Genesis 50:20

Verse of the Day Devotion: Genesis 50:20  

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” – Genesis 50:20

In the book of Genesis we find one of the best known and intriguing stories in the Old Testament, that being about Joseph the son of Jacob and Rachel.  Interestingly, this story is also found in the Quran, but with some very distinct differences. 

It starts with Joseph’s brothers being so jealous of him that they made a plan to kill him.  “When they saw him from a distance and before he came close to them, they plotted against him to put him to death.”  Genesis 37:18.  However, Judah convinced them to sell him to Ishmaelites rather than kill him. “Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh. And his brothers listened to him.” Genesis 37:27.  So they sold him and then went and told their father he had been killed. 

The Ishmaelites then sold Joseph to an Egyptian officer named Potiphar, the captain of the bodyguard.  Joseph was then given charge over all Potiphar’s property, and there was no issues because God made him successful in what he was assigned to do. “The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian.” Genesis 39:2.  However,  Potiphar eventually cast him into prison because of false charges from his wife.  And again, God was there.  “But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.” Genesis 39:21. 

It then came about that the King of Egypt cast the chief cup bearer and baker into the same jail as Joseph.  He then interpreted dreams they had through the help of God.  The baker was told he would be hung on a tree but the cupbearer would be restored to his position, so asked that He would mention him to Pharaoh.  “Only keep me in mind when it goes well with you, and please do me a kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house.” Genesis 40:14.  The cupbearer forgot his promise, but when he remembered Joseph was ushered in to interpret Pharaohs dreams.  After hearing the interpretation, he was given a powerful role in Egypt.  “You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you.” Genesis 41:40.  And in this role, he was able to save his family and all they owned from the incredible famine that hit Egypt and the surrounding area.  If interested, you can read the entire story of Joseph in Genesis 37 through 50.

Joseph had a very difficult life.  He was sold by his brothers to Ishmaelites around the age of seventeen, who then sold him to Potiphar as a servant/slave.  After a year or two,  he was thrown into prison because Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of indecent activity.  He spent approximately twelve years in the prison before Pharaoh called him and ultimately put him in the position where he was second in command.  All this took place over a span of approximately thirteen years.  And why did God allow all this?  Joseph starts by asking the question, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place?” Genesis 50:19b.  This is actually more of an affirmative proposition rather than a question.  Then he continues with our focus verse.  “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Genesis 50:20.  God allowed it to happen in order to save Jacob and all who were with him from the famine that was to occur.

Many times we go through difficult time and wonder why God is allowing it to happen.  However, we should not be asking why, but rather ask Him what He wants us to do.  God brought me through all the things that happened to me as a child, while in the Air Force, and eventually throughout my years working: both in my own company and while working for others.  When I look back, I see an incredible journey that has made me who I am today.  And it was God who took me by the hand and guided me to the people, places, and experiences He had for me, one being studying and receiving my Master and Doctorate from a Christian Seminary.  It was not the path I would have taken if it were up to me, but I ended up in a good place, heading up a ministry where I can exhort people and help them understand what this Christian Life is all about.  It was not always easy, but it was always beneficial to my relationship with God. 

He has a reason for everything that happens, and we know it is for good.  It is His promise to us.  Two verses that show this reality.  “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.  Everything He allows to happen is for a good.  And the second, “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.  Everything that happens is for a good, either for ourselves as told in Romans 8:28 or for another as found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.  We should look at everything that happens as a blessing for us and many times for another.  For me, this makes it easier as I look forward to what God is doing through me.  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.“ Philippians 2:13.

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

Philippians 3:3

Verse of the Day Devotion: Philippians 3:3   

“For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” – Philippians 3:3

It is quite amazing to me how much truth is revealed to us by the Lord into one simple short Verse of Scripture.  Within the context of these words is hidden a reality that probably most sincere believers in Jesus’ deal with and maybe are not even aware of it.  Preceding this Verse, Paul warns the believers in Philippi to “…Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!” (VS2).    Back then, just as today, there are more than enough ‘religious’ teachers and so-called ‘Christian teachers’ that are like spiritual watchdogs and actually evil in their work ‘in the name of Christ’ and they probably don’t even know it.   How can that be?  In a nutshell, within all their sincerity and conviction, I think they ‘add’ many things to the completed work of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and promote those ‘works’ to be absolutely necessary in all regards towards a person, both in considering one’s salvation and in their being in right standing with God on a daily basis.  In very practical terms they just honestly do not believe that what Jesus did for us was enough. 

