2 Corinthians 12:10

Verse of the Day Devotion: 2 Corinthians 12:10  

“Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10

Paul in this verse is speaking regarding weakness which should not be an excuse for not doing the Lord’s work.  He starts off by speaking of a vision the Lord gave him.  “Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.  I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows— as caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.”  2 Corinthians 12:1-5.  Paul here is referring to himself without actually saying it was him.  He is not willing to boast regarding this vision, however, He will boast in regard to his weaknesses. 

Paul was not one to boast on himself, and it would have been easy for him to do it based upon the vision God gave him regarding paradise, a place not now seen by man for it is not on this earth.  Therefore, because of the incredible vision God allowed him to see,  He also gave Paul a thorn in the flesh to afflict and torment him.  The reason was, as stated in the last words in verse seven, “to keep me from exalting myself!” 2 Corinthians 12:7b. Because of the words here ‘thorn in the flesh’  defining this affliction, it denotes something that is very painful physically.

Now Paul prayed that God would remove this pain and the ultimate source, Satan.  “Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8.  However, Christ essentially said no.  “And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  2 Corinthians 12:9a.  What Christ here was saying was that He would not allow him to collapse under the weight of these afflictions, nor will the enemy prevail against him.  However, the next line is even more powerful, ‘for power is perfected in weaknesses.’  It refers to the power of Christ, and this idea runs contrary to how the world sees things.  They see it as the stronger I am, the more I can accomplish.  However, what Paul says is that the weaker I am, the more Christ’s power can accomplish and be seen through me.  This takes away any reason to boast in ourselves, but in God who is working through us.

So, because of this Paul ends this section with our focus verse.  “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10.  He is quite content in his weaknesses.  He is content in all the insults, as well as with any distresses, persecutions, and difficulties that he has, for he does not want to boast in himself regarding what is accomplished, for he recognizes that it is Christ working through him to fulfill His will.  He understands completely that it is God doing the work.  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

God has a calling for each one of us, therefore we must ask God to reveal to us what that is and submit to that calling.  And whatever it is, we must rely on God to work through us to fulfill that calling and not try, through our own power and strength, to make it happen.  And if we find anything that weakens us to where we do not believe we can fulfill it, we should just trust in God and rely on His strength, just as Paul did. And when we are doing His will, we can then thank God for using us as He did, to will and to do His good pleasure.   

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

Romans 8:6

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 8:6  

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,” – Romans 8:6 

This verse speaks of the most extreme dichotomy we can imagine.  This dichotomy results in either death or life.  However, this does not refer to physical death or life but to the spiritual.  Looking at our focus verse, the choice we make that highlights this difference regards what we are focused on.  Is it our fleshly desires that lead to spiritual death, or is it on the Spirit that results in life and peace?

In verse five, Paul says there are essentially two contrasting ways of living life.  “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5.  And each of these depend on what we focus our minds on.  The first one is to follow the dictates of our flesh.  Later in this chapter, he explains why this is the case.  “because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7-8.  The one who’s mind is on the flesh is contrary to God, in fact, he goes as far as to say it is hostile to God.  The reason being they are more interested in what they desire as opposed to what God does.  They have placed themselves in a position which puts them as more important than God.  As an example, if you have two friends who are very important to you, and they ask you to choose between two different restaurants, you will probably choose from the one which you desire to please the most.  The same idea is seen here.  Who do we find most important in our lives and wish to please: God or ourselves?

The opposite of those whose’ mind is on the flesh are the ones whose minds is on the Spirit.  The idea here is that we place ourselves under the control of the Spirit of God.  When we do this, we desire what God wants as opposed to what we want; that we love God more than ourselves.  Jesus put it succinctly when he said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15.  So, this basically leads to a question that we need to honestly answer, do we love God more than ourselves.  The answer to this question decides whether we will set our minds on the flesh or the Spirit. 

Paul lays out in his letter to the Galatians the difference between the actions that come about by our decision.  “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:19-23.  Let us always strive to follow the fruit of the Spirit and eliminate the deeds of the flesh that may creep into our lives.

