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"
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"Verse of the Day"
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May 2025
MAY 27-31
2 Corinthians 12:7,8,9,10
Paul's "Thorn in the Flesh"
In a letter to the Corinthian church, 14 years after he was caught up to the third heaven (the dwelling place of God--see note below*)], the apostle Paul wrote:
2 Corinthians 12:7: "And lest I [Paul] should be exalted above measure [or 'so that I wouldn't be filled with spiritual pride'] through [because of] the abundance of the revelations [of 'all the things that I saw and heard while in heaven'], there was given to me [with permission from God] a thorn in the flesh [probably a bodily affliction (infirmity or pain) of some kind; many people have tried to guess, but nobody knows for sure exactly what it was--see note below**], [by] the messenger of Satan [i.e., one of Satan's angels, such as a demon or devil] [who was sent] to buffet [attack] me, lest I should be exalted above measure."
2 Corinthians 12:8,9: "For this thing [the 'thorn in the flesh'] I [Paul] besought [urgently requested, begged] the Lord [Jesus Christ] thrice [three times] [through prayer], that it might depart [be taken away] from me. And he [Jesus] said unto me [Paul], My grace is sufficient for thee [you, which means that Jesus said 'no' to removing the 'thorn'; instead, he promised to support Paul in his trials (tests) and help him withstand his discomfort and pain]: for [because] my [Jesus'] strength is made perfect in [your] weakness. Most gladly therefore will I [Paul] rather glory [take pleasure] in my infirmities [physical and/or mental weaknesses (diseases, afflictions, etc.)], [so] that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2 Corinthians 12:10: "Therefore I [Paul] take pleasure in infirmities [meaning physical and mental weaknesses], in reproaches [i.e., contempt and scorn (criticism and disrespect) from others], in necessities [of life, in this case referring to a lack of basic things like food and shelter], in persecutions, in distresses [or 'difficulties that I (Paul) encounter'] for [Jesus] Christ's sake [or on behalf of the gospel]: for [because] when [through my own efforts] I [Paul] am weak [or without strength], then [with God's help] am I [or 'I am'] strong [and able to endure (patiently and courageously withstand) those things]."
Heading: "Verse 7" (2 Corinthians 12:7)
"To buffet me - … The general truth taught in this verse is, that God will take care that his people [i.e., born-again Christians] shall not be unduly [excessively] exalted [held in high regard] by the manifestations [expressions] of his favor, and by the spiritual privileges which he bestows on [or 'gives to'] them. He will take measures to humble them; and a large part of his dealings with his people is designed to accomplish this. Sometimes it will be done, as in the case of Paul, by bodily infirmity or trial, by sickness, or by long and lingering [or 'long-lasting'] disease; sometimes by great poverty and by an humble condition of life; sometimes by reducing us from a state of affluence [or of being rich] where we were in danger of being exalted above measure; sometimes by suffering [allowing] us to be slandered and calumniated [meaning "accused falsely, or lied about"], by suffering foes [enemies] to rise up against us who shall blacken our character [by saying things that make people think we are bad] and in such a manner that we cannot meet it [the accusation]; sometimes by persecution; sometimes by lack of success in our enterprises [business dealings], and if in the ministry, by withholding his [God's] [Holy] Spirit; sometimes by suffering us to fall into sin, and thus greatly humbling us before the [people of the] world.
"Such was the case with [King] David and with [the apostle] Peter; and God often permits us to see in this manner our own weakness, and to bring us to a sense of our dependence [upon God] and to proper humility by suffering us to perform some act that should be ever afterward a standing source of our humiliation; some act so base [or lacking in honor, morality, or virtue], so humiliating, so evincing [revealing] the deep depravity [moral corruption or wickedness] of our hearts as forever to make and keep us humble. How could [King] David be lifted up with pride after the murder of Uriah [the husband of Bathsheba (with whom David had committed adultery)]? How could [the apostle] Peter after having denied his Lord [Jesus] with a horrid [horrible] oath [denying that he knew Jesus]? Thus, many a Christian is suffered to fall [into sin] by the temptation of Satan to show him [or her] his [or her] weakness and to keep him [or her] from pride; many a fall is made the occasion of the permanent benefit of the offender. And perhaps every Christian who has been much favored with elevated spiritual views and comforts can recall something which shall be to him [or her] a standing topic [subject] of regret and humiliation in his [or her] past life. We should be thankful for any calamity [disastrous event] that will humble us; and we should remember that clear and elevated views of God and heaven are, after all, more than a compensation [reward] for all the sufferings which it may be necessary to endure [bear] in order to make us humble."
Heading: "Verse 8" (2 Corinthians 12:8)
"Thrice - … The probability … is, that Paul on three different occasions earnestly besought the Lord Jesus that this calamity might be removed from him. It might have been exceedingly painful, or it might, as he supposed, interfere with his success as a preacher; or it might have been of such a nature as to expose him to ridicule; and he prayed, therefore, if it were possible that it might be taken away. The passage proves that it is right to pray earnestly and repeatedly for the removal of any calamity. The Saviour [Savior (Jesus)] so prayed [i.e., earnestly and repeatedly] in the garden [of Gethsemane] [prior to his crucifixion]; and Paul so prayed [or 'prayed like that'] here. Yet it also proves that there should be a limit to such prayers. The Saviour prayed three times; and Paul limited himself to the same number of petitions [requests, prayers] and then submitted [surrendered] to the will of God. This does not prove that we should be limited to exactly this number in our petitions; but it proves that there should be a limit; that we should not be over-anxious, and that when it is plain from any cause that the calamity will not be removed, we should submit to it.
"The Saviour in the garden knew that the cup [of suffering] would not be removed, and he acquiesced [reluctantly accepted God's will]. Paul was told indirectly that his calamity [the 'thorn in the flesh' referred to above] would not be removed, and he submitted [to God's will]. We may expect no such revelation [communication] from heaven, but we may know in other ways that the calamity will not be removed; and we should submit [to the will of God]. The child or other friend for whom we prayed may die; or the calamity, as, e. g. [meaning 'for example'], blindness, or deafness, or loss of health, or poverty, may become permanent, so that there is no hope of removing it; and we should then cease to pray [or 'stop praying'] that it may be removed, and we should cheerfully acquiesce [accept it as being] in the will of God. So David prayed most fervently [passionately] for his child [to be healed] when it was alive; when it [the child] was deceased [or 'dead'], and it was of no further use to pray for it, he [David] bowed in submission to the will of God …"
Heading: "Verse 9" (2 Corinthians 12:9)
"And he said unto me - … It is one of the instances in which the fervent prayer of a good man, offered undoubtedly in faith, was not answered in the form in which he desired, though substantially answered in the assurance of grace [God's unmerited (undeserved) favor, love, and kindness] sufficient to support him. It furnishes, therefore, a very instructive lesson in regard to prayer, and shows as that we are not to expect as a matter of course [or 'naturally'] that all our prayers will be literally answered, and that we should not be disappointed or disheartened [discouraged] if they are not. It is a matter of fact that not all the prayers even of the pious [devoutly religious people], and of those who pray having faith in God as a hearer of prayer, are literally answered. Thus, the prayer of David … was not literally answered; the child for whose life he so earnestly prayed died. [And] So the Saviour's [Jesus'] request was not literally answered … The cup of suffering which he so earnestly desired should be taken away was not removed. [And] So in the case before us … [And] So in numerous [many] cases now, Christians pray with fervour [intense and passionate feeling] and with faith for the removal of some calamity which is not removed; or for something which they regard as desirable for their welfare which is withheld. Some of the reasons why this is done are obvious:
"(1) The grace that will be imparted [given] if the calamity is not removed will be of greater value to the individual than would be the direct answer to his [or her] prayer. Such was the case with Paul; so it was doubtless [or 'without a doubt,' or 'also'] with David; and so it is often with Christians now The removal of the calamity might be apparently a blessing, but it might also be attended with danger to our spiritual welfare; the grace imparted may be of permanent value and may be connected with the development of some of the loveliest traits of Christian character.
"(2) It might not be for the good of the individual who prays that the exact thing should be granted. When a parent prays with great earnestness and with insubmission [lack of submission, or disobedience] for the life of a child, he [or she] knows not [or 'does not know'] what he [or she] is doing. If the child lives, he [or she] may be the occasion of much more grief to him [or her--the parent] than if he [or she--the child] had died. [King] David had far more trouble from [his grown son] Absalom than he had from the death of the child for which he so earnestly prayed [for healing]. At the same time it may be better for the child that he [or she] should be removed [from the earth]. If he [or she] dies in infancy [i.e., while a baby or young child] he [or she] will be saved. But who can tell what will be his [or her] character and destiny [fate] should he [or she] live to be a man [or woman]? So [or 'the same is true'] of other things.
"(3) God has often some better thing in store for us than would be the immediate answer to our prayer Who can doubt that this was true of [the apostle] Paul? The promised grace of Christ as sufficient to support us is of more value than would be the mere removal of any bodily affliction.
"(4) It would not be well for us, probably, should our petition [prayer] be literally [exactly] answered. Who can tell what is best for himself? If the thing were obtained, who can tell how soon we might forget the benefactor [the person granting the request] and become proud and self-confident? It was the design [intention] of God to humble Paul; and this could be much better accomplished by continuing his affliction and by imparting the promised grace, than by withdrawing the affliction and withholding the grace. The very thing to be done was to keep him [Paul] humble; and this affliction could not be withdrawn without also foregoing [giving up] the benefit. It is true, also, that where things are in themselves proper to be asked, Christians sometimes ask them in an improper manner [or 'unsuitable way'], and this is one of the reasons why many of their prayers are not answered. But this does not pertain to the case before us [referring to Paul's 'thorn in the flesh']."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/2-corinthians-12.html, "Verses 7-9")
MAY 26
1 John 3:16, John 15:13
The apostle John wrote this to born-again Christians:
1 John 3:16: "Hereby [or 'by this,' or 'from what I (John) am about to say,' or 'for the following reason'] perceive we [or 'we know or understand'] [how great and wonderful is] the love of God, because he [Jesus Christ, the Son of God (or "God the Son") and Messiah, who came to earth in human form] laid down [or 'gave'] his life [meaning he died] for us [i.e., for everyone--not only Christians, to whom John was writing his letter, but all people]: and [consequently, following his (Jesus') example, if it ever becomes necessary,] we [Christians] ought to [or 'should'] [be willing to] lay down our lives for the brethren [referring to relatives, friends, or (especially, in this case) other Christians]."
This is explained in detail by Michael Houdmann, founder and CEO of Got Questions Ministries, in his blog article entitled "Did God sacrifice Himself to Himself to save us from Himself?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.blog/did-God-sacrifice-Himself.html.
