Loring Schultz

Remorse or Repentance

October 10, 2024October 9, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse.” Matthew 27:3a NLT

Webster’s New World Dictionary defines ‘remorse’ as “a torturing sense of guilt for one’s actions.” If a picture could be included as an example under the description, we would find Judas’ likeness as the one who betrayed Jesus selling Him out for thirty pieces of silver. Scripture tells us it was after Judas realized that Jesus had been condemned to die that he was remorseful. We don’t know what was in Judas’ mind as he made the deal to turn Jesus over to the Jewish authorities, but perhaps he didn’t think it through whatever his reasoning. Dr. Charles Ryrie suggests, “Perhaps Judas had only wanted to force Jesus to do something to confound His enemies, not to get Himself condemned.” (1) Judas indeed had a torturing sense of guilt. It did not turn out as he had planned. He felt remorse, but was there repentance?

‘Repentance’ in Webster’s New World Dictionary is, “to feel such regret over an action as to change one’s mind about.” I don’t think Judas’ picture would be on display in this case. In a sense, Judas did change his mind about the money, throwing it back into the temple, but his intent to make a point or whatever else his motives were, were still in tack. He did not change his mind about Jesus but felt remorse that his betrayal had gone badly.

On a much smaller scale, when the consequences of our sins become known causing hurt and heartache to others, do we repent and change our actions and our way of thinking or are we tortured by a sea of guilt? Remorse is regretting the action due to the outcome. Repentance is asking for forgiveness and changing our minds about that sin, so it does not occur again. So as Christians may we realize being sorry is not enough and change our ways that brought about that sin. There will be a lot less heartache and a lot more love for one another.

(1) The Ryrie Study Bible

Read: Matthew 27:3-10 NLT – When Judas, who had betrayed him, – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Grace in Our Time of Need

October 9, 2024October 8, 2024 Loring Schultz

“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:7 ESV

Defining ‘grace’ among different individuals will give you several answers varying slightly from one another. My favorite is ‘God’s unmerited favor bestowed upon us.’ None of us deserves the blessings and favor God gives to us. But as believers in Christ, a special gift of grace is given to us by God. It’s not given because we earned it and it’s not a reward for something we accomplished. It is God’s gift of grace to all those who has accepted His Son Jesus as their personal savior.

Paul says in Ephesians 4:7, “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (esv) Paul saw this grace that was imparted to him was for service in preaching the gospel. “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.” (Eph.3:7 esv) Understanding that he was undeserving to preach the gospel, it was by God’s gift to Paul that he was able to do so. He was given enough grace needed ‘according to the measure of Christ’s gift’ which is immeasurable.

How does this apply to Christians today? First, if you are saved you have been given the gift of grace to accomplish all that God wants you to do, in Paul’s case it was preaching. Second, whatever situation you are in, no matter the circumstances, God will give you the grace you need at the time you need it. No more, no less. His grace is immeasurable. Those who need a lot, get a lot. Those who need little get little, but all get what they need. Third, remember we do not deserve God’s grace, but He gives it to us because we are His children.

Remember this day and every day, the Lord will bestow His unmerited favor on us in our time of need. It’s called God’s grace and it’s immeasurable.

Devotionals

Discipleship: my cross to bear

October 8, 2024October 7, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me……For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Galatians 2:20, Matthew 16:25 ESV

I am sure you have heard someone say amid suffering either through sickness, limited ability, or family struggles that this is ‘My cross to bear.’ Most of the time it is said with an ounce of acceptance, but not always. There are those who feel that everyone goes through life bearing at least one cross of affliction. That same saying today is carried over from Jesus’s words in the New Testament spoken on more than occasion when He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt.16:24 esv) For the Christian, taking up your cross involves much more than dealing with some sort of affliction.

