Titus 2:1

Verse of the Day: Titus 2:1

“But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.” – Titus 2:1 

Paul here is speaking with one of the great leaders of the first century church.  Titus was a faithful servant of Christ and a valuable companion of Paul in some of his missionary journeys.  He served several churches in Corinth, Dalmatia and Crete.  Paul here is encouraging Titus to make sure all that he speaks and teaches should be of sound doctrine, ensuring that they grow in Christ and believe the absolute truth.  This word, I am confident was not meant just for Titus, but for all Christian leaders.

However, I want to assert that, as Christians, if we are discussing Christian issues with fellow Christians in a training context or are going out and spreading the gospel of Christ to the lost, this applies to us as well.  We must make it our focus to understand what we teach or share.  Be like the Berean’s in that you do not tell others what someone else says without checking it out to ensure it is truth.  It does not matter how famous or educated they are.  Remember, Paul commended the Bereans for checking what he said for accuracy.

As Christians, we are called to make disciples of all nations.  Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20, “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.”  If you are not, I encourage you to study and prepare to make it happen.  And if/when you do, ensure what you are saying is truth.  “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 Tim 2:15.  It is our calling.

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

John 15:4

Verse of the Day: John 15:4

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” – John 15:4 

If we have a branch on an apple tree, healthy and vibrant, during the right time we will see fruit on it.  However, if we cut the branch off the tree and take it home because we want to grow fresh apples, we will be disappointed.  You see, the branch does not, on its own, have what it takes to produce fruit.

It is the same with us.  We must abide in Christ and let Him work through us, and then we bear fruit.  It is not what we do, but what we allow God to do through us.  Paul said basically the same thing to the Philippians.  “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

God will never leave us alone.  He has a work for each one of us to do.  However, what we need is to submit to Him and He will do it through us.  He will take us where He wants us, give us the words to say and the strength to fulfill it.  We must be in a constant attitude of prayer, always ready to hear what He has to say and follow His lead.  Then we will bear much fruit and glorify God in the process.

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

James 2:18

Verse of the Day: James 2:18

“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 

It is easy to tell someone you are, let’s say a computer expert, but when they ask you to assist them with a relatively simple task, like printing a document, you have no idea.  So, you hit a couple of keys and tell them to reboot, and all will be well.  When the computer comes up and it still does not work, they begin to think you are not what you claim to be.  Then when they see the printer is powered off, and then power it up it prints just fine, they know you are not.

The same thing can be true regarding our faith.  Many people proclaim to be Christians, but their lives and focus tell another story.  Remember what Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount.  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”  Matthew 7:21. We can call Him Lord all we want, but if we do not live as if He is, then do we really believe it?  Do our priorities have His will first, or ours?  Are we All-In with Christ, or only partially in?  The proof of our faith is our works.  If there is no works, then is their really faith?  James says no in a very definitive way.  “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” James 2:17. And people will notice it.

If you really have faith, then show that faith by living that faith.  The world is looking for reality.  Walking and talking your faith shows that it is real.  Talking alone will have them question it. William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Matthew 6:33

Verse of the Day: Matthew 6:33

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

As Christians, we have no need to worry about the needs in our life.  This verse does not mean we will get everything we ‘want’, but everything we ‘need’.  This has nothing to do with the name it, claim it heresy. Look at the list in vs 25 and 31.  It deals with food, clothing and shelter.  These are really our only needs; food to eat, clothes to wear, and a place for shelter.

What Jesus is saying here is that if we truly, with everything that is in us, seek first His kingdom, His righteousness, His life, God will take care of meeting the above needs.  It is important that we understand that it may not be the way we would like it.  For instance, we may want and get a full meal, however, we may only get some bits and pieces of food.  But it is food and gives us what we need.  Also, we may want and get a new house, however, we may only get a small room or someplace to hang out with protection from the environment.  God will provide our absolute needs, but He will do it in the way that is best for us with the tasks He has for us to accomplish.

Be thankful for all His gifts, and all His provision.  Use all these things in your work for Him.  Do not compare yourself and what God provides with what others have.  If you have any food to eat, any clothes to wear, and anyplace to shelter yourself, you are blessed.  There are many people in the world who do not have anything at all.  Therefore, be thankful.

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

Romans 12:2

Verse of the Day: Romans 12:2

“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 12:2.

When we become Christians, it is important for us to realize our old life is done away with and we are new creatures.  Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church the following, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.  So, being a new creature is a result of accepting Christ as Savior.

Our old life was being conformed to this world.  In order to fit in and make life easier, we would do things the way the world did it, believe what the world believed, take on habits and feelings that it considered appropriate and acceptable.  I am not saying we all accepted everything, but much of it.  Especially in the area of the existence of God, and even more fundamentally, what God is.

When we are saved through the blood of Christ and become new creatures, we are to discard these old thoughts and ways.  We are to take on the ways of Christ and not of the world.  We must change the way we think from a worldly to a spiritual view.  We must study God’s Word and make Christ’s ways the model of our own.  If something is sin, we must see it as sin.  If something is a bad witness, we must not do it.  Our life must exemplify the life God wants and demands us to live.  And as we live this transformed life, we will exhibit to ourselves as well as those around us what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Let God work through us in this process.  We can do this because He promised us He would make it happen.

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

Ephesians 4:32

Verse of the Day: Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32 

In this section Paul is giving some thoughts on the new life in the spirit.  This verse addresses how we should be around our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We are to be loving and kind.

There are going to be times when our fellow Christians are going to disappoint us.  I have seen so many instances where there is arguing (not debating but fighting), demeaning and taking advantage of one another, just plain treating each other wrongly.

