Daily Bread Illustrated

NIV: 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. Theme:  The primary themes of this verse are courage, divine empowerment, love, and self-discipline. It addresses the internal strength and the spiritual capabilities God has blessed mankind with, which go far beyond mere mortal understanding. It also reveals God's intent for his followers not to be fearful or timid, but to be confident in their divine abilities. Emotions:  The emotions connected with this verse are strength, courage, love, inner peace, and confidence. There is an underlying feeling of empowerment and assurance from knowing that the Spirit of God provides not only power but also love and self-control. Imagery:  The verse invokes imagery of a person being infused with divine power, bursting with love, and exhibiting remarkable self-discipline. This could be envisioned as a light glow enveloping a person or a spiritual power emanating from wit...

NIV: 1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. Theme: The primary theme of this verse is sincerity in expressions of love. It emphasizes the importance of showing love through actions and truth rather than just speaking about it. Emotions: The verse exudes an emotional tone of parental guidance, tenderness, and earnestness. It creates a sense of humbleness, honesty, and conscious heartfelt actions. Imagery: The verse conjures images of concrete actions symbolizing love as opposed to mere words. It suggests the importance of honesty and truthfulness in expressing love. It imbues the divine aspect of love – love that is pure, selfless and authentic, not just superficial or ostentatious.  Illustration: An older figure, possibly a parent or a teacher (to represent the "Dear children" aspect), gently guiding their younger counterparts in performing acts of kindness, compassion, and love. They could be planting a tree, feedin...

NIV: 1 John 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. Theme: The primary theme of this Bible verse is Divine love, sacrifice, and salvation. The text depicts a God who loves humanity so much that He willingly sends His sole Son into the world to grant them life. There's also an undertone of redemption and hope for mankind through the coming of Christ. Emotions: This verse elicits a number of emotions - gratitude, love, wonder, humility, and hope. There's a sense of overwhelming abundance of God's love for mankind, and a degree of reverence and awe at the scale of the sacrifice. The thought of living through Christ can bring hope and peace. Imagery: The imagery evoked by this verse is one of sanctity and divine intervention. The idea of God sending His "one and only Son" can create the image of a heavenly being descending into the world, carrying the burden of humanity's life on hi...

NIV: Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Theme: The central theme of this verse is the divine command of love. As Christians, we are required to demonstrate complete love and obedience to God, which is the highest form of adoration. In addition, the theme of love extends to our relationships with others. We are called to love our neighbors, implying all of humanity, without any prejudice or discrimination, signifying unity and equal treatment of all. Emotions: The emotions conveyed in these verses are those of love, selflessness, reverence, dedication, and obedience. It creates in the reader a sense of humbleness and devotion towards God and invokes a feeling of empathy, kindness, and respect for fellow human beings. Imagery: The biblical command creates vivid imagery. One can imagine a devot...

NIV: Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Theme: The central theme in this Bible verse is God's divine providence and guidance, illustrating a loving and nurturing relationship with humanity. God, as depicted in the scripture, has plans, purposes, and intents for His beloved creatures. These plans are designed to be advantageous rather than disastrous, instilling hope, prosperity, and a promising future. Moreover, it encourages an intimate, open relationship with God and promises His attentive audience to earnest prayers. Emotions: The verse evokes feelings of comfort, reassurance, and love. It induces a strong sense of faith and trust in God's plans, fostering serenity and peace. It may also inspire humility, knowing t...

NIV: Proverbs 14:22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. Theme: This verse from Proverbs explores the themes of morality, consequence, and divine reward/punishment. It promotes the idea that evil deeds lead individuals away from a righteous path, resulting in them losing their way. Conversely, those who are involved in planning and doing good deeds will find love and faithfulness - a blessing or reward from the divine. Emotions: This verse elicits a sense of caution towards harmful or detrimental actions, and encouragement for right behavior, for they fetch love and faithfulness. There is a sense of reassurance in the promise of divine guidance for those seeking to do good. Imagery: The imagery in this verse contrasts the path of evil being associated with getting lost or straying, while the path of good is filled with sentiments of love and faithfulness. The use of "plot evil" creates an image of mischievous sch...

NIV: 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. Theme: The overarching theme of this verse from 1 John 4:18 is unconditional love and its transformative power. It speaks to the concept of love being so complete, so perfect, that it can drive out all negative emotions, including fear. The verse also touches upon the idea of punishment and growth, introducing the idea that a fearful person has not experienced the totality of perfect love. Emotion: The primary emotions expressed in this verse include fear, love, and reassurance. The contrast between fear and love creates a strong emotional context, illustrating the powerful impact of perfect love which can dispel fear. There is also a sense of comfort and encouragement, knowing that, through love, people can move out of fear. Imagery: Imagery in this verse includes abstract concepts of fear, love, and punishment. One can ...

