Notes from Linda:
12/1/22: I just found out that most of the commentaries on the Bible Study Tools website are no longer free. That's where most of the quotes that appear on the "Verse of the Day" and "Previous Verses" pages of my website are taken from, so from now on, many of the "Source:" links that I provide on those pages will not contain the quoted text.I was disgusted to read about the organization's new "PLUS" membership, and the only thing I can say about it is that the Bible has this warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 for the owner of Bible Study Tools: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
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8/8/21: Something is wrong with my Christian forum. Everything seems to be working normally (i.e., the articles are there, and the links work), but for some reason, the forum's format has changed slightly, and I am currently unable to post anything new.
I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully, the problem is only temporay and will be fixed soon.
"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses
Bible Verses
"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses
Bible Verses
Previous Verses
March 1-21, 2025
See "Mar '25B" in Archives for March 22-31.
Unfortunately, I ran out of space in this month's file.
MARCH 21
1 Corinthians 1:17,18
Preaching the Gospel
In a letter to the Christian church at Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 1:17: "For [Jesus] Christ sent me [Paul] not to baptize [as my main objective], but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words [i.e., not with human wisdom and great speaking ability (like Greek philosophers), but by the power of God (through the influence of the Holy Spirit)], lest the cross of Christ should be [or 'so the cross of Christ (referring to Jesus' crucifixion, or death on the cross) won't be'] made of none effect [or will be ineffective, or will have no effect] [on the salvation of mankind]."
1 Corinthians 1:18: "For the preaching of the cross [of Christ; i.e., the gospel message that Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins] is to them that [are about to] perish foolishness [meaning that to people who are not saved and will end up in hell and be tormented forever in the lake of fire, the preaching of the cross is a stupid, ridiculous concept, unworthy of belief]; but unto us which are saved [from the power of condemnation and sin, referring to born-again Christians, whose sins have been forgiven by God and who will go to heaven when we die,] it [the preaching of the cross] is the power of God [unto salvation and eternal life]."
"… To the great mass [or large group] of the Jews, and to the pagan [non-Jewish] philosophers, and indeed, to the majority of the people of this world, it [the preaching of the cross] has ever [forever, always] appeared [to be] foolishness, for the following reasons:
"(1) The humble origin [lowly beginnings] of the Lord Jesus. They despise [hate] him [Jesus, a person] that lived in Nazareth; that was poor; that had no home, and few friends, and no wealth [money, riches], and little honor among his own countrymen.
"(2) They [the unbelievers] despise him [Jesus] who was put to death, as an impostor, at the instigation [prompting] of his own countrymen, in an ignominious [a humiliating] manner on the cross - the usual punishment of slaves.
"(3) They [the unbelievers] see not [or 'do not see'] why there should be any particular efficacy [effectiveness, success] in his death. They deem it incredible that he who could not save himself should be able to save them; and that glory should come from the ignominy [public shame or disgrace] of the cross …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/1-corinthians-1.html, "Verse 18")
MARCH 20
Proverbs 20:3
Proverbs 20:3: "It is an honour [an honorable thing, worthy of respect and admiration] for a man [or woman or child] to cease from strife [or to refuse to become involved in arguments and quarrels about unimportant matters]: but every fool will be meddling [interfering, or taking part, in situations, other than his (or her) own, involving controversy and strife]."
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In his commentary, Pastor Delany gives examples of normal differences of opinion and how they can develop into heated arguments, and he tells what the people involved can do to act as peacemakers and cease from strife.
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If you want to read the pastor's commentary, click on https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/, then scroll down to "20:3."
(Please note: This verse on the Salem Baptist Church website currently shows the wrong commentary, but it should be fixed soon. Sorry!)
"To cease from strife; either to prevent it, or, if it be [or 'has'] begun, to put an end to it …
"Will be meddling, to wit [or 'to say,' or 'namely'], with matters of strife; he [the fool] is always ready to begin strife, and [is] obstinate [stubborn] in the continuance of it."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mpc/proverbs-20.html, "Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible," "Verse 3")
MARCH 19
Proverbs 19:23
Proverbs 19:23: "The fear of the LORD [i.e., having honor, respect, and love for God, and fearing his judgment on sin--see note below*] tendeth [leads] to life [or 'results in God protecting us and prolonging our lives (or letting us live longer) here on earth']: and he [or she] that hath [has] it [a God-fearing attitude] shall abide [remain, continue to be] satisfied [pleased, content] [with his (or her) life]; he [or she--the person with a God-fearing attitude] shall not be visited with evil [meaning he (or she) will not be punished or judged] [by God].
"… Those [people] who have genuine [authentic, real, true] honor and respect for the Lord--as demonstrated [revealed, shown] in their lives and attitudes--can expect that God will provide refuge [safety, protection, shelter] and deliverance [rescue] in time of trouble… even preserving their physical lives … Those who do not fear God have no such promise."
"… This is a common theme in the Bible concerning God-fearers: God prolongs their days; God preserves them; God protects them; God delivers them; God provides for them; [and God] spares them… from danger, death, and misery [great unhappiness and emotional distress] …"
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Regarding the last part of the verse, about people who fear the Lord not being visited with evil, Pastor Delany says (in paragraph 2 of the above-mentioned commentary):
"b. Visits can be either good or bad. It depends on who's visiting and why! If the police visit with a warrant for your arrest, that's not a good visit. But if your boss pays you a visit at your office with a big promotion, that's a good visit.
"c. When God visits a person, it can either be to bless or to judge."
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The commentary goes on to say:
"4. This does not mean that bad things never happen to God fearing people. They DO.
"a. But if a God fearing person IS afflicted [troubled] with evil and calamity [misfortune] in life, he can know that it was not a visitation of Divine chastening or judgment. [In other words, it did not come from God.]
"b. Rather, it was a test allowed by God, not for his [the God-fearing person's] ruin, but for his good… and like Job [a man in the Old Testament who was allowed by God to be tested by Satan] he [the God-fearing person] shall come forth as gold.
"c. Bad things may happen to God fearing people, but it does mean that they [the bad things] will not harm him."
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The commentary ends with:
"h. The one who fears God is not visited with evil, because whatever kind of evil or calamity he [or she] may face, God is able to turn it to good… as He did with Daniel's friends [who were cast (thrown) into the fiery furnace and were not hurt]… and with Job [who ended up having more at the end of his 'trial' (test of faith) than he had before the 'trial' began].
"i. All things work together for good to those who love God [Romans 8:28]… and fear Him."
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If you want to read more of the pastor's commentary, click on https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/, then scroll down to "19:23."
MARCH 18
Romans 2:1,2,3
It's Hypocritical to Judge Others for the Same Kinds of Sins That We Commit
The apostle Paul originally wrote this to the Jews who were condemning Gentiles [non-Jewish people] for committing sins that were similar to their own.
Romans 2:1: "Therefore thou art inexcusable [you are without excuse, or you cannot be excused] [for your own faults or sins], O man [or woman or child], whosoever thou art [whoever you are] that judgest [judges] [others]: for wherein [in what case or instance, or for whatever reason] thou judgest [you judge] another [person], thou condemnest thyself [you condemn yourself, meaning you make yourself guilty before God]; for thou that judgest [or 'because you who judge others'] doest [do] the same things [commit the same sins] [as the people that you're judging]."
Romans 2:2: "But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth [i.e., a true moral standard] against them which commit such things [referring to those sins listed in Chapter 1 of Romans, verses 18-32--see https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1&version=KJV]."
Romans 2:3: "And thinkest thou this [or 'do you think'], O man [or woman or child], that judgest them which do such things [or 'who commit sins like those referred to in the previous verse'], and [who] doest [do] the same [things, or commit the same sins], that thou shalt [you shall] escape the judgment of God?"
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You may have heard that Christians will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ and that unbelievers (unsaved people) will appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, but there are more than these two types of judgment mentioned in the Bible. You can read about them in the article entitled "What are all the different judgments in the Bible?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/all-the-judgments.html.
MARCH 16-17
1 Timothy 3:1,2,3,4,5
Description of People Who Will Be Living in the "Last Days"
In his second letter to Timothy (whom he called his "son in the faith"), the apostle Paul warned of the coming apostasy (abandonment of the truth) in both the world and the Christian church:
2 Timothy 3:1: "This know also, that in the last days [referring to the period of time before Jesus Christ returns to Earth,] perilous [dangerous] times shall come."