Taking up your cross is not denying yourself certain pleasures in this life. It is a total commitment of your life to Jesus. The apostle Paul equates himself as being crucified with Christ. His old self is dead. He cannot deny or give up anything that is dead. His life is now lived in Christ. Paul is telling us not only to deny ourselves but to die to ourselves. Jesus tells us we are to lose our lives for Him and we will find it. We will find eternal life in the future and a fuller life in the present by not succumbing to the pleasures of sin in the world and lose our soul.

Jesus is looking for totally committed followers to be His disciples. Twelve disciples followed Jesus during His ministry on earth being totally committed. They were His students learning from Him as he taught them. Jesus was preparing them to take the gospel across the world to all people. It’s time for all Christians to be true followers of Jesus learning from His teaching through His Word, and be true disciples totally committed, which is ‘our cross to bear.’

Devotionals

Call on the Lord from Your Heart

October 7, 2024October 5, 2024 Loring Schultz

“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” Psalm 86:5 NIV

How often do you call on the Lord? How often do you pray? Calling on the Lord is the same as praying to the Lord. There is a tendency to consider ‘calling’ on the Lord differently. We may think of ‘calling’ as more of a forceful, desperate cry as compared to a silent prayer and that would be true. But you are still talking to God about your troubles. Prayers with a little more emphasis include more than words from your lips but from your heart.

The Old Testament Psalm 86 was written by King David as a prayer for God’s help when being attacked by his enemies. You can be sure David’s words were not completely silent. Even if they were, his heart and soul would have been bursting for God’s intervention. David pleas for God to hear him, answer him, guard his life, save him, have mercy on him, and bring him joy. He writes, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” (Ps.86:5 niv) David also knew any sin in his life would be forgiven, that God is good, and loves all who call on Him.

An important first step in prayer is to confess our sins asking for forgiveness. (1Jn.1:9) We praise Him acknowledging who He is and pray for His will to be done for what we are about to ask Him. We can tell the Lord our troubles praying from the depths of our hearts, as David did, being confident His answer is surrounded by His love for us. “Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.” (Ps.86:6-7 niv) So, whether your prayer is loud and forceful or in complete silence, always call on the Lord from your heart.

Read: Psalm 86 NIV – A prayer of David. Hear me, LORD, and – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders are Discerning” Godly leadership: the book of Nehemiah

October 6, 2024October 4, 2024 Loring Schultz

“So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 2:11-12 NLT

*Photo by* *Tim Wildsmith* on *Unsplash*

There are many fine people put into leadership due to a certain skill, high academic scores, a knowledge of the business, organization, or government department, or possess a charismatic personality. But one thing they lack is a discerning spirit. Having good judgement, being perceptive, seeking out facts, being discriminate and determined is vital in assuming a leadership role. Any company, organization, or government department that is failing or not able to get off the ground, you will find one or more of these ‘discerning’ qualities missing in the leadership.

We’re focusing on Godly Leadership in our weekly study of Nehemiah. Week one we noted godly leaders have a life of prayer, and last week we saw the importance of being prepared. This week we will see how Nehemiah’s discernment helped him to prepare for the task in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. We start where we left off last week which is really the key to all of Nehemiah’s success, ‘the gracious hand of God was upon him.’

Nehemiah received the approval from King Artaxerxes to go to Jerusalem and start the project of restoring the city beginning with rebuilding the walls. He was given a military escort as Nehemiah was an official in the king’s court and was doing the king’s business. The king also supplied letters to be given to the governors of the region explaining Nehemiah’s mission. The Lord had moved the king’s heart to be sympathetic towards Nehemiah and his people, the Jews living in Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes arranged safe passage and for the materials needed to do the work. Christians today need to be reminded that the same Lord can move the hearts of our Presidents, Prime Ministers, and other leaders across the world to be sympathetic towards Christians and the mission of the gospel if we pray for the good hand of the Lord to be upon us.

So, Nehemiah arrived safely in the region and presented the king’s letters to the governing authorities who were not very pleased with the news. “But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel.” (Neh.2:10 nlt) Sanballat, whose ancestors had governed over Samaria for over 100 years felt threatened that his rule might end. Tobiah, governor of Ammon, who ruled east of the Jordan felt the same way. Nehemiah had opposition at the very beginning of the task the Lord had called him to do. You can be sure when God calls you to a special assignment for Him there will be opposition. The evil one will do all he can to discourage you from the beginning, but that is confirmation it is work the Lord wants you to do. Pray for the Lord’s good hand upon you.

