Word for the Soul

‘“God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,’ Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.” Genesis 22:8 NLT

We do not know how much time had lapsed from last weeks story of Abraham’s and King Abimelech’s agreement with each other. Notably it is at least a few years. Chapter 22 begins with the words, ‘Some time later.’ Abraham is well over one-hundred years old and his son Issac could now be in his late teens or early twenties. Abraham had been faithful in believing God’s promise to him concerning the Promised Land and the many descendants he will have that will begin with his son Issac. That is why the events in this chapter can only be considered as an ultimate test of faith for Abraham. Let’s begin.

“Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. ‘Abraham!’ God called. ‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘Here I am.’” (Gen.22:1 nlt) Here again we see Abraham’s willingness to hear and respond to whatever God asks of him. What Abraham heard was the last thing he thought he would ever hear. “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” (Gen.22:2 nlt) The Lord is testing Abraham’s love for Him over Issac. Notice the progression for effect when God says, ‘your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much.’ This is not going to be easy. A father’s love for his son is emphasized as is only natural. This is also the first time the word ‘love’ is used in Scripture and it is used here in this text. This portion of Scripture is a foreshadowing in several ways of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross at Calvary. First we note God’s love for His Son as noted at Jesus’ transfiguration, “But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.’” (Mt.17:5) God the Father loved Jesus as much as Abraham loved Issac.

Abraham wasn’t hesitant, as was his mode of operation, but prepared to set out the next day. He chopped the wood and saddled his horse which he could have had his servants do, but Abraham chose to do it himself. Abraham took two of his servants with him on this three-day journey to Moriah. The land of Moriah is the Jerusalem area. Mount Moriah is where Solomon’s Temple was built and the present-day Temple Mount is occupied by the Muslim Dome of the Rock. Abraham had plenty of time to digest and reflect on God’s instructions for him. I am sure he did not understand it but he knew God was faithful and always kept His promises. The Lord often tests us through adversity and hardships, although not in the same sense as Abraham, but He knows what is best and is looking for us to trust Him when those days come upon us.

As they arrived near the place Abraham said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey…..The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” (Gen.22:5 nlt) Abraham did not know what was ahead of him, but what he did know was that both he and Issac would be coming back after worshiping the Lord. Another first is found here as it is the first mention of the word worship in the Bible. Abraham must have had it in his mind and had the faith that God was able to raise Issac from the dead or that God would provide a substitute for Issac. With that, Abraham placed the wood on Issac’s shoulders, he took the fire and knife and the two walked together the rest of the way.

Along the walk as they came closer to the site something occurred to Issac. “Isaac turned to Abraham and said, ‘Father?’ ‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied. ‘We have the fire and the wood,’ the boy said, ‘but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?’” (Gen.22:7 nlt) Again, Abraham does not hesitant even though he is not sure how God will act says, “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” (Gen.22:8 nlt) Upon arrival the Bible says Abraham built an altar, he arranged the wood, tied his son and laid him on top of the wood.

Abraham’s faith is on full display but let us not overlook Issac’s faith. Seeing Abraham’s faith led Issac to have great faith in his father and in the Lord God. Issac did not seemed to resist. He certainly could have overpowered the aging Abraham. But he did not, and willing submitted to his father Abraham. Here is another foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice in this passage. Jesus willing laid down His life for us. Issac is seen as a prefiguration of Christ. “And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment, the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Yes,’ Abraham replied. ‘Here I am!’ (Gen.22:10-11 nlt) The Lord was about to provide a substitute.

Abraham passed the test. He proved his faith through obedience and trusting in God to keep His promises. “Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.” (Gen.22:13 nlt) Another first here is the first mention of a sacrifice substitution of one life for another. God still required the sacrifice, but a substitute was needed. He supplied a ram for Issac. A sacrifice was needed for our sin and God provided a substitute for all who believe in His name, Jesus, God the Son. Abraham then called the place ‘Yahweh-Yireh’ (which means “the LORD will provide”) Yes, the Lord will provide.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nlt)

A Christian Perspective

Hate Crimes

June 6, 2026June 2, 2026 Loring Schultz

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.’” Matthew 5:21-22 NLT

Our judicial system in the United States measures the punishment for a crime by determining what is appropriate according to the severity and circumstances of the crime. Obviously, a murder conviction would bring on a much stiffer penalty than an assault charge or shoplifting. More recently in the 21^st century the law now includes “hate crimes.” According to the United States Department of Justice a “hate crime” is “a crime plus the motivation for committing the crime based on bias equals a hate crime. In the simplest terms, a hate crime must include both “hate” and a “crime.” (1) The FBI’s definition is “A hate crime is a traditional offense like murder, arson, or vandalism with an added element of bias………Hate itself is not a crime—and the FBI is mindful of protecting freedom of speech and other civil liberties.” (2)

Our Lord Jesus also had something to say about hate crimes 2,000 years ago. The scribes and the Pharisees in Jesus’s day had an external view of the law. The outward deeds that were seen and committed such as murder would never have be done by these religious leaders. They reasoned they had never broken the sixth commandment, “You shall not murder.” Jesus corrects their misguided thinking, “But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” The real issue is the heart.

