Matthew 6:21

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 6:21

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21

What do we treasure?  This is the question I ask myself when I read this verse.  Do not answer this hastily.  What things do we spend the bulk of our time thinking about?  Are they things that are found in this life, or are they things we shall have in the next life?  Now this verse is not saying that we should not think about our lives here.  What it is asking is what do we desire more?  What takes priority?

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,” Matthew 6:19. Jesus first discusses the things here in this life.  Is our priority those things that bring us pleasure here?  These can consist of the latest clothing fashions, the most elegant jewelry, the most opulent houses and vehicles.  The finest foods, the most expensive treasures, the most beautiful decorations.  They also consist of those things that lift us up above others, such as fame, and what gives us pleasure here.  Are these what we desire to the point we put our focus on attaining them?

— or —

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20. Is our priority that which pleases God, brings Him glory and provides what is necessary to prepare for our eternal existence after this life is over?  We are joint heirs with Christ. Therefore, our inheritance is the Kingdom of God. “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” 1 Corinthians 6:9a.

So, to sum this up, which is more important to us?  Is it our temporary life here, or our eternal life in God’s Kingdom?  Whichever is more important than the other will be what we focus on. Do we obey God’s or our own desires for us? Remember who’s we are.  “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. And to bring Him glory, we fulfil our calling from God.  “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20. Our calling is to spread the good news of Christ, either through direct teaching and/or showing the love of Christ, to all we come across. We are to share Christ though words and deeds.  If we see a need, meet it.  This may mean sacrifice, but is that not what Christ did for us?  The world needs to know God loves them and our message and good deeds will meet that need.

So, in closing, which of the two above is most important and is our focus?  Treasures on earth or treasures in heaven?  Our life here is temporary, our life in heaven will be eternal.  Where we store our treasures will give us the answer. As for me, I want to store up for the next life.  I pray this is your focus as well. William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Matthew 13:44

Verse of the Day Devotion Matthew 13:44 

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” – Matthew 13:44 

The parable we will look at today is of the Hidden Treasure.  Here is this parable, which is also our focus verse as told in Matthew’s gospel.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44.

Jesus here equates the kingdom to a man who finds treasure, one that is buried in a field. Treasure could denote where valuables are stored, as is found earlier in Matthew. “And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11. However, in this verse it denotes the valuable item itself.  In a day when places for keeping things safe that we take for granted (like the safe deposits in banks) did not exist people had to make their own arrangements. One method they employed was to bury their valuable possessions (as did the unprofitable servant who hid his talent instead of investing it). If anyone did this before going off on a journey and failed to return, the possessions remained there and might be found later through a chance discovery like that in this parable. And what kind of field this was unknown.  Could have been anything, however many believe it was a field for crops.

And there have been questions as to the morality of finding a treasure there, and then hiding it so he can purchase it. However, this is irrelevant in the meaning of the parable.  Jesus is not dealing with the morality or legality of the man’s action but making the point that there can be treasure such that it is worth selling everything in order to possess it, such as with membership in the kingdom.

Jesus says that the man was very happy over his discovery; finding treasure must surely be a joyful experience.  And the man’s joy leads him to go off and buy the field, even though this meant he must first sell all he has.  The man realized this treasure far surpassed the value of the sum of everything he has.  Therefore, he determined living with this treasure was better then living with what he had.

Jesus is not saying that a man may buy his way into the kingdom; that would fly in the face of all his teaching. The selling of all he has is rather a way of bringing out the truth that one should count all we have as lost for the sake of the kingdom, for this treasure is the grace and forgiveness of God, through the death of Jesus Christ, whereby we will live for all eternity with Jesus.  This parable thus begs the question.  Do we view salvation and eternity with God worth giving up everything we have?  Are we willing to give to give it all up, including our things, property, friends, reputation, etc. to follow Christ? This is what He cal of us.  He is asking us what we value more, the treasures of this world, or the treasures of God? The answer is very clear to me, God’s riches. It may not appear to be riches from the world’s point of view, but membership in the kingdom has infinite value which all the worlds wealth could never come close to matching.

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

Luke 18:22

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Luke 18:22  

“When Jesus heard this, He said to him, one thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” – Luke 18:22

“A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 18:18.  This young man was a ruler among the Jews.  He was also a very rich person who essentially lacked nothing.  This man was not a Sadducee because he believed in a future eternal life.  He asked Jesus a serious question because he was concerned about what he should do in order to receive and enjoy everlasting life.  However, he was looking at this from a legal standpoint, figuring that all good things are given him by his good works.  Therefore, he said “what shall I do to inherit eternal life. 

Jesus then asks him about what he said.  “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” Luke 18:19.  Knowing the young man was a Jew, Jesus knew this young man did not believe Him to be the Son of God.  He was one who believed keeping the Jewish law was important and helpful in attaining the favor of God.  And Jesus used this knowledge to open up the discussion regarding the Law.  “You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.”  Luke 18:20. 

The man then tells Jesus he has kept all these from his youth.  He was hinting that he knew it would require more than just following the Jewish Law, which it does.  But again, he believed their must be more that must be done.  Then Jesus tells the young man what he must do.  “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”  Luke 18:22.  What Jesus was telling him was he had to give up those things which were more important to him then God.  Mark adds an additional idea to this.  “Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him.” Mark 10:21a.  To many, money has become an idol, the thing they seek beyond everything else.  And this appears to be what was going on with this young ruler.  He responded by becoming very sad because of the great wealth he had.  These things he had accumulated along with the great wealth he had set aside was more important than the eternal life he asked about.

