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.

JANUARY 31

A message from the apostle James to Christians:

James 5:13: "Is any[one] among you afflicted [troubled by physical or mental pain and/or suffering, such as sickness, death of a loved one, disappointment, persecution, loss of property, etc.]? [If so,] let him [or her] pray [to God]. Is any[one] merry [happy, cheeerful]? [If so,] let him [or her] sing psalms [songs of praise to God]."
Prayer is important to God, and it should be important to us as well.

Concerning the phrase let him pray in the above verse, John Gill said:

"… Times of afflictions are proper times for prayer; there is then more especially need of it; and God sometimes lays his afflicting hand upon his people [or causes them to suffer], when they have been negligent [neglectful] of their duty, and he has not heard of them for some time, in order to bring them near to him, to seek his face, pay him a visit, and pour out a prayer before him …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/james/5-13.html, "John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")

Regarding prayer, Albert Barnes said:

"… Health fails, friends die, property is lost, disappointments come upon us, danger threatens, death approaches - and to whom shall we go but to God? He ever lives [or lives forever]. He never fails us or disappoints us if we trust in him, and his ear is ever [forever, always] open to our cries. This would be a sad world indeed, if it were not for the privilege of prayer …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/james-5.html, "Verse 13")

JANUARY 30

Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God [the Bible--see Note 1 below] is quick [alive], and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword [i.e., one whose blade is sharp on both sides], piercing even to the dividing asunder [cutting through and causing separation] of soul and spirit [explained in Note 2 below], and [also causing separation] of the joints [places in the body (elbow, knee, etc.) where two bones are joined together] and marrow [a substance contained within the bones], and [as such, the word of God] is a discerner of [meaning it can detect, discover, judge] the thoughts and intents [intentions] of the heart [mind, conscience]."
In his commentary, Albert Barnes said this verse shows "… that we cannot escape the notice of God; that all insincerity, unbelief, hypocrisy [pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have], will be detected by him; and that since our hearts are perfectly open before him, we should be sincere and should not attempt to deceive [fool] him. The sense is, that the truth of God is all-penetrating and searching, and that the real thoughts and intents of the heart [i.e., intentions, motives] will be brought to light, and that if there is insincerity and self-deception there can be no hope of escape."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/hebrews-4.html, "Verse 12")

NOTE 1:

For a detailed explanation of why the Bible is called the word of God, read "Is the Bible truly God's Word?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-God-Word.html.

NOTE 2:

Regarding soul and spirit: "The soul and the spirit are connected, but separable … The soul is the essence [the basic nature, the life-giving part] of humanity's being [or 'of human beings']; it is who we are. The spirit is the immaterial [spiritual] part of humanity that connects with God."

(Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/soul-spirit.html, "What is the difference between the soul and spirit of humanity?")

JANUARY 29

In Psalm 7, King David asks God to protect him from his enemies, and in this verse, he explains why he thinks God should do that:

Psalm 7:11: "God judgeth [judges, does justice to, or pronounces a just judgment on behalf of] the righteous [referring to born-again Christians, who are considered righteous (acceptable in God's sight) because they have accepted Jesus' death on the cross as payment for their sins--see note below*], and God is angry with the wicked [people, or unsaved sinners, especially those who do evil things] every day [continually, constantly, always]."
Regarding the above verse, Albert Barnes said:

"God judgeth the righteous [people--born-again Christians] - That is, he pronounces a just [fair] judgment on their behalf; he vindicates their character [clears them from blame]. It is true, in a general sense, that God judges all [people] according to their character; but the particular idea here is, that God will do justice to the righteous; he will interpose [intervene, step in] to vindicate them, and he will treat them as they ought to be treated when assailed [attacked] by their enemies, and when reproached [criticized] and calumniated [slandered, lied about]. The original phrase here is susceptible of two translations [or can be translated two ways]; either, 'God is a righteous judge' or, 'God is judging,' that is judges, 'the righteous.' The sense is not materially varied [or substantially different], whichever translation is adopted. Our common version [of the Bible; i.e., King James] has probably expressed the true idea; and there the design [intention] of the writer is to contrast the manner in which God regards and treats the righteous, with the manner in which he regards and treats the wicked. The one [person--the 'righteous,'] he [God] judges, that is, he does him justice; with the other [person--the 'wicked,'] he is angry every day."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/psalms-7.html, "Verse 11")

*According to Ephesians 2:8-9, all people are saved, through faith, by accepting God's gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23). People in the New Testament knew about the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, but if you're wondering, "What was the Old Testament way of salvation?" GotQuestions.org has written an article on that subject. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Old-Testament-salvation.html.

JANUARY 28

Proverbs 28:24: "Whoso [whoever] robbeth [steals from] his [or her] father or his [or her] mother [even though what they (the parents) have will probably belong to the child when they die], and [then] saith [says], It is no transgression [crime, wrongdoing, sin]; the same [person (i.e., the one who is doing the robbing)] is the companion of a destroyer [is no better than a common thief--who destroys the victim's peace of mind, happiness, security, etc.]."
Regarding this verse, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church said, "This young person commits a crime against his parents, but he doesn't see it that way. He says, 'I did nothing wrong. It is not a sin to take things from my own parents.'" That's because "[h]e may genuinely believe that whatever he takes from his parents he deserves or is entitled to… and therefore, taking it is not robbery."

Pastor Delany's excellent commentary on this verse gives specific examples of the many ways in which children intentionally and unintentionally rob their parents. According to the commentary:

"5. There are many ways that robbery can occur.

"a. Robbery by actual theft (secretly).
"• A son could rob his parents by stealing money out of the draw or taking his mother's jewelry or by cashing their checks.
"• Drug addicts often steal to support their habit. And their target of choice is usually their own parents. They figure, if I get caught, they won't press charges.
"• They often steal their mother's jewelry, cash checks, etc.

"b. Robbery by wasting their goods and finances.
"• Spending money foolishly; and simple things like throwing away a ¼ of a toothpaste tube; eating half of an apple; wearing clothes a few times and trashing them; etc.)

"c. Robbery by fraud [deception]
"• A son could rob by lying about how much money they have, or need, or how much something costs; etc.

"d. Robbery by running up a debt.
"• They might run up a bill on a credit card in their parent's name.

"e. Robbery by playing on their heartstrings
"• They might tell some sob stories to ooze some sympathy in order to get money from their parents.

"f. Robbery by borrowing without any intentions of paying it back.