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"Why is there no greater love than to lay down your life (John 15:13)?" is answered by GotQuestions.org in the article by the same name. To read it, click this link: https://www.gotquestions.org/greater-love-lay-down-life.html.
2 Timothy 4:2,3,4
Preaching and Teaching God's Word
The following advice from the apostle Paul to Timothy (an evangelist, or minister of the gospel) also applies to all Christians:
2 Timothy 4:2: "Preach the word [of God, referring to the gospel of Jesus Christ]; be instant in season, out of season [i.e., be ready to 'preach the gospel' at all times, which means take every opportunity to tell others how to be saved, whether the situation makes it an easy or hard thing to do so]; reprove [gently correct errors in religious beliefs], rebuke [warn others of the dangers and consequences of sin], [and] exhort [urge or encourage people to obey God's word] with all longsuffering [patience] and doctrine [teaching, instruction]."
2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time will come when they [many people] will not endure [withstand, put up with] sound doctrine [biblical truth]; but after their own lusts [desires] shall they heap [gather] to themselves [many] [false] teachers, having itching ears [or 'because they're uncomfortable with the truth']; And they shall turn away their ears from [hearing] the truth, and shall be turned [aside] unto [believing] fables [made-up stories]."
-- "What does it mean to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/preach-the-Word.html)
-- "What does it mean to be ready in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/be-ready-in-season-and-out-of-season.html)
-- "What does 2 Timothy 4:3 mean by itching ears?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/itching-ears.html)
-- "What does it mean that people will not endure sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/not-endure-sound-doctrine.html)
MAY 24
Psalm 30:4,5
Psalm 30:4-5: "Sing unto the LORD [God], O ye saints of his [or 'you born-again Christians'--see note below*], and give thanks at the remembrance of his [God's] holiness [compassion, goodness, kindness, mercy]. For [because] his anger endureth [endures, lasts] but a moment [or 'only for a short time']; in his [God's] favour [favor, acceptance, preferential treatment] is life [both physical life (on earth) and eternal life (in heaven)]: weeping [crying, due to sorrow or grief] may endure for a night [or 'is only temporary'], but joy cometh [comes] in the morning [which means that, for Christians, sadness will soon give way to, or be followed or replaced by, happiness]."
MAY 23
Matthew 26:41
The Importance of Prayer
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said this to his disciples, Peter, James, and John, who went there with him and fell asleep while he prayed to God concerning his upcoming crucifixion:
Matthew 26:41: "Watch [be on your guard] and pray [to God], that ye [you] enter not into temptation [or 'that you won't yield to or be overcome by temptation to sin'; in this case, referring to future events, as when Peter will lie three times by denying (refusing to admit) that he knows Jesus]: the spirit [meaning 'the human mind and heart'] indeed [truly] is willing [to bear the trials, or tests, of a person's faith], but the flesh [meaning 'human nature'] is weak."
MAY 22
Matthew 7:24,25,26,27
Build Your House Upon a Firm Foundation (i.e., the "Spiritual Rock," the Lord Jesus Christ)
Near the end of his Sermon on the Mount [see note below*], Jesus said:
Matthew 7:24,25: "Therefore whosoever [whoever] heareth [or 'hears,' as through preaching] these sayings of mine [Jesus was referring to everything that he taught during his time on earth, not only what was preached during his Sermon on the Mount], and doeth [does] them [Jesus was referring to the person who obeys his words, or does what he says], I [Jesus] will liken [compare] him [or her] unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended [came down from the sky], and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it [the house] fell not [or 'did not fall down,' or collapse]: for it was founded [built] upon a rock."
Matthew 7:26,27: "And every one that heareth these sayings of mine [i.e., the words of Christ], and doeth them not [or 'does not obey my words, or do what I (Jesus) say'], shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it [the house] fell [down]: and great was the fall [downfall, destruction, ruin] of it."
-- The Bible story about the Sermon on the Mount is recorded in the book of Matthew, Chapters 5-7, which can be found here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205-7&version=KJV.
-- "What is the Sermon on the Mount" provides a summary of the topics that were covered in Jesus' sermon. If you want to read the article, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/sermon-on-the-mount.html.
MAY 21
Isaiah 55:10,11
The Gospel is Never Preached in Vain (i.e., Without Success or Results)
Speaking through his prophet Isaiah, God said:
Isaiah 55:10: "For as the rain cometh [comes] down [from heaven, referring to the clouds in the sky], and the snow [also comes down] from heaven, and returneth not thither [or 'do not return there,' meaning the rain and snow don't go back up to heaven in the same form as they came down], but [they--the rain and snow] watereth [water] the earth [i.e., the soil], and maketh [make] it bring forth [or produce] [plants and flowers] and [cause them to] bud [sprout, germinate], [so] that it [the moisture that the rain and snow provide] may give seed to the sower [the person who plants the seeds], and [provide] bread to the eater [or 'food for animals and people']:"
Isaiah 55:11: "So [likewise, or in a similar manner] shall my [God's] word be that goeth [goes] forth out of my mouth [referring to the gospel and truth, as revealed in the Bible]: it [my word] shall not return unto me [God] void [empty, without results], but it shall accomplish that which I [God] please [take pleasure in, intend], and it [my word, as recorded in the Bible] shall prosper [succeed, thrive, flourish] in the thing [purpose] whereto [to which] I [God] sent it."
"… This proves:
"1. That God has a design [or plan] in giving his Word to people. He has as distinct [definite] an intention in his Word as he has in sending down rain upon the earth.
"2. That whatever is his design in giving the gospel, it shall be accomplished. It is never spoken in vain, and never fails to produce the effect [result] which he [God] intends. The gospel is no more preached in vain than the rain falls in vain. And though that often falls on barren rocks [i.e., rocks with nothing growing on them], or on arid sands [referring to sandy soil, as found in the desert]; on extended plains where no vegetation is [or 'plants are'] produced, or in the wilderness 'where no man is,' and seems to our eyes in vain, yet it is not so. God has a design in each drop [of rain] that falls on sands or rocks, as really as in the copious [abundant] [rain] shower that falls on fertile [fruitful, high-yielding] fields. And so the gospel often falls on the hard and barren [unproductive, unyielding] hearts of men. It is addressed to the proud, the sensual [pleasure-seeking], the avaricious [greedy], and the unbelieving [people], and seems to be spoken in vain, and to return void unto God. But it is not so. He [God] has some design in it, and that will be accomplished. It is proof of the fullness of his mercy. It [the gospel] leaves people without excuse, and justifies himself [or 'God']. Or when long presented - apparently long in vain - it [the gospel] ultimately [finally] becomes successful, and sinners are at last brought to abandon [forsake, give up] their sins, and to turn unto God. It [the gospel] is indeed often rejected [refused, dismissed] and despised [hated]. It falls on the ears of people apparently as the rain falls on the hard rock, and there are, so to speak, large fields where the gospel is preached as barren [unproductive] and unfruitful of any spiritual good as the extended desert is of vegetation, and the gospel seems to be preached to almost entire communities with as little effect as is produced when the rains fall on the deserts of Arabia [i.e., the Arabian Peninsula, which includes the countries of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and parts of Jordan and Iraq], or of Africa. But there will be better and happier times. Though the gospel may not now produce all the good effects which we may desire, yet it will be ultimately successful to the full wish of the widest benevolence [kindness], and the whole world shall be filled with the knowledge and the love of God."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/isaiah-55.html, "Verse 11")
MAY 18-20
John 8:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
Story of the Woman "Taken in Adultery" (A Lesson for Hypocrites)
John 8:1-2: "Jesus went unto the mount of Olives [i.e., a mountain ridge near the city of Jerusalem]. And early in the morning [or 'at dawn the next day,'] he came again into the temple [in Jerusalem], and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them."
John 8:3-4: "And the scribes and Pharisees [see Note 1 below] brought unto him a woman taken in [or 'caught in the act of'] adultery; and when they had set her [down] in the midst [middle] [of them--the group of scribes and Pharisees], They say [or 'said] unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act."
John 8:5: "Now Moses in the law [in Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22] commanded us, that such [a person] should be stoned [actually, the verses say that the adulterer (the man) and adulteress (the woman) shall both be 'put to death' or 'die,' not 'be stoned']: but what sayest thou [or 'what do you say']?
John 8:6: "This they [the scribes and Pharisees] said [to Jesus], tempting him [to sin, and fall into their trap; i.e., they wanted him to choose between setting the woman free, thus contradicting the law of Moses, and sentencing her to death, which was the responsibility of the Roman government], [so] that they might have [a reason] to accuse him [of wrongdoing]. But Jesus stooped [bent] down, and with his finger wrote on the ground [see Note 2 below], as though he heard them not [or 'didn't hear them']."
John 8:7-8: "So when they continued asking him [the same question], he lifted up himself [meaning he stood up], and said unto them [the scribes and Pharisees], He that is without sin among you [probably, in this case, Jesus was referring specifically to the sins of adultery and fornication], let him [be the] first [one to] cast [throw] a stone at her [see Note 3 below]. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground."
John 8:9: "And they which heard it [i.e., what Jesus said] [referring to the scribes and Pharisees who had accused the woman of adultery], being convicted [convinced] by their own conscience [that they were also guilty of sin], went out [of the temple] one by one [or 'one after another'], beginning at the eldest [the oldest (or perhaps most reputable) man, meaning the one with the highest office or best reputation], [and continuing] even unto the last [one, meaning the youngest, or lowest ranking, man]: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman [was also left] standing in the midst [of the temple]."
John 8:10: "When Jesus had lifted up himself [from the ground, or stood up], and saw none [of the scribes and Pharisees] but [only] the woman [because all of her accusers had left], he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine [your] accusers? hath [has] no man condemned thee [or 'judged you worthy of death']?"
John 8:11: "She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee [you] [or 'Neither do I consider you worthy of death']: go [your way, or go home], and sin no more [see Note 4 below]."
"… This passage [of scripture, referring to the above story] … teaches us:
"1.That Jesus claimed no civil authority [or 'no authority to enforce law and order'].
"2.That he [Jesus] regarded the action of which they accused her [i.e., adultery] as sin.
"3.That he [Jesus] knew the hearts and lives of men [referring to their thoughts and actions].
"4.That men are often very zealous [intense, passionate, pushy] in accusing others of that of which they themselves are guilty. And,
"5.That Jesus was endowed with [or 'possessed'] wonderful wisdom in meeting the devices [tricks] of his enemies, and eluding [evading] their deep-laid plans to involve him in ruin …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/john-8.html, "Verse 11")
For more information about the scribes and Pharisees, read the following articles:
-- "Who were the scribes that often argued with Jesus?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/scribes-Jesus.html)
-- "Who were the Pharisees?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Pharisees.html)
Like one of the visitors to the GotQuestions.org website, you may be wondering, "What was Jesus writing in the dirt/sand when the Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery?" Their answer can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-writing-dirt.html.
