Loring Schultz

Mr. Know It All

October 17, 2024October 16, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night), and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and though the wise man should say, ‘I know,’ he cannot discover.” Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 NASB

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I’m sure all of us at one time or another have met someone who thinks they know it all. A Mr. Know It All! If you haven’t met that person, I should hope it’s not you. Please take no offense, but the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, said, “Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim.” (Ec.8:17b nlt)

King Solomon was granted wisdom from the Lord surpassing every person who ever lived before him and every person who will live after him. The Lord was pleased with Solomon that he asked for wisdom in leading God’s people as king and did not ask anything for himself. Solomon’s wisdom has been unmatched ever since that eventful day 3,000 years ago.

Solomon made an exhaustive study on the work of God. Day and night examining all of God’s creations, His magnificent wonders, understanding them and applying them in the many proverbs he wrote. He soon realized he could never discover all of God’s works. “I concluded that man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun……though the wise man should say, ‘I Know.’ He cannot discover.” (Ec.8:17 nasb)

Christians are blessed having the Holy Spirit in their lives. Many times, the Lord has given me wisdom through His spirit in handling difficult situations. Sometimes I amaze myself with what seems like profound wisdom coming from my lips. But then I remember, it’s not me, or my wisdom, its God’s wisdom working through me. God doesn’t need any ‘know it all’s in His kingdom. Even Solomon realized in all his wisdom that he was not a Mr. Know It All! That title belongs to the Lord God of heaven.

Devotionals

Believers are Secure in Christ

October 16, 2024October 15, 2024 Loring Schultz

2 Timothy 2:11-13 ESV

11. The saying is trustworthy, for:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

12. if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he also will deny us;

13. if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.

Many of our Christian hymns from yesteryear provide deep doctrinal truth in their lyrics. You may think of hymns such as ‘The Old Rugged Cross,’ ‘Calvary Covers It All,’ ‘Blessed Assurance,’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ as ones possessing such truths. Most of these old favorite hymns were taken directly from Scripture which indeed explains the powerful doctrinal truths found in them. A very old Christian hymn in the first century was derived from Paul’s second letter to Timothy found in 2 Timothy chapter 2. Although we don’t know the name of the hymn, we do have the lyrics, and they speak of the doctrinal truth that all true believers are secure in Christ.

Paul’s words of encouragement to Timothy in this section of his letter is to note that Timothy as a soldier for Christ and all believers are secure. Their salvation is secure in Christ Jesus. ‘If we have died with him’ signifies our union with Christ in His death. “We will also live with him’ assures us will be raised up from the dead with Him. ‘If we endure, we will also reign with him’ speaks of our current life and our future life in eternity. In this life Christians will suffer for their faith, but when we endure and persevere here, we will reign with Christ in our glorified bodies in eternity. Sadly, this phrase, ‘if we deny him, he will also deny us,’ is the reality of all those who profess to know Jesus but have never accepted Him as Lord and savior. They have denied Him in their lives. The Lord will say on that day, “but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” (Mt.10:33 esv)

The last line of this ancient hymn, or perhaps this was the first chorus in Christian music, is our assurance of salvation. ‘If we are faithless, he remains faithful-for he cannot deny himself.’ God’s character is what we rest on. He remains faithful to us even through the countless times we are unfaithful to Him. God cannot be anything but Himself, faithful. Our salvation does not rest on us being faithful, but on what Christ has done for us. We are to be faithful in our Christian Walk, but our assurance of eternal life depends only on God for He remains faithful, and may we all praise God for that, either in a chorus or an old familiar hymn.

Devotionals

Are you following the Voice of Strangers?

October 15, 2024October 14, 2024 Loring Schultz

“A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:5 NASB

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All of us are comfortable with familiar surroundings. The voices of those we hang around with are welcomed at any time. When having a bad day hearing a familiar voice quiets your spirit. We may be quick to follow them to an event to help shed some of those anxious feelings. There is a trust factor with one we have cultivated a relationship with. You would not hang around with a stranger, in fact you wouldn’t recognize their voice. You would not follow the voice of a stranger.

One of Jesus’ seven ‘I am’ statements found in the gospel of John is ‘I am the door.’ Jesus is saying He is the door unto salvation. In Jesus’ illustration of Him being the door, He references the doorkeeper who is an under shepherd who guards the door at night and assists the shepherd in caring for His flock. The doorkeeper recognizes the shepherd’s voice and opens the door to the sheep pen. The shepherd’s sheep have already started to gather around the door for they responded to the shepherd’s unique call from outside the door. He calls them by name, and they follow Him because they know His voice. They will not follow the voice of a stranger.

Not all the sheep in the sheep pen followed Jesus’ in this illustration. They did not recognize His voice. It was the voice of a stranger. To many people today, Jesus is a stranger. They followed the voices of those they are familiar with, the voices of the world and the world’s system. The voices that say all religions lead to God, or just do the best you on your own, or living a life a love and peace will get you a blissful afterlife.

