Notes from Linda:
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."
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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.
"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses
Bible Verses
"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses
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Previous Month
January 2023
JANUARY 29-31
Proverbs 29:2: "When the righteous [people--those who are 'good'] are in authority [in charge of governments], the people [of those nations] rejoice [are glad, or filled with joy]: but when the wicked [people--those who are 'bad'] beareth rule [bear rule, are in charge], the people mourn [grieve (are very sad)]."
"2. What does a righteous man in a position of authority DO that causes the people to rejoice?
"a. People rejoice when they have freedom: when they can speak their mind; worship and practice their faith openly; live according to their consciences; etc.
"b. People rejoice when good, moral laws are established and supported.
"c. People rejoice when law and order are maintained.
"d. People rejoice when murderers and thieves are punished and restrained.
"e. People rejoice when they enjoy a sense of safety and security.
"f. People rejoice when their property rights are maintained.
"g. People rejoice when the judicial system is blind and fair, and everyone is treated the same--rich, poor, red, yellow, black, and white, male, female.
"h. People rejoice when the government is not cruel and oppressive--taxing them to death, taking advantage of the less powerful.
"i. People rejoice when those in authority are not crooks lining their pockets and robbing from the citizens.
"j. People rejoice when the government listens to the people and the people have a voice."
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"4. We too [referring to Americans] mourn when we see the moral direction in which our country is headed.
"a. Abortion (even partial birth abortion) is promoted from the highest offices.
"b. Massachusetts nearly passed a law permitting suicide in your own home.
"• A few years ago [actually, more than a few years ago] we [who live in Massachusetts] were scandalized by Doctor assisted suicide. This is a take home package. You don't even need a doctor present for this.
"• When we have lost sight of the sacredness of human life, where do these issues lead for the next generation?
"• Euthanasia [assisted suicide], mercy killings, suicide on demand, killing the aged [old people, senior citizens] or the handicapped?
"c. Gay marriage is now being publically supported from the highest offices [in the government].
"• The thinking is that 'we should be able to marry whomever we love.'
"• But where does that lead? Polygamy [having more than one wife or husband at the same time]? Bestiality [sexual relations between a person and an animal]? Incest [sexual relations between family members or close relatives]?
"d. Two states legalized marijuana -- Colorado and Washington [and now many more states have done the same thing].
"• And this was not for medicinal [health] purposes but for recreational use [i.e., for pleasure or enjoyment].
"• And where does this lead in the next generation? All 50 states? And what drugs are next? Crack cocaine? Heroine?
"e. We are beginning to see the US [United States] turn its back on Israel.
"• Gen. 12:3 -- Concerning the nation Israel, God said: 'And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee.'
"• As a nation, we have experienced God's blessing for our support of Israel. We may soon experience a curse.
"f. Religious institutions [churches, etc.] are being forced to violate their conscience.
"• If they [the people in charge of the government] come after the Catholics today, it will be us [born-again Christians that they come after] tomorrow.
"• In recent years we've heard a lot about the war on poverty, and the war on drugs, and the war on women.
"• But the real war we've been seeing (that doesn't get nearly as much publicity) is the war on Christianity.
"g. These issues represent serious moral and spiritual decline in our country.
"h. Once you start down a pathway like this, it is virtually impossible to reverse direction.
"• It's like going downhill on a toboggan.
"• We [Americans] are on a slippery slope and scary pathway as a nation. We have good cause to mourn.
"i. And it is not one person or one [political] party. The whole nation is headed in that direction. The people we vote into office are but a reflection of where the country is… morally and spiritually.
"j. Our proverb [Proverbs 29:2] reminds us that 'when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.'
"k. We can and should pray for good, moral leaders in our country.
"l. A good leader can help temporarily, but only temporarily.
"m. Let's not get dreamy eyed over this. We are never going to bring in the Kingdom [of God] through political means.
"n. The USA [United States of America] is never going to return to the days of the Puritans [i.e., people who had high moral values]. Those days are long gone.
"o. We are seeing the moral collapse of a nation right before our eyes. And unfortunately, it doesn't look like it will ever turn around.
"p. It might slow down for a while; it may take a few baby steps in a good direction, but the overall trajectory [path] is down.
"5. But this does not mean we should despair [lose hope].
"a. It is all part of God's plan… and that is irreversible [impossible to change].
"b. Evil men will wax [grow, become] worse and worse in the last days [before Jesus come back to earth].
"c. And as dark as things get around us, don't forget the words of the apostle Paul: 'But where sin abounded [meaning there was a very great amount of it], grace did much more abound.'
"d. It is an opportunity for us to shine as witnesses to the truth and point men to the Savior [Jesus Christ].
"e. Our job is to walk with [live in obedience to] God and fish as many men out of those polluted waters [of sin] as we can.
"f. On the one hand, we may mourn the direction our country is headed in; but on the other hand, we can rejoice that the coming of the Lord draweth nigh [draws near]! Even so come, Lord Jesus.
"g. And we can pray: 'I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.' (I Tim.2:1-4)"
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-29-index/proverbs-29_2/.
JANUARY 26-28
After the Worldwide Flood--Noah Curses Canaan (the Son of Ham)
Genesis 9:18-19: "And the sons of Noah, that went forth of [departed from, exited] the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons of Noah: and of [from] them was the whole earth overspread [covered, populated, filled with people--see note below*]."
Genesis 9:20-22: "And Noah began to be an husbandman [a farmer], and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine [that was made from the grapes], and was drunken [intoxicated, drunk] [and passed out]; and he was uncovered [wearing no clothes] within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren [brothers] [who were] without [outside the tent]."
Genesis 9:23: "And Shem and Japheth took a garment [a piece of clothing], and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went [walked] backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not [did not see] their father's nakedness."
Genesis 9:24: "And Noah awoke from his wine [meaning he woke up after the effects of the wine had worn off], and knew what his younger son [Ham] had done unto him [see note below**]."
Genesis 9:25: "And he [Noah] said, Cursed be Canaan [and his descendants]; a servant of servants shall he [and his descendants] be unto his brethren [brothers] [and their descendants]. "
"… what Noah's younger son did unto him, besides looking on him, we are not told, yet it was such as brought a curse on Canaan; and one would think it would be more than bare sight, nay [no], it is expressly said there was something done, but what is not said, Genesis 9:24."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/genesis/9-22.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")
-- "What is the biblical account of Shem, Ham, and Japheth?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Shem-Ham-Japheth.html)
-- "Why did Noah curse Ham / Canaan?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-Ham-Canaan.html)
-- "Are black people cursed?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/black-people-cursed.html)
JANUARY 24-25
Thinking About and Doing Bad Things (Note: Both are sin in God's eyes)
Proverbs 24:8: "He [or she] that deviseth [makes plans] to do evil [things, such as hurting others in any way (physically, mentally, spiritually, or emotionally) due to anger, jealousy, revenge, etc.--or just for fun] shall be called a mischievous person [a schemer, troublemaker, terrorist]."
Proverbs 24:9: "The thought of foolishness [thinking about doing something bad or stupid (even if your thoughts are not followed by action) and/or participating in the planning stages of someone else's evil deeds] is sin: and the scorner [anyone who hates and/or mocks (makes fun of) others] is an abomination [a detestable (hateful) thing] to men [and women and children--and also to God]."
"3. Thus, this term ['thought of foolishness'] adds a new point to what was said in verse eight.
"a. Verse 8 [Proverbs 24:8] spoke of the man who was 'devising evil.'
"• This man was planning and plotting evil with the intentions of carrying out those plans.
"• We noted last time that this term was used in Gen. 50:20 when Joseph's brothers plotted evil against him. They devised to DO evil and actually carried out their plan.
"b. Verse 9 [Proverbs 24:9] is very similar in meaning, but note that it does NOT include the words 'to do.'
"• The distinction is not so much grammatical as it is conceptual.
"• In verse 8, the 'lord of mischief' is planning an evil scheme so that he might carry it out.
"• In verse 9, there is no mention of carrying it out. It is the thought stage ONLY.
"• Solomon's point seems to be that even the thought stage is SIN.
"• Take radical Islam for example. From among that ideology [set of beliefs], some [people] become suicide bombers.
"» But there are many others who may cheer them and agree with them, but who do not actually blow up themselves and others.
"» Perhaps some would like to [become suicide bombers], but do not carry out their plans for other reasons: family, fear, cowardice, would do so if their family could be left enough money but cannot find a sponsor.
"» This proverb states that even THINKING such thoughts is sin regardless of whether they are carried out or not.
"• Consider another example of the man who really wants to steal his co-workers new iPhone.
"» He has been watching where he leaves it at lunch every day.
"» He has thought through an elaborate [complicated, detailed] scheme on exactly how to do it.
"» However, he doesn't do it--because he is afraid if he gets caught, he loses his job… or loses his reputation…
"» Solomon's point is that even the planning stage is sinful.
"» To God, sin is sin.
"» We know of no mortal or venial sins [see note below*] as Christians. All sin separates us from fellowship with a holy God.
"» Thus, to the Lord, the thought stage is sin just like the actual carrying out of the evil thoughts."
If you want to read one or both of Pastor Delany's commentaries, here are the links:
-- Verse 8: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-24-index/proverbs-24_8/
-- Verse 9: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-24-index/proverbs-24_9/
JANUARY 22-23
Whom Do You Love More--The "World" or God?