In the Philippians case, one of the sincere teachings they were hearing from the pulpit and within the larger circle of Christians was to ‘be physically circumcised’ if you REALLY want to be pleasing with God.   But this is not the truth.  “Indeed, I Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing” (Galatians 5:2).  These believers in Philippi were hearing from people within their own congregation the opposite of what Paul had taught them!  And those well-meaning law-abiding religious teachers were wrong.  Circumcision in Christ is of the heart, not of the flesh, and the surgery is done by Christ’s power – not yours.   In Christ, circumcision is a spiritual cutting-off of the power of the flesh nature.   Physical circumcision for a believer profit nothing at all to change a heart or have the possibility of being a ‘new creation’ in Christ.  If you are truly circumcised within your heart by the Lord, the next two statements in this Verse become a reality and a consistent desire within your life.  Be encouraged greatly by these two statements.

Number one, you will “…worship God in the Spirit…”.  Did you know that it is possible to try and worship God apart from the Spirit?   Unfortunately, I think we fall into this trap more often than admitted.  You sincerely just want to do better ‘next time’ and so you pull up your bootstraps and hunker down a little more and make a few more ‘I Promise’ statements to yourself.   I have fallen into this trap more than once, believe me. But folks, any attempt to being a worshipper of the Lord apart from the Spirit’s presence, leading, guiding, and prompting will be of the flesh.  “Are you foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3).   We do not have to walk in the Spirit – we GET to!    By God’s power in Christ and by His grace, we GET to and that is a cause for great rejoicing.  

Number two, you will “…rejoice in Christ Jesus…”.    Your times of rejoicing will not come about because of your successes compared to your failures throughout a day or week.  Your times of rejoicing will come about when you recognize that any and all of the good things that develop out of your life in Christ are BECAUSE of Christ.   Just because of Him.  Of Who He is.  You will rejoice within your heart in what He has already done for you in His completeness.   You are already spiritually blessed in Christ beyond calculation and imagination.   “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HAS blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3).  Yet thousands of well-intended Christians are seeking more spiritual blessings – from proclaimed Christian leaders leading the masses falsely saying you can have ‘more’.  Ummmm?  Yet, God in His Word has already told us that in Christ, the Father HAS (past tense) already blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing!    Oh, how wonderful this is!   This is why Paul can say to the Philippians to rejoice in Christ Jesus.  You do not have to jump through additional religious hoops to attain God’s favor anymore!    Therefore, Paul instructs these Philippians in a very pointed, direct, profound, life-changing and universe-altering statement what they must be aware in their Christian walk: “….have no confidence in the flesh…”!    Do you hear that??   Do you ‘really’ hear that?   “BUT what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ” (Vs 7).   Doing religious (Christian religious) “things” in the flesh is simply loss.  The ‘more’ of whatever it is that you might be seeking is already in HIM.    Be encouraged and admonished.  Do NOT place any of your confidence in your flesh.   Place your confidence in the completely work of Christ that He has done for you already.    Be with Him.   Spend time with Him.  Talk with Him.   Listen to Him.         

Jaca Kier, Board Member, True Devotion Ministries, Inc. 

Mark 10:25

Verse of the Day Devotion: Mark 10:25  

“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.” – Mark 10:25

This verse comes after Jesus’ discussion with the rich young ruler: the last part being Jesus telling him to sell everything and follow Him.  “Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.  But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.” Mark 10:21-22.  After the young man left, Jesus said His disciples.  “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” Mark 10:23b.  Note, this is a statement, it is not a question.  Jesus then repeated His words, this time referring to His disciples as children, a term of affection regarding the disciples, after which he declares the statement which is our focus verse.  “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.” Mark 10:25. 

