Word for the Soul

We all had problematic decisions to make in our lives. They are a lot easier to make when we know it is the right thing to do and the Lord is leading us in that direction. Abraham has a decision to make this week in our study of Biblical Insights but not as hard as another decision he will face in the future. Last week in our story of Abraham, the promised son Issac, was born to a man one hundred years old and his wife of ninety. That doesn’t happen in our day and age and didn’t happen during Abraham and Sarah’s day that we know of. It was an immense joy for both of them after waiting twenty-five years from the time God promised it would happen. Even at that time it seemed impossible for both of them. Waiting impatiently for what they perceived as running out of time they took matters into their own hands and had a child through Sarah’s servant Hagar. It was inevitable problems would arise. They did. But God is faithful and still blesses in spite of our foolishness as we will see.

“When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion.” (Gen.21:8 nlt) Issac is three years old, the customary age for weaning in the ancient Near East. Another custom were the huge celebrations that families would have to mark the occasion. On this day in Abraham’s family all were having fun and enjoying themselves at the feast with two of them having too much fun. Abraham’s son by Hagar, Ishmael, was mocking young Issac. His mother, Hagar, joined in the ridicule. Ishmael, now about seventeen years old may have seen his inheritance slipping away. Hagar may have felt the same way, and Sarah feared trouble for her son Issac. Sarah didn’t stall but immediately went to her husband and demanded, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!” (Gen.21:10 nlt) The tone of Sarah’s voice and the use of the term ‘that slave woman’ rather than ‘maid and servant’ revealed she was serious. She wanted Hagar gone and her son gone. In that culture to drive out a son from a servant woman was to disinherit them and it was prohibited to arbitrarily expel a servant woman’s son. This caused Abraham much distress for the decision he was to make. He loved Ishmael for he was his son, and he would be violating the customary laws.

But God came to Abraham and told him not to worry and to send both Hagar and Ishmael away. God said Issac would indeed be the child of the covenant and then said to Abraham, “I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.” (Gen.21:13 nlt) God is a merciful and gracious God. He will bless Ishmael as well. He will become a father of nations.

“So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.” (Gen.21:14 nlt) As hard as it was for Abraham to send his son away, he had faith in God that He will do what He promised for Ishmael. We may wonder why Abraham only gave Hagar limited supplies with all the riches he had. One reason may be Abraham trusted God and knew the only way Hagar and Ishmael would make it was by the hand of God.

A mother hugging her tired child, seated on sandy desert ground with sparse bushes and distant hills

The food and water was soon gone as they traveled through the hot, rough, and rugged wilderness of Beersheba. Certain of death, Hagar put her son under a shady tree and herself one hundred yards away. She could not bear to watch her son die. But God heard Ishmael’s cry just as He heard Hagar’s cry eighteen years ago when she ran away from Sarah. Ishmael’s name means ‘God hears.’ He heard Ishmael’s cry also this day. Just then the angel of the Lord called out to Hagar, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” (Gen.21:18 nlt) The Lord gives Hagar the same promise He gave to Abraham. Ishmael will be a father of nations that has carried through to this day.

God then filled their immediate need, water! Hagar looked a saw a well full of water in front of her. Did she miss seeing the well in her physical and mental state earlier or did the well appear by divine intervention? Either way, it doesn’t matter. God’s hand was in it. He is the same God who has his hand in our business when unexplainable good things happen to us. Hagar quickly filled her container and gave her son a drink. God always fulfills His promises.

Scripture fast forwards to note Ishmael grew up in the wilderness and became a skillful archer. He settled in Paran which is in north central Sinai. Hagar arranged marriage for him with a woman from Egypt which was customary in those days. God shown favor and kindness to Hagar and Ishmael in the necessary action that needed to be taken. One Bible commentator noted ‘that God was not against Ishmael and his descendants.’ God was with Ishmael and had a promise for his future. Ishmael’s descendants are the many nations of the Arabic people.

Next week Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech…….