1 John 2:15: "Love not [do not love] the world, neither [or] the things that are in the world [i.e., worldly pleasures]. If any man [or woman or child] love the world, the love of the Father [referring to God] is not in him [or her, which means that he (or she) may not be a true Christian]."
1 John 2:16: "For all [of the evil] that is in the world, the lust of the flesh [referring to the sins of the flesh (body), such as fornication (having sex outside of marriage), gluttony (overeating), intoxication (getting drunk), etc.], and the lust of the eyes [the desire to be rich and have luxurious possessions, an addiction to pornography, etc.], and the pride of life [seeking power, honor, fame, etc.], is not of the Father [does not come from God], but is of the world [comes from Satan, who is the god of this world]."
1 John 2:17: "And the world [i.e., the people and things in the world] passeth [passes] away, and [so does] the lust [strong desires, cravings] thereof: but he [or she] that doeth [does] the will of God [i.e., the person who is born again and obeys God's word, as recorded in the Bible] abideth [remains, continues] for ever [in the love of God, which allows him (or her) to have fellowship with God and results in peace, joy, and blessings, both on earth and in heaven--see note below*]."
"But he that doeth the will of God abideth forever - This cannot mean that he will never die; but it means that he has built his happiness on a basis which is secure, and which can never pass away …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-john-2.html, "Verse 17")
JANUARY 21
God Hates Idolatry!
Almighty God had done many things for the nation of Israel, including bringing them safely out of Egypt and into the promised land. Foolishly, rather than show their appreciation and love by obeying and worshiping him (the one true God), they built altars to worship false gods instead. Not surprisingly, this angered God, as is shown by the following verse:
Psalm 78:58: "For they [the Israelites] provoked him [God] to anger [which means they made him very angry] with their high places [where other 'gods' were worshiped in Bible times--see note below*], and [they] moved him [God] to jealousy with their graven images [idols]."
(Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/high-places.html,"What is the significance of high places in the Bible?")
If you want to read the rest of the article, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/jealous-God.html.
JANUARY 20
Proverbs 20:2: "The fear of a king [referring to the fear that a person should have of a king (or queen), a dictator, or any other type of leader or person in charge] is as the roaring of a lion [is similar to the fear that a person would normally have when standing in front of a roaring lion]: whoso [whoever] provoketh [provokes] him [or her--the 'king'] to anger [i.e., whoever makes the leader angry] sinneth [sins] against his [or her] own soul [or puts his (or her) life in danger--by giving the leader a reason to seek revenge and do something to make that person's life miserable … or even (if the leader is a dictator with absolute authority to do whatever he [or she] wants to do) to have the person killed]."
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According to Pastor Delany, kings--like lions--are powerful, strong, and unpredictable, and consequently, we should avoid confrontations [run-ins, altercations, quarrels] with people in authority. Examples of such confrontations include a speeder arguing with a police officer, students in a classroom murmuring [whispering] about their teacher, and employees bad-mouthing [criticizing] their boss). In addition, we shouldn't embarrass kings and other leaders or make them look bad, because we never know for sure what their reaction will be or how it will affect us.
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The commentary ends with this:
"3. Romans 13:2 -- Men who resist authorities today (regardless of whether it is a monarchy [a government in which a king or queen is the head of state, as in the United Kingdom], democracy [a government ruled by representatives of the people, as in the United States], or dictatorship [a form of government ruled by one person with total power, as in Nazi Germany under Hitler]) do harm to themselves . Governmental officials have the power of the sword… and they use it!
"4. Of course, we [in America] do not live in a monarchy or a dictatorship.
"a. This proverb is especially written for such situations and does not speak about a democracy.
"b. We do not have rulers who have absolute power over life and death--thankfully!
"c. We DO have the right and the privilege of opposing leaders here [in America] with our vote or by getting involved in politics.
"d. But the principle Solomon describes in this proverb IS applicable to us in many various situations where people have authority over us… and wherein getting them angry could make life miserable for us."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-20-index/proverbs-20_2/.
JANUARY 19
In a letter to the 'saints' (born-again Christians) in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote:
Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things [both good and bad, including problems--large and small, afflictions (things that cause pain or suffering), persecution (harassment, mistreatment), etc.] work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his [God's] [eternal] purpose [in this case, the people who 'love God' are truly saved, or born again, meaning that, through faith, they have accepted God's invitation to be saved and have received his gift of eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23)] ."
"… I have rested in [depended or relied on] this verse over and over and over again … There are going to be many things that will happen to you of which, though you do your best, you're not going to be able to understand it or figure it out. And when you come against that which you can't understand, it is important that you have certain foundations [basic principles or truths] that you do understand and you fall back on the foundations. What do I understand? I understand that God loves me. How do I know? The Bible tells me so. I understand that God is wiser than I am. I understand that God is in control of all of the circumstances that surround my life. Thus, anything that happens to me only happens to me because God has allowed it to happen to me. It could not happen to me unless God did allow it to happen to me, and God loves me and is working out what is best for me. Thus, I can rest in the most uncomfortable places. I rest in faith that God is even going to use this for my good and His glory …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/romans/8-28.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")
JANUARY 18
In a letter to the Christians in Ephesus, the apostle Paul wrote:
Ephesians 5:19: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms [referring to the psalms of King David, which used to be sung in churches in Bible times] and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"
JANUARY 14-17
Riches Can be a Hindrance (Obstacle) to Salvation
One day, Jesus was preaching and teaching and healing people in the region of Judea near the Jordan River.
Matthew 19:16: "And, behold, one [young man, who was a ruler,] came and said unto him [Jesus], Good Master [teacher], what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Matthew 19:17 "And he [Jesus] said unto him [the young man], Why callest thou me [why do you call me] good? there is none [no person] good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt [if you will] enter into life [i.e., eternal life in heaven], keep [obey] the [ten] commandments [see note below*]."
Matthew 19:18-19: "He [the young man] saith [said] unto him [Jesus], Which [commandments]? Jesus said,
[No. 6--Exodus 20:13] Thou shalt [you shall] do no [not commit] murder,
[No. 7--Exodus 20:14] Thou shalt not commit adultery,
[No. 8--Exodus 20:15] Thou shalt not steal,
[No. 9--Exodus 20:16] Thou shalt not bear false witness [or 'you shall not lie about others, either publicly or privately'],
[No. 5--Exodus 20:12] Honour thy [your] father and thy mother [by giving them love, respect, obedience, etc.]:
and[,] [in summary], Thou shalt love thy neighbour as [much as you love] thyself [yourself]."
[Notice that in the above list, Jesus did not include Commandments 1 (Exodus 20:3), 2 (Exodus 20:4,5,6), 3 (Exodus 20:7), 4 (Exodus 20:8-9,10,11), and 10 (Exodus 20:17), which refer to idolatry, covetousness, and loving God.]
Matthew 19:20: "The young man saith unto him [Jesus], All [of] these things [referring to the five commandments (numbers 5-9) that are listed above] have I kept [obeyed] from my youth up [or since I was a child]: what lack I yet [what do I still lack, or what else do I need to do]?"
Matthew 19:21: "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt [if you will] be perfect [or if your obedience to God will be complete], go and sell that thou hast [what you have, meaning his possessions], and give [that money] to the poor [people], and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me [for example, by obeying Jesus' commandments, following his example, and living like he did]."
Matthew 19:22: "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful [filled with sadness]: for he had great possessions [in other words, he was very rich--and, sadly, he loved his money and possessions more than he loved God]."
Matthew 19:23-24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily [truly] I say unto you, That a rich man [or woman or child] shall hardly [with difficulty] enter into the kingdom of heaven [which means that it's almost impossible to get rich people to realize that they must trust in the Lord Jesus Christ--not their money and possessions--if they want to be saved and have eternal life]. And again I [Jesus] say unto you [disciples], It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of [or hole in] a needle, than for a rich man [or woman or child] to enter into the kingdom of God [i.e., heaven]."
Matthew 19:25-26: "When his [Jesus'] disciples heard it [what Jesus said], they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved [from hell]? But Jesus beheld [looked at] them, and said unto them, With men [mankind, human beings] this [thing, meaning salvation,] is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
Here's an excerpt from that article:
"… It is the poor in spirit who inherit the kingdom of God …, those who recognize their spiritual poverty and their utter inability to do anything to justify themselves to a holy God. The rich man so often is blind to his spiritual poverty because he is proud of his accomplishments and has contented himself with his wealth. He is as likely to humble himself before God as a camel is to crawl through the eye of a needle."
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Note: If you want to be saved (born again) but aren't sure what to do, please read one or more of the gospel tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
JANUARY 12-13
Proverbs 12:6: "The words of the wicked [people] are to lie in wait for blood [in other words, these bad people discuss and brag about their intentions to injure, kill, and/or destroy other people and/or things]: but the mouth of the upright [referring to people with good morals who learn about those evil plans and report them to the proper authorities] shall deliver [rescue] them [i.e., the targets of the evil plans, or the people and/or things being conspired against] [from harm]."
Specific examples of these types of discussions include the following (from paragraph 1 of the commentary):
"c. Gangs of wicked youths gather together to plan robberies… rapes… muggings… and other ways to harm people.
"d. Drug addicts sit around in dingy [dirty, unclean] cellars [basements] and discuss how to break into homes, drug stores, and banks--and yes, kill if necessary.
"e. Political leaders in rogue [dishonest, unprincipled] states sit around gilded palaces [mansions] making plans to invade their neighbor's land… and kill and plunder [rob] to overthrow it.
"f. Terrorist cell groups meet secretly to discuss ways to destroy America and Israel.
