Word for the Soul

“At that moment, the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’” Luke 22:61 NLT

On the night before Jesus was to be crucified He celebrated the Passover with His closest companions, the twelve disciples. Jesus was anxious to participate with them this last time as His words make clear, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins.” (Lk.22:15 nlt) He wanted to be with those closest to Him as His hour was approaching. Not only did He desire to share with them the Passover but also continue to teach them important lessons. He set an example for them in how to love one another by washing their feet and instituted the Lord’s Supper we commemorate today.

Jesus carefully laid out before them the significance of the bread he broke giving to them along with the sharing of the cup. The bread represented His body that would be broken and the cup His blood that would be shed for the forgiveness of sin. He then preceded to tell them that they will all desert Him as He is arrested later that evening in the garden. Following Peter’s lead they all said that would not happen as they were all ready to die with Him than to desert and deny Him.

In Peter’s case, Jesus was specific in telling Peter he would not only desert Him, but he would deny that he even knew Him three times. Jesus was more specific in answering Peter’s claim that “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.” (Mk.14:29 nlt) The Lord told Peter that he would in fact commit such an act before a rooster crows twice denying his Lord.

God’s Word has many simple phrases and statements that goes right to the heart where there is no need of a deep theological exposition. “The Lord turned and looked” is such a statement. Jesus looked right at Peter. Enough said. Imagine if you are Peter seeing the Lord glancing back at you after the second rooster crowed. Imagine if you are Peter and you heard the first rooster crow after your first denial. Would you continue to deny Him as Peter did? We need to be careful not to over criticize Peter in his actions. All of us are capable to deny our Lord and Savior under extreme pressure. But it need not be the case if we are walking in constant communion with Him. May we never see ‘The Lord turn and look’ at us!

Devotionals

The Lord said to my Lord

April 1, 2026March 30, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 110 ESV – Sit at My Right Hand – A Psalm of – Bible Gateway

“David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ Mark 12:36 ESV

‘The Lord said to my Lord.’ Does this statement sound confusing to you, perhaps even contradictory? Confusing to most of us without explanation, but it is certainly not contradictory. During Jesus’s final week before His crucifixion, known as Passion Week, He was in constant battles with the Jewish scribes and the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day. Jesus taught in the temple every day before those who came to hear Him. Most were astonished at His teaching hanging on to every word. This obviously angered the religious leaders as they saw their power and influence eroding away from someone who claimed to be the Son of God, the Messiah. If these leaders had carefully studied the Old Testament, they would have known that Jesus was right, He is the Son of God, the Messiah.

They were constantly trying to trip up Jesus with their questions, but Jesus turns the tables on them and asks them a question. He asks a question from a familiar passage in Psalms explaining that Jesus existed before David, proving His deity, proving He is eternal, and proving He is the Son of God. Jewish teaching was and is correct that the Messiah would be the son of David, yet David refers to Him as his Lord. Jesus asks them, ‘“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?’ They said to him, ‘The son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord’……..If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?”’ (Mt.22:42-45 esv) The point being that the Messiah is both divine and human. He is David’s son and He is David’s Lord.

Jesus Christ who died on Calvary’s cross was indeed the divine Son of God in human flesh. An ordinary man, no matter how good he was, or how well he taught, or how well he lived as an example to others with love and compassion could ever be an adequate substitute for our sin. It had to be a perfect man, without sin. The deity of Christ is vital to why He came. His purpose for coming was to reconcile us back to God due to our sin nature, God’s plan for Salvation for those who trust in Christ. As John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn.1:29 esv) Read Psalm 110, the Messianic Psalm of Christ the King:

Devotionals

Magnificent Buildings!

March 31, 2026March 30, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 13 NIV – The Destruction of the Temple and Signs – Bible Gateway

“As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” Mark 13:1 NIV

Throughout the centuries magnificent cathedrals have been built to worship and bring glory to God. Although you’ll find cathedrals in all parts of the world, the most famous are found in Europe. Some dating back to medieval days took at least fifty years to construct with many taking much longer. The building of a new cathedral involved generations of architects, stonemasons, skilled and unstilled workers, and an enormous amount of money.

The most notable of the European Cathedrals is Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Built between the years of 1163-1345, its age, architectural structure, size, beauty, and its history makes this magnificent building attract 12 million visitors a year. Disaster stuck this magnificent building on April 15, 2019 as fire broke out underneath the roof during a renovation project. As a result there was significant damage to the cathedral. A full restoration was completed in December 2024 with visitors being welcomed back.