Anger, hate, and verbal abuse are the internal seeds of destruction that lead to murder. Jesus was pointing out the guilt of murder and inward sinful seeds resulting in abusive behavior are the same. Hate crimes are not only a product of our current society, but a product of a sinful heart since the fall of man in need of a Savior.

(1) https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes

(2) https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/civil-rights/hate-crimes

Devotionals

Get Cleaned Up!

June 5, 2026June 2, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21 ESV

When having company over for dinner the host is sure to bring out the best china and silverware in honor of their guests. There may be other fine utensils available but only the best will do for this occasion. Now picture this dinner taking place in a great house as Paul notes in our Scripture text. And picture this great house as your local church or better yet, the universal church, Christ’s church on earth. Paul says there are honorable vessels and dishonorable vessels in this great house. Every Chistian represents one of these two vessels. I ask which one are you? I ask myself the same question; which one am I?

Paul describes these vessels as vessels of gold and silver, and also of wood and clay. The honorable vessels of gold and silver would be used to serve food to the dinner guests and the dishonorable of wood and clay would be used for the cleanup and disposing of garbage. Paul’s point is to show the importance of holiness in our everyday lives. Christians are to be set apart unto good works. We are to be honorable vessels in serving the Lord, and if we are only vessels of wood and clay, although needed, we will not bring honor and glory to God.

If you are a vessel not set apart unto God still clinging to the things of the world take heart. Paul encourages us that all is not lost. If we get cleaned up from the things of the world and become an honorable vessel the Lord will use us in His service for the kingdom.

Devotionals

Satisfaction

June 4, 2026June 3, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 NASB

Woman in orange sweater sitting at a wooden desk with books and tea in a home office with large window

In 1965 the ‘The Rolling Stones’ had their first number one recording in the United States with “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” The suggestive lyrics throughout song serves as a testimonial that there is no satisfaction in the ways of the world. Why then do so many chase after those highly sought moments of pleasure only to come up empty? As hard as it is to admit we all have a sinful nature and our desires if not held in check will result in seeking those moments to find satisfaction. In time we will all realize, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” in worldly desires.

Jesus says in the fourth Beatitude, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Mt.5:6 nasb) Satisfaction, according to Jesus, God the Son, comes to those who have a hunger and thirst for righteousness. This is a characteristic of Jesus’ followers as are the first three Beatitudes; the poor in spirit, those who mourn and the meek. Every Christian should hunger and thirst for righteousness. It should be our desire.

John R. W. Stott lists three aspects of righteousness found in the Bible; they are legal, moral, and social. “Legal righteousness is justification, a right relationship with God; moral righteousness is that righteousness of character and conduct which pleases God; and social righteousness is concerned with seeking man’s liberation from oppression, together with the promotion of civil rights, justice in the law courts, integrity in business, and honour in home and family affairs.” (1)

Sadly, there are many Christians who have not found the true satisfaction that comes from knowing Christ. If you are not satisfied as a Christian, then something is amiss. If this relates to you, could it be that you hunger and thirst for things outside the word of God? Get into the Word of God where righteousness is put on display, and you will soon discover a desire for it.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” All other desires, “(You) Can’t Get No satisfaction.”

(1) Stott, John R. W. The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1978.

Devotionals

A long-term investment strategy

June 3, 2026June 1, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 37:16-22 NLT – It is better to be godly and have – Bible Gateway

“It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich.” Psalm 37:16 NLT

Investing for the future makes sense. Old sayings like ‘a penny saved is a penny earned’ and ‘saving for a rainy day’ have been repeated to young children to instill upon them the importance of saving for the future. High school and college graduates entering the workforce will begin, if they are smart, investing for family planning, buying a home, and all the expenses accumulated in life. Investing for the future also includes a retirement plan for when your working days are over. Some people put this off thinking they have lots of time, but another old saying is ‘time flies.’ I remember thinking back years ago in my first full-time job and seeing my retirement date. It seemed like an eternity away; well that date came and went five years ago.