NIV: Romans 13:9-10 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Theme: The central theme of this verse from Romans 13:9-10 is the concept of love as the bedrock of ethical conduct and the ultimate fulfillment of laws. It simplifies all other commandments into one, emphasizing the significance of love as a guiding principle. Emotions: The emotions conveyed in this verse include feelings of compassion, love and understanding. It fosters a sense of unity, empathy, and consideration for the well-being of others. Imagery: The imagery created by this verse is that of a community built on mutual love, respecting each other's rights and boundaries, free from harm, theft, adultery, murder, and covetous behavior. Illustration: I...

NIV: Proverbs 17:9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Theme: The main themes portrayed in this scripture verse Proverbs 17:9 from the Bible are forgiveness, love, and friendship. It reflects the importance of having a forgiving heart, especially in achieving long-lasting relationships. Emotions: This verse brings forth feelings of warmth, compassion, love, empathy, and sorrow. It is a delicate balance between forgiveness (which requires both strength and gentleness) and discord brought by dwelling in past offenses. Imagery: The imagery here is mostly abstract, revolving around the mental images of 'covering' an offense with love, distinguishing a mistake or an offense, and the idea of constant repetition of a past mistake leading to separation of close friends. Illustration: Sketch a heart and two hands. One hand gently places a cloth (symbolizing love) over a visible crack in the heart (symbolizing offe...

NIV: 1 John 4:11-12 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. Theme: This Bible verse focuses on the themes of God's unconditional love, the importance of loving others, and the spiritual presence of God within believers. It emphasizes that believers are called to replicate God's love by showing it to one another. Moreover, it also poses the concept that God is unseen yet can be experienced through acts of love, suggesting the presence of divine love within believers. Emotions: This verse conveys emotions of assuredness, love, devotion, and unity. The speaker expresses gratitude and admiration for God's love and compassion. The verse is directed to other believers with affectionate terms like 'dear friends,' fostering unity and harmony among believers. Imagery: The imagery portrayed in this verse is predominantly abstract because...

NIV: Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Theme: Divine Love and Protection. The theme of this verse is the unwavering divine love that God has for humanity and His constant protection that remains steadfast regardless of any circumstance or power. It emphasizes the idea that nothing, either in life or death, physical or spiritual realm, can distance humans from the love of God.  Emotions: Assurance, Faith, Love. This verse evokes strong feelings of comfort, security, and love. It provides assurance to believers that they're permanently in the care of divine love. There's also a sense of overwhelming faith in God's power, comparably greater than the power of any other beings or circumstances, known or unknown. Imagery: This ve...

NIV: Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Theme: Unfailing Divine Love and Strength in Adversity. The verse discusses the perpetual, boundless, and unconditional love of Christ. The questions are rhetorical, implying that nothing, not even the most challenging or dire circumstances, can sever the connection between a believer and Christ's love. The verse suggests a theme of enduring faith in the face of adversity, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit empowered by divine love. Emotions: Love, Perseverance, Assurance. This verse evokes emotions of security, assurance, constant divine love, and faith. Despite potential adverse situations, the believer's emotion isn't fear, but assurance. It instills the sensation of an invincible bond of love between Christ and the faithful, eliciting feelings of strength, courage, and perseverance. Imagery: Struggles and Divi...

NIV: 1 John 3:11 For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Theme:  The encompassing overarching theme of this verse is love and unity. It implies a call for believers to extend love to each other regardless of their differences, which is reflective of the theme of community or brotherhood. Emotions:  There are strong feelings of warmth, kindness, compassion, empathy, and inclusivity embedded within this verse. The emotion is very uplifting, inspirational, and encourages viewers to harbor a sense of responsibility and care for one another. Imagery:  The verse uses no explicit imagery but suggests an atmosphere of peace, unity, fellowship, and communion – all driven by love. One can imagine a scene where people from various backgrounds and walks of life are sharing joy, offering help, hugging one another, or raising their hands in unison. Illustration: Design an imagery depicting a diverse group of people all helping and showing kind...

NIV: 1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Theme: The main theme of this verse is the measure and nature of divine love. It discusses the unconditional and selfless love of God for humankind, showing God's initiative to reach out to us through the sacrificial offering of His Son, despite human frailty and sinfulness. Emotions: The verse is filled with emotions of deep gratitude, unworthiness, and awe towards the immensity of God's love. It evokes a sense of humility, highlighting our inability to reciprocate this love adequately, and yet revealing God's boundless love despite it all. Imagery: The imagery is one of sacrifice and redemption. The use of "atoning sacrifice" brings to mind images of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, which symbolizes His immense love and sacrifice for humanity. Illustration: Draw an image of the cross to symbolize Christ's sacrifice. At the base...

