Devotionals

Let go of your idols        

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Samuel 4:1-11 NLT – And Samuel’s words went out to all – Bible Gateway

“The Ark of God was captured, and Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed.” 1 Samuel 4:11 NLT

“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21 NIV

Photo by Du039bVu039e Gu039bRCIu039b on Pexels.com

You may have heard anything that takes first place in your life before God is an idol. That is true and anything means anything. It could be possessions, a way of life, your choice of entertainment, even that special loved one. Whatever you place first before God becomes all you think about and care about. It has become an idol. It pushes out not only God, but everything and everyone else out of your life. When it gets to that point, it is time to let go of your idols.

The nation Israel between the time of the judges and the monarchy found themselves in another battle with the Philistines. After being defeated in the Plain of Sharon losing four thousand men they decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant into battle with them the next time. They were right in recognizing they needed God’s help but went around it the wrong way. They did not ask God for His help but use the ‘ark’ as a symbol of God to help them in battle. This was no different than what the pagan Philistines did with the images of their gods. They used it as an idol replacing God or trying to manipulate God to help them. It did not work; God took the idol away from them.

This is an important lesson for each of us in our day. If we do not let go of the idols we hold dear above God, God will take those idols away from us by whatever means necessary. Our God is holy and wants nothing placed in front of Him. The Israelites had no right to remove the Ark of the Covenant out of its holy place into the battlefield. As a result the Lord took it away. We have no right putting anything or anybody in first place over God. Know that God will not settle for second place but will remove what is in front of Him. May we let go of our idols before God takes them away.

Devotionals

Who do you say I am?

Loring Schultz

“Then he asked them, ‘But who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’” Matthew 16:15-16 NLT

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

In the world today as in centuries past there is much debate as to who Jesus is. To many He is a historical figure of great significance in the likes of Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, and other Greek philosophers. Jesus is considered to be one the prophets of old, the greatest of prophets by some. He is the teacher of all teachers. Jesus is the example of how we are to treat and love each other. He is all about love and kindness. Jesus is considered to be the greatest the person who has ever lived.

During Jesus’s ministry on earth the same debate was taking place. Some said He was a political figure who had come to overthrow Rome. Mostly were those who said He was a prophet. Jesus was even named as one the prophets of old and even the recent John the Baptist. Naming Jesus as one of the prophets had Messianic significance, but they missed it equating Jesus as one of the prophets and not the true Messiah.

When Jesus asked His disciples, ‘who do you say I am,’ Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Mt.16:16 nlt) Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah by being with Him and carefully watching His every move and not getting caught up with the excitement of the crowds. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, “The statement by Peter here is not the product of early enthusiasm but of studied reflection and solemn faith.”  Jesus commends Peter for his faith by saying to him, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.” (Mt.16:17 nlt)

So we as today Christians who have put our faith and trust in Jesus recognize Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. Be careful of those who claim Jesus as anything other than God the Son. He certainly is a great teacher, an example on how to live compassionately, and He can debate victoriously with any philosopher past and present, but Jesus is more than all that, He is God the Son. Let us be mindful that those who err on Jesus’s true identity also are mistaken in their teaching even though they may appear sincere, loving, and kind. Our salvation is not according to the good deeds we have done, but by our faith in Jesus Christ, God the Son, who says to the repenting sinner, ‘who do you say I am?’           

Devotionals

Finish What You Started

Loring Schultz

“Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.” 2 Corinthians 8:11 NLT

Years ago when I was a trainee in retail management I had a boss challenge me to ensure that each project I started would be completed. He further indicated that his previous assistant, completed only 90% of each project. He would occasionally comment on my work by saying, “I see a lot of 10 % in the store.” It made quite an impression on a 22 year old fresh out of college beginning a career in retail management. 

In the business world, uncompleted projects can lead to negative results effecting the profitability of the business impacting both consumers and associates of the business. Failure to complete erodes away best of intentions and the best laid plans.

The apostle Paul reminded the church in Corinth of their commitment and desire to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem. The work of collecting money had started, but it had stopped. It was not completed. The needy people in Jerusalem will not get relief and the Corinthian church will missed out on a blessing. Paul encourages them to finish what they started.

Is there a project that you have started for the Lord with the best of intentions and have not yet completed it? Evaluate your situation as to how you can best complete it with the Lord’s help. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to please God by blessing others and in turn receive a blessing yourself. Complete the leftover 10% and finish what you started.

Uncategorized

I am the light of the world: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 2

Loring Schultz

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12 ESV

Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash

Have you ever been kept in the dark about something, unaware of certain situations until they came to light? Once they were revealed to you, the darkness that clouded your thinking was removed and you began to see the situation clearly.

Spiritual darkness works much the same way. The world is blinded by Satan and kept in the dark of Jesus’ message of Salvation. The Bible tells us that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Cor.11:14 esv) In this deception, Satan tries to convince us that all is well. He appears in many of the false religions of the world and even influences the false prophets portraying themselves as Christian ministers. The last thing Satan wants is for people to come to know the truth about Jesus, and to know of His Salvation plan. Satan’s plan is to keep them in the dark, claiming himself to be light.

