Word For The Day Genesis 1:4 (KJV)

4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

COMMENTARY: Light: Not the sun which was created on the fourth day (v.16), but some fixed light source outside of the earth. The earth passed through a day-and-night cycle in reference to this light. Good: The word contains less an aesthetic judgment than a designation of purpose and correspondence to God's will, indicating the moral goodness of the Creation.

Word For The Day Genesis 1:3 (KJV)

3 And God said, let there be light: and there was light.

COMMENTARY: And God said: This is the first of a highly structured series of succinct and formulate sentences expressing the creative commands of God. Thus, Creation is accomplished by His word. Each command consists of (1) an announcement, "God said"; (2) a creative command, "Let there be"; (3) a summary word of accomplishment, "And it was so"; (4) a descriptive word of accomplishment, "The earth brought forth"; (5) a descriptive blessing, "God blessed"; (6) an evaluative approval, "It was good"; and (7) a concluding temporal framework, numbering each day.

Word For the Day Genesis 1:2 (KJV)

COMMENTARY CONTINUED:

The Holy Spirit in Creation

1:2 The first emblem of the Holy Spirit in Scripture is that of the Spirit "moving" or literally "brooding" over the waters, much as a broods over her eggs to hatch them. Illustration: The Scriptures assign to the Holy Spirit the works of creating the world (Ps. 33:6), of brooding over the waters (v.2), of garnishing the heavens (Job 26:13), of renewing the earth (Ps. 104:30), and of sustaining life (Ps. 104:29). The Holy Spirit's work in Creation results in order (Is. 40:12-14; Gen. 1:); life (Job 33:4); beauty (Job 26:13; and renewal (Ps. 104:30). The work of the Holy Spirit in Creation is one of the biblical proofs of His deity. Application: The Scriptures also describe the physical body of the Christian as the temple of the Holy Spirit, and suggest He is in the process of recreating us into Christ's image (Phil. 1:6), (First Reference, Gen. 1:2; Primary Reference, Gen. 1:2, cf. Luke 4:18.)

Word For the Day Genesis 1:2 (KJV)

1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

COMMENTARY: 1:2 Without form, and void (Heb. tohu wabohu, "uniformed and unfilled") describes the condition of earth after the initial act of Creation. It does not describe a chaotic condition as a result of judgment. Thus was (Heb. hayetah) is correct and should not be translated became. How the earth became formed and filled is described in verses 3-31. Darkness is not always a symbol of evil (cf. Ps. 104:19-24). Here it simply refers to the absence of light. Deep refers to the waters covering the earth, not some primitive cosmogony. The Spirit of God is a clear reference to the creative activity of the Holy Spirit. John 1:3 indicates that Christ actually created all things for the Father. Thus, all three persons of the Trinity are active in the Creation. This undoubtedly accounts for the plural pronouns us and our in verse 26 which take singular verbs in expressing the tri-unity of God.

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WORD FOR THE DAY GENSIS 1:1 (KJV)

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

COMMENTARY: 1:1 In the beginning (Hebrew bereshit): Creation marks the absolute beginning of the temporal and material world. The traditional Jewish and Christian belief is that Genesis 1:1 declares that God created the original heaven and earth from nothing (Latin ex nihlo) and that verse 2 clarifies that when it came from the Creator's hand, the mass was "without form, and void," unformed and without life. The rest of the chapter then explains the process of creation in detail. There is no evidence in the Hebrew text for long ages of evolutionary development or a gap of time between verse 1 and verse 2. God (Hebrew Elohim). This form of the divine name occurs 2,570 times in the Old Testament. The plural ending im indicates a plural of majesty and takes a singular verb. Created (Hebrew, bara'): This verb is used exclusively with God as its subject. It refers to the instantaneous and miraculous act of God by which He brought the universe into existence. Thus, the Genesis account of Creation refutes atheism, pantheism, polytheism, and evolution.