"g. Some ethnic groups [referring to people who share a common cultural background] holding on to political power sit around conference tables and discuss how to ethnically cleanse the region of those they hate.
"h. Guerilla groups [unofficial military groups] meet in a secluded jungle [in a place that is hidden from view] discussing how they can take over the villages on the other side of the mountains…
"i. What might appear to be perfectly average suburbanite [a person who lives in the suburbs], might be sitting in someone's living room, talking to some street thug [criminal, gangster] plotting to have his wife killed."
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The commentary continues:
"3. It is unlikely that any of us ever hear first hand of such evil plots to kill.
"a. However, we MAY become privy [or be able to gain knowledge of secret or confidential information] to OTHER forms of wicked words.
"b. We might hear of others gossiping about a person…
"c. We might hear of some employees that are planning to steal some of the company's property.
"d. We might hear damaging words of slander [false and hurtful statements] against a brother [or other relative, close friend, fellow Christian, etc.].
"e. We might hear of plans to cause trouble in the local church.
"f. Some of you young people might hear conversations at school of kids who are planning to break the rules… or to hurt someone in the class… or to steal… or to buy drugs… or get in some other kind of trouble."
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Then, in the second section of the commentary, we find the following:
"5. Applications:
"a. Whistleblowers… if you work for a company and know of theft, or criminal activity, it is our responsibility to speak up for that which is right!
"• We are to use our mouths to deliver [the truth].
"• If a person at work is being blamed for something he didn't do, and is going to be fired for it, and you know who really did it, you have a responsibility to speak up!
"• The wicked [people] use their words to cause trouble. We should use our mouths to deliver those folks [who are] unjustly accused.
"b. School… if there are kids at school who are planning illegal activity (stealing; drugs; violence, etc.) you have a responsibility to report it to an adult!
"• I wonder if any of the kids at Columbine [a high school in the United States where there was a mass murder] knew about the murderous plot and were afraid to speak up! Imagine how awful they would feel afterwards!
"• If you know that your friend at school bought some drugs, and you say nothing about it… imagine how awful you would feel if they overdosed and died?! And just a few words to the right people could have prevented it.
"• I wouldn't want that on my conscience!
"• We're not talking about being a snitch [tattletale] for every tiny infraction [i.e., every time a law, rule, or agreement is broken]. We are talking about serious issues… grave [important] matters that might affect someone's health or life…
"c. Local Church… if you know of someone spreading gossip… or false doctrine [false teaching], you have a responsibility to let the leaders know about it… before many [people] are hurt.
"• Leaven [in this case, gossip] can spread rapidly[,] [just like yeast does, when it causes bread to rise].
"• The sooner such activity [i.e., gossip] is dealt with in the local church, the better.
"• If you know that someone's reputation is being dragged through the mud, and you have information that could deliver [save, exonerate, clear] that person, then you are responsible to help!
"d. In our country: if we hear of a crime being planned, then by all means, report it to the authorities!
"• This is part of our responsibility as a citizen… to promote the welfare of the state… and safety of its people.
"• Our government is urging us to be eyes and ears to report all suspicious activity that might be related to terrorism!
"• Consider Prov. 31:8-9 -- in light of abortion. As believers, we have a responsibility to 'speak up' for those slated [headed] for destruction… for those unable to speak up for themselves. And we can SPEAK on this issue [by voting] on Election Day!
"• There are a lot of issues we as believers [Christians] can and should speak out on… on Election Day!
"e. Prov. 24:11-12 -- if we forbear to do [or keep from doing] what is right… and pretend we didn't know, rest assured [or 'you can be certain that'], God knows our heart!
"• God will hold us accountable.
"• We could have and should have delivered someone from injustice… and we sat quietly by and said nothing. Shame on us!
"• Sometimes just one simple word can save a man's life… or a man's reputation… [or] his career… because someone had guts enough to stand up and speak up for that which was right.
"• You be that kind of person!"
If you want to read more of the pastor's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-12-index/proverbs-12_6/.
JANUARY 11
2 Chronicles 16:12-13: "And Asa [king of Judah] in the thirty and ninth [39th] year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease [probably gout] was exceeding great [very bad]: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD [he didn't look to God for help and healing], but [only] to the physicians [doctors]. And Asa slept with his fathers [which is another way of saying that he died, just like his ancestors did], and [he] died in the one and fortieth [41st] year of his reign."
JANUARY 10
Ecclesiastes 7:9: "Be not hasty in thy [your] spirit [or 'don't rush or be in a hurry'] to be angry: for [because] anger resteth [rests, lingers] in the bosom [breast, or front part of the chest, covering the heart] of fools."
"A wise man, off his guard, may feel it [anger] for a moment: but in him it cannot rest: it [anger] is a fire which he immediately casts [throws, drives, forces] out of his breast. But the fool - the man who is under the dominion [control] of his own tempers, harbors [keeps it (anger) in his mind] and fosters [promotes, encourages] it, till it takes the form of malice [the desire to harm others or see them suffer], and then excites [causes] him to seek full revenge on those whom he deems [regards as, considers to be] enemies …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/ecclesiastes/7-9.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
"1 Consider the close connection between pride and anger. Humility and patience is a great check [restraint, control] against selfish and sinful anger. This should make us seriously reevaluate our own anger. Often what triggers an angry response isn't righteous indignation [i.e., anger directed toward what angers God himself, as when Jesus drove the money lenders out of the temple], rather it is when our pride has been seriously humbled [lowered in importance] or put in its place [as when we are humiliated]. 2. The fool is a person who cherishes [loves] and nourishes [feeds] such anger. 'A quick temper in company [or together] with frustration [annoyance] is the earmark [characteristic] of the fool. Another mark of the fool is to welcome, harbor [hold on to] and entertain [keep thinking about whatever is causing your] anger' …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/ecclesiastes/7-9.html, "Dunagan's Commentary on the Bible," "Verse 9")
JANUARY 8-9
Serving God
Hebrews 12:28: "Wherefore we [born-again Christians,] [through faith,] receiving a kingdom [referring to the kingdom of God, in heaven] which cannot be moved [which is permanent and unchanging], let us have grace [undeserved kindness from a merciful, holy, righteous God], whereby we may serve [worship] God acceptably with reverence [with great respect and awe] and [with] godly fear [i.e., fear of God's hatred of sin; in other words, having a willingness to obey God, so as to not offend or displease him]:"
Hebrews 12:29: "[We should serve God with reverence and godly fear:] For [because] our God is a consuming fire [as quoted from Deuteronomy 4:24, meaning he is a God of strict justice, who is very powerful and able to destroy anything and everything, especially when it has a connection to sin]."
"IV. OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE.
"1. TO His people this is a welcome thought; for He shall consume all that is hateful and repulsive to them.
"2. To the sinful [people,] it is a thought of terror; for He [God] shall destroy all that upon which they trust, and leave them helpless, desolate [abandoned, neglected, lonely], lost …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/hebrews/12-29.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "The consuming fire")
JANUARY 7
The Apostle Paul Teaches About Vengeance (Retaliation, Revenge)
Writing to the saints (born-again Christians) in Rome about revenge, the apostle Paul said:
Romans 12:19: "Dearly beloved [an expression of tenderness], avenge not yourselves [don't seek revenge, meaning don't harm or punish people who have hurt you and/or have hurt or destroyed someone or something you care about], but rather [instead] give [the proper] place unto [God's] wrath [anger] [in other words, leave the matter in God's hands; allow him (and sometimes the judges in a court of law) to punish the offender(s) rather than doing it yourself]: [you shouldn't avenge yourselves] for [because] it is written [in the Bible--Deuteronomy 32:35], Vengeance is mine; I will repay [or pay him (or her) back], saith [says] the Lord [God]."
Romans 12:20: "Therefore if thine [your] enemy hunger [is hungry], feed him [or her]; if he [or she] thirst [is thirsty], give him [or her] [something to] drink: for in so doing [or 'by doing so'] thou shalt [you shall] heap coals of fire [burning coals] on his [or her] head [in other words, the likely result of showing kindness to your enemy is that the person will either feel pain in his (or her) conscience, such as shame, remorse, etc. (see note below*), or (as suggested by Matthew Henry's commentary--see note below**) you will 'Melt him into repentance and friendship …' (similar to the act of 'melting someone's heart')]. Be not [don't be] overcome of [by] evil, but overcome evil with good."
"… In regard to this passage we may remark,
"(1) That the way to promote 'peace' is to do good even to enemies.
"(2) the way to bring a man to repentance is to do him good. On this principle God is acting continually. He does good to all [people], even to the rebellious [ones]; and he designs [intends] that his goodness should lead people to repentance; Romans 2:4. People will resist wrath, anger, and power; but 'goodness' they cannot resist; it finds its way to the heart; and the conscience does its work, and the sinner is overwhelmed at the remembrance of his crimes.
"(3) if people would act on the principles of the gospel, the world would soon be at peace. No man would suffer [allow] himself many times to be overwhelmed in this way with coals of fire. It is not human nature, bad as it is; and if Christians would meet all unkindness with kindness, all malice [hatred, hostility, animosity--having a desire to harm others or see them suffer] with benevolence [kindness], and all wrong [behavior] with right [behavior], peace would soon pervade [spread throughout] the community, and even opposition to the gospel might soon die away."