A Christian Perspective

Religious Intolerance and C. S. Lewis

May 23, 2026May 22, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 NLT

Lately there has been a coordinated effort to discredit Jesus’ words in John 14:6. I am sure it is not by chance. Video clips are hitting social media on this same subject form various churches, pastors, and denominations. All interpretating their view of what Jesus said. They claim that verse has been misused as a ‘my way or the highway’ theology that excludes people not ‘in the club.’ Some are in and some are out! One pastor explained the meaning as ‘Jesus is the embodiment of God revealing particular expression of the divine that is fully present and dwelling with us.’ These are words of promise according to this pastor that do not drive people out but invites everyone in. The pastor goes on and says these are not words of exclusion but of promise in love and relationship. What this pastor is saying is that all religions are accepted because Jesus’ revealing that God is with us no manner what we believe. That is not what Jesus, God the Son, is saying.

Another Pastor condemns churches throughout history that used this verse as ‘a doctrinal statement requiring a belief in Jesus as a prerequisite into heaven.’ This pastor said it is not that but it is the life Jesus lived and the life we live of joy and sorrow. It is saying if you live a good life like Jesus of joy and sorrow you will get in. We all know none of us are able to live our lives like Jesus. So, that can’t be true. And as another pastor noted Jesus is not ‘a gate-keeper at the Celestial gates verifying your ID in order to get in.’ But I am sorry, yes He is, because He Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nlt)

Christians who hold to Jesus’ words of truth in John 14:6 without wavering and believing them as He spoke them are criticized as being intolerant. That’s OK. We should expect that from a world under the influence of Satan, who is a master coordinator of influencing people away from God and adapting to a worldview of Holy Scripture. Well-known author C. S. Lewis commented on this verse by saying, if this isn’t true there are only three choices that can be made. They are either ‘Jesus was lying, or not in His right mind, or Jesus was telling the truth.’ The choice is yours to make. No deep philosophical reasoning is needed with fancy words to convey the truth. It’s simple. Just believe it. If you are called out for ‘religious intolerance’ in believing Jesus’ words as He spoke them do not fret, you are in good company. C. S. Lewis and Jesus said the same thing.

Devotionals

Always Remember the Basis for Our Hope

May 22, 2026May 19, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 NLT – Always remember that Jesus Christ, a – Bible Gateway

“Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.” 2 Timothy 2:8 NLT

Ancient rock-cut tomb with round stone door partially open under sunset sky

In life it is often said there are no guarantees. That is true as far as it depends on fallen human beings in a fallen world. There are no guarantees. A guarantee is only as valid as the one assuring that guarantee. The only person able to assume that role is Jesus Christ. Jesus made a number of remarkable statements recorded in the New Testament. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nlt) and “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” (Jn.11:25 nlt) Jesus backed up those statements by rising from dead. It is the basis for our hope.

Jesus proved He was the only way to the Father by being the only one who was able to take on our sin, dying for it, and rising again. The fact that Jesus rose from the dead guarantees our salvation and eternal life with Him. Because He defeated death and now lives, we also will live eternally when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The apostle Paul said this was the Good News that he preached.

It is essential for Christians to always remember the basis for our hope. Jesus rose from the grave and defeated death. If Jesus did not rise, we would still be dead in our sins with no hope of salvation and eternal life. Christianity demands a risen savior. “If we die with him, we will also live with him.” (2Tim.2:11 nlt) There is no hope without it.

Devotionals

Confession is Good for the Soul

May 21, 2026May 20, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 32 NLT – Psalm 32 – A psalm of David. Oh, what – Bible Gateway

“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” Psalm 32:5 NLT

Wooden sign with text 'Confession is good for the soul' decorated with floral designs and small crosses — Rustic wooden sign reads: ‘Confession is good for the soul’ with decorative floral accents.

They say, ‘confession is good for the soul.’ I can testify to that myself because it is true. Whether it is confession towards God or to a friend, co-worker, neighbor, my wife, or anyone else I may have offended or done them wrong, it is a good thing to do. It may not remove the consequences, and the hurt may take a while to dissipate but you have not only cleared the air but have lifted a burden of guilt before the Lord God.

David in one of the seven penitential psalms, Psalm 32, said the following, “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.” (Ps.32:5a nlt) The other six penitential psalms are Ps.6, 38, 51,102, 130, 143. David describes his body as wasting away as he refused to confess his sin. His body was drained, and his strength was gone as absorbed by the summer heat. He felt God’s heavy hand upon him. Keeping his sin to himself, which really was not to himself for God knew, just continued to eat him up inside. David needed some good for his soul.

