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.

SEPTEMBER 28-30
Acts 26:19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

The Danger of Procrastination: "Almost Persuaded" = No Salvation

In these verses, the apostle Paul appears before King Agrippa after being arrested:

Acts 26:19,20 [After telling the story of his conversion (salvation), which occurred when Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and told him to become a minister and preach the gospel, Paul (formerly known as Saul) said]: "Whereupon [i.e., after that happened], O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But [I] shewed [showed, explained] first unto them [the Jews] of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles [non-Jews], that they should repent [change their way of thinking and acknowledge the truth about sin and salvation] and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance [or 'do things that prove they have repented and are saved']."

Acts 26:21,22,23: "For these causes [reasons (i.e., because Paul had told the people to repent, turn to God, and do works meet for repentance] the Jews caught [captured] me [Paul] in the temple, and went about [attempted, tried] to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of [from] God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to [those who are] small and great [meaning everyone--young and old, rich and poor, etc.], saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say [prophesy] [in the Old Testament] should come [to pass, or take place--i.e.,]: That [Jesus] Christ [the Messiah] should suffer, and that he should be the first [person] that [who] should rise from the dead [to die no more], and should shew [show] [spiritual] light [or 'bring the message of salvation'] unto the [Jewish] people, and to the Gentiles."

Acts 26:24,25,26: "And as he [Paul] thus spake for [or 'defended'] himself, Festus [the Roman governor] said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself [meaning 'you are not in your right mind']; much learning doth [does] make thee [you] mad [mentally ill, insane]. But he [Paul] said, I am not mad [crazy--see Note 1 below], most noble Festus; but [I] speak forth the words of truth and soberness [soundness of mind]. For [because] the king [Agrippa] knoweth [knows] of these things, before whom [referring to the king] also I speak freely [openly, boldly]: for I am persuaded [convinced] that none of these things are hidden from him [the king]; for this thing [Paul's conversion to Christianity] was not done in a corner [or 'in a secret place']."

Acts 26:27,28,29: "King Agrippa, believest thou [do you believe] the prophets [referring to their prophecies respecting the character, sufferings, and death of the Messiah]? I know that thou believest [them--see Note 2 below]. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest [or 'you have almost persuaded'] me to be [become] a Christian [see Note 3 below]. And Paul said, I would [pray] to God, that not only thou [you], but also all that hear me this day, were both almost [Christians], and altogether [were Christians] such as I am [or 'just like me'], except [for] these bonds [physical restraints, like ropes or chains]."

Acts 26:30,31,32: "And when he [Paul] had thus spoken, the king [Agrippa] rose [stood] up, and [so did] the governor [Festus], and [so did] Bernice [the king's sister], and they that sat with them: And when they were gone aside [or 'out of the room'], they talked between themselves, saying, This man [Paul] doeth [does, or has done] nothing worthy of death or of bonds. Then said [King] Agrippa unto Festus, This man [Paul] might have been set at liberty [given his freedom], if he had not appealed unto [Nero] Caesar [the Roman emperor]."
If desired, you can read a summary of the above story along with King Agrippa's background information in the GotQuestions.org article entitled "Who was Herod Agrippa II?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Herod-Agrippa-II.html.

NOTE 1:

In his commentary on Acts 26:25, when talking about how Christians are sometimes viewed as crazy, Albert Barnes said:

"… All people know that if there is an eternity, it is right to prepare for it; if there is a God, it is proper to serve him; if a Saviour died for us, we should love him; if [there is] a hell, we should avoid it; if [there is] a heaven, we should seek it …"
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In Mr. Barnes' opinion:

"… One of the best ways of convicting sinners is to appeal to them just as Paul did to Agrippa …"

(Source for above quotes: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/acts-26.html, "Verse 25")

NOTE 2:

Paul knew that King Agrippa "believed" because, as Albert Barnes explains:

"I know that thou believest - Agrippa was a Jew; and, as such, he of course believed the prophets. Perhaps, too, from what Paul knew of his [King Agrippa's] personal character, he might confidently affirm [state as a fact] that he professed to be a believer. Instead, therefore, of waiting for his answer, Paul anticipated it, and said that he knew that Agrippa professed to believe all these prophecies respecting the Messiah. His design is evident. It is:

"(1) To meet the charge [accusation] of derangement, and to bring in the testimony of Agrippa, who well understood the subject, to the importance and the truth of what he was saying.

"(2) To press on the conscience of his [Paul's] royal hearer [Agrippa] the evidence of the Christian religion, and to secure, if possible, his [Agrippa's] conversion [salvation]. 'Since thou believest the prophecies, and since I have shown that they are fulfilled in [by] Jesus of Nazareth; that he corresponds in person, character, and work, with the prophets, it follows that his religion is true.' Paul lost no opportunity in pressing the truth on every class of people. He had such a conviction of the truth of Christianity that he was deterred [discouraged] by no rank [position, as in the armed forces], station [social standing], or office [job]; by no fear of the rich, the great [important], and the learned [smart] [people]; but everywhere urged the evidence of that religion as indisputable [impossible to doubt or dispute]. In this lay the secret of no small part of his [Paul's] success. A man who really believes the truth will be ready to defend it. A man who truly loves religion will not be ashamed of it anywhere."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/acts-26.html, "Verse 27")

NOTE 3:

Regarding the fact that the Paul had "almost persuaded" King Agrippa to become a Christian, Mr. Barnes writes:

"On this deeply interesting case we may observe:

"(1) That there are many in the same situation as Agrippa- many who are almost, but not altogether, persuaded to be Christians. They are found among:

"I. Those who have been religiously educated;
"A. Those who are convinced by argument of the truth of Christianity;
"B. Those whose consciences are awakened, and who feel their guilt, and the necessity of some better portion than this world can furnish.

"(2) Such persons are deterred [discouraged] from being altogether Christians by the following, among other causes:

"I. By the love of sin - the love of sin in general, or some particular sin which they are not willing to abandon [give up];
"A. By the fear of shame, persecution, or contempt [disrespect, dislike], if they become Christians;
"B. By the temptations of the world - its cares [concerns], vanities [meaningless things], and allurements [fascinating things]- which are often presented most strongly in just this state of mind;
"C. By the love of office, the pride of rank and power, as in the case of [King] Agrippa;
"D. By a disposition, like Felix, to delay to a more favorable time the work of religion, until life has wasted away, and death approaches, and it is too late, and the unhappy man dies almost a Christian.

