Ephesians 6:10

Verse of the Day Devotion – Ephesians 6:10

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” – Ephesians 6:10.

In the beginning of this chapter, Paul stated to the Church in Ephesus the duties which they were to perform in doing the work of God.  He had considered the various relations of life, including children who were to obey and honor their father and mother, and the father who was not to provoke their children.  Back then slaves were found all over the area there, and so he encourages them to obey their masters.  And to obey them “not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Ephesians 6:6.  In other words, not simply look like they were doing their jobs, but actually doing it.  And he clarifies this with the next verses, “With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.” Ephesians 6:7-8.  And he also speaks to masters, where he says “And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.” Ephesians 6:9.

So, Paul was not unaware that in the discharge of their duties they would need strength from above. He knew that they had great and mighty foes, and that to meet them, they needed to be clothed in a spiritual form of a uniform of the soldier.  Paul therefore closes by exhorting them to put on all the strength which they could to meet the enemies with which they had to contend; and in the commencement of his exhortation, he reminds them that it was only by the strength of the Lord that they could hope for victory. To be “strong in the Lord” is to first be strong and courageous in his cause, and also to feel that he is our strength and to rely on him and his promises.

Throughout the scriptures God has promised to help us through difficult times.  Paul wrote to the Philippians “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.  He also wrote to the Church in Rome, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.  In both of these verses, he is telling us that God will supply everything we need, both in material things as well as in addressing times of difficulty. 

And the prophet Isaiah tells us that we have no reason to be afraid, for God is with us, His people.  “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.  And in Deuteronomy we read, “Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:7-8. 

Over this week, I will be looking at the verses that refer to the armor of God. And why should we focus on this?  “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”  Ephesians 6:11.  We are not in this alone.  God is with us and will give us the things we need to stand firm against the evil that the enemy throws our way.  God loves us greatly and will provide all we need to stay true to Him. 

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

2 Timothy 1:8

Verse of the Day Devotion:  2 Timothy 1:8  

“Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.” – 2 Timothy 1:8

This is Paul’s second letter to Timothy, his companion and partner along with Silas.  In this part of the letter, Paul is encouraging his disciple Timothy to stand strong for the gospel of Christ.  He starts by telling Timothy that he is reminded of his mother and grandmother.  “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.” 2 Timothy 1:5.  They were strong women of faith that set the foundation for Timothy.  And because of them, he had the opportunity to work with Timothy regarding Christ.  “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6.  Paul here is using the analogy of a fire as representing the gift God gave him.  The idea here is that if this gift is not frequently stirred up and fresh fuel added, it will go out.

He goes on to tell Timothy God has given him a gift of boldness.  “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7.  The idea here is that the spirit which He gave us, was not the spirit of timidity or cowardice, which is weakness, but of power exhibited in a fearless testimony for Christ.  And this power comes through the gift of the Holy Spirit.  “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49. 

Paul then tells Timothy to let his boldness shine forth.  In our focus verse we see, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,” 2 Timothy  1:8.   He is encouraging Timothy to join him in his suffering which is a result of his sharing the truth regarding the gospel according the power of God. 

And this gospel is from God “who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.” 2 Timothy 1:9-11.  And it is because of this gospel, which is absolute truth, he has suffered.  “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12.

And we should be encouraged by this as well.  Many in this world are turning away from belief in Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings our way, and ridicule us who continue to declare the truth of the gospel as a way to save us from our sins which will result in eternal life with God.  If we truly believe this, we should never be ashamed to share this truth to all so that many can believe and be saved as well.  The definition of ashamed is a feeling of shame, guilt or disgrace for something you have done.  We should never feel shame, guilt or disgrace because we have shared the gospel or stood firmly for the truth.  If we do feel shame, then we need to look at ourselves and see where we are and then pray that God will help us, knowing that the gospel is truth, to live like it is truth.  If we show timidity it may hinder others from seeing the truth in us. 

Let us always be proud and determined to declare and live the truth of the gospel of Christ.  We should forget the ways of the world and do the work God has called us to.  “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. 

