1 Timothy 2:4

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Timothy 2:4

“Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:4 

Our focus verse today speaks of what our purpose is.  “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15. Before His ascension into heaven, Jesus called His disciples to share the gospel with all people in all nations.  No one was to be left out.  This is our calling.  When we look in Matthew, we see a more clear outline of His calling to us.  “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.  Here, Matthew states that Jesus not only called them to preach the gospel, but to make disciples.  He has called us to make disciples who will make disciples who will make disciples, going on ad infinitum. 

This is important because God desires that all men be saved.  There is a teaching in many churches that God has chosen a remnant to be saved, meaning that the rest are chosen for damnation.  This idea, known as Calvinism, is not taught in the scriptures.  In the three leading verses in this chapter we read, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,” 1 Timothy 2:1-3.  And then our focus verse.  “Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4.  Paul is calling on all of us to pray for the salvation of all people.  And it is critical that we do pray for all and not just those we deem as worthy.  Nikki Cruz, a cruel gang leader in New York was one many believed should not be saved for all the evil he had done.  However, God sent David Wilkerson to the two most vicious gangs in the city, and because of this Nikki, along with Cookie Rodriguez and other members were saved.  God loved and loved Nikki Cruz regardless of what he had done. 

Peter in His second letter says it this way.  “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.” 2 Peter 3:9.  God does not want anyone to perish.  His nature is one of love and He sincerely desires the eternal happiness and joy of everyone.  And His patience toward sinners shows that He is willing and desirous of them to repent.  However, it is important also to know that He knows everything from eternity past to eternity future.  “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’”.  God knows those who will accept His Son, and those who will reject Him.  But this does not negate the fact that He loves all people from all times and is saddened that many choose not to accept His merciful call to salvation.  The truth is He desires all to be saved but will not go against their will and force the issue.  

If God desires this and has called us to make disciples of all men, then we must do what we can to reach out to everyone we can.  We should endeavor to, as Jesus said to His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15b.  If it is simply a word or phrase spoken to someone you meet, or a discussion that evolves with another, we never know the impact we can have in their life and heart.  Especially when what they see in us is the reality of this Christian walk and love for them and your desire to introduce them to Christ.  And as today’s verse of the day alludes to, we are to pray on behalf of all men that they may accept the salvation God provides.  God loves everyone, and we should love everyone as well.  “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2.

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

Romans 3:20

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 3:20  

“Because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” – Romans 3:20  

This is an important verse because too often, people look at their actions to denote whether they are saved or not saved.  This was what the Jews believed throughout the old and new testament and in our present times.  And unfortunately, many who call themselves Christians also fall into this trap.  In the time of Christ, the Jews believed that following the Mosaic Law was the way to salvation.  If they just did the things the law said to do and did not do what the law said not to do, then they were, in essence, saved. 

However, Micah laid out what the Lord required of man.  “With what shall I come to the LORD And bow myself before the God on high? Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings, With yearling calves? Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams, In ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” Micah 6:5.  Micah starts by asking the question, how shall I approach the Lord?  How shall I come to Him to address my sin?  Is it through sacrifice?  Does the killing of many animals address my wrong doing?  No, and he explains what the Lord does require.  “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?” Micah 6:8. He does not delight in sacrifices.  What He desires of us is to act with justice in all we do.  To be merciful to all and walk with humility with Him.  When we look at these three things, we do not necessarily see actions but character.  They are things we do because it is who we are.  Looking at these three again, what God desires is for us to be just, merciful and humility.  It is not the works of the law.

Now, we read in James the following.  “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” James 2:24.  It seems from this verse that works is part of what justifies us.  However, this is made clearer in a previous verse.  “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”  James 2:17.  What this clarifies is that it is not works that matter but faith.  However, true faith is proven by works.  Therefore, faith is what Christ is looking for in us, however, if not in conjunction with works, do we have true faith?  We are saved by faith, but our works shows our faith.  Paul comes right out and states it like it is.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. Nobody can be justified in the sight of God due to the works of the law.  The reason for this is that no one has ever kept the law completely with no deviation.  “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.  Therefore, we cannot be justified by the law; meaning our works.  However, this does not mean we are without hope.  “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” Ephesians 1:7.  We could not pay the penalty, but Jesus could, through His perfect life. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.  He gave His life for us because He loved us. 