2 Timothy 3:2,3-4: "For [because] men [and women and children] shall be
lovers of their own selves [selfish],
covetous [loving money and things, wanting to be rich],
boasters [bragging about their achievements, possessions, and/or abilities],
proud [arrogant, stuck up],
blasphemers [inclined to curse or take God's name in vain],
disobedient to parents,
unthankful [to people and God],
unholy [showing disregard for what is holy, or dedicated to God],
Without natural affection [unloving],
trucebreakers [refusing to honor agreements or keep their word],
false accusers [making false statements about other people and damaging their reputation],
incontinent [lacking self-control (i.e., unable to resist feelings of passion, such as love, hate, anger, or a desire for food, sex, etc.)],
fierce [cruel],
despisers [haters] of those that are good,
Traitors [willing to betray their country and friends],
heady [headstrong, reckless, stubborn, determined to have their own way],
highminded [haughty, conceited],
lovers of pleasures [pleasure] more than lovers of God;"
2 Timothy 3:5: "[Referring to the types of people listed above:] Having a form of godliness [a profession of religion], but denying the power thereof [or, as suggested by Adam Clarke, 'They have religion in their creed [belief], but none in their hearts'--see note below*]: from such [people] turn away [i.e., don't associate with them]."
-- Source for quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-timothy/3-5.html, "Clarke's Commentary"
-- GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the following question (about apostasy in the church):"What does it mean to have a form of godliness but deny its power in 2 Timothy 3:5?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/form-of-godliness.html.
"When most people think of end-times Bible prophecy, they think of wars and rumors of war, earthquakes, pestilences [contagious diseases, plagues], 666 and Antichrist. They think of massive disasters and a new, totalitarian global order [as in a one-world government--see note below**] -- big picture items. But the Bible also talks about individual human beings. It says a series of deadly changes in attitude and outlook will infect most of humanity [the human race]. It talks about seemingly small things among individuals -- things like ungratefulness and disobedience to parents -- that will have a massive, cumulative effect on the whole world.
"2 Timothy 3:1 (NKJV) warns that 'in the last days perilous times will come.' It then describes some of those perils [dangers], but it does not mention the four horsemen of the apocalypse [a catastrophic event at the end of the world], or other great judgments of God described in [the book of] Revelation. Instead, it illustrates end-time perils by pointing to individual human proclivities [referring to a tendency to behave in a certain way or to like a particular thing].
"In verses 2-5, this passage says the last days will be perilous, 'For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!'
"'For' is a translation of the Greek word 'gar.' It assigns a reason. In this context, it means the same thing as 'because.' Perilous times will come and here's why: because 'men will be…' and then it gives a list of things that will describe most of humanity in the last days.
"It's interesting that -- like war, deception, and other signs of the end of the age [or the end of the current era (or period of history)] -- each of these things have always existed in human beings. The prophecies refer to a dramatic increase in all these matters as we get closer to the Lord's coming [back to Earth, referring to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ]. Like war and deception, lack of self-control and blasphemy will grow worse. People will become even more headstrong and haughty; prouder and more selfish.
"It's perilous [dangerous] to live in a world where people's greatest love is the love of self and of money. Ungodly pride makes humans dangerous; makes them easily offended and quick to [seek] vengeance [revenge]. When brutality becomes the norm [or 'becomes normal'], society grows more perilous. When people hold truth in low regard [or 'low esteem,' meaning they have a negative opinion of it], slander [character assassination] becomes widespread, and widespread slander erodes [wears away] all systems of justice.
"Volumes [or 'much'] could be written on how these things have already taken hold and are right now being cultivated [nurtured, developed] in human hearts, especially by our educational system and in entertainment. When I watch the seething rage [or intense feeling of anger] against Jews and Israel for defending themselves against terrorists, I wonder how much further humans can fall. Yet the Bible says it will get worse. Zechariah 14:2 foretells a time when all the nations gather for war against Jerusalem.
"Revelation 13:4-8 says that at one point in the future, the world will not only follow, but also [will] actually worship the Antichrist. He will at first support the Christless religions of the world [i.e., those without faith in the teachings of Jesus Christ] -- they which have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.
"We're not there yet. Satan's plan for Antichrist is held back by the special presence of the Holy Spirit that began at Pentecost. That restraint will be removed when the Church [which is comprised (made up of) of all born-again Christians] is removed at the rapture. In the meantime, 'evil men and seducers… wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived' (2 Timothy 3:13, KJV).
"These are good days to walk in the security of God's will, plan, and purpose for your life -- to live close to Him and according to His Word [as recorded in the Bible]."
(Source: https://conta.cc/3FzIi3S)
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GotQuestions.org has written an article that explains what will happen in the future when the whole world is ruled by one man, and a totalitarian government: It's entitled "Does the Bible prophesy a one-world government and a one-world currency in the end times?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/one-world-government.html.
MARCH 15
Proverbs 15:16
Proverbs 15:16: "Better is [having only a] little [money] with the fear of the LORD than [having] great treasure [lots of money] [without the fear of God,] and [having] trouble therewith [or 'along with it']."
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In paragraph 4 of his commentary on this verse, Pastor Delany asks us to consider what we would do if we were faced with the following options:
"b. When you have been out of work and are desperate for a job, and have an opportunity for a good job IF you embellish [exaggerate facts or make things up on] your resume… would you do it?
"c. Or, your boss offers you a promotion with a huge pay increase, BUT it requires working every Sunday."
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Although some people in the Bible were rich and did fear God (King Solomon is one of them), many others chose great treasure instead of the fear of God. In paragraph 5, the commentary says:
"e. Treasures obtained by abandoning the fear of the Lord come with strings attached… a heavy price…
"→ Consider [the man named] Lot--choosing the land that was lush [covered with healthy green plants; i.e.]: Sodom. He had to flee [run away] [from there] for his life.
"→ Consider Achan who coveted [greatly desired] riches and was stoned to death.
"→ Consider Gehazi, the servant of Elisha who did not fear God but chose mammon [riches]--and was smitten [stricken, afflicted] with leprosy!
"→ Consider Ananias and [his wife,] Saphira [Sapphira]--who did not fear God, but coveted wealth [riches, money]… and were struck dead by God. THEN [or 'after that,'] the [early Christian] church [in Jerusalem] walked in the fear of God and was multiplied! [or grew in number]"
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If you want to read more of the commentary, click on https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/, then scroll down to "15:16.
-- "Who was Lot in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Lot-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "Who was Achan in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Achan-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "Who was Gehazi in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Gehazi-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "Why did God kill Ananias and Sapphira for lying?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Ananias-and-Sapphira.html)
MARCH 13-14
Proverbs 13:2
Proverbs 13:2: "A man [or woman or child] shall eat good by [or 'shall benefit from'] the fruit of his [or her] mouth [or 'from the good things that he (or she) says']: but the soul of the transgressors [i.e., people who stir up anger] shall eat violence [meaning they shall lose friends and/or cause division, fights, etc.] [because of what they say]."
(Please note: This verse on the Salem Baptist Church website currently shows the wrong commentary, but it should be fixed soon. Sorry!)
MARCH 12
Matthew 13:54,55,56,57,58
Jesus Didn't Spend Much Time With Unbelievers
Matthew 13:54: "And when he [Jesus] was come into [or arrived in] his own country [specifically, the city of Nazareth, where he had lived while growing up], he taught them [his countrymen, the people in his former neighborhood] in their synagogue, insomuch that [so that] they were astonished [amazed], and said, Whence [from where] hath [has] this man [Jesus] [gotten] this wisdom, and [the ability to perform] these mighty works [miracles]? [Answer: From Almighty God, not from the devil, as some may have believed (per Matthew 12:24).]"
Matthew 13:55-56: "Is not this [person, referring to Jesus] the carpenter's [Joseph's] son? is not his mother called Mary [who, according to the Bible, was a virgin when she conceived and gave birth to Jesus (see Luke 1:34,35 and Matthew 1:24-25)]? and [are not] his [Jesus'] brethren [brothers], [called] James, and Joses [or 'Joseph'], and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man [Jesus] [gotten] all these things [i.e., wisdom and the ability to perform miracles]?"
Matthew 13:57-58: "And they [the people who had gathered in the synagogue] were offended in [by] him [Jesus--because he had no formal education and came from a working-class family, and consequently, they considered him to be no better than them]. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour [honor], save [except] in his own country, and in his own house [household, family]. And he [Jesus] did not [do] many mighty works there [in Nazareth] because of their unbelief."
MARCH 9-11
Luke 17:11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19
Jesus Heals Ten Lepers But Is Only Thanked by One
Luke 17:11: "And it came to pass, as he [Jesus] went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of [or in the middle of, between, or along the border of] Samaria and Galilee."
Luke 17:12-13,14: "And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers [see note below*], which stood afar off [or at a distance, as required by law]: And they [the ten lepers] lifted up [raised] their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he [Jesus] saw them [the lepers], he said unto them, Go [and] shew [show] yourselves unto the priests."
Luke 17:15-16: "And it came to pass, that, as they [the lepers] went [away, to see the priests], they were cleansed [cured, healed]. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back [toward Jesus, or turned around], and with a loud voice glorified [praised] God, And [he] fell down on his face at his [Jesus'] feet [which means that he lay on the ground, stretched out, face down, at Jesus' feet], giving him thanks: and he [the leper] was a Samaritan [an inhabitant of Samaria--see note below**]."
