Loring Schultz

Spiritual Blindness

September 10, 2024September 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, ‘Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?’ (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.)” Matthew 12:9-10 NLT

The lure of having power and influence have corrupted even the most prestigious individuals. The love of being in control causes blindness to everything that is right, logical, and all that is common sense. Examples are easy to find in the rhetoric and actions of some government officials of our day. They desire to control, not for the betterment of those they serve, but for themselves and those who have supported them and their causes. Powerful people in the market place are also capable of falling into the same trap. They are blinded along with the politicians and government leaders by their own love of power, wealth, and recognition. The truth is before their eyes, but they fail to see it.

The Pharisees in the New Testament had a power problem themselves resulting in spiritual blindness. They were the religious ruling power. Knowing the Law, both the Old Testament and the traditional Laws set forth over the years, they used their knowledge to elevate themselves to a position of control. This rise to power had blinded them to what they knew the Old Testament revealed about Jesus the Messiah. The many additional Laws enacted over the years blinded them further as to the need for them, except to keep them in power that they were not willing to give up.

Matthew 12:10 records for us Jesus being asked a question by the Pharisees, “‘Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?’ (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.)” Healing on the Sabbath would have been a violation of the Law bringing charges against Jesus, although the Old Testament does not reference it. The rabbis considered healing attempts as work unless the individual was close to death which was not the case in this instance. They were obviously using another manmade law which was illogical and lacking common sense.

The Pharisees had corrupted themselves through their desire for power and influence. They had blinded themselves to who they were dealing with. They did not want to hear Jesus say the word ‘yes,’ but to perform the healing on the Sabbath. They knew Jesus had the power to heal the man, but their hated for Him and the thought of losing their power forced blindness upon them. Getting rid of Jesus was their only priority. “Then (Jesus) said to the man, ‘Hold out your hand.’ So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.” (Mt. 12:13-14 nlt)

Lest we think we, as Christians, are incapable of such spiritual blindness, think again. Christians are very capable of spiritual blindness when desires are place ahead of God’s will and contrary to His Word. Whether it is power and influence we seek, or a pleasurable desire outside of God’s will, be sure blindness will overshadow God and all His holiness. Let us be careful not to allow anything into our lives that will cause us to have spiritual blindness.

Devotionals

Self-Reliance Won’t Work

September 9, 2024September 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?” Matthew 17:19b NLT

The Lord has gifted each of us with individual skills to use for His service. For most of us these skills are devoted to the workplace where we are to serve Him. Others use their God-given skills within the family, homeschooling, caring for children and the elderly. Still others are uniquely gifted in various forms of arts and entertainment along with those of athletic skills to use as a platform in sharing Jesus. We all have one thing in common, whatever abilities we possess enabling us to perform the work we are doing has been given by God our creator.

Jesus’s disciples had no more than the skills of fisherman but were empowered by Him to carry out the ministry of teaching, healing the sick, and casting out demons. The disciples were successful in that work going out in pairs of two with the abilities Jesus gave them. (Mk.6:12) But sometime later after they had returned and Jesus was not with them, a man approached them asking for his son to be delivered from a demon, and they could not do it. When they had pressed Jesus for an answer, He said to them, “You don’t have enough faith, I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” (Mt.19:20 nlt) Their failure was due to self-reliance. They forgot the ability to cast out demons came from God the Son, it wasn’t a skill they developed by working hard for it. Jesus said if they had faith (in Him) as small as a mustard seed nothing would be impossible.

Often, we become complacent and maybe too comfortable in our ability to do our jobs needing no outside help. We become self-reliant on the abilities God has given us as if they are there due to our knowledge or gained experience alone. It is true, we can and should continue to learn, grow, and develop our skills to the optimum level possible. But there are times in our lives where all the training, studying, and experiences are not enough to solve the problem at hand. We need the Lord to intervene by asking Him in faith to help us move that mountain and not depend on self-reliance. It won’t work.