"g. Robbery by spending their inheritance like the prodigal son [in Luke 15:11-32].

"h. Robbery through sloth [laziness].
"• Prov. 18:9 -- They can commit robbery by not doing the chores or by not taking care of the property, thus, letting things fall into disrepair [meaning they need to be fixed].
"• He's too lazy to harvest the crops at harvest time, so they rot and he impoverishes his parents [i.e., he makes them poor].
"• Through sloth they can slowly rob their parents a few pennies at a time… by leaving food on the counter to rot.
"• He can rob his parents by carelessly not putting oil in the lawnmower and allowing the engine to seize [become stuck or jammed]; by carelessly losing his clothes and other things; etc."

"6. He has virtually no concern for his parents at all.

"a. It doesn't dawn on him that all the things he wastes, his parents had to purchase. They had to work hard to earn the money to buy the goods that he wastes.

"b. He has no concept of the value of money… or the value of hard work… he seems to think money grows on trees.

"c. Of course if HE had to work many hours to purchase those items with his own toil and labor, he might see things differently.

"d. Telling this young man to turn off the lights to save electricity goes in one ear and out the other because he doesn't have to pay the light bill.

"e. If you tell him not to leave the hot water running or the AC [air conditioner] running all day he thinks you are weird and mean."

If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-28-index/proverbs-28_24/.

JANUARY 27

Some members of the Corinthian church doubted that Paul was a true apostle, so Paul challenged them to prove that they were true Christians.

2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves [spiritually, to find out or determine], whether ye be [you are] in the faith [or 'if you are true Christians']; prove your own selves [put yourselves to the test--or, in other words, prove your piety (godliness, reverence for God) by testing your religion (i.e., by subjecting it to actual trial in the various duties and responsibilities of life)]. Know ye not your own selves [or 'won't you know for sure'], how that Jesus Christ is in you [in your heart], except ye be [unless you are] reprobates [counterfeit Christians (and not really saved)--see note below*]?"
In other words, if you are a true Christian (i.e., have been born again according to the Bible), you should know it.

In his commentary, Albert Barnes summarizes the above verse as follows: "The simple idea is, that they might know that they were Christians, unless their religion was such as would not stand the test, or was worthless." He also describes what it means to "stand the test":

"Prove your own selves - … The proof of their piety was to be arrived at by a faithful examination of their own hearts and lives; by a diligent [careful, detailed] comparison of their views and feelings with the word of God [i.e., the Bible]; and especially by making trial of it in life. The best way to prove our piety is to subject it to actual trial in the various duties and responsibilites of life. A man who wishes to prove an axe to see whether it is good or not, does not sit down and look at it, or read all the treatises [books, studies, written material] which he can find on axe-making, and on the properties of iron and steel, valuable as such information would be; but he shoulders his axe and goes into the woods, and puts it to the trial there.

"If it cuts well; if it does not break; if it is not soon made dull, he understands the quality of his axe better than he could in any other way. So if a man wishes to know what his religion is worth, let him try it in the places where religion is of any value. Let him go into the world with it. Let him go and try to do good; to endure affliction in a proper manner; to combat the errors and follies [acts of foolishness] of life; to admonish [warn] sinners of the error of their ways; and to urge forward the great work of the conversion [salvation] of the world, and he will soon see there what his religion is worth - as easily as a man can test the qualities of an axe. Let him not merely sit down and think, and compare himself with the Bible and look at his own heart - valuable as this may be in many respects - but let him treat his religion as he would anything else - let him subject it to actual experiment. That religion which will enable a man to imitate the example of Paul [the apostle] or Howard, or the great Master [Jesus] himself, in doing good, is genuine.

"That religion which will enable a man to endure persecution [mistreatment] for the name of Jesus; to bear calamity [a great misfortune or disaster] without complaining; to submit to a long series of disappointments and distresses for Christ's sake, is genuine. That religion which will prompt a man unceasingly [without ceasing or stopping] to a life of prayer and self-denial; which will make him ever conscientious, industrious, and honest; which will enable him to warn sinners of the errors of their ways, and which will dispose him to seek the friendship of Christians, and the salvation of the world, is pure and genuine. That will answer the purpose. It is like the good axe with which a man can chop all day long, in which there is no flaw [defect, imperfection], and which does not get dull, and which answers all the purposes of an axe. Any other religion than this is worthless."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-corinthians-13.html, "Verse 5")

*Concerning reprobates, GotQuestions.org wrote this at the end of one of their articles:

"Can a Christian have a reprobate mind? Someone who has sincerely accepted Jesus Christ by faith will not have this mindset [mental attitude, way of thinking] because the old person with a reprobate mind has been recreated into a new creation: 'The old has passed away; behold, the new has come' (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians are basically 'new' people. We live differently and speak differently. Our world is centered on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and how we can serve Him. Also, if we are truly in the faith, we will have the Holy Spirit [in our hearts] to help us live a God-honoring life (John 14:26). Those with reprobate minds do not have the [Holy] Spirit and live only for themselves."

(Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/reprobate-mind.html, "What does it mean to have a reprobate mind?)

JANUARY 26

Proverbs 26:21: "As coals [pieces of charcoal] are to burning coals, and wood [is] to fire [i.e., when more coals are added to coals that are already lit, and when pieces of wood are added to a fire, they act as fuel to help spread the fire and keep it burning]; so is a contentious man [a quarrelsome (argumentative) person] [able] to kindle strife [start a fight (and keep it going)]."
Fights always involve more than one person, and troublemakers usually start the fights and keep talking until they have "the last word."

In Salem Bible Church's commentary on Proverbs 26, verse 21 (which tells how to start fights):

-- Proverbs 26:21: "As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife."

is combined with verse 20 (which tells how to stop them):

-- Proverbs 26:20: "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth [ceases, stops]."

