Word for the Soul

“Trust in the Lord always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock, He humbles the proud and brings down the arrogant city. He brings it down to the dust.” Isaiah 26:4-5 NLT

Protest crowd holding signs beneath globe reading WORLD REVOLUTIONS, FREEDOM, JUSTICE, and POWER TO THE PEOPLE — A silhouetted crowd rallies beneath a globe celebrating revolutions and calls for freedom, justice, and people power.

Unstable governments in the world today are not new. Governments have been toppled since Bible days, just read the Old Testament. But one thing always remains stable, The LORD GOD is the eternal rock. Today there are conflicts in the Middle East, a war in Ukraine, and whatever it is called in Iran that are taking place to bring down governments by creating chaos in a revolutionary manner. Some granted, are to eradicate evil and that unfortunately is necessary, however many of the world’s revolutions today are evil in their nature. In a broken world, we can only expect this.

The current condition of the world should not surprise anyone because Scripture is clear that the times will continue to grow worst and worst before Jesus’ return. Paul writing to Timothy says, “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.” (2Tim.3:1 nlt) We are all witnesses of the violence and the conditions across this world as man’s heart also grows worst and worst. It is the old saying, ‘it is like a snowball rolling downhill.’

Tragically they are men, women, and children dying everyday due to the desires of those who revolt against what they perceive as evil in their own eyes. These are the world’s revolutions. They have no foundation in truth just a distorted view of the world as they claim it should be. Again, this is pure evil orchestrated by the evil one himself, Satan. These conflicts and wars will continue until the Great Tribulation and the battle of Armageddon predicted in the New Testament. That will be a revolution like no other and the final one. Jesus Christ will eliminate all evil from the face of the earth and will set up His own perfect and righteous rule of government.

Devotionals

Dominion over God’s Creation

August 28, 2026August 18, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 8 ESV – How Majestic Is Your Name – To the – Bible Gateway

“You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.” Psalm 8:6 ESV

Robotic factory assembling EV chassis, with technicians, welding arms, and text “EV CHASSIS 001” and “JONES MFG.” — Robotic arms weld an electric vehicle chassis while technicians monitor the advanced manufacturing line.

After God created the heavens and the earth He then created you and me with responsibilities. David writes in the 8^th psalm that God gave us dominion over His creation, or as David says, ‘over the work of your hands.’ I suppose that would include all the earth. We are to be good stewards over it. God put us in charge as managers to care for His creation in all aspects of it. Christians especially are to possess a spirit of collaborating with God as His co-workers in maintaining His creation and helping others in this world.

During the last century and so far in this century there is much debate about the environment and if we are living up to our mandate in maintaining God’s creation. The question being are we good stewards over the earth? Physical features of the earth are not the only areas of maintaining what God has created. It would encompass anything and everything in the world to make it thrive and make our lives better in the process, from working conditions, medical advancements, education, and efforts to maintain peace.

A major breakthrough over the last few years is the advancement of ‘Artificial Intelligence.’ This has been a game changer for all of us. ‘Artificial Intelligence,’ AI as it is known, has been in the development stages since the 1950’s. It is now here and continues to grow. Like everything else that God has put into our charge, may we be good stewards on how we use AI on a personal level. Those of us who are employed in the development of AI for use in the business, education, and manufacturing world may we as Christians work as God’s co-workers in that which He has given us for our benefit.

Devotionals

Break up your fallow ground

August 27, 2026August 18, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns.” Jeremiah 4:3b NLT

Farmer driving a green tractor while plowing a prairie field — A farmer drives a vintage green tractor across a broad prairie field

Every farmer knows that in order to harvest a bountiful crop there is plenty of hard work involved along with adequate rainfall and proper sunlight. It begins in early spring by tilling the ground and preparing it for planting seed. Many farmers today also used a “no-till farming” method when planting seed. Whichever method is used, the soil must be in a condition best suitable for the seed to be received to produce the highest potential for growth. The farmer’s goal is for a bountiful harvest.

A goal of every Christian should be a bountiful harvest of spiritual growth. It is an on-going process of growing in our love for Christ and in the knowledge of His love for us. It is growing in the understanding of His Word by daily reading and applying it to our lives. A bountiful harvest of faith, hope, and love is to be lived out for all to see and benefit from it.

