Devotionals

Fake Christians

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 John 2:3-6 NLT – And we can be sure that we know him if – Bible Gateway

“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 NLT

Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash

‘Fake’ defined in Webster’s New World Dictionary is ‘to make (something) seem real, etc. by deception.’ ‘Christian’ defined by Webster is ‘a believer in Jesus as the prophesied Messiah, or in the religion based on the teachings of Jesus.’ Put the two words together and what do you have, ‘one who claims a faith in Jesus who does live as Jesus lived.’ You are thinking, no one can live as Jesus did. He is the sinless Son of God and you are right. But John writes if we claim to know God we should obey His commandments. Ok, so where do we start?

Let us start with God’s Ten Commandments. I am sure most of us cannot quote all Ten Commandments when asked on the spot, but most of us have heard of God’s Ten Commandments given to Moses in the book of Exodus. Upon hearing them recited they come to mind once again, and upon hearing them it’s time to obey. But an important note to remember is that obeying the Ten Commandments does not make you a Christian. In fact, you are unable to obey any of the commandments fully without the help of God through His Holy Spirit.

So how can we fully obey God and live our lives as Jesus did? Jesus came to fulfill the Law. There were many laws in the Old Testament days to obey and no one was able to obey them all but failed repeatedly. A sacrifice was needed to forgive and cover sin, therefore the many animal sacrifices that were performed in those days. Jesus took care of all the sacrifices needed for sin by laying down His life as the perfect sacrifice once for all. (Heb.10:12) When we accept Christ as our savior we receive His Holy Spirit to dwell within us helping us to walk in obedience to God.

The only way you can say you live in God is when God truly lives in you through the Holy Spirit when you accept Jesus Christ. There are many fake Christians in the world today claiming to know Jesus, but they are not walking as He walked because they do not have His Holy Spirit. Don’t be a fake Christian but truly walk as Jesus walked by knowing Him as your personal savior and Lord.

Exodus 20:1-17 KJV – And God spake all these words, saying, – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

God Given Natural Resources

Loring Schultz

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

Illustration of natural resources including flora and fauna, land and minerals, water and marine resources, and energy and renewable resources.
Illustration showing different types of natural resources supporting life on Earth.

Scripture says, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.” (Ps.24:1 nlt) It’s all His for in the book of Genesis it says God created the earth. Our God has given us the earth to live in, manage it, and enjoy it. We could not do this on our own if God had not supplied us with natural resources created for our benefit. Just think of the natural resources that are vital for our survival. They fall into two categories, renewable and non-renewable resources.

Where would we be without the renewable resources God gave to each of us such as, plants, animals, freshwater, topsoil, and solar and wind energy created by the light of the sun and moving air currents. Not to forget coal, oil, and natural gas the non-renewable resources that has become a necessity in the 21st century. These natural resources were created by God for us to use and be able to live in and manage the earth. Without them we would not survive.

God has given us another natural resource that is vital to our physical lives, but more importantly vital for our spiritual lives, His Holy Word, the Bible. Neglecting the use water, vegetation, and all the other resources God has supplied us with will end in death. Neglecting God’s Word will end in spiritual death for those who refuse to accept God’s love for us through His Son. His Word was given to us to show us the way of salvation and how to live after accepting Christ as savior. The Bible continues to be a vital spiritual natural resource for every Christian. We cannot live without it. It was given to us for that purpose.

Bible Studies

The Father’s Discipline

Loring Schultz

Read: Luke 15:11-24 ESV – The Parable of the Prodigal Son – And – Bible Gateway

“A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.” Luke 15:13 NLT

Man in ragged clothes kneeling and embracing older man in blue robe outside stone house

One of the most favorite passages in all of scripture is found in Luke’s gospel. It is one of the many parables spoken by Jesus, The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Other names include, The Parable of Two Brothers, the Lost Son, the Forgiving Father, or my favorite The Parable of the Father’s Love. It is well represented in many sermons on Father’s Day each year. The loving father anxiously awaiting the return of his son who has left him is an example of God the Father who waits anxiously for us to return. All of us in one way or another take a step or two, or even a mile away from our heavenly Father. But we can rest assured that when we come to our senses, as the prodigal son did, our heavenly Father is there to greet us and forgive us. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 esv)