The Jewish temple during Jesus’s time on earth was also a magnificent building. It also took many years to complete; in fact it was not completed in Jesus’s day. One of Jesus’ disciples remarked, look what a marvelous structure, what massive stones, what a magnificent building. But Jesus’s response was not to concur with their assessment of the temple. It was of magnificent structure and the place to offer sacrifices and worship God, but it would be destroyed. Jesus answered by saying, “Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.” (Mk.13:2 niv)

Jesus then preceded to instruct the disciples concerning future events of the end times, and His second coming after the tribulation days. He wanted their focus to be not only on the present, but looking at the future and eternity. The day is coming where there will be no magnificent buildings as in these days to visit and worship in, for they will all be destroyed; but we will be worshiping at the feet of Jesus in the New Jerusalem. Let us be looking forward to the future as we remember the past events of our Lord and Savior during this week.

Devotionals

A False Impression

March 30, 2026March 29, 2026 Loring Schultz

“In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ And immediately the fig tree withered up.” Matthew 21:18-19 NLT

An outward appearance can give a false impression. Examples can be found on realtor’s website listings, used auto sales lots, and even restaurant meus (it does not look like the picture!) I am not being critical of those in the auto industry, food service or in real estate, but we all know there are times when the product does not meet up to the standards that were presented once examine. Jesus found this to be true on His way back into Jerusalem on Monday morning after His arrival the day before.

Walking with His disciples on the road early in the morning, Jesus became hungry and noticed a fig tree up ahead. From a distance it looked green and full of leaves. It gave the appearance of being able to supply ample nourishment to one who is hungry. However when Jesus and His disciples got a closer look they found nothing but leaves, no figs. The tree gave a false impression that it contained fruit, but it did not!

Jesus’ reaction to this false claim was immediate judgment, He cursed the tree, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ The result, the fig tree withered up. Some theologians see this as an illustration of the nation Israel, a nation that was unfruitful despite being God’s chosen people. Our application for today is for those of us who claim to be Jesus followers, Christians in the true sense of the word with all the external trimmings but showing no fruit. There are Christians who give a false impression of who they are until someone gets close enough to see otherwise.

Jesus became hungry on the road into Jerusalem and needed the fruit to sustain Him from the fig tree but found none. People today on life’s road need the fruit of Gospel, spiritual nourishment for this life and for eternity. When they see us up ahead and observe us as they move closer, will they find true followers of Jesus or a false impression.

Bible Studies

“The Birth of Ishmael part 1: Impatience Breeds Trouble” – The Story of Abraham

March 29, 2026March 27, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 16 NLT – The Birth of Ishmael – Now Sarai, – Bible Gateway

“So Sarai said to Abram, “The LORD has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal. So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife.” Genesis 16:2-3 NLT

Abram had received a promise from God sealed with a covenant that his descendants would outnumber the stars in the sky. The Lord said a son would be born to him and his wife Sarai in their old age. God also promised Abram that the land where he stood would be his descendants possession. Abram was called to leave his home country for this purpose. The Lord had watch over, protected and led Abram and Sarai since they first journeyed out from Ur and He was not about to leave them on their own now. Abram’s and Sarai’s timetable was causing them to become impatient, but God works on His schedule. Running ahead of God and taking matters into our own hands is never a good idea and Abram and Sarai will soon find that out.

Ten years after God’s call to Abram, Sarai still had not borne a child. We are not sure who was more impatient, Abram or Saria, but perhaps it was Sarai. The Bible says Sarai suggested to her husband to take her servant, Hagar, as a wife or concubine and she could have a child through her. Hagar, an Egyptian, was one of the servants Pharoah gave to Abram when he was told to leave Egypt. Hagar had become Sarai’s personal servant. Another custom in those ancient days, as we saw last week where Abram asked God if his servant Eliezer could be his heir, was a custom that a female servant in the home could a bear child for a couple. Even though this was the custom of the day, it was not God’s design and certainly not for Abram and Sarai.