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

Exodus 20:12

Verse of the Day Devotion: Exodus 20:12

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.” – Exodus 20:12

In the last Daily Devotion, we looked at not using the name of the Lord in a way that was vain and not honorable and reverent which He is worthy of.  The first four commandments were on are found on what is known as the first tablet, addressing our relationship.  These next six are found on the second tablet which addresses our relationship with our fellow man.  This goes perfectly with what Jesus said to the Sadducee that asked Him what the greatest commandment was.  “And He said to him, YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. On these two commandments depend on the whole Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 22:37-40.  Note the two parts.  “You shall love the Lord your God” goes with the first tablet; commandments 1-4, while “Love you neighbor as yourself” goes with the second tablet; commandments 5-10.

The word “honor” comes from the same Hebrew word from which “glory” does.  We are to show them reverence as Moses said in Leviticus.  “Every one of you shall reverence his mother and his father, and you shall keep My sabbaths; I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:3. This is not to infer that we are to worship them, but that we honor them for who they are, our parents, the ones who gave birth to us and cared for us when we could not care for ourselves.  We should come when they call, go where they send us, and do what they bid us to do.  We are not to do what they tell us not to do, in all things doing them cheerfully and out of love.  We are to respect them and respect their advice, for they desire the best for us. 

Paul wrote this to the Church in Ephesus regarding this verse. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.” Ephesians 6:1-3.  Paul is emphasizing the promise in this commandment, that being “that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.” Exodus 20:12b.  We see a clarification of this in Deuteronomy.  “Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the LORD your God gives you.” Deuteronomy 5:16.  If they honor them, things will go well for them in the land which the Lord has given them.  Long life was considered a blessing in itself.  And the wording “that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the LORD your God gives you.” denotes the blessing of a long and fruitful life.

It is important that we honor our parents by following their advice and obeying them.  They gave birth to us and they spent many years taking care of us, and preparing us for the life we live now, and will live if we are still at home.  Too many kids today do not listen to their parents, and they find themselves getting in trouble from going astray.  And as adults, we should still listen to our parents for they can be the source of much wisdom.  They can tell us times where they were struggling and help us not to struggle in the same way.  Therefore, listen to what they say and do not ignore them  Learn from their mistakes and their wisdom.  Things will go well if we do.

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

Exodus 20:7

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Exodus 20:7

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” – Exodus 20:7  

Our focus verse this week speaks of the third commandment. This is a verse that many do not understand in the fullness meant.  Many believe this means using the Lord’s name as a swear word, and this is included in the meaning.  However, there is much more that is intended by this phrase.  First, let us look at the Lord’s names based on what scripture says.  His name plays an essential role in the scriptures. 

Let us look at several verses that show His glory is exhibited through His name.  “O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!” Psalm 8:1.  And this one, “He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name.”   Psalm 111:9. In both of these verses, God’s name is exalted.  It is holy and awesome because of who He is.  His name is who He is; exalted, holy and awesome.  However, many times it is used in a less than a positive manner, and unfortunately, this shows how those who speak this way see Him.

In the Lord’s prayer, we are taught the manner we are to  address God.  “Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9b-10.  His name and majesty should be one of the foremost thoughts in our prayers.  But as I read recently, too often we barge into God’s presence with presumptuous ‘to-do lists’ for Him, without being mindful of His holiness, awesomeness and the vast chasm that separates our nature from His.  We must be careful when we go to Him in prayer that we remember who He is and our love for Him. 

Another way we take His name in vain is via hypocrisy.  By hypocrisy is meant making profession of God’s name, but not living up to that profession. If we call ourselves followers of God, then we should live as such.  This include making promises to God and not keeping them.  Also, when we make rash swearing in vows such as  “I swear to God I will do it.”  The scripture are clear about this.  “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” Matthew 5:37.  The idea is that we should not make a vow anytime, except when required in civic matters.  For if we do not follow through, then we break our vow.  This leads to using the name of God lightly and carelessly.  Examples of this are “Oh my God” or the name Jesus Christ in a form not referring to Him. 

There is so much that can be said here.  However, what is important is that we understand any reference to the name of God in a way that does not refer to His greatness, holiness, exaltedness should never be done.  He is the almighty  God who has no beginning or end, created everything that is and loved us so much that He provided forgiveness of all our sins through the death, burial and resurrection of His Son Jesus.  Knowing this, we should see Him for who He is, the Almighty One, and at no time should we use His name in any way that does not bring Him glory, honor, and praise. And if we do we will suffer the consequences of this act however God chooses.  “for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7b.  As Paul wrote “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8.  And as we think in this way so we should speak this way as well.

