Psalm 119:9

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 119:9 

“How can a young man keep his way pure?  By keeping it according to Your word.” – Psalm 119:9    

I want to first state that this is intended for all young men, basically any man who is still alive.  It should be applied to all men because we all can take the wisdom written here and put it into practice.  I would also go as far as state it should be applied by all people, either male of female.  The rhetorical question being asked is essentially, how can we keep ourselves pure before God? 

Lets look at this from the beginning of the chapter.  He starts out by declaring the following.  “How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD.” Psalm 119:1  Being pure and blameless is a good thing, it is what God desires of us.  He wants us to obey and follow His laws.  Not just for the law’s sake, but to please God.  We are to walk blameless and in obedience to Him.  And not only observe and keep His commandments, but also seek Him with our whole heart.  Not just to do things because we are commanded to, but because we love Him and desire to do what He commands.  We are to do no unrighteousness but walk in His ways.  (Psalm 119:3). 

But how can we do this?  As our focus verse states, how can we keep our ways pure?  He has a truly short answer for us.  “By keeping it according to Your word.” Psalm 119:9b.  We must know His Word before we can keep it, therefore, we must take the time to study His word, read His scriptures and put them into practice.  This is well exemplified in the following, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11.  We must take God’s word and treasure it in our hearts and minds so that we can not only learn what we should do, but also what we should not.  And as Adam Clarke so clearly put it, “If God’s word be only in his Bible, and not also in his heart, he may soon and easily be surprised into his besetting sin.”

The world we live in is going quickly downhill regarding what it finds acceptable and good.  And there is no question that much that the world embraces is sinful and displeases the Lord.  Temptation abounds everywhere.  We must study His word regularly in order to learn what is good and what is not.  Satan will bring our way thoughts and desires that are not good.  And we may not even realize that something we do or desire is sinful.  This is why it is imperative that we dive into His word, read it, study it, and place it deep into our being and treasure it with all our heart.  Then, when we are tempted, we will know that it is wrong and it must be denied.  And if we apply these words of wisdom, “Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments. I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.” Psalm 119:6-7.

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William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Romans 3:10

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 3:10 

“As it is written, there is none righteous, not even one;” – Romans 3:10 

Paul here is addressing a false idea the Jewish people had regarding their relationship with God.  “Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision?” Romans 3:1.  The Jews believed that because they were God’s chosen people, descendants of Abraham and that, regarding the males, were circumcised, they had a special place with God.  In verse 2, Paul agrees to a degree, but not in the way they thought.  “Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.” Romans 3:2.  Paul is telling them their advantage was they were given and entrusted with the revelation of God’s will, through Moses and the Law given to him.

However, this advantage did not give them a better position with God.  “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, not even one;” Romans 3:9-10.  The Jews do not have any greater advantage when it comes to their righteousness, for both they as well as the non-Jews are under sin.  And because all have sinned, they are under the same penalty.  “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”  Romans 3:28.  It only takes one sin to be under the penalty.  And this is why Christ had to come and pay the penalty for us.

Now, let us look at this idea from a different perspective, for many today see themselves as better than others because they go to church, read their bibles, and pray every now and then, believing they are OK regarding their walk with God.  Now, the Jews back then believed that by following the ordinances set forth in the Law that they were in good shape.  What they did not understand was who Jesus was.  He was prophesied about throughout the Old Testament.  But they were so tied to the traditions, they failed to see the truth.  I believe there are many today in our churches who are in the same situation.  They do the traditions but fail to see what God really desires, and that is all of us.  This is what He has called us to.  “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2.  God wants us to present ourselves completely to Him in service, obedience, and love; eliminating any ways our lives are conforming to this sinful world. We must let God transform it through our thoughts and beliefs and actions to one which is pleasing to Him.  Living this Christian walk by giving ourselves to His service. 

There are times I find myself slipping into the pattern of doing the does for the does sake, and not for God.  When I do, I go somewhere and pray that God will first forgive me, then help me see again what it is He desires of me and move on.  I want to encourage everyone who is reading this to do the same if you see yourselves slipping into the same pattern.  God loves everyone of us and wants to guide us in the ways He calls us to.  Have ears that are open to hear His words, and eyes that are open to see His ways.  Devote your whole self to His service.  You will find it is a beautiful life indeed.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Philippians 4:6

Verse of the Day Devotion: Philippians 4:6 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6 

Paul, in writing to the church at Philippi is encouraging them not be worried about things of this life.  He is not saying for us not to take care of any matters we need to address.  We do need to take care of our property and provide for our families.  As Paul wrote to Timothy, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8.  We are to take care of what God has given to us.  However, as the theologian Albert Barnes put it, “but that there is to be such confidence in God as to free the mind from anxiety.”  Jesus Himself put it this way.  “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:32-33. 