Where is the love in that?  Jesus commanded this of us.  John 13:34 says, ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”  Note, this is not a suggestion.  We are required to love just as He loves us.  He loves everyone, including the those who are against Him.  This does not mean He did not admonish some, like the Jewish leadership.  However, like with the brethren, His love was unquestionable.  In fact, in fact, a few times it led to tears.  I think what we see here is that disagreements should not lead to anger.  It should lead to a friendly learning experience where all can come to the truth.

If a brother or sister offends us in any way, forgiveness should be the outcome.  We should never hold a grudge but should strive for reconciliation.  There should be nothing that separates us.  We are the body of Christ.  Therefore, we should act as Christ did.  This will bring the unity God has called for and will bring glory to God through the ‘true’ love we show everyone.

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

Matthew 7:12

Verse of the Day: Matthew 7:12

“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12 

This verse is commonly called the Golden Rule.  In essence, what Matthew is laying out is the idea that if we do not want to be treated a certain way, do not treat others that way.  And, if you desire others to treat you in a certain way, treat others that way.

This is what Jesus referred to as the second greatest commandment.  “And He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39.  He said this in response to a Pharisee lawyer who asked Jesus which command was the greatest.  He responds with love.

How are we to love our neighbor?  In the same way we love ourselves.  If we are hungry and need food, we would like someone to give us something to eat.  Then give others who are hungry something to eat.  If we need to get somewhere but need someone to take us there, be open to taking others where they need to go.  If we do not like to be gossiped about, do not gossip about others.  This is a simple concept to understand but can be difficult sometimes to fulfill. If you find you cannot help someone for some reason, then help them find another who can.  Remember what James said, “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?”  James 2:16. Is this love, or are they just empty words?

Be God’s hands and feet on the earth.  Do all you can to help those in need.  If you cannot help them, then get them in touch with someone who can.  Do not leave them in their difficult state.  Would you want empty words over actual help?

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

Philippians 4:11

Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:11

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” – Philippians 4:11

One of the things we all need to learn is how to always be satisfied no matter what.  We cannot let our situations decide our contentedness.  This can be a very difficult thing; however, it is a necessary thing.

The only way for us to be constantly content is to trust God that He has our best in mind.  Sometimes, it may seem like He is far away because things are so difficult.  Do you trust His word where it says, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. He is always with us.

There are two basic reasons why we may go through trials.  First, it is a test of our faith.  James writes the following, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  James 1:2-4.  How can we know where we lack if it is not shown to us?  We can learn where are weaknesses are so that we can become stronger in the faith.

Secondly, so that we can comfort others who are suffering.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-4.  God allows us to suffer at times so He can comfort us in preparation for us to give this same comfort to others who need it.  Note what Paul says a couple verses down.  “But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.”  2 Corinthians 1:6-7.

Trials and tribulations are difficult.  However, as Paul said in our focus verse, we must be content during them.  God has reasons for everything that happens, including hard times.  We can see our weaknesses and ask God to help us become stronger through them, and we can comfort others going through the same trials we went through with the same comfort God provided for us.

Always remember, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. And one more thing.  The good referred to in this last verse may be for others and not necessarily for us.

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

John 11:35

Verse of the Day: John 11:35

“Jesus wept.” – John 11:35 

If you want to see the love Jesus had for His friends, this is the perfect verse.  This is the shortest verse in all the scriptures, yet it is full of information about Jesus.

Now, what brought Jesus to this point?  A man named Lazarus of Bethany, brother to Mary and Martha was sick.  Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus letting Him know that Lazarus, whom He loved, was very ill.  Jesus’ response was, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” John 11:4. Jesus knew the situation and its eventual outcome.  Therefore, He stayed an additional two days where He was currently at.  So, when He finally did arrive, Mary went to Him and fell at His feet and told Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Several things to see in this story.  First, there is a line that appears to contradict John 11:4 shown above.  “Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32. However, when we examine verse 4, we see that Jesus did not say Lazarus would not die, but that the sickness was not to end in death.  Lazarus did die, but this was not the end of the story.  It ended with him being raised from the dead.

The other thing is the reason for Jesus’ weeping.  It was not because Lazarus was dead, because He stated above that this sickness would not end in death.  The reason is found in verses 33-34.  “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, and said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”  Then comes our focus verse, “Jesus wept”.

He wept because of Mary and Martha, as well as the Jews who were with them.  He had such compassion on them because of the pain they were feeling that He could not hold back the tears.  This is how much He loves us.  Even now, I believe His compassion for us is just as strong, if not stronger.

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

Philippians 4:4

Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4 

Of all people, we Christians have the most to rejoice in.  Paul, in this letter to the Philippians lays out one, and the most important reason.  That being the Lord Jesus Himself.

Everything that happens to us and for us is a reason to rejoice.  When we are blessed with something wonderful, or we are going through afflictions that He brings us through.  When our needs are met, when we have a want fulfilled, when we are in good health, it is a time to rejoice.  Every moment of every day, we have a reason.

However, let us never forget the greatest thing that ever happened to us.  Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ the Son of God came down in the form of a man and died for us that the penalty for our sins could be paid and we could be declared righteous.  And this happens when we accept this work and devote our lives completely to Him.

Due to this finished work of Christ and our acceptance of it, we have a wonderful, loving, glorious and intimate relationship with the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.  (Isaiah 9:6).  This relationship is beyond anything we can experience with anyone else.  And the beauty of this is, this incredible relationship will never end.  And when these days are over and the new heaven and earth have come, we shall hear these words, “… Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3b-4.

There is no greater reason to rejoice then our great God and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

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