Word for the Soul

“Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.” Mark 16:7 NLT

Can you recall the feeling you had when you were left out of something? You volunteer for a good-will project, put in the effort to make it successful and when the day comes to begin the project you are not selected to participate. It made not have been anything you have done to be left off the project, but for some reason you were not chosen to participate. Hurt feelings are sure to arise.

But, what about if you had done something irresponsible to give your organization a bad name that precipitated in you not being included? You would still feel hurt, but also sad remorse for what could have been, but wasn’t. You no longer have any control over the situation. The good-will project will go on without you.

Peter, one of Jesus’ most trusted disciples, had done something which he thought eliminated him from any future good-will project. He denied three times that he even knew his master, Jesus. Remembering what Jesus said that before the evening was over he would deny Him three times, Peter went out and wept bitterly after he did exactly what Jesus said he would do. For sure Peter gave Jesus a bad reputation by being associated with a liar. Any chance to work on His behalf would seem to be lost. But that was not the case.

On the morning of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave the three women came to the tomb of Jesus and found it empty except for an angel sitting on the right side. The women were frighten and did not know what to say so the angel encouraged them by saying, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.” (Mk.16:6 nlt) Then the angel told them to go tell the disciples, ‘including Peter,’ to go meet Jesus in Galilee. Peter was not going to be left off the team. By God’s grace and forgiveness Peter was restored to do a great work for Christ.

“Our Father” – The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

June 28, 2026June 25, 2026 Loring Schultz

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:14-16 NLT

The first and most important step in prayer Jesus teaches us is the address, “Our Father.” Equally important is who can address God as “Our Father.” There is a misconception that was brought about in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries through a book by German Theologian and church historian, Adolf von Harnack, entitled ‘What is Christianity?’ His thesis was the doctrine of Christianity can be reduced to two propositions; ‘The Universal Fatherhood of God’ and ‘The Universal Brotherhood of Man.’ Simply stated, since God created man, then all are God’s children, and all are brothers and sisters. But careful study of scripture does not reveal such a hypothesis. It is true in the sense of creation; God has created all of mankind. Each one of us has God as their creator.

The term “Our Father” is not an address seen in the Old Testament but has significate meaning in the New Testament. It is the reality of adoption into the family of God, becoming a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, God the Son. Scripture says, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” (Jn.1:12 nlt) Having that right to become children of God, Christians have the right to claim God as their Father and the right to address Him properly as “Our Father.” Those who have not trusted in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection for the remission of sins and not accepted Him as Savior have no valid reason to address God as Father.

The Lord’s Prayer is recited mostly every Sunday in churches around the world depending on denominations and style of worship. When you pray the Lord’s Prayer, are you able to truly address God as “Our Father” with those in the family of God with whom you are worshiping? Are you in agreement when God is addressed as “Our Father” in the pastoral prayer. God desires for you to address Him properly as His child, and you can make that happen. As Paul writes in Romans chapter 8, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” (Ro 8:14-16 nlt)

If you repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Savoir as the only way of salvation, you will be saved and will be able to say along with your brothers and sisters in the family of God, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

A Christian Perspective

On Again, Off Again

June 27, 2026June 25, 2026 Loring Schultz

If you happen to be one of the many people who pay no attention to the news, either your local news, or the country you live in, or news from around the world, you are not the least bit distressed. So if you are one of the those, I’m sorry but I will bring you up to speed. The rest of you distressed ones hang in there with me. We will get through this together.

United States and Iran national flags flying on poles outdoors — American and Iranian flags waving side by side on flagpoles in a public area

The United States and Iran have been in a war (although maybe not officially) since February 28^th of this year. A noble effort by the United States and Israel to rid Iran of its intentions to secure a nuclear weapon and the leadership behind it was conducted quite successfully. The government of Iran was also responsible for the murdering of thousands of its citizens leading up to the military strikes. With any conflict things do not always go as planned. This is lasting longer than was anticipated and the world economy is taking a big hit and, of course, there are always politics involved.

This brings me the end of the war talks known as MOU or The Memorandum of Understanding. World leaders in their efforts to stop wars and bring peace between countries fall short most of the time. This is especially true when the MOU talks are ‘on again, off again’ several times within days. Even if the MOU is accepted for the six-month period, it is non-binding. It may very well be ‘back to the drawing board’ as was once said.