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

Psalm 37:18

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Psalm 37:18  

“The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will be forever.” – Psalm 37:18

I do not believe many will question the idea that these are difficult times.  There has been a terrible pandemic that has effected practically everyone in this world.  And because of this many are suffering physically because of the virus.  And a side affect has been the financial upheaval what with the shutting down of small businesses and the fear that is held by many such that they stay home and have few interactions with family and friends.  No one knows how long this will last, and it seems like it will be years before things start coming back to normal.  And based on what we hear on the news and read in the newspapers this may be a completely new normal.

But we as Christians can have hope for the present and the future.  In our focus verse we read, “The LORD knows the days of the blameless,” Psalm 38:18a.  The third word translated ‘knows’ is the Hebrew word yaw-dah’ which has a variety of rich meanings, however the idea here is that God knows the number of our days here and all that will happen to us.  As the theologian Albert Barnes puts it, “He sees their whole course of life; he sees the end. It is implied here that his eyes are on all the allotted days of their life; on all that has been ordained for them in the whole course of their life; and that nothing can shorten the days appointed to them.”  There is also the idea that God cares for our life and takes an interest in it. This shows the love God has for us that He will direct our steps.  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.  He will ensure that nothing will happen that we are unable to cope with.

And because of the above, we can be certain that we are taken care of, for God is watching over us.  However, the last part of this verse is very important as well.  “And their inheritance will be forever.” Psalm 37:18b.  We are promised an unbelievably wonderful future, and this future will be unending for we, as Christians, are children of God.  “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,” John 1:12.  And as Children we will live forever in His presence.  And because of this, we can be assured there will be no troubles or trials for all eternity. 

So, as believers when we look at our lives we see nothing but positives.  First, God knows everything about our lives, every moment of every day.  There is nothing that can happen that surprises Him.  And everything that occurs 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. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; ” Romans 8:28-29.  And everything about our life and calling are already determined.  “and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”  Romans 8:30.  And therefore, we can be at peace in everything now and going forward, for there is nothing but good ahead.  Praise God!!!

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

Psalm 86:15

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Psalm 86:15  

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 86:15 

This psalm addresses a situation where David was suffering because of ruthless and evil men.  “O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.” Psalm 86:14.  David is referring to a band of men who do not honor God, in fact they consider themselves to be above or more important than God, if they believe in Him at all.  They are terribly violent ones who breathe out nothing but cruelty and will slaughter as many as they have to. 

However, David is not alone.  He cries out to God for encouragement.  “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.” Psalm 86:15-17.  In our focus verse, He declares God is merciful and compassionate and tender hearted, as a parent is to his children being rich and plenteous in His mercy.  He also declares He is slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness. 

After this, David calls out to God for help.  “Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant.”  Psalm 86:16.  In these verses he is asking God to help him through all these troubles.  Help to be saved from these evil people who have caused him much trouble.  He asks God to be merciful and gracious to him and to give him the strength necessary to make it through these trying times.  And then he asks for a sign from God.  “Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.”  Psalm 86:17.  The sign was to bring shame on those who hate him because you have helped and comforted him.  This would probably cause them to doubt their ways and their ability to hurt David.  He desired that God would show them that they can do nothing harmful to him when God is involved.

So, I want to ask the following question.  When you find yourself in difficult situations, what do you do?  Do you spend time mourning and crying?  Do you cry out to God for help, or do you just cry out?  God does not change and neither do His mercies.  “So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:17-20.  When you find yourself in a situation where you do not see any good coming from it, go to God.  There is nothing impossible for Him and there nothing He does not foresee.  Trust Him in every way, for in Him we will be comforted and have victory.  “Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:31-33.

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

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Verse of the Day Devotion:  1 Thessalonians 4:17  

“Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:17

This verse addresses the coming of the Lord for His people.  Starting back in an earlier verse  we read, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14.  When He comes He will not come alone but will bring with Him  those who have died as Christians.  In other words, at His coming, those who have died in Christ will be resurrected just as Christ was.  We will not precede those who have died first but we will join them.