Word For the Day MATTHEW 16: 13-17 (KJV)

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philipi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, "Some say that thou are John the Baptist: some, Elijah; and the others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou Simon Bar-jona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

COMMENTARY: 16:13-17 See Mark 8:27-33; Luke 9:19-21. The coasts of Caesarea Philippi: this was a town in the extreme northeast of Galilee, near the source of the Jordan. Verse 14 shows that public opinion placed our Lord on the highest human pedestal by identifying Him with one of the natural heroes of the past, John the Baptist. Herod himself was a victim of this particular superstition, (See 14:2.) From 21:15 we know that He was held in high esteem as a prophet by the people. Thou art the Christ: Simon Peter recognized and acknowledged openly the Lord's deity. He may have been speaking for all the disciples. Verse 20 suggests that it was a conviction they all now shared. Peter further used the Greek definite article "the" to designate that Jesus was the Son of the living God.
16:16 When the expression Son of God is used concerning Christ, it delineates the relationship between the first tow members of the Trinity. The Hebrew expression Son of implies one with the same nature as the father. In this sense there is no real difference between "Son of God" and "God the Son." Both emphasize the deity of Christ and His unique relationship with the Father. Illustration: When Jesus identified God as His Father, implying that He was "the Son of God," the Jews understood this as a claim to deity (John 5:18). When Peter identified Jesus as "the Son of the living God" (v. 16), it was the result of spiritual insight (v.17). Application: As we become increasingly intimate with Christ, we should also become increasingly aware that Jesus is the Son of God. (First Reference, Psalm 2:7; Primary Reference, Matthew 16:16; cf. John 3:16.)

Word For the Day Psalm 100 (KJV)

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

COMMENTARY: The word praise in the superscription is actually the word thanksgiving or, more specifically, thank-offering. It was one psalm that accompanied a "thank-offering" (Leviticus 7:12) that one presented when God had especially answered a prayer or given a great deliverance. The psalm contains a command to serve (vv. 1-3) and a command to praise (vv. 4,5). Each section is in turn divided into three calls and three causes. There are three calls to serve, make a joyful noise (v.1), serve the Lord (v.2) and come before (v.3). Likewise, there are three calls to praise, enter his gates, be thankful, bless his name (v.4), followed by three causes for praise, the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting, his truth endureth (v.5).

Word For the Day Luke 12: 1-7 (KJV)

1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows.

COMMENTARY: 12:1-2 Hypocrisy, piety just for the sake of appearance, is futile; for even hidden motives will one day be laid bare by God. 12:4 The body's death is not the end of a person's life. 12:5 God is the One with this power (James 3:12). 12:6-7 God is not only to be feared (v.5), He also cares for and tenderly watches over the life of each of His children.

WORD FOR THE DAY MATTHEW 5:3-4

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

4 " Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted."

COMMENTARY: 5:3 Blessed means "happy." This is a basic description of the believers' inner condition as a result of the work of God. These Beatitudes, like Psalm I, do not show a man how to be saved, but rather describe the characteristics of one who has been saved. The poor in spirit are the opposite of the proud or haughty in spirit. They have been humbled by the grace of God and have acknowledged their sin and therefore their dependence upon God to save them. They will inherit the kingdom of heaven, kingdom of heaven is a general designation of the dwelling place of the saved. 5:4 Those that mourn...shall be comforted. The depth of the promise of these statements is almost inexhaustible. Those who mourn for sin shall be comforted in confession. Those who mourn for the human anguish of the lost shall be comforted by the compassion of God.

WORD FOR THE DAY JEREMIAH 3:15 (KJV)

15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

COMMENTARY: The promise of restoration to repentant people is a common one in the prophets, and Jeremiah turns to it often. Pastors means Israel's leadership which, though now false (cf. Ezek. 34:8-10), will yet be composed of men after God's own heart (cf. 23:4), serving under the Great Shepherd Himself (Ezek. 34:11-31).

WORD FOR THE DAY LUKE 13:6-9 (KJV)

6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

COMMENTARY: 6-9 This short parable speaks of the Lord's forbearance, but also of His eventual severity on those who are continually fruitless. See Roman 11:22.

