Word for the Soul

‘“Should I hide my plan from Abraham?’ the LORD asked. ‘For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him.’” Genesis 18:17-18 NLT

So far in our study of Abraham we have seen several characteristics of faith, patience, obedience, loyalty, generosity, among others. This week several more come into focus as Abraham intercedes for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah on the eve of their destruction. Abraham was visited by the Lord and two angels as he was told Sarah would have a baby the following year. Sarah laughed to herself considering both her and her husband’s age, but the Lord said, ‘Is anything too hard for the LORD?’ The answer is no. God’s promise to Abraham is about to be fulfilled. He and Sarah will have a male child and will name him Issac.

Abraham continued to show the customary hospitality of accompanying his guests as they made way to leave. As they were on their way, the LORD asked, “Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” (Gen.18:17 nlt) God valued Abraham through the promises given to him and here He reveals His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah. The nation promised to Abraham’s descendants will need an understanding of justice and mercy. The Lord is about to provide a demonstration of that for Abraham to pass down to future generations. “I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.” (Gen.18:19 nlt) Abraham is then moved to intercede on behalf of the people; today we call this intercessory prayer.

And so it begins, “… the LORD told Abraham, ‘I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant.’” (Gen.18:20 nlt) This outcry was a cry of righteous indignation. It is the same cry that went out when Cain murdered his brother Abel. “But the LORD said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!’” (Gen.4:10 nlt) These two cities have reached the point of no return. Their sins were grievous and they had not repented. Excessive displays of sexual depravity was rapid, particularly homosexually. Arrogance and abuse of the poor was commonplace and there was no hospitality to be found among them.

The Lord said, “I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” (Gen.18:21 nlt) Of course the Lord did not need to go down and see for Himself, he knew. The thought here is this; God’s judgment comes only with true knowledge of the facts. God is showing us His character of accurate judgement. He will go down in judgment.

The two angels leave and head towards Sodom. Notice the Lord did not need to go down. Notice also Abraham is by His side. Abraham had a special place with the Lord. This passage is the basis for Abraham being known as ‘a friend of God.’ Additional characteristics of this man of faith are now revealed through Abraham’s intercessory petitions. These include his sympathy, sensitivity, concern for righteousness and his knowledge of God’s holy nature.

Abraham asked the Lord, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked?” (Gen.18:23 nlt) Abraham knew of God’s mercy towards the righteous. Abraham was asking in behalf of both the righteous and indirectly for the wicked. It was evident to Abraham that no one would survive this coming judgment. So, Abraham continued to speak, “Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” (Gen.18:24-25 nlt) Abraham knew that God was true to His character and would judge righteously. God would only do what was good. The Lord replied He would not destroy the city for their sake.

Abraham started with fifty and then the countdown began with the same question all the way down to ten. “And the LORD replied, ‘Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.’” (Gen.18:32 nlt) God’s mercy is evident. He would not destroy the city if there were at least ten righteous people there. Abraham perhaps stopped at ten knowing that his nephew Lot and his family would have numbered around ten.

Ancient Mesopotamian city with fortified walls, river, marketplace, and surrounding farmland.

The underlying message here is Abraham’s intercessory prayer. It reveals his heart and compassion towards people, praying for mercy for the just and the unjust. He was persistent in his petitions knowing that God would do what is right. The Lord revealed to Abraham what He was about to do to bring him to this point. The father soon to be of many nations, the man of faith is now a man of prayer.

Next week the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah………

A Visit by a King

May 2, 2026April 30, 2026 Loring Schultz

Two men in suits walking and talking on a stone path in front of the White House — Two prominent leaders walk and converse on the White House grounds.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom paid a visit to America this past week. It was the first visit of a Royal English Monarch since Queen Elizabeth was invited by President George W. Bush in May of 2007. There were many notable moments from the afternoon tea with President Trump and first lady Melania, to the State Dinner, King Charles’ speech to a joint session of congress, the visit to New York city, and wrapping up in the state of Virginia, one of the original thirteen colonies. There were jabs made in jest of America’s independence from England about to celebrate 250 years, but heart-warming respect for the alliance both countries now share and have shared for over two hundred years. It was refreshing to see two heads of State and two powerful countries coming together in unity.