Luke 17:17-18: "And Jesus answering [or responding to what had just happened] said, Were there not ten [lepers] cleansed? but where are the [other] nine? There are not found [any of them] that returned to give glory to God, save [except] this stranger [the Samaritan]."
Luke 17:19: "And he [Jesus] said unto him [the man who had returned to thank him], Arise [get up], go thy [your] way [to the priest, in obedience to the law, to prove that you have been healed]: thy faith hath [has] made thee [you] whole [or healthy, or well … or 'your faith has restored your health' ]."
"… See here, (1.) How rich [generous] [Jesus] Christ is in doing good: Were there not ten [lepers] cleansed [healed]? Here was a cure by wholesale, a whole hospital healed with one word's speaking. Note, There is an abundance of healing cleansing virtue in the blood of Christ, sufficient for all [of] his patients, though [there are] ever so many. Here are ten at a time cleansed; we shall have never the less grace for others sharing it. (2.) How poor we are in our returns: 'Where are the nine [other lepers who were healed]? Why did not they return to give thanks?' This intimates [implies] that ingratitude [ungratefulness, thanklessness] is a very common sin. Of the many [people] that receive mercy from God, there are but few, very few, that return to give thanks in a right manner (scarcely one in ten), that render [give thanks] according to the benefit done to them. (3.) How those often prove most grateful from whom it was least expected. A Samaritan gives thanks, and a Jew does not. Thus many who profess revealed religion are out-done, and quite shamed, by some that are governed only by natural religion, not only in moral value, but in piety [reverence] and devotion [to God]. This serves here to aggravate [worsen] the ingratitude of those Jews of whom Christ speaks, as taking it very ill [which means that Jesus was not pleased] that his kindness was so slighted [unappreciated]. And it intimates [implies] how justly he [Jesus] resents the ingratitude of the world of mankind, for whom he had done so much, and from whom he has received so little.
"2. The great encouragement [that] Christ gave him [the Samaritan leper], [Luke 17:19]. The rest [of the lepers] had their cure, and had it not revoked [or canceled, or 'did not have it taken away'], as justly it might have been, for their ingratitude, though they had such a good example of gratitude [thankfulness] set before them [by the Samaritan]; but he had his cure confirmed particularly with an encomium [a formal expression of praise]: Thy faith hath made thee whole. The rest [of the lepers] were made whole by the power of Christ, in compassion [sympathetic pity] to their distress [suffering], and in answer to their prayer; but he [the Samaritan] was made whole by his faith, by which Christ saw him distinguished [different] from the rest. Note, Temporal [earthly, worldly] mercies are then doubled and sweetened to us when they are fetched in [or received] by the prayers of faith, and returned by the praises of faith."
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/luke/17.html, "v. 17, 18" and "v. 19")
"There came a leper - No disease with which the human family has been afflicted [stricken, troubled] has been more dreadful [horrible] than that which is often mentioned in the Bible 'as the leprosy.' It first exhibits itself [or appears] on the surface of the skin. The appearance is not always the same, but it commonly resembles the spot made by the puncture of a pin or the pustules of a ringworm. The spots generally make their appearance very suddenly. Perhaps its appearance might be hastened [accelerated, sped up] by any sudden passion [emotion], as fear or anger … The spots commonly exhibit themselves at first on the face, about [around] the nose and eyes, and increase in size [over] a number of years, until they become as large as a pea or a bean.
"There are three kinds of leprosy, distinguished by the appearance of the spots - the white, the black, and the red leprosy. These spots, though few at first, gradually spread until they cover the whole body.
"But, though the 'appearance' of the disease is at first in the skin, yet it is deeply seated in the bones, and marrow, and joints of the body. We have reason to suppose that in children it is concealed [hidden] in the system for a number of years until they [the children] arrive at the age of puberty [which is around 8 to 13 for girls, and 9 to 14 for boys]; and in adults for three or four years, until at last it gives fearful indications on the skin of its having gained a well-rooted and permanent existence. A leprous person may live twenty, or thirty, or even fifty years, if he [or she] received the disease at his [or her] birth, but they will be years of indescribable [impossible to describe] misery. The bones and marrow are pervaded [spread through all parts] with the disease. The malady [disease] advances from one stage to another with slow and certain ruin. 'Life still lingers [continues] amid [in the middle of] the desolation [unhappiness and hopelessness];' the joints, and hands, and feet lose their power; and the body 'collapses,' or falls together in a form [that is] hideous [unsightly, repulsive] and awful. There is a form of the disease in which it commences [starts] at the extremities [arms and legs]: the joints separate; the fingers, toes, and other members one by one fall off; and the malady [disease] thus gradually approaches the seat of life [probably referring to the heart]. The wretched [miserable] victim is thus doomed to see himself dying 'piecemeal [gradually],' assured that no human power can arrest [stop] for a moment the silent and steady march of this foe [enemy] to the seat of life.
"This disease is contagious [easily spread to others] and hereditary [inherited]. It is easily communicated from one to another, and is transmitted to the third and fourth generation. The last generation that is afflicted with it commonly exhibits the symptoms by decayed teeth, by a fetid [foul-smelling] breath, and by a diseased complexion.
"Moses gave particular directions by which the real leprosy was to be distinguished from other diseases … In compliance with the laws of the land, Jesus directed the man that he had healed to make the customary offering, and to obtain the testimony of the priest that he was healed. The leprosy has once, and but once, appeared in America. This loathsome [repulsive] and most painful disease has in all other instances been confined to the Old World [Africa, Asia, and Europe], and chiefly to the Eastern nations [like China, Korea, and Japan].
"It is matter of profound [deep] gratitude to a benignant [kind and benevolent] God that this scourge [plague] has been permitted but [only] once to visit the New World [the Americas]. That awful calamity was on the island of Guadeloupe, in the West Indies, about the year 1730, and is thus described by an eye-witness: 'Its commencement [i.e., the beginning of the disease] is imperceptible [hard to notice]. There appear only some few white spots on the skin. At first they are attended with [or accompanied by] no pain or inconvenience, but no means whatever will remove them. The disease imperceptibly [gradually] increases for many years. The spots become larger, and spread over the whole body. When the disease advances, the upper part of the nose swells, the nostrils become enlarged, and the nose itself grows soft. Tumors appear on the jaws; the eyebrows swell; the ears become thick; the points of the fingers, as also the feet and the toes, swell; the nails become scaly; the joints of the hands and feet separate and drop off. In the last stage of the disease the patient becomes a hideous spectacle [an extremely ugly, revolting, or shocking sight], and falls to pieces."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/matthew-8.html, "Verse 2")
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Here are two GotQuestions.org articles about leprosy:
-- "What is the story of the ten lepers in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/ten-lepers.html)
-- "Why is leprosy talked about so much in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-leprosy.html)
MARCH 8
Hebrews 9:24,25,26
Jesus Only Had to Die Once to Pay for Our Sins
This letter was probably written to Jewish Christians by the apostle Paul:
Hebrews 9:24: "For [Jesus] Christ is not entered [or 'did not enter'] into the holy places made with hands [see note below*], which ['holy places made with hands'] are the figures [types, likenesses, representations] of the true [real, or actual, holy places in heaven]; but [after his resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ entered] into heaven itself [and sprinkled his own blood on the mercy seat there], now to appear [or 'and he now appears'] in the presence of God for us [or on our behalf]:"
Hebrews 9:25: "Nor yet that he should [neither should Jesus] offer himself [as a sacrifice for sins] often, as the high priest [does when he] entereth [enters] into the holy place [in the Jewish temple here on earth] every year with blood of others [meaning animals, such as calves and goats];"
Hebrews 9:26: "For [because] [if Jesus were to 'offer himself often,' or frequently,] then must he often have suffered [which means that he would have suffered many, many times] since the foundation [beginning] of the world: but now once in the end of the world [in the Christian dispensation, or gospel age] hath [has] he [Jesus Christ, the Son of God] appeared [on earth, in human form] to put away sin [or 'to remove our punishment for sin'] by the sacrifice of himself [referring to his death on the cross]."
-- "Why did God require animal sacrifices in the Old Testament?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/animal-sacrifices.html)
-- "What does it mean that Jesus' sacrifice was once for all (Hebrews 7:27)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/once-for-all.html)
-- "What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Day-Atonement-Yom-Kippur.html)
-- "What was the Holy of Holies?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Holy-of-Holies.html)
-- "What is the mercy seat?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/mercy-seat.html)
MARCH 7
2 Timothy 3:6,7
False Teachers
This was the Apostle Paul's advice to Timothy regarding false teachers:
2 Timothy 3:6: "For of this sort [of people--having the same character traits as those who will be living in the 'last days,' as described in 2 Timothy 3:2,3,4] are they [false religious teachers] which creep [or privately enter] into houses, and lead captive [or capture, meaning 'gain the confidence of'] silly [or 'weak'] women [see note below*] [who are] laden [or burdened] with sins, [and who are] led away with [or misled due to] divers [various kinds of] lusts [such as pride, vanity, etc.],"
2 Timothy 3:7 [The 'silly women' described above are]: "Ever [forever, always] learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth [of the gospel, which leads to salvation--see note below**]."
