Word for the Soul

Familiarity Breeds Contempt

March 9, 2026March 8, 2026 Loring Schultz

“A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” Matthew 13:57 NLT

A common trait in most people is the ability to find fault in someone. It becomes a lot easier the longer we know someone, just ask any marriage counselor or a Pastor. It is hard at times to view someone in a different light from what we have been exposed to over time. It could be said that our perception of someone is based only by what we see. We think we know them well enough to know everything about them only to find out we do not. We let our observations blind us to see the real person, who they really are, what is important to them, and what their skills and desires are. There are many who are misunderstood and even rejected due to the fact that others know them only by their familiarity. Their actions today do not match the visual profile of them compiled over the years.

The Lord Jesus faced such rejection from those in His hometown of Nazareth. Jesus grew up in Nazareth spending most of His life there until the start of His ministry. No doubt He had many friends and acquaintances during those years. Jesus trained in His earthy father’s craft as a skilled carpenter and was known for His work. Living and working alongside those in His community He got to know them well and they grew to know Him, or so they thought. When Jesus return to Nazareth during His ministry, those who knew Him as the carpenter welcomed Him as Jesus the carpenter, Joseph’s son.

The gospel writer Matthew records Jesus’s return to His hometown in Matthew chapter 13. The city folk were amazed and could not believe this was the same Jesus they knew, for He was teaching in the synagogue to their unbelief. “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?’ Then they scoffed, ‘He’s just the carpenter’s son…… Where did he learn all these things?’ And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.” (Mt. 13:54, 55, 57 nlt) They did not take notice of any characteristics of Jesus beside His carpentry work in the previous years. Jesus modeled a perfect life as the Son of God, but apparently they missed it. Those around Him during His life should have noticed something different about His demeanor. They should not have been surprised by His knowledge and teaching. Sadly they were, and they rejected Him.

Have you been rejected by childhood friends, family, and associates who have known for years for taking a stand for Christ? The sentiment is ‘you can’t be the person I knew in high school,’ but you are by the grace of God. If God has called you to serve Him you will face opposition, especially from those who know you. But take heart, Jesus who lived a perfect life was rejected by those who knew Him well, familiarity breeds contempt.

Bible Studies

“Wrong Place at the Wrong Time” – The Story of Abraham

March 8, 2026March 6, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 13:14-14:16 NLT – After Lot had gone, the LORD said to – Bible Gateway

“The victorious invaders then plundered Sodom and Gomorrah and headed for home, taking with them all the spoils of war and the food supplies. They also captured Lot—Abram’s nephew who lived in Sodom—and carried off everything he owned.” Genesis 14:11-12 NLT

Last week in Biblical Insights Lot made a choice he thought would bring him more wealth and security by locating in the futile plains of the Jordan Valley near Zoar. This week we discover that wasn’t a very smart choice. First of all, Lot’s choice was based on greed and selfishness. Second, he took a long lustful look of what was before him and third, Lot settled near the wicked city of Sodom. In the short-term things probably went well, they usually do confirm our decisions were the right ones for the time being. Lot became so comfortable in his new surroundings that he moved into the city of Sodom. We may find ourselves getting comfortable when were in the wrong place. Lot’s life story since making his decision is a lesson for each one of us in our day. The wrong time may come sooner than we think.

The Lord reaffirmed His promise to Abram after Lot moved on. “After Lot had gone, the LORD said to Abram, ‘Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west. I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession.’” (Gen.13:14-15 nlt) The Lord God graciously gave Abram the deed to the land. Abram unselfishly gave Lot the first choice, even though he was the elder of the family, now God gives Abram His first choice in giving Abram all the land he could see, east, west, north, and south. The Lord tells Abram to check out and inspect the land. “Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.” (Gen.13:17 nlt) In ancient days new landowners upon transfer would set out and visit the land claiming and sealing ownership. The Lord tells Abram to do the same. Abram symbolically claimed ownership.

“So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the LORD.” (Gen.13:18 nlt) Abram walked through the land and finally settled in Hebron, nineteen miles northwest of Jerusalem. There Abram will do what had become his habit and build another altar to the Lord. Soon, Abram and his nephew Lot will find themselves caught in the middle of a war. (Gen.14:1-4)

Kings from the east and north of Palestine, modern-day Iraq, Iran, and Turkey, were attacking kings in the Palestine region who rebelled against them. “For twelve years they had been subject to King Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled against him.” (Gen.12:4 nlt) Their campaign went through the eastern side of the Jordan from beyond Damascus as far south as the Dead Sea and northward along the western side of the Jordan Valley. They were met by the rebel kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, Bela (also called Zoar) and they were prepared for battle.