In closing, does this mean we do not need to keep His commandments because He paid the price for us?  Absolutely not.  For by keeping them we prove our love for Him.  “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15. The idea is that salvation is based on the work of Christ, and we accept this work because we love Him and desire to give our everything to Him.  “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:21. Our salvation is based on Christ’s work on the cross, and not by our works. But our works show the love we have for Christ and our acceptance of that work.  He loves us and pays the penalty, thus we should love Him because He did what we could not do.  What a loving God we serve.   

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

Romans 15:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 15:1  

“Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.” – Romans 15:1 

In Romans 14, Paul speaks of how we are not to judge our brothers and sisters in Christ.  “Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”  Romans 14:1-4.  And also not to cause our brother or sister to stumble.  “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.” Romans 14:13.  These two ideas are very important so that we do not cause spiritual problems for our fellow Christians.

Now, moving on to chapter 15, we read our focus verse, “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.” Romans 15:1.  In the two passages above from chapter 14,  Paul is clearly saying we should accept our weaker brothers and sisters in Christ and not pass judgement on them regarding their ways just because we may not agree with them.  We should help them understand what the Word says, but to be careful not to condemn them regarding differences.  On the contrary, our focus verse says we are help them in their weaknesses, and not just focus on our own ways.  I have seen too many incidents where Christians who are new to the faith have been countered strongly in their beliefs, to the point where they felt ridiculed.  And many times they were not necessarily wrong, they just did not agree with what the other was saying. 

Paul is stating here that we are to exhort our brothers and sisters in Christ.  “Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.”  Romans 15:2.  Especially those who are new to the faith, or not as trained in the ways of God.  Yes, we are to show them where changes need to be made and not leave them in their errors.  However, it is to be done with kindness and love.  And we should not do these things to gratify what we desire.  We must work for the benefit and happiness of others.  Paul in his letter to the Church in Philippi put it this way. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4.  We are not only to labor for our benefit  alone but also, and I would say especially, for the benefit of others.  Our job is to exhort each other in the faith, looking at how we can help others in their walk in a loving way, and to encourage them in times of trials and troubles. 

At the end of this section Paul tells us, “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” Romans 15:7.  We are to accept our brothers and sisters just as Christ accepted us regardless of who and what we were.  And not only accept them, but love them, helping them in their weaknesses by strengthening them in their faith.  We are to lift them up when they are down and help them learn of this Christian walk where they may lack understanding.  And in all things in love and patience.  Is it wrong for us to please ourselves?  Not really.  But it was not the way of Christ.  And if we are to be like Christ, then we must look to the betterment of others before ourselves.  It is what He did for us on the cross.  

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

Luke 6:37

Verse of the Day Devotion: Luke 6:37  

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.” – Luke 6:37 

This is an important idea that many find difficult to apply, not because it is hard to understand but because it is not something we think we need to deal with.  In order to see what Jesus is saying here, we need to see what He is actually speaking against.  Matthew puts this same teaching in a clearer way.  “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2.  Notice the wording here, ‘in the way you judge’.  He is not saying we are not to judge, for John records the following words of Christ. “Jesus answered them, “I did one deed, and you all marvel. For this reason Moses has given you circumcision (not because it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a man. If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the Law of Moses will not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made an entire man well on the Sabbath? Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:21-24.  In essence, Jesus was saying follow the law, but understand that mercy and love subordinates some other parts.

So, how does what John said relate to our focus verse?    If we judge only by what we see, we often are missing the truth behind what is taking place, and this can lead to a false understanding.   For instance, back in the 1960’s and 70’s, a famous Christian rock singer named Larry Norman would often go into the streets and spend time conversing to those who were deemed the dregs of society, namely prostitutes and drug dealers.  Many would see him and determine he was seeking their services, when in actuality He was witnessing to those that many would have nothing to do with.  They were, in essence, condemning him for doing the work of God by introducing Jesus to people no one else would take the time to even acknowledge.  They were making a rash judgement believing he was sinning when in reality he was introducing them to Christ and the truth of the gospel.

Now, there is another idea expressed here that is just as important to understand.  We see this farther down in Luke 6.  “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.” Luke 6:41-42.  This deals with hypocritical judgement.  How can we judge someone for excessive drinking when we  ourselves get drunk?  And how can we condemn someone who tells dirty jokes when we tell them ourselves?  If we judge someone for sins that we ourselves do, how will they take us seriously?  How can we help them to give up any wrong doing when we continue in the same actions? 