Bible Studies

At Last!

September 8, 2024September 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

‘“At last!’ the man exclaimed. ‘This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’ This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” Genesis 2:23-24 NLT

God’s design and purposes for us are always perfect. They are just the right fit for us to live comfortably in this world. There may be times we do not see God’s design for our lives as we struggle in the confusion of our current day. But God’s way and purposes are right. He does not make mistakes, especially when it comes to His creation.

Adam may have felt God make a mistake after he was given the task to name all the animals God created and found none he could relate to or even have a conversation with. Unknowingly to Adam, God had a plan for an equal partner for him. He will create the perfect helper for him, a woman. “And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” (Gen.2:21-22 nlt) Adam was blessed and encouraged by God’s provision and perfect plan in providing him a helper by establishing marriage and the way to populate the earth.

We share the same blessing today. It is still God’s perfect design of male and female created in His 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.’” (Gen.1:27-28b nlt) God’s design for marriage is naturally between one man and one woman, and it is the only way to populate the earth. No wonder Adam was excited and exclaimed, “At last!”

A Christian Perspective

Our Protection Against the Conspiracy

September 7, 2024September 4, 2024 Loring Schultz

“They plot injustice and say, ‘We have devised a perfect plan!’ Surely the human mind and heart are cunning. But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down.” Psalm 64:6-7 NIV

There are times I hesitate in writing a devotional or a Christian perspective piece in fear of how it may be received. This is one of them. ‘Word for the Soul’ is not a political site, but politics and government references are scattered throughout Scripture and need to be addressed when the situation arises. We have a situation that has arisen again this year as it always has every four years in the United States, the Presidential election. The repeated phrase ‘this is the most important election in our lifetime’ may be true this time around.

What has been troubling me over the past several years has been the noticeable corruption in our government. Perhaps it has been that way for years, as I’m starting to find out, but I always managed to see the best in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Having said that, there are many good and brave people in government, but they are in a constant battle with those who what to do harm through their anti-Biblical agendas. As Christians, we are to take a stand against any policies and/or government actions that go against God’s written Word.

The United States is in a weaken condition. Most American citizens who pay attention to the news have grave concerns that is weakening their strength and hope for the future. Those who can care less about the events of the nation are also in a weaken condition for they do not know what has been and what could be. The American people are ripe for a conspiracy plot to burst forth. The seeds of corruption have been planted years ago, watered over the last several decades, and are ready to be harvested in 2024 with the rest of the world.

King David was in a weaken condition in writing Psalm 64. His enemies knew it and were conspiring against him. First, they started with their rhetoric, “They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.” (Ps.64:3 niv) Christians have also felt the cruel words from some politicians and government officials increasing over the years. Secondly David said those against him conspired secretly developing their plans to trap him. “They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, “Who will see it?” (Ps.64:5 niv) In our modern-day, policies and agendas are often hidden in thousands of pages of passed legislation which are not read by those we vote to represent us. Yes, they are correct when say, “Who will see it?” Finally, David says, “They plot injustice and say, ‘We have devised a perfect plan!’” (Ps.64:6a niv)

Psalm 64 could have been written for us in 2024. In fact, it was. The Bible is a living Word and applicable for today. But be careful, it doesn’t change to line up, adapt, or confirm to our culture. God’s Word is applied to relate to our day in context with the day it was written and God’s overall standards. God will apply His justice to His standards in our day as he did in King David’s day. David wrote “Surely the human mind and heart are cunning. But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down.” (Ps.64:6b-7 niv)

Our protections from conspiracies against us will not come from any government official or candidate for President. Our protections from injustices done to us come only from the Lord on His timetable. He promises us protection, but there may be some suffering involved for we live in a fallen sinful world. So, we should be praying, as instructed in Scripture, for all those in authority and for those who will be in authority after election day that God’s will be done.