Paul goes on to say, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” Philippians 4:6b.  We are to trust God in everything; our needs and wants, everything regarding afflictions, embarrassment, trials, hurts and persecutions.  There is nothing we cannot go to our God with, whether it be regarding our bodies or minds, our hopes, dreams, conflicts, or fears.  And also, for anyone; ourselves, friends, families, strangers or even enemies. 

The Lord wants us to come to Him in everything.  We are to come to Him in both prayer and supplication.  The word ‘supplication’ is a stronger word than prayer.  It is the type of prayer which especially comes about from need or want in our lives.  And there is an especially important inclusion in this verse regarding prayer, with thanksgiving.  Whenever we lift up our requests to God, no matter what for, we need to be thankful.  Whether it be for needs, wants, or afflictions.  A good example of this is Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail.  “The crowd rose up together against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;” Acts 16:22-25.  They were beaten with rods, their feet placed in stocks and thrown into jail.  However, they were not anxious or complaining, they were praising God in the midst of their suffering.  And what happened?  God set them free. 

And what is the result of following our focus verse?  “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7. God will give us peace which surpasses our understanding.  And this peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ.  We must trust that God will be with us in all things, and that all He does and allows will work toward our good.  In other words, we must be content in all things.  “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how-to live-in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  God will supply all our needs, no matter what those needs are.  Contentment comes when we believe this and trust He will make it happen.  He promised us this, and He will bring it to pass.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Verse of the Day Devotion: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16

This verse comes at the end of Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians.  He has written much to them regarding how they should carry themselves in order to do what is right.  And in his final words, he encourages them by, in essence, praying that God will give them peace.  He starts by acknowledging that Jesus Christ is the Lord of Peace.  He said a similar thing to the Ephesians. “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.” Ephesians 2:13-16.  Note the wording at the beginning. ”For He Himself is our peace.”  It was Christ who brought peace between the Jews and Gentiles as well as between mankind and God.  He was also called Prince of Peace.  “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

He follows this by saying may Christ grant you continual peace in every circumstance.  He said a similar  thing to the Church at Rome at the end of his letter to them, “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”  This is a very encouraging statement, for both churches who were in somewhat of a state of turmoil and could benefit from the impartation of peace.  God wants His people to be at peace.  Jesus declared to His disciples this very thing.  “These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”  John 14:25-27.

And as He spoke those words to His twelve disciples, He is speaking these same words to us today.  God wants us to be at peace in every aspect of our lives.  What we must do is look to the Prince of Peace no matter what is happening in our world.  Christians all over are being persecuted, tortured, and killed.  But the God of Peace is with them.  We may find ourselves persecuted for the cause of Christ.  But always remember, the God of Peace is with us.  No matter what life brings our way, no matter how hard things get, or how difficult people are to us, the God of Peace is with us. 

God loves us, and He does not want us to be in turmoil or lack peace.  If we find ourselves in a negative situation, then we should pray that He will bring us peace.  We must take our minds off our circumstances and focus on Him, and His deep love for us.  And we must remember He will stay by our side.  “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6.  We have nothing to fear or be anxious about since God, who loves us with a never-ending love, and who is all powerful and can do all things, is watching over us and guiding us through.  What more could we ask for?

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Psalm 119:50

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 119:50 

“This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me.” – Psalm 119:50 

This verse is found in the longest chapter in all of scripture, Psalm 119.  First, lets look at verse 49 which precedes our focus verse.  “Zayin. Remember the word to Your servant, In which You have made me hope.” Psalm 119:49  The writer of this chapter is using the language of prayer.  In this verse, he is telling the Lord that through the words God has given to him, he has derived hope in the midst of his afflictions.  And through this hope, as our focus verse says, he has comfort that all things will work out.  And all this is a result of the words the Lord has given us.