____________________
The following articles answer questions that have been asked regarding Satan and the serpent in the Garden of Eden:
-- "Was Satan the serpent in Genesis chapter 3?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Satan-serpent.html)
-- "Why didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/talking-snake.html)
-- "Why did God allow Satan to enter the Garden of Eden?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Satan-in-the-Garden-of-Eden.html)
"And never able to come to the knowledge of the truth - They [the 'silly women' mentioned in verse 6] may learn many things, but the true nature of religion they do not learn. There are many such persons in the world, who, whatever attention they may pay to religion, never understand its nature. Many obtain much speculative acquaintance with [or 'casual knowledge of'] the 'doctrines' [beliefs] of Christianity, but never become savingly acquainted with the system [meaning they do not become born again, or saved, according to the Bible]; many study the constitution and government of the church, but remain strangers to practical piety [in other words, they don't have a desire to love and obey God]; many become familiar with the various philosophical theories of [or ways to explain] religion, but never become truly acquainted with what religion is; and many embrace [accept] visionary [imaginative] theories, who never show that they are influenced by the spirit of the gospel. Nothing is more common than for persons to be very busy and active in religion, and even to 'learn' many things about it, who still remain strangers to the saving power of the gospel."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-timothy-3.html, "Verse 7")
MARCH 6
Psalm 147:16,17,18
God (not "Mother Nature") Controls the Weather
Psalm 147:16-17: [During winter months,] "He [God] giveth [gives, sends] snow [meaning he covers the earth with snow, which is white and fluffy] like wool: he scattereth [scatters] the hoarfrost [frost] like ashes. He casteth [casts] forth [or 'throws down'] his ice [hail] like morsels [small pieces of food]: who can stand before his [God's] cold [or 'who can endure the cold weather']?"
Psalm 147:18: [After some snowstorms, and especially in the spring,] "He [God] sendeth [sends] out his word [or 'gives a command' or 'speaks'], and melteth [melts] them [i.e., the snow, frost, and ice]: he causeth [causes] his [warm] wind to blow, and the [previously frozen] waters [to] flow."
MARCH 5
Ephesians 4:15
What We Say and How We Say It -- Both Are Important
The following is advice to religious leaders (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) and Christians from the apostle Paul:
Ephesians 4:15: "But speaking the truth [regarding all things, especially when preaching and teaching about the Bible] in love [with kindness], [so that] [we who are born again, or saved] may grow up into [spiritually mature people, deeply rooted in] him [Jesus Christ] in all things [i.e., faith, truth, knowledge, love, and all the parts of the 'new man'*], which [person, referring to Jesus] is the head [or ruler] [of the 'body of Christ,' which is comprised (made up) of all members of the true Christian church], even [Jesus] Christ:"
MARCH 4
Isaiah 55:6
Isaiah 55:6: "Seek ye [search or look for] the LORD [God] while he may be found, call ye [you] upon him [in prayer, for salvation] while he is near:"
____________________
"What is the Christian doctrine of salvation?" is explained in the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-doctrine-salvation.html.
____________________
Note: For a detailed explanation of the plan of salvation, please read one or more of the gospel tracts on my website. You'll find them here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
"… How easy are the terms of salvation! How just [morally right and fair] will be the condemnation [punishment] of a sinner if he [or she] will not call upon God [for salvation]! Assuredly [truly], if people will not breathe out [or speak] one broken-hearted petition [request] to the God of heaven that they may be saved, they have only to blame themselves if they are lost. The terms of salvation could be made no easier; and man [mankind, human beings] can ask nothing more simple."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/isaiah-55.html, "Verse 6")
MARCH 2-3
Malachi 3:8,9,10,11,12
Tithes and Offerings
Speaking to the nation of Israel through his prophet Malachi in the Old Testament, God said:
Malachi 3:8-9: "Will a man [or woman or child] rob God? Yet ye [you] have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein [in what way] have we robbed thee [you]? In tithes and offerings [see note below*]. Ye [you Israelites] are cursed with a curse [which, in this case, meant that no rain would fall, and as a result, there would be a shortage of food in the land]: for [because] ye have robbed me [by withholding (not giving me) your tithes and offerings], even this whole nation [of Israel] [is cursed]."
Malachi 3:10: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse [i.e., the treasury, which, in Bible times, was located in the temple in Jerusalem], [so] that there may be meat [food] in mine [my] house [for the priests and Levites (other members of the priestly tribe of Levi) to eat], and prove [try, test] me now herewith, saith [says] the LORD of hosts [or 'God of the armies of heaven'], [to see] if I will not open [for] you the windows of heaven [and send rain to water your crops], and pour you out a blessing [in the form of abundant (a large quantity or amount of) food], [so much food, in fact] that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
Malachi 3:11,12: "And I [God] will rebuke [restrain, hold back] the devourer [locusts, caterpillars, etc.] for your sakes, and he [the devourer] shall not destroy the fruits of your ground [your crops]; neither shall your vine [grapevine] cast [throw down, drop] her fruit [grapes] before the time in the field [or before it becomes ripe], saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you [Israel] blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome [very pleasing, delightful] land, saith the LORD of hosts."
-- Tithe: A tenth of everything that was earned and grown, which was needed to support the temple and feed the priests and their helpers and families in Old Testament times.
-- Offering: Money that was given willingly to the Lord's work in addition to the tithe.
-- "What is the difference between tithes and offerings?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/tithes-and-offerings.html)
-- "Does the teaching on tithing in Malachi 3:9-10 apply to us today?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Malachi-tithing.html)
-- "What does the Bible say about Christian tithing?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/tithing-Christian.html)
-- "Should a Christian tithe off miscellaneous income?
(https://www.gotquestions.org/tithe-miscellaneous.html)
-- "Does our tithe all have to go to our church or can part of it go to a Christian ministry?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/tithes-church-ministry.html)
MARCH 1
Leviticus 19:12
Perjury and Cursing: Taking God's Name in Vain
These were God's instructions, through Moses, to the children of Israel:
Leviticus 19:12: "And ye [you, the Jewish people] shall not swear by my [God's] name falsely [for example, by lying on the witness stand in court after taking an oath to tell the truth], neither shalt thou [nor shall you] profane [dishonor, treat with irreverence or contempt, use in an unholy way] the name of thy [your] God: I am the LORD."
Unfortunately, I ran out of space in this month's file.
MARCH 21
1 Corinthians 1:17,18
Preaching the Gospel
In a letter to the Christian church at Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 1:17: "For [Jesus] Christ sent me [Paul] not to baptize [as my main objective], but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words [i.e., not with human wisdom and great speaking ability (like Greek philosophers), but by the power of God (through the influence of the Holy Spirit)], lest the cross of Christ should be [or 'so the cross of Christ (referring to Jesus' crucifixion, or death on the cross) won't be'] made of none effect [or will be ineffective, or will have no effect] [on the salvation of mankind]."
1 Corinthians 1:18: "For the preaching of the cross [of Christ; i.e., the gospel message that Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins] is to them that [are about to] perish foolishness [meaning that to people who are not saved and will end up in hell and be tormented forever in the lake of fire, the preaching of the cross is a stupid, ridiculous concept, unworthy of belief]; but unto us which are saved [from the power of condemnation and sin, referring to born-again Christians, whose sins have been forgiven by God and who will go to heaven when we die,] it [the preaching of the cross] is the power of God [unto salvation and eternal life]."
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Commenting on the beginning of 1 Corinthians 1:18, Albert Barnes wrote:"… To the great mass [or large group] of the Jews, and to the pagan [non-Jewish] philosophers, and indeed, to the majority of the people of this world, it [the preaching of the cross] has ever [forever, always] appeared [to be] foolishness, for the following reasons:
"(1) The humble origin [lowly beginnings] of the Lord Jesus. They despise [hate] him [Jesus, a person] that lived in Nazareth; that was poor; that had no home, and few friends, and no wealth [money, riches], and little honor among his own countrymen.
"(2) They [the unbelievers] despise him [Jesus] who was put to death, as an impostor, at the instigation [prompting] of his own countrymen, in an ignominious [a humiliating] manner on the cross - the usual punishment of slaves.