"(3) This state of mind is one of special interest and special danger. It is not one of safety, and it is not one that implies any certainty that the 'almost Christian' will ever be saved. There is no reason to believe that Agrippa ever became fully persuaded to become a Christian. To be almost persuaded to do a thing which we ought to do, and yet not to do it, is the very position of guilt and danger. And it is no wonder that many [people] are brought to this point - the turning-point, the crisis of life - and then lose their anxiety, and die in their sins. May the God of grace [i.e., Almighty God] keep us from resting in being almost persuaded to be Christians! May every one who shall read this account of [King] Agrippa be admonished [warned] by his convictions, and be alarmed by the fact that he [Agrippa] then paused, and that his convictions there ended! And may every one resolve by the help of God to forsake every thing that prevents his [or her] becoming an entire believer, and without delay embrace the Son of God [i.e., Jesus Christ] as his [or her] Saviour!"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/acts-26.html, "Verse 28")

SEPTEMBER 27
1 Peter 2:2

This is the apostle Peter's advice for Christians, especially those who have recently been saved:

1 Peter 2:2: "As newborn babes [or 'like newborn babies'], desire the sincere [pure] milk of the word [of God, as recorded in the Bible--see note below*], [so] that ye [you] may grow [spiritually] thereby:"
True Christians should have a desire to read the Bible. When we are born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live in our heart (1 Corinthians 3:16), and with his help, the more that we read the Bible, the more we'll understand. We begin with simple things, such as basic truths of the gospel (referred to as the "milk of the word"), and then progress to harder things (called "meat").

In his commentary on this verse, Matthew Henry noted:

"… 1. Strong desires and affections [or 'a love for and devotion'] to the word of God [which are indications of spiritual hunger] are a sure evidence of a person's being born again. If they be such desires as the babe [baby] has for the milk, they prove that the person is new-born. They are the lowest evidence, but yet they are certain. 2. Growth and improvement in wisdom and grace are the design and desire of every Christian; all spiritual means are for [the person's] edification [instruction] and improvement. The word of God, rightly used, does not leave a man [or woman or child] as it finds him [or her], but [it] improves [the person] and makes him [or her] better …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/1-peter/2.html, "Verses 1-3")

*Is the Bible truly God's Word?" is answered in the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-God-Word.html.

Here are two more GotQuestions.org articles related to today's verse:

-- "What is spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-milk.html)

-- "What is the key to growing as a new believer?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/new-believer.html)

SEPTEMBER 26
Jude 1:22, 23

This advice for Christians about soul winning is from Jude, who was the brother of James and, most likely, the half-brother of Jesus and who may also have been one of the apostles:

Jude 1:22-23: "And [concerning salvation,] of some [people] have compassion [kindness and love] [referring to the manner in which the gospel is presented], making a difference: And others save with fear [of hell], pulling them out of the fire; hating even [to come into contact with] the garment [clothing] [that is] spotted by the [sins of the] flesh [i.e., this is similar to keeping one's distance from people with leprosy, which is a very contagious (easily transmitted) disease--see note below*]."
Although we should hate other people's sins and try not to be defiled (made unclean, contaminated) by them, we should love those sinners and show them how to be saved. Be aware that people respond differently to how the gospel message is presented. Some get saved when they learn of God's love (John 3:16), and others get saved when they hear about hell (Revelation 20:15, 21:8).

Regarding the use of different tactics when presenting the plan of salvation, Albert Barnes wrote:

"… while we are to seek to save all [people], we are to adapt ourselves wisely to the character and circumstances of those whom we seek to save … The young, the tender, the delicate, the refined [people], need a different kind of treatment from the rough [rude, coarse, ill-mannered, inconsiderate, or violent], the uncultivated [uncultured, lacking in education or refinement], the hardened [i.e., less emotional, unfeeling] [sinners]."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/jude-1.html, "Verse 22")

Note: For those who want to go to heaven someday, the plan of salvation is explained in detail in various ways (i.e.,using both love and fear) in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

*According to one Bible commentator:

"… Leprosy in the East [i.e., Asia and the Middle East] was a very loathsome [repulsive, disgusting] disease, and fitly symbolises [symbolizes] [meaning it is a good representation of] sin. And such was the virulence [severity, harmfulness] of his [or her--the affected person's] malady [disease] that none [no one] might approach or touch him [or her]; for there was uncleanness, not only in his [or her] personal touch, but in his [or her] garments [clothing]. The garments became 'spotted by the flesh'; they [the clothes] partook [took part] of the infection, and brought beneath a ban the unfortunate [person] who might touch them …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/tbi/jude-1.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "Verse 23," "Abstinence from sin")

SEPTEMBER 25
Mark 11:25, 26

To his twelve disciples (and to all Christians), Jesus said:

Mark 11:25-26: "And when ye [you] stand [or sit or kneel, etc.--see note below*] praying, forgive [other people], if ye have ought [anything, like hatred or grudges] against any[one]: [do this so] that your Father also which is in heaven [i.e., God] may forgive you [for] your trespasses [offenses, sins]. But if ye do not forgive [others for their trespasses], neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive [you for] your trespasses."
Grudges and resentment are a hindrance to prayer. If we want God to answer our prayers, one thing we must do is forgive others for bad things that they have done or said in the past.