(Source for Albert Barnes quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/romans-12.html, "Verse 20")
JANUARY 6
Isaiah 40:22: "It is he [God] that sitteth [sits] upon the circle of the earth [which indicates that the earth is round, not flat--see note below*], and the inhabitants thereof [the people of the earth] are as [small and powerless (weak and helpless) in God's sight as] grasshoppers [or locusts] [are to us]; [it is he (God)] that stretcheth [stretches] out the heavens as [like] a curtain [or canopy or awning], and spreadeth [spreads] them out as a tent [for the inhabitants of earth] to dwell [live] in:"
JANUARY 5
Forgiveness
To his disciples (followers), Jesus said:
Luke 17:3: "Take heed to yourselves [carefully consider this]: If thy [your] brother [or sister--in this case, meaning a fellow Christian] [shall] trespass [sin] against thee [you], rebuke him [or her; i.e., tell that person (preferably in private) what he (or she) did, and ask him (or her) why he (or she) did it]; and if he [or she] [shall] repent [be truly sorry for what he (or she) did to you*], forgive him [or her]."
Luke 17:4: "And if he [or she--the person you have already forgiven for sinning against you] [shall] trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day [shall] turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt [you shall] forgive him [or her]."
(Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html, "What is repentance and is it necesaaary for salvation?")
JANUARY 1-4
2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man [or woman or child] be in Christ [or 'is united to Jesus Christ by faith,' which means the person has been saved, or born again, according to the Bible--see important note below*], he [or she] is a new creature [created being, creation--in a moral sense]: old things are passed away; behold, all things [in regard to the mind; i.e., thoughts, principles, and practices] are [or 'have'] become new."
"Therefore if any man be in Christ - … The affirmation [declaration, statement] here is universal [meaning it applies to everyone], 'if any man be in Christ;' that is, all who become true Christians - undergo such a change in their views and feelings as to make it proper to say of them that they are new creatures. No matter what they have been before, whether moral or immoral; whether infidels [unbelievers] or speculative [not based on fact] believers; whether amiable [friendly], or debased [corrupt], sensual [devoted to pleasures of the senses] and polluted [unclean or impure] yet if they become Christians they all experience such a change as to make it proper to say they are a new creation.
"A new creature - … It means, evidently, that there is a change produced in the renewed heart of man [mankind, human beings] that is equivalent to the act of creation, and that bears a strong resemblance to it - a change, so to speak, as if the man was made over again, and had become new. The mode or manner in which it is done is not described, nor should the words be pressed to the quick, as if the process were the same in both cases - for the words are here evidently figurative [not literal, but used as an illustration]. But the phrase implies evidently the following things:
"(1)That there is an exertion of divine power in the conversion of the sinner [in other words, God uses his power to save the sinner] as really as in the act of creating the world out of nothing, and that this [thing, referring to the exertion of divine power] is as indispensable [necessary] in the one case [i.e., salvation] as in the other [i.e., creation].
"(2)that a change is produced so great as to make it proper to say that he [or she--the saved person] is a new man [or woman or child]. He [or she] has new views, new motives, new principles, new objects and plans of life. He [or she] seeks new purposes, and he [or she] lives for new ends.
"If a drunkard becomes reformed, there is no impropriety [incorrectness] in saying that he is a new man. If a man who was licentious [promiscuous, sexually unrestrained] becomes pure, there is no impropriety in saying that he is not the same man that he was before. Such expressions are common in all languages, and they are as proper as they are common. There is such a change as to make the language proper. And so in the conversion [salvation] of a sinner. There is a change so deep, so clear, so entire, and so abiding [long-lasting], that it is proper to say, here is a new creation of God - a work of the divine power as decided and as glorious as when God created all things out of nothing. There is no other moral change that takes place on earth so deep, and radical [extreme], and thorough as the change at conversion. And there is no other where there is so much propriety in ascribing [crediting] it to the mighty power of God.
"Old things are passed away - … It was true of all who were converted [saved, born again] that old things had passed away. And it may include the following things:
"(1) In regard to the Jews - that their former prejudices against Christianity, their natural pride, and spirit of seducing [attracting, luring] others; their attachment to their [religious] rites and ceremonies, and dependence on them for salvation had all passed away. They now renounced [abandoned, rejected] that independence, relied on the merits [worthiness] of the Saviour [Jesus Christ], and embraced all as brethren [brothers] who were of the family of Christ [referring to all who were Christians].
"(2) in regard to the Gentiles [non-Jewish people] - their attachment to idols, their love of sin and degradation [disrespectful things], their dependence on their own works [good deeds], had passed away, and they had renounced all these things, and had come to mingle [mix] their hopes with those of the converted [saved, born-again] Jews, and with all who were the friends of the Redeemer [Jesus].
"(3) in regard to all, it is also true that old things pass away. Their former prejudices, opinions, habits, attachments pass away. Their supreme love of self passes away. Their love of sins passes away. Their love of the world [i.e., worldly pleasures] passes away. Their supreme attachment to their earthly friends rather than God passes away. Their love of sin, their sensuality, pride, vanity [conceit], levity [lack of seriousness], ambition, passes away. There is a deep and radical change on all these subjects - a change which commences [begins, starts] at the new birth; which is carried on by progressive sanctification [see note below**]; and which is consummated [completed] at death and in heaven.
"Behold, all things are become new - That is, all things in view of the mind. The purposes of life, the feelings of the heart, the principles of action, all become new. The understanding is consecrated [set apart for, devoted] to new objects, the body is employed in new service, the heart forms new attachments. Nothing can be more strikingly. descriptive of the facts in conversion than this; nothing more entirely accords [is consistent] with the feelings of the newborn soul. All is new. There are new views of God, and of Jesus Christ; new views of this world and of the world to come [i.e., heaven]; new views of truth and of duty; and everything is seen in a new aspect and with new feelings. Nothing is more common in young converts [new born-again Christians] than such feelings, and nothing is more common than for them to say that all things are new. The Bible seems to be a new book, and though they may have often read it before, yet there is a beauty about it which they never saw before, and which they wonder they have not before perceived [understood]. The whole face of nature seems to them to be changed, and they [these Christians] seem to be in a new world. The hills, and vales [valleys], and streams; the sun, the stars, the groves [small wooded areas or groups of trees], the forests, seem to be new. A new beauty is spread over them all; and they now see them to be the work of God, and his glory is spread over them all, and they can now say:
"'My Father [God] made them all.'
"The heavens and the earth are filled with new wonders, and all things seem now to speak forth the praise of God. Even the very countenances [faces] of friends seem to be new; and there are new feelings toward all people; a new kind of love to kindred [relatives] and friends; and a love before unfelt for enemies; and a new love for all mankind [human beings]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-corinthians-5.html, "Verse 17")
If you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son) 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. If your prayer is sincere (i.e., if you really mean what you pray), you will be the "new creature" described above.
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For a more detailed explanation of the plan of salvation, please read one or more of my gospel tracts. You'll find them on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
Proverbs 29:2: "When the righteous [people--those who are 'good'] are in authority [in charge of governments], the people [of those nations] rejoice [are glad, or filled with joy]: but when the wicked [people--those who are 'bad'] beareth rule [bear rule, are in charge], the people mourn [grieve (are very sad)]."
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Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse, including many examples of what leaders do to cause their people to rejoice and mourn. Also mentioned are specific things that have occurred recently in the United States that illustrate the moral and spiritual decline of our country.* * * * *
Here are some excerpts from the above commentary:"2. What does a righteous man in a position of authority DO that causes the people to rejoice?
"a. People rejoice when they have freedom: when they can speak their mind; worship and practice their faith openly; live according to their consciences; etc.
"b. People rejoice when good, moral laws are established and supported.
"c. People rejoice when law and order are maintained.
"d. People rejoice when murderers and thieves are punished and restrained.
"e. People rejoice when they enjoy a sense of safety and security.
"f. People rejoice when their property rights are maintained.
"g. People rejoice when the judicial system is blind and fair, and everyone is treated the same--rich, poor, red, yellow, black, and white, male, female.
"h. People rejoice when the government is not cruel and oppressive--taxing them to death, taking advantage of the less powerful.
"i. People rejoice when those in authority are not crooks lining their pockets and robbing from the citizens.
"j. People rejoice when the government listens to the people and the people have a voice."
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"4. We too [referring to Americans] mourn when we see the moral direction in which our country is headed.
"a. Abortion (even partial birth abortion) is promoted from the highest offices.
"b. Massachusetts nearly passed a law permitting suicide in your own home.
"• A few years ago [actually, more than a few years ago] we [who live in Massachusetts] were scandalized by Doctor assisted suicide. This is a take home package. You don't even need a doctor present for this.
"• When we have lost sight of the sacredness of human life, where do these issues lead for the next generation?
"• Euthanasia [assisted suicide], mercy killings, suicide on demand, killing the aged [old people, senior citizens] or the handicapped?
"c. Gay marriage is now being publically supported from the highest offices [in the government].
"• The thinking is that 'we should be able to marry whomever we love.'
"• But where does that lead? Polygamy [having more than one wife or husband at the same time]? Bestiality [sexual relations between a person and an animal]? Incest [sexual relations between family members or close relatives]?
"d. Two states legalized marijuana -- Colorado and Washington [and now many more states have done the same thing].
"• And this was not for medicinal [health] purposes but for recreational use [i.e., for pleasure or enjoyment].
"• And where does this lead in the next generation? All 50 states? And what drugs are next? Crack cocaine? Heroine?
"e. We are beginning to see the US [United States] turn its back on Israel.
"• Gen. 12:3 -- Concerning the nation Israel, God said: 'And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee.'