"(3) They [the unbelievers] see not [or 'do not see'] why there should be any particular efficacy [effectiveness, success] in his death. They deem it incredible that he who could not save himself should be able to save them; and that glory should come from the ignominy [public shame or disgrace] of the cross …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/1-corinthians-1.html, "Verse 18")
* * * * *
GotQuestioins.org has an article about today's verse. It's called "What does it mean that the message of the cross is foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18)?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/message-of-the-cross-foolishness.html.* * * * *
In order to go to heaven when you die, you must believe the gospel and be born again, or saved, the Bible way. You'll find instructions on how to do this in most of the gospel tracts on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.MARCH 20
Proverbs 20:3
Proverbs 20:3: "It is an honour [an honorable thing, worthy of respect and admiration] for a man [or woman or child] to cease from strife [or to refuse to become involved in arguments and quarrels about unimportant matters]: but every fool will be meddling [interfering, or taking part, in situations, other than his (or her) own, involving controversy and strife]."
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Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says that strife in the above verse does not apply to normal, everyday disagreements or differences of opinion between individuals or groups of people, but to what happens when someone tries to stir up trouble because of those disagreements.____________________
In his commentary, Pastor Delany gives examples of normal differences of opinion and how they can develop into heated arguments, and he tells what the people involved can do to act as peacemakers and cease from strife.
____________________
If you want to read the pastor's commentary, click on https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/, then scroll down to "20:3."
(Please note: This verse on the Salem Baptist Church website currently shows the wrong commentary, but it should be fixed soon. Sorry!)
* * * * *
In another commentary on the same verse, Matthew Poole says:"To cease from strife; either to prevent it, or, if it be [or 'has'] begun, to put an end to it …
"Will be meddling, to wit [or 'to say,' or 'namely'], with matters of strife; he [the fool] is always ready to begin strife, and [is] obstinate [stubborn] in the continuance of it."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mpc/proverbs-20.html, "Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible," "Verse 3")
* * * * *
GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the question, "What does the Bible say about strife?" You can find it here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-strife.html.MARCH 19
Proverbs 19:23
Proverbs 19:23: "The fear of the LORD [i.e., having honor, respect, and love for God, and fearing his judgment on sin--see note below*] tendeth [leads] to life [or 'results in God protecting us and prolonging our lives (or letting us live longer) here on earth']: and he [or she] that hath [has] it [a God-fearing attitude] shall abide [remain, continue to be] satisfied [pleased, content] [with his (or her) life]; he [or she--the person with a God-fearing attitude] shall not be visited with evil [meaning he (or she) will not be punished or judged] [by God].
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According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, the above verse means that:"… Those [people] who have genuine [authentic, real, true] honor and respect for the Lord--as demonstrated [revealed, shown] in their lives and attitudes--can expect that God will provide refuge [safety, protection, shelter] and deliverance [rescue] in time of trouble… even preserving their physical lives … Those who do not fear God have no such promise."
"… This is a common theme in the Bible concerning God-fearers: God prolongs their days; God preserves them; God protects them; God delivers them; God provides for them; [and God] spares them… from danger, death, and misery [great unhappiness and emotional distress] …"
____________________
Regarding the last part of the verse, about people who fear the Lord not being visited with evil, Pastor Delany says (in paragraph 2 of the above-mentioned commentary):
"b. Visits can be either good or bad. It depends on who's visiting and why! If the police visit with a warrant for your arrest, that's not a good visit. But if your boss pays you a visit at your office with a big promotion, that's a good visit.
"c. When God visits a person, it can either be to bless or to judge."
____________________
The commentary goes on to say:
"4. This does not mean that bad things never happen to God fearing people. They DO.
"a. But if a God fearing person IS afflicted [troubled] with evil and calamity [misfortune] in life, he can know that it was not a visitation of Divine chastening or judgment. [In other words, it did not come from God.]
"b. Rather, it was a test allowed by God, not for his [the God-fearing person's] ruin, but for his good… and like Job [a man in the Old Testament who was allowed by God to be tested by Satan] he [the God-fearing person] shall come forth as gold.
"c. Bad things may happen to God fearing people, but it does mean that they [the bad things] will not harm him."
____________________
The commentary ends with:
"h. The one who fears God is not visited with evil, because whatever kind of evil or calamity he [or she] may face, God is able to turn it to good… as He did with Daniel's friends [who were cast (thrown) into the fiery furnace and were not hurt]… and with Job [who ended up having more at the end of his 'trial' (test of faith) than he had before the 'trial' began].
"i. All things work together for good to those who love God [Romans 8:28]… and fear Him."
____________________
If you want to read more of the pastor's commentary, click on https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/, then scroll down to "19:23."
* * * * *
*"What does it mean to have the fear of God?" is answered in the GotQuestionis.org article by the same name. To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/fear-God.html.MARCH 18
Romans 2:1,2,3
It's Hypocritical to Judge Others for the Same Kinds of Sins That We Commit
The apostle Paul originally wrote this to the Jews who were condemning Gentiles [non-Jewish people] for committing sins that were similar to their own.
Romans 2:1: "Therefore thou art inexcusable [you are without excuse, or you cannot be excused] [for your own faults or sins], O man [or woman or child], whosoever thou art [whoever you are] that judgest [judges] [others]: for wherein [in what case or instance, or for whatever reason] thou judgest [you judge] another [person], thou condemnest thyself [you condemn yourself, meaning you make yourself guilty before God]; for thou that judgest [or 'because you who judge others'] doest [do] the same things [commit the same sins] [as the people that you're judging]."
Romans 2:2: "But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth [i.e., a true moral standard] against them which commit such things [referring to those sins listed in Chapter 1 of Romans, verses 18-32--see https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1&version=KJV]."
Romans 2:3: "And thinkest thou this [or 'do you think'], O man [or woman or child], that judgest them which do such things [or 'who commit sins like those referred to in the previous verse'], and [who] doest [do] the same [things, or commit the same sins], that thou shalt [you shall] escape the judgment of God?"
_______________
It's not right to judge other people's sins when we commit the same sins ourselves. And no matter what kind of people we are (Jews or Gentiles, believers or unbelievers), we'll all stand before God on judgment day.____________________
You may have heard that Christians will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ and that unbelievers (unsaved people) will appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, but there are more than these two types of judgment mentioned in the Bible. You can read about them in the article entitled "What are all the different judgments in the Bible?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/all-the-judgments.html.
MARCH 16-17
1 Timothy 3:1,2,3,4,5
Description of People Who Will Be Living in the "Last Days"
In his second letter to Timothy (whom he called his "son in the faith"), the apostle Paul warned of the coming apostasy (abandonment of the truth) in both the world and the Christian church:
2 Timothy 3:1: "This know also, that in the last days [referring to the period of time before Jesus Christ returns to Earth,] perilous [dangerous] times shall come."
2 Timothy 3:2,3-4: "For [because] men [and women and children] shall be
lovers of their own selves [selfish],
covetous [loving money and things, wanting to be rich],
boasters [bragging about their achievements, possessions, and/or abilities],
proud [arrogant, stuck up],
blasphemers [inclined to curse or take God's name in vain],
disobedient to parents,
unthankful [to people and God],
unholy [showing disregard for what is holy, or dedicated to God],
Without natural affection [unloving],
trucebreakers [refusing to honor agreements or keep their word],
false accusers [making false statements about other people and damaging their reputation],
incontinent [lacking self-control (i.e., unable to resist feelings of passion, such as love, hate, anger, or a desire for food, sex, etc.)],
fierce [cruel],
despisers [haters] of those that are good,
Traitors [willing to betray their country and friends],
heady [headstrong, reckless, stubborn, determined to have their own way],
highminded [haughty, conceited],
lovers of pleasures [pleasure] more than lovers of God;"
2 Timothy 3:5: "[Referring to the types of people listed above:] Having a form of godliness [a profession of religion], but denying the power thereof [or, as suggested by Adam Clarke, 'They have religion in their creed [belief], but none in their hearts'--see note below*]: from such [people] turn away [i.e., don't associate with them]."
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The sins in Paul's list (see 2 Timothy 3:2,3-4 above) describe the behavior of many of Earth's inhabitants (even some of whom call themselves Christians) at the current time. I'm sure you have noticed that morality and crime around the world is horrible and keeps getting worse on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it seems that there is very little or nothing that anyone can do (or is willing to do) to change that fact.* * * * *
*Regarding verse 5:-- Source for quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-timothy/3-5.html, "Clarke's Commentary"
-- GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the following question (about apostasy in the church):"What does it mean to have a form of godliness but deny its power in 2 Timothy 3:5?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/form-of-godliness.html.
* * * * *
Today, via email, I received a newsletter from Hal Lindsey's ministry on the subject of 2 Timothy 3:1-5. It brings up some good points about the state of the world today, so I'm quoting it below:Humanity Grows Worse
By Tom Gilbreath"When most people think of end-times Bible prophecy, they think of wars and rumors of war, earthquakes, pestilences [contagious diseases, plagues], 666 and Antichrist. They think of massive disasters and a new, totalitarian global order [as in a one-world government--see note below**] -- big picture items. But the Bible also talks about individual human beings. It says a series of deadly changes in attitude and outlook will infect most of humanity [the human race]. It talks about seemingly small things among individuals -- things like ungratefulness and disobedience to parents -- that will have a massive, cumulative effect on the whole world.
