Luke 6:27-28

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Luke 6:27-28

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” – Luke 6:27-28

This is probably one of the most difficult requirements Jesus gave to His disciples, and ultimately us who are His modern-day disciples.  He tells us in many places to love others, but here He specifically says to love our enemies.  Matthew records it in his gospel as follows, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44. It is so easy for us to hate those who hate us or those who do us harm or steal from us.  Or we may not hate them but will have no desire to do any good to and for them.  However, He requires us to do much more.  He says we are to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us.  We are not to think badly of them, but to pray that God will turn their hearts to Himself and be willing to be used by Him for this purpose.   

The attitude we are to have is not one of anger or hatred.  God loves everyone and desires all to be saved.  “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.  And this is the main reason He desires us to love our enemies.  Both to bring salvation to the lost and to bring correction to the saved who struggle in sin and think badly of others.  In fact, in the next verse he goes further.  “Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.” Luke 6:29.  We are to be patient under injuries that are being put upon us and benevolent toward the unthankful.  Matthew adds the following in his version.  “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” Matthew 5:40-41. The basic idea here is that we are not to return evil for evil, but if possible, show your love by going beyond their demands. 

He then again takes it a step further.  “Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.” Luke 6:30.  Whatever sense we put on the Lord’s precepts, not by force, but by consent, having either lent them, or sold them to him: for if they were taken away by force, the person so taking them was to be deemed a thief and a robber, and to be treated as such; but one that takes them by agreement, and is not able to make a return of them, or to give a valuable consideration for them, of such an one ask them not again: do not exact or demand them, but give him a release, as the law requires.  This law is found in Deuteronomy 15:1-2, “At the end of every seven years you shall grant a remission of debts. This is the manner of remission: every creditor shall release what he has loaned to his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother, because the LORD’S remission has been proclaimed.” Deuteronomy 15:1-2.  I know this is a part of the Jewish Law, however the idea has also been told by Jesus to His disciples.

Jesus then continues this idea with the following.  “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.  If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount.” Luke 6:32-34.  Jesus is saying here if we only love those who love us, do good to those who do us good, or only lend to those we expect to have it returned, how different are we from what the world does.  Our love for others should go far beyond what the world expresses. 

He then concludes as follows.  “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:35-36. He lays it out clearly.  We are to be merciful to all just as God the Father is merciful.  We are to be kind to ungrateful and evil people just as He is.  What is more important, getting our way or letting God have His way?  He desires us to be a light in the darkness,  shining out to the world the truth of the gospel and the love and salvation God has for them.  We may be wronged or taken advantage of but look what lies ahead in the new heaven and earth.  Really, there is no comparison.

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

Luke 5:27

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Luke 5:27 

“After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, Follow Me.” – Luke 5:27

This verse speaks of Jesus’ call to Matthew, also known as Levi, to be one of His disciples.  Matthew was seen by Jesus sitting in the tax booth when He was called by Jesus to follow Him.  Matthew, having heard Jesus call him did not hesitate but left immediately.  “And he left everything behind and got up and began to follow Him.” Luke 5:28. Not long afterwards, he gives a big reception for Jesus at his home where many other tax collectors reclined at the table with them.  Now, tax collectors in probably every culture in every time in history are some of the most disliked of all people.  And in the New Testament, the occupation of tax collector, or publican was looked down upon by the general population because it was generally recognized they required more than the taxes due in order to keep the overage for themselves.  Also, they were Jews who worked for the hated Romans.

We then read that there were some present, mainly Pharisees, who did not approve of these publicans being there. So, they complained and asked Jesus and His disciples a question.   “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” Luke 5:30b.  To the Pharisee, a sinner was a Jew who did not follow the Law, which included the Pharisees’ own rules.  And a tax collector was someone who was considered absolutely dishonorable. 

Jesus understood how people viewed tax collectors and used it as an illustration of church discipline.  “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17.  He uses this simply as a means to explain the result of people who do not repent of a wrong done using wording they would understand.  Jesus’ then answers, making it clear why He chose Matthew.  “And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32. 

Jesus saw tax collectors as those who were spiritually sick to be healed.  The Jews saw them as enemies to be shunned by all.  Jesus was offering forgiveness and the expectation of a new life, where the Pharisees simply offered them the Law that was to be rigidly followed.  Jesus offered grace, where the Jews offered strict obedience to a set of rules.  It is obvious why tax collectors viewed Jesus favorably. 