But what about the other side of the coin, the Father’s discipline? We have no indication if the prodigal son was punished after the fattened calf celebration. But that was not Jesus’s point in telling this parable. Along with the demonstration of the father’s love for his son is the demonstration that the lost can be found. But we are also confident of the father’s love especially through discipline. The writer of the book of Hebrews sets forth from the Old Testament, “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’” (Heb. 12:5, 6 ESV) He continues, “…..but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Heb.12:10b, 11 esv)

We have a heavenly Father who loves us enough to forgive us and restore us back to fellowship with Him, and we have a heavenly Father who loves us enough to discipline us in order that we may share His Holiness. May we cherish both.

Devotionals

A Golden Opportunity

Loring Schultz

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 NIV

Photo by David Cain on Unsplash
 

Occasionally, in our lives we come across the opportunity of a lifetime. Whether it is a dream job, an exotic vacation, meeting a celebrity or favorite sports figure, a scholarship to a major university or being appointed to a high-level government position, we look at it as a golden opportunity. Opportunities may come about by chance with no effort on our part or by arduous work through blood, sweat, and tears. Whatever the case, we are grateful for the opportunity and do not take it for granted.

The biblical figure ‘Job’ is often referenced in describing those who are suffering or have suffered due to some personal tragedy in their lives. Job is the perfect example in these circumstances as it is said in comparison, ‘no one has suffered more next to Job.’ Job had lost his entire family, save his wife, all his livestock, and his servants in one day by Satan’s hand as he questioned Job’s integrity before God. God then permitted Satan to afflict Job with painful sores over his entire body, knowing the He could again trust Job to remain faithful. The Lord did permit the attacks on Job proving to Satan Job’s faithfulness. Job would not curse God and God gave Job a golden opportunity.

On the surface, Job’s suffering does not look like a golden opportunity. Job himself, throughout the book of Job questions why the suffering, but is convinced he did nothing wrong. Job relays to his three friends that God knows of his conduct and is testing him, not to refine him by purifying him of his sins, but to prove his innocence and he will come forth as gold. (Job 23:10 niv)

Does God test His children today? Yes, I am afraid He does. But He puts us to the test to draw ourselves closer to Him, to increase our faith in Him, to trust His plan for us, and to show ourselves as true followers of Jesus to others in need. It may be hard at the time, but may we thank the Lord for each golden opportunity to be used for His glory.

Devotionals

Stay Active and Keep Moving

Loring Schultz

Read: Hebrews 6:9-12 NKJV – A Better Estimate – But, beloved, we – Bible Gateway

“Do not become sluggish but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12 NKJV

People praying and exercising in a gym with Christian signs and a crucifix
A group engages in prayer and exercise at a gym emphasizing spiritual and physical strength.

The one piece of advice I received repeatedly before retiring was to ‘stay active and keep moving.’ I knew that to be true for in my working years as a retail store manager, I have spent more time on the floor than in the office, despite what others might say. A sudden stop in physical activity would not end well. For the most part I have maintained a regular schedule that keeps me moving physically. But I admit there are times when sluggishness sets in from missing the gym and the accumulation of late-night snacks. Thankfully, I recognize the need to stay active with frequent visits back to the gym to become sluggish free.

Staying active and moving is not only for our physical health, but also for our spiritual health. In fact the apostle Paul writes, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1Tim.4:8 nlt)  When we let our spiritual life lay dormant and are absorbing the junk food of the world there is no other outcome but to become sluggish or spiritually unhealthy. Without a correction this will lead to all kinds of spiritual problems and create a chasm between you and God.

Just as physical exercise and staying active keeps us healthy and not in a sluggish state, spiritual exercise such as Bible reading, prayer, worship, sharing the gospel, helping others, and having Christian friends will keep us active and moving in our Christian life. Age does not matter. Young, old, and in-between, we all need spiritual exercise. If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, it’s time to hit ‘God’s Gym.’  