One explanation for this problem would be any agreement that does not line up with God’s plans will not hold up and never work. In the book of Psalms in says, “The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.” (Ps.33:10-11 nlt) World leaders not looking to the creator God to solve their problems will never reach a memorandum of understanding with lasting peace.
“Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.” (Ps.146:3 nlt) God’s plans are binding and final. If we can only get our world leaders to trust in God.

Devotionals

Preach the Word of God

June 26, 2026June 24, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Timothy 4:1-5 NLT – I solemnly urge you in the presence of – Bible Gateway

“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2 NLT

A lot of Christians think only pastors are to be preachers. They surmise pastors are more qualified in reaching people than those sitting in the pews. There is a lot of truth to that, but not in all areas. People exist all around us that the pastor will never reach. One reason is that the pastor obviously does not know every person in your sphere of influence. He cannot reach them, but you can. And if no pastor is available to preach the Word to them, you’re it my friend.

The apostle Paul’s final charge to Timothy in his second letter to him was to preach the word of God. Now Timothy was already a pastor, so why would Paul need to encourage him to preach the Word? Paul did not want him to only preach, but to correct any false teaching he heard that was going around by encouraging the church with good sound teaching. The reason being is that people will begin to fall away from the truth of the gospel. They will desire teaching that pleases them and keeps them in their comfort zone ignoring the Word of God.

So, how does this fit in with us? There are many churches today that fit into that category. Pastors are preaching only what the people want to hear and not make them feel uncomfortable. They are not preaching the truth of Salvation but are distorting it by accepting the world’s standards and not God’s. Therefore many of our friends and family, if they are church-goers in one of these churches, need to hear the truth of the gospel from those who can preach the truth. That is you and me. We may not be ordained ministers but learning the truth that is fed to us every Sunday we will be equipped to preach the truth of the Word of God.

Devotionals

Return on Investment

June 25, 2026June 24, 2026 Loring Schultz

“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NLT

Businesswoman interacting with holographic ROI growth chart showing exponential increase and financial symbols — A businesswoman presents a holographic chart illustrating return on investment growth over five years.

When investing in the financial markets great discernment and caution is necessary to enable growth and prevent a loss of money. Educating yourself in investment strategies and choosing an experience consultant is the wisest investment to make. Although you may have followed all the right steps in investing your money there are no guarantees of great gains. There are simply too many uncertain circumstances that is part of the daily struggles in a broken world to ensure financial success.

However, there is an investment available with a 100% guarantee return on your investment. One of the many of Solomon’s proverbs deals with investing. Proverbs 11:25 says, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (nlt) It is pretty straightforward, when you are generous you will receive a return on your investment of generosity. When you refresh others by encouraging them, watering their souls, you will in return have your soul watered. It is as simple as that. But most of us never experience that return on investment because we have not invested as we should.

Some hesitancy in investing in others is due not looking beyond our own needs to the needs of others. Yes, we are to provide for our needs and those of our family, Scripture demands it. Scripture also has some things to say about helping others and we are not to neglect those opportunities as they present themselves. Another concern is we do not have time to invest in others. We need not worry about whether we have the time or the money, we have the wisest financial advisor to help us invest in others. The Lord God, the most experience consultant is available to us seven days a week. He is ready to advise you where to invest, and you can be sure of a good return.

Devotionals

Worthless Things

June 24, 2026June 23, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 119:33-40 NLT – He Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I – Bible Gateway

“Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life through your word.” Psalm 119:37 NLT

Jeweled crown, golden chalice, and decorative sword displayed in glass case — A museum display showcasing a jeweled crown, ornate sword, and golden chalice

Something of worth is defined as having a material value, especially in terms of money. Also something deserving of importance or merit is also considered valuable or worthy. Some things of worth range from jewelry, automobiles, real estate, furniture, fine china, and many others pieces of material worth, even money itself. Achievements such as receiving a college degree from a highly respectable university is very valuable when presented in the job market.

Worthless things would be the opposite of worthy things. Old-rusted cars, run down property, broken china, worn down stained furniture, even the university degree if the holder devalued it by regrettable acts would now render it useless. But even worthless things can be restored, just attend an antique automobile show, or visit an antique shop and you will see restoration. Real estate developers can turn unseemly property into luxurious residential areas, and many individuals have restored their reputation with the help of caring organizations.