Abram should have recalled that God said no to his request for his servant to be his heir. There was nothing wrong with Abram asking about Eliezer, but this action he was about to take with Sarai’s servant was definitely wrong. We do not read where Abram and Sarai asked God about this. The Lord would have said no to this request as well. Sometimes in our own lives we do not ask God because we know the answer is no. So, we just move ahead and Abram did just that. Scripture says, “So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife. So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt.” (Gen.16:3-4 nlt)

Immediately after Hagar became pregnant things started to fall apart. No doubt Abram sinned by taking Hagar as a wife and having relations with her. He also sinned by running ahead of God and not having faith in the covenant promise God gave him. This great man of faith had failed, and it will now have mass consequences for thousands of years. The first harsh reality was the broken relationship between Sarai and Hagar. Hagar began to despise her mistress. Sentiments of contempt by looking down on Sarai for not being able to become pregnant had become visible, causing problems in the home. Sarai turns to Abram and blames him for the crisis. “Then Sarai said to Abram, ‘This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she is pregnant she treats me with contempt. The LORD will show who’s wrong—you or me!’” (Gen.16:5 nlt)

Although Sarai is not innocent in all this, she does have a point. Abram being the spiritual head of the family and God’s servant should have refused his wife’s solution to her barrenness. Abram knew of God’s faithfulness and His ability to do what He had promised but gave into his wife’s wishes from his own impatience. Sarai wanted her husband to fix the problem. But Abram added to the problem by granting Sarai the freedom to oversee it herself by saying, ‘“Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.’ Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away.” (Gen.16:6 nlt)

It is thought that Hagar was reduced back to her servant status or lower. Her harsh treatment she received could have been extremely hard, heavy burdened continual tasks. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, “Passionate jealousy and bitterness set the two women against each other. And Abram was not much help to either of them. Conditions grew worse by the moment.” We will see how worse they get when we continue next week…….

A Christian Perspective

Are You in Rebellion?

March 28, 2026March 26, 2026 Loring Schultz

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38 NLT

‘Rebellion’ carries with it a negative tone. The word is defined as, ‘armed resistance to one’s government, or defiance to any authority.’ A rebel is one who takes part in resisting authority. Certainly, this is not what a Christian should be involved in. I agree with that under most circumstances. But Christians have a higher authority to answer to, the Lord God creator of heaven and earth.

Christians are to be rebellious. We are to rebel against the sinful nature of our flesh and the evil Satanic ways of the world. Modern-day theologian David Guzik writes in his commentary, “ Most people think of following Jesus as conforming to the establishment. Actually, Jesus called us to rebel against the established order of this world. We are called to rebel against the tyranny of the flesh, against the fear and conformity of the world, against the traditions of man. Jesus encourages a slave rebellion, where the slaves of sin, Satan, and the world rebel against their masters.” (1)

The current world system is corrupt in every way. Flagrant immorality, thefts, murder, abortion, fraud, deception, and the list goes on. Many of these vices along with others are found in most governments, businesses, organizations, communities, families, and individuals who follow a secular worldview. Satan is influencing every social class and moving people away from the things of God and promoting his Satanic ideals. He is the prince and power of this world system. The apostle Paul makes that clear in Ephesians 2:2, “You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” (nlt)

We are living in a world between good and evil. Jesus Himself declare this world as adulterous and evil days. It is time for all Christians to rebel against our sinful flesh and the urge to conform to the world system which is under the control of Satan.

(1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/mark/mark-8.cfm?a=965038

Devotionals

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

March 27, 2026March 25, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 NLT – Paul’s Final Instructions – But you, – Bible Gateway

“Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

This morning I came across an interesting reading in my ‘Substack’ feed entitled ‘Prayer is Not Asking. It is Occupying.’ The thought being that is not merely asking, but it is reporting for duty. Afterall we are in a war. Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. The Lord who called Timothy into service also called us. Our ministries may differ, but we have the same commander, the Lord God.

Our Lord is telling us to fight the good fight of faith in 2026. If you have been a Christian for any length of time you know that task is not easy. But we are to pursue righteousness while living a godly life having faith, love, with perseverance and gentleness. I do not know about you, but I cannot do that on my own. Paul also recognized this as he instructed Timothy to fight the good fight. The word Paul used for ‘fight’ is where we get our English word ‘agonize.’ It describes the attentiveness, discipline, and effort needed for victory in a military battle or an athletic contest.

The good fight of faith is a spiritual battle against the things of this world ruled by Satan. The Lord commands to us to fight the good fight by putting on the full armor of God and standing firm. (Eph.6:10-18) We are not left defenseless and are encouraged to remember our future promise of eternal life leading us to live with a heavenly perspective as we minister for the Lord. May we all eagerly report for duty each day as we fight the good fight of faith.