Regarding ways to stop "adding fuel to the fire" in disagreements and arguments, Pastor Delany quoted King Solomon's advice in Proverbs 22:10 to "cast out the scorner," and he wrote, in Section 20b of his commentary:

"e. This principle works in any setting!
"• At school:
"» In any group of kids at school there is usually one troublemaker. There is one in every crowd.
"» There is usually someone who is always saying things and causing strife to an otherwise peaceful group.
"» This person gets his kicks out of stirring up trouble verbally and turning one student against another.
"» If you are in a group like that--then follow Solomon's advice: avoid the talebearer. Don't invite him to activities--even if people think he's cool.
"» He is the fuel to the fire. Stop adding fuel and the fire goes out.
"• Home:
"» This works at home too.
"» Whether it is contention between husband and wife or among the kids… if you stop adding fuel to the fire, the fire will go out--and the heat and friction will be over--relatively quickly… without having to spend $120.00 per hour at a counselor's office.
"• Office:
"» There is usually one trouble maker at work that causes heat and friction in the office.
"» Do you want the fire to go out? Do you want the contention to cease?
"» Then identify the 'talebearer--whisperer--backbiter' and then do whatever is appropriate in that setting to get rid of him or her.
"• The church:
"» The church is certainly not exempt from this kind of strife.
"» Our adversary would LOVE to light a local assembly on fire [figuratively--hopefully, not literally] and burn it down!

"f. Consider this aspect of human nature:
"• When an argument is going on, it is human nature to demand the last word… to get in the last jab or dig.
"• And as long as two people have that attitude, the contention will NEVER end.
"• One last jab adds just a little more fuel to the fire--and then again the other side throws in one last jab… and on and on it goes.

"g. To STOP the argument -- someone has to swallow their pride and allow the other person to have the last word… and leave it at that.
"• That takes humility… selflessness… but it WORKS every time.
"• If the other person is really stubborn, he may want the last 10 words… but eventually, if you don't fight back, he will grow tired of arguing with himself and cease.
"• Eventually--and relatively quickly--the fire will go out… the heat will die down… and the contention ceases."

If you want to read the commentary on one or both verses, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-26-index/proverbs-26_20-21/.

Note: Verse 20 comes first (it's in the top section), and verse 21 is near the bottom of the page.

JANUARY 25

King David prayed:

Psalm 145:2: "Every day will I [David] bless thee [worship and thank you, Lord]; and I will praise thy [your] name [or 'I will praise you'] for ever and ever."
Like King David, Christians should get in the habit of worshiping, thanking, and praising God on a daily basis.

JANUARY 24

Writing to the Christians in Rome, the apostle Paul said:

Romans 13:13: "Let us walk [live] honestly [decently], as [we usually do] in the day[time,] [when our actions can easily be seen by others]; not [participating] in rioting and drunkenness [feasts and drinking parties, similar to those in Bible times], not [participating] in chambering [illicit sex (i.e., having sexual intercourse with someone who is not your marriage partner)] and wantonness [offensive or shameful sexual behavior; unnatural lusts (uncontrolled desires)--for pornography, sodomy (anal sex--see note below*), and similar things], not [participating] in strife [arguments] and envying [jealousy]."
The above advice also applies to Christians today.

Regarding drunkenness, one Bible commentator wrote:

"Even were there no hereafter [life after death--in this case, referring to eternal life in heaven], a wise man would shun [avoid] it [drunkenness] as [like] a pestilence [deadly disease]. No other evil has so great a share in bringing ruin on individuals and families."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/romans/13-13.html, "Haldane's Exposition on the Epistle to the Romans and Hebrews")

*GotQuestions.org has written an article to answer the question "What does the Bible say about anal sex?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-anal-sex-sodomy.html.

JANUARY 23

In a letter to the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul wrote:

2 Corinthians 11:3: "But I fear [I am afraid that], lest by any means [in some way], [just] as the serpent [the snake that was being controlled by Satan (the devil) in the garden of Eden] beguiled [tricked, deceived] Eve [the first woman, whom God had created to be Adam's wife] [and caused her to sin] through his subtilty [slyness, cunning], so your minds [thoughts] should [likewise, in a similar manner] be corrupted [perverted] [by false teachers] from the simplicity that is in [the gospel of Jesus] Christ."
In other words, Paul doesn't want us to be misled by false teachers into thinking that salvation is hard, as (for example) when people are told that they need to add works (doing something good) to faith (simply believing the gospel) in order to get saved and stay saved.

Regarding the ability of false teachers to deceive (mislead, trick) people, one Bible commentator wrote:

"… How many reasons for doubt and unbelief does he [Satan] contrive [devise] to set up against God's one reason for believing. Here am I--a lost sinner. There is [Jesus] Christ, a living Saviour. It may be, Satan tells us, that you are not elected [chosen]; that you may have committed the unpardonable sin. Or perhaps you are not convinced enough of your sin, or [are not] sorry enough for it; or perhaps you are not repenting, believing, praying aright [properly, correctly]. But it is upon no may-be that the blessed Lord invites you to commit [entrust] your soul to Him. He has but one word to you. Let no subtilty of Satan corrupt your minds from the simplicity that is in the gospel offer of a free, a full, a present salvation."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-corinthians/11-3.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "Verse 3," "The simplicity that is in Christ")

According to the Bible, it's easy to be saved.

Basically, if you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Messiah, that he died on the cross to pay for your sins, and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him (through prayer, either silently or out loud) to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die.

Why not do it now?

Note: Detailed instructions on the plan of salvation can be found in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

JANUARY 22

Proverbs 22:4: "By [means of, or 'the results of, or rewards for, having'] humility [meekness, mildness, tenderness, not thinking that you are better than other people] and the fear of the LORD [a holy reverence for God, or having a desire to obey and please God and not do anything to offend him] are riches [money--in this case, a sufficient amount (not too much and not too little)], and honour [honor, a good reputation], and [a comfortable, pleasant, enjoyable, good-quality] life."
In his commentary on this verse, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church said this, under the heading "How They Are Achieved":

"A. The main thrust of this proverb is to teach HOW this trilogy of blessings [i.e., riches, honor, and life] is achieved. (by what means)

"1. The world has its way of achieving the 'good life.'

"a. The world seeks to be rich, famous, and to live the good life.

"b. But their attitude is vastly different from what Solomon describes.

"c. Their REASON for wanting to achieve this is entirely selfish.

"d. Their MEANS of obtaining is also contrary to Scripture.

"e. They say that if you want to be rich, famous, and live the 'good life,' then you have to climb over people. You have to do whatever it takes to advance SELF.

"f. It might require an occasional lie, cheating, back stabbing, etc… but (say they) that's what you have to do!

"g. Sometimes, you have to be aggressive, pushy, and assertive and not take no for an answer.

"h. On other occasions, you have to butter people up, say what people want to hear, and even be deceitful [dishonest].

"i. On occasion you have to be ruthless, a cut throat; cold hearted; and not considerate of others if you want to advance self.

"j. If you want to succeed, it is the survival of the fittest.