It is ironic for both countries that unity is missing within both the United Kingdom and the United States. The divide in the United States is far greater than in the UK, admitting I am writing from my experience as an American but it sure seems that way. Political theater has become just that in the United States, entertaining. It is said, ‘you can’t make this stuff up’ when the hypocrisy is ridiculously exposed. A case in point became known this week with a visit by a king. There have been countless rallies across America called ‘No Kings Rallies’ in opposition to President Trump. Half of America do not want a king, or a president they see as ruling as a king, but they welcomed a foreign king to their soil and honored him. In fact half of the joint session of congress stood and applauded King Charles with the man they accuse of being a king is in the same chamber. No, you can’t make this stuff up!

There is no problem with honoring King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It is the right thing to do. The manner and structure of government, although similar in some ways, is different between the two countries. The king of England serves as the Head of State performing constitutional duties and remains neutral in governing. His position ensures a well-functioned parliamentary democracy.

With all that said, what should a Christian’s perspective of kings and presidents look like? First, we are to pray for all in authority whether kings or presidents and second, there is only one king, King Jesus, who is coming back and not only for a visit but to rule the earth with peace and justice. In that day there will not be any ‘No Kings Rallies.’

Devotionals

What Do Others Remember About You?

May 1, 2026April 29, 2026 Loring Schultz

“I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” 2 Timothy 1:4-5 NLT

What do others remember about you? The older you get the more time there is for others to accumulate what stands out about you that they remember. I admit there are some things I’d rather people would forget about me, perhaps you can recall some of those things yourself. We all want people to think well of us and to remember the positive things in our lives. But it doesn’t always work out that way. All of us are fallen human beings living in a fallen broken world and with that comes things we would rather forget and certainly have others forget about us.

The past is the past, so what have we been doing lately? Are we growing in Christ? Are we in the Word of God daily? Do we have an active prayer life? Are our lives reflecting a change of heart and attitude that is only possible through a relationship with Jesus Christ? All these things are building blocks for a firm foundation of living the Christian life. Others around us will see the change, mark the difference, and begin to remember for future reference the people we are in Christ. In this case only we can say the good outweighs the bad as we continue to grow in all manners as a Jesus followers. Others will see it and remember.

Wherever we are in our Christian walk it is always a good thing to stop and self-examine ourselves. Are we reflecting Christ in a way that people will remember us as encouraging or a disappointment of what should be? All of us no matter what our age are building a foundation of remembrance in the eyes and minds of those around us. May there be no cracks in that foundation as we continue to build on the only foundation that could be laid, Jesus Christ. Let us have something others will remember us by, our life in Jesus Christ the hope of salvation for all people.

Devotionals

Our Greatest Need

April 30, 2026April 29, 2026 Loring Schultz

“O let me never lose sight of my need of a saviour, or forget that apart from him I am nothing, and can do nothing.” (1)

What is your greatest need? Have you ever thought about it? This question is often asked in light of the current moment in time. We do live in the present. Have you ever considered there is one need that is supersedes all other needs in our lives? This need, when met, will assist us with dealing with all other needs because it is our greatest need, our need of a savior. Our greatest need in this life is to make sure our greatest after this life is met. Along with the fulfillment of that need comes help from above in our everyday walk in this life.

The Puritan writer in the ‘Valley of Vision’ collection of Puritan devotions writes, “O let me never lose sight of my need of a saviour, or forget that apart from him I am nothing, and can do nothing.” (1) We can get so tangled in our present needs we lose sight of the bigger picture. What is important and what should be our primary priorities are overshadowed by current troubles. Yes, our pressing needs are a concern and need to be dealt with and the provider of our greatest need is there to help us through them.