For the Christian, while it is smart to invest financially, it is also vital to invest in living a godly life which will benefit in your overall retirement goal. Biblical commentator David Guzik says Psalm 37:16 is ‘a long-term investment strategy.’ King David wrote, “It is better to be godly and have little.” (Ps.37:16 nlt) You see, with God little is much. Living a godly life, obeying God, working hard, caring for your family, being a good neighbor, and helping others are also part of a long-term investment strategy.

There is nothing wrong in being rich. God blesses the rich as well. Their riches are even more abundant in God’s hands. David is saying in this psalm if you need to be evil and shady to secure your future it’s not worth it. “For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the LORD takes care of the godly. Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.” (Ps.37:17-18 nlt) A sure long-term investment strategy is living a godly life of obedience. It is never too early or too late to start as long as you start now.

Devotionals

We will never wipe out poverty, but we can help the poor!

June 2, 2026June 1, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 14:3-9 NLT – Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the – Bible Gateway

“You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to.” Mark 14:7 NLT

Volunteer giving a food tray to an elderly man at an outdoor relief camp — A volunteer happily hands a meal to an elderly man at a community food distribution site.

Jesus said many things recorded in Scripture, all true by the way. When Mary anointed Jesus before His crucifixion with an extremely expensive perfume, $53,000 in today’s economy, people were outraged. Why this waste they responded in a scolding tone. That money could have been given to the poor. “But Jesus replied, ‘Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me.” (Mk.14:6-7 nlt)

We cannot deny the truthfulness of Jesus’ statement, ‘You will always have the poor among you.’ All we need to do is look around and we see that Jesus was right. Jesus went on to say, ‘you (we) can help them (the poor) whenever you (we) want to.’ The world is looking at poverty the wrong way. Poverty is never going to be eliminated. Jesus said so. So, what do we do, especially Christians. We help the poor. It is an on-going work. Yes, there will be many who see their way out of poverty and we rejoice in that, but there will always be others who will take their place. Jesus said so.

Our focus today as Christians should be to do the work of helping the poor as Jesus said in Scripture to help them. It is the Chrisitan thing to do. Mary’s sacrificial offering of the rich ointment poured over Jesus’ head was of the absolute best showing her love and devotion to Him. When we give to the poor may we give our best to show our love for Jesus and His love for us as He sacrificed His life for us, poor in spirit sinners, that we may receive the glorious riches of His salvation.

Devotionals

Put your religion into practice

June 1, 2026May 31, 2026 Loring Schultz

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” Matthew 5:20 NLT

You may have heard the term, ‘practice makes perfect.’ You may have used it yourself while encouraging others to continue their practice sessions. Whether learning to play a musical instrument or being coached up to throw a curve ball, run a deep route on the football field, or raise the percentage of free throws from the foul line, practice is needed. But does practice really make perfect? We are all able to testify that practice does make us better, but it does not make us perfect. That is not to say that one cannot bowl a perfect 300 game, a pitcher not throw a perfect 27 out baseball game, or a student studying for an exam is not able to ace it. Outside of those accomplishments, which are few, practice does make us better, but certainly not perfect.

The religious leaders of Jesus’s day were all about practicing religion. They had calculated 248 commandments and 365 prohibitions in God’s law. They strived to keep them all. No doubt, they practiced their religion by obeying or trying to obey each of 613 total commandments and prohibitions. As much as they practiced their religion and attempted to keep all the laws, they were not able to do so. They did claimed, however, to have a righteousness that surpassed everyone else. Their religion was an outward show of righteous deeds. No matter how much they practiced the righteous deeds of the law they were not perfect.

Jesus said to His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount in reference to this, “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” (Mt.5:20 nlt) The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were considered to be the most righteous individuals due to their observances of God’s laws. But Jesus tells the disciples their righteousness must exceed that of the righteous leaders or they will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Practicing or observing religion is not the answer.

One is made righteous in the sight of God by accepting Christ as their Savior. There are no works we can perform, or any amount of practicing that will earn us a place in Heaven with Christ. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Eph.2:8-9 nlt) Do not practice your religion, put your religion into practice.

Bible Studies

“Abraham Blessed by God” – The Story of Abraham

May 31, 2026May 27, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 21:22-34 NLT – Abraham’s Covenant with Abimelech – Bible Gateway

“Abraham replied, ‘Yes, I swear to it!’……Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the LORD, the Eternal God.” Genesis 21:24, 33 NLT

An elder man with a staff speaks to a crowned king in ornate robes, surrounded by soldiers and villagers in a desert encampment.