Nehemiah was aware what was ahead of him in more ways than one. His immediate concern was coming up with a strategy for where to begin and how to inform the people and elders in Jerusalem of his plans. It’s interesting Nehemiah didn’t immediately go into the city and declare his intentions. In fact, when he did arrive, he stayed put for three days before doing anything. Then he went out in the darkness of night to survey what was before him. “I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem.” (Neh.2:12 nlt) Nehemiah was carefully assessing the situation with great discernment. At this point, the fewer people that knew about his plans the better, especially with the early opposition he had already received.

After surveying the damage and seeing how defenseless the city was, Nehemiah was now ready to speak to the people about his intentions. “But now I said to them, ‘You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!’” (Neh.2:17 nlt) The city was in its current state of ruins for over 150 years. It’s apparent the people, even the elders, grew complacent with their surroundings. One commentator noted that it took someone from the outside to wake them up. We at times get comfortable where we are at, not realizing that our defenses, our walls of protection are broken down allowing easy access for sin to enter our lives. There are times when we all need a wake-up call.

Nehemiah confided in them how the Lord’s hand was upon him and how He moved the heart the king to let him go providing safe passage and materials to begin the work. The people were encouraged when they heard of God’s protection on Nehemiah and how He moved the king’s heart to act on their behalf. They were excited to start the work, finally realizing how vulnerable they had been to being attacked with no walls of protection. “They replied at once, ‘Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!’ So they began the good work.” (Neh.2:18b nlt)

Of course, the opposition continued with another ruler, Geshem of Northwest Arabia, joining Sanballat and Tobia. Nehemiah was now surrounded by enemies on the North, East, and South. But the good hand of the Lord was on Nehemiah, and he knew it. Nehemiah had asked God for success in approaching the king on what he was inspired to do, and the Lord answered. Nehemiah was confident God will continue to protect him, the workers, and the work of rebuilding the walls.

Godly leaders are discerning in any decision they make, large or small. They do not jump in headfirst, no matter what their experience, talent, or education tells them. They are careful to ensure all the bases are covered and every option is thought through, and that the good hand of the Lord is upon them.

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplas

Read: Nehemiah 2:9-20 NLT – When I came to the governors of the – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

The One and Only Fact Checker with the Truth

October 5, 2024October 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The LORD looked and was displeased to find there was no justice.” Isaiah 59:14-15 NLT

“For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth.” 2 Samuel 7:28 NLT

What is your source to find honest reporting of the news? Where do you go to verify the news you have heard to be true? The radio airwaves, television networks, cable news channels, and all streaming devices have been spreading news about the U.S. Presidential election for months and will continue to do so for the next 31 days. Again, where do you go to verify what you have heard? Most of us will go to the news source we trust the most, and that is usually in line with our political biases. But can we be sure that our most trusted news networks are always telling us the truth. The truth is, no pun intended, the answer is no.

So, to be fair and balanced as we say, a fact checker system has been put in place to fact check news stories and political candidate’s statements. But, here again, can we trust the fact checker? Is the fact checker neutral? From what source are they retrieving the information they are using to verify a statement, and is it in the proper context? I’m afraid most fact checkers are not worth their weight in salt. So, where do we turn to find out if a candidate seeking political office is telling the truth or not? There is only one fact checker who will always tell us the truth, the God of heaven through His Word.

Now, before you stop reading this piece, I understand Scripture does not address current issues of our day directly, but they do have a lot to say about integrity, telling the truth, being a false witness, bribery, showing favoritism, honest wages and business practices, and the overall role of government to provide security and safety for the people.