So, which words is the writer speaking of.  In essence, all that God has given us.   Lets look at a few of the verse in 119.  “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11.  “Your testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors.” Psalm 119:24.   And, “I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart.” Psalm 119:32.  Many verses in Psalm 119 speak of the goodness of His words, commands, precepts, and ordinances.  Therefore, when he says, ‘your word has revived me’, he is speaking of all the words God has given us, His Holy Scriptures.

Paul, in writing to the Church in Rome said, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4.  Note the similarity of the final lines of the two verses.  “Remember the word to Your servant, In which You have made me hope.” and “and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  In both verses, it is the word(s) of God that the writers say give hope to those who read and follow them.  However, is it only the reading of the word that does it?  No!  There is another aspect of it the finalizes the idea.  The words must be believed.  You can read scripture all day, but if you do not have faith that it is truth, it will be of no value. 

We read earlier in Romans, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” Romans 10:14-15.  Paul starts out by asking how will the unsaved hear the truth that God proclaimed?  By people being sent to declare the truth.  He then sums up his argument by saying, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17.  And through this faith, hope enters the hearts of people. 

Our hope, as Christians, come from God.  And He has communicated to us the hope we have.  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.“ Hebrews 11:1.  We have hope because God communicated to us.  Faith is the assurance that what He has told us is true and trustworthy, even if we do not see it now.  And in all this, we can be comforted because these words bring life to us, life everlasting.  Just as our focus verse says, “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your word has revived me. Psalm 119:43. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Isaiah 1:18

Verse of the Day Devotion: Isaiah 1:18 

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18

This verse is part of a vision God had given to Isaiah.  “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz concerning Judah and Jerusalem, which he saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” Isaiah 1:1.  God is revealing to Isaiah the wickedness and ultimately what He wants of Judah.  He starts off by saying Judah does not know Him.  “An ox knows its owner, And a donkey its master’s manger, But Israel does not know, My people do not understand.” Isaiah 1:3.  After all the time He spent with them, they still do not understand.  They had become a sinful nation and had abandoned Him (v4).  They were a rebellious people.  However, there was a remnant.  “Unless the LORD of hosts Had left us a few survivors, We would be like Sodom, We would be like Gomorrah.” Isaiah 1:9.  In other words, God’s grace toward Israel, and specifically Judah, prevented Him from destroying all of Judah as He did Sodom and Gomorrah.  Paul in his letter to the Roman addresses this issue to the Jews in His time.  “And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved,” Romans 9:27.  And again, “And as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.” Romans 9:29.  Then, in the verse 10 the prophet intonates that spiritually they were as Sodom and Gomorrah.  “Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!” Isaiah 1:10

He then proceeds to rebuke them regarding their sacrifices, offerings and their keeping of the feasts.  He no longer delights in them because they are vain and mean nothing.  They have become nothing but rituals and habits.  He tells them to no longer bring them to Him.  But then goes further regarding prayer.  “When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.” Isaiah 1:15. 

After stating what He does not want, God tells Isaiah to declare to Judah what He does want.  “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,” Isaiah 1:16.  First He tells them to wash themselves, clean their hands and hearts.  Cease doing evil.  Next He tells them to do good.  “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Isaiah 1:17.  These are probably some of the good they were neglecting. 

After pointing out wrongs they did, and the good they did not do, He offers grace to them in our focus verse.  “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Isaiah 1:18.  God tells them if they will cleanse themselves, remove and cease doing evil, seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the orphans and protect the widows in their midst, then He will, by grace, remove the stain of sin from them. They will be clean as God desires.  However, they must be obedient to Him. For obedience shows their hearts.   “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”  Isaiah 1:19-20.

Israel believed that by following the Law, giving the offerings, and doing the rituals, they were pleasing God.  However, this was not the case.  Here is what Micah declared to Israel.  “With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:6-8.  Just giving offerings and performing sacrifices and whatever we wrongly believe pleases Him is not enough.  We are to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.  In these things He is pleased.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13 

There appears to be in Thessalonica a confusion regarding what happens to someone who dies.  Thessalonians were part of ancient Rome and believed as they did regarding the end, which was similar to what the ancient Greeks believed.  There were Christians in Thessalonica who were dying, and it appears that an adequate explanation of what takes place had not been given to them.  They no doubt had the idea they would be separated from them forever, therefore they grieved heavily, just as was done in Greek and Roman religions.  But Paul uses the term sleep rather than death to give them hope. And he uses the idea of informing them of how their prior beliefs have led them astray regarding the death of believers.  