And finally, as I intonated above, we should always examine ourselves to see if we are focused entirely on God and His ways.  We should pray and ask Him to show us where we may fall short so we may get back on track.  As David said in calling out to God. “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.  We  may not always know where we stand, however He knows everything about us.  Let Him guide us in His ways and be who He desires us to be.  This is life lived beautifully for God.

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

2 Timothy 2:15

Verse of the Day Devotion: 2 Timothy 2:15  

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15

At the end of the Gospel of Matthew we read the following. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.  After the resurrection of Jesus and before His ascension, Jesus met with His disciples and told them they were to go throughout the world and make disciples of all nations.  And through the many centuries from the time of Christ to now, people have been given the truth of the gospel and accepted the message and ultimately gave their lives to Christ.  And in this modern time, we as Christians have also accepted this message as well.  And since we have, we have become His disciples and are thus to do the same.

Now, since we are saved, it is important that in order to grow, we must spend time in His word, studying in preparation for going out and bringing this same message to others. And not just some of it but all of it.  “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.  This is a critical part of our preparation for going into the world to spread His word, for people will ask questions of us and we must know what to tell them.  “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;“ 1 Peter 3:15. 

And the only way we can do this is if we study His word as a treasure to be valued.  “My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5.

So, going back to our focus verse, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.  We are to spend concerted time and effort in studying His word.  We are to read it and strive to understand what it is truly saying.  We should use whatever resources we have access to in ensuring we derive the true meaning intended.  When we have opportunities to learn from others who are well studied in the scriptures, we should take advantage of it.  And finally, we should in all cases become as the Bereans as Paul spoke of in his travels.  In reference to the Bereans, “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11.  We should receive His word with great eagerness, so much so that we examine what we are told or examine carefully what we read and ensure it is correctly understood. 

It is important that we diligently prepare ourselves for the work God has called us to.  He has a calling for us all.  And no matter what that calling is, we should be ready to accurately explain His word to those who ask, and also live the life God called us to in order to show its reality.  And in all ways, be led by the Holy Spirit in all thing.  In this we will then “present ourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15b.

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

Matthew 6:14

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 6:14  

“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14

Prayer is an important part of our Christian life for it is our time to converse with the God of the universe, the one who created all that is, including us.  What an amazing opportunity.  We can bring to Him our thanks and appreciation for all that He does for us, and we can go to Him requesting help during difficult times.  “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:9.  And there is another area we can go to Him in prayer on, and that is forgiveness for our sins. 

It is sad to realize that we all sin at times after we commit our lives to Christ.  Even the apostle Paul admitted as such regarding himself.  “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15. He hated some of the things he did, knowing that it was of the flesh. Therefore, it is at these time we can go to before God and ask for forgiveness.  “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:8-9  If we do sin, Christ is our advocate before the Father on our behalf.  “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2. 

Back to our focus verse, we are called to forgive those who sin against us just as God forgave us through the blood of Christ.  We are to show the same grace and mercy to everyone who wrongs us, or even appears to wrong us when in actuality they did not.  We must always assume innocence until irrefutable evidence shows otherwise.  However, in either case, we are required to give the same grace and mercy as was given to us by God for the sins we committed against Him.  Jesus put it this way in answer to a question from Peter regarding forgiveness.  “Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22.  This has the idea of as often as sinned against, forgive.

As a final thought, the next verse in Matthew speaks of a serious idea regarding forgiveness.  “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” Matthew 6:15.  Jesus spoke of this again as recorded by Luke.  “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 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. Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:36-38.  Note the last sentence in these passages, “For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:38b.  In essence, however we treat others is the rule on how we  will be treated. Remember the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35).  “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:35.

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

Job 2:10

Verse of the Day Devotion: Job 2:10 

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

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

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

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

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

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

When good things come your way, consider it a blessing and give thanks to God.  And when adversity comes, consider it also a blessing and give God all the thanks, and look forward to the blessings God will provide on account of this adversity.  Remember, God does not allow hard times to come unless He has a good reason, and we must always trust God that He knows what He is doing.  All things that God has us experience is for our good.  “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.  So, instead of focusing on what is happening, we should focus on what God has in store for us in the future.

