Word for the Soul

“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.

Devotionals

Going Viral

August 19, 2026August 16, 2026 Loring Schultz

“News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.” Matthew 4:24 NIV

Crowded ancient village street with people, donkeys, and earthen buildings — A bustling ancient village street comes alive with conversation beneath a glowing sunset.

I am sure many of you have heard of the term “going viral.” You may have used it yourself in describing something you have seen going viral. The source for the term used today comes as a product of social media outlets, mostly through videos, comments, and news events shared on these various sites. As more and more people share these posts, it rapidly multiplies the coverage on social media platforms making it almost impossible to miss. You may or may not agree on the content, but you cannot deny its effectiveness in reaching people.

Although the term “going viral” is related to today’s technological advancements, the concept of “going viral” is as old as history itself. It may have taken a little longer but the effects were still the same. The more spectacular and unbelieving the news events seem to be the more it would be spread abroad. One who has personally seen or experienced such an event would be most excited to share the news. Early in Jesus’ ministry on earth news about Him went viral as He taught, proclaimed the Gospel, and healed people of every kind of disease and sickness.

The people who witnessed and experienced the healings shared the news of Jesus with the methods of their day. No doubt the news spread quickly and soon people from all Syria were coming to Him for healing and casting out demons. As the word continue to spread “Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.” (Mt. 4:25 niv) The good news of Jesus Christ was “going viral.”

Today we have the same good news the people had in Jesus’ day. The fact is we have a more complete understanding of who Jesus is. We certainly have more advanced capabilities to share what we know and have experienced about Jesus. Are we using all our available resources to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and see it ‘going viral’?

Devotionals

A Sure Thing

August 18, 2026August 15, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 41 NLT – Psalm 41 – For the choir director: A – Bible Gateway

“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble. The LORD protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The LORD nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.” Psalm 41:1-3 NLT

Volunteer sharing a meal with an unhoused man beside a city alley — A volunteer shares a warm meal with an unhoused man during a street outreach service.

Guarantees are hard to come by these days. There is no such thing as a ‘sure thing.’ Certain consumer products are labeled to be guaranteed to work for a specified about of time, but we all know that is not always the case. You are guaranteed a degree by a major university if you study hard and apply yourself, but the school suddenly closes without warning. The same is true in the workplace, you are guaranteed employment if the company can afford to stay in business. There are no guarantees, or sure things, in life outside the intervention of the Lord God.

David, the author of Psalm 41, gives us the assurance that joy is guaranteed when we are kind to the poor. These first three verses of Psalm 41 correspond to one of Jesus’ Beatitudes given in the Sermon on the Mount. “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Mt.5:7 nlt) David is ill and sees himself in this psalm he is writing. He was one who had shown mercy and knew the joy he had helping others. David trusted the Lord would show mercy and heal him giving him future joy in helping others who are sick and poor. David understood this as a sure thing.

Joy is extended to us as we give to the poor and meet their needs. The recipient of the gift is joyous in the generosity of the giver for the adequate supply of needed substance. David continues noting the blessings bestowed upon those who are kind to the poor. The Lord God will rescue them from trouble and their enemies giving them on-going protection and prosperity. These are signs of a sure thing, guaranteed joy when helping the poor. David was confident God would show him mercy as he had shown mercy to those under his rule who needed help. The Lord will sustain us in our continued efforts to help the poor, bringing joy to all and that is a sure thing!

Devotionals

The Promises of God

August 17, 2026August 12, 2026 Loring Schultz

“And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 NLT

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT

The Holy Scriptures contain many promises of God, all of them kept. One promise yet to be fulfilled is the return of Jesus Christ. We can be assured based on God’s record of keeping promises this one is also certain to come about. Jesus’s first coming was a promise kept in the plan of salvation in redeeming sinners. Adam and Eve having disobeyed God brought sin into the world. Mankind, now with a sin nature, is separated from God. Our sin needed to be dealt with before a Holy God, and God Himself provided the necessary means to bring about reconciliation to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ.

God informs Satan of his sure destruction. There will be hostility between Satan and unbelievers and Jesus and His followers. Satan will indeed cause Jesus to suffer, but Jesus delivers the final blow at the cross and in His resurrection from the dead.

This first promise was given way back in the Garden of Eden as recorded in the book of Genesis, and we see the beginning of the fulfilment of this promise in Matthew’s gospel of the New Testament. Matthew introduces the long-anticipated wait for the promised Messiah, the King of the Jews. The promise of the coming of Jesus Christ is foretold through the prophets of the Old Testament, prophecies concerning His first coming to provide the way of salvation and His second coming to rule as the King of kings. God’s promises come true; Jesus came to save His people from their sins, Satan is a defeated foe, and Jesus is coming back again. You can count on it.

Bible Studies

I Am the Door: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 3

August 16, 2026August 14, 2026 Loring Schultz

“So, Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:7-9 ESV

We call our dwelling places home, whether an apartment, a dorm room, a house, or a condominium. All of them have a main door for entrance. Upon going through the door and entering we find peace, security, and safety in the dwelling of our own home.

In Jesus’ day shepherds would lay across the entrance (or gate) of the sheep pen during the night to guard the sheep, protecting them from danger and unwanted visitors. Within the confines of the sheep pen, their home, the sheep had safety and security. The door was being guarded.

In Jesus’ third ‘I am’ statement of His salvation message Jesus says, ‘I am the door.’ He is the entrance or the gate we must go through to be assured of eternal life in heaven. Entrance to an eternal home in Heaven is only through Jesus Christ and no one else or any effort on our part. Today many people may find this statement intolerant. But these are Jesus’ words, and He says to all of us, ‘If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.’ and only there.

Looking forward to arriving at our earthly homes and entering through the door, we find the comforts, peace, and security we have anticipated. And we can be assured of another home we will have for a much longer time than our short stay here on earth, that time is eternity, which does not end. May we look with greater anticipation to arrive at that home. Perhaps you do not have the assurance you will have a home of peace, comfort, and security after this life? Romans 10:13 says, “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (nlt) There is no other way to eternal life in heaven with God the Father except going through Jesus Christ, the door.