Hebrews 2:1

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Hebrews 2:1

“For this reason, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” – Hebrews 2:1

This verse is linked to chapter 1, and we know this because of the first three words, ‘For this reason’. The question is how far back? I tend to agree with Theologian Paul Ellingworth where He wrote that it was only back to the last one. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14. Ellingworth wrote the following, “Because God intends to give us salvation as a permanent possession, we must be all the more attentive to what he and others have said about it.” I believe the author of Hebrews intends to link all of chapter 1. However, I am not necessarily disagreeing with Ellingworth, for verses 1-13 leads to the last verse. And I believe the others must be included in order to understand verse 14.

Now, we see this same idea in the Old Testament. “When Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them, Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law. For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you shall prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:45-47. Notice the words ‘observe carefully, even all the words of this law.’ This goes along with our focus verse. “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Hebrews 2:1. The readers are exhorted here to pay close attention “to what we have heard.” This phrase implies submissive acceptance of what is heard. The consequence of failing to pay attention to the word is that the readers would “drift away.”

Now, we see in the next two verses a comparison between the circumstances surrounding the giving of the law to Moses through angelic mediation on Mt. Sinai and the salvation brought by Christ. “For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” Hebrews 2:2-4. What is said here is that if God’s Word back in the time of Moses, spoken to them by Yahweh and was absolutely true, steadfast, and unchangeable, how can we assume it is not, and yet escape if we neglect and overlook Christ’s words while here, declaring salvation through His saving grace on the cross? It is important to understand what is meant here is that we cannot.

I truly accepted Christ back in 1977. I mean truly in that I had never really given my life to Him, but simply went forward in my church when I was 10 to be accepted by others. It seems I wanted that more than Christ. Unfortunately, my lifestyle never changed, inside or out. I never did spend time with God, but simply went through the motions. Then, in 1977, God showed me reality which brought me to my knees because I now understood my predicament. And unfortunately, there are many who claim they are Christians but have not accepted His word as absolute truth. Using our focus verse, they are drifting away because they are not paying attention to what they hear but simply ignore or refute it. Many only follow the things they like and ignore the rest.

In closing, to not accept all points of the Christian faith as declared in the scriptures is a definite danger zone. There is much to learn, but if we refuse to accept God’s way, we are not paying attention to God’s way but to our own. God’s Word is unchangeable. We either accept it as is and live with Him or deny it and be rejected by Him.  I did this back when I was ten years old, but then listened to God and accepted the truth. And I can assure you that accepting what God really says is much better than our version of His Word, which is more acceptable to far too many in this world.

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

Hebrews 11:3

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Hebrews 11:3 

“By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” – Hebrews 11:3

In this world there are two different views of the universe.  One is that the universe has been here forever with no beginning, and the other is that the  universe has a beginning.   Logically, both of these statements cannot be true.  And as we look at the reality of existence, we will see that what the Bible states is far more plausible than what man has come up with.

Stephen Hawking, the most famous theoretical physicist in the world, said the following regarding the universe.  “So long as the universe had a beginning, we could suppose it had a creator. But if the universe is really completely self-contained, having no boundary or edge, it would have neither beginning nor end it would simply be. What place, then, for a creator?”  From here, we can see he believed that because the universe was eternal, both past and future, and that the universe has no boundaries, hence filling infinite space, there is no need for a God.  In his words, what place is there for a creator?

Today, science puts forth the idea that there is no need for a creator because modern science can explain everything.  Again, Stephen Hawking put it this way.  “Before we understand science, it is natural to believe that God created the universe. But now science offers a more convincing explanation. What I meant by ‘we would know the mind of God’ is, we would know everything that God would know, if there were a God, which there is not. I’m an atheist.”  This is a prevailing view of modern man, that God does not exist, and they strive to find evidence to prove this point.  However, there are several truths that show this view is improbable. 