Regarding casting stones, Albert Barnes wrote:
"Let him first cast a stone at her - In the punishment by death, one of the witnesses threw the culprit [guilty person] from the scaffold [raised wooden platform], and the other [witness] threw the first stone, or rolled down a stone to crush him [or her--the culprit]. See Deuteronomy 17:6, 7. This was in order that the witness might feel his responsibility in giving evidence, as he was also to be the executioner. Jesus therefore put them [the scribes and Pharisees] to the test. Without pronouncing [or expressing an opinion or making a judgment] on her [the adulteress's] case, he [Jesus] directed them [the scribes and Pharisees], if any of them were innocent, to perform the office of executioner. This was said, evidently, well knowing their guilt, and well knowing that no one would dare to do it [throw the stone]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/john-8.html, "Verse 7")
For the answer to the question "Why did Jesus tell people to 'go and sin no m ore' if sinlessness is impossible?" click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/go-and-sin-no-more.html.
MAY 17
Psalm 55:22
Speaking from experience, King David wrote:
Psalm 55:22: "Cast [forcefully throw--see note below*] thy [your] burden [heavy load; i.e., things you have to do, your cares and worries, etc.] upon the LORD, and he shall sustain [strengthen, comfort, help] thee [you]: he [God] shall never suffer [allow] the righteous [people, referring to born-again Christians, who have the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ--see note below**] to be moved [shaken, utterly cast down]."
"… Now, our text [Psalm 55:22] teaches--
"I. That the Lord is within my reach. He is near me, I am to cast my burden upon Him. Now, this is just what we don't do. We kneel, and sigh, and pray about our burden, that we may cast it on the Lord, but we don't do it. We look up and sigh, and resolve [decide] that we will [cast our burden upon the Lord], but nothing comes of it. Some years ago I was staying in a Swiss city, and from the windows of my hotel I looked out on the bridge that crossed the Rhine [River]. At the middle of the bridge there was a tiny wayside chapel [a small place of worship that was next to the road], and as the peasants went to market they set the heavy basket down on the steps [of the chapel] while they turned in [or 'went inside'] to pray. Then they came out and took up their burdens again. That is how many people do with their troubles--they pray about them, and then pick them up again. What folly [foolishness] it is to call that casting! On the other side of the parapet [a protective wall along the edge of a bridge, roof, balcony, etc.] there swept the swift current [referring to the fast-moving flow of water] of the Rhine. Now, if one should take up the load with both hands, and swing it with all his might over the side [of the parapet], and then let it go whirling through space until it splashed into the waters, and went, swept away for ever--that is casting. …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/tbi/psalms-55.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "Verse 22," "Our burden-bearer")
-- "Imputed righteousness, a key concept [i.e., a main idea or principle] in Christian theology [or 'in Christian belief and practice'], refers to the idea that God considers believers [i.e., born-again Christians] to be righteous not because of their own inherent [innate, inborn (existing from birth), natural] righteousness, but because the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited [applied, given] to them through faith. This means that God sees believers as if they had perfectly obeyed God's law, even though they haven't lived perfectly [or lived a perfect life] themselves."
In other words, our sins were given (imputed) to Jesus while he was hanging on the cross, and when we are born again, his righteousness is given to us.
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Imputed sin means that we're all sinners due to Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, and imputed righteousness means that Christians are righteous in God's eyes due to Jesus' death on the cross to pay for our sins.
To help us fully understand the meaning of both of those terms, GotQuestions.org wrote the following articles:
-- "What is imputed sin?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/imputed-sin.html)
-- "Why does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/imputed-righteousness.html)
MAY 16
Proverbs 16:24: "Pleasant [kind, thoughtful, helpful, encouraging] words are as [desirable as] an honeycomb, [because they are] sweet to the soul [meaning they can bring comfort and joy to the mind], and [they can also be] health to the bones [or healing to the body]."
"3e. Pleasant words can come in all different kinds of packages.
"3f. They could be words of advice, correction, instruction, warning, comfort, challenge, [or to] help us refocus [i.e., focus on something different].
"3g. But for the most part, the pleasant words would refer to gracious, kind, thoughtful words of encouragement."
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In addition, pleasant words can be health to the bones because:
"3c. Kind, gentle words can soothe [calm] the mind, and actually help make a person feel better… by lifting up his heart."
"5b. When the heart is healthy, that has a curative [healing] effect on the rest of the person."
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If you want to read the commentary, click on https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs/, then scroll down to "16:24."
MAY 15
Psalm 119:18
This was a prayer to God, probably from King David:
Psalm 119:18: "Open thou [or 'Lord, please open'] mine eyes [my spiritual eyes], [so] that I may behold [read and understand] wondrous things out of thy [your] law [referring to the wonderful, delightful, marvelous things that are written in the Bible, such as those listed in Mr. Guthrie's commentary--see note below*]."
"… III. The eyes of the [spiritually] blind [people] being opened, they behold [see] wondrous things out of the law of God. Open a [physically] blind man's eyes. With what amazement, happiness, overflowing joy, will he gaze [look steadily and intently at], nor [will he] tire [or 'get tired of'] gazing, on all [or 'everything'] above and around him, from the sun blazing [burning brightly] in heaven to the tiniest flower that springs [up] in beauty at his feet! And let God open a sinner's [spiritual] eyes [through salvation (i.e., when that person gets saved, or born again)] [and], the Bible will seem to him [like] a new book, and he [will] seem to himself [to be] a new creature. He will see his heart, and [will] wonder at its wickedness. He will see [Jesus Christ,] the Saviour [Savior], and [will] wonder [or 'be amazed'] at His [Jesus'] love. He will see how God has spared him [the saved sinner] [from punishment in hell], and [will] wonder at His [God's] longsuffering [or 'patience']. He will see salvation as the one thing needful [necessary], and [will] wonder [how] he could have taken a night's rest, [and] ventured [dared] to close his eyes in sleep, till [until] he had found peace with God …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/sbc/psalms-119.html, "Sermon Bible Commentary," "Verse 18")
MAY 14
Romans 3:28
In a letter to the Christians in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote:
Romans 3:28: "Therefore [referring to what Paul said in the preceding verses (i.e., that we are all sinners and can't save ourselves)] we conclude [or 'come to the conclusion'] that a man [or woman or child] is justified [declared righteous in God's sight, or saved] by faith [in the Lord Jesus Christ; i.e., by believing that Jesus died on the cross to pay for all of our sins and by receiving him as his (or her) personal Savior--see note below*] without the deeds of the law [of Moses, referring to God's moral law, which means that we're saved by faith alone, not by doing good works or obeying the Ten Commandments--see note below**]."
-- Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it [salvation] is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
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According to the Bible, it's easy to be 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.
You only need to do that once, and you're saved forever.
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Please note: If you need or want detailed explanations of the plan of salvation, they can be found in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
-- "Why is justification by faith such an important doctrine?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/justification-by-faith.html)
-- "What does it mean to accept Jesus as your personal Savior?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/personal-Savior.html)
MAY 13
Hebrews 13:2: "Be not forgetful [meaning 'remember' or 'don't forget'] to entertain [be hospitable to] strangers: for [because] thereby [or 'by doing so,' or 'by entertaining strangers,'] some [people, like Abraham and Lot in the Old Testament--see note below*] have entertained angels [messengers from God] unawares [unknowingly, by surprise]."
-- The Bible story about Abraham and Lot being visited by angels is recorded in Genesis 18 and 19. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2018-19&version=KJV.
-- "Who were the three men who visited Abraham in Genesis 18?" is answered by the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/three-men-Genesis-18.html.
-- "What does it mean that we should entertain strangers because we might entertain angels (Hebrews 13:2)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/entertain-angels.html)
-- "Do angels appear to people today?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/angels-appear.html)
-- "Are there angels among us?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/angels-among-us.html)
MAY 11-12
Genesis 3:20: "And Adam [the first person on earth, who was created by God] called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living [beings, or all people]."
-- "Should Christians celebrate Mother's Day?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Mothers-Day.html)
-- "What does the Bible say about Christian mothers?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/mothers-Christian.html)
Luke 6:43,44
A Person's Character and Conduct (Behavior) Go Together
This event occurred while Jesus was preaching his Sermon on the Plain (see note below*). Comparing people to trees, and their words and actions to fruit, Jesus said:
Luke 6:43-44: "For [because] a good tree bringeth not forth [does not bring forth or produce] corrupt [bad, rotten] fruit; neither doth [does] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his [its] own fruit. For of [from] thorns[,] men [people] do not gather figs, nor of [from] a bramble bush [a rough, tangled, prickly shrub that grows blackberries and raspberries] gather they [do they gather] grapes."
MAY 7-9
Genesis 16:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
Story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael
Genesis 16:1: "Now Sarai [Sarah] Abram's [Abraham's] wife bare [brought forth for] him [Abram] no children [in other words, Sarai was childless]: and she had an handmaid [a servant], an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar."
Genesis 16:2: "And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD [God] hath [has] restrained [kept, prevented] me from bearing [children, or becoming pregnant]: I pray thee [or 'I ask you,' or 'please'], go in unto my maid [Hagar]; it may be that I [Sarai] may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened [listened] to the voice of Sarai."
Genesis 16:3,4: "And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt [lived] ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her [Hagar] to her husband Abram to be his wife. And he [Abram] went in unto Hagar [and had sex with her], and she conceived [got pregnant]: and when she [Hagar] saw [realized] that she had conceived, her mistress [Sarai] was despised in her eyes [which means that Hagar hated Sarai]."
Genesis 16:5: "And [blaming Abram for her problems,] Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee [or 'It's all your fault']: I have given my maid [Hagar] into thy [your] bosom [or 'to you, Abram--for marriage and sex']; and when she [Hagar] saw that she had conceived, I [Sarai] was despised in her eyes [or 'I was heated by her']: the LORD judge between me [Sarai] and thee [you, Abram]."
Genesis 16:6: "But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, [the fate of (or what will happen to)] thy maid [Hagar] is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee [or 'as it pleases you']. And when Sarai dealt hardly [harshly, cruelly, unkindly] with her [maid, Hagar], she [Hagar] fled from her [Sarai's] face [or 'Hagar ran away from home']."
Genesis 16:7: "And the angel of the LORD [probably referring to an appearance of God in human form--see note below*] found her [Hagar] by a fountain of water in the wilderness [the uninhabited land between Egypt and Canaan], by the fountain in [on] the way to Shur."
Genesis 16:8-9: "And he [the angel] said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou [or 'where did you come from']? and whither wilt thou go [or 'where will you go']? And she [Hagar] said, I flee [or 'I am running away'] from the face [presence] of my mistress Sarai. And the angel of the LORD said unto her [Hagar], Return to thy mistress [Sarai], and submit thyself [yourself] under her hands [which meant, 'humble yourself, and serve and obey her]."