"2 Timothy 3:1 (NKJV) warns that 'in the last days perilous times will come.' It then describes some of those perils [dangers], but it does not mention the four horsemen of the apocalypse [a catastrophic event at the end of the world], or other great judgments of God described in [the book of] Revelation. Instead, it illustrates end-time perils by pointing to individual human proclivities [referring to a tendency to behave in a certain way or to like a particular thing].
"In verses 2-5, this passage says the last days will be perilous, 'For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!'
"'For' is a translation of the Greek word 'gar.' It assigns a reason. In this context, it means the same thing as 'because.' Perilous times will come and here's why: because 'men will be…' and then it gives a list of things that will describe most of humanity in the last days.
"It's interesting that -- like war, deception, and other signs of the end of the age [or the end of the current era (or period of history)] -- each of these things have always existed in human beings. The prophecies refer to a dramatic increase in all these matters as we get closer to the Lord's coming [back to Earth, referring to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ]. Like war and deception, lack of self-control and blasphemy will grow worse. People will become even more headstrong and haughty; prouder and more selfish.
"It's perilous [dangerous] to live in a world where people's greatest love is the love of self and of money. Ungodly pride makes humans dangerous; makes them easily offended and quick to [seek] vengeance [revenge]. When brutality becomes the norm [or 'becomes normal'], society grows more perilous. When people hold truth in low regard [or 'low esteem,' meaning they have a negative opinion of it], slander [character assassination] becomes widespread, and widespread slander erodes [wears away] all systems of justice.
"Volumes [or 'much'] could be written on how these things have already taken hold and are right now being cultivated [nurtured, developed] in human hearts, especially by our educational system and in entertainment. When I watch the seething rage [or intense feeling of anger] against Jews and Israel for defending themselves against terrorists, I wonder how much further humans can fall. Yet the Bible says it will get worse. Zechariah 14:2 foretells a time when all the nations gather for war against Jerusalem.
"Revelation 13:4-8 says that at one point in the future, the world will not only follow, but also [will] actually worship the Antichrist. He will at first support the Christless religions of the world [i.e., those without faith in the teachings of Jesus Christ] -- they which have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.
"We're not there yet. Satan's plan for Antichrist is held back by the special presence of the Holy Spirit that began at Pentecost. That restraint will be removed when the Church [which is comprised (made up of) of all born-again Christians] is removed at the rapture. In the meantime, 'evil men and seducers… wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived' (2 Timothy 3:13, KJV).
"These are good days to walk in the security of God's will, plan, and purpose for your life -- to live close to Him and according to His Word [as recorded in the Bible]."
(Source: https://conta.cc/3FzIi3S)
* * * * *
**According to online dictionaries, "Totalitarianism is a form of government that attempts to assert total control over the lives of its citizens."____________________
GotQuestions.org has written an article that explains what will happen in the future when the whole world is ruled by one man, and a totalitarian government: It's entitled "Does the Bible prophesy a one-world government and a one-world currency in the end times?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/one-world-government.html.
MARCH 15
Proverbs 15:16
Proverbs 15:16: "Better is [having only a] little [money] with the fear of the LORD than [having] great treasure [lots of money] [without the fear of God,] and [having] trouble therewith [or 'along with it']."
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According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church, this is one of the "better than" proverbs that help us make good decisions. Here, we're told that it's better to choose a little with the fear of God than a lot without it.____________________
In paragraph 4 of his commentary on this verse, Pastor Delany asks us to consider what we would do if we were faced with the following options:
"b. When you have been out of work and are desperate for a job, and have an opportunity for a good job IF you embellish [exaggerate facts or make things up on] your resume… would you do it?
"c. Or, your boss offers you a promotion with a huge pay increase, BUT it requires working every Sunday."
____________________
Although some people in the Bible were rich and did fear God (King Solomon is one of them), many others chose great treasure instead of the fear of God. In paragraph 5, the commentary says:
"e. Treasures obtained by abandoning the fear of the Lord come with strings attached… a heavy price…
"→ Consider [the man named] Lot--choosing the land that was lush [covered with healthy green plants; i.e.]: Sodom. He had to flee [run away] [from there] for his life.
"→ Consider Achan who coveted [greatly desired] riches and was stoned to death.
"→ Consider Gehazi, the servant of Elisha who did not fear God but chose mammon [riches]--and was smitten [stricken, afflicted] with leprosy!
"→ Consider Ananias and [his wife,] Saphira [Sapphira]--who did not fear God, but coveted wealth [riches, money]… and were struck dead by God. THEN [or 'after that,'] the [early Christian] church [in Jerusalem] walked in the fear of God and was multiplied! [or grew in number]"
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If you want to read more of the commentary, click on https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/, then scroll down to "15:16.
* * * * *
Paragraph "e" in the above excerpt from Pastor Delany's commentary mentions Lot, Achan, Gehazi, and Ananias and Sapphira as examples of people who chose great treasure instead of the fear of God. Here is their background information:-- "Who was Lot in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Lot-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "Who was Achan in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Achan-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "Who was Gehazi in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Gehazi-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "Why did God kill Ananias and Sapphira for lying?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Ananias-and-Sapphira.html)
MARCH 13-14
Proverbs 13:2
Proverbs 13:2: "A man [or woman or child] shall eat good by [or 'shall benefit from'] the fruit of his [or her] mouth [or 'from the good things that he (or she) says']: but the soul of the transgressors [i.e., people who stir up anger] shall eat violence [meaning they shall lose friends and/or cause division, fights, etc.] [because of what they say]."
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According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Baptist Church: "Instead of saying you REAP what you sow, here the illustration is that you EAT what you grow."* * * * *
Some benefits from good speech include peace, happiness, healthy relationships, and a trouble-free life. Pastor Delany explains why this is true, and he also gives additional examples of the results of good and bad speech, in his commentary on the above verse. If you want to read it, click on https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/, then scroll down to "13:2."(Please note: This verse on the Salem Baptist Church website currently shows the wrong commentary, but it should be fixed soon. Sorry!)
MARCH 12
Matthew 13:54,55,56,57,58
Jesus Didn't Spend Much Time With Unbelievers
Matthew 13:54: "And when he [Jesus] was come into [or arrived in] his own country [specifically, the city of Nazareth, where he had lived while growing up], he taught them [his countrymen, the people in his former neighborhood] in their synagogue, insomuch that [so that] they were astonished [amazed], and said, Whence [from where] hath [has] this man [Jesus] [gotten] this wisdom, and [the ability to perform] these mighty works [miracles]? [Answer: From Almighty God, not from the devil, as some may have believed (per Matthew 12:24).]"
Matthew 13:55-56: "Is not this [person, referring to Jesus] the carpenter's [Joseph's] son? is not his mother called Mary [who, according to the Bible, was a virgin when she conceived and gave birth to Jesus (see Luke 1:34,35 and Matthew 1:24-25)]? and [are not] his [Jesus'] brethren [brothers], [called] James, and Joses [or 'Joseph'], and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man [Jesus] [gotten] all these things [i.e., wisdom and the ability to perform miracles]?"
Matthew 13:57-58: "And they [the people who had gathered in the synagogue] were offended in [by] him [Jesus--because he had no formal education and came from a working-class family, and consequently, they considered him to be no better than them]. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour [honor], save [except] in his own country, and in his own house [household, family]. And he [Jesus] did not [do] many mighty works there [in Nazareth] because of their unbelief."
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The above verses are a perfect illustration (picture) of the saying "Familiarity breeds contempt," which (according to online dictionaries) means that extensive knowledge of or close association with someone or something leads to a loss of respect for them or it.MARCH 9-11
Luke 17:11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19
Jesus Heals Ten Lepers But Is Only Thanked by One
Luke 17:11: "And it came to pass, as he [Jesus] went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of [or in the middle of, between, or along the border of] Samaria and Galilee."
Luke 17:12-13,14: "And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers [see note below*], which stood afar off [or at a distance, as required by law]: And they [the ten lepers] lifted up [raised] their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he [Jesus] saw them [the lepers], he said unto them, Go [and] shew [show] yourselves unto the priests."
Luke 17:15-16: "And it came to pass, that, as they [the lepers] went [away, to see the priests], they were cleansed [cured, healed]. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back [toward Jesus, or turned around], and with a loud voice glorified [praised] God, And [he] fell down on his face at his [Jesus'] feet [which means that he lay on the ground, stretched out, face down, at Jesus' feet], giving him thanks: and he [the leper] was a Samaritan [an inhabitant of Samaria--see note below**]."
Luke 17:17-18: "And Jesus answering [or responding to what had just happened] said, Were there not ten [lepers] cleansed? but where are the [other] nine? There are not found [any of them] that returned to give glory to God, save [except] this stranger [the Samaritan]."