First, The universe is running down, and something that is running down must have started at some point.  For is the universe is eternal, it would have already lost all energy.  The second law of thermodynamics states that the universe is running out of usable energy.  No matter how long it would take, a fixed amount of energy that is being depleted would eventually use up all energy, with the result being a dead universe.  And the universe is expanding.  How can something continually expand without at some point having a  beginning from which to expand fron? 

However, the Bible makes it clear that the universe is not eternal, that it does have a beginning.  In fact, the very first verse in the scriptures bring out.  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.  And as you read through chapter one of Genesis, we see that He also created everything in this universe.  Paul wrote to the Church of Colossae the following.  “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16.  And John said in Revelation, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:11. 

So, looking at the above, it actually makes complete sense that the universe had a beginning.  This then brings up the question, how did it come into existence.  Again, we have two choices.  The first is that it just came into existence, out of nothing, without the action of anyone or anything.  Or secondly, a supreme and eternal being brought it into existence.  And by faith, understanding that what exists could not have come into existence but for an eternal and intelligent being, God created everything just as stated in His word.  And it must be truth, for God spoke to John which he wrote in his gospel; “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” John 17:17.  If anything came into existence, it had to be by an eternal being with infinite power to do anything He pleases.  And  I can see no other way for what is to exist.   

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

Hebrews 4:13

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Hebrews 4:13

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” –  Hebrews 4:13 

This verse speaks to the all-knowing attribute of God, something we do not have.  David, in Psalm 139 says the following in viewing this attribute.  “If I say, Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night, Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.” Psalm 139:11-12.  The word translated “overwhelm” has an additional meaning of cover, which verse 12 makes this meaning probable.  In fact, this is the same verse in the English Standard Version (ESV) which matches the way the KJV states it.  “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.“   What David here is saying is that there is no way I can hide anything I do, even though I try to cover it up. 

And this is what the writer of Hebrews is saying.  God sees all things and hears all things.  As our focus verse states, there is no creature hidden from His sight.  He is infinitely wise and has infinite knowledge.  There is nothing our God does not know, and we can look at this as a good or a not so good thing.  However, either way you look at it, He knows us better then we know ourselves.  Therefore, we must realize that we can hide nothing from Him. 

God’s Word accurately and penetratingly expose what is in our hearts.  We can look at what His Word says about us, and if we look seriously at it, we will see things we may not want to admit.  And this is because God knows everything that is there.  We must never think we can hide anything from God, for His eyes see all because of His omnipresence.  “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3. There is nowhere He is not, therefore it is impossible to hide anything from Him.   

Before I was truly saved, I used to think in this way.  Essentially, if others did not know I did wrong, God probably did not as well.  But after sitting under an incredible pastor in Homestead Fl, I came to the understanding that nothing was hid from Him.  Not that I believed He did not know, but I did not give any thought to God knowing what I had done.  It was only after spending more intimate time with God did I begin to realize the fullness of His understanding.  I realized no matter whether anyone else knew what I did, whether good or bad, God knew.  So now, when I pray at the end of each day, I ask God to show me what I do not know or accept, so I can address it with Him. 

I want to encourage everyone to do the same.  It is easy for us to deceive ourselves, but it is impossible to deceive our loving and faithful God.  It is not always pleasant for God to open our eyes to who we really are.  It can be difficult to accept.  However, it is important for us to listen to Him, whether what He says is good or not so good.  It is important that we present ourselves fully and completely to God as we are, so that He can change us to what we ought to be.  “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Romans 12:1-2. 

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

Hebrews 13:5

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Hebrews 13:5

“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” – Hebrews 13:5

One of the things we must always remember, being God’s children, is that we have all we need.  Paul says it this way.  “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.  We have nothing to worry about in this context, for He will work on our behalf to provide our needs.  However, we must realize what our needs truly are.  Too many people look at their wants and make them needs.  Jesus lays out what our needs are in His Sermon on the Mount.  “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25.  These are our basic needs; food, drink, and clothing.