Genesis 16:10: "And the angel of the LORD said unto her [Hagar], I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, [so] that it shall not be numbered for multitude [which meant that Hagar would have such a large number of offspring, or descendants, that they couldn't be counted]."
Genesis 16:11: "And the angel of the LORD said unto her [Hagar], Behold, thou art with child [you are pregnant], and shalt [shall] bear [give birth to] a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD [God] hath [has] heard [about] thy affliction [or 'your pain and suffering']."
Genesis 16:12: "And he [Ishmael] will be a wild man [i.e., fierce, untamed (uncontrollable), violent]; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand [will be] against him [in other words, Ishmael's descendants will always be at war with other people]; and he [Ishmael] shall dwell [live] [in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East, especially during Bible times] in the presence of [or around or near] all [of] his brethren [relatives]."
-- "What is the story of Sarah and Hagar?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Sarah-Hagar.html)
-- "Who was Hagar in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Hagar-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "Who are the descendants of Ishmael?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/descendants-of-Ishmael.html)
MAY 6
Matthew 4:17,18,19,20
Becoming "Fishers of Men" (Soul Winners)
Following his baptism in the Jordan River, Jesus went into the wilderness of Judea (a desert) and fasted (ate no food) for 40 days and 40 nights before being tempted three times by the devil, or Satan. Then he returned to Galilee and heard that John the Baptist had been cast (thrown) into prison.
Matthew 4:17: "From that time [i.e., after he was tempted by Satan and learned that John the Baptist was in prison] Jesus began to preach [to the people], and to say, Repent [change your mind about sin, and turn toward God (i.e., agree with God says about sin, and have a desire to please him)]: for [because] the kingdom of heaven [referring to the reign (or rule) of God] is at hand [which means it is near, approaching, or coming soon]."
Matthew 4:18: "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren [brothers], Simon [who was also] called Peter, and Andrew his brother [both of whom had previously been disciples (followers) of John the Baptist], casting a net into the sea [in order to catch fish]: for they were fishers [or 'fishermen']."
Matthew 4:19: "And he [Jesus] saith [said] unto them [Peter and Andrew], Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men [referring to people's souls; in other words, he promised to teach the brothers how to preach the gospel and become soul winners]."
Matthew 4:20: "And they [Peter and Andrew] straightway [immediately] left their nets [behind], and followed him [Jesus] [meaning they became his disciples]."
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Note: If you're unsure of what it means to follow Jesus, the article entitled "What does it mean to truly follow Christ?" may help. Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/follow-Christ.html.
--"Why did John the Baptist proclaim, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/repent-for-the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-at-hand.html)
-- "How to repent--what does the Bible say?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/how-to-repent.html)
-- "What does it mean to be 'fishers of men'?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/fishers-of-men.html)
-- "How can I become more motivated for soul winning?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/soul-winning.html)
-- "How can I gain a passion for winning souls?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/winning-souls.html)
MAY 4-5
Philippians 4:11
Christian Contentment: The Secret of Happiness
In a letter to the saints (born-again Christians) at Philippi, after thanking them for their kindness in sending him a gift while he was a prisoner in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote:
Philippians 4:11: "Not that I [Paul] speak in respect of want [by which he meant 'I'm not talking about things that I may want or need']: for I have learned [from God and through experience], in whatsoever state I am [or 'wherever I am or whatever condition I'm in'], therewith to be content [or 'that I should be satisfied (at peace) with it']."
"… II. What are the ingredients of Christian contentment, and what are the ruling considerations which should make a Christian happy and thankful to be what he [or she] is? (1) The first motive, common in a large measure [or 'to a great extent'] to St. Paul [the apostle] and to the wiser heathen [non-Jewish person], is that nothing earthly [or 'nothing that's happening on earth'] either lasts or satisfies. Why not acquiesce in [accept] whatever befalls [happens to] us when all is relatively unimportant, relatively insignificant? (2) The second motive [reason] for cherishing [appreciating] a contented spirit is confidence in the wise and loving providence [protective care] of God. We each are placed where we are. God is too 'wise not to know all about us and not to know what it is best for us to be and to have; and God is too good not to desire our highest good, and too powerful if He desires not to effect it [or make it happen]. Our true course is to remember that He [God] sees further [in the future] than we do, and that we shall understand Him in time when His plans have unfolded themselves [or been revealed]. (3) The third motive is that a Christian in a state of grace already possesses God: [In John 14:23, Jesus said:] 'If any man love Me [Jesus], My Father [in heaven] will love him, and we will come unto him and make our abode [home] with him [i.e., in his heart].' Surely, if these Divine words [i.e., words from God] are real to us, we must know that nothing that is finite [having limits or boundaries] can be needed to supplement this our firm hold upon the infinite [limitless], [and] that no created thing [or person] can add to what we have in possessing the Creator [which is what happens when we ask Jesus to come into our hearts and save us from hell]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/sbc/philippians-4.html, "Sermon Bible Commentary," "Verse 11")
MAY 3
Psalm 145:18,19
King David wrote:
Psalm 145:18-19: "The LORD is nigh [near] unto all them that call upon him [in prayer, for salvation and help], to all [people] that call upon him in truth [or sincerely]. He [God] will fulfil the desire [of their heart, meaning he will give people what they need or want] [by answering the prayers] of them that fear him [referring to born-again Christians who love, serve, and obey him]: he [God] also will hear their cry [for help], and will save them [from danger here on earth, and from hell when they die]."
-- "What does it mean that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/draw-near-to-God.html)
-- "What does it mean that God will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/He-will-give-you-the-desires-of-your-heart.html)
According to the Bible, these are some of the requirements for answered prayer. You must:
-- Be born again, or saved (per John 9:31)
-- Obey God's commandments and do things that are pleasing in God's sight (per 1 John 3:22).
-- Not have unconfessed sins in your life (per 1 John 1:9).
-- Pray to God in faith (per James 1:6-7).
-- Pray in accordance with God's will (per 1 John 5:14-15).
-- Pray "in Jesus' name" (per John 14:13-14).
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GotQuestions.org has an article entitled "Are there any conditions to answered prayer?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-conditions.html.
MAY 2
Matthew 10:32,33
Being a "secret Christian" is not okay, because Jesus said:
Matthew 10:32-33: "Whosoever [whoever] therefore shall confess [acknowledge] me [Jesus] before men [human beings, people--or publicly] [in other words, whoever is not ashamed to tell others that he (or she) is saved, or born again], him [or her] will I confess [acknowledge] also before my Father [God] which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny [refuse to acknowledge] me [Jesus] before men [publicly], him [or her] will I also deny [refuse to acknowledge] before my Father [God] which is in heaven."
MAY 1
Psalm 11:5: "The LORD trieth [tries] the righteous [people, which means that God puts Christians through trials to prove their sincerity, love, and faithfulness to him]: but the wicked [i.e., morally bad or evil people] and him [or her] that loveth [loves] violence[,] his soul [or 'God'] hateth [hates]."
2 Corinthians 12:7,8,9,10
Paul's "Thorn in the Flesh"
In a letter to the Corinthian church, 14 years after he was caught up to the third heaven (the dwelling place of God--see note below*)], the apostle Paul wrote:
2 Corinthians 12:7: "And lest I [Paul] should be exalted above measure [or 'so that I wouldn't be filled with spiritual pride'] through [because of] the abundance of the revelations [of 'all the things that I saw and heard while in heaven'], there was given to me [with permission from God] a thorn in the flesh [probably a bodily affliction (infirmity or pain) of some kind; many people have tried to guess, but nobody knows for sure exactly what it was--see note below**], [by] the messenger of Satan [i.e., one of Satan's angels, such as a demon or devil] [who was sent] to buffet [attack] me, lest I should be exalted above measure."
2 Corinthians 12:8,9: "For this thing [the 'thorn in the flesh'] I [Paul] besought [urgently requested, begged] the Lord [Jesus Christ] thrice [three times] [through prayer], that it might depart [be taken away] from me. And he [Jesus] said unto me [Paul], My grace is sufficient for thee [you, which means that Jesus said 'no' to removing the 'thorn'; instead, he promised to support Paul in his trials (tests) and help him withstand his discomfort and pain]: for [because] my [Jesus'] strength is made perfect in [your] weakness. Most gladly therefore will I [Paul] rather glory [take pleasure] in my infirmities [physical and/or mental weaknesses (diseases, afflictions, etc.)], [so] that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2 Corinthians 12:10: "Therefore I [Paul] take pleasure in infirmities [meaning physical and mental weaknesses], in reproaches [i.e., contempt and scorn (criticism and disrespect) from others], in necessities [of life, in this case referring to a lack of basic things like food and shelter], in persecutions, in distresses [or 'difficulties that I (Paul) encounter'] for [Jesus] Christ's sake [or on behalf of the gospel]: for [because] when [through my own efforts] I [Paul] am weak [or without strength], then [with God's help] am I [or 'I am'] strong [and able to endure (patiently and courageously withstand) those things]."
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*"What does it mean that Paul went to the third heaven?" is answered here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Paul-third-heaven.html.* * * * *
**Many people have tried to guess what Paul's thorn in the flesh was, but nobody knows for sure. You can read about Paul's affliction in the article entitled "What was Paul's thorn in the flesh?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Paul-thorn-flesh.html.* * * * *
Albert Barnes expressed some interesting thoughts about humility and prayer (including why God may not answer our prayers) in his commentary on today's verses. Here are the excerpts:Heading: "Verse 7" (2 Corinthians 12:7)
"To buffet me - … The general truth taught in this verse is, that God will take care that his people [i.e., born-again Christians] shall not be unduly [excessively] exalted [held in high regard] by the manifestations [expressions] of his favor, and by the spiritual privileges which he bestows on [or 'gives to'] them. He will take measures to humble them; and a large part of his dealings with his people is designed to accomplish this. Sometimes it will be done, as in the case of Paul, by bodily infirmity or trial, by sickness, or by long and lingering [or 'long-lasting'] disease; sometimes by great poverty and by an humble condition of life; sometimes by reducing us from a state of affluence [or of being rich] where we were in danger of being exalted above measure; sometimes by suffering [allowing] us to be slandered and calumniated [meaning "accused falsely, or lied about"], by suffering foes [enemies] to rise up against us who shall blacken our character [by saying things that make people think we are bad] and in such a manner that we cannot meet it [the accusation]; sometimes by persecution; sometimes by lack of success in our enterprises [business dealings], and if in the ministry, by withholding his [God's] [Holy] Spirit; sometimes by suffering us to fall into sin, and thus greatly humbling us before the [people of the] world.
