2019-08-19 – Proverbs 27:19

Verse of the Day Devotion: Proverbs 27:19  As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man. 

When a man looks in the water or a mirror, he sees his image reflected back at him.  Whether good or bad, the reflection is a true picture of what we look like.  We do not see our true appearance until such time as we take the time to view it.  Sometimes we see certain things we do not like, so we adjust our appearance such that we will see ourselves more like we want.  However, the most important thing to remember is that how we appear in our reflection is how others see us. 

Now, a mirror reflects our outward appearance.  But what reflects who we are inside?  The answer to this question is our heart.  What is important to us?  How do we feel about things?  And per Jeremiah,  what do we do?  “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?  I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.”  Jeremiah 17:9-10  Notice the idea here that our ways and deeds are seen in our heart and mind.  The real man is reflected by his heart.  Peter put it this way, “Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4.  These two verses speak of women; however, it does speak of men and woman in the idea it presents.

So, this begs the question.  When the world looks at us, our ways and deeds (as Jeremiah put it), what do they see?   Do they see a heart truly committed to God?  Do they see a heart that is full of love for God and mankind?  When you honestly and with no bias look inside yourself, what do you see?  Remember, what you see is very likely what others see.  If, perchance, we do not like what we see, we must ask God to help us in changing our hearts to the one God desires of us.  We must be open to this change and submissive to Him as the changes are made.  There is a song done by Vineyard that speaks clearly of this.  “Change my heart oh God, make it ever true. Change my heart oh God, may I be like you.”

2019-08-20 – Psalm 37:31

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 37:31  The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip.  

Before we go into our focus verse, let’s determine who ‘His’ is.  If we go a few verses back, we read the following, “The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.  The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.“ Psalm 37:20-30  Our focus verse therefore is speaking of the righteous, those who follow after Him, following His ways, and who love Him above all things.  Jesus put it this way when asked what the greatest commandment is.  “And He said to him,  ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’  This is the great and foremost commandment.  The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’  On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40.  Adding on to this, Jesus also said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15. 

So, putting these verses together, we see that the righteous are those who love God with everything they have; that loves their fellow man as he loves himself.  And because of the love he has for God, obeys His commandments.     

If we are righteous as defined above, then we shall not slip.  In other words, our course will be firm and steadfast.  Everything He has promised us will come to pass.  We will trust Him and because we are righteous, our desires will be good and fulfilled.  “Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”  Psalm 37:4-5.  We will be content in what we have, no matter how little it is.  For we are content with His provision here for He is with us.  “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.  For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.  If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8. 

I want to encourage everyone to seek His righteousness.  May it be the greatest desire of our heart.  The righteous will be taken care of.  Every need will be met.  “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.  So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34. 

God loves us with an everlasting love. and He shows it to us with everything He does.  He takes care of us, stays with us, protects us and fills us with His Spirit.  He gives us joy and  peace, and our every need.  Let us show our love to Him; giving Him glory and honor and praise and thankfulness.  What an incredible relationship we have with our God.

2019-08-21 – Matthew 19:26

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 19:26  And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

A rich young ruler came to Christ and asked Him what good He needed to do to attain eternal life.  Jesus answered him saying, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.“.  Matthew 19:17.  He was not telling him that salvation is attained by works, but He answered him based on what the Law said.  He has not, at this time, died and paid the penalty, thus the reason as I understand it for His answer.  He then listed a subset of the laws to follow.  The young man then replies, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?”  Matthew 19:20b.  Jesus then responds with this, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Matthew 19:21. 

What Jesus was saying was that nothing can take precedence over Him.  Salvation comes through giving up everything to follow Him.  When the young ruler heard these words, he walked away because He could not place Jesus above his belongings.  Then we read the following, “And Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Again, I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”  Matthew 19:23-24.

So, what was Jesus saying referring to camel through the eye of a needle?  There are several thoughts on this, however, the most likely explanation is that it is a hyperbole.  The Persians expressed the idea of impossibility by declaring that it would be easier for an elephant to go through the eye of a needle.  The use of camel was a Jewish form of this phrase, using the largest animal in Israel, that being the camel.  So, what Jesus was saying was simply it is seemingly impossible for a rich man to be saved because their riches mean so much to them.  Few if any would be willing to give up everything for Him.

“When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, ‘Then who can be saved?”  Matthew 19:25.   Then we come to our focus verse.  “And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26. 

Man cannot save himself because it is impossible to be perfect.  Jews believed that through sacrificing an animal to God, their sins would be removed.  However, it is really through giving everything to God and following His Word and obeying His commands.  “but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17b.  However, we cannot keep them perfectly, Jesus, the Son of God, came here and lived that perfect life for us.  And by doing so, and us accepting His work on the cross, we are justified, declared righteous.  He said, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17.  He came to do what we could not and applied it to our situation if we believe in our hearts, mind, and lives.  What a mighty and loving God we serve.

2019-08-22 – Esther 4:14

Verse of the Day Devotion: Esther 4:14  “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

During the reign of King Ahasuerus in Persia, Haman was promoted to the chief minister of the king.  This gave him a very elevated position within Persia.  In this position, he was given much homage.  “All the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman; for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage.” Esther 3:2.  Mordecai was promoted to an  office in the court of  Ahasuerus, and thus was required to bow to Haman.  But, as you can see, he refused to, which made Haman furious to the point He wanted to kill all the Jews within his control.

So, Haman went to the king.  “Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from those of all other people and they do not observe the king’s laws, so it is not in the king’s interest to let them remain.  If it is pleasing to the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who carry on the king’s business, to put into the king’s treasuries.  Then the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.  The king said to Haman, “The silver is yours, and the people also, to do with them as you please.”  Esther 3:8-11.  Haman set a date and sent this edict out to all the provinces alerting them to be ready.  Mordecai then sent a letter to Esther asking her to go before the king and plead with him for the Jews to be protected.  Esther sends a reply to Mordecai denoting a dangerous rule regarding approaching the king.  “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that for any man or woman who comes to the king to the inner court who is not summoned, he has but one law, that he be put to death, unless the king holds out to him the golden scepter so that he may live. And I have not been summoned to come to the king for these thirty days.” Esther 4:11.  Mordecai responds, telling her why she, a Jew, would be saved on that day.  He ends with, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:14

Many of us find ourselves in positions, like Esther, which we never imagined would happen, and then a difficult trial occurs, and we do not wish to continue.  We have no idea why God put us there and may even question if it was Him.  However, does anything happen without God allowing it?  He guides us in the way He desires of us.  “Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand.  With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory.” Psalm 73:23-24.  He may lead us into difficult circumstances, however, remember that in the end He will brings us into glory with Himself. 

Back to the story of Esther, she did end up going to the inner court of the king’s palace and was granted entrance to see the king.  She eventually tells him that Haman has plotted to kill her and the Jews.  When the king hears this, he calls for Haman to be hung on the gallows at Haman’s home where he would have killed Mordecai.  God ordained both Esther and Mordecai to be lifted to their positions so that the Jews in Persia would be saved. 

God will put us where He wants us for His will to be done.  Paul put it this way.  “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.  In the tough times, or during periods of peace, He has a good purpose for us to accomplish.  And who’s to say we are not in that position for that purpose to be fulfilled?

2019-08-23 – Romans 12:21

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 12:21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

This verse lays out one of the more important attributes of Christianity; that being love.  And not just love in return for love, but love for all, no matter what.  There are many times when people will attack us, both physically and verbally.  Paul said a couple verses up, “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.”  Romans 12:17.  We must always do what is right in the sight of God and not simply acceptable in the eyes of men.  We must never take into our own hands any recompense for evil. 

Paul goes on to say, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Roman 12:18.  Our goal throughout our lives should be peace with all.  No matter what people do to us, we should show love for them.  Our positive reaction to attacks may be the very light that brings our attacker to Christ.  Remember, Jesus said the following, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16. 

Furthermore, it is not our place to give recompense.  “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19.   We must stand aside and let God handle it.  Moreover, we are to go to the opposite extreme.  “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap hot coals on his head.”  We are to return kindness for evil.  Jesus once said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” Matthew 5:38-39   He also said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”  Matthew 5:43-44

Now with this foundation laid, let’s go back to the focus verse.  We must never let the evil of another cause us to return evil to them.  We must never let evil take control of us but on the contrary, we must overcome evil with good.  We must let our good deeds vanquish the evil in another.  Many times, by simply showing someone love, they will stop the evil they are doing to us.  They normally expect you to respond with hatred, which will only feed their anger and make it stronger.  We must not let their actions win the battle.  We must strive to be a witness of the love of God to them. 

