Author: Loring Schultz

Christian Devotional Writer
Bible Studies

“Haman’s Plot Against the Jews” God’s Providential Hand: The book of Esther

Loring Schultz

“He had learned of Mordecai’s nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews…….” Esther 3:6 NLT

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           Our story in the book of Esther introduces another character this week, Haman, one the King Ahasuerus’ officials. Chapter 3 opens with the king promoting Haman to second in the kingdom and above all the king’s officials. Haman is known as Haman the Agagite. His name affirms his close association with Agag who was king of the Amalekites the archenemies of Israel. Haman’s promotion would seem to be unmerited in contrast to Mordecai who had uncovered a plot to assassinate the king. Shades of this kind of injustice is evident today in many government positions where promotions are granted over those with more experience.

            Haman took his new position very seriously, exalting himself over all others except the king of course. He loved the power he had acquired, again not unlike those in power today. All the king’s officials paid him homage by bowing down to him except one, Mordecai, the Jew. When Mordecai’s colleagues questioned him on why, he told them he was Jew. Naturally Mordecai wouldn’t bow down to one who sees himself as divine in the Persian culture and to one who was an enemy of the Jews. You have heard the saying, ‘with friends like these I don’t need any enemies.’ Mordecai had such friends who wanted to gain favor with Haman and the king, who gave the order to pay homage. They informed Haman of Mordecai’s refusal to bow before him. Haman now observed more closely all the officials bowing and Mordecai standing tall. He hadn’t noticed that before as his pride wouldn’t allow him to think anyone would refuse to honor him.

            Pride, power, and prejudice go together. This is the case with Haman, King Ahasuerus’ right hand man. Haman’s hatred of Mordecai ran much deeper than refusing to bow to him but due to Mordecai’s Jewish heritage. Haman wanted to eliminate Mordecai, but He knew if Mordecai refused to recognize him all the Jews would possibly do the same. So, Haman devised a plot to exterminate the Jewish race. Satan is making another move after the promotion of Haman through King Ahasuerus using him to target the Jews for extinction. Obviously, this plot failed as we will see, but anti-Semitic views of the Jewish people have continued through the centuries up to the 20th century with Adolf Hitler and most recently in our century with Israel’s current war with Hamas and Jewish hatred around the world including some in the United States.

            Haman put his evil plot in motion by seeking the most favorable time for the destruction of the Jewish people. Decisions were made in those days superstitiously by casting lots, or dice, to determine how to proceed. Lots were cast until they received an answer, and the day chosen was eleven months later in the month of Adar. Satan may have made his move, but God’s counter move was to give His people eleven months to prepare.

            Corruption in government affairs is the result of living in a broken world with sinful people. There is plenty of evidence in 2024 of corrupt governments and their leaders. The Persian Empire was a corrupt government ruling on half-truths, lies, power, greed, bribery, and the disinformation of their day. Haman approached King Ahasuerus first with an incomplete report. “Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, ‘there is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom.’” (Es.3:8a esv) He never mentions they are Jews. There were many Jews living in the Persian Empire who attributed greatly to the well-being of the kingdom. Haman then added a half-truth and a lie, “Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king’s laws, so that it is not to the king’s profit to tolerate them.” (Es.3:8b esv) True, their laws were different, but these were their religious laws. They did not violate any of the king’s laws. The king showed his true colors in showing no interest in who these people were, just that they were in a rebellion state, which was not true. Then comes the bribery, Haman agrees to eliminate the problem promising to bring in $15 million in today’s currency from the destruction of the Jews into the Empire’s treasury. The king was eager to get rid of the threat, but the money seemed secondary to him telling Haman, “’Keep the money,’ the king said to Haman, ‘and do with the people as you please.’” (Es.3:11 niv) Haman would have it all, or so he thought.