Regarding the importance of forgiveness, Matthew Henry said:

"… the want of this [thing--forgiveness] is a certain bar [obstacle] to the obtaining of the pardon of our sins; 'If ye do not forgive those who have injured [harmed, hurt] you, if he [or 'you'] hate their persons [or 'hate them'], bear them a grudge, meditate [or 'consider taking'] revenge, and take all occasion to speak ill of [or 'say unkind things about'] them, neither will your Father [in heaven--God] forgive your trespasses' …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/mark/11.html, "Verses 12-26," "(v. 25, 26)"

*Regarding posture in prayer, Albert Barnes wrote:

"… It seems that the posture in prayer was sometimes standing and sometimes kneeling. God looks upon 'the heart' rather than upon our position in worship; and if the heart be right, any posture may be proper. It cannot be doubted, however, that in private, in the family, and wherever it can be conveniently done, the kneeling posture is more proper, as expressing more humility and reverence [toward God], and more in accordance with Scripture examples. Compare Psalms 95:6; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Daniel 6:10; Luke 22:41; Acts 7:60; Acts 9:40 …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/mark-11.html, "Verses 11-26")
____________________

Here are two articles regarding posture in prayer:

-- "What is the proper way to pray?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/how-to-pray.html)

-- "What does the Bible say about bowing or kneeling in prayer?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/bowing-kneeling-prayer.html)

GotQuestions.org also has an article related to today's verse. It's entitled "What does 'whenever you stand praying, forgive' mean in Mark 11:25?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/stand-praying-forgive.html.

SEPTEMBER 24
2 Samuel 23:2, 3

Most People Want--and We All Need--Godly Rulers

According to the Bible (2 Samuel 23:1) and Bible commentators, these are "the last words" of King David, referring to his last words under the inspiration of God and/or the last words that were spoken before his death:

2 Samuel 23:2: "The spirit of the LORD [i.e., the Holy Spirit] spake [spoke] by [or 'through'] me [King David], and his [God's] word was in my tongue [which means that King David's psalms were inspired by God]."

2 Samuel 23:3: "The God of Israel [i.e., God the Father--Jehovah] said, [and] the Rock of Israel [i.e., God the Son--Jesus] spake [said] to me [King David], He [or she] that ruleth [rules] over men [and women and children] must be just [which means 'guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness'], ruling in the fear of God [or 'with respect for God and obedience to his word (as found in the Bible)']."
Regarding the meaning of the phrase He that ruleth over men must be just in 2 Samuel 23:3, John Trapp said:

"… regimen [government] without righteousness [morality] is [nothing] but [or 'is the same as'] robbery with authority, and [it] soon turneth [turns] into tyranny [cruel and oppressive government and rule--see note below*] …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/jtc/2-samuel-23.html, "Trapp's Complete Commentary," "Verse 3")
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*The following definition of cruel and oppressive government and rule was copied from Google:

"AI Overview

"A cruel and oppressive government, also known as a tyrannical regime, is a form of rule where power is exercised in a harsh, unjust, and arbitrary [random] manner. Such a government disregards the rights and freedoms of its people, relying on coercion [force or threats], fear, and the abuse of authority to maintain control.

"Key characteristics of a cruel and oppressive government include:

"• Abuse of power: A tyrant [a cruel and oppressive leader] or small ruling group holds absolute authority and abuses it for personal interests rather than for the welfare of the populace [people]. This can involve violating laws that define how authority should be exercised.

"• Suppression of dissent: These governments silence opposition and control political landscapes by censoring speech, punishing activists [referring to people who are campaigning for change], and criminalizing free assembly [peaceful gatherings].

"• Systematic injustice: Ruling authorities impose discriminatory laws and burdens on individuals or minority groups, denying them basic rights and unequal treatment under the law.

"• Use of violence and intimidation: Regimes maintain control through fear by using threats, intimidation, and violence. This can include extrajudicial [not legally authorized] killings, torture, and imprisonment of political opponents.

"• Lack of accountability: The government is not accountable to its citizens. The concept of checks and balances on power is either nonexistent or undermined, allowing the ruling authority to act without restraint.

"• Control of information: Ruling powers control the media and restrict access to information to prevent the spread of ideas that challenge their authority.

"Examples of oppressive actions

"• Strict censorship: A government imposes strict laws on speech, punishing dissent [opposing views] and limiting freedom of expression, as seen in countries like North Korea and Iran.

"• Arbitrary or severe punishments: Public officials use excessive force or impose disproportionate [unfair, unequal] punishments on citizens. For example, some historical regimes subjected individuals to torture for minor [not serious] offenses.

"• Unjust treatment of civilians: Law enforcement or other officials use their power to commit acts of misconduct, such as unjust arrests or harassment against citizens.

"• Intolerable living conditions for prisoners: Deliberate indifference to the health and safety of incarcerated [imprisoned] people, such as prolonged solitary confinement, denial of medical care, or abuse, constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

"• Systematic discrimination: The government enforces harsh regulations or discriminatory practices against a particular group, limiting their access to essential services and opportunities."

SEPTEMBER 23
Matthew 5:43, 44, 45

Jesus Said to Love Our Enemies--in Thoughts, Words, and Deeds

While preaching the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said to his disciples (followers):

Matthew 5:43: "Ye [you] have heard that it hath [has] been said [in Leviticus 19:18--see note below*], Thou shalt [you shall] love thy [your] neighbour [meaning, in this case (as interpreted by the Jews), friends and people who treat you well], and hate thine [your] enemy."

Matthew 5:44: "But I [Jesus] say unto you [disciples … and all Christians],

-- "Love [have goodwill and compassion for] your enemies,

-- "bless [speak kindly to and say nothing bad about] them that curse you,

-- "do good to them that hate you,

-- "and pray for them which despitefully use [or 'who insult, mistreat, or falsely accuse'] you, and persecute [harass or bully] you;"

Matthew 5:45: "[Do these things (i.e., love, bless, do good to, and pray for your enemies)] [so] That ye may be the children of [or 'you may resemble, imitate, or be like'] your Father [God] which is in heaven: for he maketh [makes] his sun to rise on the evil [people] and on the good [people], and sendeth [sends] rain on the just [people--those who are law-abiding and morally good] and on the unjust [people--those who are bad] [in other words, God lets the sun shine and the rain fall on all people, both good and bad]."
*The words and hate thine enemy that Jesus was referring to in Matthew 5:43 are not in the Bible. Apparently, they were added later, by some Jewish religious teachers and interpreters, to God's command (in the Old Testament--Leviticus 19:18) to love thy neighbour as thyself.