I know firsthand this is not easy.  However, we have a God that walks with us, who never leaves or forsakes us, and works through us to do His good pleasure.  We just need to submit fully and let Him give us the strength.  I have been amazed by how good does overcome evil.  Who knows what impact we can have on another, simply by  submitting to God and humbling ourselves.  

2019-08-12 – Isaiah 6:8

Verse of the Day Devotion: Isaiah 6:8  Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 

In the year King Uzziah died, around 754 B.C., Isaiah is outside near the alter and he had a vision, one of the more well-known visions in the old testament.  “In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.  Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.  And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.”  Isaiah 6:1-3.  What an incredible vision.  Very explicit vision of the Lord God on His throne, the seraphim above Him crying out ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’.  Further, “And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.”  Isaiah 6:4. 

Isaiah upon seeing this vision called out saying, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5.  He had seen the God of all creation, the eternal one, and was filled with immense conviction of his sin and cried out of his unworthiness.  Then one of the seraphim came to him with a burning coal (also could be translated stone), touched his lips and declared his iniquity gone and his sin forgiven. 

Then, as we reach our focus verse, God is asking the question, “whom shall we send?”.  This is not to say that God did not know, for He knows everything.  I tend to see this as an invitation shrouded in a question.  Then Isaiah calls out, with hardly any delay based on how this scripture is worded, “Here I am, send me.” 

If we look in Matthew, we see we are called to go out and deliver God’s message to our world, in the same way Isaiah was to the Jews in his time.  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.  This is of course known as the Great Commission where Jesus called His disciples to go out and spread the news.  Who will tell Jesus, “Here I am, send me.”

This is why we are here.  Jesus told His discipled to go out and share the gospel, help them understand what it is, give them the opportunity to accept Christ as Savior, and then train them to live this Christian life as it should be lived.  And, we who are Christians are a part of ‘the called’ who are to go out.  There are many people who have never heard the gospel, or have not understood it, or have been told a false gospel.  It is our job to go out there and let everyone know of the love of God, how Jesus, the Son of God, came and died who never sinned, to make a way for us who have to be forgiven and declared righteous. 

God has already answered the question of “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” to this present generation.  It is now up to us to say, with the full intention of , “Here am I. Send me!”

2019-08-13 – Psalm 55:22

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 55:22  Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.  

I am sure everyone who reads this has been through times of extreme difficulty.  For myself, I can definitely remember multiple times I have been in situations where I was not sure what I was going to do.  But these times have showed me that I do not have to go through it alone.  God wants to be there for us, and He always is.

In today’s verse, God is speaking to David and encouraging him.  David has cried out to him.  Note these words of David.  “Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the pressure of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me and in anger they bear a grudge against me. My heart is in anguish within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.  Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me.”  Psalm 55:3-5.  He was going through a great deal of fear and anguish.  He cried out with the above words, then David declared in our focus verse, “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” 

As David learned that God would bring him through his trials and bear his burdens, Paul shows us this truth is for us as well.  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7.  If we find ourselves burdened down and anxious because of our situation, lift it to God in prayer.  He will gladly walk with us and lighten our load. 

However, the greatest burden we have carried in our lives is our sin. “There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; There is no health in my bones because of my sin.  For my iniquities are gone over my head; As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me.“  Psalm 38:3-4.  God knew we would be unable to bear this burden of sin, nor would we be able to rid ourselves of it.  Christ bore our sins in His own body on the cross to bring forgiveness to all who believe.  He bore this burden so that we would not have to.  And if this burden has been removed because of His great love for us, we can trust Him to bear any other burden we carry. 

2019-08-14 – Daniel 3:18

Verse of the Day Devotion: Daniel 3:18  “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”  

This particular verse was spoken by Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego.  These were the three Hebrew young men taken into Babylon to serve in the same place as Daniel.  At that time, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon made an image of gold that he was requiring all in Babylon to worship.  The order was, “that at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.” Daniel 3:5.  He also set up the rule, “But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.”  Daniel 3:6.  There was a death penalty in affect and the method of death was cruel, being burned alive in a furnace.   

So, at the time that the music calling for golden image worship was to occur, all the people in Babylon, of all nations and languages fell down and worshipped the image except three; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.  Note, Daniel was not in Babylon at this time.  Some Chaldeans observed the three not worshipping the statue, and let Nebuchadnezzar know.  I am sure they did this to hopefully earn favor from the king.  They told the king, by name, the three who did not worship it.  They knew the names because these three were over the administration of Babylon. 

Well, this infuriated the king and he demanded that they be brought before him.  He questioned them by saying, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?”  Daniel 3:14b  Then he gives them another chance.  “Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?”  Daniel 3:15.  This is a very arrogant statement.  However, he will soon learn about that God who can.

Instead of answering the king’s question, they told him that if we end up in the fiery furnace, our God is able to deliver you out of your hand and out of the furnace.  However, even if He chooses not to deliver us from you, let us make it clear that we will not serve you gods or worship your golden image.

Well, the end of the story is that they were thrown into the furnace, and God delivered them.  However, what I want to focus on here is their answer to the king.  Whatever happens, we will never worship any god but the true God.  No matter how awful or painful the punishment, no matter what it is, we will not give our worship to any of your gods. 

There is coming a day, and in some ways is here now, when today’s Christians will need to make a similar decision.  In African nations like Nigeria, Boko Haram kidnaps Christians and if they do not convert to Islam, they are killed.  In North Korea and China, if they determine someone is a Christian, they will be sent to Concentration Work camps, known in China as re-education camps to be forced by torture, starvation and slavery work until they either convert or die.  Here in the United States, Christians are persecuted in our public schools and colleges.  Christian monuments are under threat of being destroyed and businesses are being attacked for upholding Christian beliefs.  It is only a matter of time, if things continue to get worse, until it will be illegal to be a Christian and live those beliefs in public. 

I have one question, do we have the courage of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego to stand strong and not compromise, or will we be like the other Jews taken into Babylon who bowed and worshipped the golden image?  It is time for us to prepare for extremely difficult times.  We must draw closer to God and yield entirely to Him.  We must decide that no matter what, we will not deny the living God by worshipping idols and other false gods.  If we truly believe that Christ is our savior and that there is no other God but ours, then we must stand strong and unwavering.  We must start preparing now, for who knows when we will have to make “that” decision.

2019-08-15 – 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Verse of the Day Devotion: 2 Timothy 2:24-26  The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. 

When we are saved, we become a servant of Christ.  Paul refers to himself as a “doulos” which is the Greek word for bondservant, and we should see ourselves the same.  In our focus verses, Paul lets us know how we are to carry ourselves.  Let’s look at these points and, where we see ourselves falling short, like I have, we can make the changes to how we ought to be.

We are not to be quarrelsome.  We must be kind to all.  If there is a point of disagreement, we must not raise our voices or use insults in order to get our way.  Also, we must teach them where they are in error, or where they have a desire to learn.  When anyone wrongs us, we must not lose our temper, but with patience and love, work toward reconciliation. 

We must be gentle with all.  When  correcting those who are wrong, we must do it in love.  If they are in sin, then we must admonish them, in love, with our goal being leading them to repentance whereby they acknowledge the sin and turn from it.  John puts it clearly when he says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9  Unfortunately, we all commit sins even if we do not know or want to admit it.  Remember the Golden Rule, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12  Approach them as we would want them to approach us.  If we come at them in anger or arrogance, we may not have the opportunity to speak into their lives.  We may actually drive them away.  This is not what our goal should be.

We do not know all that is going on in a brother or sister’s life.  Many times, we may find embedded hurts, anguish, worry, sorrow, or broken heartedness.  We cannot add to their issues by not showing love to them  Sometimes a compassionate discussion may be all that is needed, and they will find healing; and return to a solid Christian walk.  Other times, we may have to get help for them when their situation is beyond our ability to deal with.  However, we must stay in contact so we can be there for them if needed in the future. 