When David confessed his sin to the Lord, the burden was lifted. God had forgiven him and took away his guilt. David said, “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!” (Ps.32:1 nlt) David’s soul was restored, his body rejuvenated with God’s living water of forgiveness, he has a clean slate and is surrounded by God’s protection. If you are in a refusal to confess state of mind, take heed to David’s testimony. It will continue to sap you of your energy until you make things right with the Lord and confess your sin to Him and whoever else needs to hear your confession. You will be forgiven, and your guilt will disappear and that will be good for your soul.

Devotionals

Walk not in darkness, but in the light

May 20, 2026May 19, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life…..I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.’” (John 8:12, 12:46 NLT)

Three people wearing parkas walking on a snowy street in Utqiaġvik with houses and streetlights in the background. — Three people warmly dressed walk down a snowy street in Utqiaġvik at dusk.

Utqiagvik (Barrow) Alaska is the northern most city in United States. Located within the Arctic circle, 1,300 miles south of the North Pole, Utqiagvik is the largest city in the North Slope borough of the state near Point Barrow the most northern point. Due to its geography Utqiagvik experiences six months daylight in spring and summer and six months darkness in fall and winter, although not complete darkness. On May 10^th of this year Utqiagvik saw its last sunrise until August 2^nd. Sunlight will be visible 24/7 for three months. The reverse is true when the sun sets on November 18^th for last time until January 23^rd. That is a lot of cold dark nights.

The residents of this northern Alaska town walk in darkness or light depending on the season. The dark season does bring with it bits of depression among the people longing for the sun to reappear. It happens frequently in other parts of the world during dark, snowy, or rainy days. Now, imagine several months of it. But the sun does reappear in Utqiagvik right on time as the God of creation planned it. Utqiagvik is in a temporary period darkness for a time and then the light appears.

The rest of us in the world, unlike the people of northern Alaska 300 miles inside the Arctic circle, are living within a dark, sinful, broken world 365 days of the year. People are longing for better days, for a bright future, for peace on earth, and for the veil of darkness to be removed for the light to enter. There is a longing to walk in the light. That longing can be fulfilled. Jesus said He is the light of the world. “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” (Jn.12:46 nlt) Walk not in darkness but trust in Jesus, the light that remains forever.

Devotionals

Two Heavens

May 19, 2026May 17, 2026 Loring Schultz

‘Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 NLT

The phrase, ‘This is heaven on earth,’ reveals emotions one thought not possible in this world. This could include a special event you weren’t expecting such as a fabulous concert, the brilliant performance of a Broadway play, a breathtaking view of one of God’s many creations, or the relaxing sounds of the ocean waves as they make their way over the rocks unto the shore. Perhaps even spending the day at home with family would be heaven on earth. But would you be able to say, ‘my work is heaven on earth.’

Wherever your vocation may be, for the Christian, you are working for the Lord. You are serving Him in your place of employment. Paul told the church at Colosse, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Col.3:23 nlt) We serve the Lord in our work, and He is pleased when we serve Him. God is also pleased in the work we accomplish serving others. We should consider that ‘heaven on earth.’ Paul also says there will be an award for serving Him, “Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Col.3:24 nlt) Indeed, it is the Lord Christ in whom we serve.

Charles H. Spurgeon wrote in one of his ‘Morning and Evening Devotions’ about our work on earth, “My Master does not treat His servants churlishly (as a peasant); He gives to them as a king giveth to a king; He gives them two heavens-a heaven below in serving Him here, and a heaven above in delighting in Him forever.” (1) Spurgeon considered our work (serving Christ) on earth as being in heaven, and he is right. If we are not enjoying our time here on earth working and serving God something is wrong, for God is constantly with us and in that we should find enjoyment. Don’t be so focused on the future heaven that you miss the present one.