Luke 17:19: "And he [Jesus] said unto him [the man who had returned to thank him], Arise [get up], go thy [your] way [to the priest, in obedience to the law, to prove that you have been healed]: thy faith hath [has] made thee [you] whole [or healthy, or well … or 'your faith has restored your health' ]."
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This is a reminder that when our prayers are answered, we should remember to give thanks to God.* * * * *
Commenting on the above, especially Luke 17:17-19, Matthew Henry wrote:"… See here, (1.) How rich [generous] [Jesus] Christ is in doing good: Were there not ten [lepers] cleansed [healed]? Here was a cure by wholesale, a whole hospital healed with one word's speaking. Note, There is an abundance of healing cleansing virtue in the blood of Christ, sufficient for all [of] his patients, though [there are] ever so many. Here are ten at a time cleansed; we shall have never the less grace for others sharing it. (2.) How poor we are in our returns: 'Where are the nine [other lepers who were healed]? Why did not they return to give thanks?' This intimates [implies] that ingratitude [ungratefulness, thanklessness] is a very common sin. Of the many [people] that receive mercy from God, there are but few, very few, that return to give thanks in a right manner (scarcely one in ten), that render [give thanks] according to the benefit done to them. (3.) How those often prove most grateful from whom it was least expected. A Samaritan gives thanks, and a Jew does not. Thus many who profess revealed religion are out-done, and quite shamed, by some that are governed only by natural religion, not only in moral value, but in piety [reverence] and devotion [to God]. This serves here to aggravate [worsen] the ingratitude of those Jews of whom Christ speaks, as taking it very ill [which means that Jesus was not pleased] that his kindness was so slighted [unappreciated]. And it intimates [implies] how justly he [Jesus] resents the ingratitude of the world of mankind, for whom he had done so much, and from whom he has received so little.
"2. The great encouragement [that] Christ gave him [the Samaritan leper], [Luke 17:19]. The rest [of the lepers] had their cure, and had it not revoked [or canceled, or 'did not have it taken away'], as justly it might have been, for their ingratitude, though they had such a good example of gratitude [thankfulness] set before them [by the Samaritan]; but he had his cure confirmed particularly with an encomium [a formal expression of praise]: Thy faith hath made thee whole. The rest [of the lepers] were made whole by the power of Christ, in compassion [sympathetic pity] to their distress [suffering], and in answer to their prayer; but he [the Samaritan] was made whole by his faith, by which Christ saw him distinguished [different] from the rest. Note, Temporal [earthly, worldly] mercies are then doubled and sweetened to us when they are fetched in [or received] by the prayers of faith, and returned by the praises of faith."
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/luke/17.html, "v. 17, 18" and "v. 19")
* * * * *
*If you're wondering what leprosy is, Albert Barnes describes it as follows in his commentary on Matthew 8:2:"There came a leper - No disease with which the human family has been afflicted [stricken, troubled] has been more dreadful [horrible] than that which is often mentioned in the Bible 'as the leprosy.' It first exhibits itself [or appears] on the surface of the skin. The appearance is not always the same, but it commonly resembles the spot made by the puncture of a pin or the pustules of a ringworm. The spots generally make their appearance very suddenly. Perhaps its appearance might be hastened [accelerated, sped up] by any sudden passion [emotion], as fear or anger … The spots commonly exhibit themselves at first on the face, about [around] the nose and eyes, and increase in size [over] a number of years, until they become as large as a pea or a bean.
"There are three kinds of leprosy, distinguished by the appearance of the spots - the white, the black, and the red leprosy. These spots, though few at first, gradually spread until they cover the whole body.
"But, though the 'appearance' of the disease is at first in the skin, yet it is deeply seated in the bones, and marrow, and joints of the body. We have reason to suppose that in children it is concealed [hidden] in the system for a number of years until they [the children] arrive at the age of puberty [which is around 8 to 13 for girls, and 9 to 14 for boys]; and in adults for three or four years, until at last it gives fearful indications on the skin of its having gained a well-rooted and permanent existence. A leprous person may live twenty, or thirty, or even fifty years, if he [or she] received the disease at his [or her] birth, but they will be years of indescribable [impossible to describe] misery. The bones and marrow are pervaded [spread through all parts] with the disease. The malady [disease] advances from one stage to another with slow and certain ruin. 'Life still lingers [continues] amid [in the middle of] the desolation [unhappiness and hopelessness];' the joints, and hands, and feet lose their power; and the body 'collapses,' or falls together in a form [that is] hideous [unsightly, repulsive] and awful. There is a form of the disease in which it commences [starts] at the extremities [arms and legs]: the joints separate; the fingers, toes, and other members one by one fall off; and the malady [disease] thus gradually approaches the seat of life [probably referring to the heart]. The wretched [miserable] victim is thus doomed to see himself dying 'piecemeal [gradually],' assured that no human power can arrest [stop] for a moment the silent and steady march of this foe [enemy] to the seat of life.
"This disease is contagious [easily spread to others] and hereditary [inherited]. It is easily communicated from one to another, and is transmitted to the third and fourth generation. The last generation that is afflicted with it commonly exhibits the symptoms by decayed teeth, by a fetid [foul-smelling] breath, and by a diseased complexion.
"Moses gave particular directions by which the real leprosy was to be distinguished from other diseases … In compliance with the laws of the land, Jesus directed the man that he had healed to make the customary offering, and to obtain the testimony of the priest that he was healed. The leprosy has once, and but once, appeared in America. This loathsome [repulsive] and most painful disease has in all other instances been confined to the Old World [Africa, Asia, and Europe], and chiefly to the Eastern nations [like China, Korea, and Japan].
"It is matter of profound [deep] gratitude to a benignant [kind and benevolent] God that this scourge [plague] has been permitted but [only] once to visit the New World [the Americas]. That awful calamity was on the island of Guadeloupe, in the West Indies, about the year 1730, and is thus described by an eye-witness: 'Its commencement [i.e., the beginning of the disease] is imperceptible [hard to notice]. There appear only some few white spots on the skin. At first they are attended with [or accompanied by] no pain or inconvenience, but no means whatever will remove them. The disease imperceptibly [gradually] increases for many years. The spots become larger, and spread over the whole body. When the disease advances, the upper part of the nose swells, the nostrils become enlarged, and the nose itself grows soft. Tumors appear on the jaws; the eyebrows swell; the ears become thick; the points of the fingers, as also the feet and the toes, swell; the nails become scaly; the joints of the hands and feet separate and drop off. In the last stage of the disease the patient becomes a hideous spectacle [an extremely ugly, revolting, or shocking sight], and falls to pieces."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/matthew-8.html, "Verse 2")
____________________
Here are two GotQuestions.org articles about leprosy:
-- "What is the story of the ten lepers in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/ten-lepers.html)
-- "Why is leprosy talked about so much in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-leprosy.html)
* * * * *
**"Who were the Samaritans?" 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/Samaritans.html.MARCH 8
Hebrews 9:24,25,26
Jesus Only Had to Die Once to Pay for Our Sins
This letter was probably written to Jewish Christians by the apostle Paul:
Hebrews 9:24: "For [Jesus] Christ is not entered [or 'did not enter'] into the holy places made with hands [see note below*], which ['holy places made with hands'] are the figures [types, likenesses, representations] of the true [real, or actual, holy places in heaven]; but [after his resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ entered] into heaven itself [and sprinkled his own blood on the mercy seat there], now to appear [or 'and he now appears'] in the presence of God for us [or on our behalf]:"
Hebrews 9:25: "Nor yet that he should [neither should Jesus] offer himself [as a sacrifice for sins] often, as the high priest [does when he] entereth [enters] into the holy place [in the Jewish temple here on earth] every year with blood of others [meaning animals, such as calves and goats];"
Hebrews 9:26: "For [because] [if Jesus were to 'offer himself often,' or frequently,] then must he often have suffered [which means that he would have suffered many, many times] since the foundation [beginning] of the world: but now once in the end of the world [in the Christian dispensation, or gospel age] hath [has] he [Jesus Christ, the Son of God] appeared [on earth, in human form] to put away sin [or 'to remove our punishment for sin'] by the sacrifice of himself [referring to his death on the cross]."
