a man does not teach his children truth, others will teach them 'error.' The young sceptic [doubter] that the child meets in the street; the artful infidel [or 'clever unbeliever']; the hater of God; the unprincipled [immoral, unethical] stranger; 'will' teach the child. But is it not better for a parent to teach his child the 'truth' than for a stranger to teach him error?

"(6) Religion is the most important of all subjects, and 'therefore' it is of most importance that children on that subject should he taught truth. Of whom can God so properly require this as of a parent? If it be asked 'in what way' a parent is to bring up his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord [referring to raising children with both loving care and instruction in God's ways], I answer:

"I. By directly inculcating the doctrines [beliefs] and duties of religion - just as he [the parent] does anything else that he regards as of value.

"II. By placing them [the children] in the Sunday school, where he [the parent] may have a guarantee that they will be taught the truth.

"III. By 'conducting' them [the children] - not merely 'sending' them - to the sanctuary [of the church], that they may be taught in the house of God.

"IV. By example - all teaching being valueless [worthless] without that.

"V. By prayer for the divine aid [or 'help from God'] in his [the parent's] efforts, and for the salvation of their [the children's] souls. These duties are plain, simple, easy to be performed, and are such as a man 'knows' he ought to perform. If neglected, and the soul of the child be lost, a parent has a most fearful account [or 'answer for his actions'] to render [give] to God."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/ephesians-6.html, "Verse 4")

The GotQuestions.org article that relates to Ephesians 6:4 is entitled "What does the Bible say about Christian fathers?" Click here if you want to read it: https://www.gotquestions.org/fathers-Christian.html.

OCTOBER 11
Matthew 5:14, 15, 16

Christians: Let Your Spiritual Lights Shine

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said to his disciples:

Matthew 5:14-15: "Ye [you born-again Christians] are the [spiritual] light of the world. [That's because by spreading the gospel, we enlighten people's minds (i.e., provide spiritual knowledge or insight), just as the sun illuminates (brightens) the earth by shining on it.] A city that is set [situated] on an hill [or mountain] cannot be hid [hidden]. Neither do men [or women or children] light a candle [or turn on a lamp], and put it under a bushel [a large container (about two gallons), like those used for measuring dry goods, such as grains and peas], but on a candlestick; and it [the candle or lamp] giveth [gives] light unto all [people and things] that are in the house."

Matthew 5:16: "Let your [spiritual] light [meaning your Christian conduct] so shine before men [people], that they may see your good works [good deeds], and glorify [honor, praise, worship, and obey] your Father which is in heaven [i.e., God]."
In his commentary on Matthew 5:16, Albert Barnes wrote, in part:

"… We learn here:

"1.That religion, if it exists, cannot be concealed [hidden].

"2.That where it [religion] is not manifest [clear, obvious] in the [person's] life, it does not exist.

"3.That 'professors' of religion, who live like other people, give evidence that they have never been truly converted [or 'born again,' or 'saved'].

"4.That to attempt to conceal or hide our Christian knowledge or experience is to betray our trust [i.e., do something bad or hurtful to someone that causes a loss of respect], injure the cause of piety [religion], and to render our lives useless. And,

"5.That good actions will be seen, and will lead people to honor God. If we have no other way of doing good - if we are poor, and unlearned [uneducated], and unknown yet we may do good by our lives. No sincere and humble Christian lives in vain [uselessness, ineffectiveness]. The feeblest [weakest, faintest] light at midnight is of use.

"'How far the little candle throws his beams [of light]!

"So shines a good deed in a naughty world [i.e., one made up of badly behaving people]!'"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/matthew-5.html, "Verse 16")

Here are two GotQuestions.org articles that relate to today's verses:

-- "What does it mean that a city on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/city-on-a-hill.html)

-- "What does it look like to 'let your light shine before others' (Matthew 5:16)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/let-your-light-shine.html)

OCTOBER 10

1 John 5:7: "For there are three [persons] that bear record [bear witness, testify] in heaven [to the fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God], [and they include] the Father [i.e., God the Father], the Word [i.e., Jesus Christ], and the Holy Ghost [i.e., the Holy Spirit]: and these three are one [God, which means that the Godhead (or Trinity) consists of three separate and equal persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) with distinct (different) personalities--see note below*]."
*For many people, how one God could be made up of three persons is a difficult concept (idea, thing) to grasp (understand). The following articles were written in an attempt to explain the Trinity:

-- "What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?"
    https://www.gotquestions.org/Trinity-Bible.html

-- "What does it mean that the Trinity is God in three Persons?"
    https://www.gotquestions.org/God-in-three-persons.html

-- "How can there be subordination / hierarchy in the Trinity?"
    https://www.gotquestions.org/subordination-Trinity.html

-- "What is the origin of the doctrine of the Trinity?
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/origin-doctrine-Trinity.html)

-- "What are some popular illustrations of the Holy Trinity?"
    https://www.gotquestions.org/Holy-Trinity.html)
____________________

And GotQuestions.org also has an article that addresses the following question: "Will we be able to see all three members of the Trinity in heaven?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/see-Trinity-heaven.html.