Next we see a clear picture of this coming.  “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16.  Jesus will not come quietly but will descend from heaven with a great shout, which will be accompanied by the voice of the archangel.  This could be Michael the archangel.  In Jude we read of Him, “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke you!” Jude 1:9.  We also see him mentioned in Revelation.  “And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war.” Revelation 12:7.  There is no indication what He will shout, but it will be such that all will hear it.  There is the possibility that He will call out to the dead in Christ to rise from the grave and to join Him. 

Then we come to our focus verse.  “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air,” 1 Thessalonians 4:17a.  Then, probably being called upon, we who are alive at His coming will be caught up in the air to join Christ and those in Christ who were resurrected.  Think about this a moment.  All people who died in Christ will be together in the air with Christ and those followers who did not die.  Millions and millions of people who have died in the faith, from the beginning of mankind to His coming, will be with Him at His return in the air.  This will be an amazing sight. And this verse ends with a beautiful statement.  “and so we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17b.  From this point forward, we will be with the Lord forever, for all eternity in the new heaven and earth. 

The times are difficult now and will only become harder leading up to the return of Christ.  The tribulations and trials we endure here will one day end, either we will die in Christ or we will live till He returns, at which both groups will join Him upon His return.  We shall then be with Him forever.  John, in telling of the words given to the church in Philadelphia, gives us a picture of our future.  “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.” Revelation 3:12.  We shall never leave our new home where we reside with God.  We shall be in His presence with no end; for death will not exist in the new Jerusalem. 

Matthew puts it this way.  “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34. 

Christ’s return will be like nothing we have ever experienced.  When He comes back, all His people will join Him in the air, first those who have died, then those who are still alive.  And where we ail spend eternity, the new heaven and earth will be far more wonderful then we can imagine.  “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. It shall be far more wonderful than we can imagine, and there is no chance that it will be thwarted.  What He has promised will also come to pass.  So, as the last verse in this chapter states, “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18.

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

1 Chronicles 16:11

Verse of the Day Devotion:  1 Chronicles 16:11 

“Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.” – 1 Chronicles 16:11

This verse is part of song of thanks to God by David.  In looking at this, we should see this as an example for us.  Starting in verse eight he says, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.” 1 Chronicles 16:8.  We should be thankful for everything that God has done for us, for everything He has given us, and all difficult situations that not only He has delivered us from, but also during current trials where He is with us and helping us.  Remember, He said He would never leave us or forsake us.  He will always be with us being we are His children and His people.  He also says we are to call upon His name, reaching out to Him in any time of need or just to give Him all the glory and honor due His name.  And when He helps us or does anything for us, we should tell our brothers and sisters in Christ so they can rejoice with us and also encourage those who find themselves in similar circumstances.

Next, it tells us that we are to praise and glorify Him.  “Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.” 1 Chronicles 16:9-10.  All praise is due Him and we should remember that God is the giver of good things.  “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17.  We should always remember to give Him all glory, praise  and thankfulness due Him.  And again, we should always be ready to speak of all His wonders and the goodness He gives to us.  We should seek Him and be glad that He reveals Himself to us, and we should take these revelations and speak to all we know of His wonders.

And now we come to our focus verse, “Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.” 1 Chronicles 6:11.  Our hearts should love Him with such fervency that we are continually dedicated to reaching out to Him and expressing our love to Him.  He should be the one we desire to be with at all times.  He is so good to us and always has our best in mind, even though we may not see it as best for us.  We must strive to know Him better than any one or anything.  He loves us more than we can imagine and our hearts should desire to, as the verse says, ‘seek His face continuously’. 

And moving forward, “Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth.” 1 Chronicles 16:12.  We should always look back and remember all the good things God has done, for us personally or for all His people.  Let us take the time to think about all the good He has done and all He has protected us from.  As stated above, all good things come from Him and it is always a good thing to look back and see the grace He has bestowed upon us.  He is due this and we should recognize them and be grateful. 

There are so many things we look for during our lifetime.  Some of them are definitely worthwhile, and some we should not be concerned about.  But one thing we should always strive for is His presence in our lives, His grace and goodness to us, and we should give Him thanks for all these things.  For all He has done for us, He is worthy of far more than we can ever give Him.  Seek Him continuously, and I believe you will be blessed far more than you ever have been before. 