Jesus has called us to tell everyone the good news of the gospel.  “And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15.  Too often, Christians choose not to go out and spend time with the unsaved for they do not wish to be seen as being associated with them. This is sad, for many times people will not listen to someone who they believe really do not care about them but only do it because they have to.  But what did Jesus do?  He fellowshipped with them and went out to those who did not know Him and shared the truth.  And we are to do the same.  John put it this way, “whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” 1 John 2:6.  As Jesus was willing to fellowship with unbelievers in order to present the gospel to them, we should also be willing to do the same. 

I want to encourage us all to take whatever opportunities come our way to be a light in the world, shining it upon the unsaved, sharing the gospel with them so they can accept Christ as savior.  And also let your life show the reality of your walk.  “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.  God desires all should repent and be saved.  Let us be those who help make this happen as we are able.  It is our calling in this world.

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

Luke 16:13

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Luke 16:13 

“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” – Luke 16:13 

First, I want to clarify the meaning of the word ‘Hate’ in this context.  The meaning here is not necessarily to detest and/or despise, but to ‘love less’.  As an example, you have a choice between two cars that you can buy.  There is one car you absolutely love, while the other you love as well, but not as much.  Thus, you love the second car less than the first car.  And stating as our focus verse says, the first car you love and second care you hate.

Now, let us look at this verse.  We cannot serve two masters. This is fairly clear.  I have been in a situation where I had two people over me at the same time.  I was a computer programmer responsible for much of the financial systems in the company.  There was a time when one wanted me to focus on one problem, whereas the other wanted me to ignore that issue and focus on what he wanted.  I had to make a decision as to which one I would serve at that moment, for I could not serve both because they required different duties.  Now, I was able to make a decision based on which caused the greatest problems to those who used the programs.  As stated, I could not do both because one wanted ‘A’ to be done, while the other wanted ‘B’. 

Now, Jesus gives the reason why no one can serve two masters.  For we will love one master more than the other.  Putting this part of the verse into perspective, the master we love the most will be the master we focus on and serve.  Therefore, whatever we love the most is truly our master.  So, this leads to the basic question here.  Who do we serve?  If God requires us to do one thing, and our own desires requires us to do another, who will be our master? 

The Greek word translated wealth here is the word ‘mammon’.  It is interesting that Jesus uses this word, but it makes very clear what He intended.  Mammon was the name given to an idol worshipped as the god of riches.  The Jews used this word to denote wealth, and it is not known if any Jews ever formerly worshipped the actual idol Mammon.  What He is essentially saying is ‘you cannot serve the true God, and at the same time be supremely engaged in obtaining the riches of this world.‘  And unfortunately, many in this world look to obtain things over and above serving the true God.  They are more interested in storing up treasures here on earth.  Earlier in this chapter we read, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21. 

Putting these ideas together, No one can serve two masters, but that which he loves more will be the one he serves.  For if our goal is to gain much wealth in this world, then we do not desire to gain it in the next.  And which one will a man store up? It is where his heart is, it is what he loves and desire over the other.  It is always a good idea to examine our hearts to see what it is that drives us, what we desire over and above anything else.  Which is more important to us.  Our lives here and what we can store away or our future life and what we can store away there?  So, which do we love the most?  This answer makes clear which master we will serve.  For as our focus verse says, ‘we will be devoted to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and wealth” Luke 16:13b.

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

Luke 1:1-2:21

Verses of the Day Devotion: Luke 1:1-2:21                

Merry Christmas to all who are reading this.  Every year, just prior to the opening of our gifts, I read the Christmas Story to all who are celebrating Christmas with us.  I pray you find this  encouraging and possibly choose to read it on Christmas every year as well, to tell the story of the coming of the promised Messiah. God Bless you all and I pray this day will be a trues blessing to you and your family and friends.

Luke 1:1  Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, 

Luke 1:2  just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 

Luke 1:3  it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 

Luke 1:4  so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. 

Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

Luke 1:5  In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 

Luke 1:6  They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 

Luke 1:7  But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years. 

Luke 1:8  Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, 

Luke 1:9  according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 

Luke 1:10  And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 

Luke 1:11  And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 

Luke 1:12  Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 

Luke 1:13  But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. 

Luke 1:14  “You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 

Luke 1:15  “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. 