Unfortunately there is problem today among many Christians, “Unprepared Soil.” Many Christians are not only lacking a spiritual bounty to share, but they are also not receiving the blessings themselves. Just as proper condition of the soil is vital to receiving Salvation (Parable of the Sower – Luke 8:4-15), it is equally important for those who know the Lord to continue to grow spiritually and in all truth. Hearts and minds that are unprepared are nothing but hard ground as the prophet Jeremiah notes. Our hearts and minds need to be broken up, plowed up, and ready to receive the Word of the Lord. Hosea, another Old Testament prophet, writes “Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord.” (Hosea 10:12 nasb)

The questions before each of us are “Am I growing spiritually?” “Am I receiving a blessing each time I read the Bible or hear a sermon?” “Do I have a blessed intimate prayer time with God?” or “Does my heart need to be re-tilled, turned over, and soften into good soil?” Our hearts and minds are easily harden by neglecting the things of God and paying more attention to the things of this world.

Break up your hard ground and prepare your soil to receive the spiritual seeds watered by God’s showers of blessings with the light of His Son Jesus Christ. In doing so you will reap a bountiful spiritual harvest with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Devotionals

Where is your trust?

August 26, 2026August 18, 2026 Loring Schultz

The following devotional was written on February 9, 2020

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” Psalm 118:8-9 KJV

Thoughtful man holding a rolled newspaper on a city street

Have you ever thought about where you place your trust? There are many days when we need help and guidance as we travel on the road of life. Where do you go and who can you trust? Do you go to others who are smarter than you? That is not a bad idea if they are qualified to help. Perhaps you rely on the government and those in positions of authority. Again, these are sensible choices for help in areas beyond your expertise or in seeking justice. However, do you rely on yourself, not trusting anyone, no matter the situation? Not exactly the best idea! But there is one who you can trust completely in everything, the Lord God Almighty!

So where is your trust? I must ask myself the same question. In preparing this devotional this week, I became aware of some significant changes in my place of employment. My first reaction was how we get through this. What adjustments need to be made? What resources do we need? I applied the appropriate management plan of action, but in reality it got the best of me as it so often does. Then the Lord reminded me, in over forty years of management, there has never been a time when He had failed to provide for me. I failed to trust Him first before proceeding with the plan of action.

The psalmist writes, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man,” and that includes yourself. . “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” Put your trust in the one who knows you intimately, even better that you know yourself. Trust the Lord who created the universe and gave you life. He knows a lot more than you and I. He will lead you in the right direction. So, where is your trust?

Devotionals

Whole Heart and a Willing Mind

August 25, 2026August 18, 2026 Loring Schultz

“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9 NLT

It is not always easy to get motivated. There are times when you just don’t feel like doing anything. It could be caused by emotions, physical fatigue, or in my case the brain won’t let me respond as it should, I think they call it ‘not being as young as I used to be.’ But once I get going, I’m good.

Not being motivated to worship and serve God has nothing to do with how old or young you are. It does happen, and there are many reasons for lack of motivation for God. There are many things that get in the way and distract us daily. We find ourselves picking and choosing what we have time for with what we enjoy most and pursuing those interests. After all, there are only twenty-four hours in a day. And some would say, life gets in the way. Yes, it is complicated, especially for young people with children. Life is hard enough, but trying to live life without a commitment to God is not going to work. You will find life even more frustrating, and you will begin to run around in circles losing motivation even in those things important to you.

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, was instructed by his father King David to get to know God intimately. David told his son to worship and serve God with a whole heart and a willing mind. This is one hundred percent commitment. With every ounce of Solomon’s being he was to worship and serve his God. David let Solomon know that God saw his heart and would know every plan and thought he had. God knows each of our hearts and every thought in our minds. He knows us intimately and He wants us to know Him intimately and to worship and serve Him with our whole hearts and a willing mind. So, let’s get motivated.