Not all battle plans go as planned. The armies of Sodom and Gomorrah either didn’t anticipate the tar pits near the Dead Sea or in their haste of battle miscalculated them. “As it happened, the valley of the Dead Sea was filled with tar pits. And as the army of the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into the tar pits, while the rest escaped into the mountains.” (Gen.14:10 nlt) As a result, the invading armies marched through to Sodom and Gomorrah ransacking those cities and “taking with them all the spoils of war and the food supplies. They also captured Lot—Abram’s nephew who lived in Sodom—and carried off everything he owned.” (Gen.14:11-12 nlt) A sad commentary for one who thought he had it made. From living on the outskirts of Sodom, Lot was now living among the wicked and has paid the consequences for it. 19^th century preacher Charles Spurgeon is quoted as saying, “Those believers who conform to the world must expect to suffer for it.” Maybe it’s a warning to us as well.

Thankfully for Lot and by God’s providence one of Lot’s men escaped and looked for Lot’s uncle Abram to inform him of the circumstances. Abram would not be hard to find being one of the wealthiest people in the region. Abram didn’t hesitate when he heard the news. Abram is an example of one being faithful to his family. He avoided a possible family conflict in separating from Lot, and he is seen here loyal to his nephew not holding any ill feelings towards him for his choice. He is about to come to his aid.

Abram had his own private militia of 318 men. Again, this certainly illustrates Abram’s great wealth. Unlike the leaders of Sodom’s army, Abram had military skills and used them effectively. He divided his men and attacked at night chasing the enemy armies 150 miles. “Kedorlaomer’s army fled, but Abram chased them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. Abram recovered all the goods that had been taken, and he brought back his nephew Lot with his possessions and all the women and other captives.” (Gen.14:15-16 nlt)

Lot was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He did make a bad choice for the wrong reason, but once it was made, he didn’t need to continue creeping closer to the gates of (temptation) Sodom. Yes, another lesson for us. Don’t get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Let’s make our choices wisely.

Next week Abram’s modesty and the Lord confirmed His covenant to Abram………

A Christian Perspective

Pray for the People of Iran

March 7, 2026March 7, 2026 Loring Schultz

The following is my view from a Christian perspective of the current conflict in the nation of Iran. It is an earnest plea to pray for the people of Iran. This is about the innocent lives in the nation who have been suffering under the influence of an Islamic totalitarian regime for forty-seven years. This is not about the politics surrounding the military strikes, or who occupies the White House, or who controls the United States congress, it is about the tens of thousands of people who have been killed by this evil empire for almost five decades both in Iran and around the world. The people of Iran have been living under fear and daily threat for their lives if they don’t bow and surrender their God given right of freedom to this oppressive regime.

The protests against the radical Islamic government of Iran from late last year through January of this year has resulted in thousands of people killed. The number varies from 3,100 according to state media and to over 30,000 cited by independent sources and medical professionals. The loss of the internet has stifled accurate figures coming out of Iran. But “ Time magazine cited two senior Iranian health ministry officials saying at least 30,000 people had been killed in street clashes across Iranian cities. The Guardian reported a similar figure of 30,000 deaths on 7 January, citing its sources, and added that a large number of people had disappeared.” (1) The evidence is overwhelming as to the cruelty of this regime and it is time for good people to take a stand with the people of Iran and support them during this critical period.

As Christians the most important support we can give right now is our prayer support. Pray for no more casualties among innocent civilians. Pray for Christians in Iran to be examples of Christ bringing comfort and the gospel of peace to their Iranian neighbors. Pray that many non-believers will accept Christ as savior during this time. Pray for a soon end to this conflict and that the transition period will bring about positive change for the Iranian people. We need to pray for President Trump and the U.S. military along with all our allies in this undertaking to achieve justice and freedom for the people of Iran. Let us pray!

Photo by Sima Ghaffarzadeh on Pexels.com

(1) Iran protests death toll could surpass 30,000, reports claim

Devotionals

No Secrets with God

March 6, 2026March 4, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. Remember the sins of some people are obvious leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.” 1 Timothy 5:22, 24-25 NLT

Notorious criminal action is easy to spot. Flagrant public immorality is also hard to conceal. The same is true for acts of kindness by an organization or individual in supporting those in need without seeking recognition. Their deeds are noticed. Public displays of sinful lawlessness and immorality are seen by all who come across them. Again the same is true for public works of kindness. The Lord God also sees all these actions in real-time and He also sees the sins and good deeds done in secret. They will one day be revealed for all to see, but the Lord sees them now. There are no secrets with God.