WORD FOR TH DAY MATTHEW 13: 31-32 (KJV)

31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field;

32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds; but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

COMMENTARY: 13:31--32 See Mark 4:30-34; Luke 13:18-19. The mustard seed is unusually small and yet grows to a great size. The idea seems to be that the tiny beginning of the church will eventually culminate in great growth. Herbs (greek - lachanon) are garden plants or vegetables. However, such numerical growth will come to harbor the birds (evil ones). The parable accordingly foreshadows the growth of the church into a world power. However, outward growth is not always a true picture of spiritual depth.

WORD FOR THE DAY PROVERBS 22:6 (KJV)

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

COMMENTARY: Train up a child refers to the total process of molding a child's life. The word train comes from the root word meaning to "put into the mouth " and implies the idea of conditioning the palate. Thus, parental training should help children develop a taste for the things of God. The biblical pattern of effective parental training emphasizes a balance of instruction and discipline (cf. Eph. 6:1-4). The ideal parent is to be neither overly authoritarian nor overly permissive. Rather, he must balance love and discipline so as not to "provoke" his child to rebellion. When he is old means simply, "when he is grown up," or a mature adult. It does not refer to his elderly years. The verse stresses the simple principle that education in the home forms the man throughout his lifetime.

Word OF THE DAY EPHESIANS 2:1-6 (KJV)

1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience;

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature children of wrath, even as others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.

5 Even when we were dead in sins, quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus;

COMMENTARY: 2:1 Quickened means "made alive" In 1:19n Paul prays for his readers to recognize what God's power has done. As part of the answer to this prayer, verse 1-10 inform them of some of the effects divine might has accomplished in them. 2:2 Ye walked means "you lived." The course of this world: The word course signifies the tendencies, thoughts, pursuits, deeds, and so on, that characterize the present period of history. "This world" (kosmos) means world-system", that is, those philosophies, values, and life-styles that are opposed to God and hostile to Him. Before conversion the Ephesians used to conduct themselves in accordance with such ungodly values, The princes of the power of the air may be read "the ruler of the kingdom in the air." they also used to live by the dictates and wishes of Satan. 2:3 We all had our conversation means "we all conducted ourselves." In contrast to "ye" in 2:2 which refers to Gentiles, note the "we" of this verse, which refers to Jews. In essence Paul admits, "We Jews were no better than you Gentiles-both ethnic groups were sinful." Children of wrath refers to people subject to divine punishment. 2:4-6 But begins to disclose God's response to man's sin of verse 1-3. This divine response is expressed in three main verbs: (1) God... hath quickened us. Because they were morally dead in sins, the Lord gave them spiritual life; (2) and hath raise us up together, that is God has not allowed these Christians to remain in the grave of their old life with its sinful ways and habits, but He brought them into a new life and demonstration of it; and (3) God made us sit together in heavenly places, that is, He has brought us into His presence, and into intimate relationship with Himself.

WORD FOR THE DAY PROVERBS 3:5-6 (KJV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

COMMENTARY: 3:5-6 Three commands are given: trust, meaning "rely on, depend on"; lean not, meaning do not depend on your own native instincts; and acknowledge him, meaning have fellowship and intimacy with God in all of life. The result of such devotion is that God will make the paths straight before you.

WORD FOR THE DAY Colossians 3:12-14 (KJV)

12 Put on therefore , as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering.
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

COMMENTARY: 3:12 Put on literally means to "dress oneself" (with clothes); here, used metaphorically, it means to take on or assume certain virtues and qualities. Bowels of mercies means heart-felt compassion. 3:13 The fact of believers being urged to assume the virtues of verse 12 signifies that none has "yet" arrived spiritually. As the believer is developing these virtues, he must be forbearing and forgiving toward his fellow church member. For his Christian brother is also in the process of acquiring the virtues of verse 12 and therefore retains some flaws, deficiencies, and weaknesses. hence the need of forbearance and forgiveness. 3:14 Charity is love, here called the bond of perfectness. Love is the crowning grace completing the list of virtues required for perfectness or spiritual maturity. As a "bond" it binds all other virtues together in harmony and unity.