(1) C. H. Spurgeon: Morning and Evening: Daily Readings – Christian Classics Ethereal Library

Devotionals

The Right Words

May 18, 2026May 15, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 10:16-20 NLT – “Look, I am sending you out as sheep – Bible Gateway

“God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:19-20 NLT

Photo by Soul Winners For Christ on Pexels.com

How many times have you been in a situation where you could not find the right words to say? How did you feel? Depending on the circumstances you may have felt embarrassed, not up to speed, or even frighten. You were counselling someone who needed help and your mind drew a blank or you were afraid of their reaction would be to what you were about to say. Whatever the case may be, Christians should not be afraid but encouraged for we have the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us through.

When Jesus sent His disciples out to proclaim that the kingdom of God was at hand He told them to beware. They were be aware of the coming resistance. First of all, they will be as sheep among wolves. They will be handed over to the authorities and beaten for their spoken words. Proclaiming the good news of Jesus would have them arrested and put on trial. But Jesus tells them to take advantage of this opportunity to speak to these rulers in the courts and all who are present about the gospel.

Today in 2026 Jesus is still sending out His disciples (us) to proclaim the gospel. All that early disciples were to beware of applies to us today. There is an increasing negativity of Christianity worldwide. We are beginning to see persecution in countries where Christianity and the gospel was freely heard and accepted. Several European countries and our friends to the north in Canada have laws on the books to suppress Christianity by claiming it is hate speech. And I am afraid it is soon coming to America.

We need not be afraid when that day comes but encouraged. God will give us the right words to say in proclaiming the Gospel and He will give us the right words when we are put on trial for speaking those right words of the gospel. “For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mt.10:20 nlt)

Bible Studies

“Abraham Deceives Abimelech” – The Story of Abraham

May 17, 2026May 15, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 20:1-21:7 NLT – Abraham Deceives Abimelech – Abraham – Bible Gateway

“Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, ‘She is my sister.’ So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace.” Genesis 20:2 NLT

Abraham, the man of faith, the one known as a friend of God, becomes Abraham a deceiver once again. The story of Abraham should bring us all comfort to see one of the great icons of faith in the Bible had their failures too. Abraham was human and being human had a sin nature and having a sin nature would fall into sin on occasion. Today’s story is such an occasion.

After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham knew his nephew Lot was spared and he decided to move towards the south and dwell between Gaza and the Mediterranean coast settling in the town of Gerar. Abraham did not learn his lesson from twenty-five years earlier repeating his same sin of deception. “While living there as a foreigner, Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, ‘She is my sister.’ So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace (Gen.20:1-2 nlt) We sometimes today find ourselves as time passes either forgetting or disregarding our past sins that got us into trouble. Abraham’s in good company, but of course it doesn’t excuse it.

Abraham’s main problem was his moment of faithlessness in God’s protection. He had just witnessed God answering his prayer in saving Lot but failed to recognize He could do the same for him. He was afraid as he was in Egypt that he would be killed for his wife. What Abraham told King Abimelech was partly true meaning it was also partly false. As in Genesis 12 Abraham told Pharoah the same half-truth. Abraham and Sarah were siblings who had the same father, but different mothers.

The expected did happen. Abraham did not die and Sarah was taken. But God intervened and came to King Abimelech in a dream telling him that Sarah is a married woman. God said that he would die along with all his people if Sarah was not return to her husband. Abimelech earnestly pleaded his innocence which the Lord was already aware of and He said, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her.” (Gen.20:6 nlt) God was the one who kept Sarah pure by His hand of grace keeping the king at bay. The promised child of the covenant that was to come through Abraham could have been compromised, a thought that should have come to Abraham’s mind when Abimelech took her.

Abimelech didn’t waste any time. “Abimelech got up early the next morning and quickly called all his servants together. When he told them what had happened, his men were terrified.” (Gen.20:8 nlt) The people of the Near East, although heathen, considered adultery a great sin. They wanted this problem rectified as soon as possible. King Abimelech acted with integrity, more so than Abraham, in this matter. He moved quickly and called for Abraham. ‘“What have you done to us?’ he demanded. ‘What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done! Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?’” (Gen.12:9-10 nlt) It is an embarrassing situation when a heathen king rebukes a prophet of God. Equally embarrassing are the rebukes we Christians get today from our friends and family when we are on the wrong side of honesty.