The camel was the largest animal found in Palestine.  In this verse, Jesus compares the wealthy entering the kingdom of God to a camel going through the eye of a needle.  This idea has been interpreted in several ways.  One is that there was a gate in Jerusalem called “the eye of a needle” where the camel had to kneel to get through. Another is that because the Greek words for camel (kamelos)  and rope (kamilos) are very similar that rope was actually meant.  However, these false interpretations soften the seriousness that Jesus is trying to bring across. 

This idea of a camel going through the eye of a needle is a saying or proverb found in both Jewish and Aramaic thought.  To denote that something was impossible or outrageously  difficult, they said that a camel or an elephant might as soon walk through a needle’s eye.  What He was bringing out was that those who love his riches to the point they idolize them will find it impossible to enter the Kingdom of God. This was the situation with the  rich young ruler.  Jesus told him all that was left to follow Him was to give up his wealth by giving it to the poor, thus giving up that which he idolized.  However, he walked off because he valued his wealth over Christ.

So, is Jesus actually saying it is impossible for anyone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God?  In a sense, yes.  When Jesus stated the impossibility of the rich, the disciples were astonished, but without any words to say.  Therefore Jesus tells them the following, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27b.  When we look at the rich young ruler, we see someone who was invited by Jesus to follow Him but declined because it would involve giving up more than he was willing to.  And just as he was offered, so is everyone who has ever lived.  Anyone can be saved by God’s grace; however this does not take away the responsibility we have to accept it.   And we must accept it on His terms. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:24. 

In closing, without a desire to devote ourselves to God we will be swayed by what the world has to offer, for we can have that now.  Wealth and riches have a way of luring people to acquire and keep what they have, making it more important than anything else.  This is what Jesus was alluding to.  However, if anyone struggles with this, then we can go to God, asking Him to reveal the reality that God is so much greater and more desirable than anything else.  With man alone, it is impossible to give up everything for Christ.  But with Him He will help us put our priorities in order, that being God first, then everything else.  But only if it is what we truly desire.

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

John 14:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: John 14:1

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” – John 14:1

Just before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knew His time to leave was coming.  “Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” John 13:1.  And because of this, He was preparing them for His departure.  Therefore, after Judas left to betray Jesus, He lets the remaining eleven know.  “Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.” John 13:33.  This was very difficult for the disciples to accept.  Think about this, for the past three years He had spent almost all His time working with the disciples training them for the work He was calling them to, which was making disciples of all nations.

But Peter was confused.  “Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later. Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.” John 13:36-37.  He first asks Jesus where He was  going, and after receiving the answer He follows up with another.  “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.” John 13:38. Peter asks Jesus if he could go along.  Notice it was can I follow and  not can we follow.  He was obviously asking this in an impetuous manner, not thinking about it before asking.  However, Jesus follows this with a question.  “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.”  John 13:38. 

Jesus understood this conversation left them unsettled.  They obviously did not like what they heard.  But Jesus, seeing this is the case, said the following. “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” John 14:1.  However, Jesus does not stop there.  “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”  John 14:2-3.  He lets them know that He will be going away and they cannot immediately follow.  However, He adds that one day He will come back and bring them to where He resides. 

I know for myself that there are times I wonder why things have to be the way they are, just as the disciples did when they were told this good friend and teacher was going away and they could not follow.  And I feel confident that many times you also have experienced these times as well.  Ours is a little different in that Jesus is not physically here as He was with the disciples.  However, this does not negate the fact that His response to them is the same for us.  We should not let our hearts be troubled by the many things that we encounter, for our time here is just as temporary as theirs.  Jesus told them that He would come again and take them with Him, so that where He is they will be also.  And this promise applies to us as well.  In fact, it applies to all who have given their lives completely to Christ and have accepted the work He did on the cross.  This is the future for all Christians, eternity with Christ.  Remember this when difficulties come, that not only is He here to help us through these difficult times but when our time here is over He will take us home to be with Him forever.