Devotionals

With Authority

August 24, 2026August 18, 2026 Loring Schultz

“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.” Matthew 7:28, 29 NLT

Bearded robed teacher speaking to a gathered crowd in a rocky landscape

Authority is power based on the right to command. Those in positions of authority have the right to command those who are under their authority. Countless are the positions of authority in the world. Anyone in charge of anything is in authority. Most notable are those in governing positions from presidents, prime ministers, members of legislatures and parliaments down to local assemblies. Outside of governing, there are others with authority such as schoolteachers and administrators, a foreman over a group of workers, coaches and team captains, any managerial position in the vast businesses such as retail management where I have spent most of life, and the list continues. For all who hold positions of authority, do we realized that we do not have any real authority at all? Authority is power based on the right to command in which none of us have that right. The right to command belongs to God alone.

Paul, writing to the Romans, said the following, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” (Ro.13:1 nlt) Again, if you are in authority, do you realize you have been placed there by God?

When Jesus completed His teaching to the disciples in the Sermon on the Mount, those who witnessed and heard Jesus’ words were astonished. It was described as teaching with real authority. The people in the crowd often heard the teaching of the scribes. The scribes taught according to tradition and quoting noteworthy rabbis. They presented nothing as coming from their own authority. A. B. Bruce is explained it simply, “The scribes spoke by authority, while Jesus spoke with authority.”

As Christians we have the authority to claim and preach the word of God as truth. Authority given to us by the one with the authority to do so, God the Father. Jesus spoke with authority as He is God the Son. He summed up His message on the mountain with an example of two builders. If one will obey the words Jesus spoke, he will be like a wise builder who built his house on a firm foundation, but the one who does not obey Jesus’s teaching will be like a foolish builder who builds his house on sand. Needless to say, one will stand and one will not. These words from the one who spoke ‘with authority.’

Bible Studies

I Am the Good Shepherd: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 4

August 23, 2026August 14, 2026 Loring Schultz

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.” John 10:14-16 NLT

Jesus, in His fourth “I am” statement in the gospel of John said, ‘I am the good shepherd.’ ‘Good’ meaning ‘noble’, ‘worthy’ or a model of what a shepherd is to be. This indicates that not all shepherds were good. The responsibility of a shepherd is to care for the sheep, leading them, feeding them, and protecting them from danger even at the risk of their own lives, ultimately saving them from life-or-death situations.

Jesus says the noble, worthy shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. All of us are like sheep in a helpless life-or-death condition having no hope but to be rescued by Jesus, the ‘Good Shepherd.’ The Old Testament prophet Isaiah writes, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.” (Is. 53:6 nlt) Jesus did just that by laying down His life, offering it as a sacrifice for our sins by dying on the cross, providing the way of Salvation for us.

Throughout history there have been many deceiving shepherds who have led people astray. Prophets from the many false religions in the world administer their deceptive teaching concerning the way of Salvation and eternal life. They may sound sincere and persuasive but, they are sincerely wrong, and it ends in eternal destruction. They strive to lead people into thinking there are other ways to God. But there is no one who has ever said that they laid down their life for the sheep, nor could they, nor did they. There is only one good shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Follow Jesus, the only Good Shepherd. He will not lead you astray, but into eternal life.

A Christian Perspective

Education begins in the home

August 22, 2026August 18, 2026 Loring Schultz

Students at a school celebration beneath a balloon arch; signs read “BACK TO SCHOOL 2026 CELEBRATION,” “WELCOME ALL STUDENTS!,” “START OF THE NEW YEAR!,” “WELCOME TO THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR!,” “Registration,” “School Spirit Shop,” and “Class of 2034.” — Students gather beneath a colorful balloon arch to celebrate the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

Parents non-involvement in their children’s education is one of the many reasons for failing schools in America. The Public-School Review in June of 2023 ranks parents involvement at number thirteen below overcrowding, bullying, teacher tenue, standardized testing, teacher salaries, school safety, and their number one reason for failed education in schools is deficits in government funding for schools. (1) We definitely have a problem with the education system in the United States of America.

As tragic as failing education is today in all subject matter in the traditional sense, a more troubling factor is the ever-evolving curriculum that is subject to change as the current culture demands it. The agenda driven ideology is already established course curriculum with educators and school boards across the country caving in to the loud cries of diversity, equity, and inclusion, although there has been some push back the last few years. They are at the same time discriminating against Christians and those who hold to a moral view of ethics.