Jesus’s second “I am” statement in the gospel of John is “I am the light of the world.” Jesus proclaims those who follow Him will not walk in darkness, confirming there is darkness in the world, spiritual darkness. The apostle John begins his gospel with identifying Jesus as God who made all things and “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn.1:4-5 esv) Becoming aware that Jesus is the light and accepting Him as Savoir instantly dispels the darkness in your life. The dark cloud in your life will be lifted by Jesus, God the Son, the light of the world. May you allow His light this Sunday to penetrate the darkness of your soul and see the situation clearly, Jesus’ love for you.

A Christian Perspective

Thoughts of the World   

Loring Schultz
Earth globe with swirling words about climate change, unity, peace, and knowledge
A glowing digital globe covered with words about unity, climate, and hope

When it comes to spiritual matters and the things of God, the world has its endless thoughts on the truth of the matter. The world will inform us what is and what is not truth, or it will tell us it is inside us and we will discover it by searching within ourselves. Just be yourself and love yourself. Then there are so called minsters of the gospel preaching a feel-good message of positivity and good works. The apostle Paul needed to defend his ministry against some of the same things we witness in our world today. False prophets were doing their work during Paul’s day as in ours. Paul, himself, was accused of being a false prophet and only in it for money. The thoughts about God in the world are many, and all are against the truth and His salvation message.

Paul was unrelenting in the defense of his ministry and the gospel. He stated, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2Cor.10:5 niv) Anything that slightly resembled an alternative view of the gospel pitting itself against the Lord God, Paul demolished those arguments. They cannot be allowed to stand. Paul knew those distorted thoughts about God lead to confusion and heartache. That is why he took every one of those thoughts and conformed them to Christ.

The church today needs to rally behind Paul’s example of boldness in demolishing the false narratives of God in our culture. Sitting silent on the sidelines while the world is scoring points does not advance the kingdom of God. The Lord has given us all we need to inform the world of the truth, His Word, the Bible. It is time we use it boldly to explain the truth about God.

Devotionals

Jesus; fully human fully God    

Loring Schultz

Read: John 11:38-44 NLT – Jesus was still angry as he arrived at – Bible Gateway

“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 ESV

FreeBibleimages.org

Our church is currently in the middle of a summer series on ‘AI-artificial intelligence.’ As AI seems to be advancing faster than the speed of sound we will never catch up or understand it completely. That is why we have been focusing first on what it means to be human. AI no matter how advanced will never replace humanity as God has designed it. Human beings have an advantage over AI. We are uniquely created in the image of God in which AI could never relate to. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is fully human and He is fully God. No match for AI.

In John’s gospel we see the both the human side of Jesus and His deity. At the grave of His friend Lazarus we read the famously quoted shortest verse in the Bible, ‘Jesus wept.’ It may be the shortest verse in Scripture but it speaks volumes. Jesus in His humanity expressed sorrow over the lost of His friend. Jesus also wept over Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters, as they grieved the passing of their brother. And Jesus wept over the sin of the world that causes death among us all. Jesus is indeed fully human.

But, the good news is, Jesus is fully God. As we know the story, Lazarus did not remain in the grave, Jesus raised him up from the dead. Only Jesus God the Son could do that! Jesus knows of all our sorrows in life for He is ‘a man of sorrows.’ Jesus experience temptation as we do being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Jesus knows what it is like to be cold, hungry, and not having a place to lay His head. He knows what it is like to be fully human and Jesus knows what it is like to be fully God, because He is. As AI advances we have a model to follow on what it means to be human. Let us follow Him for He is fully human and fully God.

Devotionals

Are you growing in Christ?                

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NLT – Paul and Apollos, Servants of Christ – Bible Gateway

“I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready.” 1 Corinthians 3:2 NLT

Photo by Debra Brewster on Unsplash
     

Our church family has been blessed over the last year with newborn babies now in our presence. These young parents have enormous responsibilities in the care of their children. One of the first and most important is the nutrition their baby receives in those early years. Milk, of course, is on the top of the list, but as the child grows a more substantial diet is required for proper and healthy growth. Newborn babies need the required nutrition in their early years and then must move up to an even more nutritionally driven diet.

The same is true for new believers, newborn babes in Christ. They need the milk of the Word in those early years. But there comes a time when milk is not enough and if not moved up to solid food or what is known as the ‘meat’ of the Word, the newborn babe in Christ remains a newborn babe. The Lord did not save us to remain children all our lives. Yes, Christians are the children of God and He is our Father, but even adult children are still their parents children.

If you have had a steady diet of milk in your Christian walk it is time to experience some tasty food of the Word of God. Milk will sustain you, but meat, potatoes, and vegetables of the Word of God will cause a growth spurt that will amaze you. A steady diet of Bible reading, devotional time and prayer, regular church attendance, and being active in church and community activities are the nutrition and spiritual exercise needed to ensure you are growing in Christ. So, time to dig in!