WORD FOR THE DAY PSALM 117 (KJV)

1 O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us; and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.

Commentary: Well known as the shortest chapter in the Bible, this little psalm contains a great message. Though some have denied it no independent existence, attaching it to Psalm 116, Psalm 117 has all three elements of this hymn of praise a call to praise (v.1), a cause for praise (v. 2a, b), and a conclusion, which, in this case, is a simple praise ye the Lord (v. 2c). The fact that the nations and people (lit., "peoples") are addressed in verse 1 makes this psalm the only one in the Psalter addresses in its entirety to the Gentiles world. Its evangelistic mood was still baffling to some of Paul's readers. This is one of four passages that Paul quotes from the Old Testament, in Romans 15, to prove that God is interested in saving Gentiles.

Word For The Day Luke 14:7-14 (KJV)

7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,
8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him;
9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bad thee cometh, he may say Friend, go up higher; then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee.
13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind;
14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Commentary:
14:7-11 This account is unique to Luke. Verse 11 sums up Jesus' point. As usual, He is able to invest a mundane scene with profound meaning. 14:8 Bidden means "invited." The highest room was the place of honor at a banquet. 14:10 Worship would be more modernly translated "esteem." Jesus is not encouraging human pride (cf. v. 11). Proverbs 25:6-7 offers a parallel. 14:12-14 This passage is found only in Luke. It is surely not a command to refuse hospitality to friends, family, and those who may be well off. Jesus fellowshipped in such circles Himself. Jesus rather issues the reminder that it is incumbent on His followers to do good both to the lovable and the unlovable. (See Matthew 5:46) If the unevangelized and needy are to be reached, God's people must maintain ties with them, and should want to do so for the gospel's sake. (See 1 Corinthians 5:9-11) Jesus was known as a Friend of sinners. 14:14 To do what is right in God's eyes at all times is virtuous, but even more so when one's charitable acts cannot possibly be attributed to desire for immediate personal advantage.

Evangelist Pamela Banks, Founder/Director

Word For the Day Philippians 4:10-13; 19 (KJV)

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.


Commentary: Wherein ye were also careful, or "regarding your care for me, you really were concerned": Paul acknowledges that they were concerned about his needs all along, but they lacked opportunity to minister to him. Not that I speak in respect [because] of want: Paul's ability to be content despite the circumstances assures the readers that his joy of verse 10 is not solely over his "need" being met at their expense. He implies that he could have done without their financial aid. For justifies this implication. I have learned... to be content: The Greek here suggests that contentment is a lesson learned neither in a classroom nor overnight, but through many practical experiences in life. By listing some specific examples, verse 12 elaborates upon the very general and broad "in whatsoever state I am" of verse 11. Be abased means literally to discipline oneself, that is, to tighten the belt in lean times. To abound means to live in prosperity. Every where and in all things I am instructed (or, "in all circumstances I have learned the secret of how") to be full, that is, "well-fed." To abound means to have plenty. To suffer need means to go without. Paul has acquired the skill required for successfully living with little and with much, the latter probably being harder: "For one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity" (Thomas Carlyle). The apostle's ability of knowing how to live skillfully on little or in prosperity does not mean that he is a spiritual superman. The reason he can live in such extremes is not owing to his own ability. Rather he can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth him, thus enabling him to adapt to his various, ever-changing circumstances. God orders Paul's various situations, and God gives him the strength to be content in them all, trying and perplexing though they may be. Because the Lord is aware of the sacrifice (v.18) the Philippians made in meeting Paul's needs, God will surely supply all their need. God will meet their "need" (1) according to his riches, that is, in proportion to His unlimited resources; (2) in glory, that is, He will meet their need "gloriously" or "in a splendid manner"; and (3) By Christ Jesus.

Word For The Day Psalm 138 (KJV)

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Psalm 138: This psalm of thanksgiving begins with individual praise (vv.1-3), but looks forward to universal praise (vv.4-6). The praise offered to God does not change the contemporary troubles, but the psalmist does expect deliverance from them (vv.7, 8).

**We must praise God through out trials and tribulations. We are to possess a spirit of expectation. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus and therefore we are to praise God in our present situation and continue in praise for that which is yet to come.

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