So, as Jesus told His disciples, do not let your heart be troubled.  Believe in Him and be comforted with the fact that He will always be with us, both here and in heaven, our eternal home.  He is coming back.  Let you mind and heart always focus on this.

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

1 Peter 5:6

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Peter 5:6

“Therefore. humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” – 1 Peter 5:6

Our focus verse for today tells us that we should be humble before God.  In fact, he uses a very specific phrase that gives a fuller picture of what is meant: “under the mighty hand of God”.  This phrase often speaks of being under the punishment of God.  However, the meaning here speaks of a much more positive idea.  This is to be understood in a more humble manner, that He provides a safe and profitable path, being hid as in the hollow of His hand as we fulfill His will.

However, the general idea is that when we do the work of God, that we do it in humility knowing that God is working through us, and that we are not to lift ourselves up in a prideful way.  Solomon puts it this way, “The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.” Proverbs 15:33.  Before we are honored, we should submit to God in humility.  Adam Clarke in his commentary on Proverbs says, “few persons ever arrive at honor who are not humble; and those who from low life have risen to places of trust and confidence, have been remarkable for humility.”  Micah also has something to say about humility.  “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.

Now, back to 1 Peter 5.  In verse five we read, “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5.  This verse comes from Proverbs 3:34, “Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.” and is also referred to in James 4:6. It basically says that God resists the proud, those who place more emphasis and priority on what they do, rather than in what God is doing through them. And by being humble, we can anticipate a future exaltation.  “that He may exalt you at the proper time.” 1 Peter 5:6b.  Now, we do not know whether it will come in this life or the next, however, what God promises He will always do.

It is important that we always go before God in humility, understanding that He is our loving and merciful God.  And we must always, in all humility, do the work of God in a manner that does not exalt ourselves but recognizes that God is doing the work through us.  “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:12-13.  He does the work; we are the vessel He uses to accomplish His will.  Therefore, we should not focus on ourselves as we do what God has called us to but focus on the one who called us and is working through us.  In regards to myself, I am humbled that God chooses to use me at all, when I look back on my life prior to being saved.  However, I am extremely thankful that He does.  I pray that you who are reading this will see your calling and work in the same way.   

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. 

Job 2:10

Verse of the Day Devotion: Job 2:10 

“But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” – Job 2:10

Job was a man of great wealth.  “His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east.” Job 1:3.  He also had seven sons and three daughters, as well as his wife.  They were very, very prosperous.

However, after a time, Satan speaks to God and tells Him success is the reason for his devotion.  “Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing?  “Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. “But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” Job 1:9-11.  So God tells him to do what he wants with what he has, but do not touch him.  When you read on, you will see that all his possessions were lost, all his servants and animals.  He also lost his house which collapsed because of a wind storm which killed his children.  And what was Job’s response?  “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.” Job 1:20-22.  Notice that it was said of him he did not sin or blame God.

Satan goes to God again and tells God “Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. “However, put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You to Your face.” Job 2:4-5. Satan came back and said, well man will give everything for his own life, however, seriously affect his own body and health, and he will curse you.  So God says, So the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.” Job 2:6  So what was Satan’s response?  “Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And Job took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes.” Job 2:7-8.  These were extremely painful, and it became worse as he scraped on them with a broken piece of pottery.  He did this either to bring some relief or to cut himself as a sign of mourning. “Since you are the people of the Lord your God, never cut yourselves or shave the hair above your foreheads in mourning for the dead.” Deuteronomy 14:1. 

Job’s wife responds with a sarcastic rhetorical question.  In essence she says, “After all that has happened are you still faithful?” or put another way, “In spite of all the suffering, are you still loyal to God?”  However, Job entirely rejects her advice.  In our focus verse, we read Job’s response in the form of a question.  “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?”. 

This is a hard question to answer.  We love getting good things from God.  When God blesses us with a sum of money, we willingly give thanks to Him.  But when adversity comes, such as losing a job, we choose not to give Him thanks.  Back in March of 2018, I was laid off from my job in order for them to cut their costs.  It was definitely sooner than I was ready for.  And what made it worse was not finding another job.  However, it is amazing how God has worked in my life.  I am now doing what I always wanted to do,  working in ministry through True Devotion Ministries. 