Don’t be fooled by the voices of false teachers or the secular views of the world. These are the voices of strangers to those who truly know Christ as savior. Jesus says, “A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” (Jn.10:5 nasb) If these voices are familiar to you, then you are following the voices of those outside the saving knowledge of Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (Jn.14: nasb) Accept Jesus’ call to salvation and become a sheep of His pasture recognizing His voice and never again follow the voice of strangers.

Read: John 10:1-10 NASB – Parable of the Good Shepherd – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

What are you harvesting?

October 14, 2024October 13, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” Galatians 6:7 NLT

The law of sowing and reaping is proven true each autumn as farmers fields and neighborhood gardens are harvested with the produce and crops that were sowed early in the spring. Whatever was planted is sure to come up and nothing else. Farmers’ corn fields will produce corn and my home garden, as small as it will produce tomatoes and the various peppers my wife and I planted. As much as I would like some corn to roast on the grill, I’ll need to go to the grocery store. Seeds will produce only their own kind, what they are. And it is equally important to remember good seeds produce only good crops, and bad seeds produce only bad crops.

The same is true for how we live our life. What we sow now, or have sowed in the past, good or bad will be evident in due time. The bad or corrupt seeds of anger, jealousy, greed, sensual pleasure, pride, and envy if sowed and continued to grow will bring about destruction. Whereas the good seeds of love, kindness, generosity, self-control, goodness, patience, and faithfulness will produce a life that is well pleasing to God, our families, and our neighbors. So, what are you harvesting this year?

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders are Organized, Motivated and Diligent” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

October 13, 2024October 12, 2024 Loring Schultz

“At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm……So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.” Nehemiah 4:6, 13 NLT

The work of rebuilding the walls in Jerusalem is starting to take place here in chapters 3 & 4 in the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah had completed his prep work. He has the authorization from the king to rebuild, the materials have been provided, Nehemiah had done a walk around the city surveying the damage noting the work that needed to be done, and most importantly, he had the good hand of the Lord upon him.

Chapter 3 details the beginning of the work. Eight gates are noted to be repaired along with their attached sections and specifically who was responsible for the rebuilding of that portion of the wall. This building project include all classes of people; priests, rulers, goldsmiths, the common laity, women, and merchants were motivated to work on rebuilding the wall. No doubt they were motivated by their leader Nehemiah who was organizing the workers in a way that would cover every inch around the city wall. The rebuilding began at the northeast corner of the city moving counterclockwise. Some of the workers were assigned to sections in front of their own homes. I’m sure extra careful effort would be made on that portion of the wall for the protection of their family. Nehemiah was also aware that it would take all the people to be motivated, not just the leaders, to get the job done. Nehemiah’s example of motivation is still used today in many business models in boosting moral in the workplace.

The work was progressing, but now so was the opposition to it. “Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews.” (Neh.4:1 nlt) The first attempt by Nehemiah’s enemies was to humiliate the people and their work. They tried to make them feel subconscious in their efforts, eventually quitting. “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” (Neh.4:2 nlt) Nehemiah didn’t waste any time. He quickly called out to the God of heaven for help. He didn’t insult his mockers or resort to physical means but prayed to God who brought him this far. Dr. John MacArthur notes, “Nehemiah’s dependence of God is never more evident than in his prayer.” Nehemiah is again displaying his godly leadership in recognizing God as the true leader.

The motivation and organizational skills Nehemiah displayed paid off as the wall was erected to half its height “for the people had worked with enthusiasm.” (Neh.4:6b nlt) Sanballat, Tobiah, and the rest of Nehemiah’s enemies now with a new addition, the Ashdodites from the western side of Jerusalem, were about to unveil plan B. Jerusalem was now completely surrounded by those in opposition to the rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. And “They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion.” (Neh.4:8 nlt)

Nehemiah was diligent in leading the people in prayer (Neh.4:9) and securing a plan for readiness in case of attack. He placed guards around the city day and night. But discouragement was setting in from overwork and fear of attack. And when the people gazed at the debris to be cleared out, they were beginning to become overwhelmed. “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.” (Neh.4:10 nlt) This is good example for modern-day Christians to observe. There are times when our spiritual walls of protection are destroyed and lie in ruins due to our sin. Among the debris and ruins of the wall is the rubble and broken pillars of sin we have allowed in our life causing our spiritual wall to collapse. It may be a daunting task, but our sin must first be cleaned up and discarded before we start to rebuild those spiritual walls.

The Jews were getting full warnings of a planned attack when they least expect it, but it was imminent. Nehemiah went into action to protect the people and to see to it that the work would continue. He placed guards at the lowest and most vulnerable spots on the wall. When rebuilding our own spiritual walls, we will have low spots that need protection so that we don’t slip back into sin. Be aware and stand guard. Satan does not want your walls built back up. Nehemiah stationed families together behind the wall in open spaces with weapons for protection. Families would be together protecting each other and seeing their portion of the wall rebuilt. We also need family support in rebuilding our spiritual walls, don’t try to do it alone. Nehemiah now exhorts everyone by saying, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” (Neh.4:14b nlt)

The Jews’ enemies realized that God frustrated their plans just as they tried to upend the Jews work on the wall. They gave up on plan B. But Nehemiah did not let up. He took the time to better secure the work area and the protection of the people. Nehemiah cut his workforce in half by installing half of them as guards while the other half continued to build the wall with a weapon close at hand. The leaders were positioned behind the workers and were prepared to lead the response if attacked. A trumpeter was always alongside Nehemiah to sound the alarm for all to hear and help wherever there was trouble. The people willing followed Nehemiah working sunrise to sunset, staying in the city protecting it every night and each other not even taking time to change their clothes. Godly leaders who are organized, motivated, and diligent will accomplish much in whatever they are charged to do and will have the support of those behind them.