It is important that we examine our hearts and see if there is anything we would choose not to give up for the cause of Christ.  He is to be more important than anything else in our lives no matter what.  What is it that motivates you?  If it is other than doing God’s work or a relationship with Him, then, as Jesus said, we may have to give these things up.  We cannot allow anything to take precedence over God.  So, I want to challenge us, and I include myself in this as well, to look at what is the most important thing that drives us.  And if it Is not God, then we may have something we need to give up. 

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.  

Matthew 13:44

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 13:44 

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” – Matthew 13:44

This verse addresses the idea of the importance this Christian walk has in our lives.  It speaks of a hidden treasure in a field.  A man discovers this treasure while walking. This treasure is no doubt far more than just a bag or pot of coins.  The idea is of a gold or silver mine which was found under the field, wherewith the only way to access it is to buy the field.  He considered this treasure so great and valuable and was filled with such joy, he left it as it was and goes back and sells everything he has and purchases it. 

This parable of Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God; but more specifically, salvation provided by the death of Christ.  This treasure is seen through the gospel presented, either directly by someone bringing the word to us, or via some other medium.  We all, in one way or another, have heard the  gospel.  And this gospel is of inestimable worth, having a value beyond anything we could ever imagine. But the question is do we see the value of this treasure?     

The basic idea is, are we willing to give up everything for the cause of Christ?   This can be a difficult question.  In our past lives, we all had many things that were important or of great value to us.  The question is, stated more specifically, are any of these things more valuable to us than our service and devotion to God?  Jesus in this parable states that we should be willing to sell everything, or put another way, to give up everything for Christ.  This has nothing to do with our means of salvation, since this is completely the result of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.  Works has no part in our salvation however, it is the proof of our salvation.  “But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18. 

There is a phrase I use to denote this idea in my life of selling all I have to attain the treasure.  “If we are not all in, then we are not In at all.”  We must be willing to put God first in every area of our life.  We must be willing to give up those things, ideas or activities that are not honoring to Him.  Also, we must make all things secondary that gets in the way of our service to God.  Now, I am not saying we cannot relax, enjoy a good book / movie or spend time with friends and family.  Jesus himself would relax in the company of His disciples and others.  He does not prevent us from enjoying these times.  However, these things must not be ungodly nor take precedence over our calling from God. 

Now, I want to close this with a message of encouragement.  God wants us to enjoy life.  His desire is that we will draw closer to Him each and every moment.  And if we put Him first, this will be the life we will lead.  He is the one who helps us be content in our service to Him and our lives in this world.  “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6-8.  Godliness and obedience to His will brings contentment which is the source of God’s peace.  God wants us to enjoy our lives here, and contentment is the means by which it happens.  Give your all to God and hold back nothing.  You will be amazed at how rich and beautiful your life will become.

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

Proverbs 15:16

Verse of the Day Devotion: Proverbs 15:16 

“Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it.” – Proverbs 15:16  

This verse sometimes has been looked at in the wrong way.  It is not saying the poverty is better the affluence.  I have heard of many wealthy individuals who are quite content with humble goods.  The founder of Walmart, Sam Walton is a great example of what I am referring to. He was considered one of the richest, if not the richest man. In the United States.  At the time of his death in 1992, he had a net worth was around 6 billion dollars.  That was a good chunk of change back then.  However, it is said that he did not flaunt it.  He would drive a pickup around, many times simply wearing jeans and a shirt.  And, he served as an Elder and Sunday School teacher at his church, teaching high school age students.  And it is said he also was very generous in his giving, too.

Now, too often, people look at what they have and are discontent because they do not have all that they want.  Many times, however, they can be discontent not have all that others have as well.  I have known many people who desire to be seen as rich, and therefore spend an exorbitant amount of money in the process.  Unfortunately, the really do not have the money, so they go deeply into debt.  They buy a Jaguar instead of a Chevrolet, and a mansion instead of a simple house.  What does this do?  It causes them to be anxious as the bills start to pile up, and many times they are unable to retire at a reasonable age because of the immense debt they have compiled.

This is what the writer of our focus verse is speaking about.  “Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it.” Proverbs 15:16.  It is not wealth and affluence that truly satisfies, it is communion and fellowship with God, living a life pleasing to Him, and giving Him the praise and worship, He is worthy of.  Things may satisfy for a season, bur soon they lose their luster, and we need to get more things to satisfy us again.  And this goes on and on and on.  Unless we choose to find our satisfaction in the one who made us, loves us, and has an incredible eternal future planned for us which we cannot even begin to understand.  As Paul said, “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.  And He has already revealed them to us through His Spirit. “These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10.  However, we must have our eyes open to what God is telling us. 

Worldly treasures can be good, as long as they are kept in their place.  They should never usurp God’s place in our lives.  They can never satisfy us the way He can.  In fact, they can be the cause of many troubles in our life.  So, keep this is mind as you go about your business.  Having a few things with the love and fear of God in your life, is far better than a life without Him. 

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