Regarding that addition, Charles Spurgeon said:

"In this case a command of Scripture had a human antithesis [a direct opposite meaning] fitted on to it by depraved [morally corrupt, wicked]  minds and this human addition was mischievous [intended to cause harm or trouble]. This is a common method, to append [attach, add] to the teaching of Scripture a something which seems to grow out of it, or to be a natural inference from it, which something may be false and wicked. This is a sad crime against the Word of the Lord [i.e., the Bible]. The Holy Spirit will only father his own words. He owns the precept [the general rule of action], 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor,' but he hates the parasitical growth [i.e., the addition by someone else] of 'hate thine enemy.' …"

(Source: http://www.godrules.net/library/spurgeon/45spurgeon8.htm, C.H. Spurgeon, "Exposition to the Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 5," Verse 43)

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

-- "Where did 'love your neighbor and hate your enemy' come from (Matthew 5:43)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/love-your-neighbor-and-hate-your-enemy.html)

-- "What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to love our enemies?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/love-enemies.html)

-- "What does it mean to pray for those who spitefully use you (Matthew 5:44)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/pray-for-those-who-spitefully-use-you.html)

-- "What does it mean that the rain falls on the just and the unjust?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/rain-just-unjust.html)

SEPTEMBER 21-22
Titus 3:9, 10, 11

Christians Shouldn't Argue About Unimportant Things

The apostle Paul gave this advice to Titus, who had accompanied him on some of his missionary trips and had been left behind on the island of Crete for a time to carry on and strengthen Paul's work with the Christian churches there:

Titus 3:9: "But [while teaching others, you (Titus)--and all ministers (and Christians, too)--should] avoid foolish questions, and genealogies [pointless discussions about ancestry, family histories, family trees], and contentions [disagreements, arguments], and strivings [heated debates] about the law [of Moses (in Bible times), especially in regard to religious rites (acts) and ceremonies]; for they [all those things] are unprofitable and vain [useless, a waste of time]."

Titus 3:10-11: "A man [or woman or child] that is an heretick [a heretic, meaning he (or she) tries to cause divisions within the church based on false teachings or beliefs,] after the first and second admonition [warning,] [ministers and all other Christians should] reject [shun, avoid, stay away from]; Knowing that he [or she] that is such [a person (i.e., a heretic)] is subverted [corrupted, perverted, changed for the worse], and sinneth [sins], being condemned of himself [or herself] [or 'being self-condemned'; i.e., shown to be guilty or blamed by his (or her) own actions or words]."
Here are some GotQuestions.org articles related to today's verses:

-- "Why should we warn a divisive person once (Titus 3:10)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/warn-a-divisive-person-once.html)

-- "In the Christian faith, what issues are truly worth debating?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-debating.html)

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

SEPTEMBER 18-20
Romans 10:1, 2, 3, 4

We Must All be Saved God's Way

The apostle Paul wrote this in his letter to the Christians in Rome:

Romans 10:1: "Brethren [fellow Christians], my heart's desire [or 'my sincere wish'] and prayer to God for Israel [the Jewish nation] is, that they might be saved [from the sin of unbelief and the consequences of sin (i.e., punishment in hell)--in other words, Paul wanted them to be 'born again']."

Romans 10:2,3: "For I [Paul] bear them record [bear witness, or give evidence] that they [the Jewish people] have a zeal of [or 'great energy and enthusiasm for'] God, but not according to [true and correct] knowledge. For they [the Jews] being ignorant of God's righteousness [or, in other words, not understanding the gospel (God's simple plan of salvation), i.e., that sinners are justified (made righteous, or acceptable, in God's sight) by grace through faith in Jesus Christ], and going about to establish their own righteousness [through good works (deeds) and obedience to the law of Moses], have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."

Romans 10:4: "For [faith in] Christ [Jesus] is the end of the [moral] law [referring to the Ten Commandments--see note below*] for righteousness [justification, or acceptance by God] to every one that believeth [or 'to everyone who believes on, or trusts in, him--Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God--for salvation']."
We should follow Paul's example and pray for the salvation of Israel, and also for our own country and the people that we love.

*According to Albert Barnes, the phrase Christ is the end of the law in Romans 10:4 means that "… perfect obedience to the Law [which is an impossible thing to do, as we gave all sinned at least once, per Romans 3:23] would accomplish justification before God, secure his favor and eternal life. The same end is now accomplished by faith in Christ …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/romans-10.html, "Verse 4")
____________________

Here are two GotQuestions.org articles that answer the following questions:

-- "What does it mean that Christ is the end of the law (Romans 10:4)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Christ-is-the-end-of-the-law.html)

-- "What are the Ten Commandments?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Ten-Commandments.html)

If you want to be saved God's way but don't know what to do, please read one or more of the tracts on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website, which can be found here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
____________________

There are many other religions throughout the world besides Christianity. You may be a member of one of them, or perhaps you are an atheist and don't believe that God exists. If so, you may have wondered why you should consider becoming a Christian. GotQuestions.org has written some articles to answer those questions. They are listed below:

- "I am an atheist. Why should I consider becoming a Christian?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/atheist-Christian.html)

- "I am a Buddhist. Why should I consider becoming a Christian?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Buddhist-Christian.html)

- "I am a Catholic. Why should I consider becoming a Christian?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Catholic-Christian.html)

- "I am a Hindu, why should I consider becoming a Christian?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Hindu-Christian.html)

- "I am a Jehovah's Witness. Why should I consider becoming a Christian?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Jehovah-Witness-Christian.html)

- "I am Jewish, can I become a Christian?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Jewish-Christian.html)

- "I am a Mormon. Why should I consider becoming a Christian?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Mormon-Christian.html)

- "I am a Muslim. Why should I consider becoming a Christian?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Muslim-Christian.html)

SEPTEMBER 16-17
Psalm 49:6, 7

Psalm 49:6-7: "They that trust in their wealth [or 'those who have confidence in, or depend upon, their money'], and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches [or 'and brag about how much money they have']; None of them can by any means [including with their riches] redeem his [or her] brother [or 'save his (or her) brother or other relatives from death and hell'], nor [can they] give to God a ransom [or 'pay money to buy the gift of eternal life'] for him [or her, meaning the wealthy person's brother and other relatives]:"
According to the Bible, eternal life is free--a gift from God (Romans 6:23)--paid for by the death of God's precious Son, Jesus, on the cross (1 Peter 1:18,19) on a skull-shaped hill called Golgotha (which is also known as Calvary). Eternal life (salvation) can't be bought or earned. The only way you can get it is through faith, by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9).
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You can find instructions on how to "accept God's gift of eternal life," "ask Jesus to come into your heart," "trust the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior," "receive Jesus as Savior," "be born again or saved," and similar things (all of which essentially have the same meaning) by reading one or more of the tracts located in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's the direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
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Here are some GotQuestions.org articles about salvation:

-- "Got Eternal Life?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/eternal-life.html)

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

-- "What does it mean to accept Jesus as your personal Savior?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/personal-Savior.html)

-- "Why is 'accepting Christ' mentioned in evangelism when it is not in the Bible?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/accepting-Christ.html)

-- "What does it mean to receive Jesus Christ?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/receive-Jesus-Christ.html)

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

SEPTEMBER 14-15
Proverbs 14:14

Proverbs 14:14: "The backslider in heart [referring to a born-again Christian who stops following God and falls back into sin or becomes more focused on worldly things than on his (or her) spiritual life] shall be filled with [the consequences of] his [or her] own ways: and a [spiritually and morally] good man [or woman or child] shall be satisfied from [within, or be at peace with,] himself [or herself]."
Here are some facts about backsliders, quoted from Salem Bible Church's commentary on this verse:

"2.) The backslider described:

"a. He ONCE walked with God. He at one time was headed in the right direction, but has CHANGED directions… or at least slowed down his pace [speed, or rate] of progress.
"b. He is no longer going forward, but is going backwards.

"c. He once fought the good fight, but has retreated [withdrawn, pulled back] for one reason or another. (tired; weary [exhausted]; wounded [injured]; enticed [tempted]; lazy; enamored [fascinated] by the worldly [things, such as material possessions, pleasures, ambitions, etc.]; deceived [fooled] by the enemy [i.e., Satan]; etc.)"
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"3.) The backslider in HEART… implies two things:

"a. He may not appear to be a backslider
"• His backsliding may not be outwardly apparent. It is inward… in the heart… where no man can see.
"• He is still assembling [gathering] together with the saints [i.e., born-again Christians, according to the Bible]…
"• All looks well on the outside [of the person], but on the inside, a departure is underway.
"• There are backsliders in heart who sit in churches every Sunday, thinking nobody knows. God knows.
"• Sin doesn't have to be outward. It is possible to commit adultery in the heart… murder… idolatry…
"• In fact, sin manifests [shows] itself in the heart before it is ever manifested outwardly.
"• Eventually, the backslider in heart will become a backslider in outward deed [i.e., the way the person acts].

"b. The backslider in heart is just as much a backslider as the backslider in deed.
"• Whatever the backslider in heart does is unacceptable before God.
"• He may sing in the choir, serve as an officer, teach Sunday school… but if he is a backslider in heart, it is all wood, hay, and stubble… regardless of how talented he may be… how well he sings or teaches or ministers in any other way.

"c. His backsliding was not a mere slip that occurred in a weak moment, but was rather a slip that occurred because it was in his heart to go backwards…
"• It was the secret desire of his heart long before it was ever put into practice."
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"4.) Degrees of backsliding…

"a. Backsliding implies going backwards… not progressing [moving] forwards.

"b. A believer [i.e., a Christian] is going backwards when:
"• He has lost his earlier zeal [enthusiasm] for the things of Christ…and is 'cooling off'… like embers [small pieces of burning coal or wood in a dying fire] losing their former glow…
"• He has become entangled [caught up] in the affairs [events, happenings] of this life… not necessarily involved in sin, but 'occupied' with things that keep him from spiritual growth.
"• He has settled back into mediocrity [the quality of being average or ordinary]… and is no longer pressing toward the mark [a spiritual goal, per Philippians 3:14].
"• His devotion time in the Word [i.e., God's word, as recorded in the Bible] has slacked off… become dry and dusty… finds himself reading the Word less than he used to… praying less…
"• He desires the camaraderie [fellowship] of his old friends or the guys at work rather than making friends with God's children…and the fellowship of the saints [born-again Christians]…

"c. Many believers at church would not be able to notice this change, but God does. God knows a lack of spiritual progress when He sees it…

"d. God takes note of our spiritual progress, growth, zeal [enthusiasm], fervor [passion], level of dedication, commitment, enthusiasm, and our love for [Jesus] Christ."
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If you want to read more of Pastor Delany's commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "14:14."

(Please note: Proverbs 14:14, along with some other Bible study verses in this chapter of Proverbs, is currently missing on the Salem Baptist Church website, but it should be added back soon. Sorry!)


These two articles relate to today's verse:

-- "What does it mean to backslide?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/backslide.html)

-- "Is a backsliding Christian still saved?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/backsliding-Christian.html)

SEPTEMBER 13
James 5:14, 15

Healing the Sick

These verses were written by a man named James (perhaps the apostle James, or Jesus' brother) to Jewish Christians.:

James 5:14: "Is any [person] sick among you? let him [or her] call [send] for the elders [leaders, pastors] of the church [see Note 1 below]; and let them pray over [or 'with and for'] him [or her--the sick person], [while] anointing him [or her] with oil [usually, olive oil--see Note 2 below] in the name of [i.e., by the authority or direction of] the Lord [Jesus Christ]:"

James 5:15: "And [unless it is against God's will,] the prayer of [the elders, offered in] faith [see Note 3 below] shall save [or 'heal'] the sick [person], and the Lord shall raise him [or her] up [from the bed]; and if he [or she--the sick person] have committed sins [or has done something bad, which caused the illness], they [those sins] shall be forgiven him [or her] [by God]."
NOTE 1:

In his commentary on James 5:14, while discussing people calling for elders when they're sick, Albert Barnes wrote:

"… It may be added, as worthy of note, that the apostle says they should 'call' for the elders of the church; that is, they should send for them. They should not wait for them to hear of their sickness, as they might happen to, but they should cause them to be informed of it, and give them an opportunity of visiting them and praying with them. Nothing is more common than for persons - even members of the church - to be sick a long time, and to presume [assume] that their pastor must know all about it; and then they wonder that he does not come to see them, and [they] think hard [or 'bad'] of him because he does not [come there]. A pastor cannot be supposed to know everything; nor can it be presumed that he knows when persons are sick, any more than he can know anything else, unless he is apprized [apprised, told] of it; and many hard thoughts, and many suspicions [thoughts] of neglect would be avoided, if, when persons are sick, they would in some way inform their pastor of it. It should always be presumed of a minister of the gospel that he is ready to visit the [people who are] sick. But how can he go unless he is in some way apprized of the illness of those who need his counsel [advice] and his prayers? The sick [people] send for their family physician [doctor]; why should they presume that their pastor will know of their illness any more than that their physician will [know]?"
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NOTE 2:

In the same commentary, Mr. Barnes also said this in regard to anointing people with oil:

"… Oil, or unguents [ointments (lotions, creams, salves)] of various kinds, were much used among the ancients [elders or leaders in the community], both in health and in sickness. The oil which was commonly employed was olive oil … The custom of anointing [rubbing or smearing] the sick with oil still prevails in the East [referring to countries in the Eastern Hemisphere, such as , Asia, Africa, and most of Europe], for it is believed to have medicinal or healing properties …"

(Source for above quotes: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/james-5.html, "Verse 14")

NOTE 3:

Some people are confused by the meaning of the phrase prayer of faith in today's verse. It is explained in the following article: "What is the prayer of faith?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-of-faith.html.

The following article also relates to today's verses:"What does the Bible say about prayer for the sick?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-for-the-sick.html.

SEPTEMBER 12
Matthew 5:42

During his famous Sermon on the Mount (see note below*), Jesus said:

Matthew 5:42: "Give to him [or her] that asketh thee [or 'who asks you'] [for food and other basic necessities], and from him [or her] that would borrow [money] of thee [or 'from you'] turn not thou away [don't turn away, don't say no]."
In other words, if a person is truly in need and asks you for food, money (or a loan), etc., you should do whatever you can to help him or her.

Albert Barnes' commentary on Matthew 5:42, which  is excellent, is quoted below in its entirety. It points out several things that we should take into consideration when someone asks for help:

"Give to him that asketh thee - This is the general rule. It is better to give sometimes to an undeserving person than to turn away one who is really in need. It is good to be in the habit of giving. At the same time, the rule must be interpreted so as to be consistent with our duty to our families, 1 Timothy 5:8, and with other objects of justice and charity. It is seldom, perhaps never, good to give to a person who is able to work, 2 Thessalonians 3:10. To give to such [a person] is to encourage laziness, and to support the idle [person] at the expense of the industrious [hard-working] [one]. If such a one is indeed hungry, feed him; if he needs anything further, give him employment [or 'a job'] . If a widow, an orphan, a man of misfortune, or an infirmed [physically or mentally weak] man, lame [crippled], or sick, is at your door, never send any of them away empty[-handed]. See Hebrews 13:2; Matthew 25:35-45. So this is true of a poor and needy friend that wishes to borrow [something, such as money]. We are not to turn away or deny him. This deserves, however, some limitation. It must be done in consistency with other duties. To lend to every worthless man would be to throw away our property, encourage laziness and crime, and ruin our own families. It should be done consistently with every other obligation, and of this everyone is to be the judge. Perhaps our Saviour [Jesus] meant to teach that where there was a deserving friend or brother [i.e., a fellow Christian, or relative] in need, we should lend to him without usury [interest], and without standing much about the security."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/matthew-5.html, "Verse 42")

Here are two articles about generosity and loaning money:

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

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

*"What is the Sermon on the Mount?" is answered in the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/sermon-on-the-mount.html.

SEPTEMBER 11

Proverbs 11:22: "As [like] a jewel of gold [an ornamental ring] in a swine's snout [a pig's nose], so is a fair [attractive, beautiful, good-looking] woman which is without discretion [good judgment, common sense]."
Salem Bible Church's commentary on this verse is entitled "An Attractive Pig?" In it, we learn not to "judge a book by its cover," or be fooled by a person's outward appearance. Just as a pig dressed up in fine jewelry is still a pig, a person without discretion may be beautiful (or handsome or cute) on the outside but have a nasty and repulsive personality.
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Under the section of the commentary labeled "The Four Comparisons," Pastor Delany says:

"5. The little piece of jewelry is grossly [extremely] insufficient to overshadow [appear to be more important than] the pig's real problem: he's dirty and ugly and disgusting.

"a. So too with the woman without discretion. Her looks and clothes will never overshadow her real problem: she's ugly on the inside!

"b. Nothing will change that but the new birth [i.e., salvation]--or[,] if she is [already] saved [or 'born again'] and has an ugly spirit--repentance!

"c. This proverb illustrates a truth about human nature. We are inclined to try to cover up… and make self [or 'ourselves'] LOOK good… rather than BE good. Good looks, fancy clothes, or expensive jewelry will never overshadow an ugly heart."
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If you want to read more of the pastor's commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "11:22."

SEPTEMBER 10
John 16:33

In a farewell message to his disciples at the Last Supper, before his crucifixion, Jesus said:

John 16:33: "These things [referring to what Jesus had told his disciples (apostles) to help them withstand the troubles of life, especially the ones that they would soon endure (suffer)] I have spoken unto you, [so] that in [or 'through'] me [Jesus] ye might have peace [both an inner peace and peace with God]. In the [or 'this'] world ye [you (disciples)--and all born-again Christians] shall have tribulation [trouble or suffering]: but be of good cheer [be joyful, glad, happy] [because]; I [Jesus] have overcome the world [by being victorious over worldly things, including anxieties and cares, hatred and persecution, sin and temptation, spiritual forces, and sorrow and death--see note below*]."
Commenting on the above verse, in regard to tribulation, Matthew Henry said:

"… It has been the lot [fate, destiny] of [Jesus] Christ's disciples [followers] to have more or less tribulation [trouble] in this world. Men persecute them [i.e., Christians] because they are so good, and God corrects them because they are no better. Men design to cut them off from the earth, and God designs by affliction to make them meet [acceptable] for heaven; and so between both [things] they shall have tribulation …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/john/16.html, "(v. 33)"

Concerning Jesus having "overcome the world," Albert Barnes said:

"… He [Jesus] overcame the prince of this world [i.e., Satan, the devil] by his death … He vanquished [defeated] the great foe [enemy] of man [mankind], and triumphed over all [people and things] that would work our ruin [destruction]. He brought down aid and strength from above [or 'from heaven'] by his death; and by procuring [obtaining] for us the friendship of God and the influence of the [Holy] Spirit; by his own instructions and example; by revealing to us the glories [wonders] of heaven, and opening our eyes to see the excellence of heavenly things, he has furnished [supplied] us with the means of overcoming all our enemies, and of triumphing in [or 'over'] all [of] our temptations …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/john-16.html, "Verse 33")

*For specific ways in which Jesus has "overcome the world," read "What did Jesus mean when He said, 'I have overcome the world,' in John 16:33?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/I-have-overcome-the-world.html.