Devotionals

Rebuking Sin in High Places

Loring Schultz

“For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). John had been telling Herod, ‘It is against God’s law for you to marry her.’” Matthew 14:3-4 NLT

Person kneeling and clasping hands in front of U.S. Capitol building

“I mind my own business and I do not judge others, after all who am I to judge? Didn’t even Jesus say, ‘Judge not, that you be not judged?’ I am a sinner just as the rest of the world; therefore I am in no position to point out the sins of others. Also there’s an old saying that goes something like this, ‘Be careful when you point your finger at someone for you have three fingers pointed back at you.’”

Do the above quotes sound familiar to you? Have you used them yourself, living your life in line with them? Is your attitude towards others ‘live and let live’ not concerning yourself with what is right or wrong in God’s eyes? Do you accept the sinful things of the world due to the fact that you do not have the courage to call sin what it is? After all you do not want to hear, ‘who are you to tell me how I should live!” You are not alone in this, I am in this with you, but we have an example of one who was not afraid to call sin a sin and to call it out in high places, John the Baptist.

We should not be surprised that a man who lived in the wilderness clothed in camels hair and whose diet consisted of locusts and wild honey would have the nerve to call out the king for his sin. But John the Baptist was much more than what his image portrayed. He was Jesus’s forerunner preparing his Jewish brethren for the coming Messiah. John the Baptist was called of God for this ministry before his birth and carried it out flawlessly which included calling out the Pharisees and Sadducees naming them ‘brood of vipers!’ The Baptizer was one called of God to conduct God’s plan for his life, a forerunner who baptized and called out sin.

Every Christian is also called of God to conduct His plan for us. Part of that plan is to call sin what it is. We may not be baptizers, pastors, teachers, or elders, but every Christian is responsible to recognize sin wherever it is and call it out. The first place to start is with our own lives. We need to deal with our sin before the Lord confessing and repenting. There is no joy in standing before a holy God and confessing what He already sees in us, but may we see that sin for what it is. May we thank the Lord for those who call out our sin to us, and may we be able to call sin what it is in the lives of others, even ‘rebuking sin in high places.’

Devotionals

The choice is yours

Loring Schultz

“If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.” Proverbs 9:12 NLT

Diverging dirt paths in a countryside valley at sunset with a sign reading 'THE PATHS DIVERGE'
A tranquil sunset illuminates a diverging country path in a lush valley

It is estimated the average individual makes 35,000 decisions in a single day. That number may sound unrealistic but is backed up by numerous creditable sources such as, ‘Psychology Today’, ‘The National Library of Medicine’, and several business and educational institutions measuring the effects of so many choices. Most of these decisions are basic everyday decisions as what clothes to wear, what I am going to have for lunch, should I use blue or black ink, should I repost or comment on a certain post, should I surprise my wife with flowers on my way home, along with other choices in our daily activities. Even my choice to in writing this devotional, ‘the choice is yours’, is one of my 35,000 decisions I’ll make this day. I guess I should buy my wife flowers now that I mentioned it.

Some choices we make each day do not always work out for the best. We have the best of intentions at the time based on our normal pattern of doing things, but it turns out to have been the wrong choice. A lesson to learn is we will not always make the right decision. Each of us are flawed individuals capable of making bad decisions. In trivial matters it’s no big deal as is wearing ‘white’ after Labor Day, but in wearing something offensive or provocative is another matter. There is a way for all of us to limit our bad choices significantly by following the advice of the wisest man that has ever lived outside of Christ, King Solomon.

We should all be in agreement in desiring to make wise choices. Within those 35,000 decisions we make a day are many we do not give deep thought to as they become mere habit. There is nothing wrong with that, but what is the foundation in our decision making. What we need is wisdom. True wisdom, Godly wisdom. King Solomon gives us this advice, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Prov. 1:7 nlt) We must admit some of our decisions are downright foolish putting us in line with fools. Wrong decisions will be made, but they can be greatly reduced when every decision, even those of habit, has their foundation in the reverence of the Lord.

James in the New Testament also writes, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (Jas. 1:5 nlt) Again, wisdom is the key, the foundation, in making good decisions. In Proverbs 9:12 Solomon notes, “If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.” (nlt) Gaining Godly wisdom will ensure decisions that benefit you while rejecting God’s wisdom leads you to suffer the consequences. The choice is yours!

Devotionals

Made for Worship      

Loring Schultz

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NASB

Woman with raised hands joyfully worshiping in church under sunlight

Is your heart always in everything you do, whatever it is? How many times do you utter the phrase, “My heart’s just not in this.” It could be a work project, which would be understandable, or it could be an enjoyable recreation activity and you still cannot get your whole heart interested and excited. Let’s face it we all have days like that, sometimes for good reasons, but not always.

When it comes to Worshiping God we need to desire that our hearts be in it, 100% in it, but then again we know that is not always the case. King David was particularly conscious of this. He wrote “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, Be acceptable in Your sight.” David wanted his worship, his prayers, and his thoughts to be acceptable to his Lord, his Rock, and his Redeemer. And we should want the same thing for us, but it is much more than an hour church service or a fifteen-minute personal devotion time. I heard someone once say that “Life is Worship.” We should be acknowledging God in everything we do; every aspect of our lives, our work, our play, and our thoughts; we should be Worshiping God! After all we were made for worship!