We, as Christians, need to apply wisdom when we look upon the actions of another.  In the first instance above, we do not know the hearts and motives of another.  We need to be careful that we do not judge what appears to be problematic or downright wrong when actually they are doing the right thing as God called them but not necessarily in a way we would do it.  As in the Larry Norman example, he reached out to those no one else would reach out to, giving them the opportunity to accept Christ as Lord and Savior.  And in the second instance, we need to address any sin in our own life before we judge another for the same sin.  If we do not stop the sin ourselves, how can we clearly help another to stop?  And if they know we continue doing the same thing, why would they stop when we address it with them?  Be wise in all judgements, and God will be pleased.

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

James 5:8

Verse of the Day Devotion: James 5:8  

“You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” – James 5:8.

James in this passage is exhorting Christians to be patient for the coming of the Lord is near.  He starts off by using the example of a farmer “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.”  James 5:7. The farmer who prepares a field sows some seed and then waits for the crop to grow.  He can do little to affect the speed at which the plants will grow, but what he can do is be patient and pray, waiting for the rain to come at the right time.  This was especially important in Palestine for the farmer was dependent on the rain that came in late autumn and early spring.  As is said in Deuteronomy. “It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil. He will give grass in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.” Deuteronomy 11:13-15. 

Now, James is saying that as the farmer trusts in the Lord to give the rain at the right times to produce a good harvest, so should we trust God and patiently wait for the Lord to return as promised.  We are to stand strong and not give up hope no matter how difficult life gets.  Douglas J. Moo in his commentary puts it this way.  “What is commanded, then, is firm adherence to the faith in the midst of temptations and trials.  As they wait patiently for the Lord to return, believers need to fortify themselves for the struggle against sin and with difficult circumstances.”

Many struggles with the idea of His return as being near or soon.  See the wording in our focus verse.  “You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”  James 5:8.  The word ‘near’ is a relative term.  A couple of examples is “evening is near therefore we shall soon go to sleep.  Or, my birthday is near, it is only a month away.  What we must understand is that ‘near’ is within the context of salvation history, which refers to the period from the death and resurrection of Christ to our own day.  Do we know the exact time, no we do not.  “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”  Matthew 24:36.  But what we do know is that He will return.  In the book of Acts we read what the angels spoke regarding His return.  “They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”  Acts 1:11.

In closing, we do not know when Christ will return.  According to Jesus, even He does not know when it will occur, only the Father knows.  But what we do know is He will return.  We as Christians need to wait patiently for Him, and in the meantime do the work God has called us to do.   We should continue to give our whole life to His service, showing the love of Christ through the lives we live to everyone He brings our way: which includes spreading the truth of the gospel to all who do not know, and encouraging and supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

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

Acts 8:31

Verse of the Day Devotion: Acts 8:31  

“And he said, Well, how could I, unless someone guides me? And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” – Acts 8:31 

This story starts off with an angel reaching out to Philip with a specific task to perform.  “Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” Acts 8:26b.  And what was Philip’s response?  He immediately gets up and goes where the angel tells him.  He had no idea why, and he did not take the time to ask.  He simply started on his journey in the direction he was being led.  And while he is going south, he comes across an Ethiopian eunuch sitting in his chariot reading the words of the prophet Isaiah. “Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” Acts 8:20. Notice again, no question or hesitation from Philip.

When Philip gets to the chariot and notices the Eunuch is reading Isaiah the prophet, he asks him a question.  “Do you understand what you are reading?” Acts 8:30b.  Being that this man was from Ethiopia it was a good question to ask for it was a place where few if any would read from the Jewish texts.  “And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.”  Acts 8:31. Sounds like he This man was open and honest with Philip.  He did not pretend to know anything, which is a sign that he truly was looking to know exactly what he was reading.

Now, based on what the man was reading, I believe that God led him to this text, for he was reading of the Messiah, the one sent to die for this man’s sins.  “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off out of the land of the living For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due?” Isaiah 53:7-8.  The Eunuch than asked Philip a question.  “The Eunuch answered Philip and said,  Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?” Acts 8:34.  What a great question, and Philip used it to teach him about Jesus.

This man understood and accepted what Philip was explaining to him.  He assured him again by asking a question.  “As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” Acts 8:36. Philip answers by asking him a question.  “And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:37. After this, Philip baptized him and then was taken away, and the Eunuch went on his way rejoicing.