Read: Psalm 64 NIV – Psalm 64 – For the director of music. A – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Be Ready to Give an Answer

September 6, 2024September 2, 2024 Loring Schultz

“And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15b NLT

Presidential campaigns here in the United States have a lot of criticism between candidates the closer to election day. The opposition is quick to point out deficiencies in their opponent. Once noted it is hard to overlook. One example is the claim of not being ready to give an answer when asked a question. This is a relevant concern, of course, as the future and safety of the people are at stake. How much more the future of eternity for those who do not know Jesus Christ as their savior if we are not ready to give an answer.

Peter in addressing Christians scattered throughout the world suffering severe persecution wrote, “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1Pt.3:14-15 nlt) Especially when they were suffering for doing good, Peter instructed them to always be ready to explain to those who asked about their Christian hope. Peter knew most definitely that some would be asked when people observed their demeaner during insults and ridicule. (1Pt.3:9-11)

Christ followers have always suffered ridicule and persecution. Christians today are being murdered at a faster rate as any time in history. Still, we are told to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. You can be certain when those outside of Christ see Jesus’ light in you pursuing peace and working to maintain it during ridicule and persecution they will ask, where did you get this hope that is in you?

You can respond with Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:18, “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.” (nlt) And you can conclude with ‘I am safely brought home and have eternal life.’ So, be ready!

Read: 1 Peter 3:8-22 NLT – All Christians – Finally, all of you – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Confidence in Christ

September 5, 2024September 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 NASB

For many Christians the idea of sharing their faith is an intimidating experience. Over the years it has become increasingly confrontational in our political and cancel culture environment. Most likely the most controversial experiences occur when quoting Jesus’s own words found in the gospel of John when He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (Jn.14:6 nasb) Jesus is stating as a matter of fact that He is the only way of salvation and eternal life with God the Father. He said it in confidence because it is true.

Peter and John, in the book of Acts, made a similar statement about Jesus. They were brought before the Jewish ruling body, the Sanhedrin, to answer by what power and name a cripple man had been healed. Peter and John wasted no time in claiming it was in Jesus’s power and name that the healing took place. Then added, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 nasb) Peter and John told the Jewish rulers that the Jesus they rejected is the only way to God and they spoke it in confidence.

The cultural climate in the days of the early church although different than ours, did possess some similarities. Many nations around them had other gods, and the Jewish leaders were stuck in their traditions. All claimed they had the way to eternal life. Peter and John’s remarks went against the religious culture of their day, but it did not stop them from proclaiming Christ as the only way.

Christians today need to be encouraged by the confidence Peter and John had through the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Jesus promised us the helper, the Holy Spirit, would come. Every born-again Christian possesses the Holy Spirit to help us in the confidence needed in sharing our faith. Let us find our confidence in Christ and boldly speak the word.

Read: Acts 4:1-22 NASB – Peter and John Arrested – As they were – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Spiritual Hunger and Thirst

September 4, 2024September 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35 NLT

Satisfying our physical hunger and thirst is rather easy. There are a variety of foods to choose from when we are hungry. Usually, we select something we like and enjoy and after partaking our hunger is satisfied. The same holds true for quenching our thirst. It’s not very pleasing to drink something not enjoyable to us. We make sure, if possible, we get what we like. But the fact is, if we have a meal with our favorite food and beverage, it will satisfy for the moment, but it doesn’t last, and we will need to eat and drink again. Our physical bodies need to be refueled daily, and the Lord supplies what we need to survive in this life.

Spiritual hunger and thirst work similarly in satisfying our souls. We try what we like, something non-judgmental, inclusive, non-committal, and feels good. Just like physical hunger and thirst, it satisfies for a while, but spiritual hunger and thirst comes back. When we try to fill our souls with what we like we will never be satisfied, because we are filling our souls with the temporary. What we need is something that will fill us eternally. Our souls have a spiritual craving to be filled and satisfied for eternity and it can only be accomplished by a relationship with Jesus Christ, God the Son.