Our greatest need must be met first. All of us are alienated from God due to our sinful nature and must be reconciled to Him. That reconciliation was made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins. “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Ro.5:10 niv) When we accept Christ as savior our greatest need in this life and more importantly in eternity has been met. So, have you taken care of your greatest need? Once you are assured of that, the rest of this life with all its needs will be met by the one who solved your greatest need, your need of a savior.

(1) Arthur Bennett Ed. The Valley of Vision. East Peoria: Versa Press, 2023. Pg. 32

Devotionals

First Thing in the Morning

April 29, 2026April 28, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 5 NKJV – A Prayer for Guidance – To the Chief – Bible Gateway

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.” Psalm 5:3 NKJV

Woman sitting on bed looking out window at sunrise

Do you have a routine every morning after you awake? Depending with what is scheduled it may differ from day to day as you go about getting ready for the new day. But my thought here is those very first moments as you wake up while you are still in bed, what are your thoughts, do you have any, do you have a routine? David had a routine every morning of looking up and lifting his voice to God. “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.” (Ps.5:3 nkjv)

This is something we can all do first thing in the morning because we all are a position to look up while lying in bed. We’re half-way there. Next we allow the Lord to hear our voice as we direct it towards Him. The good thing is we can do this silently, especially if you are married so as to not wake up your spouse, if single, then you can lift up your voice as loud as you feel led. We do not need to speak audibly to the Lord for Him to hear us, only to speak silently directly to Him in our quiet moments.

Staring your day looking up to God and thanking Him for rest received through the night and the joy of giving you another day to serve Him starts you out on the right foot. There’s no need to worry of getting out of the wrong side of the bed as saying goes. You have taken care of first things first. Not a bad routine to begin tomorrow first thing in the morning.

Devotionals

Jesus is not there

April 28, 2026April 27, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Luke 24:1-7 NKJV – He Is Risen – Now on the first day of – Bible Gateway

“Why do you seek the living among the dead?” Luke 24:5 NKJV

Early on that first Easter morning the Bible says the women appeared at the tomb of Jesus with spices to anoint His body. But Jesus wasn’t there. Two angels who stood by asked them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Lk.24:5 nkjv) The message was clear; Jesus was not there. Why would He be in a place reserved for dead people? It was a dead place. Jesus was alive and not with the dead.

As I read this passage of Scripture this morning those words jumped out at me. ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead?’ I thought of it in a spiritual sense. Some things we may participate in, calling them vices or not so bad, is Jesus there? Those sins that easily entangle us (Heb.12:1), is Jesus there? I would think not. It is a dark place among the dead. Jesus is not there. But those of us who know the Lord as Savior have His Spirit living in us, so, when we engage in that vice or activity we bring Jesus along with us.

The world today has many dead places of sin in which our Lord would never go. It is true He is the creator of the world and ever-present. The world has also been corrupted by sin and is dead, but Jesus is alive. When a person turns to Christ in repentance for their sin they become alive in Him. Once dead, now alive! We cannot get away from the temptations of our sinful dead world, but we have the Christ’s Spirit in us to help us through it. Remember Jesus is not there, don’t bring Him along with you.

Devotionals

Judges we are not, but rescuers we are

April 27, 2026April 24, 2026 Loring Schultz

“And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.” Jude 1:22-23 NLT

Firefighter helping elderly woman from floodwaters next to rescue boat — A firefighter helps an elderly woman during a severe flood rescue mission.

The New Testament book of Jude containing only one chapter is a must read for every Christian. Jude, our Lord Jesus’ brother, is warning us of false teachers who claim being saved by grace gives us license for immorality. The thought is our sins will not be held against us, which is true, and we won’t lose our salvation which is also true, but sin is sin and evil in God’s sight. What Jude had written to the early Christians he could have written specifically to us today. “I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives.” (Jude1:4 nlt)

Many Christian churches today are succumbing to pressure compromising the truth with voices that contradict Scripture. Some Christians are easily swayed especially if it is presented in a way that applies to our current day and culture. Accepting these new norms will confuse a new Christian and will prove disastrous for the church. False teachers seem so eloquent, reasonable, loving, knowledgeable, persuasive, and most of all seem to be telling the truth. Jude writes, “In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings.” (Jude1:8 nlt) We must be aware of the progressing influence of those who want to deny Biblical truth.