SEPTEMBER 5-9
John 15:7

Helpful Advice for People Seeking an Answer to Prayer

During the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples:

John 15:7: "If ye [you] abide in me [or 'if you are born again and stay close to me (Jesus) by faith'--see note below*], and [if] my words abide in you [or 'if you obey my commandments'], ye shall ask [God, through prayer] what ye will [have, or 'what you want, need, or desire to have happen'], and it shall be done unto you [which means that your prayers will be answered]."
The above verse applies to all Christians.

In his commentary on John 15:7, Charles Spurgeon said:

"Do not take that verse as a promise of unlimited answers to prayer, for it is nothing of the kind. Remember the 'if' that qualifies it: 'If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you,' for a man who is truly in Christ, as the branch is in the vine, and who is feeding upon Christ's words, will be so influenced by the Holy Spirit that he will not ask anything which is contrary to the mind of God. Consequently, his prayers, though in one sense unrestricted, are really restricted by the tenderness of his conscience, and the sensitiveness of his spirit to the influence of the mind of God. There are some Christians who do not get their prayers answered, and who never will as long as they do not comply with this condition, 'If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you.' If you do not take notice of Christ's words, he will not take notice of your words. He is not going to open his door to every stranger who chooses to give a runaway knock at it, but he will pay attention to his own children who pay attention to him."

(Source: "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Vol. 47" (Sermonss Nos. 2708-2759), Published in 1901 by Charles Spurgeon, https://www.reformedontheweb.com/spurgeon/SPR_VOL47.PDF, page 127)
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Spurgeon also said:

"This is the secret of successful prayer. Christ listens to your words because you listen to his words. If you are conformed to [or are in obedience to] his will, he will grant you your will [or answer your prayer]. Disobedient children, when they pray, may expect to get the rod for an answer. In true kindness, God may refuse to listen to them until they are willing to listen to him."

(Source:" The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Vol. 52" (Sermons Nos. 2968-3019), Published in 1906 by Charles Spurgeon, https://www.reformedontheweb.com/spurgeon/SPR_VOL52.PDF, page 356)

James Burton Coffman, another Bible commentator, said:

"Whatsoever ye will ... is not a promise that anything that might be asked of God by any person will be done, but means that a person truly 'in Christ,' and asking in harmony [or 'in agreement'] with [God] the Father's will, will have his prayers answered. This is one of the great promises [in the Bible]."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/15-7.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")

According to the Bible, if we want God to answer our prayers, in most cases we must:

-- Be born again, or saved (per John 9:31).

-- Obey God's commandments and do things that are pleasing in his sight (per 1 John 3:22).

-- Not have unconfessed sins in our lives (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).

In his commentary on Proverbs 15:29, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church explains when and why God would choose to hear and answer prayer. Here are some excerpts:

"3f. • If men choose to cling to their sins, they are choosing to distance themselves from God… regardless of how religious they are."
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Normally, God does not answer the prayers of unbelievers. However, once in a while, he does. For example, he answered the prayer of [a centurion named] Cornelius (one of the first Gentiles, non-Jewish people, to be saved) because:

"3g. • When God sees that the heart of an unbeliever is WILLING to know the Lord… willing to come to Him [for salvation]… willing but ignorant [i.e., lacking knowledge of what to do]… God makes a distinction.
"• Acts 10:1-4 [referring to Cornelius]
"» Cornelius was NOT saved. (Cf. Acts 11:14)
"» Yet he feared God and was devout [religious] (10:2 [Acts 10:2])
"» He gave alms [charitable things--money, food, etc.] to the people and prayed continually.
"» It does not say [that] God heard… but it says his [Cornelius's] prayers went up as a memorial before God. (10:4 [Acts 10:4])
"» 10:31 [Acts 10:31] says that at some point God CHOSE to hear those prayers [of Cornelius].
"» God [the Father] knows the hearts of the unsaved [people]. He knows when they are ready to receive Him [God the Son--Jesus Christ] [as Savior].
"» Perhaps Cornelius was praying, 'Lord God of Israel. I know you are the true and living God. I have read your Word and have been stirred by it. I want to know MORE about you.'
"» God will answer prayers like that… even from an unbeliever! This is the exception.
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Regarding the prayers of born-again Christians:

"3h. • Wrong behavior and the wrong heart attitude of a believer [a Christian] can hinder [prevent] God from hearing our prayers."

"4. God listens not only to the words prayed, but He also observes the heart from which that prayer flows [comes].

"a. He can tell if we are praying to consume it on our own lusts [or 'to fulfill our own desires']… He can tell if we are praying to please God!

"b. He can tell if we are praying because we desire to see OUR will done… or HIS [God's] will done.

"c. He can tell if we are praying for our own glory or for the glory of God.

"d. He can tell if we are praying out of a sense of duty and religious obligation… or if we are praying from the heart.

"5. When a righteous [born-again, saved] man [or woman or child] prays… praying the RIGHT way… with the RIGHT heart attitude… God is delighted… and He [God] answers that prayer."
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If you want to read more of the above commentary, click on https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "15:29."