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

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

Ecclesiastes 2:24

Verse of the Day Devotion: Ecclesiastes 2:24  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philippians 1:21

Verse of the Day Devotion: Philippians 1:21  

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

Paul in this verse is declaring his devotion to Christ.  He starts with “To live is Christ”.  His sole aim in life was to glorify God through Christ.  This was his reason for living.  His aim was not honor for himself, nor was it learning, riches, or pleasure.  It was only to glorify the Lord Jesus.  His purpose in life was to know Christ as completely as possible: to know His character and plans so that he would be able to live it himself and teach others this same thing.

This would allow him to imitate Christ as much as it was possible for him.  It is important to understand that people look at us to see if we are living the same life we are proclaiming to them.  It was through this that he was able to reach many and help them give their lives to Christ.  His goal was to truly be like Christ.  As the theologian Albert Barnes proclaims in his commentary on the book of Philippians, “a purpose to which he devoted himself with as much singleness and ardor as ever did a miser to the pursuit of gold, or a devotee of pleasure to amusement, or an aspirant for fame to ambition.” As much as anyone else sought fortune and fame, he sought a solid relationship with Christ whereby he became like his teacher.

And secondly, to die is gain.  This idea is frequently used by the Greek and Latin classic writers.  With them, the sentiment had its origin in the belief that they would be freed from all their suffering and sadness and would find themselves in a happy world beyond the grave.  However, what they believed with conjecture and uncertainty, Paul along with all Christians believe with assurance.  John in the Book or Revelation puts it this way for us.  “Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!'” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.” Revelation 14:12-13.  When we die, we do not remain in the grave.  On the contrary, we are freed from this body and can now rest from all our labors.  We will no longer be working and becoming physically weary in our goal of doing good and promoting Christ by evangelizing all we come into contact with. 

Do we live in this same manner?  Do we believe to live is Christ and to die is gain?  What a beautiful way to see our life here, where we live in the presence of God through Christ, where His Spirit resides in us and we are in constant fellowship with Almighty God here on earth, knowing that when we die, it is actually a gain for us.  We will be freed from sin.  Here, we are subject to its sorrow, but in heaven there is no sin at all.  And we will be set free from the power of temptation.  We will be delivered from our enemies as well as our sufferings.  Indeed, this will be truly a gain for us all.

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

Mark 7:23

Verse of the Day Devotion: Mark 7:23 

“All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” – Mark 7:23 

This verse is the end of a discourse Jesus had with a group of people who met Him and the disciples after they landed in Gennesaret.  This was the same trip in the boat where Jesus joined the disciples by walking on the water.  Hear He speaks to them regarding what defiles a man.  “There is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man.” Mark 7:15. After the crowd left, the disciples asked Him what He meant by this teaching.  He then expounded on this to help them understand what they meant.  “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated? (Thus He declared all foods clean.)” Mark 7:18-19.  What He was telling them was nothing defiles them except that which might proceed from the heart. As our focus verse states, “All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” Mark 7:23.

He then goes on to make it more clear by going into some detail.  “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.” Mark 7:22. When we look at this list of sins, every one of them has their start in the heart, and then ends in actions.  For instance, fornication and theft begins with lustful thoughts regarding people or things.  Deceit begins with the desire to hide something we do not want known.  And murder begins with hateful thoughts toward another.  None of these things begin with something entering our body.  This does not mean that which we allow to enter our heart, because note the wording above: “because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” Mark 7:19. If we allow ourselves to look at filthy images or listen to filthy stories or look at things and begin to desire them to the point that we will do anything to acquire them, they will most likely cause us to sin.

Therefore, it is of ultimate importance that we are careful what we focus our minds on. Our thoughts should always be toward what pleases God and what He desires of us.  Paul put it this way in his letter to the Philippians.  “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything, worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8. These are the things we need to think on: that which true and honorable, that which is right and pure and lovely (not meaning outward appearance, but what is amiable on its own account and on account of its usefulness to others, whether in your conduct or conversation).  These should be our focus.