When a candidate makes pledges and announces policies for their administration if elected, our job is to do our own fact checking and see how this lines up with Scripture. Is what they propose truthful and a goal that can be achieved fairly for all citizens? Do any of their polices violate God’s Laws found in Scripture? Many candidates quote the Bible during campaign speeches. Christians must determine if they are quoting correctly and is it in the right context with the whole of Scripture or are they trying to make a point that is contrary to God’s standards? Sadly, in today’s environment candidates will do or say just about anything to ensure a victory on election night.

The prophet Isaiah’s words ring true for the current conditions of the United States in 2024, “Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who announces evil is attacked” (Is.59:14b-15a nlt) But Samuel tells us, “For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth.” (2Sam.7:28 nlt) We have a source we can turn to for the truth in this age of lies, falsehoods, and misinformation. It is the Lord God Himself through the words of Scripture. The one and only fact checker with the truth.

Devotionals

Standing Before Pilate

October 4, 2024October 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

‘“Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?’ Pilate demanded.” Matthew 27:13 NLT

“But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Mark 13:11 NLT

When Jesus was finally brought before Pilate the second time after the various trials in front of the Jewish rulers and an appearance before Herod, He was all but officially condemned. Pilate was amazed by Jesus’ non-response to the charges against Him from the chief priests and the elders saying, “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” (Mt.27:13 nlt) Jesus did confirm He was the king of the Jews when Pilate had asked Him earlier. But he would not indulge His enemies in answering the false claims put forth from them.

Jesus’ enemies would do and say anything to condemn Him, and they had up to that point. They got Jesus in front of the one who had the authority to sentence Him to death. Jesus stood before Pilate in silence to the charges against Him, but He did speak with Him as recorded in the gospel of John chapters 18 and 19. Jesus did acknowledge He was a king, but His kingdom was not of this world, and told Pilate he would have no authority over Him if it wasn’t granted to him from the Father. Jesus spoke the truth from God’s Word and put Himself in His Fathers hands.

Christians today can follow Jesus’ example when facing persecution by speaking the truth of God’s Word and relying on God in our time of need. There are all kinds of persecution in the world today. Most Christians are not facing life or death threats for their faith in Christ, but many are. Christians in the western part of the world are only starting to feel increased pressure to deny their faith as the culture is saturated with anti-God sentiment. Jesus told His disciples in Mark 13:11, “But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (nlt)

False charges will be brought against us as Christians according to the anti-God legislation on the books, but they will be true according to Scripture. Testifying that Jesus is the Christ the only way of salvation and completely obeying His Word will need no answer. We just need to stand and wait for the Holy Spirit to speak through us. So, will we the church, be ready when we hear the charges brought against us and stand before the Pilates of our day?

Read: Matthew 27:11-14 NLT – Jesus’ Trial before Pilate – Now – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Have You Thanked the Lord for Your Salvation Today?

October 3, 2024October 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the LORD’s name for saving me.” Psalm 116:13 NLT

Hurricane Helene recently brought death and destruction to most of the southeastern sections of the United States. From the western shores of Florida through Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee, Hurricane Helene has caused 175 deaths as of this writing. “According to CBS, almost half of the deaths caused by Helene have been in North Carolina alone, where six months’ worth of rain fell. After Helene hit late on Thursday, record flood crests were measured in at least seven locations in North Carolina and Tennessee. More than a million people in some of the affected states also remained without power on Wednesday morning (10/2/24), according to monitoring site Poweroutage.us.” (1)

Millions of people are thanking the Lord today for saving their lives during this deadly storm. Many have lost their homes and all their belongings, but they are praising God they were spared from death. Christians understand this as God’s Providence. Perhaps there is still work for them to do in the name of the Lord, or maybe God is trying to tell them something, or it’s simply God’s grace upon them. Whatever the case, He spared their life, and they are thankful.

People have close calls with death every day across the globe. They are thankful in being saved from death. Non-Christians may not thank God, but they are thankful. Christians thank the Lord knowing it was by His hand of protection they were saved. Perhaps you have had a brush with death in your life, a near death experience as we say. Do you remember how you felt and what was your reaction towards God at that moment? Has that feeling faded with time? How about the day of your salvation when you put your faith in Christ? How well do you remember that day? Has that feeling faded with time? When we think what we have been saved from, should we not be thanking the Lord every day for our salvation? Today would be a good day to start.