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

Psalm 107:1

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Psalm 107:1  

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” – Psalm 107:1

This verse is a call to mankind to give thanks to God for His amazing mercy He has bestowed upon us.  And not just mercy regarding certain things we may be going through, but everything that God has done for us, whether we find it personally pleasant or not.  We must always remember that we may not have chosen certain outcomes in our lives, however, God does everything for our good.  We have no idea how to pray explicitly for our needs and trials, so we must rely on God to do what He knows is best.  “Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26:27. We must trust that God knows everything, from the beginning of all things to the end of all things. “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” Isaiah 46:8-10. Because of this knowledge that God has, He knows exactly how to  help us in our times of troubles because of this infinite knowledge as He searches our hearts and intercedes on our behalf. 

And because of this incredible God we serve, the one as stated above, who has infinite knowledge regarding what is and what shall be, and also what should be, ensures that we Christians will always experience what we can trust is good.  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.  And this is not just in this life, but for eternity; never to end.  “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Romans 8:29-30.  God knew us, who have accepted Him, from the beginning of time.  And it promises that we shall be conformed to the image of His Son.  We have been called by God, are justified by Him, and we are also glorified.  And because of all that God has given us, comforted us in times of trial, and prepared us for an infinite life, how can we not give thanks to our God.  “When You did awesome things which we did not expect, You came down, the mountains quaked at Your presence. For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts on behalf of the one who waits for Him.” Isaiah 64:3-4.  We cannot even imagine what we have to look forward to in eternity. 

So, back to our focus verse.  He has given us so much that we cannot begin to know and understand. He does everything for our good, even though we may not see it that way. He has prepared an eternity that we cannot even comprehend.  And He is always with us, for as He has told us through Moses, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6.  In all of this and so much more, how can we not be thankful for all His goodness.  “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Psalm 107:1.

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

Lamentations 3:40

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Lamentations 3:40   

“Let us test and examine our ways and return to the LORD!” – Lamentations 3:40

Let us start this with the verse just before our focus verse in order to understand what is being said.  “Why should a living man complain, a man, about the punishment of his sins?” Lamentations 3:39.  What he is saying is, if a man sins why should He gripe and complain about what happens to him.  The writer of Proverbs put it this way.  “When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD.” Proverbs 19:3. The writer is basically saying that when a man gives into the sinful ways and desires of his heart, it causes him to go astray from the ways God has called him to go.  And when things do not go well for him, he places all the blame upon God and not on the one who actually caused this to happen, himself.  Thus, the writer of Lamentations is saying, why should someone complain about what God allows to happen because of their sins?  I like the way Theologian Adam Clarke put it.  “He who has his life still lent to him has small cause of complaint. How great soever his affliction may be, he is still alive; therefore, he may seek and find mercy unto eternal life. Of this, death would deprive him; therefore let not a living man complain.” 

So, going back to verse 39, why should a man complain about the outcome of his own behavior?  At least he is still alive and can make adjustments in his ways.  And if he still lives, what should he do rather than sit around and complain?   The answer lies in our focus verse.  “Let us test and examine our ways and return to the LORD! “ Lamentations 3:40.  This is a more reasonable and profitable thing to do rather than complaining to and about God.  We should look within ourselves and see whether our ways have been good or bad.  Do we have things we do which are not good?  Do we think badly about others who may be more happy and  content than we are?  When we look inside, do we see areas which we know God is not happy with? 

The main idea here is that God is calling us to look inside ourselves and look deep within and see if there is anything we need to ask forgiveness for and repent of.  And ask God to help us see these things.  David called out to God and asked Him to assist in seeing what was in his heart.  “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting!”  Psalm 139:23-24. 

This should be our desire as we walk on the earth in the Lord.  We should want to see any wrong thing we do or desire and work toward wiping them out.  We should, with the Lord’s help, examine our heart and our ways, looking deep into what drives us  and what our focus is on.  And we should pray that God will take these desires away and lead us back to Him. 

This can be a difficult endeavor.  We may not want to know where our hearts are, what we desire in our lives, and where our thoughts lead us.  However, God wants us to do this and more, for He wants a great and loving relationship with us.  He has amazing grace for us and will forgive us when we repent of these things and give our all to Him.  So, take some time to make the same requests David made.  “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 139:23-24.  In doing this, we will test and examine our ways, and by making the necessary changes, we can return to the Lord and have a much more wonderful relationship with God than we ever had.

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