How can we make this happen? Paul said, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2.  The way we can do this is to change our way of thinking away from the world and their ways to God and His ways.  Through Him, we can make this happen.  Therefore, let us be devoted to Him in everything and let Him makes us who we ought to be. When we do this, we stand a great chance of controlling our thoughts and the desires of our heart.

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

Galatians 5:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: Galatians 5:1 

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1

Timothy George in his commentary on Galatians states the following regarding our life in Christ.  “Christian freedom is the precious birthright of every believer, an inestimable blessing.”  And I wholeheartedly agree with him.  Freedom is a wonderful gift bestowed upon us because of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  However, we must be careful how we interpret our focus verse because there are some things which we do not have the freedom to participate in and still remain obedient to Christ.  One way this is practiced is libertinism, which is the practices or habits of life, disregarding any authority in moral or religious matters.  As Paul says later in this chapter, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13. We must never think our freedom allows us to sin, on the contrary, we must realize that, through Christ, we are free from sin.  “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” Romans 6:6. And John puts it this way, “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” 1 John 3:4.

Paul was not speaking of political freedom, as in the statement in our Declaration of Independence where it speaks of our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  It also does not mean we have the right to believe what we want to believe.  Nor can we interpret any verse any way we choose, for there is a specific idea expressed by God in His word that must be adhered to.  We must understand that for Paul, Christian freedom was always grounded firmly on our relationship with Christ.  Outside of Christ, human life or existence is based on bondage: bondage to sin, to the evil that dominates our world and culture. And very importantly, bondage from the law given to the Jews.  No matter what we try, we cannot do anything that will save ourselves and this is why God sent His Son to die to give us freedom from these things, and then sent His Spirit into our hearts as believers to awaken us to this new life and liberation in Christ.

Paul in Galatians quoted above the following.  “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.“  Galatians 5:13.  Paul is telling them that instead turning our freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but as an opportunity to share our love by serving one another.  As Christ served us by coming down and dying, we are called to serve others by lovingly helping them in whatever way needed.  This is what it is all about.

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

Isaiah 3:10

Verse of the Day Devotion: Isaiah 3:10  

“Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, For they will eat the fruit of their actions.” – Isaiah 3:10  

This verse is part of a prophesy given by Isaiah to the people of Israel and Judah.  Because of the evil done by them, God is using Isaiah to declare judgement on them because of their sins.  “For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen, Because their speech and their actions are against the Lord, To rebel against His glorious presence.”

Note all that they will lose.  “For behold, the Lord God of hosts is going to remove from Jerusalem and Judah Both supply and support, the whole supply of bread And the whole supply of water; The mighty man and the warrior, The judge and the prophet, The diviner and the elder, The captain of fifty and the honorable man, The counselor and the expert artisan, And the skillful enchanter.” Isaiah 3:1-3.  Everything that was necessary would be taken away.  Food and water as well as warriors and soldiers who protect them from their enemies.  The good judges will be gone, and the prophets will no longer be there.  All that will be left will be the those who have little wisdom or knowledge that would give them the ability to lead the nation properly.  It will come to the point that the people will simply look to anyone who has not lost everything to lead them, with the idea they would provide for their needs from their goods. 

This will be a very difficult time for Israel and Judah.  However, not all of the people will experience all these difficult things.  In verses ten and eleven, we see the dichotomy that is found within this prophecy.  “Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, For they will eat the fruit of their actions. Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with him, For what he deserves will be done to him.” Isaiah 3:10-11.  The two disparate groups are the righteous and the wicked.  The ones who did not obey God, the wicked, will find themselves in hard times.  As Isaiah said, they will get what they deserve.  However, not all the people did wrong.  There were a segment of the population who obeyed the Lord and did not act or speak evil about Him.  And thus, all will go well with them.  They will be taken care of and will not suffer to the degree the wicked do.    

It is important that we remember our God is a just God.  “Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.” Isaiah 30:18.  He will deal with the ungodly in a far different way than the righteous.  If He punishes a nation for their wickedness, He will take care of the ones who remain true to Him.  As things get more difficult as time progresses, we can trust God to take care of us as He punishes the unrighteous.  He will give to all what He deems they deserve.  So, during difficult times, stay strong and continue to look to Him for all your needs.  He will be there to protect the righteous through everything.

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