Read: Nehemiah 3-4 NLT – Rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem – Then – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Let the Little Children Come to Me

October 12, 2024October 12, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” Luke 18:16 NIV

The 2024 United States Presidential election has several key issues on the minds of voters. The hot button issue of abortion is the most controversial by far. It is so controversial that one of the major parties hardly references it. The other major party has filled the airwaves making it an issue of choice. ‘Abortion’ is rarely mentioned in any campaign ad. There is controversy in how late in the pregnancy a woman may make this decision. With no definite clarity from abortion advocates, there is no time frame in which a woman does not have the right to choose.

We have all heard of the ‘exceptions rule’ allowing abortion in the case of rape, incest, or the life of the mother. Let’s look at some statistics. In a report by USA Today in 2019, “Just 1% of women obtain an abortion because they became pregnant through rape, and less than 0.5% do so because of incest, according to the Guttmacher Institute.” (1) From that same report, 74% said having a baby would dramatically change my life, 73% said they can’t afford a baby now, 48% admitted to not wanting to be a single mother or have relationship problems, and 38% referenced they completed their childbearing years. (1) The Charlette Lozier Institute reports that 0.3% of abortions are performed due to risk of the women’s life or a major body function. (2) It is quite easy to see that mostly all abortions are due to choice. Abortion advocates are right, it is all about choice. But how are Christians, followers of Jesus, to rectify this choice movement. Is it strictly a woman’s choice? It is her body made in the image of God, but does God approve of the choice that effects another one of His image bearers? “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” Ps.127:3 (nlt) And how did Jesus did feel about children when He was on the earth.

Christians today, me included, strive to live the way Jesus lived by following His words and example. When Jesus’ disciples mistakenly were not allowing parents to bring their babies to Jesus to touch them, Jesus overruled them and invited the babies to Himself. “People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.’” (Lk.18:16 niv) Jesus’ words and feelings are the same today. He is saying ‘let the little children come to me.’

Matthew records Jesus’ words regarding children’s guardian angels, “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” (Mt.18:10 nlt) Parents refer to their children as little angels the minute they are born. It’s hard to believe they are not innocent little angels in the womb and with their guarding angel looking over them.

The choice that is being made every day does not consider the innocent who is unable to make a choice if they want to live or die. According to NPR, “More than a million abortions were provided in the U.S. in 2023. To be precise, researchers estimate there were 1,026,700 abortions in 2023. ‘That’s the highest number in over a decade, [and] the first time there have been over a million abortions provided in the U.S. formal health care system since 2012,’ explains Issac Maddow-Zimet, a data scientist with Guttmacher.” (3)

So, what is a Jesus follower to do? “Rescue those being led away to death.” (Pr.24:11 niv) for Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.”

(1) https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/05/24/rape-and-incest-account-few-abortions-so-why-all-attention/1211175001/

(2)

Fact Sheet: Reasons for Abortion

(3) https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/03/19/1238293143/abortion-data-how-many-us-2023

Devotionals

Discovering Great Value

October 11, 2024October 10, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” Matthew 13:45-46 NLT

“for God bought you with a high price……” 1 Corinthians 6:20a NLT

What is of great value to you that you would pay an exorbitant price for it? Is there anything that you would give up all that you own to possess it? It has been said that a fair market price for something is what a person is willing to pay for it. What one considers to be of great value may not be of any interests to others. Life itself is of interest for all people. Yet the view of life differs dramatically between individuals. Most all of us guard our lives very closely, perhaps too close that we become self-absorbed and selfish. Many are concerned with this life only, the here and now, but there is a now and then to consider which is of greater value. What you discover in the ‘now’ will be of great value in the ‘then.’

Jesus, the teacher and the Son of God, describing the kingdom of Heaven says it, “is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” (Mt.13:45-46 nlt) The Kingdom of Heaven is made up of those who have let go of everything important to them in this life and accepted the gospel message of Jesus Christ. The choice pearl of great value which is accepted now in this life results in eternal life when our earthly life is over.

Those of us who have found that choice pearl should take notice of Christ’s love for us as His choice pearl. Our Lord Jesus left the glories of heaven to come down to earth and sacrifice His life in order that we may have eternal life with Him. Jesus paid the ultimate ‘high price’ by His shed blood on the cross of Calvary. He considered us as of great value to die and rise again to redeem us. Have you discovered that choice pearl, that great value of Salvation, by accepting Jesus Christ as your Savoir? Don’t miss the opportunity to discover that Great Value ‘now’ for it will be too late ‘then.’ Make sure you are part of the Kingdom of Heaven by discovering great value.

Devotionals

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.’