OCTOBER 9
Romans 6:6

In a letter to the saints (born-again Christians) in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote:

Romans 6:6: "Knowing this, that [when we get saved,] our old man [i.e., our sinful and corrupt nature, likened to a 'body of sin'] is crucified [put to death, as if on the cross] with him [Jesus], [so] that the body of sin might be destroyed [or 'become inoperative and powerless'], [and so] that henceforth [or 'from now on, after salvation'] we should not serve [or 'be a slave to' or 'be controlled by'] sin [personified (likened to a person)--as a master]."
According to Paul, everyone who is born again, or saved, can--and should be able to--have victory over sin.
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Note: If you want to be saved God's way and don't know what to do, visit the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the question "What does it mean to be a slave to sin?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/slave-to-sin.html.

OCTOBER 7-8
1 Samuel 2:7

A Story About Infertility, Answered Prayer, and Keeping Promises to God

In the Old Testament, a man named Elkanah had two wives: Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children; Hannah did not. For a long time, Peninnah mocked (made fun of) Hannah because she was barren (unable to become pregnant). However, Hannah kept praying for a child, and when God finally answered her prayer and gave her a son (whom she named Samuel), she said this:

1 Samuel 2:7: "The LORD [God] maketh [makes] [some people] poor, and [he also] maketh [makes] [some people] rich: he bringeth low [brings down, or humbles] [those who are full of pride] [i.e., he allows them to be humiliated (feel ashamed or stupid)], and [he] lifteth [lifts] up [or gives grace and honor to] [people who are humble (meaning they are not arrogant, not conceited, and not full of pride)]."
For more detailed background information on the above verse, read the GotQuestions.org article entitled "What is the story of Hannah and Samuel?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Hannah-and-Samuel.html.
____________________

Another article that relates to today's verse is entitled "What is the significance of Hannah's prayer?" To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Hannahs-prayer.html

OCTOBER 5-6
Matthew 6:25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33

Try not to worry about things that you can't control. If you are truly born again, God will supply your basic needs.

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his disciples (and--via the Bible--all Christians):

Matthew 6:25: "Therefore I [Jesus] say unto you [disciples and Christians] [regarding anxiety], Take no thought for your life [or 'don't worry about how you'll obtain the necessities of life, including'], what ye [you] shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on [or 'wear']. Is not the life more [valuable] than meat [or 'food'], and [is not] the body [more valuable] than raiment [clothing]?"

Matthew 6:26: "Behold [look at, observe, consider] the fowls of the air [i.e., the birds]: for they sow not [which means they don't plant or scatter seeds], neither do they reap [harvest crops], nor [do they] gather [the crops] into barns; yet your heavenly Father [God] feedeth [feeds] them [or 'makes sure they are fed']. Are ye not much better [more important] than they [are]?"

Matthew 6:27: "Which of you by taking thought [or 'by worrying'] can add one cubit [the length of a forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, which is about 18 inches] unto his [or her] stature [height--see note below*]?"

Matthew 6:28-29: "And why take ye thought for [or 'why do you worry about'] raiment [clothing]? Consider the lilies of the field [i.e., the wildflowers], how they grow; they toil not [they don't work], neither do they spin [make yarn or thread by twisting fibers of wool, cotton, etc.]: And yet I [Jesus] say unto you [disciples and Christians], That even [King] Solomon in all his glory [splendor (i.e., while wearing his finest royal robes)] was not arrayed [clothed, dressed] like one of these [beautiful flowers]."

Matthew 6:30: "Wherefore, if God so clothe [or 'dress'] the grass of the field [i.e., cereal plants, like wheat], which to day is [alive and growing], and to morrow [(after the grain has been harvested)] is [dead and dry and] cast [thrown, placed, inserted] into the oven [and used as fuel for baking, as was done in Bible times], shall he [God] not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?"

Matthew 6:31-32: "Therefore take no thought [don't worry] [about the things that you need], saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal [with what] shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles [non-Jewish people] seek:) for your heavenly Father [God] knoweth [knows] that ye have need of all these things."

Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first [or 'first seek'] the kingdom of God [heaven], and his [God's] righteousness [in other words, make sure that you are saved, or 'born again']; and all these things [i.e., your basic necessities, such as food and clothing] shall be added unto [or 'given to'] you."
This doesn't mean that we shouldn't work to buy the things that we need and to pay our bills. It simply means that we must not worry needlessly, because God promises to take care of us.

*According to some commentaries, stature can also mean age in the Bible, so if that definition applies to this verse (Matthew 6:27), it means there is nothing that a person can do to increase the length of his or her life.

Here are some GotQuestions.org articles that relate to today's verses:

-- "Why are we told, 'Do not worry about your life' in Matthew 6:25?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/do-not-worry-about-your-life.html)

-- "Why should we consider the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/consider-the-lillies.html)

-- "If Matthew 6:31 is true, why do millions of people have nothing to eat, drink, or wear?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/what-shall-we-eat-drink-wear.html)

-- "What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/seek-first-kingdom-God.html)

OCTOBER 4
Psalm 51:10

Seeking forgiveness from God after he committed adultery with Bathsheba and tried to cover up that sin by having her husband murdered in battle, King David prayed:

Psalm 51:10: "Create in me a clean heart [which meant 'make my heart clean again; forgive my sins'], O God; and renew [restore, bring back] a right spirit [i.e., an obedient attitude] within me."
Sin always breaks our fellowship with God, so whenever we sin, we should seek God's forgiveness, like David did in the above verse, and try to do better.

You can read about David and Bathsheba in your Bible (2 Samuel, Chapters 11 and 12) or online (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%2011:1-12:24;&version=kjv).
____________________

This story also appears, along with explanations from well-known Bible commentators, in the June 2025 "Previous Verses" section of my website. To read it, go to https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PreviousVerses0625.html and scroll down to "JUNE 7-14."
____________________

In addition, there is a summary of this story in the GotQuestions.org article entitled "Why did David ask God to 'create in me a clean heart' in Psalm 51:10?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/create-in-me-a-clean-heart.html.

OCTOBER 3
Psalm 140:12

This was written by David when he was suffering persecution (cruel or unfair treatment) during the reign of King Saul:

Psalm 140:12: "I know that the LORD [God] will maintain the cause of the afflicted [meaning he will help his people who are suffering, physically and/or mentally], and [that he will defend] the right [the rights, justice, judgment] of the poor [people, or those who are poor]."
The above statement is true for all Christians, not only those who lived in Bible times.

Although not specifically related to today's verse, there is a GotQuestions.org article about how Christians can help poor people. It's called "How should Christians respond to global poverty and hunger?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/global-poverty-hunger.html.

OCTOBER 1-2
Romans 8:1

Referring mostly to what he said in the preceding (previous) chapter of Romans, the apostle Paul wrote:

Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation [by God, referring to punishment in hell for sin] to them which are in Christ Jesus [meaning those who are saved, or born again], who walk [or 'live their lives'] not after the flesh [by doing worldly things], but after the Spirit [of God] [i.e., as the Holy Spirit leads or prompts] [see examples of 'works of the flesh' and 'fruit of the spirit' in the note below*]."
*Paul lists the following as:

WORKS OF THE FLESH

Galatians 5:19-20,21: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest [obvious, evident], which are these;

"Adultery [sex between a married person and someone other than his or her spouse],
"fornication [sex between two unmarried people],
"uncleanness [immorality, sinfulness],
"lasciviousness [lustfulness],
"Idolatry [worshiping idols],
"witchcraft,
"hatred,
"variance [disagreements, controversy],
"emulations [rivalry],
"wrath [extreme anger],
"strife [conflict],
"seditions [uprisings],
"heresies [beliefs or opinions contrary to established religious doctrines],
"Envyings,
"murders,
"drunkenness,
"revellings [celebrations with out-of-control behavior],
"and such like:

"of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God [which means they will not go to heaven when they die]."

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is

"love,
"joy,
"peace,
"longsuffering [or 'patiently enduring hardship'],
"gentleness,
"goodness,
"faith,
"Meekness [humility, submissiveness],
"temperance [moderation in eating and drinking]:

"against such [things] there is no law."

AN INDICATION OF SALVATION

Galatians 5:24: "And they that are [Jesus] Christ's [i.e., born-again Christians] have crucified the flesh [or 'turned their backs on sin'] with the [or 'its'] affections [loves] and lusts [desires]."

These GotQuestions.org articles relate to today's verse:

-- "What does it mean that there is no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/no-condemnation.html)

-- "What are the works of the flesh?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/works-of-the-flesh.html)

-- "What is the fruit of the Holy Spirit?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-of-the-Holy-Spirit.html)