This is a powerful story which speaks loudly on how God will use us in His work here on earth.  Many times, He will tell us to go somewhere or to somebody because He has an important work for us to do.  And like with Philip, He may only tell us where to go or who to speak with.  We should be open to hearing the leading of the Lord and ready to follow at any time.  Philip opened the conversation with an honest question and received an honest answer.  Those who are truly seeking will be open to us when they see we care about them and can help them understand the things of God.  And as Philip’s ears and heart was open to the guidance of God in this incident, we should always be open to what God is telling us to do, even if it appears to make no sense. The important thing to understand is that if God is leading us somewhere, it does make sense and will come to a wonderful good.

I want to encourage us all to be open to the leading and guiding of God in our lives.  He wants to use us and will bring about much good if we allow ourselves to be used.  As Philip showed us, if God calls us to do something, we should not delay in following His leading.  He has a reason for what He wants us to do and when He wants it done.  I remember when I felt God leading me into downtown Miami in the middle of the night which resulted in leading a young man to stop his drug usage and go back to the Lord, as well as going home to his dad.  It was an amazing night, and I am still humbled when I look back and see what God did that evening.  God wants to use us here in His work.  So, as Philip knew and heard the words of God and went immediately when called, so should we when He calls us to do His work.  We have no idea what we can accomplish when we give our lives totally to His service.

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

 

2 Corinthians 12:10

Verse of the Day Devotion: 2 Corinthians 12:10  

“Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10

Paul in this verse is speaking regarding weakness which should not be an excuse for not doing the Lord’s work.  He starts off by speaking of a vision the Lord gave him.  “Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.  I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows— as caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.”  2 Corinthians 12:1-5.  Paul here is referring to himself without actually saying it was him.  He is not willing to boast regarding this vision, however, He will boast in regard to his weaknesses. 

Paul was not one to boast on himself, and it would have been easy for him to do it based upon the vision God gave him regarding paradise, a place not now seen by man for it is not on this earth.  Therefore, because of the incredible vision God allowed him to see,  He also gave Paul a thorn in the flesh to afflict and torment him.  The reason was, as stated in the last words in verse seven, “to keep me from exalting myself!” 2 Corinthians 12:7b. Because of the words here ‘thorn in the flesh’  defining this affliction, it denotes something that is very painful physically.

Now Paul prayed that God would remove this pain and the ultimate source, Satan.  “Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8.  However, Christ essentially said no.  “And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  2 Corinthians 12:9a.  What Christ here was saying was that He would not allow him to collapse under the weight of these afflictions, nor will the enemy prevail against him.  However, the next line is even more powerful, ‘for power is perfected in weaknesses.’  It refers to the power of Christ, and this idea runs contrary to how the world sees things.  They see it as the stronger I am, the more I can accomplish.  However, what Paul says is that the weaker I am, the more Christ’s power can accomplish and be seen through me.  This takes away any reason to boast in ourselves, but in God who is working through us.

So, because of this Paul ends this section with our focus verse.  “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10.  He is quite content in his weaknesses.  He is content in all the insults, as well as with any distresses, persecutions, and difficulties that he has, for he does not want to boast in himself regarding what is accomplished, for he recognizes that it is Christ working through him to fulfill His will.  He understands completely that it is God doing the work.  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

God has a calling for each one of us, therefore we must ask God to reveal to us what that is and submit to that calling.  And whatever it is, we must rely on God to work through us to fulfill that calling and not try, through our own power and strength, to make it happen.  And if we find anything that weakens us to where we do not believe we can fulfill it, we should just trust in God and rely on His strength, just as Paul did. And when we are doing His will, we can then thank God for using us as He did, to will and to do His good pleasure.   

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

Romans 8:6

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 8:6  

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,” – Romans 8:6 

This verse speaks of the most extreme dichotomy we can imagine.  This dichotomy results in either death or life.  However, this does not refer to physical death or life but to the spiritual.  Looking at our focus verse, the choice we make that highlights this difference regards what we are focused on.  Is it our fleshly desires that lead to spiritual death, or is it on the Spirit that results in life and peace?

In verse five, Paul says there are essentially two contrasting ways of living life.  “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5.  And each of these depend on what we focus our minds on.  The first one is to follow the dictates of our flesh.  Later in this chapter, he explains why this is the case.  “because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7-8.  The one who’s mind is on the flesh is contrary to God, in fact, he goes as far as to say it is hostile to God.  The reason being they are more interested in what they desire as opposed to what God does.  They have placed themselves in a position which puts them as more important than God.  As an example, if you have two friends who are very important to you, and they ask you to choose between two different restaurants, you will probably choose from the one which you desire to please the most.  The same idea is seen here.  Who do we find most important in our lives and wish to please: God or ourselves?