There will be those among us in our church family who will fall into this trap and begin to live out and support those involved in the social norms of society that contradict Scripture. Jude encourages a gentle approach to those who are confused. “And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.” (Jude1:22 nlt) We are not to jump all over our Christian brothers and sisters but take an approach that rescues them from judgment. The consequences of sin including God’s judgement on what He hates should be presented in a gentle manner. More importantly, the rescuer must be in a right relationship with God and living righteously with sin confessed. We all sin daily whether we think we do or not. Let us

Paul, the apostle also gives us advice on rescuing others from coming judgment, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” (Gal.6:1 nlt) Let us be on the alert. There is enough of temptation to sin in the world without having false teachers who ignore or put their spin on God’s Words deceiving even the very elect of God. Let us call them out and rescue our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Bible Studies

“A Son is Promised” – The Story of Abraham

April 26, 2026April 25, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 18:1-15 NLT – A Son Is Promised to Sarah – The LORD – Bible Gateway

“I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!” Genesis 18:10 NLT

Open Bible showing Genesis chapter 18 and surrounding pages on a wooden table with red ribbon bookmark

When we last left Abraham two weeks ago he was beginning to understand the meaning of his name. The Lord changed his name from Abram (Exalted Father) to Abraham (father of many nations). God promised Abraham that many nations would come forth from Ishmael but the covenant promise would be through a son yet to be born to Sarah his wife. The name Issac was already given to this son of promise. Abraham obeyed God by conducting the circumcision of every male the sign of the covenant. The Lord promise will be fulfilled and Abraham will have a son and become the father of many nations.

Shortly after Abraham followed God’s instructions for circumcision, the Lord appeared again to Abraham. It was a hot afternoon in the Midde East and Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent when three men approached him. Abraham’s life was characterized by living in tents. He was still a wanderer traveling through the land promised to him by the Lord. Two of these three men were angels and the third was a theophany, another presentation of Jesus in human form. It doesn’t seem Abraham recognized Him at first but later realizes who He is.

Abraham immediately offered the Near Eastern hospitality of the day. “When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground. ‘My lord,’ he said, ‘if it pleases you, stop here for a while.’” (Gen.18:2-3 nlt) Abraham used the customary greeting of respect, ‘My lord’, when he addressed the Lord. There were no hotels or inns in that day and weary travelers would depend on the hospitality of others for food and rest. It was considered a good deed to feed and put up travelers to rest from their journey and Abraham was quick to do it.

Abraham had water brought to wash their feet as they rested in the shade under a tree while food was being prepared. Sarah used her best flour to bake fresh bread, and “Abraham ran out to the herd and chose a tender calf and gave it to his servant, who quickly prepared it.” (Gen.18:7 nlt) A choice calf was going over and above the normal standards for feeding travelers. Before Abraham brought out the roasted meat and fresh bread he got some yogurt and milk to complete the meal. Abraham was not only a man of great faith but a man of generosity. The New Testament instructions on showing hospitality is taken in part from Abraham’s example here in this passage. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” (Heb.13:2 nlt)

After the meal, the visitors asked where Sarah was. Abraham replied she was in the tent. “Then one of them (the Lord) said, ‘I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!’” (Gen.18:10 nlt) Sarah overhearing the conversation from inside the tent laughed to herself. After all she was about ninety years old and Abraham would be one-hundred when Issac is to be born. Sarah said to herself, “How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master—my husband—is also so old?” (Gen.18:12 nlt) It seemed an impossibility to have a child at her age. Although the lifespans in their day were much longer Sarah was way past the age of child-bearing. Of course the Lord heard Sarah’s response and said, “Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Gen.18:14 nlt)

Sarah denied laughing, even if it was only to herself, for she was afraid. But the Lord knew. A thought for us to take hold of. The Lord hears all we say, silently to ourselves, and even in our thoughts. The Lord heard Sarah and He hears us. There is nothing too difficult for the Lord; in hearing our thoughts to ourselves or promising Sarah will have a son in her old age.