Read: Psalm 116:12-19 NLT – What can I offer the LORD for all he – Bible Gateway

(1) https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgmgz3elmjxo

Samaritan’s Purse Is Responding to Hurricane Helene (samaritanspurse.org)

Devotionals

Overthrow the Lofty Opinions Against God and His Word

October 2, 2024October 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

Some people barricade themselves in ideological forts of their choosing to justify their resentment to God and His Word. Their ideology makes perfect sense to them, and they stick to it. Dr. John MacArthur unveils these forts as thoughts, ideas, speculations, reasonings, philosophies, and false religions that keep them at bay with the God of the Bible. The forts are used to codify what they perceive to be right, regardless of what the Bible says. Christians who live by a Biblical worldview also have their own ideology that makes perfect sense. God, the creator of the world and human life, sent His Son Jesus Christ to save those who trust in Him, and He has given us His Word on the proper way to live. It’s simple and that’s all there is to it.

You may feel torn in the spiritual battle you are in if you are a believer. You hesitate to speak the truth to not lose friends, but you are disturbed by all you see and hear from the ideologies of the world, even from your friends. You may be intimidated by the philosophies of the world system. They sound reasonable and hard to argue against. But you will never win an argument or lead someone to Christ by engaging in the ideologies of the world. And you certainly won’t do so by remaining silent. God does not want us to be silent, but to overthrow those lofty opinions and to do so by His Word and in love.

Paul said to the believers in Corinth, “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” (2Cor.10:3-4 nlt) What Paul is saying is that we do not use the world’s wisdom or its ideologies to reveal truth and lead souls to Christ, but we use ‘God’s mighty weapons’ the sword of the Spirit, the Bible. Paul goes on to say in this way we overthrow every lofty opinion or ideology against God. Be bold for God, lost souls depend on it.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 ESV

Devotionals

The Brevity of Life

October 1, 2024September 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.…. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:10a, 12 NLT

Today marks the 100^th birthday of former United States President Jimmy Carter. He is by far the oldest living president in American history. The second longest lifespan for a U.S. President was George H. W. Bush at age 94 followed by Gerald R. Ford at 93. Cater became president in 1977 following the 1976 election, the first presidential election I participated it while in college. A lot of years have passed between then and now, but they seem almost like yesterday. I guess that is why the psalmist was inspired to write, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” (Ps.90:12 nlt)

Before making that statement, the psalmist says, “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.” (Ps.90:10a nlt) If that doesn’t make you think. I’m very close to the age granted to me before the extension for good health, and that time has gone by very quickly. Indeed, I need to realize, as all of us do, that life is short compared to eternity. But as short as life is, we have given a responsibility to leave our mark for Christ in the world we leave behind.

The Lord has blessed Jimmy Carter with a long life. President Carter has made good use of the time God has given him. He served in the U.S. Navy, was a successful farmer in his home state of Georgia, elected to the state Senate in 1963 he then became the governor of Georgia before serving as U.S. President. Outside of politics, Carter is best known for his humanitarian work of building houses for the less fortunate in his ‘Habitat for Humanity Project.’ In fact, in honor of his 100^th birthday volunteers are constructing 30 new homes this week in St. Paul, Minnesota. President Carter has also served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher in his church for many years until his health prevented him to do so.

Today Jimmy Carter is 100 years old, and even at 100 years old, he is aware life is short. What is 100 years compared to eternity. President Carter has used his short time well and is still influencing people around the world. May we realize the precious time God has given us to work His plan in the world. Our life may be brief here on earth, but it can and will be used by God for His glory if we don’t squander it away.

Happy Birthday President Carter!

https://www.cartercenter.org/about/experts/jimmy_carter.html

https://www.habitat.org/carter-work-project