NIV: John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Theme: The prominent theme in this verse is Love and Unity. It portrays how Christ's love for us should be reflected in our love for others. Another theme is Identification, as their love for each other would identify them as Christ's disciples. Emotions: The predominant emotions invoked by this verse include compassion, love, humility, kindness, and a deep sense of belonging. It instills a feeling of responsibility to love without conditions, just as Christ did. Imagery: The verse conveys a vivid picture of a group of disciples exhibiting authentic love and unity among themselves. It prompts an image of people practicing empathy and compassion, embracing each other's differences for the cause of love Illustration: Illustrate a diverse group of people: men, women, children, elderl...

NIV: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Themes: This verse is brimming with themes of unconditional love, sacrifice, faith, salvation, and eternal life. These themes are foundational to Christian belief. The countdown to the ultimate sacrifice of God's only Son, Jesus Christ, to save humanity from sin is the embodiment of unconditional love. Faith is emphasized as the gateway to eternal life. Emotions: Emotions embedded in this verse include love, compassion, hope, and assurance. The selfless love conveyed through the sacrifice of the only Son and the hope of salvation, through faith, generate a sense of ultimate assurance for believers. Imagery: This verse conjures several powerful images. God's immeasurable love is symbolized by offering his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, as a gift to humankind. The image of "whoever believes in him shall not perish but have etern...

NIV: 1 Corinthians 13: 6-7 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Theme: The theme is Unconditional Love, Moral Integrity, Optimism, and Resilience. The verse explains the qualities of love that are intrinsically good and emphasizes the moral obligation to reject evil. It portrays love as an invincible force that is always hopeful, continuously unwavering, endlessly trusting, and eternally protective. Emotions: Emotions projected in the verse are joy, faith, hope, trust, and perseverance. There is a comforting and heartening feeling, reflecting the immense power of love to overcome any obstacle. Imagery: The verse uses imagery to portray love as a protective shield (always protects), a pillar of faith (always trusts), an endless wellspring of optimism (always hopes), and an enduring force (always perseveres). Furthermore, it contrasts the negative imagery of evil with the positive imagery of love t...

NIV: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Theme: The verse presents the theme of selfless and enduring love. It portrays love as a virtuous feeling, characterized by patience, kindness, humility, respect, selflessness, forgiveness, and control over anger.  Emotions: Evident emotions include patience, kindness, humility, and peace. There is a tranquil atmosphere presented, a sense of security and resilience permeates throughout. Imagery: The verse creates an image of a selfless person who is not boastful, not envious, not easily provoked, and makes no account of mishaps committed by others. It gives vision of a tranquil and serene form of love that strongly resembles divine love. Illustration: Create an image of two figures in a peaceful setting, one exhibiting acts of kindness towards the other- like sha...

NIV: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Theme: The overarching theme found in this scripture passage from the Christian Bible is the primacy of love. It emphasizes that all actions, no matter how grand or selfless, lose their meaning and worth without love. The message asserts that love is a vital element of life, outweighing all abilities, knowledge, faith, and even acts of benevolence. Emotions: The sentiment invoked is one of humility, introspection, and urgency. It underlines the importance of genuine love underlying actions. It may provoke feeling of remorse, realization, or even encourage ind...

NIV: 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Theme: This verse is from the Bible (2 Thessalonians 1:3) and emphasizes on the theme of gratitude, faith, love, and community. The speaker is grateful for the people around them (brothers and sisters) and appreciating their increasing faith and love.  Emotions: The emotions that permeate this verse are appreciation and joy for the growing bond in the community and the flourishing faith and love.  Imagery: The imagery used here invokes the close-knit sense of community, mutual support, shared faith, and love.  Illustration: One could visualize a tree with its branches wide spread symbolizing the community (brothers and sisters). The tree is in full bloom and is continually growing, symbolizing the increasing faith and love. Each leaf on the tree can have words like ...

NIV: Matthew 5:43-45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Theme: This verse is from Matthew 5:43-45 in the New Testament of the Bible, and it's part of Jesus Christ's Sermon on the Mount. The overall theme is promoting forgiveness, love, unprejudiced generosity, and inclusivity, even to those considered enemies. This breaks away from the conventional 'eye for an eye' mentality, instead advocating understanding and peace. This verse stresses that God does not show partiality, loving the righteous and unrighteous equally, and we are encouraged to do the same. Emotions: The emotions evoked here are profound love and expansive, radical compassion, aiming to challenge our understanding of love's boundaries....