"Such was the case with [King] David and with [the apostle] Peter; and God often permits us to see in this manner our own weakness, and to bring us to a sense of our dependence [upon God] and to proper humility by suffering us to perform some act that should be ever afterward a standing source of our humiliation; some act so base [or lacking in honor, morality, or virtue], so humiliating, so evincing [revealing] the deep depravity [moral corruption or wickedness] of our hearts as forever to make and keep us humble. How could [King] David be lifted up with pride after the murder of Uriah [the husband of Bathsheba (with whom David had committed adultery)]? How could [the apostle] Peter after having denied his Lord [Jesus] with a horrid [horrible] oath [denying that he knew Jesus]? Thus, many a Christian is suffered to fall [into sin] by the temptation of Satan to show him [or her] his [or her] weakness and to keep him [or her] from pride; many a fall is made the occasion of the permanent benefit of the offender. And perhaps every Christian who has been much favored with elevated spiritual views and comforts can recall something which shall be to him [or her] a standing topic [subject] of regret and humiliation in his [or her] past life. We should be thankful for any calamity [disastrous event] that will humble us; and we should remember that clear and elevated views of God and heaven are, after all, more than a compensation [reward] for all the sufferings which it may be necessary to endure [bear] in order to make us humble."
Heading: "Verse 8" (2 Corinthians 12:8)
"Thrice - … The probability … is, that Paul on three different occasions earnestly besought the Lord Jesus that this calamity might be removed from him. It might have been exceedingly painful, or it might, as he supposed, interfere with his success as a preacher; or it might have been of such a nature as to expose him to ridicule; and he prayed, therefore, if it were possible that it might be taken away. The passage proves that it is right to pray earnestly and repeatedly for the removal of any calamity. The Saviour [Savior (Jesus)] so prayed [i.e., earnestly and repeatedly] in the garden [of Gethsemane] [prior to his crucifixion]; and Paul so prayed [or 'prayed like that'] here. Yet it also proves that there should be a limit to such prayers. The Saviour prayed three times; and Paul limited himself to the same number of petitions [requests, prayers] and then submitted [surrendered] to the will of God. This does not prove that we should be limited to exactly this number in our petitions; but it proves that there should be a limit; that we should not be over-anxious, and that when it is plain from any cause that the calamity will not be removed, we should submit to it.
"The Saviour in the garden knew that the cup [of suffering] would not be removed, and he acquiesced [reluctantly accepted God's will]. Paul was told indirectly that his calamity [the 'thorn in the flesh' referred to above] would not be removed, and he submitted [to God's will]. We may expect no such revelation [communication] from heaven, but we may know in other ways that the calamity will not be removed; and we should submit [to the will of God]. The child or other friend for whom we prayed may die; or the calamity, as, e. g. [meaning 'for example'], blindness, or deafness, or loss of health, or poverty, may become permanent, so that there is no hope of removing it; and we should then cease to pray [or 'stop praying'] that it may be removed, and we should cheerfully acquiesce [accept it as being] in the will of God. So David prayed most fervently [passionately] for his child [to be healed] when it was alive; when it [the child] was deceased [or 'dead'], and it was of no further use to pray for it, he [David] bowed in submission to the will of God …"
Heading: "Verse 9" (2 Corinthians 12:9)
"And he said unto me - … It is one of the instances in which the fervent prayer of a good man, offered undoubtedly in faith, was not answered in the form in which he desired, though substantially answered in the assurance of grace [God's unmerited (undeserved) favor, love, and kindness] sufficient to support him. It furnishes, therefore, a very instructive lesson in regard to prayer, and shows as that we are not to expect as a matter of course [or 'naturally'] that all our prayers will be literally answered, and that we should not be disappointed or disheartened [discouraged] if they are not. It is a matter of fact that not all the prayers even of the pious [devoutly religious people], and of those who pray having faith in God as a hearer of prayer, are literally answered. Thus, the prayer of David … was not literally answered; the child for whose life he so earnestly prayed died. [And] So the Saviour's [Jesus'] request was not literally answered … The cup of suffering which he so earnestly desired should be taken away was not removed. [And] So in the case before us … [And] So in numerous [many] cases now, Christians pray with fervour [intense and passionate feeling] and with faith for the removal of some calamity which is not removed; or for something which they regard as desirable for their welfare which is withheld. Some of the reasons why this is done are obvious:
"(1) The grace that will be imparted [given] if the calamity is not removed will be of greater value to the individual than would be the direct answer to his [or her] prayer. Such was the case with Paul; so it was doubtless [or 'without a doubt,' or 'also'] with David; and so it is often with Christians now The removal of the calamity might be apparently a blessing, but it might also be attended with danger to our spiritual welfare; the grace imparted may be of permanent value and may be connected with the development of some of the loveliest traits of Christian character.
"(2) It might not be for the good of the individual who prays that the exact thing should be granted. When a parent prays with great earnestness and with insubmission [lack of submission, or disobedience] for the life of a child, he [or she] knows not [or 'does not know'] what he [or she] is doing. If the child lives, he [or she] may be the occasion of much more grief to him [or her--the parent] than if he [or she--the child] had died. [King] David had far more trouble from [his grown son] Absalom than he had from the death of the child for which he so earnestly prayed [for healing]. At the same time it may be better for the child that he [or she] should be removed [from the earth]. If he [or she] dies in infancy [i.e., while a baby or young child] he [or she] will be saved. But who can tell what will be his [or her] character and destiny [fate] should he [or she] live to be a man [or woman]? So [or 'the same is true'] of other things.
"(3) God has often some better thing in store for us than would be the immediate answer to our prayer Who can doubt that this was true of [the apostle] Paul? The promised grace of Christ as sufficient to support us is of more value than would be the mere removal of any bodily affliction.
"(4) It would not be well for us, probably, should our petition [prayer] be literally [exactly] answered. Who can tell what is best for himself? If the thing were obtained, who can tell how soon we might forget the benefactor [the person granting the request] and become proud and self-confident? It was the design [intention] of God to humble Paul; and this could be much better accomplished by continuing his affliction and by imparting the promised grace, than by withdrawing the affliction and withholding the grace. The very thing to be done was to keep him [Paul] humble; and this affliction could not be withdrawn without also foregoing [giving up] the benefit. It is true, also, that where things are in themselves proper to be asked, Christians sometimes ask them in an improper manner [or 'unsuitable way'], and this is one of the reasons why many of their prayers are not answered. But this does not pertain to the case before us [referring to Paul's 'thorn in the flesh']."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/2-corinthians-12.html, "Verses 7-9")
MAY 26
1 John 3:16, John 15:13
The apostle John wrote this to born-again Christians:
1 John 3:16: "Hereby [or 'by this,' or 'from what I (John) am about to say,' or 'for the following reason'] perceive we [or 'we know or understand'] [how great and wonderful is] the love of God, because he [Jesus Christ, the Son of God (or "God the Son") and Messiah, who came to earth in human form] laid down [or 'gave'] his life [meaning he died] for us [i.e., for everyone--not only Christians, to whom John was writing his letter, but all people]: and [consequently, following his (Jesus') example, if it ever becomes necessary,] we [Christians] ought to [or 'should'] [be willing to] lay down our lives for the brethren [referring to relatives, friends, or (especially, in this case) other Christians]."
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Jesus proved how much he loves us by willingly dying on the cross to pay for our sins.This is explained in detail by Michael Houdmann, founder and CEO of Got Questions Ministries, in his blog article entitled "Did God sacrifice Himself to Himself to save us from Himself?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.blog/did-God-sacrifice-Himself.html.
* * * * *
Note: Another Bible verse that is similar to today's verse (1 John 3:16) is John 15:13, in which Jesus says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."____________________
"Why is there no greater love than to lay down your life (John 15:13)?" is answered by GotQuestions.org in the article by the same name. To read it, click this link: https://www.gotquestions.org/greater-love-lay-down-life.html.
* * * * *
TODAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
(An American Holiday)
The Lord Jesus Christ proved how much
he loved everyone in the world by agreeing
to die on the cross and pay our sin debt so
we could have eternal life.
Members of the U.S. armed forces
can't save anyone from sin, but many of them
have followed Jesus' example and given their lives
in defense of our country. The last Monday of May
each year has been set aside by the United States
government as a time to remember and honor
those wonderful people, and that's what
many Americans are doing today.
Note: Read this article for more information on Memorial Day:
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history
MAY 25(An American Holiday)
The Lord Jesus Christ proved how much
he loved everyone in the world by agreeing
to die on the cross and pay our sin debt so
we could have eternal life.
Members of the U.S. armed forces
can't save anyone from sin, but many of them
have followed Jesus' example and given their lives
in defense of our country. The last Monday of May
each year has been set aside by the United States
government as a time to remember and honor
those wonderful people, and that's what
many Americans are doing today.
Note: Read this article for more information on Memorial Day:
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history
2 Timothy 4:2,3,4
Preaching and Teaching God's Word
The following advice from the apostle Paul to Timothy (an evangelist, or minister of the gospel) also applies to all Christians:
2 Timothy 4:2: "Preach the word [of God, referring to the gospel of Jesus Christ]; be instant in season, out of season [i.e., be ready to 'preach the gospel' at all times, which means take every opportunity to tell others how to be saved, whether the situation makes it an easy or hard thing to do so]; reprove [gently correct errors in religious beliefs], rebuke [warn others of the dangers and consequences of sin], [and] exhort [urge or encourage people to obey God's word] with all longsuffering [patience] and doctrine [teaching, instruction]."
2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time will come when they [many people] will not endure [withstand, put up with] sound doctrine [biblical truth]; but after their own lusts [desires] shall they heap [gather] to themselves [many] [false] teachers, having itching ears [or 'because they're uncomfortable with the truth']; And they shall turn away their ears from [hearing] the truth, and shall be turned [aside] unto [believing] fables [made-up stories]."
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It's important to preach and teach from the written word of God (i.e., the Bible), but as time goes on, it will become harder and harder to faithfully do so because, according to 2 Timothy 4:3-4 above, the time will come when many people, who may have been receptive to the gospel message in the past, will reject godly pastors (those who preach truth from the Bible) and instead will seek preachers and teachers more to their liking (such as false teachers), who "tickle their ears" (tell them what they want to hear and are comfortable to be around), corrupt the plan of salvation, don't preach about sin, etc.* * * * *
Here are some GotQuestions.org articles about today's verses:-- "What does it mean to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/preach-the-Word.html)
-- "What does it mean to be ready in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/be-ready-in-season-and-out-of-season.html)
-- "What does 2 Timothy 4:3 mean by itching ears?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/itching-ears.html)
-- "What does it mean that people will not endure sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/not-endure-sound-doctrine.html)
MAY 24
Psalm 30:4,5
Psalm 30:4-5: "Sing unto the LORD [God], O ye saints of his [or 'you born-again Christians'--see note below*], and give thanks at the remembrance of his [God's] holiness [compassion, goodness, kindness, mercy]. For [because] his anger endureth [endures, lasts] but a moment [or 'only for a short time']; in his [God's] favour [favor, acceptance, preferential treatment] is life [both physical life (on earth) and eternal life (in heaven)]: weeping [crying, due to sorrow or grief] may endure for a night [or 'is only temporary'], but joy cometh [comes] in the morning [which means that, for Christians, sadness will soon give way to, or be followed or replaced by, happiness]."