When good things come your way, consider it a blessing and give thanks to God.  And when adversity comes, consider it also a blessing and give God all the thanks, and look forward to the blessings God will provide on account of this adversity.  Remember, God does not allow hard times to come unless He has a good reason, and we must always trust God that He knows what He is doing.  All things that God has us experience is for our good.  “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.  So, instead of focusing on what is happening, we should focus on what God has in store for us in the future.

And spoiler alert.  “The Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold. … The Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; and he had 14,000 sheep and 6,000 camels and 1,000 yoke of oxen and 1,000 female donkeys.  He had seven sons and three daughters.” Job 42:10, 12-13.  And to close out, “After this, Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons and his grandsons, four generations. After this, Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons and his grandsons, four generations.”  Job 42:16

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

Ecclesiastes 2:24

Verse of the Day Devotion: Ecclesiastes 2:24  

“There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.” – Ecclesiastes 2:24

In this verse, we see the wisdom of the preacher as found in Ecclesiastes.  The preacher is no doubt Solomon, the son of King David.  He starts off in this chapter by describing some of the thing’s men do in order to bring meaning and joy to their lives, and he uses himself and his actions as the examples.  He describes how he tried laughter, wine, increased labor.  Also in planting gardens and making parks and ponds and a forest of trees.  He bought many slaves and through procreation increased the number as well.  He also collected an incredible amount of things as well as many concubines for his own pleasure.  He eventually became great and increased more than any other in Jerusalem.  Anything his eyes wanted he acquired (Ecclesiastes 2:2-10).  Then, after this was done, “Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:11. 

The above gave Solomon the conclusion that meaning regarding our lives is not found in wisdom, hard work or things: which was a prevalent and traditional belief of the teachers in Israel of that time period.  These things may give pleasure to the person pursuing these things, but only temporarily.  I remember speaking with a young lady who had just bought a new home in an expensive community, as well as a high-end automobile.  After some time, she bought a bigger home because she found a friend had purchased a bigger home in the same community.  She also purchased a fancier car.  The sad thing about this is that she did not have the money or income to purchase them, she just went further into debt, so much so that she had little money left over at the end of each month.  What this young lady had was very good.  But because her focus was on her status, she was never satisfied.  Solomon saw this and determined it was simply vanity.

Going back to our focus verse, Solomon came to the following conclusion.  “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.” Ecclesiastes 2:24.  He determined that this drive to do all that is possible to bring pleasure to his life was a truly fruitless venture, for the pleasure was temporary.  It is not self-indulgent pursuit of pleasure that brings satisfaction, but a contentment in the food and drink we consume and accepting the work we do now as being good, because these things are given to us by God.  He then tells us later a more detailed thought regarding contentment.  “Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward.  Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.  For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.” Ecclesiastes 5:18-20. 

If Solomon, who is considered the wisest and richest man who ever lived, one who had the means to acquire anything he wanted and the ability to do anything he desired, found a good life to be in the contentment in all that God has given him, then we should apply this wisdom to our own lives as well.  I have found this to be the source of much peace, for all my needs are met.  I pray as you apply this, you will find the same thing for yourself.

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

John 4:24

Verse of the Day Devotion: John 4:24 

“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” – John 4:24 

Jesus is traveling from Judea to Galilee and verse four says something that went against the Jewish tradition.  “And He had to pass through Samaria.” John 4:4. Many Jews believed that it was absolutely wrong for them to pass through Samaria for it was populated by those who were forced to intermarry by the King of Assyria back when the ten tribes were taken captive.  I believe that John’s use of the phrase “had to pass through Samaria” was based on this being the shortest route and Jesus knew this opportunity to speak to the Samaritans was in the Father’s plan.