Last week in our Biblical Insights Abraham was blessed by God as the Lord promised that Ishmael will be blessed by being the father of many nations and Issac would be the promised son of the covenant. The Lord has continually blessed Abraham even through his times of failure. Abraham is very wealthy and now has become a formidable and respected sojourner in the land. This is where our story of Abraham picks up this week.

“About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander, to visit Abraham. ‘God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do,’” (Gen.21:22 nlt) King Abimelech is well aware of Abraham’s wealth and status. He has come to realize it is the God of heaven who is blessing and protecting Abraham. Abimelech pays a visit to Abraham with his military commander, Phicol. Although the king is more powerful, he is looking to secure a permanent agreement with Abraham lasting for generations. “Swear to me in God’s name that you will never deceive me, my children, or any of my descendants.” (Gen.21:23 nlt) Abimelech points to his loyalty towards Abraham and asks for his loyalty in return. Abraham agrees and swears to it.

Abraham takes the opportunity of Abimelech’s kindness to him to mention the issue of a seized well owned by Abraham. “Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had taken by force from Abraham’s servants.” (Gen.21:25 nlt) The king said he was not aware of the incident or who was responsible for it. Abraham wanted his own treaty now stating the well was his by right. Abraham gave sheep, goats, and cattle to Abimelech as was used in treaty ceremonies. He then gave an additional seven ewe lambs as a special gift. Acceptance of the gift recognized Abrahma’s right to the well. “Abraham replied, ‘Please accept these seven lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well.’” (Gen.21:30 nlt) Abraham then named the place Beersheba meaning ‘well of the oath.’

Abimelech left to return home, and Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba. The tamarisk tree represented several things. The tree served as a reminder of the treaty between Abimelech and Abraham. It was a tree that took years to grow. Abraham will be in the land a long time and the Lord did promise it to his descendants. Abraham was looking forward to the future generations. The tree also marked God’s grace upon Abraham and God’s chosen people and His ever presence over the land. And it became a worship site for Abraham as he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God. Indeed, Abraham is blessed by God.

A single tree with green and pinkish foliage in a desert with rocky mountains and a winding path at sunset

A Christian Perspective

Pride Month

May 30, 2026May 26, 2026 Loring Schultz

Beginning next week the world will celebrate another ‘Pride Month,’ the recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community. While ‘pride flags’ and colors of this revolution will be hard to miss in public venues as sporting events, concerts, playground activities, retail establishments, restaurants, libraries, and sadly many churches, a much larger community must witness and absorb what they consider offensive and immoral. They are not alone because God Himself is offended and He has a few things to say about pride and ‘Pride Month.’

“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate.” (Pr.8:13 nasb)

“There they cry out, but He does not answer Because of the pride of evil men.” (Job35:12 nasb)

“In pride the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.” (Ps.10:2 nasb)

“On account of the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips, Let them even be caught in their pride, And on account of curses and lies which they utter.” (Ps.59:12 nasb)

“When pride comes, then comes dishonor.” (Pr.11:2 nasb)

‘“Proud,’ ‘Haughty,’ ‘Scoffer,’ are his names, Who acts with insolent pride.’” (Pr.21:24 nasb)

“ For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened……Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them…….For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.” (Ro.1:21, 24, 26-26 nasb)

Devotionals

Maximum Effort

May 29, 2026May 26, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NASB

There are various things in life that require our maximum effort. Rearing children to adulthood needs more than casual supervision. Working your way through medical school is a vast undertaking that shapes your priorities to maximize your efforts where they need to be. Going back to the moon and safely returning takes maximum effort from every individual involved in every step of the entire project. Doing anything that is vital for our quality of life will take maximum effort to be achieved successfully. Anything less will fail.

In the Christian life one of the most important things that require maximum effort is to present ourselves approved to God. What is meant by, ‘approved to God’? For starters it means are we being faithful to God through obedience? Are we applying maximum effort to live a life unblemished by the world? Our deeds should not put us in a spotlight of embarrassment before others, especially those outside the faith. If we are applying maximum effort to live pure lives before others it will bring good results and that will bring God’s approval.

There is one other vital aspect in presenting ourselves approved to God and that is handling the word of truth, the Bible, accurately. This is not just for pastors, Bible teachers, and seminary professors. Every Christian needs to know Scripture well enough to handle the truth correctly. The truth of the gospel is the most important message you can convey to others. In a world where this truth gets distorted every day, it is vital for true Christians to understand salvation and be able to explain it through Scripture. It will take maximum effort but we have the Holy Spirit to help us with that extra boast we need to get us there. With His help we can accurately handle the word of truth.