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*For the biblical definition of saints, read the following article: "What are Christian saints according to the Bible?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html.* * * * *
The article entitled "What does it mean that joy comes in the morning?" refers to today's verse. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/joy-comes-in-the-morning.html.MAY 23
Matthew 26:41
The Importance of Prayer
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said this to his disciples, Peter, James, and John, who went there with him and fell asleep while he prayed to God concerning his upcoming crucifixion:
Matthew 26:41: "Watch [be on your guard] and pray [to God], that ye [you] enter not into temptation [or 'that you won't yield to or be overcome by temptation to sin'; in this case, referring to future events, as when Peter will lie three times by denying (refusing to admit) that he knows Jesus]: the spirit [meaning 'the human mind and heart'] indeed [truly] is willing [to bear the trials, or tests, of a person's faith], but the flesh [meaning 'human nature'] is weak."
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Jesus' advice to his disciples also applies to us.* * * * *
"What does it mean that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak?" is answered by GotQuestions.org in the article by the same name. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/spirit-willing-flesh-weak.html.MAY 22
Matthew 7:24,25,26,27
Build Your House Upon a Firm Foundation (i.e., the "Spiritual Rock," the Lord Jesus Christ)
Near the end of his Sermon on the Mount [see note below*], Jesus said:
Matthew 7:24,25: "Therefore whosoever [whoever] heareth [or 'hears,' as through preaching] these sayings of mine [Jesus was referring to everything that he taught during his time on earth, not only what was preached during his Sermon on the Mount], and doeth [does] them [Jesus was referring to the person who obeys his words, or does what he says], I [Jesus] will liken [compare] him [or her] unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended [came down from the sky], and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it [the house] fell not [or 'did not fall down,' or collapse]: for it was founded [built] upon a rock."
Matthew 7:26,27: "And every one that heareth these sayings of mine [i.e., the words of Christ], and doeth them not [or 'does not obey my words, or do what I (Jesus) say'], shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it [the house] fell [down]: and great was the fall [downfall, destruction, ruin] of it."
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Jesus taught that there are consequences to our actions. In the above verses, we learn that wise people read and obey the Bible; foolish people do not.* * * * *
GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the question, "What does it mean that the wise man built his house upon a rock?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/wise-man-built-house-rock.html.* * * * *
*Regarding Jesus' Sermon on the Mount:-- The Bible story about the Sermon on the Mount is recorded in the book of Matthew, Chapters 5-7, which can be found here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205-7&version=KJV.
-- "What is the Sermon on the Mount" provides a summary of the topics that were covered in Jesus' sermon. If you want to read the article, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/sermon-on-the-mount.html.
MAY 21
Isaiah 55:10,11
The Gospel is Never Preached in Vain (i.e., Without Success or Results)
Speaking through his prophet Isaiah, God said:
Isaiah 55:10: "For as the rain cometh [comes] down [from heaven, referring to the clouds in the sky], and the snow [also comes down] from heaven, and returneth not thither [or 'do not return there,' meaning the rain and snow don't go back up to heaven in the same form as they came down], but [they--the rain and snow] watereth [water] the earth [i.e., the soil], and maketh [make] it bring forth [or produce] [plants and flowers] and [cause them to] bud [sprout, germinate], [so] that it [the moisture that the rain and snow provide] may give seed to the sower [the person who plants the seeds], and [provide] bread to the eater [or 'food for animals and people']:"
Isaiah 55:11: "So [likewise, or in a similar manner] shall my [God's] word be that goeth [goes] forth out of my mouth [referring to the gospel and truth, as revealed in the Bible]: it [my word] shall not return unto me [God] void [empty, without results], but it shall accomplish that which I [God] please [take pleasure in, intend], and it [my word, as recorded in the Bible] shall prosper [succeed, thrive, flourish] in the thing [purpose] whereto [to which] I [God] sent it."
_______________
God has a plan for everything.* * * * *
Concluding (ending) his comments on Isaiah 55:11, Albert Barnes wrote:"… This proves:
"1. That God has a design [or plan] in giving his Word to people. He has as distinct [definite] an intention in his Word as he has in sending down rain upon the earth.
"2. That whatever is his design in giving the gospel, it shall be accomplished. It is never spoken in vain, and never fails to produce the effect [result] which he [God] intends. The gospel is no more preached in vain than the rain falls in vain. And though that often falls on barren rocks [i.e., rocks with nothing growing on them], or on arid sands [referring to sandy soil, as found in the desert]; on extended plains where no vegetation is [or 'plants are'] produced, or in the wilderness 'where no man is,' and seems to our eyes in vain, yet it is not so. God has a design in each drop [of rain] that falls on sands or rocks, as really as in the copious [abundant] [rain] shower that falls on fertile [fruitful, high-yielding] fields. And so the gospel often falls on the hard and barren [unproductive, unyielding] hearts of men. It is addressed to the proud, the sensual [pleasure-seeking], the avaricious [greedy], and the unbelieving [people], and seems to be spoken in vain, and to return void unto God. But it is not so. He [God] has some design in it, and that will be accomplished. It is proof of the fullness of his mercy. It [the gospel] leaves people without excuse, and justifies himself [or 'God']. Or when long presented - apparently long in vain - it [the gospel] ultimately [finally] becomes successful, and sinners are at last brought to abandon [forsake, give up] their sins, and to turn unto God. It [the gospel] is indeed often rejected [refused, dismissed] and despised [hated]. It falls on the ears of people apparently as the rain falls on the hard rock, and there are, so to speak, large fields where the gospel is preached as barren [unproductive] and unfruitful of any spiritual good as the extended desert is of vegetation, and the gospel seems to be preached to almost entire communities with as little effect as is produced when the rains fall on the deserts of Arabia [i.e., the Arabian Peninsula, which includes the countries of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and parts of Jordan and Iraq], or of Africa. But there will be better and happier times. Though the gospel may not now produce all the good effects which we may desire, yet it will be ultimately successful to the full wish of the widest benevolence [kindness], and the whole world shall be filled with the knowledge and the love of God."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/isaiah-55.html, "Verse 11")
* * * * *
The GotQuestions.org article relating to today's verses is entitled "What does it mean that the Word of God will not return void (Isaiah 55:11)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/not-return-void.html.MAY 18-20
John 8:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
Story of the Woman "Taken in Adultery" (A Lesson for Hypocrites)
John 8:1-2: "Jesus went unto the mount of Olives [i.e., a mountain ridge near the city of Jerusalem]. And early in the morning [or 'at dawn the next day,'] he came again into the temple [in Jerusalem], and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them."
John 8:3-4: "And the scribes and Pharisees [see Note 1 below] brought unto him a woman taken in [or 'caught in the act of'] adultery; and when they had set her [down] in the midst [middle] [of them--the group of scribes and Pharisees], They say [or 'said] unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act."
John 8:5: "Now Moses in the law [in Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22] commanded us, that such [a person] should be stoned [actually, the verses say that the adulterer (the man) and adulteress (the woman) shall both be 'put to death' or 'die,' not 'be stoned']: but what sayest thou [or 'what do you say']?
John 8:6: "This they [the scribes and Pharisees] said [to Jesus], tempting him [to sin, and fall into their trap; i.e., they wanted him to choose between setting the woman free, thus contradicting the law of Moses, and sentencing her to death, which was the responsibility of the Roman government], [so] that they might have [a reason] to accuse him [of wrongdoing]. But Jesus stooped [bent] down, and with his finger wrote on the ground [see Note 2 below], as though he heard them not [or 'didn't hear them']."
John 8:7-8: "So when they continued asking him [the same question], he lifted up himself [meaning he stood up], and said unto them [the scribes and Pharisees], He that is without sin among you [probably, in this case, Jesus was referring specifically to the sins of adultery and fornication], let him [be the] first [one to] cast [throw] a stone at her [see Note 3 below]. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground."
John 8:9: "And they which heard it [i.e., what Jesus said] [referring to the scribes and Pharisees who had accused the woman of adultery], being convicted [convinced] by their own conscience [that they were also guilty of sin], went out [of the temple] one by one [or 'one after another'], beginning at the eldest [the oldest (or perhaps most reputable) man, meaning the one with the highest office or best reputation], [and continuing] even unto the last [one, meaning the youngest, or lowest ranking, man]: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman [was also left] standing in the midst [of the temple]."
John 8:10: "When Jesus had lifted up himself [from the ground, or stood up], and saw none [of the scribes and Pharisees] but [only] the woman [because all of her accusers had left], he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine [your] accusers? hath [has] no man condemned thee [or 'judged you worthy of death']?"
John 8:11: "She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee [you] [or 'Neither do I consider you worthy of death']: go [your way, or go home], and sin no more [see Note 4 below]."
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According to Albert Barnes:"… This passage [of scripture, referring to the above story] … teaches us:
"1.That Jesus claimed no civil authority [or 'no authority to enforce law and order'].
"2.That he [Jesus] regarded the action of which they accused her [i.e., adultery] as sin.
"3.That he [Jesus] knew the hearts and lives of men [referring to their thoughts and actions].
"4.That men are often very zealous [intense, passionate, pushy] in accusing others of that of which they themselves are guilty. And,
"5.That Jesus was endowed with [or 'possessed'] wonderful wisdom in meeting the devices [tricks] of his enemies, and eluding [evading] their deep-laid plans to involve him in ruin …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/john-8.html, "Verse 11")
* * * * *
NOTE 1:For more information about the scribes and Pharisees, read the following articles:
-- "Who were the scribes that often argued with Jesus?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/scribes-Jesus.html)
-- "Who were the Pharisees?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Pharisees.html)
* * * * *
NOTE 2:Like one of the visitors to the GotQuestions.org website, you may be wondering, "What was Jesus writing in the dirt/sand when the Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery?" Their answer can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-writing-dirt.html.
