Galatians 5:9

Verse of the Day: Galatians 5:9

“A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.” – Galatians 5:9

Paul is writing to the Church in Galatia and in the above verse, he is telling them not to succumb to any so-called small sin, or any sin for that matter, for it will have an impact in their Christian walk.  Look at the two verses just before our daily verse.  Galatians 5:7-8, “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?  This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.”  Something they bought into was hindering their growth.  And it had nothing to do Christ.

This is very important for us to see.  Many times, we think we can get away with things that are wrong because we are strong in the faith.  It may be simply in our thought life, maybe it is in our desires.  Or maybe, it could be in our prideful attitude.  These things will have a negative effect on our relationship with Christ.  It is important that we stay in constant contact with God so we can hear what He wants us to do, but first so we can hear from Him where we are off.  A little sin accepted can destroy your walk, just as a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.

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

Philippians 3:20-21

Verse of the Day: Philippians 3:20-21

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” – Philippians 3:20-21

As Christians, we may be living down here, however, this is not where our citizenship is.  Jesus put it like this, “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”  John 17:14 The world is against the truth and therefore is against us and our belief.

There is coming a time in the future whereby we will go to our new home.  It is the place where God dwells, and we will no longer have to deal with the world.  So, stand strong and uncompromising.  Do not let anyone cause you to be embarrassed or start to question your beliefs.  We are here for a time and then we go home.  Look ahead at this time and understand that things may be tough now, but a glorious eternal future lies ahead.  Rejoice in this.

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

Philippians 4:13

Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Have you ever felt that you needed to do something, but could not because you did not have the strength?  I think we all have.  This can be very frustrating if we know we must get that ‘something’ done.  The apostle Paul knows full well what this is like.

Look at 2 Corinthians 11:21-28, “Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.”  It is amazing how he suffered so much at the hands of men, but was able to do all he did, not through his own strength, but that strength given him by Christ.”

God does not show favoritism.  If you are doing the Lord’s work, He will give you all you need to accomplish it, including the strength needed to finish.  Do not give up when you grow weary.  Pray for His strength and He will provide it.  He will never command us to do something we are incapable of accomplishing.  Tap into all He gives you and make it happen.

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

Hebrews 1:14

Verse of the Day: Hebrews 1:14

“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” – Hebrews 1:14 

The writer of Hebrews in verse 14 is telling us something about angels, namely that they are inferior to Christ.  Look at verse 13.  “But to which of the angels has He ever said, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET?”  This the Father spoke to the Son and David wrote it in Psalm 110:1, “A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.“.  He did not speak it to any angel, but only to the Son.

In our focus verse, we see they have a great purpose.  They are ministering spirits sent out to help the Christians in this life.  Imagine that, when we are in need, there are times when God Himself comes, but there are times He sends an angel to assist us.  And these are incredibly powerful spirits.  We have nothing to fear when either God or angels are around.  This should encourage us greatly.  No matter what comes against us, there is something more powerful then the enemy that is attacking.

So, go out there and fear not.  The enemy does not stand a chance.  Just trust that no matter what, you are ultimately in no danger.  It may seem that things are bad, but always remember, there is someone by our side and it will ultimately be good in the grand scheme of things.

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

1 Peter 4:8

Verse of the Day: 1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8

The one thing that the New Testament says throughout is that we are to love one another.  Not just in word, but in deed.  Not just during the good times, but the difficult times as well. This is not just a suggestion, but it is a command.   “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34.

It is very important that we follow this command closely.  First, we all need the support of our brothers and sisters.  We all get tired and dejected at times.  Sometimes we just need the support of people during extreme difficulty.  We should be willing to come to each other’s aid when this happens. And if we have wronged anyone, showing love will cover up these faults against whom we have wronged, as well as those who are observing us.  If we truly love our brethren, this will be easy.

However, Jesus mentions another reason.  It again points to our role as a light to the world.  “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35. If we truly show the love of God to each other, it will pour out to others we meet.  And there are many in the world who need to feel this kind of love because it will be something they have rarely seen.  What a blessing we can be when we help them to truly experience it.

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

John 1:10

Verse of the Day: John 1:10

“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.” – John 1:10 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” John 1:1-3.  Through Christ, everything that exists that came into existence was through Him.

Today’s verse states that the creator of all creation came to the world and they did not know Him.  This is a sad thing because throughout the entire Old Testament, it was prophesized that He would come.  And it is important to understand that all, not just some, but all the prophesies regarding the Christ, the much-anticipated Messiah, was fulfilled.  The problem was either the Jewish leadership did not understand their scriptures, or they ignored their scriptures regarding His coming. We have had 2000 years since Jesus was here on earth in human form and too many still do not know Him.  The reasons are similar; they either do not understand what the scriptures say, or they ignore it because it is not that important to them.  And that is why we are here.  As Jesus sent His disciples out to declare the truth of who He is, He now sends us, His disciples of today to do the same.  I encourage you to be attentive for opportunities to introduce them to Jesus, who is the only way of salvation.

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

Titus 2:1

Verse of the Day: Titus 2:1

“But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.” – Titus 2:1 

Paul here is speaking with one of the great leaders of the first century church.  Titus was a faithful servant of Christ and a valuable companion of Paul in some of his missionary journeys.  He served several churches in Corinth, Dalmatia and Crete.  Paul here is encouraging Titus to make sure all that he speaks and teaches should be of sound doctrine, ensuring that they grow in Christ and believe the absolute truth.  This word, I am confident was not meant just for Titus, but for all Christian leaders.

However, I want to assert that, as Christians, if we are discussing Christian issues with fellow Christians in a training context or are going out and spreading the gospel of Christ to the lost, this applies to us as well.  We must make it our focus to understand what we teach or share.  Be like the Berean’s in that you do not tell others what someone else says without checking it out to ensure it is truth.  It does not matter how famous or educated they are.  Remember, Paul commended the Bereans for checking what he said for accuracy.

As Christians, we are called to make disciples of all nations.  Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20, “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.”  If you are not, I encourage you to study and prepare to make it happen.  And if/when you do, ensure what you are saying is truth.  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15.  It is our calling.

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

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.” – John 15:4 

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.

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

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.” – James 2:18 

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

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.” – Matthew 6:33

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.

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