"• As a nation, we have experienced God's blessing for our support of Israel. We may soon experience a curse.
"f. Religious institutions [churches, etc.] are being forced to violate their conscience.
"• If they [the people in charge of the government] come after the Catholics today, it will be us [born-again Christians that they come after] tomorrow.
"• In recent years we've heard a lot about the war on poverty, and the war on drugs, and the war on women.
"• But the real war we've been seeing (that doesn't get nearly as much publicity) is the war on Christianity.
"g. These issues represent serious moral and spiritual decline in our country.
"h. Once you start down a pathway like this, it is virtually impossible to reverse direction.
"• It's like going downhill on a toboggan.
"• We [Americans] are on a slippery slope and scary pathway as a nation. We have good cause to mourn.
"i. And it is not one person or one [political] party. The whole nation is headed in that direction. The people we vote into office are but a reflection of where the country is… morally and spiritually.
"j. Our proverb [Proverbs 29:2] reminds us that 'when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.'
"k. We can and should pray for good, moral leaders in our country.
"l. A good leader can help temporarily, but only temporarily.
"m. Let's not get dreamy eyed over this. We are never going to bring in the Kingdom [of God] through political means.
"n. The USA [United States of America] is never going to return to the days of the Puritans [i.e., people who had high moral values]. Those days are long gone.
"o. We are seeing the moral collapse of a nation right before our eyes. And unfortunately, it doesn't look like it will ever turn around.
"p. It might slow down for a while; it may take a few baby steps in a good direction, but the overall trajectory [path] is down.
"5. But this does not mean we should despair [lose hope].
"a. It is all part of God's plan… and that is irreversible [impossible to change].
"b. Evil men will wax [grow, become] worse and worse in the last days [before Jesus come back to earth].
"c. And as dark as things get around us, don't forget the words of the apostle Paul: 'But where sin abounded [meaning there was a very great amount of it], grace did much more abound.'
"d. It is an opportunity for us to shine as witnesses to the truth and point men to the Savior [Jesus Christ].
"e. Our job is to walk with [live in obedience to] God and fish as many men out of those polluted waters [of sin] as we can.
"f. On the one hand, we may mourn the direction our country is headed in; but on the other hand, we can rejoice that the coming of the Lord draweth nigh [draws near]! Even so come, Lord Jesus.
"g. And we can pray: 'I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.' (I Tim.2:1-4)"
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-29-index/proverbs-29_2/.
JANUARY 26-28
After the Worldwide Flood--Noah Curses Canaan (the Son of Ham)
Genesis 9:18-19: "And the sons of Noah, that went forth of [departed from, exited] the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons of Noah: and of [from] them was the whole earth overspread [covered, populated, filled with people--see note below*]."
Genesis 9:20-22: "And Noah began to be an husbandman [a farmer], and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine [that was made from the grapes], and was drunken [intoxicated, drunk] [and passed out]; and he was uncovered [wearing no clothes] within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren [brothers] [who were] without [outside the tent]."
Genesis 9:23: "And Shem and Japheth took a garment [a piece of clothing], and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went [walked] backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not [did not see] their father's nakedness."
Genesis 9:24: "And Noah awoke from his wine [meaning he woke up after the effects of the wine had worn off], and knew what his younger son [Ham] had done unto him [see note below**]."
Genesis 9:25: "And he [Noah] said, Cursed be Canaan [and his descendants]; a servant of servants shall he [and his descendants] be unto his brethren [brothers] [and their descendants]. "
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*An article entitled "The Table of Nations" explains in detail who the descendants of Noah's sons were and where they settled (i.e., Shem in Asia, Ham and Canaan in Africa, and Japheth in Europe). It is very easy to read and includes a map. Here's the link, if you want to check it out: https://www.bible-history.com/maps/2-table-of-nations.html.* * * * *
**According to John Gil's commentary on Genesis 9:22:"… what Noah's younger son did unto him, besides looking on him, we are not told, yet it was such as brought a curse on Canaan; and one would think it would be more than bare sight, nay [no], it is expressly said there was something done, but what is not said, Genesis 9:24."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/genesis/9-22.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")
* * * * *
GotQuestions.org has several articles regarding the above story:-- "What is the biblical account of Shem, Ham, and Japheth?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Shem-Ham-Japheth.html)
-- "Why did Noah curse Ham / Canaan?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-Ham-Canaan.html)
-- "Are black people cursed?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/black-people-cursed.html)
JANUARY 24-25
Thinking About and Doing Bad Things (Note: Both are sin in God's eyes)
Proverbs 24:8: "He [or she] that deviseth [makes plans] to do evil [things, such as hurting others in any way (physically, mentally, spiritually, or emotionally) due to anger, jealousy, revenge, etc.--or just for fun] shall be called a mischievous person [a schemer, troublemaker, terrorist]."
Proverbs 24:9: "The thought of foolishness [thinking about doing something bad or stupid (even if your thoughts are not followed by action) and/or participating in the planning stages of someone else's evil deeds] is sin: and the scorner [anyone who hates and/or mocks (makes fun of) others] is an abomination [a detestable (hateful) thing] to men [and women and children--and also to God]."
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According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church, the above verses refer to troublemakers, and in those verses "… Solomon is warning us so that we will stay away from such people--and especially that we would not be drawn in to their evil schemes."* * * * *
Pastor Delany's commentaries on these verses include many examples to back up his statements. Here is a sample from the commentary on verse 9:"3. Thus, this term ['thought of foolishness'] adds a new point to what was said in verse eight.
"a. Verse 8 [Proverbs 24:8] spoke of the man who was 'devising evil.'
"• This man was planning and plotting evil with the intentions of carrying out those plans.
"• We noted last time that this term was used in Gen. 50:20 when Joseph's brothers plotted evil against him. They devised to DO evil and actually carried out their plan.
"b. Verse 9 [Proverbs 24:9] is very similar in meaning, but note that it does NOT include the words 'to do.'
"• The distinction is not so much grammatical as it is conceptual.
"• In verse 8, the 'lord of mischief' is planning an evil scheme so that he might carry it out.
"• In verse 9, there is no mention of carrying it out. It is the thought stage ONLY.
"• Solomon's point seems to be that even the thought stage is SIN.
"• Take radical Islam for example. From among that ideology [set of beliefs], some [people] become suicide bombers.
"» But there are many others who may cheer them and agree with them, but who do not actually blow up themselves and others.
"» Perhaps some would like to [become suicide bombers], but do not carry out their plans for other reasons: family, fear, cowardice, would do so if their family could be left enough money but cannot find a sponsor.
"» This proverb states that even THINKING such thoughts is sin regardless of whether they are carried out or not.
"• Consider another example of the man who really wants to steal his co-workers new iPhone.
"» He has been watching where he leaves it at lunch every day.
"» He has thought through an elaborate [complicated, detailed] scheme on exactly how to do it.
"» However, he doesn't do it--because he is afraid if he gets caught, he loses his job… or loses his reputation…
"» Solomon's point is that even the planning stage is sinful.
"» To God, sin is sin.
"» We know of no mortal or venial sins [see note below*] as Christians. All sin separates us from fellowship with a holy God.
"» Thus, to the Lord, the thought stage is sin just like the actual carrying out of the evil thoughts."
If you want to read one or both of Pastor Delany's commentaries, here are the links:
-- Verse 8: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-24-index/proverbs-24_8/
-- Verse 9: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-24-index/proverbs-24_9/
* * * * *
*Mortal and venial sins are discussed in the following article: "Does the Bible teach mortal and venial sin?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/mortal-sin-venial.html.JANUARY 22-23
Whom Do You Love More--The "World" or God?
1 John 2:15: "Love not [do not love] the world, neither [or] the things that are in the world [i.e., worldly pleasures]. If any man [or woman or child] love the world, the love of the Father [referring to God] is not in him [or her, which means that he (or she) may not be a true Christian]."
1 John 2:16: "For all [of the evil] that is in the world, the lust of the flesh [referring to the sins of the flesh (body), such as fornication (having sex outside of marriage), gluttony (overeating), intoxication (getting drunk), etc.], and the lust of the eyes [the desire to be rich and have luxurious possessions, an addiction to pornography, etc.], and the pride of life [seeking power, honor, fame, etc.], is not of the Father [does not come from God], but is of the world [comes from Satan, who is the god of this world]."
1 John 2:17: "And the world [i.e., the people and things in the world] passeth [passes] away, and [so does] the lust [strong desires, cravings] thereof: but he [or she] that doeth [does] the will of God [i.e., the person who is born again and obeys God's word, as recorded in the Bible] abideth [remains, continues] for ever [in the love of God, which allows him (or her) to have fellowship with God and results in peace, joy, and blessings, both on earth and in heaven--see note below*]."
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We can admire the beauty of nature and enjoy the other things that God has created, but we should not covet [crave, desire to possess] them or worship them.* * * * *
*Regarding verse 17, Albert Barnes wrote:"But he that doeth the will of God abideth forever - This cannot mean that he will never die; but it means that he has built his happiness on a basis which is secure, and which can never pass away …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-john-2.html, "Verse 17")
JANUARY 21
God Hates Idolatry!
Almighty God had done many things for the nation of Israel, including bringing them safely out of Egypt and into the promised land. Foolishly, rather than show their appreciation and love by obeying and worshiping him (the one true God), they built altars to worship false gods instead. Not surprisingly, this angered God, as is shown by the following verse:
Psalm 78:58: "For they [the Israelites] provoked him [God] to anger [which means they made him very angry] with their high places [where other 'gods' were worshiped in Bible times--see note below*], and [they] moved him [God] to jealousy with their graven images [idols]."