            The evil decree was made official and sent out across the entire empire stating that on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar to kill all the Jews in the Empire, men, women, and children, plundering all their goods. Satan had positioned himself to annihilate the Jews, God’s chosen people, using Haman as his pawn. Satan hasn’t given up throughout history in his quest to destroy the Jews. He still has his pawns in 2024 making his moves, but the Lord God is the master chess player, and he will make the final move. Haman will soon discover the work of the providential hand of God. To be continued…………

Read: Esther 3 ESV – Haman Plots Against the Jews – After – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

No Disinformation Spoken in the Word of God       

Loring Schultz

“And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David.’” Matthew 9:27 ESV

“And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, ‘Never was anything like this seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘He casts out demons by the prince of demons.’” Matthew 9:33-34 ESV

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Disinformation is a term that has gained great prominence in the past few years. Defined by Merriam-Webster as, “false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth,” has been on display in full force in both social media and the news media. The purpose of each piece of disinformation that is dispensed is to enhance one’s agenda. There are those who will do whatever it takes to secure their position and see to it that their policies go forward.

We may be inclined to believe that disinformation is a 21st century phenomenon, but it can be seen far back in history. During Jesus’ days walking the earth He performed many miracles. Jesus healed the sick, calm storms, fed thousands of people with two fish and five loafs, caused the blind to see and the deaf to hear, and He even raised the dead. The crowds were astonished by what they were witnessing, could this be the Son of David they said? Two blind men had the faith that Jesus was indeed the Son of David, the Messiah, who had come. They also had the faith that Jesus would be willing and able to heal them. “Then he touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith be it done to you.’ And their eyes were opened.” (Mt.9:29-30a esv) But this did not set well with the religious rulers of the day, the Pharisees. They had their own agenda and Jesus was getting in the way.

The Pharisees seized the opportunity to discredit Jesus after He had cast out a demon from a mute and demon-possessed man with a bit of disinformation. They claimed that Jesus casted out the demon by the supernatural power of the prince of demons, even though they knew very well who Jesus was. The crowds were not wrong in saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” Matthew Henry notes in his commentary on the gospel of Matthew, “Because the people marveled, they must say something to diminish the miracle, and this was all they could say.”

We live in a time where disinformation is a way of life for many. Truth has become what it is said to be by those who proclaim it. If you desired true information there is only one true source for it, the Word of God. It is our instruction book on how to live from God Himself. “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” (Ps. 119:160 esv) No disinformation is ever spoken in the Word of God.

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Devotionals

Three Crosses

Loring Schultz

“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:42-43 NLT

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On a spring morning outside Jerusalem three men were sentenced to death by crucifixion by the authority of the Roman government. Crucifixion was the most barbaric and tortuous form of execution known to man. The horrors of the pain involved is accompanied by shame and humiliation all in public view. Of the three crucified that morning, two were clearly guilty of crimes deserving of death. But the man in the middle, Jesus, clearly was not. Although Jesus was not deserving of death, as confirmed by Pontius Pilate, His being on Calvary’s Hill that day with the two criminals is a picture of God’s love, God’s mercy, God’s grace, and a picture of all of us.

We may not want to admit it, but the two criminals are a picture of each and every one of us. All of us are deserving of death due to our sin. Born with a sin nature, we are sinful creatures living in a fallen world and will die physically as a result. The Bible is clear, “And just as each person is destined to die once.” (Heb.9:27a nlt) We deserve to die physically due to our sin. The two criminals on the cross deserved to die physically for their sins and specifically on that day for actions committed against humanity for which they were found guilty.

Another picture we see in the three crosses, pertaining to the two criminals, is a picture of the world in their acceptance or rejection of Christ. The two criminals each had a choice to make about Jesus. One wanted nothing but escape from his present condition, the other acknowledging his sin, realizing his spiritual condition, called out to Jesus in his time of real need asking to be with Him in paradise. It is a true picture of the world today.

God’s love is on full display as He sent His Son to die undeservedly for those who deserve to die. The picture of His mercy and grace is evident by Jesus’ words to the one criminal, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The choice is yours and mine. Which one of the three crosses are you on?

Read: Luke 23:35-43 NLT – The crowd watched and the leaders – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Words Better Left Unsaid

Loring Schultz

“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.” Matthew 12:36 NLT

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There is not a person who has ever lived who has not regretted something they said. In the heat of the moment negative words fly from the best of us. It comes from our human nature, but more specifically from our sinful nature. But for the Christian, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us through circumstances that raise our tempers. James, through the Holy Spirit wrote, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (Ja.1:19 nlt) This is only possible through the Holy Spirit as we walk by the Spirit. (Gal5:16) Still, there are slip ups with negative and careless words proceeding from our mouths when we least expect it.