First, he tells them they shall see them again.  “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14-15.  In fact, they will precede us who remain alive till He comes.  However, the main point here is that believers will be reunited with their brothers and sisters in Christ at the end.  This was radically different than either the Greek or Roman beliefs regarding the afterlife.  And this is why Paul said at the end of our focus verse that they did not need to grieve as those who do not believe in Christ, because they would be reunited with them.

He then goes on the explain when this will take place.  “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”  1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.  When Jesus comes back, He will first awaken those who have fallen asleep.  They will be raised first.  Then immediately afterwards, He will bring us who are alive at that time to Him, and together we shall be with the Lord forever, never to be separated.

This was a new idea to the Thessalonians.  They were troubled because were dying and they mourned heavily as the Greeks and Romans did, for they believed they would never see them again.  This was the reason for these verses, to comfort them with the truth that they would be reunited again when Christ returns.  At the time of this writing, they did not understand this completely.  Now they did, and Paul encourages them to share this with all believers.  “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18.

We must all grasp this truth.  Many Christians I know have fallen asleep, including family members, close friends, and fellow workers for the Lord.  Yes, I have grieved for them because I missed the opportunities to interact with them.  And I think of them often, which does sadden me some. However, I know that at some time in the future we will be reunited, and what a glorious time it will be.  The beauty of this event is that we will never be separated again.  It will be wonderful, and our fellowship will not be temporary but eternal.  This is the promise given us by Christ through Paul in these verses.  Therefore, let us do as Paul said, comfort each other with this truth.  Many can use some comfort during these times and we will in our lives as well.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Psalm 77:14

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 77:14 

“You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples.” – Psalm 77:14

This is a great verse.  Our God, the one and only true God, has done amazing things, or as the writer said, worked wonders.  What are some of these things?  Well, first, He created everything.  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.  Also, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16. And finally, “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, “I, the LORD, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself And spreading out the earth all alone, Isaiah 44:24.  Before God created the heavens and the earth, there was only the eternal realm where God was and is.  What is more wonderful then creating something from nothing. 

Also, He created us, man, not by speaking us into existence, but by forming us.  “Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7.  So, after created where we would live, He then created us, forming us from the dust of His creation. 

Now creation of everything is an incredible feat in itself.  No one other than God could have done this, and when we look at creation, seeing the wonders of the heavens, all the stars and galaxies in the sky, and the amazing objects from which all is created, such as cells, atoms and incredible energy that exists in both living creatures and objects we view, are amazing in themselves, and they work together in amazing unity. 

However, we also see that every act of God is beyond understanding.  Whether in creation as described above, but also in His interaction with all of mankind.  He knows absolutely everything that has happened, is happening and will happen.  He works in the earth for His purpose, which includes the good of His people.  Look at all the ways He has intervened in history.  He delivered Israel from the bondage of Egypt, fed them in the desert with Manna which He provided to them, delivered Daniel from the Lion’s Den, and Israel from both Assyria and Babylon.  And He loves us so much, He provided a way of salvation by sending His only begotten Son to die in our place so we can live forever with Him. 

When I look at everything in the heavens, earth, history, His provision for us, the way everything works together so that we, mankind, can live here on the earth, I am in awe.  None of this could be by accident.  Every day, hour, minute, second and moment is known by our amazing creator.  And He guides those who commit themselves to Him, and when this era is over, we shall live with Him, in a new and perfect heaven and earth, which He will create after all things are done. 

I cannot lay out everything that shows His incredible power, glory and strength.  But, the more I think about these things, the more I am humbled and thankful for all God does.  I encourage everyone to think about these things, giving thanks to Him for His infinite actions, infinite knowledge, and infinite love.  Read the entire chapter of Psalm 77 and again ponder all that He has done and continues to do for you and those you know and love.  When I have done it, He has revealed amazing things to me.  I believe He will do the same for every one of you.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Matthew 16:25

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 16:25 

“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’ – Matthew 16:25

This is a difficult thing Jesus told His disciples.  In order to understand the full picture of what Jesus said, we must go back a few verses to understand the context of these words.  Starting in verse 21 we read, “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You. But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”  Matthew 16:21-23.  Jesus had just foretold His death and resurrection to His disciples.  After He does this, Peter pulls Him aside and rebukes Him, stating that it will never happen.  I cannot imagine anyone rebuking Christ, however, Jesus rebukes Peter, telling him to go away, for this is God’s plan for the Messiah to fulfill, not what man thinks it is.