The opposite of those whose’ mind is on the flesh are the ones whose minds is on the Spirit.  The idea here is that we place ourselves under the control of the Spirit of God.  When we do this, we desire what God wants as opposed to what we want; that we love God more than ourselves.  Jesus put it succinctly when he said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15.  So, this basically leads to a question that we need to honestly answer, do we love God more than ourselves.  The answer to this question decides whether we will set our minds on the flesh or the Spirit. 

Paul lays out in his letter to the Galatians the difference between the actions that come about by our decision.  “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:19-23.  Let us always strive to follow the fruit of the Spirit and eliminate the deeds of the flesh that may creep into our lives.

And finally, as I intonated above, we should always examine ourselves to see if we are focused entirely on God and His ways.  We should pray and ask Him to show us where we may fall short so we may get back on track.  As David said in calling out to God. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24.  We  may not always know where we stand, however He knows everything about us.  Let Him guide us in His ways and be who He desires us to be.  This is life lived beautifully for God.

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

2 Timothy 2:15

Verse of the Day Devotion: 2 Timothy 2:15  

“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 Timothy 2:15

At the end of the Gospel of Matthew we read the following. “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.  After the resurrection of Jesus and before His ascension, Jesus met with His disciples and told them they were to go throughout the world and make disciples of all nations.  And through the many centuries from the time of Christ to now, people have been given the truth of the gospel and accepted the message and ultimately gave their lives to Christ.  And in this modern time, we as Christians have also accepted this message as well.  And since we have, we have become His disciples and are thus to do the same.

Now, since we are saved, it is important that in order to grow, we must spend time in His word, studying in preparation for going out and bringing this same message to others. And not just some of it but all of it.  “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.  This is a critical part of our preparation for going into the world to spread His word, for people will ask questions of us and we must know what to tell them.  “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;“ 1 Peter 3:15. 

And the only way we can do this is if we study His word as a treasure to be valued.  “My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5.

So, going back to our focus verse, “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 Timothy 2:15.  We are to spend concerted time and effort in studying His word.  We are to read it and strive to understand what it is truly saying.  We should use whatever resources we have access to in ensuring we derive the true meaning intended.  When we have opportunities to learn from others who are well studied in the scriptures, we should take advantage of it.  And finally, we should in all cases become as the Bereans as Paul spoke of in his travels.  In reference to the Bereans, “Now these 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.  We should receive His word with great eagerness, so much so that we examine what we are told or examine carefully what we read and ensure it is correctly understood. 

It is important that we diligently prepare ourselves for the work God has called us to.  He has a calling for us all.  And no matter what that calling is, we should be ready to accurately explain His word to those who ask, and also live the life God called us to in order to show its reality.  And in all ways, be led by the Holy Spirit in all thing.  In this we will then “present ourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15b.

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

Matthew 6:14

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 6:14  

“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14

Prayer is an important part of our Christian life for it is our time to converse with the God of the universe, the one who created all that is, including us.  What an amazing opportunity.  We can bring to Him our thanks and appreciation for all that He does for us, and we can go to Him requesting help during difficult times.  “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:9.  And there is another area we can go to Him in prayer on, and that is forgiveness for our sins. 

It is sad to realize that we all sin at times after we commit our lives to Christ.  Even the apostle Paul admitted as such regarding himself.  “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15. He hated some of the things he did, knowing that it was of the flesh. Therefore, it is at these time we can go to before God and ask for forgiveness.  “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:8-9  If we do sin, Christ is our advocate before the Father on our behalf.  “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2. 

Back to our focus verse, we are called to forgive those who sin against us just as God forgave us through the blood of Christ.  We are to show the same grace and mercy to everyone who wrongs us, or even appears to wrong us when in actuality they did not.  We must always assume innocence until irrefutable evidence shows otherwise.  However, in either case, we are required to give the same grace and mercy as was given to us by God for the sins we committed against Him.  Jesus put it this way in answer to a question from Peter regarding forgiveness.  “Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22.  This has the idea of as often as sinned against, forgive.

As a final thought, the next verse in Matthew speaks of a serious idea regarding forgiveness.  “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” Matthew 6:15.  Jesus spoke of this again as recorded by Luke.  “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:36-38.  Note the last sentence in these passages, “For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:38b.  In essence, however we treat others is the rule on how we  will be treated. Remember the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35).  “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:35.

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