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The Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to John the Baptist, was the "Lamb of God' (John 1:29), died on the cross--only once!--to pay for the sin of the world. As a result, earthly sacrifices for sin are no longer necessary or acceptable to God.* * * * *
*In Hebrews 9:24, the term holy places made with hands refers to the Holy of Holies, a place in the tabernacle of Moses (in Old Testament times) and in the temple that was built by King Solomon (in New Testament times) where the Jewish high priest would enter once a year--on Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement--and sprinkle the blood of animals on the mercy seat to atone (pay) for the sins of the Jewish people* * * * *
Here are some articles that relate to today's Bible verses:-- "Why did God require animal sacrifices in the Old Testament?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/animal-sacrifices.html)
-- "What does it mean that Jesus' sacrifice was once for all (Hebrews 7:27)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/once-for-all.html)
-- "What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Day-Atonement-Yom-Kippur.html)
-- "What was the Holy of Holies?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Holy-of-Holies.html)
-- "What is the mercy seat?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/mercy-seat.html)
MARCH 7
2 Timothy 3:6,7
False Teachers
This was the Apostle Paul's advice to Timothy regarding false teachers:
2 Timothy 3:6: "For of this sort [of people--having the same character traits as those who will be living in the 'last days,' as described in 2 Timothy 3:2,3,4] are they [false religious teachers] which creep [or privately enter] into houses, and lead captive [or capture, meaning 'gain the confidence of'] silly [or 'weak'] women [see note below*] [who are] laden [or burdened] with sins, [and who are] led away with [or misled due to] divers [various kinds of] lusts [such as pride, vanity, etc.],"
2 Timothy 3:7 [The 'silly women' described above are]: "Ever [forever, always] learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth [of the gospel, which leads to salvation--see note below**]."
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*In 2 Timothy 3:6, "silly women" refers to women who are easily deceived, like Adam's wife (Eve), who was fooled by Satan when she believed the lies of the serpent and consequently disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. (You can read about it here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A1-7&version=KJV.)____________________
The following articles answer questions that have been asked regarding Satan and the serpent in the Garden of Eden:
-- "Was Satan the serpent in Genesis chapter 3?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Satan-serpent.html)
-- "Why didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/talking-snake.html)
-- "Why did God allow Satan to enter the Garden of Eden?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Satan-in-the-Garden-of-Eden.html)
* * * * *
**Regarding 2 Timothy 3:7, Albert Barnes wrote:"And never able to come to the knowledge of the truth - They [the 'silly women' mentioned in verse 6] may learn many things, but the true nature of religion they do not learn. There are many such persons in the world, who, whatever attention they may pay to religion, never understand its nature. Many obtain much speculative acquaintance with [or 'casual knowledge of'] the 'doctrines' [beliefs] of Christianity, but never become savingly acquainted with the system [meaning they do not become born again, or saved, according to the Bible]; many study the constitution and government of the church, but remain strangers to practical piety [in other words, they don't have a desire to love and obey God]; many become familiar with the various philosophical theories of [or ways to explain] religion, but never become truly acquainted with what religion is; and many embrace [accept] visionary [imaginative] theories, who never show that they are influenced by the spirit of the gospel. Nothing is more common than for persons to be very busy and active in religion, and even to 'learn' many things about it, who still remain strangers to the saving power of the gospel."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-timothy-3.html, "Verse 7")
MARCH 6
Psalm 147:16,17,18
God (not "Mother Nature") Controls the Weather
Psalm 147:16-17: [During winter months,] "He [God] giveth [gives, sends] snow [meaning he covers the earth with snow, which is white and fluffy] like wool: he scattereth [scatters] the hoarfrost [frost] like ashes. He casteth [casts] forth [or 'throws down'] his ice [hail] like morsels [small pieces of food]: who can stand before his [God's] cold [or 'who can endure the cold weather']?"
Psalm 147:18: [After some snowstorms, and especially in the spring,] "He [God] sendeth [sends] out his word [or 'gives a command' or 'speaks'], and melteth [melts] them [i.e., the snow, frost, and ice]: he causeth [causes] his [warm] wind to blow, and the [previously frozen] waters [to] flow."
MARCH 5
Ephesians 4:15
What We Say and How We Say It -- Both Are Important
The following is advice to religious leaders (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) and Christians from the apostle Paul:
Ephesians 4:15: "But speaking the truth [regarding all things, especially when preaching and teaching about the Bible] in love [with kindness], [so that] [we who are born again, or saved] may grow up into [spiritually mature people, deeply rooted in] him [Jesus Christ] in all things [i.e., faith, truth, knowledge, love, and all the parts of the 'new man'*], which [person, referring to Jesus] is the head [or ruler] [of the 'body of Christ,' which is comprised (made up) of all members of the true Christian church], even [Jesus] Christ:"
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*According to the Bible (2 Corinthians 5:17), a new man is a born-again Christian. If you want to find out more, read this article: "What does it mean that a Christian is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/new-creation.html.* * * * *
GotQuestions.org has an article about today's verse. It's entitled "What does it mean to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/speak-the-truth-in-love.html.MARCH 4
Isaiah 55:6
Isaiah 55:6: "Seek ye [search or look for] the LORD [God] while he may be found, call ye [you] upon him [in prayer, for salvation] while he is near:"
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In other words, don't procrastinate (i.e., don't wait too long or keep putting it off). Ask Jesus (who was God in the flesh--see note below*) to save you now, before it's too late.____________________
"What is the Christian doctrine of salvation?" is explained in the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-doctrine-salvation.html.
____________________
Note: For a detailed explanation of the plan of salvation, please read one or more of the gospel tracts on my website. You'll find them here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
* * * * *
Regarding Isaiah's encouragement in Isaiah 55:6 for us to call upon him, Albert Barnes said:"… How easy are the terms of salvation! How just [morally right and fair] will be the condemnation [punishment] of a sinner if he [or she] will not call upon God [for salvation]! Assuredly [truly], if people will not breathe out [or speak] one broken-hearted petition [request] to the God of heaven that they may be saved, they have only to blame themselves if they are lost. The terms of salvation could be made no easier; and man [mankind, human beings] can ask nothing more simple."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/isaiah-55.html, "Verse 6")
* * * * *
*According to the Bible, Jesus Christ is the Son of God (or God the Son) in human form. This is explained in the article entitled: "Who is Jesus Christ?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/who-is-Jesus.html.MARCH 2-3
Malachi 3:8,9,10,11,12
Tithes and Offerings
Speaking to the nation of Israel through his prophet Malachi in the Old Testament, God said:
Malachi 3:8-9: "Will a man [or woman or child] rob God? Yet ye [you] have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein [in what way] have we robbed thee [you]? In tithes and offerings [see note below*]. Ye [you Israelites] are cursed with a curse [which, in this case, meant that no rain would fall, and as a result, there would be a shortage of food in the land]: for [because] ye have robbed me [by withholding (not giving me) your tithes and offerings], even this whole nation [of Israel] [is cursed]."
Malachi 3:10: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse [i.e., the treasury, which, in Bible times, was located in the temple in Jerusalem], [so] that there may be meat [food] in mine [my] house [for the priests and Levites (other members of the priestly tribe of Levi) to eat], and prove [try, test] me now herewith, saith [says] the LORD of hosts [or 'God of the armies of heaven'], [to see] if I will not open [for] you the windows of heaven [and send rain to water your crops], and pour you out a blessing [in the form of abundant (a large quantity or amount of) food], [so much food, in fact] that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
Malachi 3:11,12: "And I [God] will rebuke [restrain, hold back] the devourer [locusts, caterpillars, etc.] for your sakes, and he [the devourer] shall not destroy the fruits of your ground [your crops]; neither shall your vine [grapevine] cast [throw down, drop] her fruit [grapes] before the time in the field [or before it becomes ripe], saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you [Israel] blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome [very pleasing, delightful] land, saith the LORD of hosts."
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In these verses, we see that God blesses people who obey his commands and curses those who don't.* * * * *
*Word definitions according to online dictionaries:-- Tithe: A tenth of everything that was earned and grown, which was needed to support the temple and feed the priests and their helpers and families in Old Testament times.
-- Offering: Money that was given willingly to the Lord's work in addition to the tithe.
* * * * *
Tithing was mandatory (required) in Old Testament times, but free-will (voluntary) offerings are the preferred method of giving today. For more on this subject, you may want to read one or more of the following articles:-- "What is the difference between tithes and offerings?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/tithes-and-offerings.html)
-- "Does the teaching on tithing in Malachi 3:9-10 apply to us today?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Malachi-tithing.html)
-- "What does the Bible say about Christian tithing?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/tithing-Christian.html)
-- "Should a Christian tithe off miscellaneous income?
(https://www.gotquestions.org/tithe-miscellaneous.html)
-- "Does our tithe all have to go to our church or can part of it go to a Christian ministry?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/tithes-church-ministry.html)
MARCH 1
Leviticus 19:12
Perjury and Cursing: Taking God's Name in Vain
These were God's instructions, through Moses, to the children of Israel:
Leviticus 19:12: "And ye [you, the Jewish people] shall not swear by my [God's] name falsely [for example, by lying on the witness stand in court after taking an oath to tell the truth], neither shalt thou [nor shall you] profane [dishonor, treat with irreverence or contempt, use in an unholy way] the name of thy [your] God: I am the LORD."
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Everyone (not just Jewish people) should always treat God's name with respect.* * * * *
A good article about this subject is "What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Lords-name-vain.html.