Bible Studies

“Final Thoughts” – The Story of Abraham   

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 22:15-18 NLT – Then the angel of the LORD called again – Bible Gateway

Abraham looking at stars in desert

This week we come to the end of our study of Abraham in Sunday’s Biblical Insights. This man of great faith gave us much to admire and many examples to follow both good and bad. Although Abraham was a great man, he was also human and needed God in his life to direct him in all that God wanted him to do. Abraham was chosen by God to leave his family and homeland to a land God promised to give him and his descendants. Abraham would become the father of the Jewish people. So, Abraham set out for the Promised Land with his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. That, indeed, took a lot of faith.

As we noted in our study, Abraham was not only the father of Jews but is known as the father of all who believe. Abraham received the good news that salvation for all would come through him. The Lord told Abraham in Genesis chapter 12, “All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen.12:3 nlt) Jesus Christ, the Messiah, came through Abraham’s seed. God’s salvation for sinners came through Abraham. The gospel of Matthew in the New Testament begins with the words, “This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham.” (Mt.1:1 nlt)

Last week we witnessed Abraham’s ultimate test of faith. God had told him to kill and sacrifice his son Issac on Mount Moriah. This great man of faith didn’t waver, at least not by an outward appearance that we can see, but proceeded with faith that God would raise him up from the dead or provide a substitute for his son. In this scene we discovered a foreshadowing of Jesus’ crucifixion in Issac’s willingness and the Lord supplying a substitute. A sacrifice was needed for our sin and God provided a substitute for all who believe in His name, Jesus Christ, God the Son.

Of everything we covered in our study of Abraham, this is the most important connection to your life that you can make. Abraham makes a wonderful story. It is God’s story of redeeming mankind through the seed of one man He chose to become the father of the Jewish people. From the line of King David of the tribe of Judah, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the savior of the world, was born. All you need to do is have the faith to believe it. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” (Eph.2:8 nlt)

A Christian Perspective

The Perception of Corruption

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 14 NLT – Psalm 14 – For the choir director: A – Bible Gateway

“Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed, but the LORD will protect his people.” Psalm 14:1, 6 NLT

California Republic flag with a bear and red star on white background
The California Republic flag waves against a clear blue sky

The term ‘perception of corruption’ has been trending on social media the last ten days since the California primary election here in the United States. It comes down to a simple observation of the modern technological age we live that all the ballots have not yet been counted. I am old enough to remember old relic voting machines that worked fine. When the polls closed 8 PM the vote totals were captured and sent to the county courthouse and on a good night the results were announced around 10 or 11 PM. Mail-in ballots, of course, were available to those serving overseas and for those who proved they would not been available to vote on election day in their precinct. Oh My, how things have changed.

Proponents of the new laws that have created this log jam say it is to ensure every person exercises their right to vote, and that every vote is counted. In all my years of voting I have never heard a report of a citizen registered to vote that had been denied that right, either in person or mail-in ballot, and their vote was counted. So, there must be another reason for reshaping the voting procedures in the United States. There is an old saying that goes something like this, ‘if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.’ Well, it wasn’t broken, but it is now.

King David writing in Psalm 14 sheds some light on how and why this corruption may take place. Those who say there is no God are fools. This does not need to be an outright denial of God, but an arrogance of one claiming to be working for the benefit of others and believe that God is silent of their deception. As they work to help others they perceive their methods are righteous because they are legal, but as David wrote, “The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed.” (Ps.14:6 esv) It is indeed a perception of corruption. The people they claim they are trying to help are just as confused as the rest of us. Under the disguise of assisting others the powerful politicians become more powerful and filled with greed which they cannot let go of.

Christians today need to speak up whenever corruption raises its ugly head. But there are ways in which to act and ways not to act. We must be in prayer for our proper response and be praying for the United States and its election process that it will remain free from corruption and eliminating anything that enables a perception of corruption.

Devotionals

Acting Religiously         

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 timothy 3:1-5 NLT – The Dangers of the Last Days – You – Bible Gateway

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT

Photo by Howard Wang on Unsplash

When referring to the end times, the last days, or the end of the world, people are quick to point to the ever-increasing sins listed in 2 Timothy chapter 4. Selfishness, boastful, ungrateful, proud, unloving, unforgiving, no self-control, loving pleasure more than God, and the list goes on. We have seen these sins throughout history and even more in the current 21st century. It is easy to see the vile sins of a fallen generation and yes they are increasing. But what is overlooked is what does not seem vile, in fact, it is looked as virtuous (good and righteous). But it belongs in the same list of sins as the others. It is ‘acting religiously.’

