Word for the Soul

“Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.’” Genesis 14:19-20 NLT

Abram had won a battle over the four kings from the north who had taken his nephew Lot and his family captive and stolen all his belongings. Lot, as we reviewed last week, was in the wrong place at the wrong time. His desire to live the good life caused him to compromise his values and eventually settled for life in the sin-city of Sodom. The king of Sodom along with the kings of Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar, were about to be attacked by the kings of the north, and Lot was a sitting duck. Abram stepped in with his trained men and rescued Lot and the city of Sodom. Afterward, the king of Sodom set out to meet Abram to show him his appreciation.

The liberated “king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).” (Gen.14:17 nlt) This valley was one of the several valleys near Jerusalem, named Salem in ancient times. Possibly this could have been the ‘Kidron Valley.’ Abram and the king of Sodom are met by a historical figure, Melchizedek, a priest and king of Salem. “And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine.” (Gen.14:18 nlt) Melchizedek’s name means ‘king of righteousness’ or ‘righteous king.’ Being a priest and a king, many biblical scholars identify him as a ‘type of Christ’ figure. David writes in the book of Psalms concerning the coming Messiah, “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’ The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’” (Ps.110:1, 4 nlt)

This priest and king, Melchizedek, brought food for Abram and his men. This was more than bread and wine but signifies a large meal or a banquet in recognition of their victory over their enemies. It was also a symbol of friendship and hospitality. Scripture doesn’t provide us much background about Melchizedek other than he was a worshiper of the true God. His references to God as ‘God most high’ and ‘creator of heaven and earth’ points us in that direction of Melchizedek’s faith and knowledge of the Lord God. This kingly priest did two things, he blessed Abram and he blessed God. “Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.’” (Gen.14:19-20 nlt) Melchizedek gives all the credit for Abram’s victory to God. Abram also is aware the victory came from the Lord God. Abram gave a tenth of the spoils to the Lord and his servant Melchizedek in gratitude for Lord’s victory.

The king of Sodom now makes an offer to Abram for his returning the people and goods of his city, Sodom. The king only wants his people back and Abram can keep all the goods. “Abram replied to the king of Sodom, ‘I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, I am the one who made Abram rich.’” (Gen.14:22-23 nlt) Abram was careful not to allow himself to be obligated to anyone but the Lord. How tempting that must have been to not take advantage of what some might say was certainly deserved. Abram made it an oath not to accept anything. Accepting this offer would have negative results for Abram. People would be able to say that part of Abram’s wealth came from the king of Sodom. The king of Sodom may see it as an opportunity to lord himself over Abram. Abram did not go into this battle for personal gain, but to rescue his family. Accepting the offer would also show a lack of trust in God to supply his needs and finally Abram wanted no part of the king of Sodom and his wicked city.

Abram’s faith in God and his godly character is shown at the end of chapter 14 as he requests to receive only what his men had already eaten and for his allies to share the spoils among themselves. Abram looked out for the men who serve him and for those who aligned with him in this battle. This man of faith was also a man of fairness and generosity.

Next week, the Lord’s covenant promise to Abram…………

A Christian Perspective

God Blesses Those Who Bless Israel

March 14, 2026March 12, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you.” Numbers 24:9b NLT

Scripture is quite clear of God’s love for His chosen people, the Jews. God chose Abram to leave his homeland and go to a place He would lead him. The Lord spoke to Abram saying, “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen.12:2-3 nlt) God has fulfilled His promise to Abram. Israel became a great nation, the Jewish people have been a blessing to the world, and all the families of the world are blessed through Abraham’s seed in the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

God’s love has never wavered for Israel even through their times of sinful idolatry recorded in the Old Testament. The Jews were punished severely for their sins by having their land destroyed and being taken captive to foreign kingdoms. But God had grace and mercy on His chosen people and brought back into the land due to His promised covenant and His love for them. The Jews are indeed God’s chosen people. Throughout history nations who have blessed and supported Israel were blessed, and those who have not, were not blessed, but cursed.

The nations of the world in 2026 have had a close eye on Israel since the terrorist attack by Hamas in October of 2023. There are sympathizers on both sides. Here’s a word to the nations who support Hamas and other extremists such as the radical Islamists in Iran by agreeing with their ideology. The Jews are still God’s chosen people. The prophet Ezekiel prophesied against Mount Seir, also known as Edom, after the bloodshed they caused against the Jews trying to escape their Babylonian captors. “Your eternal hatred for the people of Israel led you to butcher them when they were helpless, when I had already punished them for all their sins. For you said, ‘The lands of Israel and Judah will be ours. We will take possession of them. What do we care that the LORD is there!’” (Ez.35:5, 10 nlt) Sounds a lot like 2026, the 1930’s and ‘40’s Germany, and all through history. God’s chosen people have always been under attack.

God’s Word still stands true today, “Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel,
and cursed is everyone who curses you.” (Num.24:9 nlt) Edom was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth century B.C. and again by John Hyrcanus, a Hasmonean (Maccabean) leader in 126 B.C… There is no trace of the Edomites in our current day. Curse is everyone who curses Israel.

The United States and many other nations across the world have been supportive of Israel for many years. These nations must be careful not to let their support wane. The United Nations as a governing body hasn’t been much help in garnishing support for Israel. The United States, as the leader of the free world in 2026, has the advantage to take the lead in their support for Israel. As a citizen of the United States and a Christian, I realized America has been blessed beyond measure for our support of God’s chosen people. May the current administration continue and enhance the United States’ support for Israel. For God says, blessed is everyone who blesses Israel.