The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:37, “Turn my eyes from worthless things.” (nlt) In this section of Psalm 119, the psalmist desires to be instructed in God’s laws. He asks God to help him to turn away from worthless things. Taking our definition of worthless things, it would seem quite easy to turn away from those things, unpleasant as they are. But that is not what the psalmist had in mind. He really wanted to turn away from the worthy things. In comparison to God’s Word even the things of worth are worthless. He writes, “…..give me life through your word.” (119:37 nlt) His desire was to look upon things of the greatest value, the Word of God.

Having the proper perspective on who and what is worthy will go a long way in living our lives according to God’s Word. It will help us grow in our relationship with Him, and we will have a better understanding of what is of value and what is not. May we ask the Lord to turn our eyes from worthless things.

Devotionals

Heed the warning!

June 23, 2026June 22, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: John 3:1-8 NLT – There was a man named Nicodemus, a – Bible Gateway

“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3 NLT

Summer has officially arrived in the northern hemisphere as the summer solstice arrived early Sunday morning here in the northeastern United States. We had our longest day of sunlight on Sunday as the days will slowly become shorter as summer wears on. With the extended sunlight there are many pleasurable summer activities taking place. Emergency management crews, fire departments, and rescue teams are warning of the dangers in accessing the local rivers this time of year as many people take advantage of the warm days for recreational activity. The day before summer arrived local rescue teams issued warnings as they conducted water rescue drills on the rivers. Sadly, on the very first day of summer a person was pulled from the river and died. It was the second fatality in four days.

Every accident has its own circumstances and all the facts are not always clear, but what is clear are the warnings and caution needed when entering moving waters. Precautions must be taken by heeding the warnings. Each one of us has been given a spiritual warning concerning our eternal existence after this life is over. That warning is given to us by the Lord Jesus Himself when He says, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (Jn.3:3 nlt) You may have heard that many times from preachers, family members, and friends choosing to ignore it as religious babbling, but they got it from Jesus’ own words recorded in the Bible.

Jesus does not issue false warnings. He is preparing us for what is ahead and warning us of the dangers of not being born again by accepting Him as savior. The warning continues to be given today as to where you will spend your eternal life. Rescue teams are out spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and eternal life. Don’t get caught by not heeding the warning!

Devotionals

Imperfect Faith

June 22, 2026June 21, 2026 Loring Schultz

‘“Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’” Matthew 14:29-31 NLT

Man struggling in turbulent ocean waves reaching out with one hand

There are many who have heard the story of Jesus walking on the water. Some even comment to their own frailty when praise by others by saying, ‘I don’t walk on water.’ But how many of us forget that a mere human did walk on water. He was Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. This, of course, did not come about by Peter’s fishing skills, but by the supernatural power of Jesus as Peter put his faith in Him.

The occasion was a stormy night in which the disciples were sent ahead by Jesus to the other side of the lake as He took time to pray by Himself up in the hill country. Scripture says the disciples were in trouble fighting the waves from the fierce winds. At about three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came walking to them on the sea. Calming their fears from the wind and waves, and the fact that they thought he was a ghost, Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid, Take courage. I am here!” Peter then displayed a tremendous amount of faith in asking Jesus if he could join him by walking to Him on the water. Jesus granted his request and if you know the rest of the story, Peter walked on the water, but he did not get very far.

Have you ever stepped out in faith by asking the Lord to open a door for you and he opens it, you go through it, but you do not get very far? Peter asked in faith to walk on water despite the effects of the wind and waves due to his great faith in Jesus. But once out on the water, Peter panicked after seeing his surroundings forgetting that Jesus was right in front of him, and he began to sink. Of course, Jesus did not let him sink, but did rebuke him by saying, ‘You have so little faith, Why did you doubt me?’ Peter’s doubt resulted from having an imperfect faith.

Our Lord wants to do remarkable things through us. If He has put a desire in your heart, push that desire through by taking a risk in faith. Once out on the water with all its effects continue moving forward with Jesus as your guide and you will accomplish what He has planned for you.

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD, your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT

Bible Studies

“How to Pray” – The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

June 21, 2026June 19, 2026 Loring Schultz

The Lord's Prayer text on aged parchment with a candle and a wooden rosary on a wooden table

Over the next six weeks we will learn how to pray from Jesus’ teaching on prayer. There are many prayers recorded in the pages of scripture. Without a doubt, the most familiar prayer is the Lord’s Prayer found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. It is a model prayer Jesus taught His disciples when they asked Him to teach them how to pray. The disciples evidently saw something in Jesus concerning His prayer life. He would leave them for hours spending time with His Father in prayer. They realized the importance of prayer even as John the Baptist taught his disciples to pray and now, they were witnessing Jesus’ prayer habits. It was a marked influence on them, for they did not ask Him to teach them to perform miracles or anything else spectacular, but they asked Him; teach us to pray.