Devotionals

Praying for one another

March 26, 2026March 24, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NLT – Paul’s Request for Prayer – Finally, – Bible Gateway

“Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 NLT

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

How often do we pray for one another? Our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as ourselves need prayer because of the days we live in. We all need to make ‘the best use of the time, because the days are evil.’ (Eph.5:16 esv) Paul asks the church at Thessalonica to pray for him and his ministry partners. He prayed particularly that the gospel would spread rapidly. He also prayed for protection from those who did not want that message to be broadcasted. Paul knew the evil one, Satan, was behind all the harassment and threats they had received in preaching the Word.

Satan has not changed his tactics. His evil influence in the world keeps unbelievers right where he wants them in having no interest in the things of God and opposing those who do. Every Christian has the responsibility to live out a life pleasing to God leading others to the savior. This will be met with opposition either outright or subtle. We should follow Paul’s example and ask for prayer from our family in Christ and be praying for each of them in return. He will strengthen us and guard us from the evil.

Paul adds another aspect to this prayer for one another. It is a prayer for a full understanding and the expression God’s love. We can also have confidence in having patient endurance during these days of living for Christ. Standing with Jesus makes us an enemy of world. Jesus said, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” (Lk.21:17 nlt) Therefore, we should be in the habit of praying for one another.

Devotionals

Lent 2026: The Complete Story

March 25, 2026March 24, 2026 Loring Schultz

“The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” Mark 9:31 NLT

Paul Harvey, an American news broadcaster for over fifty years for ABC News, was known for his segments called ‘The Rest of the Story.’ This final segment put closure to a story most people knew about, but not in its entirety. Several of these facts may not have been available at the time or were hidden from the public for one reason or another. Paul Harvey was able to dig up the facts through research and old-fashioned journalism to arrive at the complete story.

Our current world system has many reasons why a story will be under reported or some of the facts left out. There may be legitimate concerns if protective information falls into the wrong hands. Some information is withheld or skewed to create a narrative pushing a preferred agenda. Discernment is necessary for every person when receiving the information to decide its accuracy. As years go by through the decades and centuries even a complete story can be rewritten to distort the truth to agree with the changing culture.

With Easter (Jesus’ resurrection from the dead) right around the corner, there are many stories that have a shorten version of Passion week. It seems to end on Good Friday. Sadly, there are so-called Christians and preachers who accept and justify this rewritten story. They claim to accept Jesus and live by His words and teaching, but it is a selective acceptance. Jesus was clear about His mission, the complete story.

Jesus told His disciples many times in Scripture about His upcoming arrest, death, and resurrection. Jesus was careful to always include His rising again on the third day every time He spoke these words. Jesus never left out the rest of the story. He would rise again on the third day, and He did. There is no Easter without the resurrection. There is no salvation or eternal life without the resurrection. Beware of those who want to rewrite a story that Jesus said is already finished.

Devotionals

Always Something Good in God’s Hand

March 24, 2026March 23, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 145:14-21 NLT – The LORD helps the fallen and lifts – Bible Gateway

“When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.” Psalm 145:16 NLT

When you were a child did you ever have one of your grandparents come up to you with a close hand containing a pleasant surprise? The imagery of that precious moment may still be impressed in your mind. God, our heavenly Father, has more than a surprise for us in His hand. He freely gives us all we need in this life and in the life to come. His hand always has something good for us.

Psalm 145 may have been the last of David’s seventy-five psalms he wrote. It is a psalm of praise for who God is and for all He has done. The first half of the psalm David praises God for His greatness and His grace. Beginning in verse fourteen he praises God for His faithfulness and righteousness. The Lord always has His eye on us to help us as we look to Him in hope for what we need. (14-15) We can count on His provisions to be exactly what we need when we need them. (16-17) God is near to those who call on Him in truth. (18) The Lord hears the cries of us who fear Him with the reverential fear due Him. He will help us and protect throughout our lives. (19-20)

David, later in his life, understood more than anybody there is always something good in God’s hand. Sometimes that good was in the form of discipline, but David knew it was for his good. It is the same for us. There is always something good for us in God’s hand for our good. May we sing along with David as he closed his final psalm, “I will praise the LORD, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.” (Ps.145:21 nlt)