One last thing, though not in our focus verses, keep them in your prayers.  This is a very powerful way to show our compassion.  Can can let them know or not; that depends on each individual situation.  However, either way, we are loving them.  And that is the most important thing we can do.  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34.   

2019-08-16 – Matthew 6:5

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 6:5  “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.  

It is very important that when we pray, we do it because we wish to truly communicate with God, not to impress those around us. Notice the word used to describe the people who pray to be seen; hypocrites.  The idea is that we would be acting like we are praying, putting on a show, so that others around us will be impressed.  This is what many of the Jewish leadership would do, going out where the people were so that they would be seen by many in the streets.  They are speaking to no-one except to the ears of the watchers.  And the only reward they will receive will be from those who are listening, not God.

“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”  Matthew 6:6  Back in the time of Christ, practically every home had a place for secret devotion.  It could be on the roof, a small room on one of the roof corners, or a place somewhere inside.  The idea was to spend quiet time with God, in a secret place where no one could see and interrupt the one praying.  Thus, because they  are not pretending to pray, the Father who sees and hears them will reward them.

Prayer is a very intimate time we can spend with God.  We can go to a quiet place, bow ourselves before Him and spend time with Him.  Paul wrote to the Philippians, “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6.  It is a time where we can go to Him, baring our heart and soul, and receiving the comfort and peace we often need from Him. 

Lastly, Paul wrote to the Thessalonians the following, “pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18.  Prayer is a two-way conversation.  It is not just us talking, but us listening as well.  We must be open to hear when He speaks to us.  God loves us, He wants to spend quality time with us.  When we speak to a friend or family member, one person speaks, then the other.  However, it is also one person listening, then the other.  Prayer is the same way.

So, make time every day to spend quiet time alone, in a secret place, with God.  Tell Him everything you need, He wants to listen to you, but also, listen to Him because He wants to speak to you as well.  Don’t just go through the motions, make it an intimate and loving time with Him.  You will find it to be one of the most important and enjoyable times of your day.  

2019-08-05 – Matthew 10:38

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 10:38  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 

When persons were convicted of a crime in ancient Rome and they were condemned to be crucified, a part of the sentence was that they would carry the cross they would be crucified on to the place where the crucifixion would take place.  This idea of carrying or bearing the cross is a brutal and humiliating process.

Normally, when the prisoner was sentenced to crucifixion, he would first be scourged to the point of near death.  This was done using the flagrum, otherwise known as the Roman scourge.  It was essentially a short whip with two or three ox-hide leather strands known as thongs.  The leather thongs were knotted with several small pieces of metal with sharp edges.  When used, this would rip some skin off after the first hit.

After this was finished, they placed the cross, normally only the crossbeam, which was very heavy onto the prisoner’s back.  He would then carry this, completely naked, from the prison to the place of crucifixion.  If he survived the journey, and some did not, the crossbeam would be attached to the pole, and they would be nailed by the hands (technically the wrist just below the hand) and feet and would be left to die.  This occurred in a very public area, only about ten feet up, which added to the humiliation.

The idea of being willing to take up our cross as stated in our focus verse means we must be willing to endure extreme hardship, suffer, be humiliated and disgraced, and die for the cause of Christ.  God has called us to do His work upon this earth.  Sometimes that work is easy.  Sometimes it is trying, but sometimes it is brutal.  Look at what is taking place in China and North Korea where Christians are starved, beaten, humiliated and often put to death in what are known as Re-Education camps.  The main purpose is to “re-educate” the Christians until they deny God and make the government and its leader their so-called god.  We should look at these who do not renounce their faith no matter how much suffering there is, as the example Jesus described in Matthew 10:38 for us to follow. 

Are we willing to lower ourselves in order to do the will of God?  Are we willing to endure extreme hardship for the cause of Christ?  Are we willing to go through extreme suffering and/or humiliation if that is what He has for us?  This is a tough verse, however, honestly and prayerfully examining ourselves with this verse will allow us to see if we are truly devoted in all ways to God.  He is not asking us to do anything He was not willing to do Himself.  If we are not willing, then, as our verse of the days says, we are not worthy of Him.

2019-08-06 – Micah 6:8

Verse of the Day Devotion: Micah 6:8  He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you.  But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? 

In verses 1 and 2, Micah is appealing to the people to hear Yahweh’s revelation to them, God’s grievance against them.  God is laying out a case like one of a legal nature.  This could be called “Yahweh” vs “Israel”.  He was basically initiating the legal proceedings.

 This grievance can be seen in verses 3-5.  “My people, what have I done to you, and how have I wearied you? Answer Me.  Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt and ransomed you from the house of slavery, And I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam.  My people, remember now What Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered him, And from Shittim to Gilgal, So, that you might know the righteous acts of the LORD.”  Micah 6:3-5.  They appear to have grown tired of God.  He then lists several events in history to show His goodness to them.

Moving into verses 6-7, we see that Israel saw that they were wrong and began to call out, one man after another, what they need to do to make things right.  One asked should he come before Him with burnt offerings of yearling calves, this being one of the choice offerings within the law.  Another asked are  thousands of rams to be offered and rivers of the oil offered with the sacrificed.,  One asked should he offer his first borne.  Some of these things were acceptable sacrifices, other were not. 

Micah then tells the people, in our focus verse, that God has told them what was good and what He desired of them.  We see this in the following verse  “Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the LORD’S commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?”  Deuteronomy 10:12-13.  They have heard this before, however, they had forgotten, and God brought it back to their minds.

So, lets examine these three points found in our focus verse, which apply to us as well.  First, to uphold justice.  We are to judge righteously with no favoritism.  To judge fairly without improperly favoring any side in the judgement.  Jesus put it this way, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24.  Something may look wrong; however, it may not be wrong.  We must investigate any situation and ensure that what we declare is righteous. 

Next, to love kindness.  Other translations say love mercy.  We are to show our love by being kind and merciful.  We are to be kind to one another, not using severity toward our brothers and sisters, but being compassionate to others, especially when we are wronged.  Show everyone that we love them and desire God’s best for them. 

And lastly, to walk with God in an attitude of humility.  Keeping a constant and loving relationship with our loving God.  Remembering that it is God’s will to be done, not our own which is the picture of arrogance whereby we believe our ways are better.  Keeping His commandments which is the proof of our love to Him.  “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”  John 14:15. 

What God requires of us is love; toward others through upholding justice and loving mercy.  Then toward God by walking continually and humbly with Him.  Works done based on following rules is not what He desires.  He requires our love.  He showed us His through Jesus’ death for our sins to reconcile us with Himself.  Showing Him our love as Micah 6:8 tells us is not asking too much from us.

2019-08-07 – Mark 7:8

Verse of the Day Devotion: Mark 7:8  “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” 

Some Pharisees and scribes gathered around Jesus when He and the disciples left Jerusalem.  Both groups were very legalistic and demanded that the Law be followed completely.  As they were watching, they noticed the disciples did not wash their hands prior to eating, thus not following the traditions of the elders.  “For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders; and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received in order to observe, such as the washing of cups and pitchers and copper pots.”  Mark 7:3-4.  They required a lot of work to remain pure when eating. 

So, the Pharisees and the scribes questioned Jesus regarding these rules, because they were not walking according to tradition.  However, Jesus does not apologize to them on behalf of the disciples.  Instead, He rebukes the Pharisees and scribes.  We read later in the chapter, “And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me.  But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’”  Mark 6-7.  Jesus was speaking of Isaiah 29:13 where it says. “Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote,”

Jesus then continues by telling them, in our focus verse, that they are neglecting the commands of God and replacing them with the traditions of men.  He then gives the example of how the commandment ‘honor your father and mother, and He who speaks evil of them is to be put to death.  And how, due to their traditions, “but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),‘ you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.’”  Mark 7:11-13.

We need to look at the things we see and hear from Christian and church leadership, test them by comparing them with what the scriptures say, and ignore them if they counter what the Word of God says.  Note, it is important to make sure it is a reliable translation.  Many times, these weird and heretical teachings are the “traditions’ within churches or denominations that need to be called out, renounced and ignored.  One very recent example was a Pastor in north Atlanta, I will leave the name off, who taught his church to ignore the Old Testament and focus solely on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  While this sounds reasonable, it is not right.  The Old Testament lays the foundation of why we need salvation, and that Jesus’ coming was ordained from the beginning.  Both testaments together are a complete story of God’s love toward us.  Plus, if Jesus and the apostles quoted it many times, were they wrong, and did they not totally understand?  I doubt it seriously. 