The book of 1 Timothy is Paul’s manual for pastoral training. In this case, the pastor-in-training is Timothy. Paul is advising Timothy to continue to be cautious in the selection process of elders. He tells them not to be in a hurry. A hasty decision may result in not uncovering some sin in need of repentance and not fitting for an elder. Paul goes on to say that in keeping with a slower process in time these sins will be uncovered. But, regardless, God is aware of them for nothing gets past Him and it will be revealed. Again, the opposite is true, good deeds will also be exposed and come to light which is a good thing.

So, what is the lesson for us. Paul’s instruction to Timothy is applicable for us. It is a comfort and perhaps frightening to know there are no secrets with God. There is no such thing as a secret sin. The public, our friends and family may not know, but God does. If not dealt with in confession and repentance to God, you can be sure it will no longer remain secret.

Devotionals

That’s the Bottom-Line

March 5, 2026March 3, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Ecclesiastes 1 ESV – All Is Vanity – The words of the – Bible Gateway

“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 NLT

Although there is some debate over who wrote the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, most scholars conclude it was King Solomon in his final years. The richest and most powerful man in the world along with being the wisest man alive through God’s blessings found himself saying, “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Ecc.1:2 esv) The Hebrew word translated ‘vanity’ acknowledges it is a useless attempt to enjoy life outside of God. So, are you enjoying your life?

Yes, I understand life is hard. It is harder for some people that others, but that shouldn’t hinder you from enjoying life. The first half of Ecclesiastes chapter 1 is a poem on the futility of our work. Our common phrase. ‘same ol’, same ol’, just a different day’ would fit well in these verses in our day. Solomon says he has seen everything done under the sun and it is useless. It just gets done over again; there is nothing new. Several human vanities are listed by King Solomon such as wisdom, effort, achievements, power, among other things including life itself as all useless ‘grasping for the wind.’ It does sound depressing, our lives as vanity of vanities.

Solomon’s conclusion is this as we get to end of Ecclesiastes, “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” (Ecc.12:13 nlt) That’s the bottom line. Our lives only have meaning when we are in a right relationship with God. When fearing God (having a loving reverence for Him) we not only gain wisdom but have a lifetime of joy and peace. The prophet Micah speaks along these same lines, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic.6:8 esv) Trying to do life without God will result in vanity of vanities and that’s the bottom line.

Devotionals

Lent 2026 – What Does the Cross Mean to You?

March 4, 2026March 3, 2026 Loring Schultz

“As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.” Galatians 6:14 NLT

I don’t know if you have ever been asked the above question. Perhaps if you were asked that question it may have been in our current season of Lent or during Holy Week before Easter Sunday. It is at this time of the year we focus more deeply on the cross than any other time. Though in reality , the cross is just as important to remember in every season for it defines us as Christians. So, the question is asked, ‘What does the cross mean to you’?

The apostle Paul explained how the cross defined him as a Christian in the book of Galatians. He wouldn’t boast about anything in this world except the cross. Paul saw himself as upon that cross with Christ not only seeing his sins being paid for but also dying to self and pleasure in this world. Any interests he had in the world were crucified with Christ. Paul had died to the world and the world was spiritually dead to him.

The King James Version uses the word ‘glory’ for ‘boast.’ “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Gal.6:14 kjv) Paul is saying he will not give glory to anything in this world except the cross of Christ. It is what defined him in this world and what defines him in eternity. It is the cross of Christ that defines us and saves us to serve Him in this world and praise Him in Heaven. So, if asked this Easter season, ‘what does the cross mean to you,’ what would your response be?

Devotionals

Looking out for #1

March 3, 2026March 2, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 20:20-28 NLT – Jesus Teaches about Serving Others – Bible Gateway

“When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.” Matthew 20:24 NLT

During my years in the corporate world, I’ve seen opportunities for advancement present themselves in various ways. Some were decisions made by company executives promoting individuals into vacated positions or newly created positions of which I was the recipient and also passed over at times. Other opportunities were posted within the corporation with proper procedures in applying for the open positions. It is within this framework that one might try to take advantage over others if they have a contact with influence in the decision-making process. Sometimes it worked to their advantage and sometimes not, but what was consistent was the resentment felt of others who had no such advantage.