Devotionals

Honor Your Boss

March 13, 2026March 11, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved.” 1 Timothy 6:1-2 NKJV

There’s a four-letter word that a lot of people don’t like to hear, ‘work.’ Another four-letter word that goes along with ‘work’ is also disliked by some people, ‘boss.’ I get both those sentiments. Been there, done that! But, once we have the right perspective that work is a gift from God work will not seem like such a drudgery. No, it’s not always easy, that’s why it’s called work! Nevertheless, we are to do our work to the best of our ability bringing glory to God. This also includes honoring those we work for, the boss.

You may be about to say, ‘you don’t know who I work for, they are impossible to please.’ Again, been there, done that! We may have worked for the same people. There are a couple of those characters in every industry and field of work. But God requires Christians to honor those we work for, yes, even that hard to please boss. Being disrespectful whether outright or in the performance of our work blasphemes God’s name. God created work and gifted it to us. One way we could show our gratitude to God is to honor our bosses. The Lord has also placed them over us for us to bless them by our work and show them the love of Christ in our lives.

Those of us who have a boss who is a fellow believer have an added responsibility, to not take advantage of them because they are a Christian. We may think they will show favoritism and let us get away with a lackluster work effort. No, Christians should strive all the more to do well bringing glory to God benefiting the employer and the employee before a watching workforce. The Lord commands us to honor our bosses realizing all of us work for ‘The Real Boss’, Jesus Christ.

Devotionals

Lent 2026: Guest Post Rainer Bantau

March 12, 2026March 11, 2026 Loring Schultz

Making Room

Devotionals

He who has the keys

March 11, 2026March 10, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Revelation 1:9-18 ESV – Vision of the Son of Man – I, John, – Bible Gateway

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18 ESV

I would assume most people feel they control their density. That is mostly true. Decisions we make throughout our lives lead us in one direction or another. There are times we do not have control and end up where we do not want to be. It is in these times we need to ask ourselves who has control of our lives and if we haven’t asked already, who has control over our lives after we die. Jesus told John as he was about to write the book of Revelation, “I have the keys of Death and Hades.” (Rev.1:18 esv)

The book of Revelation is a fascinating book of the end times, Jesus’ return to earth, and the culmination of world history leading up to God’s eternal kingdom. Can you say for sure you will be in that eternal kingdom? Notice again Jesus’ words, ‘I have the keys of Death and Hades.’ What is meant by ‘death and hades?’ Death and Hades are actually synonyms. Death being the condition and Hades the temporary holding place (hell) until that final day of judgment. Jesus has the authority over death and hades; He has the keys.

If Jesus has the keys and the authority over Hades (hell), then He also has the keys into the eternal kingdom. Jesus told Nicodemus that He was the key and that Nicodemus needed to be born again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (Jn.3:3 esv) How does one become born again and guaranteed entrance into the eternal kingdom of God? Paul writes in the book of Romans, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Ro.10:9 esv)

Jesus gives us all a warning in John 3:18, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (esv) All of us are born in sin and alienated from God and Jesus Christ His Son. But He who holds the keys to death and hades also hold the keys to eternal life through His death and resurrection by belief in His name.

Devotionals

Nothing More to Say

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 119:89-96 NASB – Lamedh Forever, LORD, Your word stands – Bible Gateway

“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89 NASB

There comes a time in everyone’s life when defending our position on a matter is useless, for there is nothing more to say. We’ve exhausted all reasoning for our actions to no avail because we have been proven wrong. Matters of opinion are less crucial unless those opinions turn into action with dire consequences. When we engage in activities contrary to God’s Word but acceptable to the world and to our culture, it’s bound to not end well. As the fruit of our decisions ripens and becomes known, we try to explain it away, defending our actions as in vogue with the world. You may be in sync with your friends and colleagues, but you are not in alignment with God in your reasoning.

The point is simple, God’s Word stands. It cannot be overruled. It can’t be reasoned with to persuade change. It is settled. There is nothing more to say. The psalmist writes, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Ps.119:89 nasb) It’s done, completed, and forever. God’s Word doesn’t change with culture. Culture changes towards the Bible when people take God seriously and study His Word with an open mind to spiritual truth.

Instead of exerting your energy trying to justify what is not in Scripture, why not apply that energy in a study of God’s Word. Invest your time and energy discovering the truth. You’re not going to find approval for what the world approves in the Bible unless you pick and choose certain passages and apply them in error to suit your purpose. Disregarding sections of Scripture as not relevant to today’s culture doesn’t change the fact that God’s Word is settled truth. You can redact them with a sharpie but under the black mark the truth is still there. Let’s reason together, when God’s Word is settled there’s nothing more to say!

Devotionals

Familiarity Breeds Contempt

March 9, 2026March 8, 2026 Loring Schultz

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

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

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

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

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

Bible Studies

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

March 8, 2026March 6, 2026 Loring Schultz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Christian Perspective

Pray for the People of Iran

March 7, 2026March 7, 2026 Loring Schultz

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

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

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

Photo by Sima Ghaffarzadeh on Pexels.com

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

Devotionals

No Secrets with God

March 6, 2026March 4, 2026 Loring Schultz

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

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

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

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