NIV: Psalm 97:10 Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Theme: The verse communicates themes of divine protection, righteousness, and the moral dichotomy between good and evil. There's an underlying message of faithfulness, reasserting that belief in God and denying evil provides individuals with the Lord's protection. Emotions: The emotions evoked here include comfort and reassurance, as the faithful are promised divine protection. There's also a sense of righteousness and moral obligation highlighted through the abhorrence of evil. Imagery: The image of the 'hand of the wicked,' signifies the presence and power of evil. Another visual idea is the Lord as a guardian, actively protecting the faithful ones. Images of a divine shield against the wicked, or a battle between good and evil, also can be derived from this verse. Illustration: Visualize a heavenly figure, envelop...

NIV: Proverbs 21:21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Theme: This Bible verse is from Proverbs 21:21 and it promotes a strong theme of righteousness, love, pursuit, and rewards. It promotes a cause-and-effect relationship, suggesting that those who endeavor to do good, loving deeds (the pursuit) will reap positive outcomes (life, prosperity, and honor). It encourages people to live righteously and lovingly, assuring them that this will lead to a fruitful, respectable life.  Emotions: The emotions generated are hope, motivation, and encouragement.  Imagery: The imagery conjured could be a path of righteousness and love that leads to the beautiful end-goals of life, prosperity, and honor. Illustration: A person on a path, sowing seeds of love and righteousness. As they progress along the path, these seeds bloom into beautiful plants/flowers which symbolize life and prosperity. The person gets adorned with a robe or medal that symbol...

NIV: Psalm 33:4-5 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. Theme: The verse focuses on the themes of God's integrity, infallibility, righteousness, justice, and abundant love. It communicates the reliability, steadfastness, and veracity of the Lord's word. The verse also emphasizes God's dedication to fairness and righteousness, alongside His abundant and everlasting love for the world. Emotions: The emotions emanating from this verse are trust, security, peace, and love. Trust, from understanding that God's word is always right and true; security, from knowing that God is consistently faithful in every action; peace, from accepting that God administers justice; and love, from experiencing God's unfailing affection for His creation. Imagery: The verse paints an image of an omnipotent, righteous, and just God whose enduring love envelops the entirety...

NIV: Psalm 18:1-2 For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Theme: This verse, part of a song of praise by David, is from the Book of Psalms (18:1-2). An overarching theme of the verse is faith in God's powerful deliverance and protection. Another theme evident here is gratitude; David is deeply grateful for his deliverance from his enemies, especially Saul.  Emotions: The emotions elicited by this verse are love, reliance, trust, gratitude, and awe, as David both reaffirms his love for God and acknowledges His divine strength.  Imagery: There's vivid imagery contained in this verse. God is portrayed as a rock, signifying stability, reliabili...

NIV: Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Theme: The central theme of this verse is faith and dependence on God during challenging times. The speaker expresses unwavering trust in God's strength, love, and protection, affirming that God is a fortress and refuge during hardships. There's also the theme of worship and praise, with the speaker pledging to sing of God's attributes. Emotions: The verse evokes feelings of hope and comfort amidst adversity. It establishes a sense of deep gratitude for divine protection and love. The speaker's steadfast faith conjures feelings of devotion and humble submission. There may be an underlying emotion of peace knowing that they can rely on God in times of trouble. Imagery: The verse presents vivid visual imagery of a fortress, conveying the idea of God as a protective barrier against harm or danger. The phrase 'sing of your s...

NIV: 1 Corinthians 2:9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— Theme: The verse primarily focuses on the themes of Divine Mystery, Faith, and Love. It reminds us that God's plans for his unwavering followers are beyond human comprehension. Emotions: There are feelings of hope, anticipation, awe, love, and humility. The verse generates curiosity about the mysteries of Divine Love and creates anticipation of amazing things God has planned for his followers. Imagery: The verse creates a vivid image of extraordinary things that are so grand that they're beyond human understanding. The metaphor of comparison with sight, hearing, and thinking generates an image that evokes mystery and beyond worldly experiences. Illustration: Depict a human figure standing before a vast cosmos filled with wondrous nebulae, galaxies, and celestial objects (representing God...

NIV: Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Theme: This verse from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 states the faith's fundamental declaration, often called the Shema from its initial word in Hebrew. It underlies themes of monotheism and unyielding devotion to God, urging the people of Israel to love God with their entire being – heart, soul, and strength. Emotions: This passage evokes a sense of profound devotion, obedience, reverence, and passionate love towards God. It encourages surrendering oneself completely to the Divine force and placing absolute trust in Him. Imagery: The phrase conjures images of intense emotional and physical engagement. It suggests the entire force of the being engaged in devotion to God. The mention of 'heart, soul, and strength' may provoke visions of earnest prayers, heartfelt worship, and the use of one's actions and deeds for ...