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As stated above, in Exodus 34:14, and elsewhere in the Bible, Almighty God is a jealous God (see note below** for an explanation of what this means). Consequently, we would be wise to stop worshiping idols and start thanking God and giving him the love, honor, respect, and adoration that he deserves.* * * * *
*Biblical definition of high places: "places of worship on elevated pieces of ground."(Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/high-places.html,"What is the significance of high places in the Bible?")
* * * * *
**A GotQuestions.org article entitled "Why is God a jealous God?" says that "… Worship, praise, honor, and adoration belong to God alone, for only He is truly worthy of it. Therefore, God is rightly jealous when worship, praise, honor, or adoration is given to idols …"If you want to read the rest of the article, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/jealous-God.html.
JANUARY 20
Proverbs 20:2: "The fear of a king [referring to the fear that a person should have of a king (or queen), a dictator, or any other type of leader or person in charge] is as the roaring of a lion [is similar to the fear that a person would normally have when standing in front of a roaring lion]: whoso [whoever] provoketh [provokes] him [or her--the 'king'] to anger [i.e., whoever makes the leader angry] sinneth [sins] against his [or her] own soul [or puts his (or her) life in danger--by giving the leader a reason to seek revenge and do something to make that person's life miserable … or even (if the leader is a dictator with absolute authority to do whatever he [or she] wants to do) to have the person killed]."
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In his commentry on this verse, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says that the point of this proverb is: "Irritate a lion a little, and his response might be overwhelming. He could maul [claw] you to death… and eat your carcass [dead body]."____________________
According to Pastor Delany, kings--like lions--are powerful, strong, and unpredictable, and consequently, we should avoid confrontations [run-ins, altercations, quarrels] with people in authority. Examples of such confrontations include a speeder arguing with a police officer, students in a classroom murmuring [whispering] about their teacher, and employees bad-mouthing [criticizing] their boss). In addition, we shouldn't embarrass kings and other leaders or make them look bad, because we never know for sure what their reaction will be or how it will affect us.
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The commentary ends with this:
"3. Romans 13:2 -- Men who resist authorities today (regardless of whether it is a monarchy [a government in which a king or queen is the head of state, as in the United Kingdom], democracy [a government ruled by representatives of the people, as in the United States], or dictatorship [a form of government ruled by one person with total power, as in Nazi Germany under Hitler]) do harm to themselves . Governmental officials have the power of the sword… and they use it!
"4. Of course, we [in America] do not live in a monarchy or a dictatorship.
"a. This proverb is especially written for such situations and does not speak about a democracy.
"b. We do not have rulers who have absolute power over life and death--thankfully!
"c. We DO have the right and the privilege of opposing leaders here [in America] with our vote or by getting involved in politics.
"d. But the principle Solomon describes in this proverb IS applicable to us in many various situations where people have authority over us… and wherein getting them angry could make life miserable for us."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-20-index/proverbs-20_2/.
JANUARY 19
In a letter to the 'saints' (born-again Christians) in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote:
Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things [both good and bad, including problems--large and small, afflictions (things that cause pain or suffering), persecution (harassment, mistreatment), etc.] work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his [God's] [eternal] purpose [in this case, the people who 'love God' are truly saved, or born again, meaning that, through faith, they have accepted God's invitation to be saved and have received his gift of eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23)] ."
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The above verse is a promise that applies to all Christians. Once in a while, you may go through bad times, but don't ever lose hope that things will get better.* * * * *
Regarding Romans 8:28, Pastor Chuck Smith said:"… I have rested in [depended or relied on] this verse over and over and over again … There are going to be many things that will happen to you of which, though you do your best, you're not going to be able to understand it or figure it out. And when you come against that which you can't understand, it is important that you have certain foundations [basic principles or truths] that you do understand and you fall back on the foundations. What do I understand? I understand that God loves me. How do I know? The Bible tells me so. I understand that God is wiser than I am. I understand that God is in control of all of the circumstances that surround my life. Thus, anything that happens to me only happens to me because God has allowed it to happen to me. It could not happen to me unless God did allow it to happen to me, and God loves me and is working out what is best for me. Thus, I can rest in the most uncomfortable places. I rest in faith that God is even going to use this for my good and His glory …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/romans/8-28.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")
JANUARY 18
In a letter to the Christians in Ephesus, the apostle Paul wrote:
Ephesians 5:19: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms [referring to the psalms of King David, which used to be sung in churches in Bible times] and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"
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A wonderful way to praise and worship God is through beautiful music, especially the kind that is found in Baptist hymnals--see Hymnary link below*). Most hymns are based on scripture, so if we pay close attention to their words when we sing and/or when we play those songs on the piano, organ, or other instrument, not only will our music give us joy and be pleasing to God, but it will also help to strengthen our faith.* * * * *
*For a list of "the 250 texts [songs] published the most frequently in modern hymnals indexed by Hymnary.org," plus the "Most Popular Texts" and "Current Trending Texts," click here: https://hymnary.org/browse/popular/texts. If desired, you can also see the lyrics (words of the song), background information on the author and hymn, related Bible verses, sheet music, audio recordings, etc., by clicking on the names of the various hymns in the list.JANUARY 14-17
Riches Can be a Hindrance (Obstacle) to Salvation
One day, Jesus was preaching and teaching and healing people in the region of Judea near the Jordan River.
Matthew 19:16: "And, behold, one [young man, who was a ruler,] came and said unto him [Jesus], Good Master [teacher], what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Matthew 19:17 "And he [Jesus] said unto him [the young man], Why callest thou me [why do you call me] good? there is none [no person] good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt [if you will] enter into life [i.e., eternal life in heaven], keep [obey] the [ten] commandments [see note below*]."
Matthew 19:18-19: "He [the young man] saith [said] unto him [Jesus], Which [commandments]? Jesus said,
[No. 6--Exodus 20:13] Thou shalt [you shall] do no [not commit] murder,
[No. 7--Exodus 20:14] Thou shalt not commit adultery,
[No. 8--Exodus 20:15] Thou shalt not steal,
[No. 9--Exodus 20:16] Thou shalt not bear false witness [or 'you shall not lie about others, either publicly or privately'],
[No. 5--Exodus 20:12] Honour thy [your] father and thy mother [by giving them love, respect, obedience, etc.]:
and[,] [in summary], Thou shalt love thy neighbour as [much as you love] thyself [yourself]."
[Notice that in the above list, Jesus did not include Commandments 1 (Exodus 20:3), 2 (Exodus 20:4,5,6), 3 (Exodus 20:7), 4 (Exodus 20:8-9,10,11), and 10 (Exodus 20:17), which refer to idolatry, covetousness, and loving God.]
Matthew 19:20: "The young man saith unto him [Jesus], All [of] these things [referring to the five commandments (numbers 5-9) that are listed above] have I kept [obeyed] from my youth up [or since I was a child]: what lack I yet [what do I still lack, or what else do I need to do]?"
Matthew 19:21: "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt [if you will] be perfect [or if your obedience to God will be complete], go and sell that thou hast [what you have, meaning his possessions], and give [that money] to the poor [people], and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me [for example, by obeying Jesus' commandments, following his example, and living like he did]."
Matthew 19:22: "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful [filled with sadness]: for he had great possessions [in other words, he was very rich--and, sadly, he loved his money and possessions more than he loved God]."
Matthew 19:23-24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily [truly] I say unto you, That a rich man [or woman or child] shall hardly [with difficulty] enter into the kingdom of heaven [which means that it's almost impossible to get rich people to realize that they must trust in the Lord Jesus Christ--not their money and possessions--if they want to be saved and have eternal life]. And again I [Jesus] say unto you [disciples], It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of [or hole in] a needle, than for a rich man [or woman or child] to enter into the kingdom of God [i.e., heaven]."
Matthew 19:25-26: "When his [Jesus'] disciples heard it [what Jesus said], they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved [from hell]? But Jesus beheld [looked at] them, and said unto them, With men [mankind, human beings] this [thing, meaning salvation,] is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
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As is shown by the above story, nobody can obey all of God's commandments all of the time, we can't work our way to heaven, and pride and love of money have prevented many people from being saved in the past and will prevent many people from being saved in the future.* * * * *
*"What are the Ten Commandments?" is answered in the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Ten-Commandments.html.* * * * *
GotQuestions.org also has an article about today's verses. It's called "What did Jesus mean when He said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven?" and can be found at: https://www.gotquestions.org/camel-eye-needle.html.Here's an excerpt from that article:
"… It is the poor in spirit who inherit the kingdom of God …, those who recognize their spiritual poverty and their utter inability to do anything to justify themselves to a holy God. The rich man so often is blind to his spiritual poverty because he is proud of his accomplishments and has contented himself with his wealth. He is as likely to humble himself before God as a camel is to crawl through the eye of a needle."
* * * * *
In Ephesians 2:8-9, the Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." This means that the only way we can get to heaven is through faith--by believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins, and that he was buried and rose again--and by trusting him as our personal Savior.____________________
Note: If you want to be saved (born again) but aren't sure what to do, please read one or more of the gospel tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
JANUARY 12-13
Proverbs 12:6: "The words of the wicked [people] are to lie in wait for blood [in other words, these bad people discuss and brag about their intentions to injure, kill, and/or destroy other people and/or things]: but the mouth of the upright [referring to people with good morals who learn about those evil plans and report them to the proper authorities] shall deliver [rescue] them [i.e., the targets of the evil plans, or the people and/or things being conspired against] [from harm]."