Jesus used the illustration of the necessity of bread for survival in physical life with Himself as the spiritual bread which will satisfy forever and necessary for eternal life. “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (Jn.6:35 nlt) God provides the bread we need to survive in our physical bodies. The same is true for our souls, God has provided the only food possible to satisfy our craving for spiritual things and for eternal life, His Son, Jesus Christ. Nothing else satisfies, but Christ.

All the religions of the world and churches who do not adhere to God’s Word for the truth of salvation will leave you empty and continually searching for truth and satisfaction. God has provided the only way for you to be filled and satisfied spiritually in this life and guaranteed eternal life, it is Jesus! You can satisfy your spiritual hunger and thirst by accepting Christ as your personal savior. No need to be refueled.

Devotionals

Your Comforts Delight My Soul

September 3, 2024September 2, 2024 Loring Schultz

“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19 NKJV

Interpretation of the word ‘soul’ varies both in its modern usage and in the Bible. The Hebrew writer as in the text above sees ‘soul’ as his very self, his living being, desire, emotion, and passion. In our modern-day language, the palmist means his complete being, who he is including his inner self. The use of ‘soul’ in the New Testament is ‘breath or breath of life’ also as in the Old Testament includes feelings, desires, affections, but most notably the soul is designed for eternal life not dissolved by death but lives on.

The psalmist writes during his days in the midst of injustice being done to the weak and defenseless, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delights my soul.” (Ps.94:19 nkjv) The wrongs were being committed by arrogant and evil people who were in authority. What he saw the murders of the innocent and orphans, and heard their arrogant and boastful speech, the Hebrew writer’s soul was filled with anxiety. He describes it as a multitude of anxieties that keep piling up in an evil society and the psalmist reaches out to the Lord to comfort him during these times. (Ps.94:12-16) The Lord’s help comes, “Unless the LORD had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave.” (Ps.94:17 nlt)

You may be under uncontrollable stress and anxiety this day. You are not alone. Many people suffer from increased anxiety from everyday pressure in the current times in which we live, even Christians. This is not a new development for God to handle. He has had a lot of experience in providing comfort to souls. If your total being, your soul, has had anxieties building up within you it’s time to have your soul comforted by the Lord God. It will be a delight.

Read: Psalm 94 NKJV – God the Refuge of the Righteous – O – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Your Labor in the Lord is not in Vain

September 2, 2024August 31, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Happy Labor Day 2024! The day we officially honor the American worker. The U.S. Dept of Labor states the following, “Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.” (1)

Over the last one hundred years the recognition and honoring of the American worker has faded. It has become a day of picnics and a chance for a final summer get-a-way weekend. Nothing against a weekend vacation or a Labor Day picnic, I plan to grill a few Hot Dogs myself, but the purpose of the day has been lost to our pleasures.

How much more tragic when we overlook or take for granted the work being done for the Lord and those who perform the work. Christians should not look for recognition in doing the Lord’s work, but discouragement often arises when there is no response to the work for the efforts put into it. Paul encourages us to always give 100% to the Lord’s work, “because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1Cor.15:58 nlt)

This Labor Day may we not get discouraged if we do not see fruit from our labor in the Lord but continue to ‘give ourselves fully’ to the work He has given us. The Lord guarantees our labor is not vain. It will pay off in His timing. And may we give a word of encouragement to all who are in the service of the Lord, and that is all of us, no matter our occupation.

(1) https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

Bible Studies

“Your Sin Will Find Out” God’s Providential Hand: The book of Esther

September 1, 2024August 31, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, ‘Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?’” Esther 7:5 ESV

“……and be sure your sin find you out.” Numbers 32:23b ESV

Last Sunday we left Haman in humiliation after he was blindsided by King Ahasuerus in having to parade Mordecai around the city square in recognition of his favor with the king. Haman’s plan was to get permission from the king to hang Mordecai who was rebelling against Haman’s authority as the king’s highest official. He did not get permission to hang Mordecai, and he found out just how highly King Ahasuerus thought of Mordecai. Haman knew he would soon be found out and his world would come to a crashing end.