Next week Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah………..

A Christian Perspective

God’s Word will never disappear; No Update Needed

April 25, 2026April 23, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” Luke 21:33 NLT

Recently a presiding bishop aligned with a major Christian denomination stated there was a need for a third testament of the Bible because God’s Word has become problematic. In a recent message she says, “This a very dangerous thing that I’m about to say now… a bit dangerous. I’m of the opinion that we need a Third Testament. because the Bible has become problematic…… I am completely frustrated with the ways in which the text speaks to the kind of vitriolic God that makes those kinds of things. And people will say, ‘well, it’s in the book.’ And I said, then we need to pull that page out. And they said, well, you can’t do it. It’s the Word of God. I said, no, it’s words about God. Come on now. But is it the Word of God? No. It is not the Word of God.” (1)

I remember a pastor friend of mine saying to me many years ago, ‘you have two choices, you either believe the Bible is God’s Word or you don’t. I choose to believe it.’ with that said I believe it also. There is no in-between. Yes, it is a dangerous thing that the bishop said. Obviously the bishop’s choice is clear. The problem as I see it is that a new third testament, according to the bishop’s own words, would also be ‘words about God.’ I don’t think God is going to write another text to suit those who refuse His already written Word which is never going to disappear. You can tear some pages out, but there’s always another Bible around. It is not going away.

What is needed are the Words of God from God and we already have them. “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2Pt.1:20-21 niv)

God gave us all we need to know on how to love our neighbors, how to treat each other with respect, how to find help through the Holy Spirit in the temptations of sin, how to live obedient to His Word, and most of all how to find salvation and eternal life through confession and repentance accepting Jesus Christ as our savior. There is no need for further revelation. God’s words will never disappear, and we can trust them with confidence.

(1) Bishop Says We Need a ‘Third Testament’ Because The First Two Are ‘problematic’ And ‘not the word of God’ – Protestia

Devotionals

Be Humble, Pray, and Seek the Lord

April 24, 2026April 23, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Chronicles 7:12-16 NLT – Then one night the LORD appeared to – Bible Gateway

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

A few days ago Donald Trump, the president of the United States, read a portion of Scripture as part of a marathon reading of the Bible in an America 250-themed event. The United States will celebrate its 250^th anniversary of independence on July 4^th of this year. The passage he read from in 2 Chronicles was appropriate as the Lord promises to bless those who call on Him and He will restore their land. America sure needs it. The news media did not see it that way but criticized the reading as misrepresenting the Bible and not applicable to our time. Granted it was a different time and I will not make this a political piece (that is for our Saturday’s Christian Perspective each week) but this passage does apply. It applies as an example for the nation and for every person in the world today. The Bible is God’s living and breathing Word and it applies to everyone every day.

Christians can claim the words ‘Then if my people who are called by my name’ as applying to them, which I am one. When one accepts Christ as savior they have been drawn by the Holy Spirit unto salvation. We are called ‘Christians’ after Jesus Christ’s name and the Holy Spirit resides in every Chrisitan upon salvation. The Lord says when we humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face that He will hear us.

The Lord also demands that we turn from our wicked ways. Turning to God in prayer seeking Him with a humble attitude while still sinning against Him brings into question, how serious are we? Do we care about restoration or do we want to keep a couple of sins in our back pocket. The Lord God wants one-hundred percent commitment in our humility, prayer, seeking Him, and turning away from our sin. He then promises to forgive us and restore us. Yes, this passage applies today for everyone. Praise God that it does!