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According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, the above verse is about pre-meditated crimes, or those which are thought about and discussed in advance. One way to prevent these crimes from taking place is summarized by a saying that has recently become popular in the United States; i.e., "If you see something, say something."* * * * *
In paragraph 2c of the first section of his excellent commentary, Pastor Delany says, "Long before the crime, the invasion, the attack, the rape, the robbery, or the mugging [assault] ever took place… wicked men sat around somewhere planning it… discussing it… discussing the best way to carry out their evil deeds."Specific examples of these types of discussions include the following (from paragraph 1 of the commentary):
"c. Gangs of wicked youths gather together to plan robberies… rapes… muggings… and other ways to harm people.
"d. Drug addicts sit around in dingy [dirty, unclean] cellars [basements] and discuss how to break into homes, drug stores, and banks--and yes, kill if necessary.
"e. Political leaders in rogue [dishonest, unprincipled] states sit around gilded palaces [mansions] making plans to invade their neighbor's land… and kill and plunder [rob] to overthrow it.
"f. Terrorist cell groups meet secretly to discuss ways to destroy America and Israel.
"g. Some ethnic groups [referring to people who share a common cultural background] holding on to political power sit around conference tables and discuss how to ethnically cleanse the region of those they hate.
"h. Guerilla groups [unofficial military groups] meet in a secluded jungle [in a place that is hidden from view] discussing how they can take over the villages on the other side of the mountains…
"i. What might appear to be perfectly average suburbanite [a person who lives in the suburbs], might be sitting in someone's living room, talking to some street thug [criminal, gangster] plotting to have his wife killed."
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The commentary continues:
"3. It is unlikely that any of us ever hear first hand of such evil plots to kill.
"a. However, we MAY become privy [or be able to gain knowledge of secret or confidential information] to OTHER forms of wicked words.
"b. We might hear of others gossiping about a person…
"c. We might hear of some employees that are planning to steal some of the company's property.
"d. We might hear damaging words of slander [false and hurtful statements] against a brother [or other relative, close friend, fellow Christian, etc.].
"e. We might hear of plans to cause trouble in the local church.
"f. Some of you young people might hear conversations at school of kids who are planning to break the rules… or to hurt someone in the class… or to steal… or to buy drugs… or get in some other kind of trouble."
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Then, in the second section of the commentary, we find the following:
"5. Applications:
"a. Whistleblowers… if you work for a company and know of theft, or criminal activity, it is our responsibility to speak up for that which is right!
"• We are to use our mouths to deliver [the truth].
"• If a person at work is being blamed for something he didn't do, and is going to be fired for it, and you know who really did it, you have a responsibility to speak up!
"• The wicked [people] use their words to cause trouble. We should use our mouths to deliver those folks [who are] unjustly accused.
"b. School… if there are kids at school who are planning illegal activity (stealing; drugs; violence, etc.) you have a responsibility to report it to an adult!
"• I wonder if any of the kids at Columbine [a high school in the United States where there was a mass murder] knew about the murderous plot and were afraid to speak up! Imagine how awful they would feel afterwards!
"• If you know that your friend at school bought some drugs, and you say nothing about it… imagine how awful you would feel if they overdosed and died?! And just a few words to the right people could have prevented it.
"• I wouldn't want that on my conscience!
"• We're not talking about being a snitch [tattletale] for every tiny infraction [i.e., every time a law, rule, or agreement is broken]. We are talking about serious issues… grave [important] matters that might affect someone's health or life…
"c. Local Church… if you know of someone spreading gossip… or false doctrine [false teaching], you have a responsibility to let the leaders know about it… before many [people] are hurt.
"• Leaven [in this case, gossip] can spread rapidly[,] [just like yeast does, when it causes bread to rise].
"• The sooner such activity [i.e., gossip] is dealt with in the local church, the better.
"• If you know that someone's reputation is being dragged through the mud, and you have information that could deliver [save, exonerate, clear] that person, then you are responsible to help!
"d. In our country: if we hear of a crime being planned, then by all means, report it to the authorities!
"• This is part of our responsibility as a citizen… to promote the welfare of the state… and safety of its people.
"• Our government is urging us to be eyes and ears to report all suspicious activity that might be related to terrorism!
"• Consider Prov. 31:8-9 -- in light of abortion. As believers, we have a responsibility to 'speak up' for those slated [headed] for destruction… for those unable to speak up for themselves. And we can SPEAK on this issue [by voting] on Election Day!
"• There are a lot of issues we as believers [Christians] can and should speak out on… on Election Day!
"e. Prov. 24:11-12 -- if we forbear to do [or keep from doing] what is right… and pretend we didn't know, rest assured [or 'you can be certain that'], God knows our heart!
"• God will hold us accountable.
"• We could have and should have delivered someone from injustice… and we sat quietly by and said nothing. Shame on us!
"• Sometimes just one simple word can save a man's life… or a man's reputation… [or] his career… because someone had guts enough to stand up and speak up for that which was right.
"• You be that kind of person!"
If you want to read more of the pastor's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-12-index/proverbs-12_6/.
JANUARY 11
2 Chronicles 16:12-13: "And Asa [king of Judah] in the thirty and ninth [39th] year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease [probably gout] was exceeding great [very bad]: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD [he didn't look to God for help and healing], but [only] to the physicians [doctors]. And Asa slept with his fathers [which is another way of saying that he died, just like his ancestors did], and [he] died in the one and fortieth [41st] year of his reign."
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From these verses, we learn that, whenever we have a medical problem (sickness, injury, etc.), in addition to visiting the doctor, we should always pray to God for wisdom, guidance, help, and healing.JANUARY 10
Ecclesiastes 7:9: "Be not hasty in thy [your] spirit [or 'don't rush or be in a hurry'] to be angry: for [because] anger resteth [rests, lingers] in the bosom [breast, or front part of the chest, covering the heart] of fools."
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In other words, it's foolish to hold a grudge because, according to the above verse, anger remains in the hearts of fools for a long time.* * * * *
Concerning the phrase anger resteth in the bosom of fools, Adam Clarke's commentary says:"A wise man, off his guard, may feel it [anger] for a moment: but in him it cannot rest: it [anger] is a fire which he immediately casts [throws, drives, forces] out of his breast. But the fool - the man who is under the dominion [control] of his own tempers, harbors [keeps it (anger) in his mind] and fosters [promotes, encourages] it, till it takes the form of malice [the desire to harm others or see them suffer], and then excites [causes] him to seek full revenge on those whom he deems [regards as, considers to be] enemies …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/ecclesiastes/7-9.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
* * * * *
And in his commentary on this verse, Mark Dunagan points out the following:"1 Consider the close connection between pride and anger. Humility and patience is a great check [restraint, control] against selfish and sinful anger. This should make us seriously reevaluate our own anger. Often what triggers an angry response isn't righteous indignation [i.e., anger directed toward what angers God himself, as when Jesus drove the money lenders out of the temple], rather it is when our pride has been seriously humbled [lowered in importance] or put in its place [as when we are humiliated]. 2. The fool is a person who cherishes [loves] and nourishes [feeds] such anger. 'A quick temper in company [or together] with frustration [annoyance] is the earmark [characteristic] of the fool. Another mark of the fool is to welcome, harbor [hold on to] and entertain [keep thinking about whatever is causing your] anger' …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/ecclesiastes/7-9.html, "Dunagan's Commentary on the Bible," "Verse 9")
JANUARY 8-9
Serving God
Hebrews 12:28: "Wherefore we [born-again Christians,] [through faith,] receiving a kingdom [referring to the kingdom of God, in heaven] which cannot be moved [which is permanent and unchanging], let us have grace [undeserved kindness from a merciful, holy, righteous God], whereby we may serve [worship] God acceptably with reverence [with great respect and awe] and [with] godly fear [i.e., fear of God's hatred of sin; in other words, having a willingness to obey God, so as to not offend or displease him]:"
Hebrews 12:29: "[We should serve God with reverence and godly fear:] For [because] our God is a consuming fire [as quoted from Deuteronomy 4:24, meaning he is a God of strict justice, who is very powerful and able to destroy anything and everything, especially when it has a connection to sin]."
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Regarding verse 29, one Bible commentator wrote:"IV. OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE.
"1. TO His people this is a welcome thought; for He shall consume all that is hateful and repulsive to them.
"2. To the sinful [people,] it is a thought of terror; for He [God] shall destroy all that upon which they trust, and leave them helpless, desolate [abandoned, neglected, lonely], lost …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/hebrews/12-29.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "The consuming fire")
JANUARY 7
The Apostle Paul Teaches About Vengeance (Retaliation, Revenge)
Writing to the saints (born-again Christians) in Rome about revenge, the apostle Paul said:
Romans 12:19: "Dearly beloved [an expression of tenderness], avenge not yourselves [don't seek revenge, meaning don't harm or punish people who have hurt you and/or have hurt or destroyed someone or something you care about], but rather [instead] give [the proper] place unto [God's] wrath [anger] [in other words, leave the matter in God's hands; allow him (and sometimes the judges in a court of law) to punish the offender(s) rather than doing it yourself]: [you shouldn't avenge yourselves] for [because] it is written [in the Bible--Deuteronomy 32:35], Vengeance is mine; I will repay [or pay him (or her) back], saith [says] the Lord [God]."