Trying to work your way into an inside track is a tactic used for thousands of years and by those we would think would be above implementing such a maneuver, such as Jesus’s disciples. Jesus had told His disciples they would be ruling with Him in the kingdom sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Mt.19:28 nlt) Two of His disciples, James and John, used an influential contact, their mother, in asking Jesus if they could be granted to sit on His left and on His right in the kingdom. To be fair, the gospel of Mark records James and John as asking Jesus, but there is no contradiction here in Matthew’s account. It is possible that all three were present in asking Jesus, or as John MacArthur notes, ‘more likely that they had discussed it among themselves beforehand, and each posed the question to Jesus privately.’ The bottom line is they were seeking an advantage for themselves over the other disciples.

Scripture tells us, “When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.” (Mt.20:24 nlt) There are the two sides to this coin we need to understand. It is true the other disciples felt resentment, but they were sorry they did not get to Jesus first to ask Him. They were, in fact, jealous. They were all looking out for #1. Jesus then explains to all His disciples His kingdom is not like the kingdoms of the world. It’s not about being #1, but serving. He uses Himself as the greatest example of serving, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt.20:28 nlt )

Temptations are always present in our day to look out for #1, But as Christians, when we look out only for ourselves, we leave a trail behind us of those who now look at us defiantly, the very ones we are to help and serve.

Devotionals

Living in Nod

March 2, 2026March 1, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 4:1-16 NLT – Cain and Abel – Now Adam had sexual – Bible Gateway

“So Cain left the LORD’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.” Genesis 4:16 NLT

Photo by National Gallery of Art on Unsplash

One of the most tragic verses in all of Scripture is found in the very first book of the Bible, the Old Testament book of Genesis. The results of leaving the presence of the Lord is to live a life in the land of Nod, a life of wandering. The familiar story of Cain and Abel is well-known even among occasional church goers. It is a story of jealousy between siblings leading to the first murder in history. It is a story of obedience and disobedience. It is a story of anger when one does not get their own way. It is a story of the consequences when one turns their back on God doing their own thing.

Although this story appears at the beginning of human history, it is still found and very active in our present day. Certainly not all wanderers have murdered a brother or sister, but all who wander have rejected God in one form or another. There are two types of wanderers, those who have never accepted Christ as their Savoir, rejecting His plan of Salvation, and then there are those who are born again, but find themselves turning their backs on God by ignoring His guidance and living life on their own terms.

The truth of the matter is, living every day without God in your life is living in the land of Nod, the land of wandering. We were created in the image of God and made to have a relationship with Him. If we are not in a relationship with the one who created us, how could we be anything but unsatisfied with life wandering about seeking true contentment?

Living in Nod is living outside the presence of God, but God is aware and sees us not living before Him. If you are wandering today, give up your wandering by turning back to God and allow Him to lead your life. If you have never turned to God do so now and accept His Son Jesus for Salvation. Live today in God’s presence and turn away from living in Nod.

Bible Studies

“A Long Look” – The Story of Abraham

March 1, 2026February 27, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 13:1-13 NLT – Abram and Lot Separate – So Abram left – Bible Gateway

This week in Biblical Insights Abram is leaving Egypt with his tail between his legs after being called out by Pharoah for his deception. It was a mistake going down to Egypt in the first place failing to trust God in caring for them during the famine. But he is on his way now traveling north into the Negev on their way to the region of Bethel and Ai. Abram left Egypt a lot more prosperous than when he entered. The Lord had blessed Abram in spite of his sin. Pharoah gave Abram much livestock and servants in addition to what he already had. “So Abram left Egypt and traveled north into the Negev, along with his wife and Lot and all that they owned. (Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold.)” (Gen.13:1-2 nlt)

Abram went back to Bethel and worshiped the Lord at the altar he made at his first visit when entering Canaan. Abram got back to business with God. Realizing God’s mercy and blessings towards him when he failed the Lord, Abram went to the nearest place he had set up an altar and worshiped God.

Lot, Abram’s nephew, was traveling with him. Lot had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many servants. Wealth in ancient Palestine was measured in the number of livestock, servants and jewels one possessed. Both Abram and Lot had plenty. This created a problem for the both of them. It’s hard to comprehend how blessings from God could be the cause of a problem. We accept these problems noting it is a good problem to have. A young family have God’s blessings of more children and soon find themselves needing to move into a bigger place. A good problem to have.