The writer of Hebrews here is telling us that we must remain free from the love of money.  He is telling us that we must be content with what we have, not desiring more money so we can get more things.  We should be satisfied with having what we have so that we can be at peace and available to do the work of God.  And it is necessary based on a couple of verses prior to our focus verse.  “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.”  Hebrews 13:2-3.  There are many Christians who are struggling in life.  Now, Paul said in Philippians 4:19 (see above) that God will supply all our needs.  However, He may choose to supply these needs for another through us.  If He provides abundantly for us, maybe it is to meet ours and another’s needs as well.  I want to say though there is nothing wrong with getting some things that we want.  But we cannot desire so much that we begin to love things more than God and others.   

Paul, in his first letter to Timothy, wrote the following.  “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.  Paul is not saying that money itself is the problem, but it is the love of it that is the issue.  One of these evils can be, and many times is, the neglect of His people who are in need so that our wants are satisfied.  Again, I am not saying that getting what we want is wrong.  It is putting these wants ahead of what God deems as more important.  Just as money is not bad, but the love of it can lead to many forms of evil. 

Therefore, the important idea here in our focus verse is that we should not put money ahead of what God desires us to do.  And secondly, we should not put money ahead of God when it comes providing for our needs.  And lastly, we should not put money ahead of meeting the basic needs of others. There is nothing wrong with money, but it is the position it holds in our lives that can be the issue.  We must not trust anything other than God Almighty to meet our needs.  He has promised so many times throughout the scriptures that He will not forsake us.  God can and will use the things we have to meet our needs.  But we must not come to the point where we think money will supply all our needs, and thus placing it in a position where we rely on it for everything.  It is not money that meets our needs, but it is God who does.  He loves us beyond our greatest understanding, and He is the only person and thing we should rely on to meet our every need.       

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

Hebrews 4:15

Verse of the Day Devotion: Hebrews 4:15  

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” – Hebrews 4:15 

Let us begin by putting this verse in the positive instead of the negative.   I do not think this will violate this verse but will perhaps bring more clarity.   “For we do have a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, since He was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.’   This book of Hebrews was written specifically to possibly two camps of Jews in my opinion.  First of all it was written to a Jew that was on the fence concerning Jesus Christ being THE Messiah (Priest, King, and Prophet) as foretold in the Old Testament writings.  They were fully Jewish in the sense that they obeyed and followed the Law of Moses but would not cross over into faith in Jesus the Christ.  The second possible group of Jews reading this could have been Jews that did embrace and believe that Jesus was the Messiah (Priest, King, and Prophet) but due to extreme persecution perhaps, they wanted to revert backwards to outwardly embrace the religion of Judaism and its governing laws and requirements so as to escape persecution and/or death.  

Today, in this age of Grace, the meaning of this verse has great significance, assurance, and promise for both Jew and Gentile.  The role of the High Priest functioned in the tabernacle or Temple as the go-between of a Holy God and a sinful people.  Aaron, the older brother of Moses, was the first High Priest to have this role in serving God in the tabernacle (Exodus 28, 29).  Therefore beginning with Aaron as the High Priest he would enter the Holiest of Holies on the Day of Atonement once a year and sprinkle sacrificial animal blood on the Mercy Seat and the peoples’ sins would be covered for another year.  And every year following this would take place.  But Jesus was not a descendant of Levi nor a descendant of Aaron’s priesthood.  Jesus was the great High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, the priest of the God Most High (Genesis 14:18) who represented all of mankind.  And by Jesus’ own sacrificial blood shed on the Cross was atonement made for all mankind and He entered not the earthly tabernacle but the Heavenly tabernacle and presence of God as the great High Priest and the only go-between for God and Man.   After His resurrection, Jesus the Son of God passed through the heavens as the great High Priest and is sitting at the Right hand of the Father (Heb 4:14). 