"2. Solomon describes a very DIFFERENT means of obtaining riches, honor, and the 'good life.'" [In this proverb, he says that the preferred way to obtain them is by living a God-fearing life.]

If you want to read the rest of Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-22-index/proverbs-22_4/.

JANUARY 21

Proverbs 21:1: "The king's [mind and] heart [referring to 'the king's' thoughts and emotions;  i.e., everything that a ruler or leader (man or woman) thinks and does, both good and bad,] is in the hand of [is guided, controlled, or directed by] the LORD, as [just like] the rivers of water [which can be forced to flow in different directions (by means of a dam, for example)]: he [God] turneth [turns] it ['the king's heart'] whithersoever he will [wherever he wants it to go]."
Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on the above verse.

In the introduction to the commentary, Pastor Jim Delany tells how the things that kings do can affect an entire country. For example, a king can turn his nation back to God, lead his country into idolatry, change the course of world history, and make changes that affect his people's freedom, finances, and culture.

However, in Section 1a of the commentary, we are reminded that "… while there is much potential for good or evil in the heart of a king… and while it is true that a king is sovereign [a supreme ruler] over his land and people… there is someone much higher than he: Jehovah God!"

Pastor Delany goes on to explain that God controls the thoughts, intentions (motives), plans, purposes, programs, and goals of kings. He also controls the thoughts and deeds of people. Consequently, "God providentially orchestrates events and circumstances such that the thoughts, desires, intentions, and plans in a man's heart are ABLE to come to fruition… able to materialize into actual deeds."

In Section 1b, paragraph 3c, of his commentary, the pastor says: "Thus, without violating their own free will, God works sovereignly [with unlimited power and authority] and providentially [miraculously] in the background in such a way that guarantees that as the king chooses of his own free will, the choice he makes is the exact choice necessary for God's own plan and purposes to come to pass."

The commentary lists some of the leaders who were used to achieve God's purposes. They include:

-- The king of Assyria and his armies, by whom God inflicted judgment upon the sinful people of Israel (Isaiah 10:6).

-- Pharaoh, through whom God brought judgment upon Egypt and redemption for Israel (Exodus 10:1-2).

-- Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, who allowed the Jews to return to Israel after 70 years of captivity. (See article entitled "Who was Cyrus in the Bible?" https://www.gotquestions.org/Cyrus-Bible.html.)

-- Artaxerxes, through whom God allowed Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls (Nehemiah 2:1-8).

At the end of the commentary, Pastor Delany states these facts:

"7. God providentially and sovereignly controls the movements of American presidents too.

"a. He turns their hearts and allows them to make 'choices' which God incorporates into His eternal plan for the ages."

"d. We don't have to worry that world events are swirling out of control. They are in perfect control… all being orchestrated to fulfill God's will…"

"f. The king has the power to think thoughts, make plans, and execute those plans at will… and change the lives of thousands… and change the direction of his country. He can even change the direction of world history!"

"h. But God holds that king's heart in His hand… and can turn it at will. God can turn the thoughts… the intentions of his heart… and change his plans… and thus his actions in order to bring GOD'S will to pass."

To read more of the commentary, click here: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-21-index/proverbs-21_1.

JANUARY 19-20

Proverbs 19:4: "Wealth maketh [makes, or 'riches attract'] many friends; but the poor [person] is separated [set apart, isolated] from his [or her] neighbour [neighbors and friends] [meaning poor people have few, if any, friends and are usually left alone]."
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, this verse is about true and false friendships.

In his commentary, the pastor implies that money acts like a magnet and draws "friends" to people who have lots of it. Unfortunately, when the rich person's money is gone, so are the false friends that it attracted. This also happens with celebrities, with people who are good-looking and popular, and with those who are in high positions and enjoy much power and prestige (respect and admiration). If, for some reason, these people lose their celebrity status, good looks, popularity, and/or high positions, they'll lose most of their so-called friends, too.

The commentary concludes with the following:

"c. People who are attracted to the rich and famous for their riches and fame are usually NOT real friends. They are more like leeches.

"d. Those kinds of people… phony friends… NEVER flock to be with the lowly.

"e. Thus, a poor man may have only one or two friends as compared to the thousands others have.

"f. However, the one or two friends that the poor man has are usually GENUINE… the real thing!

"g. They are not attracted to you for your wealth, position, or fame. They are attracted to you for YOU.

"h. That is true friendship.

"i. One real friend is way better than 10,000 leeches."

If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-19-index/proverbs-19_4/.

JANUARY 18

Proverbs 18:19: "A brother [or other relative, close friend, associate, etc.] [who has been] offended [hurt, or sinned against] is harder to be won [won over, won back, reached] than a strong [walled-in, fortified] city [which is almost impossible to conquer]: and their [the offended people's] contentions [arguments, quarrels, disputes] are like the bars of a castle [or fort, military stronghold, etc.--meaning they're thick, strong, and impenetrable]."
Offending people is easy to do, but it frequently causes resentment, which is very hard to overcome.

In paragraph 6 of his commentary on today's verse, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says, "It is EASY to offend a brother or a friend…" because it can occur:

"a. … through carelessness with our words…

"b. … through maliciousness [having a desire to harm someone] with our words…

"c. … as a misunderstanding…

"d. … by means of a third party sticking their nose in someone else's business …

"e. … because we only heard one side of the story …

"f. … when the one offended is overly sensitive [or] thin skinned…

"g. … when the one who offends is callous [heartless, unfeeling] [or] insensitive…

"h. … because of something said in jest [in fun]; it was a joke, but they took it seriously…

"i. … when you are obeying God and rebuking [sharply criticizing] sin…

"j. … when we say things in anger that we would never say otherwise …

"k. … when for one reason or another, the allegiance [loyalty] is no longer there… or the allegiance is given to someone or something else…"

Regarding Solomon's reference to a "strong city" in the above verse, Pastor Delany says, in paragraph 8 of his commentary, that:

"c. An offended brother builds walls around himself to keep the offender OUT… when he feels attacked by the offender."

"e. Those walls are a kind of defense mechanism because the offended party doesn't want to be hurt again."

"g. Once those walls are built, they are extremely hard to penetrate [break through]."

Fighting frequently occurs within families (as, for example, when husbands and wives don't communicate with one another and are separated by an invisible wall, or when parents go on for years not speaking to their children, and vice versa) and even between families, friends, neighbors, etc. One example mentioned in the commentary is the well-known feud [prolonged quarrel or conflict] between the Hatfields and McCoys, which began with a fight over a hog [pig].