Luke 1:16  “And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 

Luke 1:17  “It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 

Luke 1:18  Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” 

Luke 1:19  The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 

Luke 1:20  “And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” 

Luke 1:21  The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 

Luke 1:22  But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. 

Luke 1:23  When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home. 

Luke 1:24  After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 

Luke 1:25  “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.” 

Birth of Jesus Foretold

Luke 1:26  Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 

Luke 1:27  to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 

Luke 1:28  And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 

Luke 1:29  But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 

Luke 1:30  The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 

Luke 1:31  “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 

Luke 1:32  “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 

Luke 1:33  and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 

Luke 1:34  Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 

Luke 1:35  The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. 

Luke 1:36  “And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 

Luke 1:37  “For nothing will be impossible with God.” 

Luke 1:38  And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 

Mary Visits Elizabeth

Luke 1:39  Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 

Luke 1:40  and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 

Luke 1:41  When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Luke 1:42  And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 

Luke 1:43  “And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 

Luke 1:44  “For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 

Luke 1:45  “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” 

Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat

Luke 1:46  And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, 

Luke 1:47  And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 

Luke 1:48  “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. 

Luke 1:49  “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. 

Luke 1:50  “AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. 

Luke 1:51  “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. 

Luke 1:52  “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. 

Luke 1:53  “HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed. 

Luke 1:54  “He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, 

Luke 1:55  As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.” 

Luke 1:56  And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home. 

The Birth of John the Baptist

Luke 1:57  Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. 

Luke 1:58  Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her. 

Luke 1:59  And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father. 

Luke 1:60  But his mother answered and said, “No indeed; but he shall be called John.” 

Luke 1:61  And they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name.” 

Luke 1:62  And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. 

Luke 1:63  And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, “His name is John.” And they were all astonished. 

Luke 1:64  And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. 

Luke 1:65  Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea. 

Luke 1:66  All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him. 

Zechariah’s Prophecy

Luke 1:67  And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 

Luke 1:68  “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, 

Luke 1:69  And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant— 

Luke 1:70  As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old— 

Luke 1:71  Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES, And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US; 

Luke 1:72  To show mercy toward our fathers, And to remember His holy covenant, 

Luke 1:73  The oath which He swore to Abraham our father, 

Luke 1:74  To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 

Luke 1:75  In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. 

Luke 1:76  “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS; 

Luke 1:77  To give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins, 

Luke 1:78  Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, 

Luke 1:79  TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” 

Luke 1:80  And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Luke 2:1  Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 

Luke 2:2  This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 

Luke 2:3  And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 

Luke 2:4  Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 

Luke 2:5  in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 

Luke 2:6  While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 

Luke 2:7  And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

The Shepherds and the Angels

Luke 2:8  In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 

Luke 2:9  And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 

Luke 2:10  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 

Luke 2:11  for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

Luke 2:12  “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

Luke 2:13  And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 

Luke 2:14  “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” 

Luke 2:15  When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 

Luke 2:16  So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 

Luke 2:17  When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 

Luke 2:18  And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 

Luke 2:19  But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 

Luke 2:20  The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. 

Luke 2:21  And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 

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

Luke 12:34

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Luke 12:34

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” –  Luke 12:34

One thing I have noticed during these extremely difficult and weird times is fear concerning current and future financial health.  People who are struggling to make ends meet, providing for the needs of their families, are increasing in numbers.  These are difficult times and we need to remain in prayer for everyone who is suffering because of the pandemic.   However, during times like these, we need to keep in mind what Paul wrote to the Philippians.  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.  I know this can be very difficult, and I am not trying to minimize the impact this is having on anyone.  From experience, I understand this.

However, we also need to understand that God loves us and he will never leave or forsake us.  As Christians, we need to decide what we refer to as our treasures.  In other words, what do we place the most value on.  And this is important for us to determine because, as our focus verse states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34. And where our heart is, there is where our focus will be.  Therefore, our focus should be on God who loves us and takes care of us and our needs.  “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” Luke 12:31.  

I have spent some time myself determining where my treasure is.  And to be honest, it has not been all what it should be.  I looked at what I focused on and realized that I need to adjust some areas in order to put things back to a proper perspective.  The main question I asked myself was, what is most important to me?  And when I thought through this, it was not things, for these are temporal, not eternal.  Another question I asked myself was, what would I not give up over anything else?  Jesus said the following in reference to this which can be difficult to contemplate but opens our minds to the reality of who we are.  “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29. 