We need to be careful that we do not accept traditions that contradict the scriptures. Too many times, and I will say once is too many, church leaders try to make Christianity easier by teaching things that are accepted in the culture today but are radically different from the commands of God.  We need ensure that what we teach is real and does not counter His Word, for we will be held accountable.  “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.”  James 3:1.  The Pharisees and the scribes were not given leniency, and neither will we.

2019-08-08 – Hebrews 13:8

Verse of the Day Devotion: Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

This verse says a lot.  Jesus Christ, our savior, the one that came and died to take away our sins, is the same from everlasting to everlasting.  Malachi wrote, “For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”  Malachi 3:6.  God does not change.  What He was in eternity past He is now and shall be in eternity future. 

It is important for us to understand that before creation, the second person of the Trinity was chosen to be the sacrifice that was intended to reconcile men with the Father.  This was prior to the creation of man. “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.”  Revelation 13:8.  God declared all things from the beginning.  He knew man would fall, however, He loved man; therefore prior to creating him, He set up his reconciliation. 

Now, is Jesus Christ God?  Let’s look at what Isaiah says, “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.  Notice that the child born here would be called “The Mighty God” and “Eternal Father”.  This verse refers to the coming Messiah.  Now, is Jesus called the Messiah in the New Testament?  See the following, “Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.”  Matthew 1:16.  So, we see that Jesus Christ is God as we see in Isaiah 9:6.  Therefore, He does not change as it speaks of God in Malachi 3:6.   

Now, what does this mean to us?  It means that whatever God says will come to pass, for if it does not, this means that God has changed His mind.  And if He would change His mind on one thing, it means He could change His mind on anything.  Looking at the above verses above, especially our focus verse, we see that God does not change.  And, in Numbers we read, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”  Numbers 23:19.  He does not change His mind either.  Therefore, since Jesus was decreed to die for our sins prior to creation, this hope of salvation is sure.  We can trust His word, knowing it will come to pass if we commit ourselves through faith to Him. 

Let us rejoice because, as Christians, our future is sure and absolute.  There is true comfort and solace in this knowledge. 

2019-08-09 – Romans 13:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 13:1  Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 

We are called to obey civil governing authorities.  The reason is that God has established them in their positions.  Not that He has determined how they are to act or require of us, but that He has placed the leaders in their positions.  Note what it says in Daniel. “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.” Daniel 2:21.  God is very clear here.  He is the one who establishes leaders in their positions, and He is the one that removes leaders from their positions.  When we look at the world today, it is hard for us to see this clearly.  I have asked the question, “Why this man?”  However, it is important that we obey ‘where we can’.

I say, ‘where we can’ because there are times when government requires us to do things that are against God’s will.  Let’s look at a few times we see this in scriptures.  In Acts 4, we see where Peter and John are arrested by the Jewish leadership because they were “teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.”  Acts 4:2b.  This was definitely against the Jewish leadership, however, they continued teaching.  When the leadership chose to let them go, they warned them not to teach this anymore.  “And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18. However, Peter challenged them as follows, “But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20. They asked them a rhetorical question; whether they should obey them or God.  However, they said that their opinion was not important, for they were going to teach of Jesus as the Son of God.  Remember what Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.  They were obeying God rather than the Jewish leadership.

Now, one chapter later, we see the apostles still teaching the message of Christ.  Therefore, they arrested and brought Peter and the other apostles to a public prison.  During the night, an angel of the Lord came, opened the gates of the prison and set them loose, saying, “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.”  Acts 5:20.  When morning came the high priest  and his associates called the council together and ordered the apostles to them.  When the guard did not find them in the prison, they reported back to the council that they were not there.  Then someone told them the apostles were in front of the temple teaching the people.  The captain of the temple brought them back with no violence.  Once there, the high priest said to them, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” Acts 5:28.   “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”  Acts 5:29.

As per the focus verse, we are to obey the civil authorities who are over us.  “For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”  Romans 13:3-4.  They have the authority to punish those whoever break the laws.  However, if the choice is in front of us to either obey the authorities or obey God, we must obey God.  And, if obeying the authorities does not disobey God, then we must obey the governmental authority.  For in so doing we are obeying God as well.  The key here is to obey God at all times.

2019-07-29 – Revelation 22:13

Verse of the Day Devotion: Revelation 22:13  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

Revelation is the last book in the Bible, God’s Word.  Chapter 21 through 22:5 describe the future abode of the redeemed, starting from the revealing of the new heavens and earth through the declaration that this life will endure forever with no end.  Then we read the following. “And he said to me, These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place. And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:6-7.  Jesus speaking through the angel, declares that He is coming soon.  And blessed are those who believe the words of this book and keep them, living the life that shows they truly believe.

Then He declares the words of our focus verse.  Before we start, something needs to be clarified.  Any time a word is repeated three times, this denotes something very important, absolute and complete, something that needs to be emphasized.  For example, “And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” Revelation 4:8.  Holy declared three times denotes His holiness is absolute and complete.  It will remain for He cannot be less then holy. 

Ok, now back to the focus verse.  Note the three parts.  He says He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.  For those not familiar with the Greek alphabet, Alpha is the first letter and Omega is the last letter.  This is the same as the  Holy, Holy, Holy in that it is the same idea expressed three times:  “First letter” to “Last Letter”, “First” to “Last”, and “Beginning” to “End”.  These denote His eternality is absolute and complete, and it will remain that way because He cannot be less then eternal. 

Only an eternal being can declare what is our everlasting future with complete accuracy.  Therefore, let us rejoice.  No matter how difficult things get here, or the trials we go through, or the persecution we endure, there is a beautiful life in store for us.  One that is wonderful beyond words, and endless beyond our comprehension.  So stand strong and uncompromising. 

2019-07-30 – Matthew 7:23

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 7:23  And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 

This is a verse that can be hard to hear.  For it deals with a false idea that too may people have fallen into.  Let’s look at this from the beginning, starting in verse 21.

He starts by saying that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven.  We can say the word Lord all we want, but if we are saying it and do not believe He is Lord, then we are liars.  Paul put it this way.  “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Romans 10:9.  To confess it with our mouth is to confess it no matter what and in any dire situation.  And we can only do this if we truly believe it.  Again, we can call Him Lord all we want, but if there is no belief behind it, we are just lying to ourselves and ultimately to Him.

He says in verse 22 that on the day, meaning the day of judgement, many will claim Him to be Lord, even though they did not believe it.  They will say they did miracles in His name, as well as taught and prophesied.  However, He truly was not their Lord.  And they will claim they did them in His name.  However, as we see in our focus verse, He will declare He never knew them.  Many may ask, if He knows everything, how can He not know them?  Simple, the idea of ‘knew’ means there was an intimate relationship with Him.  They may have known about Him, but they never knew Him intimately.  Many people know of God and Jesus, but they do not know Him personally.

Remember what Paul said in his letter to the Romans.  “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;”  Romans 8:29.  God knows the end from the beginning. (Isaiah 46:10)  He knows who will be saved, who will declare Him lord and believe it, and believes Christ was raised from the dead.  And He knew this from the beginning. 

If we do not have an intimate relationship with Him, where we spend time with Him and obey His commands, and other things indicative of an intimate relationship, then we need to examine ourselves and ask God to forgive us, then make the adjustments.  The Christian walk is a serious one.  I would never declare to anyone they are not there, only we as individuals with God’s help can do that.  But it is something we need to be serious about.    

2019-07-31- Psalm 46:10

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 46:10  Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 

The idea in the first part, where it says ‘Be Still’ is to Cease Striving.  In the beginning of this chapter we see the following, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;” Psalm 46:1-2.  The author of this Psalm starts off by declaring that God is our refuge.  He is where we can flee when we find ourselves in trouble.  He goes on to say that we shall not fear, no matter what happens.  Though there be catastrophic world calamities or major army attacks, we can trust God.  And why?  “The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.”  Psalm 46:7.

We need to think this way.  We need to remember that the Lord of Hosts is with us.  “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5.  God’s promise is that no matter what happens, we will be OK.  For He will be with us.  However, in looking at Paul and the disciples, He may take us home, but we will be OK.