Pastor Delany says we should try our best to avoid offending people in the first place, but if it happens anyway, this is what we should do about it:

-- If we have offended someone, we should apologize to him or her, and also confess that sin to God.

-- If someone has offended us, we should tell the person that we feel hurt and should hope for an apology and reconciliation [restoration of friendly relations].

The commentary (in paragraph 8c) ends with the following advice:

"Whichever side of those iron bars you find yourself… RESTORING the relationship ought to be paramount [most important].
"• A little bit of grace and humility goes a long way!
"•  Solomon says that winning back that person is difficult.
"• But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. Nothing is too hard for the Lord."

If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-18-index/proverbs-18_19/.

JANUARY 17

Proverbs 17:12: "Let a bear robbed of her whelps [cubs] [or 'let a mother bear who is searching for her missing cubs'] meet [encounter] a man [or woman or child], rather than [let] a fool [who is engaged or involved] in his [or her] folly [criminal or bad behavior] [meet a man (or woman or child)]."
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, "The fool behaves less rationally than does a bear. That's the point of the proverb."

In his commentary on today's verse, the pastor goes on to say, "You're better off meeting up with a wild animal than a fool in his folly! … You can predict how a bear will react. A fool--well, who knows what he'll do! Stay away!"

Through research, Pastor Delany has learned some important facts about bears:

"4. The dangers of an encounter with angry bears.

"a. Actually, the situation Solomon described is rare.

"b. Bears are not usually a threat to men.

"c. One hiking source said the following about the danger: 'The reality is, you have a much greater chance of being flattened by a semi [a tractor-trailer] on the way to the trailhead [the place where the trail begins] than you do having a problem with a bear once you're on the trail. But, unlike the runaway semi, the bear danger is mostly controllable with education and common sense, so you have a responsibility to take sensible precautions and know how to respond to the danger if encountered…'

"d. Consider the advice given to those who encounter a bear protecting her whelps [cubs]:
"→ Avoid direct eye contact as bears may perceive this as a threat.
"→ Don't make any sudden movements, throw anything, or yell.
"→ If necessary, back away slowly to give the bear plenty of room to escape-- including the right-of-way on the trail.
"→ Bluff [false, pretend] charges: stand tall and they [the bears] usually retreat!

"e. If you follow those simple rules, you normally will avoid being mauled [torn apart, badly injured] by the bear.

"f. What should I do if I find myself around a mother bear with cubs? (NH [New Hampshire] Fish and Game)
"• Mother bears are rarely aggressive toward [or likely to attack] humans, but they are protective of their cubs.
"• A mother bear will usually give many warning signs (huffing or popping sounds, swatting the ground or even bluff charges) to let you know that you are too close.
"• Move away as described above… and even a bear protecting her cubs will not do you any harm.
"• Female Brown Bears though will fiercely protect the cubs even if it means her own life.
"• But a bear robbed of her cubs is LOOKING for her cubs. She doesn't want you.
"• Though rare, the most common type of bear attack is generally the result of a surprise encounter and almost always with a mother and her cubs. In nearly every mauling that has occurred in the past during a surprise encounter, once the hiker quit fighting and laid quiet, the sow [mother bear] has grabbed her cubs and run or walked away."

Regarding fools in their folly, Pastor Delany says:

5. HOW can a fool be MORE dangerous [than a mother bear looking for her cubs]?

"a. Lots of ways!
"• Try putting a knife in his hand.
"• Put him behind the wheel of a car with a carload of foolish teens.
"• Put a pair of skis under him.
"• Think of this fool full of a fifth [of a gallon, or a normal-size bottle,] of Jack Daniels [whiskey]
"• Think of this fool on crack cocaine [a highly addictive and powerful drug]
"• Think of this fool with a gun in his hand.
"• Even a bicycle! (Look ma, no hands!)
"• That's a fool engaged in his folly!
"• This is comparable in the analogy [comparison] to a bear ROBBED of her whelps.
"» A bear is not normally all that dangerous.
"» But while engaged in looking for her cubs, she is!
"» That's the WORST time to meet a bear.
"» A fool may not normally be all that dangerous--except when engaged in his folly. (beer; car; gun)
"» We can't always AVOID being in the presence of foolish people. They are everywhere!
"» However, a fool IN their folly -- a fool engaged in his folly should be avoided like the plague!"

If you want to read the rest of Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-17-index/proverbs-17_12/.

JANUARY 16

Proverbs 16:19: "Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly [people (financially speaking), referring to those who are poor], than to divide the spoil [or share the booty, or loot, referring to things that are stolen or taken forcibly from people or places or obtained through oppression, fraud (trickery, cheating, deception), war, etc.] with the proud [people; i.e., those who are proud and dishonest--and, usually, rich]."
In other words, it's better to be poor and humble than rich and proud.

Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. Here are some excerpts:

"Dividing the Spoil With the Proud":

"4c. Solomon sees a connection between the two groups [i.e., (1) wealthy businessmen, nobles, and land owners, and (2) thugs and robbers]. They are doing the same sort of work… (oppression; dishonest gain; taking advantage of others; fraud; robbery)…

"d. They have the same proud heart… The street thugs think they are smarter than the police (pride). The upper crust thinks they are better than the peons [unskilled workers] (pride).

"e. They both think that they can get away with their actions--and often do… in this life.

"f. There really isn't much difference between them [the two groups mentioned above] except in the size or value of the spoil."

"5. Of course, this is NOT to say that all wealthy people are proud and dishonest.

"a. It is possible to be wealthy and humble… and poor and proud.

"b. But, Solomon did observe that the two traits of wealth and pride OFTEN went together."

"e. Being wealthy can MAKE you proud …

"f. Or, being proud can sometimes MAKE you wealthy--
"• IF you are willing to trample over others, use fraud, and dishonest gain to get to where you want to be."

Section 19a:

"6. We are far better off being among the oppressed rather than the oppressors… especially in the Day of Judgment."

"c. All throughout history there has been a great DIVIDE between the haves and the have nots.

"d. Medieval times -- the wealthy land owners and the serfs [servants or laborers who were connected to the land, meaning they went along with the land if it was sold].

"e. Colonial times -- the slave owners and the slaves.

"f. Today there are many poor countries that are actually RICH in natural resources, but they remain poor because the arrogant [conceited, stuck-up], wealthy class [in which the rich people are grouped together] has all the power and they live like royalty as the people [in the general population] suffer and starve.