Abram and Lot found themselves having ‘a good problem to have.’ The region could not supply the sufficient needs for all of the livestock of both Abram and Lot. The land did not have enough water or pastured land. “So disputes broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. (At that time Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land.)” (Gen.13:7 nlt) It is also noted that rural dwellers were living there as well. On a side note, it should be mentioned besides this problem being caused by God’s blessing both of them, it should be noted that Abram was instructed to leave his family in Ur and go to the place where God would lead him. If Lot was not with him, there would be no problem. Sometimes the smallest miscue in obeying God even with the best of intentions surface later in ways we never thought of. It’s always better to obey God completely, 100%.

Abram knew this issue needed to be resolved. “Finally Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives!’” (Gen.13:8 nlt) It wasn’t good for families to be fighting with each other and not a good look for those who were representing the Holy God the creator of all things.

It seems the decision to separate is a wise one and there is no dispute. The decision as to who goes in what direction is now to be decided. Abram, although the elder, shows kindness to Lot in letting him choose first. Whichever direction Lot chooses Abram will go in the opposite direction. Abram was growing in faith and relying on God and not his own decisions. His experience in Egypt had an effect on him. Abram is finding faith in God’s sovereignty and trusting Him. He knows in whatever direction he goes the Lord will be with him and bless him. Not so with Lot. Abram took off his self-centeredness and Lot put his on.

“Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt.” (Gen.13:10 nlt) Lot took a long look. There is always danger in taking a long look. Some will disagree saying you need to be careful and sure to make a wise decision and that is true. But what captivates you in that first look? Do you ever get past the surface and consider what is underneath? Lot based his decision on what his eyes told him. He saw the green lush vegetation of the fertile fields in the Jordan Valley. There was an irrigation system in place, even in that day, from the Jordan river. Lot knew this was a prize pic. He chose the land towards the east in the Jordan Valley at the edge of the Promised Land. His decision was a wise one in business terms and in a worldly point of view. Lot was more than content with his newfound territory and moved on away from Abram with his possessions, but it would turn out to be a disastrous decision.

Abram settled to the west in the land Canaan and Lot settled around the city of Sodom. Abram walked by faith; Lot walked only by sight. Lot allowed his long look to dictate his future. Abram let his growing faith in God decide his future. Sodom was an evil and sinful city. Lot was putting himself and his family in harm’s way to satisfy his selfish desires. When our selfish desires put us in a bad spot it will have the same effect on those closest to us and not only ourselves. Having Abram’s growing faith will have the opposite effect on each of us. Shortening that long look and putting our faith in God will help us to make the right decisions.

Next week we’ll begin to see some of Lot’s troubles as a result of his long look……

A Christian Perspective

No Open Borders

February 28, 2026February 23, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Exodus 23:27-33 NIV – “I will send my terror ahead of you – Bible Gateway

“Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me.” Exodus 23:33 NIV

There is much in the news cycle around the world these days concerning countries with open borders even though they say their borders are secure. The main reason for closed and secure borders is for protection of their citizens. This is nothing new or distinct for the 21^st century. We find an early prime example of a ‘no open borders’ policy from the pages of the Bible in the book of Exodus.

The Lord God established Israel’s border before they entered the Promised Land. “I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the desert to the Euphrates River.” (Ex.23:31 niv) Israel has well defined borders. They haven’t changed and a future day will come when Israel will possess all the land God has promised them.

What has caused a major delay in Israel not having all the land assigned to them was their unwillingness to finish the job of driving out the nations the Lord required them to do. They let them hang around within their borders. God specifically warned Israel if they did this their hearts would turn away from God. Israel would be influenced by those around them and would soon find themselves sinning against God. Israel didn’t secure their borders nor drive out all the heathen nations God required them to and we are still seeing the effects of that today.

Many Christians today are similar to ancient Israel in not having a ‘no open border policy.’ We let ourselves be influenced by things and even people God is instructing us to drive out of lives. The apostle Paul writes, “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2Cor.5:17 niv) If we continue in our relationships as previously and do the things we did before as if nothing has changed, then nothing has changed! We have not closed our borders to the outside influences that can harm us. This will lead to damaging effects in our lives down the road. As a nation needs to secure its borders, Christians, especially new Christians need to seal off all negative influences that would lead them away from the Lord.