When we get into any type of trouble, no matter how extreme, we must cease our striving against it, do what we can but remember that God is always with us.  Our God is almighty, all knowing, and fills our universe, both known and unknown.  He can deliver us from any trial, tribulation or persecution we may run into. It may be taking the situation away or bringing us safely through by giving us the strength to endure.   I have read many stories of Christians who were persecuted beyond belief.  People like Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand who suffered greatly at the hand of Russian controlled Romania, and eventually founded Voice of the Martyrs.  Or Aida Mikhailovna Skripnikova who was sentenced to three years in a Soviet prison camp because she witnessed to the Russians, but also because she told the Judge in her trial the following, “The Christian can’t be anything but confrontational.  Once you know the truth, this means following it, and if necessary, suffering for it.”  Or He may deliver us by taking us home, like Stephen in Acts 6-7, where Luke writes, “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he (Stephen) gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55-56.  And after this, they stoned him to death

We have no idea how God will bring us through our trials.  However, what we do know is that He will.  So, as God spoke to the writer of Psalm 46:10, He also speaks to us, as our focus verse says.  “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

2019-08-01 – Psalm 106:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 106:1  Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!  

This is a very powerful verse.  In fact, this same wording is found in several other places.  For instance, let’s look at the next chapter in Psalms.  “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”  Psalm 107:1.  Now, compare this with a verse in 1 Chronicles.  “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”  1 Chronicles 16:34.  In comparing Psalm 107:1 and 1 Chronicles 16:34, they are word for word the same.  Then when you look at our focus verse, the wording is also identical after the first three words, ‘Praise the Lord’’.  You will also find the same wording in 2 Chronicles 20:21, Psalm 118:1, Psalm 118:29 and, Psalm 136:1.  There are many other verses that are very close, with slight word changes.  However, the meaning is clear.

These words are found in enough places in the scriptures that I would venture to say this was a phrase well known to the Israelites.  And they must become very familiar to us as well.  Our God is great, greater than anyone or anything.  For without Him, nothing else would exist.  He is all powerful, there is nothing that can stop Him or His will from being accomplished.  He is all knowing, knowing every minutia of everything and everybody in every moment of time.  And He is everywhere all the time, “Can a man hide himself in hiding places, so I do not see him?  declares the LORD. Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?     declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:24.  He is an incredible God we serve.  And He loves us beyond our comprehension. God spoke these words to Jeremiah, but they are applicable to us today. “The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”  Jeremiah 31:3.  There will never be a need He will not meet.  “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.  And most important of all, He died that we might live.  “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8.  “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13.

How can we not praise Him with our whole being?  How can we not worship Him from the very depth of our heart?  How can we not thank Him for His goodness He has poured out on us?  And how can we not love Him with everything we are, for our God’s love, from Him who does not change, is an everlasting love, from eternity to eternity. 

“Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

2019-08-02 – Romans 6:23

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Paul wrote this in order to finalize a section where he was writing about the difference of being slaves to sin and slaves of righteousness.  Before we are saved, we are slaves to sin.  This word translated slave is the Greek word doulos, meaning slave or bondservant.  We obey our sinful desires which is counter to obeying God.

When we accept Christ as savior, accepting the work Christ did on the cross, then our old man who was a bondservant to sin dies, which then releases us from our bondage to sin, and because of the resurrection we are a new creation, being a new man who has no ties to sin, and we now are slaves to righteousness.

Now, there are two ultimate endings based on our decision.  Let’s look first at our former life.  We read in a couple verses up, “Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death.” Romans 6:21.  This is simple, if we remain in in our former life, not accepting Christ as our Savior, the “final result” is death.  There can be no other.  For we have nothing we can do to be declared righteous before God.  Only the work of Christ provides it.

Now, let’s look at our new life in Christ.  Paul said in the next verse, “But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.” Romans 6:22.  The “final result” of accepting Christ is first, a new life focused on holiness since the old is gone.  However, even better, this life will be eternal, everlasting, never ending.  I would say this is infinitely better then if we remained separated from Him.

Now, to the focus verse.  Look at what is said.  “Wages of Sin” and “Gift of God”.  Wages are defined as something we earn by the works we do.  Therefore, if we do not accept Christ, the old man will get what he earned, what he deserves.  That being death.  However, if we do accept Christ, we earn / deserve nothing.  However, we get a “free gift” from God.  And that is eternal life in Him.

So, we either get what we earn, which is death, or what we do not earn, which is eternal life.  I’ll take what I did not earn.

2019-07-22 – Luke 9:35

Verse of the Day Devotion: Luke 9:35  Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!”

This passage is found at the end of what is called the transfiguration.  Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him up onto a mountain to pray.  While Jesus was praying, it says that something changed with Him.  He was transfigured.  “And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming.”  Luke 9-29.  Matthew gives us a more detailed description of the change in Jesus.  “And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.”  Matthew 17:2.  And with Him stood two other men, also appearing in glory, Elijah and Moses. 

After a time, the voice of God the Father came from out of the clouds saying, ‘Listen to my Son, the chosen one.’  This is key.  As the disciples were told to listen to Jesus, we are to as well.  Too often we only listen to pastors and teachers when it comes to theological issues, and just accept what they say.  This is where heretical teachings and practices arise.  The question we should ask is, ‘Does what they are saying line up with the Word of God?’  If it does, then accept it and follow it.  If it does not, then reject it. 

Paul spoke of the Bereans in Acts 17, and this should be our mindset.  “Now these (Jews from Berea) were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”  Acts 17:11.   They did not take what Paul said without checking it out first.  We also should not accept what someone tells us, even if they are greatly credentialed, without checking it out ourselves.  There are some things that are obvious, however, if you have not heard it before or are questioning the accuracy of the interpretation, look it up.  And while checking it out, pray that God will reveal the truth to you.  Let Christ be the one who validates what men say. 

Now this does require discipline.  We must be willing and desirous of knowing the reality of what is being said.  Let Him show you the truth.  He will never lead you astray and will always guide you, through His Spirit, into all truth.  And is not the truth what we are striving for?

2019-07-23 – Matthew 5:12

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 5:12  “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

You have probably seen the news showing how Christians are becoming more and more persecuted throughout the world.  In China, Christians are put into re-education camps in order to get them to renounce their beliefs and accept the government as their leaders.  In middle eastern and African Muslim nations, Christians are being killed for their faith.  You either convert or die. 

These are extreme examples, but the persecution of Christians is on the rise here in the United States.  It has not yet reached the level of other places, but it is just a matter of time.  There are already cases where Christians face persecution because they will not accept the evil beliefs that those in power are forcing on us.  In some places, it is becoming illegal to pray to the true God, but acceptable to pray to false ones.  It is amazing to me that it is OK to glorify and worship any God, as long as it is not the Christian’s God.

We are seeing only the beginning of what is coming.  I know this part is difficult to think about, however, hear what Jesus said.  “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.”  Matthew 5:11.  What He is saying is we are to stand strong when we are persecuted.   When they persecute and lie about us, saying all kinds of evil against us, we are to rejoice and be blessed.  Why?  As the focus verse says, our reward will be great in Heaven.  For this is exactly what happened to the prophets of old.  We are not to back down or compromise, because we know we are the ones who will overcome. 

So, when you are ridiculed, cursed at and treated badly on account of your belief in Jesus Christ, stand tall and proud.  God is with you and will help you through the situation.  And He will reward us beyond anything we could ever imagine.  And that makes it all worth it. 

2019-07-24 – Psalm 8:4-5

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 8:4-5  What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?  Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty! 

I am sure that most Christians have heard this verse at least once.  This is believed by most scholars to have been written by King David.  He is kneeling in humility before God and asking the questions in this verse. 

First, let us look at what caused him to pray this prayer.  “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained;”  Psalm 8:3.  David has looked up into the heavens, sees the moon and the uncountable multitude of stars, and He attributes them to God.  He does not see this as a universe that either, naturally came out of nothing, or as an infinite universe that has no beginning.  (If you would like information regarding the universe coming into existence without God, do not hesitate to email me at william@truedevotionmin.org.)

Because of David’s awe of God’s amazing creation, he asked the question of why we are so important to God that He cares for us.  For you made Him a little lower than God.  The Hebrew for God here is “Elohim”, which is the plural for El, which is God and refers to a triune being, not many gods.  I see this as us being created in His image.  For God said “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’” Genesis 1:26  We rule down here over all living things and have authority over them.  Compare with verse 6, “You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,”  Psalm 8:6.  Therefore, we were made in His image and given authority.