Jesus’ words in the above verse should be a deep concern for all Christians. It is true Jesus is addressing the Pharisees here, but His words go way beyond the hypocritical speech of the Pharisees to us today in our daily conversations. Jesus fast forwards to judgment day and the accounting that will be accessed upon each and every one of us. The word ‘idle’ in this verse is defined as, ‘thoughtless or profitless.’ That’s a far cry from angry, provoking, deceiving, and intentionally driven hateful words.

What then is Jesus’ point for our accounting for every idle, thoughtless, and profitless word? The Wycliffe Bible Commentary explains it this way, “On the day of judgment the Lord will consider every man’s life in its entirety, even every idle word (not necessarily evil) coming from the overflow of his heart.” When we consider that Almighty God who is the Divine Judge and is aware of everything about our lives, our thoughts, our actions, our intentions, and our words, let there be no words better left unsaid.

Devotionals

The Gift of Music

Loring Schultz

“’Now bring me someone who can play the harp.’ While the harp was being played, the power of the LORD came upon Elisha.” 2 Kings 3:15 NLT

“Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.” Psalm 33:3 NLT

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Music has a way of making all things right, at least to some people. I can testify to its effect on me in any given situation. I have been blessed with a wide variety of musical tastes therefore my selection of music is from a long list of genres. Therefore, whatever mood I am in and whatever I need the most to lift me up or settle my mood, I can always find it. The Lord has also given me a gift of recognizing the difference between true talent and the entertainment factor. Both have their place, but they don’t always work together. During my twelve years in radio ministry, I’ve seen people try to make it, as they say, in Christian music only to be disappointed. I’m thankful the Lord had given the opportunity to serve Him in sharing His music in the radio industry, for I can’t sing a lick, and my instrumentalist skills were mediocre.

Music is a gift to all of us from the Lord. Whether He has gifted you in singing, or as talented musician, or a songwriter, or just one who enjoys music as I do, His gift is for us to find enjoyment in it. The ability to change one’s mood emotionally either happy or sad through music is God’s working in musicians and song writers. It has the power to create a divine atmosphere in seeking the Lord, or asking for His help as the prophet Elisha did. He relied on the musicians gifted from the Lord to play the harp, inspiring Elisha to rest easy as he waited for the Lord to answer him. The book of Psalms is filled with praise songs most of them written by David throughout his life from a shepherd boy to king of Israel. God’s give of music through David has continued to bless others all through the centuries. The gift of music will continue right up until the heavenly kingdom where it will never end.

However, the Lord has gifted you in His gift of music to us, use it for His glory. Do not overreach beyond where He has gifted you. If you are a songwriter, write songs. If you are a musician, play skillfully. If you are a singer, sing well. If you are an entertainer, entertain with enthusiasm. If you are gifted in all these areas, don’t hold back and do your best for the Lord. I’ll just sit back and listen.

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Devotionals

Repentance: Something to shout about!        

Loring Schultz

“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 3:2 NLT

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Those who need to make a valid point will, with emphasis, shout in delivering their message bringing home the main point. John the Baptist, known as the forerunner of Jesus the Messiah, had a message to bring to the people of his day. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (Mt.3:1b, 2 nlt) His ministry and message were predicted in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’” (Is.40:3 nlt) The call is to repentance, preparing oneself by radically changing their life to live morally and spiritually in the sight of God.

John the Baptist shouted his message of repentance in the wilderness of Judea. Located a full day’s journey from Jerusalem along the western shore of the Dead Sea didn’t prevent those from coming to him to be baptized repenting of their sins. So many people were coming to him from the entire region that it prompted an investigation from the Pharisees and Sadducees. The religious leaders of the Jews had it figured they had no need of repentance due to their heritage as the children of Abraham. But, this repentance was of a personal nature which needed to be dealt with.