After this, Jesus told the disciples their role in this if they wish to follow Him.  “Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24.  Jesus came here to die for the sake of mankind, giving each of us the opportunity to be saved and spend eternity with Him.  He gave His life for us.  What He is saying here is that He expects His followers to do the same if need be.  If doing the work of God meant sacrificing their lives, would they, or would they do what was necessary to save their lives.  If they were not, then they needed to stop following Him because they were not giving all of themselves to the work required of them.

He then builds upon the idea brought forth on the prior verse with our focus verse.  “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”  Matthew 16:25.  In essence he is saying those who are doing the work of the Lord and choose to stop because they will be killed if they do not have a choice.  Either he can continue and trust that God will either save his life or allow him to give the ultimate sacrifice, or He can walk away from Christ and His work. 

The question we need to ask ourselves is are we willing to give all for Christ?  Is our life more important that Christ?  As stated above, Jesus came for the express purpose of suffering and dying for our sake so we can be reconciled with the Father.  Are we willing to do the same in order to spread the gospel throughout our areas of influence?  This is the question Jesus is asking.  And we must be ready to give an answer.  Search your heart and pray that God will help you know what your true answer is.  If it is yes, than you are willing to give everything for the sake of Christ.  If it is no or I do not know, then pray and ask God to give you the strength and courage to say yes.  He is much more important than anything else in our lives, including our lives.  Give your all to Him and His work.  You will find it to be more satisfying than any other.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Romans 12:12

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 12:12  

“Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,” – Romans 12:12  

One thing we can honestly say is that these are difficult times.  Look at everything that is going on today.  We have a pandemic that is causing havoc throughout our world.  People living in fear that they may be infected by the coronavirus and lose their lives.  We have factions of government that are looking to take advantage of this situation to advance their agendas, and some for their own personal advantage.  The economies of many nations are being destroyed because businesses have shut down in order to lessen the impact this virus has on people.

Crime is increasing as well with people getting desperate over the financial troubles they are experiencing, along with many in prisons being released and returning to the crimes they were originally imprisoned for.  Also, many are concerned about what the future holds for them.  Will they have a job?  Will they be able to pay their bills?  Will they lose their homes due to defaulting on their mortgages or rental agreements? 

These are tough questions.  When I see the news and listen to what people are saying, fear is running rampant within many areas of society.   Especially within the lower and midrange income populations.  But we need to remember that God is with us, and He will watch over us.  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4. And, “For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13. Both verses share a wonderful truth.  No matter what we are experiencing, God is with us, helping us and will bring us through.  He will never give us a promise He will not keep. 

We all will go through trials of one sort or another, and this pandemic is just one of many though more difficult than most.  However, our focus verse is perfect in outlining how we need to push through to the other side.  First, we must rejoice in hope.  We must remember that hope is not what we wish for, but what we know will happen (See Hebrews 1:1).  Because we know God will deliver us from any struggle or trial based on the two verses above, as well as many others, we can rejoice in this hope.  He will be with us through it all as He has promised us He would.  All we need do is trust, believe, and wait for His promise of assistance. 

And because we know He is faithful and will be with us, we can persevere through any trial we may encounter.  It may last an hour, day, week or more.  However, we can be assured that God is beside us all the way from start to finish.  “The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

And lastly, we must be devoted to prayer.  We must be in a constant attitude of prayer, not closing our spirit to speaking to Him, or hearing from Him.  It is important that prayer be the major tool we use when trials come, fervently praying knowing He hears us, loves us, and will answer us.  Spending time in fellowship with Him will do much to ease our anxiety and bring the peace we so desperately need. 

God loves each one of us.  He desires the best for us, knows what is best, and will bring it to pass.  What we need to do is trust Him in everything.  God has promised us a wonderful future, and it cannot be thwarted.  We must rejoice that this promise of a glorious future is sure.  We must persevere through these times knowing we are not alone, that He is with us, and we must keep in prayer, not only asking for help, but for solace and strength as well.  There is no better way to be at peace in any situation than to trust God.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.