* * * * *
NOTE 3:Regarding casting stones, Albert Barnes wrote:
"Let him first cast a stone at her - In the punishment by death, one of the witnesses threw the culprit [guilty person] from the scaffold [raised wooden platform], and the other [witness] threw the first stone, or rolled down a stone to crush him [or her--the culprit]. See Deuteronomy 17:6, 7. This was in order that the witness might feel his responsibility in giving evidence, as he was also to be the executioner. Jesus therefore put them [the scribes and Pharisees] to the test. Without pronouncing [or expressing an opinion or making a judgment] on her [the adulteress's] case, he [Jesus] directed them [the scribes and Pharisees], if any of them were innocent, to perform the office of executioner. This was said, evidently, well knowing their guilt, and well knowing that no one would dare to do it [throw the stone]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/john-8.html, "Verse 7")
* * * * *
NOTE 4:For the answer to the question "Why did Jesus tell people to 'go and sin no m ore' if sinlessness is impossible?" click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/go-and-sin-no-more.html.
MAY 17
Psalm 55:22
Speaking from experience, King David wrote:
Psalm 55:22: "Cast [forcefully throw--see note below*] thy [your] burden [heavy load; i.e., things you have to do, your cares and worries, etc.] upon the LORD, and he shall sustain [strengthen, comfort, help] thee [you]: he [God] shall never suffer [allow] the righteous [people, referring to born-again Christians, who have the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ--see note below**] to be moved [shaken, utterly cast down]."
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*"The Biblical Illustrator" contains a good example of the meaning of the word casting. Under the heading "Our burden-bearer," after a brief introduction to his explanation of today's verse, one commentator wrote:"… Now, our text [Psalm 55:22] teaches--
"I. That the Lord is within my reach. He is near me, I am to cast my burden upon Him. Now, this is just what we don't do. We kneel, and sigh, and pray about our burden, that we may cast it on the Lord, but we don't do it. We look up and sigh, and resolve [decide] that we will [cast our burden upon the Lord], but nothing comes of it. Some years ago I was staying in a Swiss city, and from the windows of my hotel I looked out on the bridge that crossed the Rhine [River]. At the middle of the bridge there was a tiny wayside chapel [a small place of worship that was next to the road], and as the peasants went to market they set the heavy basket down on the steps [of the chapel] while they turned in [or 'went inside'] to pray. Then they came out and took up their burdens again. That is how many people do with their troubles--they pray about them, and then pick them up again. What folly [foolishness] it is to call that casting! On the other side of the parapet [a protective wall along the edge of a bridge, roof, balcony, etc.] there swept the swift current [referring to the fast-moving flow of water] of the Rhine. Now, if one should take up the load with both hands, and swing it with all his might over the side [of the parapet], and then let it go whirling through space until it splashed into the waters, and went, swept away for ever--that is casting. …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/tbi/psalms-55.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "Verse 22," "Our burden-bearer")
* * * * *
**Meaning of imputed righteousness, according to the "AI Overview" on Google:-- "Imputed righteousness, a key concept [i.e., a main idea or principle] in Christian theology [or 'in Christian belief and practice'], refers to the idea that God considers believers [i.e., born-again Christians] to be righteous not because of their own inherent [innate, inborn (existing from birth), natural] righteousness, but because the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited [applied, given] to them through faith. This means that God sees believers as if they had perfectly obeyed God's law, even though they haven't lived perfectly [or lived a perfect life] themselves."
In other words, our sins were given (imputed) to Jesus while he was hanging on the cross, and when we are born again, his righteousness is given to us.
____________________
Imputed sin means that we're all sinners due to Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, and imputed righteousness means that Christians are righteous in God's eyes due to Jesus' death on the cross to pay for our sins.
To help us fully understand the meaning of both of those terms, GotQuestions.org wrote the following articles:
-- "What is imputed sin?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/imputed-sin.html)
-- "Why does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/imputed-righteousness.html)
* * * * *
Here's a GotQuestions.org about Psalm 55:22: "How can I turn all my worries and problems over to God?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/turn-over-to-God.html.MAY 16
Proverbs 16:24: "Pleasant [kind, thoughtful, helpful, encouraging] words are as [desirable as] an honeycomb, [because they are] sweet to the soul [meaning they can bring comfort and joy to the mind], and [they can also be] health to the bones [or healing to the body]."
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Hopefully, pleasant words can be heard in our daily conversations with others. They can and will … if and when we properly apply the wisdom that we obtain from hearing and reading God's word (the Bible).* * * * *
Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on the above verse. Regarding pleasant words being sweet to the soul, it says:"3e. Pleasant words can come in all different kinds of packages.
"3f. They could be words of advice, correction, instruction, warning, comfort, challenge, [or to] help us refocus [i.e., focus on something different].
"3g. But for the most part, the pleasant words would refer to gracious, kind, thoughtful words of encouragement."
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In addition, pleasant words can be health to the bones because:
"3c. Kind, gentle words can soothe [calm] the mind, and actually help make a person feel better… by lifting up his heart."
"5b. When the heart is healthy, that has a curative [healing] effect on the rest of the person."
____________________
If you want to read the commentary, click on https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs/, then scroll down to "16:24."
* * * * *
The GotQuestions.org article relating to today's verse is entitled "How are pleasant words like a honeycomb (Proverbs 16:24)?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/pleasant-words-like-honeycomb.html.MAY 15
Psalm 119:18
This was a prayer to God, probably from King David:
Psalm 119:18: "Open thou [or 'Lord, please open'] mine eyes [my spiritual eyes], [so] that I may behold [read and understand] wondrous things out of thy [your] law [referring to the wonderful, delightful, marvelous things that are written in the Bible, such as those listed in Mr. Guthrie's commentary--see note below*]."
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*In commenting on spiritual blindness, T. Guthrie (in Speaking to the Heart) wrote:"… III. The eyes of the [spiritually] blind [people] being opened, they behold [see] wondrous things out of the law of God. Open a [physically] blind man's eyes. With what amazement, happiness, overflowing joy, will he gaze [look steadily and intently at], nor [will he] tire [or 'get tired of'] gazing, on all [or 'everything'] above and around him, from the sun blazing [burning brightly] in heaven to the tiniest flower that springs [up] in beauty at his feet! And let God open a sinner's [spiritual] eyes [through salvation (i.e., when that person gets saved, or born again)] [and], the Bible will seem to him [like] a new book, and he [will] seem to himself [to be] a new creature. He will see his heart, and [will] wonder at its wickedness. He will see [Jesus Christ,] the Saviour [Savior], and [will] wonder [or 'be amazed'] at His [Jesus'] love. He will see how God has spared him [the saved sinner] [from punishment in hell], and [will] wonder at His [God's] longsuffering [or 'patience']. He will see salvation as the one thing needful [necessary], and [will] wonder [how] he could have taken a night's rest, [and] ventured [dared] to close his eyes in sleep, till [until] he had found peace with God …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/sbc/psalms-119.html, "Sermon Bible Commentary," "Verse 18")
MAY 14
Romans 3:28
In a letter to the Christians in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote:
Romans 3:28: "Therefore [referring to what Paul said in the preceding verses (i.e., that we are all sinners and can't save ourselves)] we conclude [or 'come to the conclusion'] that a man [or woman or child] is justified [declared righteous in God's sight, or saved] by faith [in the Lord Jesus Christ; i.e., by believing that Jesus died on the cross to pay for all of our sins and by receiving him as his (or her) personal Savior--see note below*] without the deeds of the law [of Moses, referring to God's moral law, which means that we're saved by faith alone, not by doing good works or obeying the Ten Commandments--see note below**]."
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It goes without saying that everyone, especially Christians, should always obey the law and do good deeds. However, the point of the above verse is that we can only be saved (born again) through faith (i.e., by believing that Jesus shed (poured out) his blood on the cross to pay for our sins and by trusting him as Savior), not by doing good things. Paul confirms this fact, and tells us why it's true, in the following verses:-- Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it [salvation] is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
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According to the Bible, it's easy to be 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.
You only need to do that once, and you're saved forever.
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Please note: If you need or want detailed explanations of the plan of salvation, they can be found in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
* * * * *
*The terms justification by faith and personal Savior are explained very well in the following articles:-- "Why is justification by faith such an important doctrine?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/justification-by-faith.html)
-- "What does it mean to accept Jesus as your personal Savior?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/personal-Savior.html)
* * * * *
**Click here (https://www.gotquestions.org/works-of-the-law.html) for GotQuestion.org's answer to the following question: "What are the works of the law (Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16)?"MAY 13
Hebrews 13:2: "Be not forgetful [meaning 'remember' or 'don't forget'] to entertain [be hospitable to] strangers: for [because] thereby [or 'by doing so,' or 'by entertaining strangers,'] some [people, like Abraham and Lot in the Old Testament--see note below*] have entertained angels [messengers from God] unawares [unknowingly, by surprise]."
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The above verse reminds us that, as Christians, we should always be hospitable (friendly and welcoming) to visitors, whether they are strangers or guests.* * * * *
*As mentioned above, Abraham and Lot were visited by angels (one of whom was the LORD (Yahweh) before God destroyed the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.-- The Bible story about Abraham and Lot being visited by angels is recorded in Genesis 18 and 19. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2018-19&version=KJV.
-- "Who were the three men who visited Abraham in Genesis 18?" is answered by the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/three-men-Genesis-18.html.
* * * * *
GotQuestions.org has several articles about angels. Here are the links for three of them:-- "What does it mean that we should entertain strangers because we might entertain angels (Hebrews 13:2)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/entertain-angels.html)
-- "Do angels appear to people today?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/angels-appear.html)
-- "Are there angels among us?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/angels-among-us.html)
MAY 11-12
Genesis 3:20: "And Adam [the first person on earth, who was created by God] called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living [beings, or all people]."
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Eve's background is summarized in the following article: "Who was Eve in the Bible?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Eve-in-the-Bible.html.* * * * *
Here are two more articles about mothers:-- "Should Christians celebrate Mother's Day?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Mothers-Day.html)
-- "What does the Bible say about Christian mothers?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/mothers-Christian.html)
* * * * *
Note: In the United States,
Mother's Day is celebrated on
May 11th this year, so I'd like to say
this to all of the mothers around the world:
Thank you, moms, for all that you do.
You are loved and appreciated.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
MAY 10Mother's Day is celebrated on
May 11th this year, so I'd like to say
this to all of the mothers around the world:
Thank you, moms, for all that you do.
You are loved and appreciated.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Luke 6:43,44
A Person's Character and Conduct (Behavior) Go Together
This event occurred while Jesus was preaching his Sermon on the Plain (see note below*). Comparing people to trees, and their words and actions to fruit, Jesus said:
Luke 6:43-44: "For [because] a good tree bringeth not forth [does not bring forth or produce] corrupt [bad, rotten] fruit; neither doth [does] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his [its] own fruit. For of [from] thorns[,] men [people] do not gather figs, nor of [from] a bramble bush [a rough, tangled, prickly shrub that grows blackberries and raspberries] gather they [do they gather] grapes."