Romans 12:20: "Therefore if thine [your] enemy hunger [is hungry], feed him [or her]; if he [or she] thirst [is thirsty], give him [or her] [something to] drink: for in so doing [or 'by doing so'] thou shalt [you shall] heap coals of fire [burning coals] on his [or her] head [in other words, the likely result of showing kindness to your enemy is that the person will either feel pain in his (or her) conscience, such as shame, remorse, etc. (see note below*), or (as suggested by Matthew Henry's commentary--see note below**) you will 'Melt him into repentance and friendship …' (similar to the act of 'melting someone's heart')]. Be not [don't be] overcome of [by] evil, but overcome evil with good."
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*In his commentary on Romans 12:20, Albert Barnes says:"… In regard to this passage we may remark,
"(1) That the way to promote 'peace' is to do good even to enemies.
"(2) the way to bring a man to repentance is to do him good. On this principle God is acting continually. He does good to all [people], even to the rebellious [ones]; and he designs [intends] that his goodness should lead people to repentance; Romans 2:4. People will resist wrath, anger, and power; but 'goodness' they cannot resist; it finds its way to the heart; and the conscience does its work, and the sinner is overwhelmed at the remembrance of his crimes.
"(3) if people would act on the principles of the gospel, the world would soon be at peace. No man would suffer [allow] himself many times to be overwhelmed in this way with coals of fire. It is not human nature, bad as it is; and if Christians would meet all unkindness with kindness, all malice [hatred, hostility, animosity--having a desire to harm others or see them suffer] with benevolence [kindness], and all wrong [behavior] with right [behavior], peace would soon pervade [spread throughout] the community, and even opposition to the gospel might soon die away."
(Source for Albert Barnes quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/romans-12.html, "Verse 20")
* * * * *
**Source for Matthew Henry quote about melting hearts: www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/romans/12.html, "(v. 20)"JANUARY 6
Isaiah 40:22: "It is he [God] that sitteth [sits] upon the circle of the earth [which indicates that the earth is round, not flat--see note below*], and the inhabitants thereof [the people of the earth] are as [small and powerless (weak and helpless) in God's sight as] grasshoppers [or locusts] [are to us]; [it is he (God)] that stretcheth [stretches] out the heavens as [like] a curtain [or canopy or awning], and spreadeth [spreads] them out as a tent [for the inhabitants of earth] to dwell [live] in:"
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*GotQuestions.org wrote "Does the Bible teach that the earth is flat?" to explain why some people mistakenly believe that the earth is flat. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/flat-earth-Bible.html.JANUARY 5
Forgiveness
To his disciples (followers), Jesus said:
Luke 17:3: "Take heed to yourselves [carefully consider this]: If thy [your] brother [or sister--in this case, meaning a fellow Christian] [shall] trespass [sin] against thee [you], rebuke him [or her; i.e., tell that person (preferably in private) what he (or she) did, and ask him (or her) why he (or she) did it]; and if he [or she] [shall] repent [be truly sorry for what he (or she) did to you*], forgive him [or her]."
Luke 17:4: "And if he [or she--the person you have already forgiven for sinning against you] [shall] trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day [shall] turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt [you shall] forgive him [or her]."
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According to the Bible, when people who have offended or hurt us say "I'm sorry" and ask for forgiveness, we should not hesitate to accept their apology and forgive them, even if it (the same sin and apology) happens repeatedly (over and over again).* * * * *
*Biblical definition of repent: "a change of mind that results in a change of action."(Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html, "What is repentance and is it necesaaary for salvation?")
JANUARY 1-4
2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man [or woman or child] be in Christ [or 'is united to Jesus Christ by faith,' which means the person has been saved, or born again, according to the Bible--see important note below*], he [or she] is a new creature [created being, creation--in a moral sense]: old things are passed away; behold, all things [in regard to the mind; i.e., thoughts, principles, and practices] are [or 'have'] become new."
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Albert Barnes has a good commentary on this verse. Here are some excerpts:"Therefore if any man be in Christ - … The affirmation [declaration, statement] here is universal [meaning it applies to everyone], 'if any man be in Christ;' that is, all who become true Christians - undergo such a change in their views and feelings as to make it proper to say of them that they are new creatures. No matter what they have been before, whether moral or immoral; whether infidels [unbelievers] or speculative [not based on fact] believers; whether amiable [friendly], or debased [corrupt], sensual [devoted to pleasures of the senses] and polluted [unclean or impure] yet if they become Christians they all experience such a change as to make it proper to say they are a new creation.
"A new creature - … It means, evidently, that there is a change produced in the renewed heart of man [mankind, human beings] that is equivalent to the act of creation, and that bears a strong resemblance to it - a change, so to speak, as if the man was made over again, and had become new. The mode or manner in which it is done is not described, nor should the words be pressed to the quick, as if the process were the same in both cases - for the words are here evidently figurative [not literal, but used as an illustration]. But the phrase implies evidently the following things:
"(1)That there is an exertion of divine power in the conversion of the sinner [in other words, God uses his power to save the sinner] as really as in the act of creating the world out of nothing, and that this [thing, referring to the exertion of divine power] is as indispensable [necessary] in the one case [i.e., salvation] as in the other [i.e., creation].
"(2)that a change is produced so great as to make it proper to say that he [or she--the saved person] is a new man [or woman or child]. He [or she] has new views, new motives, new principles, new objects and plans of life. He [or she] seeks new purposes, and he [or she] lives for new ends.
"If a drunkard becomes reformed, there is no impropriety [incorrectness] in saying that he is a new man. If a man who was licentious [promiscuous, sexually unrestrained] becomes pure, there is no impropriety in saying that he is not the same man that he was before. Such expressions are common in all languages, and they are as proper as they are common. There is such a change as to make the language proper. And so in the conversion [salvation] of a sinner. There is a change so deep, so clear, so entire, and so abiding [long-lasting], that it is proper to say, here is a new creation of God - a work of the divine power as decided and as glorious as when God created all things out of nothing. There is no other moral change that takes place on earth so deep, and radical [extreme], and thorough as the change at conversion. And there is no other where there is so much propriety in ascribing [crediting] it to the mighty power of God.
"Old things are passed away - … It was true of all who were converted [saved, born again] that old things had passed away. And it may include the following things:
"(1) In regard to the Jews - that their former prejudices against Christianity, their natural pride, and spirit of seducing [attracting, luring] others; their attachment to their [religious] rites and ceremonies, and dependence on them for salvation had all passed away. They now renounced [abandoned, rejected] that independence, relied on the merits [worthiness] of the Saviour [Jesus Christ], and embraced all as brethren [brothers] who were of the family of Christ [referring to all who were Christians].
"(2) in regard to the Gentiles [non-Jewish people] - their attachment to idols, their love of sin and degradation [disrespectful things], their dependence on their own works [good deeds], had passed away, and they had renounced all these things, and had come to mingle [mix] their hopes with those of the converted [saved, born-again] Jews, and with all who were the friends of the Redeemer [Jesus].
"(3) in regard to all, it is also true that old things pass away. Their former prejudices, opinions, habits, attachments pass away. Their supreme love of self passes away. Their love of sins passes away. Their love of the world [i.e., worldly pleasures] passes away. Their supreme attachment to their earthly friends rather than God passes away. Their love of sin, their sensuality, pride, vanity [conceit], levity [lack of seriousness], ambition, passes away. There is a deep and radical change on all these subjects - a change which commences [begins, starts] at the new birth; which is carried on by progressive sanctification [see note below**]; and which is consummated [completed] at death and in heaven.
"Behold, all things are become new - That is, all things in view of the mind. The purposes of life, the feelings of the heart, the principles of action, all become new. The understanding is consecrated [set apart for, devoted] to new objects, the body is employed in new service, the heart forms new attachments. Nothing can be more strikingly. descriptive of the facts in conversion than this; nothing more entirely accords [is consistent] with the feelings of the newborn soul. All is new. There are new views of God, and of Jesus Christ; new views of this world and of the world to come [i.e., heaven]; new views of truth and of duty; and everything is seen in a new aspect and with new feelings. Nothing is more common in young converts [new born-again Christians] than such feelings, and nothing is more common than for them to say that all things are new. The Bible seems to be a new book, and though they may have often read it before, yet there is a beauty about it which they never saw before, and which they wonder they have not before perceived [understood]. The whole face of nature seems to them to be changed, and they [these Christians] seem to be in a new world. The hills, and vales [valleys], and streams; the sun, the stars, the groves [small wooded areas or groups of trees], the forests, seem to be new. A new beauty is spread over them all; and they now see them to be the work of God, and his glory is spread over them all, and they can now say:
"'My Father [God] made them all.'
"The heavens and the earth are filled with new wonders, and all things seem now to speak forth the praise of God. Even the very countenances [faces] of friends seem to be new; and there are new feelings toward all people; a new kind of love to kindred [relatives] and friends; and a love before unfelt for enemies; and a new love for all mankind [human beings]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-corinthians-5.html, "Verse 17")
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Today is January 1st, so if you're a Christian, here's an article you may be interested in: "What sort of New Year's resolution should a Christian make?" (https://www.gotquestions.org/new-years-resolution.html)* * * * *
*Note: Unless you're already a Christian, a wonderful way to start the new year would be to get saved.If you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son) 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. If your prayer is sincere (i.e., if you really mean what you pray), you will be the "new creature" described above.
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For a more detailed explanation of the plan of salvation, please read one or more of my gospel tracts. You'll find them on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
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**Progressive sanctification is explained in the following article: "What is progressive sanctification?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/progressive-sanctification.html.