Do we look up into the heavens and gaze in awe of God and His creation?  Do we come before Him in humility knowing how much lower we are, especially because of our rebellion?  Are we humbled by the fact that God sent His very Son who “…humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” for our sake?  Philippians 2:8b  I sometimes look at myself and wonder why He cares about me.  Then I remember His love and grace.  And that says everything.

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

2019-07-25 – Romans 2:13

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 2:13  for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.  

Paul is writing to the Romans here, which have many Jews who believed they were saved by their adherence to the Mosaic Law.  Their belief is that if they are perfect in keeping the law, and this includes the sacrifices of such as the sin offering, then you are in good standing with God.  If they gave great deference to the Law, if they hear it read with attention and professed with their mouths a great desire and willingness to yield to it in obedience, they were the ones who were the saved.

We have many today who believe the same thing, and they think of themselves as Christians.  Many believe that if we hear or read the Bible and go to church occasionally, if we sing the words of a song without doing it in worship and praise to God, if we say a short and/or memorized prayer where the words are secondary to the action itself, then how different are we from the Jews who believed that as long as they heard the Law and performed the rituals they were good.

I am definitely not perfect here, however, when I detect this in myself, I immediately ask God to forgive me and I focus on what I am there for; reading His Word, singing as worship, praying in humility, or any other action in my service and adoration of God.  We must come to the point where we realize it is not the words we say or the empty actions we perform, but the heart and sincerity by which we do and say these things.  Jesus said the following, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37.  This was said in answer to the question of which is the greatest commandment in the Law?

Jesus’ words bring additional clarity to our focus verse.  The greatest commandment in the Law is to love God with everything we have.  And that means whatever we do, whether it be reading or listening to the scriptures, praying to Him, taking communion or whatever else we are doing, ensure we are doing it with our whole heart, our whole soul, and our whole mind, and our whole strength.  If we do not, then we are mere hearers of the law who are simply going through the motions.

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

2019-07-26 – 1 Kings 8:61

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1Kings 8:61  “Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the LORD our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.”

1 Kings 8 gives the account of the ark of the covenant being placed into the temple which had just been completed.  He offered a prayer to the Lord asking that any requests given earnestly and humbly by Israelites or strangers would be accepted by God.  At the end of this prayer, Solomon asks for His blessing over the people of Israel plus an exhortation for them as well.  This exhortation is the focus of our verse today, which is as much for us today as for the Israelites back then.

The first part says that our hearts should be wholly true to God.  Our love for Him should be unquestionable to all who see us.  We should desire with all our hearts to please Him, serve Him, and take time to fellowship with Him in prayer.  Our love and devotion should be unwavering, never lessening no matter our circumstances.  God said He would never leave or forsake us, showing His love is unwavering, therefore ours should be as well.

Second, we should walk in His statutes, always striving to  keep His commandments.  Our obedience should be universal in that we obey all of them,  and not just those we choose to.  With this, I say that His desires take infinite precedence over our own.   All that we do or think should follow the idea that He is supreme, and I am not.  Thus, we should not be divided in our loyalties.  We should be totally upright in our ways and submissive to His commands. 

Jesus takes these two points in Solomon’s prayer and merges them into one concise statement.  “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”  John 14:15.   As always with Jesus, His position on this could not be clearer. 

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

2019-07-15 – James 1:22

Verse of the Day: James 1:22  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 

This is a very important verse.  There are many people who merely go to church, listen to a good sermon, read the bible verses with the Pastor, sing the songs during worship time, then go home.  There is nothing wrong with any of these things.  The problem is when this is all there is.

If, when we go to church or a bible study,  there is no change in our lives that cause us to be evermore devoted to God, then the question I have is, what is our purpose for going?  James is very clear here.  It is not enough to just hear His word;  it must become who we are.  Jesus said it this way.  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’  And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” Matthew 7:21-23  Jesus basically said that if you do not do His will as seen in His Word, you really do not know Him, you only know about Him.

I want to challenge us to look at how we approach God and His Word.  Do we take it seriously?  Do we allow it to change us into true servants of God?  Examine your ways and if you find yourself falling short, go to God and confess it, and then submit yourself fully to Him.  Take His word and let it change you.  You will find there is no other life worth living.

2019-07-16 – Jeremiah 17:7

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 17:7  Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. 

There are many things that we place our trust in.  Sometimes we trust other men to bring us through trials.  Other times we trust the law to bring about appropriate compensation for a wrong done.  And of course, there are times when we rely on ourselves.  Also, there are many who create their own gods and place their trust in them.  The problem with placing our trust in any man or man-made solution, such as a false god, is that we cannot always trust that the solution will work.

In today’s verse, the truth is that placing your trust in God will be a blessing to you.  You see, in the verses 1-4, God convicts the Jews of the sin of idolatry and shows them that any confidence in these idols will not be good.  Let us look at the next two verses.  “Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.  He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.”  Jeremiah 17:5-6  He now says that anyone who trusts man aside from God has placed his trust in the wrong things.

The idea here is that we are to understand that God is to be who we trust.  He will never fail us, even when it looks like things are going all wrong.  He will never let us down or cause us to wander aimlessly for a solution.  As the writer of Proverbs said, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6.  Acknowledge that the one you trust in any situation is God, and you will be guided straight to where He wants you.  And that place is God’s best for you.

2019-07-17 – Colossians 2:6

Verse of the Day Devotion: Colossians 2:6  Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,  

Paul here is encouraging the church in Colossae to live life as it is intended as followers of Christ.  He specifically says, ‘as you received Christ Jesus the Lord walk in Him’.  Not as you received the doctrines of God, walk in them.  He is being very explicit here. 

When we accepted Christ as our savior, we received the Spirit of Life in Christ.  This is His spirit residing in us.  We will have this Spirit in us if we are truly saved.  Paul says later in a letter, “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” Romans 8:9  If we are saved, we do not live in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in us.  If He does not dwell in us, then we are not truly Christians. 

So, if we have received the Spirit of God in us, then we are saved, so we must walk in Him.  To walk in Him means in this context, to conduct ourselves in the way Christ did and desires us to live.  The Law does not save, but it shows us the character of God and thus how we should live.  In the same faith, love and holiness He did.  Now we will occasionally fail in this, but when we do, we confess it to God and turn back to the life we should live. 

The proof of our salvation is the life we live as a result of it.  Do we live totally committed to God, or not?  Paul is telling us that Christ gave it all for us.  We should desire, because of the Spirit that lives in us, to do the same for Him.

2019-07-18

Verse of the Day Devotion: Act 4:20  for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 

Peter and John had been arrested by the Jewish leadership for teaching the people about Jesus, proclaiming that He had been raised from the dead.  This, of course, upset them because this would turn the people away from their teaching.  So Peter and John were put in jail while the leadership discussed the matter. 

After a time, they were released, but with a warning, “And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18.  Here is Peter and John’s response, which we should take to heart.  “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20. 

When we find ourselves in a position where we are told to stop speaking the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is important that we show the absolute truth of our message.  The idea that we cannot stop speaking because the eternal lives of all depends on this message.  I want to encourage us all to be bold in reference to God’s message to this world.  Jesus, the Son of God, gave His life for us so we could receive the salvation that comes through believing the message and receiving His grace.  Are we willing to give our lives for this purpose?

2019-07-19

Verse of the Day Devotion: 2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 

Peter here is answering a question coming from those who are mocking the Christians, in this case focusing on those who state the following,  “and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4.  You can hear the mocking attitude in these statements.  ‘You keep saying He’s coming, but where is He?’ they might say.

However, Peter answers this with verse 8.  “But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” 2 Peter 3:8.  Time has no affect on God.  He is eternal, both past and future.  Because of this, a day is like a millennium and vice-versa.  In fact, He resides outside of time, for time does not exist outside of this created universe.

In the focus verse, Peter is saying that God is not slow concerning His promises.  He is not delaying anything.  He will come back at the appointed time.  He is patient toward us.  He is slow to bring the punishment because this shows proof that He desires all to come to repentance.  He is not rushing His return but giving enough time for all to be saved.  Men will not have any excuse.  This shows His loving kindness.  He knows the end from the beginning, but His slowness is a sign to us.