Chapter 6 ends with the doomsday call upon Haman. “While they were still talking, the king’s eunuchs arrived and quickly took Haman to the banquet Esther had prepared.” (Es.6:14 nlt) Haman’s wife and friends surmised a fatal future for Haman. He would be found out dissolving his plan and his life at the same time. Haman didn’t have enough time to digest all the bad news he was receiving or try to make an escape before the king’s officials came and escorted him to his final meal. Sin has a way of unravelling and exposing itself. You do not always have time to make amends or change your ways before the consequences arrive. It’s too late. Haman’s time had run out.

Once again King Ahasuerus asked Esther what her request was after the meal. This time Queen Esther answered convincedly. “If I have found favor with the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my request, I ask that my life and the lives of my people will be spared. For my people and I have been sold to those who would kill, slaughter, and annihilate us.” (Es.7:3-4a nlt) If the king did not know his wife was Jewish, he knew it now, and that she would not escape the annihilation. His immediate reaction was who would do such a thing to his wife, the queen. Esther emboldened even more blurted out, “This wicked Haman is our adversary and our enemy.” (Es7:6a nlt)

Sometimes when sin is found out it comes in like a floodlight shining brightly on you exposing your sin to all in view. A variety of emotions occur, guilt, shame, remorse, anger, fear. Haman’s was fear, he was terrified. He coerced the king into agreeing to the destruction of a people’s group without naming them. The king did not need to ask Esther who was the one who did this. He would have remembered the edit he decreed by Haman’s persuasion and Haman obviously didn’t know Queen Esther was a Jew. God’s providential hand had been making all the moves in Esther being chosen queen. She was now in a position to save her people.

King Ahasuerus was outraged storming out to the palace garden while Haman pleaded for his life to Esther the queen, the only hope he had. In his frantic begging before the queen, Haman ended up falling onto the couch next to Esther at the moment the king walked in. “The king exclaimed, ‘Will he even assault the queen right here in the palace, before my very eyes?’ And as soon as the king spoke, his attendants covered Haman’s face, signaling his doom.” (Es.7:8b nlt) Harbona, one of the king’s officials noted to King Ahasuerus that a gallows was already built by Haman in his own courtyard. Then he added this for the king’s benefit, “He intended to use it to (hang) Mordecai, the man who saved the king from assassination.” (Es.7:9b nlt)

Haman was found out. He had conceived a plot for the destruction of the Jews, he was perceived to have assaulted the queen, and he planned to have Mordecai hanged. He paid a price for it as he was hanged on his own gallows in place of Mordecai. The Lord saw to it that Haman’s plans failed. God protected His chosen people and will continue to do so until Jesus’ reign in the millennium kingdom.

The Jewish people and Christians today are facing continuing threats. There are many Haman’s in the world today who want to wipe out all Christians and Jews. Freedom of religion is slowly being eroded in America and around the world. The most persecuted religious group in the world are Christians. We may suffer, but Jesus said we would. Satan knows he is running out of time and is making every move he can, but as Christ’s church, we do not need to fear. Our Lord God is the master chess player, and His moves are already planned out as with the story of Esther. The Jews were saved by another edit written by Mordecai using the king’s signet ring. Mordecai was now the king’s high official, and he wrote the Jews were to defend themselves against their annihilation by killing those attacking them and to take their property. (Es.8-10) The Jewish festival of ‘Purim’ celebrates the victory the Lord gave them that day, and the Lord will give all Christians the victory we have in Jesus over Satan as He makes His final moves.

Read: Esther 7 ESV – So the king and Haman went in to feast – Bible Gateway