"g. One day all men [all people] will stand before God and will have to give an account of their actions.

"h. In that day [of judgment], (if not before) it will be manifest [clearly shown, obvious] that it is better to have been of a humble spirit with the lowly… than to have been dividing the spoil with the proud."

If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_19/.

JANUARY 15

Proverbs 15:11: "Hell and destruction are before the LORD [i.e., God knows everything that happens in hell, the realm (place) of the dead, where all unsaved people go when they die]: how much more then [are] the hearts of the children of men [referring to everything that people think, say, and do during their lives] [before the LORD]?"
God is omniscient, which means that he sees, hears, and knows everything, including the things (thoughts, words, and deeds) that are hidden from view.

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. Here are some excerpts:

Section 11a, paragraph 2:

"l. Men commit suicide as an escape from their guilt and pain. However, it brings no relief whatsoever. It is like jumping from the frying pan into the fire for the lost [people--unbelievers, unsaved sinners, those who have not been born again]."

Section 11b, paragraph 3a:

"• A man, woman, or child who is corrected or reproved has an option….
"• He can either RECEIVE the correction and repent…
"• OR he can REJECT the correction or reproof as in vs. 9 [Proverbs 15:9].
"• OR he can only PRETEND to receive the correction… and let it go in one ear and out the other.
"» Solomon's warning: God knows. You can fool your boss, your teacher, your parents, the policeman, but not the Lord.
"• You can try to HIDE your real feelings… HIDE your real attitude behind the words you know they want to hear--even if you don't mean it.
"• But you can never HIDE anything from God.
"• He knows what's going on in Hades! He surely knows what's going on in our hearts in the land of the Living!"

Section 11b, paragraph 4e:

"• If you are WRONGLY corrected or reproved… and are forced to suffer the consequences for something you DIDN'T do… take heart.
"• God sees all! He knows your heart when it is guilty. He also knows your heart when it is innocent!
"• The Judge of all the earth does what is RIGHT.
"• He condemns the guilty and He justifies the innocent!"

If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-15-index/proverbs-15_11/.

JANUARY 14

James 1:22: "But be ye [be you, or you should be] doers of the word [of God, as recorded in the Bible], and not hearers only, [because by assuming that obedience is not important to God (see note below*), you are] deceiving [fooling, misleading, lying to] your own selves."
In other words, we should obey the Bible and not just read it and/or listen to preaching.

One Bible commentator summed up James' teaching with this:

"… Put into practice what you profess [claim] to believe …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/james/1-22.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")

*Obedience is important to God. For example, in Luke 6:46, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said to his disciples (followers): "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not [do] the things which I say?"

JANUARY 13

In a letter to people who were 'born again' according to the Bible, the apostle Peter wrote:

1 Peter 2:11: "Dearly beloved [Christians], I beseech [call upon, appeal to, beg] you as strangers and pilgrims [as travelers on earth (not literally, but spiritually), since your citizenship (your true home) is in heaven], abstain [keep yourself] from fleshly lusts [such as sexual gratification (via pornographic videos, TV programs, books, magazines, etc.), sexual immorality (adultery and fornication), gluttony (overeating), drunkenness, and drug abuse], which war [fight] against the soul [by corrupting the mind (conscience, understanding, judgment, memory, imagination) and hardening the heart against spiritual things];"
The reference to strangers and pilgrims in today's verse makes me think of a popular hymn that is sung in Christian churches and elsewhere. It's entitled "This World Is Not My Home" and begins as follows:

"This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through
"My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
"The angels beckon me from heaven's open door,
"And I can't feel at home in this world anymore."

(Source for lyrics: https://hymnary.org/text/this_world_is_not_my_home_im_just_a?extended=true)

Regarding the above verse, Matthew Henry wrote:

"… He [Peter] exhorts [encourages] them [the Christians] further to adorn [embellish, make more attractive] their profession [of salvation] by an honest conversation [lifestyle]. Their conversation [behavior] in every turn, every instance, and every action of their lives, ought to be honest; that is, good, lovely, decent, amiable [pleasant and friendly], and without blame: and that because they [the Christians] lived among the Gentiles [non-Jewish people], people of another religion, and who were inveterate [deep-rooted, long-established] enemies to them, who did already slander [lie about] them and constantly spoke evil of them as of evil-doers. 'A clean, just, good conversation may not only stop their mouths, but may possibly be a means to bring them to glorify God, and turn to you [Christians], when they shall see you excel [surpass, do better than] all others [everyone else] in good works [good deeds]. They now call you evil-doers; vindicate yourselves [clear your name] by good works [good behavior], this is the way to convince them [to change their minds] …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/1-peter/2.html, "Verses 4-12," "v. 11")

Another Bible commentator wrote:

"Here is timeless truth. Whether we like it or not, every Christian is an advertisement for Christianity; by his life he either commends [recommends] it to others or makes them think less of it. The strongest missionary force in the world is a Christian life."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-peter/2-11.html, "Barclay's Daily Bible Study," "THE GREATEST ANSWER AND DEFENCE …")

JANUARY 10-12

Jesus Heals the Woman With the "Issue of Blood"

Mark 5:24: "And Jesus went with him [Jairus (one of the rulers of the synagogue in Capernaum)--to heal his young (approximately 12-year-old) daughter, who was dying]; and much [many] people followed him [Jesus], and thronged [crowded around] him [so they could watch him perform a miracle]."

Mark 5:25-26: "And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood [a hemorrhage, probably coming from her uterus, or womb] [for] twelve years [e.g., her monthly period may have flowed continuously during that entire time], And [who] had suffered many things of many physicians [because she took medicine that the doctors prescribed, and tried remedies and treatments that they suggested (some of which probably had painful side effects), in an attempt to control the bleeding], and [who] had spent all [of the money] that she had [on doctors, medicine, and treatments], and was nothing bettered [was not any better], but rather grew worse,"

Mark 5:27-28,29: "When she [the woman] had heard of Jesus, [she] came in the press [the crowd] behind [him--Jesus], and touched his garment. For she said [to herself], If I may touch [nothing] but his clothes, I shall be whole [healed]. And straightway [immediately, after she touched Jesus' garment] the fountain of her blood was dried up [the bleeding stopped]; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague."

Mark 5:30-31: "And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue [healing power] had gone out of him, turned him about [turned around] in the press [crowd], and said, Who touched my clothes [intentionally, on purpose]? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest [you see] the multitude [crowd] thronging thee [pressing against you], and sayest thou [you say], Who touched me?"