God does not want any to be condemned and thereby perish.  He loves us too much.  He gives everyone the opportunity.  It is up to us to accept Jesus’s work providing justification.  He gives us all the time we need. 

2019-07-08 – 1 John 1:9

Verse of the Day: 1John 1:9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If you are like me, you are not perfect.  As true Christians we want to be.  Speaking for myself, there are times when I fail to do what God has commanded, or I do what God has commanded us not to do.  Even Paul the apostle struggled with this. 

If we are honest, we all do.  In fact, the verse just before our focus verse says, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.”  1 John 1:8.  Notice the tense here.  He does not say ‘If we say we have not sinned’ past tense, he says ‘If we say we have no sin’ present tense.  Also, John is not writing this to just anyone, but to the Church. 

What John is saying is as Christians we are to walk with Him and devote ourselves totally to Him.  However, in our fleshly weakness we are subject to doing things we know we should not do.  Paul put it like this regarding his own struggle, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.  For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” Romans 7:18-19. 

However, here is the answer.  Strive to be perfect.  Jesus said himself, ‘Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’  Matthew 5:48.  We should want nothing less.  However, if we do miss the mark, then we should go humbly before God and confess what we have done.  Be completely honest.  He knows it all anyway.  And when you do, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  This is a great promise from Him.  Then, go back out and strive to be that light in the darkness He desires us to be. 

2019-07-09 – Philippians 4:4

Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 

Of all people, we Christians have the most to rejoice in.  Paul, in this letter to the Philippians lays out one, and the most important reason.  That being the Lord Jesus Himself. 

Everything that happens to us and for us is a reason to rejoice.  When we are blessed with something wonderful, or we are going through afflictions that He brings us through.  When our needs are met, when we have a want fulfilled,  when we are in good health, it is a time to rejoice.  Every moment of every day, we have a reason. 

However, let us never forget the greatest thing that ever happened to us.  Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ the Son of God came down in the form of a man and died for us that the penalty for our sins could be paid and we could be declared righteous.  And this happens when we accept this work and  devote our lives completely to Him. 

Due to this finished work of Christ and our acceptance of it, we have a wonderful, loving, glorious and intimate relationship with the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.  (Isaiah 9:6).  This relationship is beyond anything we can experience with anyone else.  And the beauty of this is, this incredible relationship will never end.  And when these days are over and the new heaven and earth have come, we shall hear these words, “… Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3b-4.

There is no greater reason to rejoice then our great God and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

2019-07-10 – John 11:35

Verse of the Day: Joh 11:35  Jesus wept. 

If you want to see the love Jesus had for His friends, this is the perfect verse.  This is the shortest verse in all the scriptures, yet it is full of information about Jesus.

Now, what brought Jesus to this point?  A man named Lazarus of Bethany, brother to Mary and Martha was sick.  Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus letting Him know that Lazarus, whom He loved, was very ill.  Jesus’ response was, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” John 11:4.  Jesus knew the situation and its eventual outcome.  Therefore, He stayed an additional two days where He was currently at.  So, when He finally did arrive, Mary went to Him and fell at His feet and told Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” 

Several things to see in this story.  First, there is a line that appears to contradict John 11:4 shown above.  “Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32.  However, when we examine verse 4, we see that Jesus did not say Lazarus would not die, but that the sickness was not to end in death.  Lazarus did die, but this was not the end of the story.  It ended with him being raised from the dead.

The other thing is the reason for Jesus weeping.  It was not because Lazarus was dead, because He stated above that this sickness would not end in death.  The reason is found in verses 33-34.  “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, and said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”  Then comes our focus verse, “Jesus wept”.

He wept because of Mary and Martha, as well as the Jews who were with them.  He had such compassion on them because of the pain they were feeling that He could not hold back the tears.  This is how much He loves us.  Even now, I believe His compassion for us is just as strong, if not stronger.

2019-07-11 – Philippians 4:11

Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:11  Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 

One of the things we all need to learn is how to always be satisfied no matter what.  We cannot let our situations decide our contentedness.  This can be a very difficult thing; however, it is a necessary thing.

The only way for us to be constantly content is to trust God that He has our best in mind.  Sometimes, it may seem like He is far away because things are so difficult.  Do you trust His word where it says, “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.  He is always with us. 

There are two basic reasons why we may go through trials.  First, it is a test of our faith.  James writes the following, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  James 1:2-4.  How can we know where we lack if it is not shown to us?  We can learn where are weaknesses are so that we can become stronger in the faith. 

Secondly, so that we can comfort others who are suffering.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-4.  God allows us to suffer at times so He can comfort us in preparation for us to give this same comfort to others who need it.  Note what Paul says a couple verses down.  “But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.”  2 Corinthians 1:6-7. 

Trials and tribulations are difficult.  However, as Paul said in our focus verse, we must be content during them.  God has reasons for everything that happens, including hard times.  We can see our weaknesses and ask God to help us become stronger through them, and we can comfort others going through the same trials we went through with the same comfort God provided for us. 

Always remember, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.  And one more thing.  The good referred to in this last verse may be for others and not necessarily for us.

2019-07-12 – Matthew 7:12

Verse of the Day: Matthew 7:12  “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. 

This verse is commonly called the Golden Rule.  In essence, what Matthew is laying out is the idea that if we do not want to be treated a certain way, do not treat others that way.  And, if you desire others to treat you in a certain way, treat others that way.

This is what Jesus referred to as the second greatest commandment.  “And He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39.  He said this in response to a Pharisee lawyer who asked Jesus which command was the greatest.  He responds with love.

How are we to love our neighbor?  In the same way we love ourselves.  If we are hungry and need food, we would like someone to give us something to eat.  Then give others who are hungry something to eat.  If we need to get somewhere but need someone to take us there, be open to taking others where they need to go.  If we do not like to be gossiped about, do not gossip about others.  This is a simple concept to understand but can be difficult sometimes to fulfill. If you find you cannot help someone for some reason, then help them find another who can.  Remember what James said, “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?”  James 2:16.  Is this love, or are  they just empty words?

Be God’s hands and feet on the earth.  Do all you can to help those in need.  If you cannot help them, then get them in touch with someone who can.  Do not leave them in their difficult state.  Would you want empty words over actual help?

2019-07-01 – Ephesians 4:32

Verse of the Day: Ephesians 4:32  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. 

In this section Paul is giving some thoughts on the new life in the spirit.  This verse addresses how we should be around our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We are to be loving and kind.

There are going to be times when our fellow Christians are going to disappoint us.  I have seen so many instances where there is arguing (not debating but fighting), demeaning and taking advantage  of one another, just plain treating each other wrongly.

Where is the love in that?  Jesus commanded this of us.  John 13:34 says, ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”  Note, this is not a suggestion.  We are required to love just as He loves us.  He loves everyone, including the those who are against Him.  This does not mean He did not admonish some, like the Jewish leadership.  However, like with the brethren, His love was unquestionable.  In fact, In fact, a few times it  led to tears.  I think what we see here is that disagreements should not lead to anger.  It should lead to a friendly learning experience where all can come to the truth.

If a brother or sister offends us in any way, forgiveness should be the outcome.  We should never hold a grudge but should strive for reconciliation.  There should be nothing that separates us.  We are the body of Christ.  Therefore, we should act as Christ did.  This will bring the unity God has called for and will bring glory to God through the ‘true’ love we show everyone.

2019-07-02 – Romans 12-2

Verse of the Day: Romans 12:2  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. 

When we become Christians, it is important for us to realize our old life is done away with and we are new creatures.  Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church the following, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.  So, being a new creature is a result of accepting Christ as Savior.

Our old life was being conformed to this world.  In order to fit in and make life easier, we would do things the way the world did it, believe what the world believed, take on habits and feelings that it considered appropriate and acceptable.  I am not saying we all accepted everything, but much of it.  Especially in the area of the existence of God, and even more fundamentally, what God is. 

When we are saved through the blood of Christ and become new creatures, we are to discard these old thoughts and ways.  We are to take on the ways of Christ and not of the world.  We must change the way we think from a worldly to a spiritual view.  We must study God’s Word and make Christ’s ways the model of our own.  If something is sin, we must see it as sin.  If something is a bad witness, we must not do it.  Our life must exemplify the life God wants and demands us to live.  And as we live this transformed life, we will exhibit to  ourselves as well as those around us what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Let God work through us in this process.  We can do this because He promised us He would make it happen. 