Some GotQuestions.org articles on the subject of prayer include the following:

-- "Why pray?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/why-pray.html)

-- "What is the proper way to pray?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/how-to-pray.html)

-- "Are there any conditions to answered prayer?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-conditions.html)

-- "Does God hear my prayers?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/does-God-hear-my-prayers.html)

-- "Does God answer prayers?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/does-God-answer-prayers.html)

-- "How can I have my prayers answered by God?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-answered.html)

-- "Why doesn't God respond when I cry out, 'God, please help me!'?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/God-please-help-me.html)

-- "How should a Christian respond to unanswered prayer?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/unanswered-prayer.html)

-- "Does God hear / answer the prayers of a sinner / unbeliever?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/unbeliever-prayer.html)
____________________

-- "What is the meaning of spiritual rebirth?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-rebirth.html)

-- "How can I please God?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/please-God.html)

-- "Why do we need to confess our sins if they have already been forgiven (1 John 1:9)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/confession-forgiveness.html)

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

-- "How can I be sure I am praying according to the will of God?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/praying-will-of-God.html)

-- "What does it mean to pray in Jesus' name?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/pray-Jesus-name.html)

*GotQuestions.org has written an article to answer the question "What does it mean to abide in Christ?" Near the end, it says: "Proofs of abiding in Christ (i.e., proofs that one is truly saved and not just pretending) include obedience to Christ's commands … following Jesus' example … living free from habitual sin … and the awareness of a divine presence within one's life …"

If you want to read the entire article, including many Bible references (which have been omitted in the quoted material above), here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/abide-in-Christ.html.

SEPTEMBER 4
Philippians 1:21, 22, 23, 24

The Apostle Paul's Dilemma: Deciding Which is Better--To Live or Die?

In a letter to members of the Philippian church, during one of his imprisonments, Paul wrote:

Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live [or 'my purpose for living'] is [to serve and glorify (give praise and honor to) my Lord and Savior, Jesus] Christ, and to die is gain [meaning it would be advantageous (beneficial) to Paul, because he would have a wonderful new home in heaven, where there is no more sin, sorrow, suffering, etc.]."

Philippians 1:22: "But if I [Paul] live in the flesh [here on earth, in my physical body], this [thing; i.e., glorifying God and helping my church grow and thrive--by preaching, teaching, telling people how to be saved, etc.] is the fruit [result] of my labour [labor, work]: yet what I shall choose [or prefer to do--live or die] I wot [know] not [or 'I do not know']."

Philippians 1:23-24: "For I am in a strait [a narrow place, like a fork in a road] betwixt [between] two [things--life and death], having a desire to depart [leave this world], and to be with [Jesus] Christ [in heaven]; which is far [or 'much'] better [and would bring me (Paul) greater joy]: Nevertheless to abide [remain here on earth,] in the flesh [in my body, as a preacher and teacher,] is more needful [necessary, beneficial] for you [Christians]."
Paul was saying that if he had to decide whether to live or die, he wouldn't know which to choose, since he believed that being in heaven with Jesus would be so much better than living on earth.

In his commentary on these verses, Matthew Henry said:

"… Paul's strait was not between living in this world and living in heaven; between these two there is no comparison: but his strait was between serving Christ in this world and enjoying him in another …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/philippians/1.html, "Verses 21-26," "(v. 24)")

Here are some GotQuestions.org articles about today's verse:

-- "What does it mean 'to live is Christ' (Philippians 1:21)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/to-live-is-Christ.html)

-- "What does it mean that 'to die is gain' (Philippians 1:21)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/to-die-is-gain.html)

SEPTEMBER 3
2 Timothy 2:19

In his second letter to Timothy (a minister of the gospel), after warning him that false teachers would attempt to mislead people and destroy the church of God, the apostle Paul wrote:

2 Timothy 2:19: "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth [stands] sure [or 'the foundation of the Christian church remains strong, steady, firm'], having this seal [or 'this inscription,' or 'these words written'] [on its cornerstone], The Lord [Jesus Christ] knoweth [knows] them that are his [i.e., those who have received him as their personal Savior]. And, Let every one that nameth [names, bears] the name of Christ [referring to all true born-again Christians] depart from iniquity [wickedness, sin--see note below*] [or 'stop doing bad things'].
*GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the question "What is iniquity according to the Bible?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-iniquity.html.

SEPTEMBER 1-2
1 Corinthians 15:58

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

1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my beloved brethren [in this case, meaning his brothers (and sisters) in Christ, or his fellow Christians], be ye stedfast [be firm, and fixed in your faith (belief) concerning the truth of the gospel and the resurrection of the dead], [and be] unmoveable [in your expectation of having eternal life], always abounding in the work of the Lord [such as doing things for God and/or the church and to promote the gospel], forasmuch as [because, since] ye [you] know that your labour [labor, work] is not in vain [or 'is not fruitless (without success or results)'] in the Lord [which means when it's done under God's direction and by his influence]."
With this verse, Paul encourages the Corinthians--and all born-again Christians--to remain faithful and hopeful, and he reminds them (and us) that they (and we) will be rewarded in heaven for the things that they (and we) do for God during our lives here on earth.
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You can learn about rewards in heaven by reading the following article: "What is the purpose of there being rewards in heaven?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/rewards-in-heaven.html.

In the last paragraph of his commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:58, Brad Price wrote:

"… Someone has said there are three kinds of people in the church: (1) Tow boat Christians (these never go unless someone drags them along). (2) Sail boat Christians (these are only found in 'fair weather'). (3) Steam boat Christians (these are ready to go all the time). This observation, plus the fact that abounding is expressed with the present tense, reminds us that the Christian life is a life of commitment and activity. God does not want His people to work for a while then grow 'faint' or 'weary' (Galatians 6:9). Neither does He want people to 'spiritually retire' in their later years and rest on their previous accomplishments. God knows about the pitfalls that face His people so Christians are warned to 'stand fast in the faith,' 'act like men,' and 'be strong' (1 Corinthians 16:13). Even though our physical bodies weaken with age, our inward man can be 'renewed day by day' (2 Corinthians 4:16) and we can 'set our minds on what is above' (Colossians 3:2). If Christians do seem to become somewhat lax [loose, careless, negligent] in their service to God, they should be exhorted [encouraged] to again turn to God and serve Him with eagerness  …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-corinthians/15-58.html, "Living By Faith: Commentary on Romans & 1st Corinthians")

These three articles are related to today's verse:

-- "What does it mean that your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/your-labor-is-not-in-vain.html)

-- "What does it mean to be steadfast and unmovable (1 Corinthians 15:58)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/steadfast-and-unmovable.html)

-- "How can we always be 'abounding in the work of the Lord' (1 Corinthians 15:58)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/abounding-in-the-work-of-the-Lord.html)