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By listening to what we say and watching what we do, others can usually tell what kind of people we are.* * * * *
*The question "What is the Sermon on the Plain?" 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/Sermon-on-the-Plain.html.MAY 7-9
Genesis 16:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
Story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael
Genesis 16:1: "Now Sarai [Sarah] Abram's [Abraham's] wife bare [brought forth for] him [Abram] no children [in other words, Sarai was childless]: and she had an handmaid [a servant], an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar."
Genesis 16:2: "And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD [God] hath [has] restrained [kept, prevented] me from bearing [children, or becoming pregnant]: I pray thee [or 'I ask you,' or 'please'], go in unto my maid [Hagar]; it may be that I [Sarai] may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened [listened] to the voice of Sarai."
Genesis 16:3,4: "And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt [lived] ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her [Hagar] to her husband Abram to be his wife. And he [Abram] went in unto Hagar [and had sex with her], and she conceived [got pregnant]: and when she [Hagar] saw [realized] that she had conceived, her mistress [Sarai] was despised in her eyes [which means that Hagar hated Sarai]."
Genesis 16:5: "And [blaming Abram for her problems,] Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee [or 'It's all your fault']: I have given my maid [Hagar] into thy [your] bosom [or 'to you, Abram--for marriage and sex']; and when she [Hagar] saw that she had conceived, I [Sarai] was despised in her eyes [or 'I was heated by her']: the LORD judge between me [Sarai] and thee [you, Abram]."
Genesis 16:6: "But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, [the fate of (or what will happen to)] thy maid [Hagar] is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee [or 'as it pleases you']. And when Sarai dealt hardly [harshly, cruelly, unkindly] with her [maid, Hagar], she [Hagar] fled from her [Sarai's] face [or 'Hagar ran away from home']."
Genesis 16:7: "And the angel of the LORD [probably referring to an appearance of God in human form--see note below*] found her [Hagar] by a fountain of water in the wilderness [the uninhabited land between Egypt and Canaan], by the fountain in [on] the way to Shur."
Genesis 16:8-9: "And he [the angel] said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou [or 'where did you come from']? and whither wilt thou go [or 'where will you go']? And she [Hagar] said, I flee [or 'I am running away'] from the face [presence] of my mistress Sarai. And the angel of the LORD said unto her [Hagar], Return to thy mistress [Sarai], and submit thyself [yourself] under her hands [which meant, 'humble yourself, and serve and obey her]."
Genesis 16:10: "And the angel of the LORD said unto her [Hagar], I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, [so] that it shall not be numbered for multitude [which meant that Hagar would have such a large number of offspring, or descendants, that they couldn't be counted]."
Genesis 16:11: "And the angel of the LORD said unto her [Hagar], Behold, thou art with child [you are pregnant], and shalt [shall] bear [give birth to] a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD [God] hath [has] heard [about] thy affliction [or 'your pain and suffering']."
Genesis 16:12: "And he [Ishmael] will be a wild man [i.e., fierce, untamed (uncontrollable), violent]; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand [will be] against him [in other words, Ishmael's descendants will always be at war with other people]; and he [Ishmael] shall dwell [live] [in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East, especially during Bible times] in the presence of [or around or near] all [of] his brethren [relatives]."
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This story shows that there are consequences to our actions, and sometimes, in the long run, as they did for Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and the Jewish people, they turn out to be bad for us and others, especially when we leave God out of the decision-making process.* * * * *
*"Who is the angel of the Lord?" is answered in the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/angel-of-the-Lord.html.* * * * *
GotQuestions.org has written additional articles relating to the above story. They are as follows:-- "What is the story of Sarah and Hagar?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Sarah-Hagar.html)
-- "Who was Hagar in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Hagar-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "Who are the descendants of Ishmael?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/descendants-of-Ishmael.html)
MAY 6
Matthew 4:17,18,19,20
Becoming "Fishers of Men" (Soul Winners)
Following his baptism in the Jordan River, Jesus went into the wilderness of Judea (a desert) and fasted (ate no food) for 40 days and 40 nights before being tempted three times by the devil, or Satan. Then he returned to Galilee and heard that John the Baptist had been cast (thrown) into prison.
Matthew 4:17: "From that time [i.e., after he was tempted by Satan and learned that John the Baptist was in prison] Jesus began to preach [to the people], and to say, Repent [change your mind about sin, and turn toward God (i.e., agree with God says about sin, and have a desire to please him)]: for [because] the kingdom of heaven [referring to the reign (or rule) of God] is at hand [which means it is near, approaching, or coming soon]."
Matthew 4:18: "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren [brothers], Simon [who was also] called Peter, and Andrew his brother [both of whom had previously been disciples (followers) of John the Baptist], casting a net into the sea [in order to catch fish]: for they were fishers [or 'fishermen']."
Matthew 4:19: "And he [Jesus] saith [said] unto them [Peter and Andrew], Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men [referring to people's souls; in other words, he promised to teach the brothers how to preach the gospel and become soul winners]."
Matthew 4:20: "And they [Peter and Andrew] straightway [immediately] left their nets [behind], and followed him [Jesus] [meaning they became his disciples]."
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Like Peter and Andrew, if we want to become soul winners, we need to follow (trust and obey) the Lord Jesus Christ.____________________
Note: If you're unsure of what it means to follow Jesus, the article entitled "What does it mean to truly follow Christ?" may help. Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/follow-Christ.html.
* * * * *
Here are some GotQuestions.org articles that relate to today's verses:--"Why did John the Baptist proclaim, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/repent-for-the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-at-hand.html)
-- "How to repent--what does the Bible say?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/how-to-repent.html)
-- "What does it mean to be 'fishers of men'?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/fishers-of-men.html)
-- "How can I become more motivated for soul winning?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/soul-winning.html)
-- "How can I gain a passion for winning souls?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/winning-souls.html)
MAY 4-5
Philippians 4:11
Christian Contentment: The Secret of Happiness
In a letter to the saints (born-again Christians) at Philippi, after thanking them for their kindness in sending him a gift while he was a prisoner in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote:
Philippians 4:11: "Not that I [Paul] speak in respect of want [by which he meant 'I'm not talking about things that I may want or need']: for I have learned [from God and through experience], in whatsoever state I am [or 'wherever I am or whatever condition I'm in'], therewith to be content [or 'that I should be satisfied (at peace) with it']."
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Paul is a good example for us to follow. Even though he was locked up in prison (for preaching the gospel), he didn't complain about his circumstances, and when we're in an unpleasant place or situation and things aren't going as well as we'd like them to go, we shouldn't complain either.* * * * *
Regarding Christian contentment, one Bible commentator wrote:"… II. What are the ingredients of Christian contentment, and what are the ruling considerations which should make a Christian happy and thankful to be what he [or she] is? (1) The first motive, common in a large measure [or 'to a great extent'] to St. Paul [the apostle] and to the wiser heathen [non-Jewish person], is that nothing earthly [or 'nothing that's happening on earth'] either lasts or satisfies. Why not acquiesce in [accept] whatever befalls [happens to] us when all is relatively unimportant, relatively insignificant? (2) The second motive [reason] for cherishing [appreciating] a contented spirit is confidence in the wise and loving providence [protective care] of God. We each are placed where we are. God is too 'wise not to know all about us and not to know what it is best for us to be and to have; and God is too good not to desire our highest good, and too powerful if He desires not to effect it [or make it happen]. Our true course is to remember that He [God] sees further [in the future] than we do, and that we shall understand Him in time when His plans have unfolded themselves [or been revealed]. (3) The third motive is that a Christian in a state of grace already possesses God: [In John 14:23, Jesus said:] 'If any man love Me [Jesus], My Father [in heaven] will love him, and we will come unto him and make our abode [home] with him [i.e., in his heart].' Surely, if these Divine words [i.e., words from God] are real to us, we must know that nothing that is finite [having limits or boundaries] can be needed to supplement this our firm hold upon the infinite [limitless], [and] that no created thing [or person] can add to what we have in possessing the Creator [which is what happens when we ask Jesus to come into our hearts and save us from hell]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/sbc/philippians-4.html, "Sermon Bible Commentary," "Verse 11")
* * * * *
The GotQuestions.org article that relates to today's verse is entitled "What does it mean to be content (Philippians 4:11)?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/to-be-content.html.MAY 3
Psalm 145:18,19
King David wrote:
Psalm 145:18-19: "The LORD is nigh [near] unto all them that call upon him [in prayer, for salvation and help], to all [people] that call upon him in truth [or sincerely]. He [God] will fulfil the desire [of their heart, meaning he will give people what they need or want] [by answering the prayers] of them that fear him [referring to born-again Christians who love, serve, and obey him]: he [God] also will hear their cry [for help], and will save them [from danger here on earth, and from hell when they die]."
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Although these articles mention other verses in the Bible, they are also applicable to today's verses:-- "What does it mean that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/draw-near-to-God.html)
-- "What does it mean that God will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/He-will-give-you-the-desires-of-your-heart.html)
* * * * *
I've stated this a few times before, but I'm repeating it here as a reminder:According to the Bible, these are some of the requirements for answered prayer. You must:
-- Be born again, or saved (per John 9:31)
-- Obey God's commandments and do things that are pleasing in God's sight (per 1 John 3:22).
-- Not have unconfessed sins in your life (per 1 John 1:9).
-- Pray to God in faith (per James 1:6-7).
-- Pray in accordance with God's will (per 1 John 5:14-15).
-- Pray "in Jesus' name" (per John 14:13-14).
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GotQuestions.org has an article entitled "Are there any conditions to answered prayer?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-conditions.html.
MAY 2
Matthew 10:32,33
Being a "secret Christian" is not okay, because Jesus said:
Matthew 10:32-33: "Whosoever [whoever] therefore shall confess [acknowledge] me [Jesus] before men [human beings, people--or publicly] [in other words, whoever is not ashamed to tell others that he (or she) is saved, or born again], him [or her] will I confess [acknowledge] also before my Father [God] which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny [refuse to acknowledge] me [Jesus] before men [publicly], him [or her] will I also deny [refuse to acknowledge] before my Father [God] which is in heaven."
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"Secret Christians" are discussed in the GotQuestions.org article entitled "Is it wrong to be a Christian secretly in order to preserve your own life?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/secret-Christian.html.* * * * *
Note: If you want to become a born-again Christian but don't know what to do, please read one or more of the gospel tracts on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.MAY 1
Psalm 11:5: "The LORD trieth [tries] the righteous [people, which means that God puts Christians through trials to prove their sincerity, love, and faithfulness to him]: but the wicked [i.e., morally bad or evil people] and him [or her] that loveth [loves] violence[,] his soul [or 'God'] hateth [hates]."
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When Christians go through difficult times, it is usually meant to test their faith, but God also uses various types of hardship to punish and destroy wicked and violent people.* * * * *
GotQuestions.org wrote an article to answer the question "Does God hate?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/does-God-hate.html.