2019-07-03 – Matthew 6:33

Verse of the Day: Matthew 6:33  “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 

As Christians, we have no need to worry about the needs in our life.  This verse does not mean we will get everything we ‘want’, but everything we ‘need’.  This has nothing to do with the name it, claim it heresy  Look at the list in vs 25 and 31.  It deals with food, clothing and shelter.  These are really our only needs; food to eat, clothes to wear, and a place for shelter. 

What Jesus is saying here is that if we truly, with everything that is in us, seek first His kingdom, His righteousness, His life, God will take care of meeting the above needs.  It is important that we understand that it may not be the way we would like it.  For instance, we may want and get a full meal, however, we may only get some bits and pieces of food.  But it is food and gives us what we need.  Also, we may want and get a new house, however, we may only get a small room or someplace to hang out with protection from the environment.  God will provide our absolute needs,  but He will do it in the way that is best for us with the tasks He has for us to accomplish.

Be thankful for all His gifts, and all His provision.  Use all these things in your work for Him.  Do not compare yourself and what God provides with what others have.  If you have any food to eat, any clothes to wear, and anyplace to shelter yourself, you are blessed.  There are many people in the world who do not have anything at all.  Therefore, be thankful.

2019-07-04 – Psalm 103:11

Verse of the Day: Psalm 103:11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.

This, to me, is a beautiful passage. 

If we think about it, the height of the heavens is so great we cannot even begin to imagine it.  There are no boundaries.  It goes beyond stars, galaxies, and all things within this universe.  If we were to set out to go to the end of everything, we would never reach it.  First, we would get to the end of the universe God created and we reside in, however, after that is the realm of eternity where God resides. 

What the psalmist is basically saying is that God’s lovingkindness is infinite.  There is no end to the love God has for us who fear him.  We can never conceive of anything greater than His love.  Isaiah uses the same picture describing God’s ways.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9. 

Finally, Jesus stated it best when He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13  And who are His friends?  “You are My friends if you do what I command you.”  John 15:14 

We who are totally devoted to Him and do what He commands us, His love for us is beyond measure.  It is so great, He Himself died for us, one who never had to die, but He took on the form of man so that He could pay for our sins by His death.  I reiterate, what a beautiful passage this is.

2019-07-05 – Jeremiah 1-5

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 1:5  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 

Have you ever wondered why God works in you and through you the way He does?  We see the answer here in these words God spoke to Jeremiah; that being He knew Jeremiah even before He formed Him in His mother’s womb.  And because He knew Jeremiah, He consecrated Him and appointed Him to be a prophet.

God does not wait for us to be saved to determine what He will call us to do.  He knows us long before we are born.  In fact, long before we were made.   We see in Luke that John the Baptist was known before his birth.  “But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.  You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.  For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God.”  Luke 1:13-16 We also see it with Samson in Judges 13.

From the beginning He knew what you would be doing for Him.  Do not be discouraged thinking you are ‘out of your league’.  He called you to your mission from the very beginning.  And remember, He will work through you to make it happen.  You are not alone.  Submit to Him, no matter what, and you will fulfill His purpose in your life and bring glory to God.  And that is a good thing.

2019-06-24 – Genesis 15-6

Verse of the Day: Genesis 15:6  Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. 

Abram was told by God not to be afraid for He would shield Him.  Moreover, Abram would be given a great reward.  However, Abram responded to God with by asking “What will you give me, for I am childless, and my heir will be Eliezer my servant.  (In nomadic tribes, if a man was childless, his heir was his chief servant).  Then we read in verse 4, “Then behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, ‘This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.’”  Then He tells Abram that if He could count the stars, that would be the number of his descendants.

What is amazing about this story is that Abram was somewhere between 75 and 85 years old, while Sara would have been between 65 and 75 years old, long after the age of childbearing.  However, as we see in our focus verse, Abram believed God, and because he believed, God declared Abram righteous.

There are two things we can glean from this.  First, God can do anything no matter how impossible it may look to be.  If God promises us something, it will come to pass.  There is no doubt.  So, you can look at the promises of God throughout the scriptures and know that they can and will be done.   And second, this is a beautiful picture of the gospel.  If we truly believe that Christ died, was buried and then rose again for us, then our salvation is sure.  Note Jesus’ words in John’s gospel, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16  Do you truly believe?  If so, then God has declared you righteous.  Rejoice!

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

2019-06-25 – Psalm 34:18

Verse of the Day: Psalm 34:18  The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

This is an encouraging verse.  The Lord will always be by our side when we are heartbroken.  We all experience these times.  And they are difficult times. 

The idea of broken hearted is pressed and weighed down with afflictions, by intense sorrow.  So, during these times, we can trust that we are never alone.  The language is figurative.  As an omnipresent being, God is always equally near to all persons.  In fact, He is everywhere at the same time.  So, the idea  is He is always with us.  Jeremiah put it like this, “Am I a God who is near,” declares the LORD, “And not a God far off?  Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:23-24.

We serve a God who is always near and attentive to us.  He knows everything we do, think, and what we are going through.  And He loves us with a love that is so great it is incomprehensible.  Take comfort in this, for we can always cry out to Him and He is there to comfort us and help us through.  And trust Him that he is faithful to us. 

Two more verses that is a comfort to me.  “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 and “The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.” Psalm 46:11

2019-06-26 – James 2:18

Verse of the Day: James 2:18  But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

It is easy to tell someone you are, let’s say a computer expert, but when they ask you to assist them with a relatively simple task, like printing a document, you have no idea.  So, you hit a couple of keys and tell them to reboot and all will be well.  When the computer comes up and it still does not work, they begin to think you are not what you claim to be.  Then when they see the printer is powered off, and then power it up it prints just fine, they know you are not.

The same thing can be true regarding our faith.  Many people proclaim to be Christians, but their lives and focus tell another story.  Remember what Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount.  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”  Matthew 7:21.  We can call Him Lord all we want, but if we do not live as if He is, then do we really believe it?  Do our priorities have His will first, or ours?  Are we All-In with Christ, or only partially in?  The proof of our faith is our works.  If there is no works, then is their really faith?  James says no in a very definitive way.  “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” James 2:17.  And people will notice it.

If you really have faith, then show that faith by living that faith.  The world is looking for reality.  Walking and talking your faith shows that it is real.  Talking alone will have them question it. 

2019-06-27 – Proverbs 17:7

Verse of the Day: Proverbs 17:17  A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. 

True and faithful friends love in the hard times as much as the good times.  There are many people who act like true friends when things are going well and does not cost anything (money, time, or anything else).  All too often, when there is a change in a person’s situation whereby there is a negative effect on the relationship, they forsake the person and look for someone else that will be more fun.

Paul wrote to the Romans the following, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”  Romans 12:15.  As Christians, we are to stand beside our friends in all situations.  For instance, they receive a great promotion at their job, get together with them and rejoice, celebrating this great thing that has happened.  However, likewise, if they find out a close relative has died, go to them, comforting them by helping them deal with this great loss.  Weep with them, as they cry in their great mourning. 

What a beautiful picture of true love.  Not envying or coveting what good they  received, even though you would love it too.   And, not avoiding them because it is an uncomfortable situation.  Show yourself to be a true and loving friend by being there with them in the good times and for them in the bad.  You will honor God through it and show what a true friend really is.  Who knows,  someone watching you may be positively changed by your actions.

2019-06-28 – John 15:4

Verse of the Day: John 15:4  “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 

If we have a branch on an apple tree, healthy and vibrant, during the right time we will see fruit on it.  However, if we cut the branch off the tree and take it home because we want to grow fresh apples, we will be disappointed.  You see, the branch does not, on its own, have what it takes to produce fruit. 

It is the same with us.  We must abide in Christ and let Him work through us, and then we bear fruit.  It is not what we do, but what we allow God to do through us.  Paul said basically the same thing to the Philippians.  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

God will never leave us alone.  He has a work for each one of us to do.  However, what we need is to submit to Him and He will do it through us.  He will take us where He wants us, give us the words to say and the strength to fulfill it.  We must be in a constant attitude of prayer, always ready to hear what He has to say and follow His lead.  Then we will bear much fruit and glorify God in the process.