Jesus being fully God and fully man (“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily…” Col 2:9), is therefore able to sympathize with our weaknesses.   The word ‘sympathize’ in the Greek means to ‘have sympathy, compassion, and pity for someone – to share the feelings and understand the sentiments of what a person is going through’.    Wow!  May that alone bring you comfort in your understanding of how Jesus personally views you and the struggles you face each day in this fallen world.  To further the point, Jesus as the great High Priest sympathizes with our weaknesses.  With ‘our’ weaknesses.  We all have them.  We are all in the same boat when it comes to having weaknesses.   No matter how lovely or holy someone you know appears to be, underneath the surface they struggle just like you do.   This word ‘weaknesses’ is a Greek word that is much broader than our understanding of being weak, as opposed to strong. It is the ‘incapacity or sickness or disease within, that prevents us from doing what we desire’.  Romans 16:9a says, “I speak in human terms because of the ‘weakness’ (the incapacity to do what is right) of your flesh’.   This same Greek word is also translated as ‘infirmities’ twelve times, primarily speaking of the physical weakness, sickness, disease, and incapacity we might have.   John 5:5 says “Now a certain man who was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years…”  Jesus told this man with this physical infirmity to ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk.’   Paul writes in II Cor 12:10 “Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities…..for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  

Take pleasure in our infirmities?   Wait a second.   This must be a misprint.  No, it is not.   Paul understood the reality of Jesus as the great High Priest who is sitting at the Right hand of the Father at this very moment (Heb 8:1).  Paul understood that Jesus does accurately sympathize with our weaknesses and infirmities as human beings and our daily struggles of temptation because Jesus Himself lived on this earth with a complete human nature just like yours, yet without that human nature being diseased by sin.  In every way, Jesus’ humanity correlates to our own experiences.    YOU are not alone.  As a believer, be reminded of this amazing truth of our Lord and Savior.  HE is the great High Priest sitting next to God the Father.  He knows and understands everything you go though. Because of His compassion, mercy, and grace, you can tap into His grace to help in time of need.     What a glorious High Priest and Savior we have!

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

Hebrews 11:6

Verse of the Day Devotion: Hebrews 11:6 

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6 

The writer of Hebrews lays out in a succinct manner what is pleasing to God.  It is faith in Him.  You see that clearly in the first part of the verse where is says “And without faith it is impossible to please Him” Hebrews 11:6a.  Actually, this phrase is stronger that what appears here, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him at all.”  Without faith, there is no way to please Him at all. We can do all kinds of things that we believe will make Him happy, but without faith we are wasting our time.  In fact, Paul goes as far to say, “The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.” Romans 14:22-23.  Note4 what this verse said, whatever is not from faith is sin.  This is why doing anything without faith does not please Him. 

Now, going back to verse one, we see two components of faith.  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1   First, it is the substance of things hoped for.  Now this definition of hope is much different then how we see it.  We often say, “I really hope our team wins” or “I hope that book I ordered comes in today”.  Modern man sees hope as something they desire to come to pass.  However, hope in reference to the book of Hebrews sees it as “the assurance of things hoped for.”  This fits beautifully when we see the object of the hope here.  It is the fulfillment of things God has promised.  We know God will do what He has promised.  “For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore, also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Second, “the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1b.  As the first component deals with future items, this one address past, and present issues that we have not seen.  It says that even if we do not see it, we believe it happened as He said.  Classic examples of this is the creation of the heavens and the earth, the flood that destroyed the world, except for those in the Ark, the miraculous conception of Christ, His resurrection from the dead, His ascension to glory, His mediation at the right hand of the Father, etc.   In essence, believing everything we are told by Him without needing any other proof but His words. 

Wrapping this up, the way we please God is to have the faith to believe everything He has said, is saying and will say to us.  It also says in our focus verse that we must believe that He is.  We must believe He is who He says He is, and not that He might be.  We also must understand that He loves us and rewards those who truly seek after Him.  If we do not believe Him in one thing, it will be difficult to believe Him in all things.  And when we do believe Him, He takes great pleasure in that and will reside with us, blessing us with His presence.  What greater reward can we have than to be in His presence forever.