Mark 5:32-33: "And he [Jesus] looked round about [looked around] to see her [the woman] that had done this thing [touched his garment]. But the woman[,] fearing [afraid] and trembling [shaking], knowing what was done [what had occurred] in her [body], came [to Jesus] and fell down before him [meaning she stretched out with her face on the ground in front of him--respectfully, in worship], and told him all [of] the truth [about what had happened]."

Mark 5:34: "And he [Jesus] said unto her, Daughter [a word that expressed his tenderness and affection], thy faith hath made thee whole [your faith has made you whole, which meant that it was because of her faith in Jesus and his healing power that she had been restored to good health]; go [home] in peace, and be whole [continue to remain cured] of thy plague [your disease]."
The woman with the "issue of blood" had many problems besides poor health. In his commentary on Mark 5:27-29, Pastor Chuck Smith wrote this:

"… According to Jewish law, her husband could not touch her as long as she was hemorrhaging. According to Jewish law, everything she touched was unclean. Whoever touched her would be unclean. Whoever would touch anything she touched would be unclean. Therefore, she could not continue to live with her family, to prepare them food and all, to do their clothes. Finally, according to Jewish law, she could not enter the place of worship as long as she was hemorrhaging. She was ceremonially unclean …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/mark/5-25.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")

In a different commentary, while discussing Mark 5:31, Matthew Henry notes that:

"… As secret acts of sin, so secret acts of faith, are known to the Lord Jesus, and are under his eye. If believers [born-again Christians] derive [obtain] virtue from Christ ever so closely, he knows it, and is pleased with it."

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/mark/5.html, "Verses 21-34," "(v. 31)")
GotQuestions.org wrote about this miraculous healing in their article entitled "What is the meaning of the story of the woman with the issue of blood?" It can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/woman-issue-blood.html.

JANUARY 9

On the subject of justification, or how sinners become righteous before (or acceptable to) God, the apostle Paul wrote:

Romans 10:12: "For there is no difference between the Jew [Jewish person] and the Greek [gentile, or non-Jewish person] [in regard to sin]: for the same Lord [Jesus Christ,] [who is Lord] over all [people,] is rich [in mercy and grace] unto all that call upon him [in faith, through prayer, for salvation]."
In other words, salvation is offered to everyone (Jews and Gentiles alike).

How does one become born again?

To receive God's gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23), you must be saved (born again) according to the Bible.

Basically, if you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Messiah, that he died on the cross to pay for your sins, and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him (through prayer, either silently or out loud) to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die. Why not do it now?

Note: Detailed instructions on the plan of salvation can be found in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

JANUARY 8

"Lady Wisdom," or God's wisdom personified (speaking like a person), says:

Proverbs 8:13: "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil [see explanation below*]: pride, and arrogancy [arrogance, conceit, egotism (believing that you are better, smarter, and/or more important than other people)], and the evil way [e.g., sinning, doing bad things], and the froward [unmanageable, uncontrollable] mouth [especially when it says mean and hurtful things], do I [Lady Wisdom--and God!] hate."
*In the above verse, The fear of the LORD is to hate evil means that a wise person (someone with 'the fear of the LORD,' or a fear of displeasing God) will hate all evil things, including bad thoughts, bad words, bad actions, bad company (or friends), bad forms of worship, and bad doctrines (or beliefs).

Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on Proverbs 8:13, which is combined with his explanation of verse 14. Here are some excerpts:

Section 13a, paragraph 2:

"a. One of the reasons we commit sin and do evil is because we don't hate it [sin] enough.

"b. If your son was killed by a drunk driver, wouldn't you hate drunk driving? God's son was killed because of our sin. He HATES sin. He hated sin BEFORE [Jesus died on] the cross too."

"d. How much do you hate sin? Enough to stop? How much do you fear displeasing God? Enough to change?"

Section 13b, paragraphs 2 and 10:

"2. Pride and arrogance think they don't need Lady Wisdom's advice. They can handle life on their own… or so they think."

"10. The proud man THINKS he is safe; thinks he is secure; able to stand; invincible [too powerful to be defeated]; yet, he is deceived [fooled]!

"a. This man will listen to no one… why should he? He knows it all already!

"b. It is this kind of pride that LEADS to every evil way.

"c. That evil way then leads to shame. (Prov. 11:2 -- When pride cometh, then cometh shame.")

"d. That is why Lady Wisdom warns of pride and arrogance--because of where it leads… its END."

If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-8-index/proverbs-8_13-14/.

JANUARY 7

Good Christian Character

Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit is [consists of:] [or 'the Holy Spirit, working within a Christian, produces:']

love [for God and people],
joy [happiness],
peace [calmness, quietness of mind],
longsuffering [having patience in difficult times],
gentleness [being kind and polite, having a pleasant disposition],
goodness [good works, doing nice things for others],
faith [in God, and faithfulness to man (being true to our word, keeping promises)],
Meekness [having a mild temper, not seeking revenge when someone offends or hurts us],
temperance [self-control]:

against such [things] there is no law [to condemn and punish; in other words, these are good character traits, or qualities, and no law (including God's law) will accuse, condemn (pronounce 'guilty'), and/or punish us for having them]."
GotQuestions.org has written articles on Christian character in general and on all of the specific character traits listed above. Their titles and links are listed below:

-- "What does the Bible say about Christian character?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-character.html)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JANUARY 6

Adultery and Jealous Husbands

Besides the fact that adultery is sin, these are reasons why people should not commit adultery:

Proverbs 6:34: "For jealousy is the rage of a man [meaning jealousy causes rage (violent anger) in a man whose wife commits adultery (has sex with another man)]: therefore he [the husband] will not spare [will not withhold his hatred and anger from that man (the offender, or adulterer), or show pity, compassion, and mercy to him] in the day of vengeance [revenge]."

Proverbs 6:35: "He [the husband] will not regard any ransom [will not accept money or anything else as payment] [to forget what happened]; neither will he rest content [or be at peace], though thou [you, or anyone else] givest [give] [him] many gifts [as a bribe]."
In other words, according to one Bible commentator, "… jealousy is furious, and cannot be appeased [pacified, soothed, calmed, made less angry] by bribes."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/6-34.html, "Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers")

Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. It is combined with other verses about adultery, including verses about the consequences of stealing a loaf of bread. In part, the commentary says:

"1. The consequences of adultery are far worse than of stealing bread… and longer lasting.