In Matthew’s recording of the Lord’s Prayer notice Jesus began His teaching with how not to pray. There are many bad examples in how not to pray. The key point to remember is the Lord’s Prayer is an example to follow in praying, and it is a good one. Jesus instructs His disciples and us. “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them.” (Mt. 6:5 nlt) Praying is not a spectator sport to show others how holy you are. Jesus also said, “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.” (Mt. 6:7 nlt) This is not a condemnation towards long prayers, but of excess meaningless verbiage just to be heard. Repetition is not a bad thing when in earnest prayer, and crying out to God concerning your sorrow and needs. We need to take comfort that God knows exactly what we need. Jesus says, “Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” (Mt. 6:8 nlt) Daniel Henderson in his book ‘Transforming Prayer’ writes the following, “Our Father is completely dialed-in and capable. He is all-knowing and sovereign. He does not need the persuasion of our words or vigorous religious performances in order to know and meet our needs.”

Jesus’ instructions on how to pray begin with, “But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.” (Mt. 6:6 nlt) This is a reminder that God looks on the heart and not outward appearance. He will meet with us in private and not in the public square. This is not a prohibition against public prayer. Jesus Himself prayed publicly and corporate prayer within the church is vital to its existence. But let us keep in mind, “Private praying is the finest training ground for public prayer.” (Wycliffe Bible Commentary)

As we move forward in the coming weeks being taught by Jesus on how to pray may we heed the two rules of prayer by R.C. Sproul, “Remember to whom you are speaking, and remember who is doing the speaking.”

A Christian Perspective

Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie, and Pride Night

June 20, 2026June 19, 2026 Loring Schultz

Full disclosure before I begin, of all the major sports, baseball has been my all-time passion. Major League Baseball has done a solid job over the years promoting the sport and recovering from past mistakes as the gambling scandal in 1919 World Series, racial segregation of the early 20^th century, and the steroid era of the 1990’s. But there is another misstep (and is saying it lightly) MLB has made that if not corrected will leave a longer lasting scar than any of the previous three I have mentioned. The game itself is a great game and nothing can change that. A perfect example of this is the current NCAA College World Series. The game is the game, and it unites us in ways that are unimaginable. But MLB is about to destroy all that for the sake of bowing to the political pressure of the culture.

By now if you have not heard three San Francisco Giants players were warned officially by MLB of a violation they committed and no such incident in the future would be tolerated. The three players wrote Bible verse on their ‘Pride Night Theme’ caps. “The writing on the cap violates our rules, and consistent with normal practice, we have warned the players about future violations,” MLB chief communications officer Pat Courtney told the Athletic and Outsports in a statement.” (1) The three players were expressing what the rainbow colors mean to them by displaying ‘Genesis 9:12-16.’ Landen Roupp, “When speaking to media postgame, Roupp said the message was meant to point people to ‘God’s covenant and the promise that He makes to us.’ (2) With that the San Francisco Giants offered an apology to their fans saying, “We understand that the choices by individual players has caused pain and anger to many in the LGBTQ+ community and we are sorry for that.” (3) It is hard to understand that God’s covenant and His promises caused pain and anger among some of the fans, but that is what they say. I guess it didn’t matter to those ball players that wearing that cap may have caused them pain.

I applaud these players for taking a stand and we need more of them. There has been much support in their direction, but there needs to be more. This is not going away soon. Where it goes from here is any ones guess. If MLB continues to please less than 10% of its fans by making 90% feel uncomfortable with nothing that relates to the game of baseball, this is a train heading over a cliff which they have built themselves. It is time to correct this wrong as in the past. Failure to do so will result in tearing away the very fabric that made this game what it is today. America’s National Pastime, Baseball, Hot Dogs, and Apple Pie.

(1) https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-francisco-giants/landen-roupp-bible-pride-warning/1943585/

(2) https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/san-francisco-giants-pitcher-writes-bible-verse-hat-defiance-pride-night

(3) https://abc7news.com/post/san-francisco-giants-players-draw-backlash-writing-bible-verses-pride-night-caps/19305024