How do we begin to address these issues? Time and space will not allow a thorough investigation on the subject with proposed solutions, but as Christians, especially Christian parents, there are plenty of recommendations from the God of the Bible to help us along. First of all, parents are responsible for the education of their children. We can say education begins in the home. The book of Proverbs says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (22:6) The apostle Paul in writing to the early churches says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4) Christian parents are to teach their children from an early age the teachings of Holy Scriptures. Setting the foundation of learning from God’s Word and His moral standards will help when instructing your children in all other stages of life, including their formal education.

If you are fortunate enough by God’s grace for your children to attend a private Christian school or to homeschool, rejoice in the blessings God has given you. But perhaps it is the Lord’s will for your children to attend today’s public schools. A firm Biblical foundation instilled in them from an early age will guide them through their educational journey. It is an on-going guide for every student, whether homeschooled, in Christian schools, or in secular public schools.

Education starts in the home, and God has given that responsibility to every parent and not to the state, especially in matters concerning how His Word commands us to live. We are to continually instruct our children about the Lord and His commandments from morning until evening, and while inside house and outside the home. This is as old as Moses’ instructions to the nation of Israel in what is known as the ‘Shema’ or ‘hear.’ Let us follow through with the ‘Shema’ of the Old Testament as we teach our children this school year.

Mother and two children doing schoolwork together at a dining table

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NIV

(1) The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System (publicschoolreview.com)

Devotionals

Human Relationships and AI

August 21, 2026August 18, 2026 Loring Schultz

“…….there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 ESV

“ …….You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 ESV

Smiling woman touching a humanoid robot beside a tablet

If you are reading this devotional you are using one of several devices available in the modern age to transmit information. Technology has advanced to the point where posts that are opened and read on ‘Word for the Soul’ are distinguished between mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. Also how they were accessed is provided through which search engines, phone operating systems, and which social media accounts were used such as Facebook, X, etc.. Also a completed breakdown as to where (country and city) each individual accessed the site. It is overwhelming of the access to information we have in this day and age.

To keep things in proper perspective; this is informational and not relational. Now having said that, I have frequent and infrequent communication with those who respond to ‘Word for the Soul.’ Some on a regular basis and some not so often. But the fact is that is possible through the technology we have available for us to use. Although I have never met any of them personally, a distance relationship has developed between human beings individually and as part of a group.

Which brings us to realize the difference between human relationships and AI. The amazing features of AI are more that just feeding out information. It has gotten to the point where it is able to simulate a personality and execute a relationship with one who is willing to explore that capability. The truth of the matter is that AI is ‘Artificial Intelligence’ meaning it is not real, therefore cannot be relational. Those we communicate with using the tools of advanced technology are human beings who breath and have a soul. AI has neither. May we use the tools given to us to communicate the advancement of the gospel. God would have use AI for He has given it to us for His purposes. But beware, Satan will also use it to distort. AI is not capable of relating to human beings.

Devotionals

You Must……

August 20, 2026August 18, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.’” Matthew 22:37-40 NLT

How good are you at receiving and following orders? Well, you may say that depends on who is giving them. If you are or ever have been in the military, your answer would most likely be ‘very good.’ Your commanding officer gives you daily strategical orders to be carried out. Failure to carry them will result in strict discipline. Commands given by authority figures in the Armed Services are to build character, integrity, bonding, and to save lives. Jesus gives every Christian two commands to be obeyed for the same reasons.

When Jesus was asked by a lawyer (an expert in religious law) what was the most important commandment in the Law, “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’” (Mt.22:37 nlt) Jesus said, ‘you must’ or ‘you shall’ as in some translations. This is a command, not an option. To some this may sound arrogant to be commanded to love someone. But as in the military, commands are given for our own good and for others around us. Jesus further commanded, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt.22:39 nlt) It is for our own good and for those around us.

Jesus combined all the commandments of God into two. Jesus is saying if we obey these two wholeheartedly, we will be sure to obey the rest. It will come naturally without thinking about it. The importance of ‘you must’ is clearly seen. “The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Mt.22:40 nlt) “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. (and) Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt.22:37, 39 nlt) For our own good and for those around us you must.