That message was something to shout about in John’s day as the Jewish people looked forward to the coming Messiah and the Heavenly Kingdom. There was a great need to get right with God and leave the traditions of men. That same message is something to shout in our day, “Repent of your sins and turn to God.” Some are following their own path which will lead to destruction. Many others are still following the traditions of men, feeling secure in their church attendance or membership. Our family heritage or church affiliation will not get us into the Kingdom of Heaven. There is only one way. “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Read: Matthew 3:1-12 NLT – John the Baptist Prepares the Way – In – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Pardon our mess, Under Construction           

Loring Schultz

“So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:12 NIV

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A lot of public businesses cannot afford to close during a renovation project. Signs are posted throughout the business stating, ‘Pardon our mess, we’re under construction to better serve you.” Churches also cannot afford to pause preaching the good news of the gospel on Sundays, so when appropriate, signs are displayed ‘Pardon our mess; Under Construction.’ It is not only the brick and mortar of the physical building that needs renovation over time, but the spiritual condition of the body (the real church) that needs a makeover, and that may start with the proper display of our spiritual gifts. Knowing and understanding our spiritual gifts may take time and putting them into practice may take even longer and the process could get messy. So, ‘Under Construction’ signs may become necessary.

Paul addressed the church in Corinth concerning their abuse of spiritual gifts. They weren’t using them properly and the misuse was dividing the church and causing confusion for outsiders who attended. Spiritual unity and harmony were missing. They were doing their own thing, and the church was not being edified.  Paul did not scold them for their desire for the gifts but for failing to seek those gifts that build up the church, and to use them in a proper manner. Paul wrote, “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (1Cor.14:40 nlt) The Corinthian church was indeed under construction and I’m sure it got messy.

We may not have the same problems of the early Corinthian church understanding and misusing our spiritual gifts. But we are capable of exalting ourselves, ignoring others, or even hiding our gifts keeping a blessing from the church body for which they were intended. All of us are still under construction so even if those signs are not visible, may we see them around each other encouraging one another to pardon our mess for we are all under construction to better serve each other.

Bible Studies

“A Queen is Chosen” God’s Providential Hand: The book of Esther           

Loring Schultz

“So his personal attendants suggested, ‘Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king. After that, the young woman who most pleases the king will be made queen instead of Vashti.’ This advice was very appealing to the king, so he put the plan into effect.” Esther 2:2, 4 NLT

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            We continue in the book of Esther this week with the introduction of the two main heroic characters of the book, Esther and Mordecai. Esther is of Jewish descent, and her Hebrew name is Hadassah, meaning ‘myrtle.’ Her Persian name Esther means ‘star.’  Mordecai is her cousin, but much older, who raised her as his own daughter for Hadassah’s parents were deceased. Both Esther and Mordecai lived in Susa and around the king’s palace. Mordecai, most likely, had a prominent position within the government of the king as he was one of the men who sat at the king’s gate. (Es.2:21) The stage is set; the players are in place for this second act to begin as God’s providential hand is about to make the next move.

            King Ahasuerus may have been having second thoughts agreeing to having his wife, Queen Vashti, banished from the kingdom. He was near the end of a war that was going badly, and his mind continually reflected to his wife. “After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her.” (Es.2:1 esv) The king misses his wife, but due to the law that banished her, at the persuasion of his self-centered advisors, he could not legally reverse it. So, his advisors came up with another solution to install a new queen. They knew how to appeal to the king explaining the details, “Let the king appoint agents in each province to bring these beautiful young women into the royal harem at the fortress of Susa. Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, will see that they are all given beauty treatments. After that, the young woman who most pleases the king will be made queen instead of Vashti.” (Es.2:3-4a nlt) The suggestion appealed to the King and again he agreed with the advisors.

            The search began in all 127 provinces to bring the most beautiful women into the king’s royal harem to begin the process of possibly becoming queen., They could have saved themselves a lot of time and expenses if they looked just around the corner at Esther. But of course, they didn’t know that. They wanted to have a huge selection of women to choose from to ensure the king would select the best one. And he did, he chose Esther, God’s choice, God’s next move.

            Government leaders across the world make hundreds of decisions every day. It would help all of us to be reminded of God’s providential hand in each decision that is made. There are many decisions, acts of congress and parliaments, executive orders from state and federal governments, and court decisions which we may or may not agree with, but the Lord’s hand is in each one of them for His purposes. Esther being chosen Queen by King Ahasuerus is God’s preparation for Esther to be used by Him to recuse His people from annihilation. The king has no idea that Esther is Jewish, and her name is Hadassah. Esther had kept her ancestry secret under instructions from Mordecai, perhaps for her safety, but it would be an effective piece of information in the days ahead.