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

Hebrews 10:25

Verse of the Day Devotion: Hebrews 10:25 

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:25 

Throughout the new testament the gathering together with fellow believers was deemed an important thing to do.  Why is this important?  The writer of Hebrews tells us,  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works”   Hebrews 10:23-24.  Here, he is encouraging believers to stand firm in the faith.  During the time of this writing, the church was experiencing strong persecution.  The writer is encouraging them not to give up but remain faithful to God.  He is faithful in His promises to them, promises which include always being with them, and when all this is over, they shall receive eternal life.   

I am sure that there were some who were weak and struggled during this time of trial.  Therefore, in the next verse we read, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” Hebrews 10:24.  What he is saying is there is a need to work with fellow believers, especially those who are new believers, encouraging them to persevere in their Christian walk.  The idea is that much can be accomplished in securing perseverance and continuation in the faith by mutual and loving exhortation.  They were not to be arrogant, nor be selfish and look only at their own interests, but were to, in kindness, address the needs and concerns of each other.  They were experiencing the same trials; however, some were stronger than others.  Those who were stronger should endeavor to strengthen those who were not as strong, helping and encouraging them in the Lord and in the work they were called to.  “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Philippians 2:3-4.

Therefore, it is important that we meet together regularly, both in public and private settings, to encourage each other to grow in the fear and instruction of the Lord.   As our focus verse says, we are not to neglect getting together with our fellow Christians.  Too often Christians, and I am sad to say, many churches, do not follow this idea.  We must make ourselves available to get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ so that we can help them during difficult times.  And get to know them Intimately, not just in a superficial way.  They must know they can trust us if they are going to listen to us and share with us.  And the reason for this is found in the last part of our focus verse, “and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25b.  As persecution against Christians grow, we all are going to need each other to encourage us to remain strong.  I am going to need all of you, and you are going to need all of us. 

I want to exhort all of us to make time to get together with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We need each other, and all the more as the end approaches.  There are many of us who struggle and do not find it easy to share with just anybody.  And who is to say that each of us is not that one person for someone out there?  We must make it a point to be ready to help and encourage all who need our help during tough times.  Many, when in weakness, begin to question their faith.  Peter, in his first epistle, told us what we must do.  “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:14-16. 

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

Hebrews 10:36

Verse of the Day Devotion: Hebrews 10:36 

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” – Hebrews 10:36

These are troubling times, and one group that is being greatly challenged are Christians.  The enemy is wreaking havoc on this world.  Christian persecution is increasing around the world, and this includes here in the United States.  Just as an example, during this pandemic, the reopening of churches in various places have stricter rules than other public gatherings.  However, the Word warns us about this.  “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12.  And again, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4:12-14. 

Now, what I want to do here is encourage everyone reading this.  Yes, there will be persecution and tribulation.  But we also have great promises as well.  Paul asks the following rhetorical question.  “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Romans 8:35.  And then he gives the answer.  “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39.  God loves us with an everlasting love.  No matter what we go through, He is with us and will help us through.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  We can call out to Him no matter what is happening.  Therefore we can get through no matter what the enemy brings our way.

Now, back to our focus verse.  “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.“  Hebrews 10:36.  We must have patience when any form of trial comes our way.  It is important that we persevere through every trial understanding that we are not alone, for the all-powerful and all-knowing God is right there with us.  If we cannot do anything to rectify it, then we must be patient and remain calm as we lie in the hands of God and submit to His will, for we know He knows all things, nothing is a surprise to Him.  And remember, as Paul so clearly stated, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. 

And finally, when we are patient and endure through all things that comes our way, we shall then receive what has been promised us.  That being our eternal inheritance of life in heaven with God.  In heaven we shall experience perfect love.  We shall be completely at peace and will never be troubled again.  John described this life like this.  “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4. 

This is ours if we stand strong and persevere through every hardship that comes our way.  These are His promises to us.  So, let us always do the will of God, never giving in to our fears but holding fast to what He has told, given, and promised us.  If we do, what an eternal future we have to look forward to.