Abraham offered his three flimsy excuses; the people of Gerar did not fear God, they would kill him for his wife, and Sarah was actually his half-sister. The Bible doesn’t record a spoken response from the king, but records Abimelech’s action to make things right. “Then Abimelech took some of his sheep and goats, cattle, and male and female servants, and he presented them to Abraham. He also returned his wife, Sarah, to him. Then Abimelech said, ‘Look over my land and choose any place where you would like to live.’” (Gen.20:14-15 nlt) It seems strange that despite Abraham’s sin of deception he is lavishly given gifts. Of course this is not a license to sin, but an example of the enormous riches and blessings God bestows on His children in spite of their sin. It seems that King Abimelech gave these gifts in a way to honor God.

Abimelech topped it off by giving Abraham 1,000 pieces of silver, the price of a slave in those days, to restore any honor Sarah may have lost before others. “This is to compensate you for any wrong I may have done to you. This will settle any claim against me, and your reputation is cleared.” (Gen.20:16 nlt) Abraham, the prophet, then prayed for Abimelech and the people for their afflictions to be gone, because God had prevented the women from becoming pregnant because of Sarah.

Abraham repeated his sin of twenty-five years earlier in Egypt and the Lord delivered on His promise He made to Abraham twenty-five years earlier. “The LORD kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.” (Gen.21:1-2 nlt) The wait was over. God’s promised was fulfilled. Abraham named him Issac, meaning ‘laughter’ and circumcised him on the eighth day, according to the covenant.

God’s promised blessings continue throughout our lives. They will always be there in His timing despite our failures. Praise God for that!

A Christian Perspective

God’s Perfect Design for Marriage

May 16, 2026May 14, 2026 Loring Schultz

“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.'” Genesis 1:27-28a NLT

God’s Word to us begins with His acts of creation. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” (Gen.1:1,31a nlt) God made everything good and we could say even perfect. That includes Adam and Eve, our first parents. They were perfect in every way before they fell into sin when tempted by Satan. Although they now had a sin nature which is passed down to us, what remained perfect in them and in us is God’s perfect design of creating them male and female.

Through God’s perfect design the world has been populated for thousands of years. God told them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth.’ and they have. Populating the earth only happens when males and females get together having children. A very undeniable fact is that our very existence as a human race depends on heterosexuality. We would cease to exist if this were not the case. God’s perfect design for life itself.

The saying ‘opposites attract’ is seen in the wisdom of God. What is more opposite and different than a male and a female. Many married couples are direct opposites of one another. My wife would testify to that, but we complement each other. We are help mates for each other, although men need more help, for God has said concerning Adam “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” (Gen.2:18 nlt) God’s perfect and only design for marriage is male and female.

Our world today is in chaos and becoming more depraved every day due to sin. When God was finished with His entire creation, He said it was very good! Sin entered the picture and has distorted our view of God’s original design ever since. Do not get caught up and fooled with the thinking of the world today but remember God’s original intent especially ‘male and female he created them.’ God’s perfect design!

Devotionals

Who do you trust for your needs?

May 15, 2026May 13, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 12:41-44 NLT – The Widow’s Offering – Jesus sat down – Bible Gateway

“Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.” Mark 12:42 NLT

The Bible is full of practical answers for all matters of life in this world. For instance, any question we may have concerning our lives we can find an example to cover it. A big concern for most people is financial stability. The Bible has a lot to say about money and Jesus did not shy away from the subject. We can be confident of God’s Word to lead us in a right direction.

God has given us the gift of work to meet our needs. I know work does not seem like a gift on some days, but be assured, it is. He has given us free will with what we do with our money with certain guidelines. The important thing to remember is this; how successful or unsuccessful we are have come from the hand of God. Yes, our ability and hard work contributes to our success, but again our ability and knowledge comes from God.

Jesus and His disciples were sitting in the Temple watching people drop money in the collection box. Many rich people put in substantial amounts from their surplus and a poor widow dropped in two small coins. It would seem obvious who contributed more but not really given a closer look. Jesus said the widow put in all she had to live on. She trusted God to meet her needs. She didn’t worry about where her next meal would come from, she knew God would provide. This poor widow, indeed, put in more. So, who do you trust to meet your needs? Are you depending on yourself or on God?