            God’s hand is clearly at work here in chapter 2 as He moves the pieces around the chess board. Esther had no choice but to agree to go the king’s royal harem when approached by the king’s officers. Hegai, who had charge of the women, was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly providing a special menu for her, the best of cosmetics, assigning seven maids to her, and moving her into the best place in the harem. Esther was gaining favor with all who had seen her. When her time came to be presented to the king, Esther did not ask for anything she could have had before going in to see the king, such as jewelry or any extravagant clothing. Esther revealed her unique quite spirit. The king did not need to see anyone else, Esther would be his wife, the Queen. “And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti.” (Es.2:17 nlt)

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            God is always one step ahead of Satan’s plan as we see with Esther. Her cousin Mordecai will also be the recipient of a chess move by the Lord. While sitting at the king’s gate he undercovers a plot to assassinate the king. Mordecai warns his cousin Queen Esther, the plot is exposed, and the two conspirators are hanged on the gallows. There’s more to this story of Mordecai’s action to be revealed. God’s hand of providence concerning Mordecai is not yet competed.………to be continued.

Read: Esther 2 ESV – Esther Chosen Queen – After these – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

The Cauldron is Lit

Loring Schultz

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NLT

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Last evening the Olympic Cauldron for the 2024 Paris Summer Games was lit before thousands of fans in attendance along with millions watching across the world. It signifies the start of the XXXIII Olympiad where athletes from every nation will display the results of their determination and self-discipline in preparation to win a gold medal. The flames in the Olympic Cauldron also represents the flame of desire in every athletes’ heart to compete in the games and win gold. That flame continues to grow stronger being fanned by endless training, proper diet, and self-discipline. It now burns full and bright ready to be revealed for the world to see.

Christians who have accepted Jesus Christ as savior by trusting in Him for salvation have a lighted cauldron within them. Everyone has been given a spiritual gift by the Lord to use for His service in building up His church. We possess the flame, but it needs to be fanned occasionally for its full effectiveness. Unlike an Olympic athlete who must rely on their own strength, discipline, and training to achieve positive results, Christians have the Holy Spirit to help them along. Paul encouraged Timothy he was given a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline to help him carry out the work of the Lord.

The Lord doesn’t want our gift to remain a single flame, but to fan it into flames with the power of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians are timid and even afraid when it comes to volunteering in a church project when they know they have the gift to accomplish the task. Remember it is God, the Holy Spirit, creator of the universe, whom you possess along with your spiritual gift. Unlike the flames in the Olympic Cauldron which will be extinguished at the end of the games, your spiritual gift will never go out. The Holy Spirit will see to it your cauldron stays lit.

Devotionals

Why Am I Here?

Loring Schultz

“From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.” Acts 17:26 NLT

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Have you ever heard someone asked, ‘Why Am I Here?’  You made have asked yourself that question. Some people ask it in jest when things go awry questioning ‘why them.’ Others are deeply troubled at life and question ‘Why Am I Here?’ The short answer is, God’s Will, or you can say God’s providence. So, a deeper explanation might be needed.

The first book of the Bible Genesis says the following, “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Gen.1:27 nlt) We are here because the God of universe decided to populate the earth He created and made the human race, the Incredible Race as we noted in Tuesday’s devotional. No one is here by accident or by chance no matter what some of our parents may have told us. God created the human race and the expansion of it is in His control and by His design.

God has also placed us on one of the six continents of the world which would be our home. It is entirely possible your parents or grandparents migrated to your home from another continent, or maybe you have yourself, still, it was God’s design for you. As we noted yesterday as God dispersed the people from Babel starting the development of the nations, God directed their movement where they would go. In fact, the development of all nations throughout history is under God’s control. Paul writes in the book of Acts, “From one man (Adam) he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.” (17:26 nlt)

So, why are you where you are? Again, the short answer is God’s Will. It’s hard for us to grasp a clear understanding of this I know, but God has your life planned out. Think of the movement of people throughout the years across the world due to wars, famine, and natural disasters, all are by God’s design and His purposes. Even the dumb choices we have all made in relocating to another area or to another country that turned out to be a huge mistake. It made have been a mistake on our part, but God is using it for His purpose. Wherever you are and whatever the circumstances that brought you here, take the opportunity to hear from God and fulfilled His purpose for you, that’s why you are here.