"2. The jealousy and rage of the man whose wife was stolen… he will not spare in his vengeance.

"a. He will not spare--he will stop short of nothing--even killing the adulterer! [Hopefully, most people would resist this urge!]

"3. There is nothing the adulterer can do to make it up to him [the husband] either.

"a. You can restore a stolen loaf of bread--even sevenfold [seven times as many].

"b. But you cannot restore this situation [or make it right]… though you try with a ransom and with large gifts.

"c. The man offended will never be able to look at the man who committed adultery against him without thinking of the adultery… even after many long years.

"4. Thus, Solomon teaches his son about long lasting consequences of the sin of adultery. His hope is that his son will listen and spare himself from guilt and shame."

If you want to read the rest of Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-6-index/proverbs-6_30-35/.

JANUARY 4-5

The Importance of Preaching the Gospel

Romans 10:13: "For whosoever [whoever--Jew or Gentile] shall call upon the name of the Lord [Jesus Christ] [in prayer, before death] [see note below*] shall be saved [from hell and the lake of fire--see note below**]."

Romans 10:14: "How then shall they [the people] call on him [Jesus Christ] in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him [Jesus] of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear [or learn] [about Jesus] without a preacher [someone who proclaims the gospel (shares it publicly, or openly), such as a pastor or minister, evangelist, missionary, born-again Christian, or publisher of Bible tracts, magazines, and/or books]?"

Romans 10:15: "And how shall they [the preachers] preach [the gospel, or message of salvation], except they be sent [by God]? as it is written [in the Bible, in Isaiah 52:7], How beautiful are the feet of them that [or 'how welcome are those who'] preach the gospel [bring the message] of peace [with God], and bring glad tidings [joyful news] of good things [to come]!"
After reading Romans 10:13, you may be wondering, "What does it mean to call upon the name of the Lord?" GotQuestions.org has an excellent article that answers that question. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/call-upon-the-name-of-the-Lord.html.

Basically, this is how you "call upon the name of the Lord":

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Messiah, that he died on the cross to pay for your sins, and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him (through prayer, either silently or out loud) to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die. Why not do it now?

Note: Detailed instructions on the plan of salvation can be found in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

*In his commentary, Albert Barnes wrote:

"It is implied in this [verse--Romans 10:13], that we call upon him [Jesus] with right feelings; that is, with a humble sense of our sinfulness and our need of pardon, and with a willingness to receive eternal life as it is offered us in the gospel. And if this be done, this passage teaches us that all may be saved who will do it. He [Jesus] will cast none away who come in this manner. The invitation and the assurance extend to all nations and to people of all times."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/romans-10.html, "Verse 13")

**In a vision from God, the apostle John was shown what will happen in heaven on judgment day. It's recorded as follows, in the last book of the Bible:

Revelation 20:12,13-14,15: "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

JANUARY 3

In a letter to the Christians at Colosse, while discussing the relationship between servants (or employees) and their masters (or bosses), the apostle Paul wrote:

Colossians 3:23: "And whatsoever [whatever] ye [you (servants or employees)] do, do it heartily [cheerfully, enthusiastically, wholeheartedly], as [if you're doing it] to [or for] the Lord, and not [just] unto [to, or for] men [or 'people'];"
Although the above advice was meant specifically for servants (or employees), it can also apply to everyone else, no matter who we are or what we are doing.

Regarding the above verse, one Bible commentator wrote:

"Slaves should do their work primarily for the Lord. This view of work transforms a worker's attitudes and performance. Even the most servile [subservient, slave-like] work thereby becomes a ministry and an act of worship.

"He [the apostle Paul] means, 'Don't keep your eye on the clock. Keep your eye on Christ. He is the One whom you are serving.' This is the way you ought to do your job."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/colossians/3-23.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")

JANUARY 2

Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees (the religious leaders of his day):

Matthew 15:7-8: "Ye [you] hypocrites [pretenders], well [rightly, correctly] did Esaias [Isaiah] prophesy of you [in the Old Testament--Isaiah 29:13], saying [that the Lord said], This people [referring to the Jewish nation] draweth nigh unto [draw nigh or come close to] me [God] with their mouth, and honoureth [honor (worship and praise)] me with their lips; but their heart [and mind, which should have a true love for God,] is far [away] from me."
There were hypocrites in Bible times, and there are many hypocrites in the world today. That being the case, we should all ask ourselves: When we praise God and say that we love him, do we really mean it?

JANUARY 1

Baptism by immersion following salvation means that during baptism, a born-again person is totally submerged, or put under water, for a few seconds, normally in a church setting.

In his letter to the saints (born-again Christians) in Rome, the apostle Paul explains what true biblical baptism represents:

Romans 6:4: "Therefore we are buried with him [Jesus Christ] by baptism into death [concerning the power of sin on our lives]: [so] that like as Christ was raised up from the dead [was brought back to life, or resurrected] by the glory [or glorious power] of the Father [in heaven--God], even so we [born-again Christians] [after salvation] also should walk in newness of life [in regard to sin--see note below*]."
Is God pleased with everything (or at least most of the things) that we do? Hopefully, the answer is yes.

*When a person gets saved, the Holy Spirit comes to live in that person's heart (see links to articles listed in the note below**) and changes his or her attitude toward sin. Christians may hate sin and try to resist temptation, but because we have a free will, it is still possible for us to sin.

According to one Bible commentator, the following is what happens when a saved person sins:

"When the believer sins, the dethroned king, [i.e.,] the evil nature[,] mounts to [takes its place on] the throne [of the believer's heart], with the consequent dethronement of the Lord Jesus. Such a procedure cannot go on often, nor indefinitely, for God puts a curb [a check or restraint] upon such a thing by sending suffering, chastening [correction, punishment], and the Christian is made miserable by a guilty conscience and the indwelling [Holy] Spirit who is grieved at such conduct. ... God has so adjusted things in the Christian's life that, while he [or she--the Christian] remains a free moral agent capable of choosing between obeying the divine [godly] nature or the evil nature, yet the preponderance [majority] of his [or her] choices are Godward. ... Hence the impossibility of the Christian's sustaining habitually [continuing to have] the same relationship to the evil nature which he sustained before he was saved."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/romans/6-4.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")

**Here are some articles about Jesus and the Holy Spirit living in a saved person's heart, and what it means to be baptized:

-- "Is it biblical to ask Jesus into your heart?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/ask-Jesus-into-heart.html)

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

-- "What is the importance of Christian baptism?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-baptism.html)