So, all things said, I want to encourage everyone to examine where your heart is, which will show where your treasure resides.  The big question is, does God and His will take precedence over everything else?  If so, are you prepared, if He asks you, to give up everything?  This Jesus said to the rich young ruler.  “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”  Matthew 19:21.  I am not saying He will require this, but what if He does? 

It is always good to examine ourselves to see where we are.  Paul tells us to “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” 2 Corinthians 13:5.  It is always good to search ourselves to ensure  we are following Him as we should and have not deviated from what He says.  David prayed that God would show him.  “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24.  Sometimes we cannot see it, or maybe we do not want to see it.  If we ask Him truly desiring to know, He will show us and help us get back on the right path.  This is definitely where I want to see myself, and I am sure this is where you wish to be as well.

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

Luke 6:37

Verse of the Day Devotion: Luke 6:37  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 17:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: Luke 17:1 

“And he said to his disciples, temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!” – Luke 17:1        

Jesus is speaking here to the disciples regarding temptation.  He is telling them that, because of the depravity of man, there will always be something that tempts us to sin.  It may come in the form of an illicit desire, an offense someone does against us, or simply in the calling of our flesh.  Such is the flesh that there will always be someone or something that attempts to make us sin.  Matthew writes that we must rid ourselves of anything that causes us to sin.  “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” Matthew 5:29-30.  This is a difficult idea, but in essence it is saying that if anything causes us to sin, we must do what we can to remove it from our lives.

Now, this verse specifically addresses people who cause others to sin against God.  Therefore, in the process of eliminating all temptations from our lives, we may have to part ways with those who constantly work toward the goal of causing us to fall.  If they will not stop in their aberrant ways which causes us to desire things that constitute sinful behavior, whether that be in actions or thoughts, then we need to separate ourselves from them.  They are only attempting to counter the work of God in our Christian walk.  Satan is using them to cause God’s people to sin where possible. However, based on the next verse, God does not look favorably on this.  “But woe to the one through whom they (temptation) come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.” Luke 17:1b-2.  In other words, it would be better to die by drowning then to cause a Christian to sin.

It is important that we examine our lives also, as Christians, praying and asking God is there any way we may be causing our brothers and sisters to fall?  Do we wear immodest clothing when we go out?  Do we engage in improper conversations that may incite improper thoughts?  Or do we do things that are acceptable to us but may not be to some Christians?  “Therefore, let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil.” Romans 14:13-16.  If what we do, which we consider good, can cause a brother or sister to fall, then we must abstain from doing it.  And if there is any doubt, err on the side of caution and do not do it.  God will hold us accountable if we are the cause another Christian stumbling.  So, be careful and build up your brothers and sisters in the Lord and take no chance in tempting them to think or do something that they believe is wrong.

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

Luke 1:37

Verse of the Day Devotion: Luke 1:37 

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37

These words were spoken to Mary in answer to a question she posed to him.  The angel told her she would give birth to a son who would be the Son of God, the Most High, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.  Mary then asks the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34b.  He then explains to her that God will cause her to conceive the child, therefore He will be called the holy – The Son of God.  Then the angel tells her that Elizabeth, her relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, already in her sixth month.  After this, the angel speaks our focus verse, for nothing will be impossible with God.

Now, this is not the first time this idea was communicated in the scriptures.  We read in Genesis the following, “The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old? Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis 18:10-14. 

This idea is something we need to remind each other of on a regular basis.  Mary was told this when the angel said she would conceive and have a son even though she had never been with a man, and that Elizabeth would have a son in her old age, in fact she was already in her sixth month. And the Lord said the same thing to Abraham when Sarah questioned what the Lord told Abraham regarding her having a son in her old age.  Now, I ask the following.  How often do we question the Lord’s ability to take care of us?

If there is nothing God cannot do, and He loves us beyond our ability to comprehend, then we have nothing to fear.  God said He will be with us forever, and there is nothing that can prevent this.  “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39.  So, whatever happens to/for us, God allows it for His purpose.  And whatever does not happen to/for us, God does not allow it for His purpose.  If the enemy comes against us, the Lord allows it for His good purpose.  There is nothing in this world that occurs, no matter how good or bad it is, that surprises God and is not meant for good.  We must trust Him, that no matter what happens to us, God allowed it and therefore it is for our good, or someone else’s.