There are many today who act righteous but truly are not. Chuck Swindoll writes, “Paul concluded his list of ‘savage’ behavior with perhaps the most despicable of all. Some dress themselves in the august robes of godliness yet pursue their own lusts. They pretend to be godly in order to justify their own selfish desires…Today, this false godliness can range from……..corrupt minsters fleecing the flock for personal gain, to businessmen seeking networking possibilities within the church, to sanctimonious Christians rationalizing their greed.” (1) Strong words. Paul says to ‘Stay away from people like that.’ (2Tim.3:5 nlt)

Today we are beginning to witness pastors speaking evil as good and good as evil. Some people within the church are acting religiously in accepting the norms of a corrupt and perverse culture. Acceptance by the world has replaced the acceptance of the Word of God. My God-fearing Christians it is time for us to take a stand against the false religions and false teachers of our day even though they are ‘acting religiously.’

(1) Swindoll, Living Insights 1&2 Timothy. Carol Stream: Tyndale, 2014. Pg 228

Devotionals

A Word of Encouragement

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 73 NLT – BOOK THREE (Psalms 73–89) -Psalm 73 – Bible Gateway

“Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 NLT

Mountain sunrise over a lake with Psalm 73 text about God's strength
A scenic mountain sunrise accompanies an uplifting verse from Psalm 73 about God’s enduring strength.

A fellow elder shared with us after our weekly prayer session this morning how encouraging Psalm 73 is. Our church is currently going through selected passages of Psalms for a summer Bible reading program. Seeing his comments I thought it best to review the Psalm and see what I might have missed. Yes, it is encouraging.

A psalm of Asaph that begins Book 3 in the Psalter is a reflection of what most Christians experience in certain seasons of life. During the downtimes in life, and there are many, we tend to look back at better days or to those who do not seem to have it so bad. We envy them who seem to have it all together. They may not be living for the Lord, but they have no worries, they are healthy, financially set, no internal family struggles, life is good, and like Asaph writes, “These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!” (Ps.73:7 nlt) And we surmise that we do not. But we are wrong, troubles and downtimes included.

The psalmist had reached the point where he questioned whether his obedience to God was for nothing. I’m afraid many Christians have found themselves asking the same question. The turning point for the psalmist was when he went into the sanctuary. “Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.” (Ps.73:17 nlt) Worshiping God opened the psalmist’s eyes to God’s justice. The bottom line is the wicked does not get away with anything.

Well now, what about us with our struggles and the downtimes in life? Follow the lead of Asaph as he confessed his sin of assessing life from a secular worldview. (Ps.73:21-24) He had come to realize that nothing is better or more desirable than God. May we come to the same conclusion!

Devotionals

The World Cup

Loring Schultz

“And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, ‘Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.’” Matthew 26:27-28 NLT

Golden FIFA World Cup trophy on a pedestal at a soccer stadium
The iconic FIFA World Cup trophy stands proudly on the pitch before a match with a packed stadium

The FIFA Men’s World Cup has once again descended on the nations of the world. This year three North American countries will host the 2026 World Cup with the United States being one of the hosting countries. Soccer is the only sport in the world that is recognized and played globally. Therefore the term, ‘World Cup,’ is appropriate. It is available to all who qualify to participate in striving to win the World Cup. Sadly, there will only be one winner and the winning nation will celebrate the accomplishment of winning the World Cup.

There is another World Cup that is available for all who qualify to participate in where there are no losers. This cup contains the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. In the first ‘Lord’s Supper,’ which we continually observe today, Jesus told His disciples the cup of wine represented His blood that ‘is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.’ It is available to all who qualify. Qualifying is simply accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup requires much training, practice, physical fitness, and teamwork. Those nations who make the cut are in the tournament but not guaranteed the victory. When making the cut with Jesus you are guaranteed victory because victory does not depend on your performance, but on God’s gift given through grace. It is truly a World Cup, “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)