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

Hebrews 8:13

Verse of the Day Devotion: Hebrews 8:13 

“When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.” – Hebrews 8:13 

When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He set up a covenant with His people which was called the Mosaic covenant, because it was given to Moses on Mt. Sinai.  The roots of this Old Covenant actually can be traced back to Abraham, the forefather of Israel.  It was a conditional agreement that God made with the Israelites via Moses.  Under the Old Covenant the people were required to keep the Law and then God would protect and bless them.   And every year, the High Priest was to enter the Holy of Holies. Where God’s presence dwells, and to make a sacrifice, first for their own sins, and then the sins of the people.  The main idea of the Old Covenant was to keep the Law, and then offering a sacrifice if they fail to, for the sin of not obeying.

In the New Covenant, we have one sacrifice that will address all our sins, and the sins of all mankind.  No need for any daily or yearly sacrifice, but one sacrifice, already made by Jesus the Christ.  And since He was perfect, with no sin, there is no need for Him, our High Priest, to offer a sacrifice for Himself.  His death pays the penalty for all of our sins if we accept the work done for us through Christ dying on the cross and the rising from the dead.

And the new covenant is one where, as John wrote, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15.  Our love for Christ should be such that we desire with all of our being to obey Him.  As a Pastor friend of mine said many times, “It is not that we have to, it is that we get to.”  I have carried this word for a long time.  We should go to church not because we have to, but because we get to.  We should help our neighbor not because we have to, but because we get to.  We should study His word not because we have to, but because we get to.  This is a totally different idea than the Old Covenant.  We should be a servant of God because we desire to, we have a passion to, and that we would do anything to please Him.  If we only serve Him because we are simply following rules and do not desire or have a passion to, how different are we then the Jews who simply followed the law because they believed they had to?

I want to encourage us all to develop such a relationship with God that, regarding our service and worship of Him, our “have to”  turns into “get to”.  It is then that our life will be filled with more peace and joy then ever before. 

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

Hebrews 13:16

Verse of the Day Devotion: Hebrews 13:16 

“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. – Hebrews 13:16      

In this section, the writer of Hebrews speaks of acts that are pleasing to God.  First, the sacrifice of animals does not bring delight to our God.  Previously, the writer of Hebrews put it this way.  “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.” Hebrews 10:4-6.  The writer declares these two ideas in this section.  One, animal sacrifices cannot take away any sins, for they were only a picture of the coming Messiah as the perfect lamb who would take away their sins.  And two, God took no pleasure in them.  They did nothing regarding divine justice, they only fulfilled the law as though they could atone for their own sins.

So, if a sin offering is not pleasing, what is?  “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.  Micah mentions three things God requires of us.  To do justice, that is, at a minimum give everyone what is due them.  To love kindness, or mercy as other translations put it, that is to show mercy, benevolence and love to others.  And lastly, to walk humbly with God.  These are the things that please God.

Now, these three things are found in Hebrews.  First, we see the following.  “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15.  We are to continually offer up praise to God.  This is a sacrifice from the fruit of our lips.  We are to thank Him for all He has done, is doing, and will do for us.  We are to express this with a thankful and humble heart for He provides all good things which we cannot provide for ourselves, especially the remission of our sins through the actual sacrifice alluded to in the Law.  This is what Micah intended by walking humbly with your God.  True worship and praise is done humbly and with thanks before our almighty God, recognizing His Lordship and goodness to us.

Now, notice the first four words in our focus verse.  ‘Now do not neglect’.  Yes, we are to give all of our thanks, praise and worship to God.  However, we are not to neglect doing good to others.  We are not to neglect providing for the needs of others when we have plenty.  This may require giving more than we ever thought of giving, for this may be what God calls us to do.  But, as the end of this verse tells us, these sacrifices offered freely are what God is pleased with.  In the sacrifice of praise, we are showing our love for God.  In do good and sharing with others, we are showing our love to our fellow man.  In both, we are fulfilling the most important commandments God has given us.  “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31.  These are what truly  pleases God.

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