Now, a Samaritan woman meets Jesus at a well and He asks her for a drink.  The woman replies, “Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) John 4:9. Jesus used this opportunity as a means to open a conversation.  After some time, she sees He could be a prophet because He knew she has had five husbands and the one she was living with now was not her husband.  Then she brings up the topic of worship.  “Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” John 4:20. She was telling Jesus that they worshipped in the mountain that was near them, and the Jews believed that only in Jerusalem can proper worship be done.  Jesus gently corrects her by saying that a time is coming where neither place will be used.  He tells her that she worships what she does not know, for the means of salvation, Jesus, came through the Jewish line.  And then He closes with our focus verse, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24.

What Jesus in essence is saying is that worship should be of a spiritual nature, not focused on things or rituals of men.  True worshippers worship God anytime, anywhere, and anyway that brings glory to God.  And in worshipping, they bring all their affection and attention to God.  We are not to be concerned that we wear the right clothing, bow in the proper way, or say the right words in the right way.  God is Spirit, He is everywhere at one time, so we can worship Him anywhere at any time.

And our worship should be real, and not simply a ritual.  We should reach out to our God and express to  Him how much we genuinely love Him, how much He means to us, and how much we rely on Him.  God wants us to be real with Him.  If we are hurting then express that.  And we all have different ways expressing love.  He understands this and knows our hearts.  As long as we present it in a righteous way that brings Him glory, the location and means by which we worship Him is irrelevant.  

This is what Jesus was telling her, and also is telling us.  True worship comes from our hearts, and we can express this true worship at any time in any place.  To focus on rituals takes our eyes off of Him and places them on our actions.  And since God is always near us, we do not need to wait till we get to a particular place.  What He is interested in is the fellowship between us and Him, the expression of love and adoration we have for Him, and our understanding of who He really is.  This is true worship, and it makes no difference where, when and how we do it. 

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

1 Peter 4:16

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Peter 4:16 

“But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” – 1 Peter 4:16 

This, and the verse before it, deals with suffering.  In the verse just before this we read, “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;” 1 Peter 4:15.  We must make sure that we do not suffer because of something we did wrong.  He mentions several things in the verse such as murder or thievery which are illegal acts or meddling in the affairs of others.  In these things we should expect to suffer because we did wrong.  In the above, if we stole something that belonged to someone else, or we took the life of someone and thus denied them their future with family and friends or meddled in the affairs of another which causes them trouble, then we should expect to pay the penalty of what we have done.

However, as our focus verse states, “but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” 1 Peter 4:16.  We should not be ashamed when we suffer for the sake of Christ.  On the contrary, we are to rejoice.  “But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”  1 Peter 4:13. In other words, if we share in the same type of suffering Christ endured and if it was inflicted on us for the same reasons.  Paul, in his letter to the Colossians said the following, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.” Colossians 1:24. What Paul is saying is that the leading desire of his soul was to be just like Christ; alike in moral character and in His suffering, as well as in Christ’s final destiny.  In fact, in his second letter to the church in Corinth he even boasts in his suffering.  “Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern? If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.” 2 Corinthians 11:24-30. 

Are we willing to suffer for the cause of Christ?  If someone ridicules us because of our faith and belief in Jesus and what He has done for us, will we be ashamed?  If we are arrested and demanded to deny Christ in exchange for our release, will we?   If we were threatened with death if we continue to believe in and spread the good news of Christ to the world, would we back away?  Or will we stand strong and take whatever comes our way.  This is a hard question, but it was required of His disciples back in the first century and it is also required of us in our time as well.  We are seeing persecution of Christians and the church throughout the world increasing because of Christ.  It is important that we stand firm in our belief and help our brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same?  For when we do, we show the reality of our Christian walk.  It declares we have no doubt that the Son of God came down from heaven in the form of a man and gave His life to pay the penalty for our sins.  Knowing this if we are ashamed of our Christian walk, or desire to save our pride and lives rather than stand up for Christ, then we truly do not love Him or have accepted Him.  He suffered incredibly in this world in order to provide salvation to us all.  We should therefore be willing to suffer to bring this eternal message to a world that needs to hear it, and ultimately bring glory to God.  It is the least we can do.

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