 Remember this when you find yourself in difficult times.  Trust Him in all things. Be at peace knowing your situation is not a surprise to God, and in fact will be used for some 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.  If He says everything will work toward our good, then it will and we can be at peace, for He can do anything, and we know all He does is good.

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

Luke 15:7

Verse of the Day Devotion: Luke 15:7 

“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” – Luke 15:7

At the beginning of chapter 15, we see many people coming to Jesus to listen to Him.  “Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him.” Luke 15:1.  There were many Jews around Him who took offense, for this was contrary to the ideas of the scribes and Pharisees who would not give any of these the time of day.  So they murmured loudly, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 5:2b.  You can sense the disgust in their wording.  So Jesus, having heard their words, tells them a parable. 

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?” Luke 15:4.  The tax collectors and the ones designated ‘sinners’ were of Jewish descent.  The Jewish nation was frequently represented as a flock of sheep.  “You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.” Psalm 77:20.  Therefore, Jesus is saying that these tax collectors and sinners are part of the flock of Israel, just as the scribes and pharisees are, and He was going out to bring them home.  This is what any shepherd would do when a sheep is lost.  Each sheep is as important as any of the others.  And Jesus says He rejoices when He brings him home.  “When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!”  Luke 15:5-6.  When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he carries him home rejoicing as he does, them he calls his friends and neighbors to celebrate with him.

This shows how important a single sheep is to the shepherd.  And this is also a great picture of how important we are to our shepherd as well.  Jesus here, in our focus verse, says the following.  “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7.  Finding a valuable lost object is always a time of celebration.  And the more valuable that object is, the greater the celebration.  This shows the value God places on a lost person, for there is greater joy over a repentant sinner than over those who do not need repentance for they are already in the flock.  He does rejoice over all, but for those who come home, the rejoicing is greater for a lost sheep has come home.

When we became saved by accepting the work Jesus did on the cross, there was much rejoicing in Heaven, celebrating another sheep has come home. For gentiles, we are grafted in and are part of the flock as well.  We are all that important to God and to all who are there.  God wants everyone to be saved.  “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.  And this is why we are sent out to spread the good news of Christ to all.  “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. 

By leading others to Christ, and showing them how to live that life, we cause a great celebration in Heaven that has no rival here on earth.  Let’s all go out and give Heaven many, many reasons to celebrate.

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

Luke 18:11

Verse of the Day Devotion: Luke 18:11  

“The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.” – Luke 18:11   

This verse refers to a Pharisee who entered into the temple to pray.  With him went another man, a tax collector, who also went in to pray at the same time.  You will see here two types of prayers.  One that is acceptable to God, the other which is not. 

First the prayer of the Pharisee. “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.” Luke 18:11-12.  Notice the focus points of this prayer.  First, he was thankful that he was not like other people.  This may sound good however, he is only pointing out sins of others.  He may not be a swindler or an adulterer or an unjust individual, however, he is looking at himself as being superior to others.  His focus was on how great he was, especially in comparison to others.  He is not looking at what he has done, but on what he has not done.  He first prays how thankful he is that he is not like anyone else, and then afterwards citing what good he does.  “I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.” Luke 18:12. This Pharisee obviously does not believe he has done anything wrong, for all he does is declare how good he is, with no mention of any need of forgiveness.  In fact, notice the first phrase in Luke 18:11, ‘The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself’.  This pretty much tells us how Jesus saw this prayer.

Now, let’s look at the tax collector.  “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” Luke 18:13.  Here is the picture of a man who knows he has failed in many ways.  He felt so bad, he would not even look upward toward heaven, but kept his eyes down in humility.  He was also beating his breast.  This beating of his breast was a picture of excessive grief regarding his sin.  This idea was practiced in most nations regarding a deep, heartfelt despair.  He did not build himself up but recognized his sinfulness and cried out to God for mercy, because he was a sinner.  He did not proclaim any good regarding himself.  He saw a need for forgiveness and mercy from God. 

And how does Jesus see these two?  “I tell you this man (the tax collector) went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14. We must go before Him in humility, not comparing ourselves with others, but comparing ourselves to the one who came to die for our sins; the perfect one Jesus the Christ.  And when we fail to be like Him, then we ask for forgiveness with our whole heart, knowing He will forgive us.  If we only look at men and their failings and are thankful we have not failed as they have, we ignore our own failings, and we see a distorted view of ourselves.  “For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.” Galatians 6:3-5. 

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