Loring Schultz

An Unlikely Candidate

June 27, 2024June 26, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners.” Matthew 9:10 NLT

Tax collectors in New Testament times were the most despised and hated group of people. They were hated as a group in their work collecting taxes for Rome and also individually for lining their own pockets through extortion. It may seem a bit strange that Jesus would call Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him and become one of His disciples. Jesus had a reputation to keep and asking Matthew to join Him in His ministry wouldn’t exactly fit that image. Even stranger would be the fact of Matthew giving up his lucrative business to follow Jesus. Matthew didn’t possess any moral qualities such as loving others or caring for the poor as he took advantage of them. Matthew most certainly was an unlikely candidate, but Jesus chose him.

The Bible says in Matthew’s gospel (yes, the unlikely candidate), “As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.” (Mt. 9:9 nlt) Matthew left behind his position as a tax collector with the possibility of never returning. An opening in such a profitable business would not open for long but filled rather quickly. Matthew was convinced he was not going back, nor did he have a desire to return. Jesus’ call of Matthew is another example of His miraculous power. Matthew’s heart had changed. Just as Jesus healed the paralyzed, the blind, and the deaf physically, He transformed Matthew’s heart.

A true change of heart results in actions being taken. Matthew didn’t wait in following Jesus and learning from Him. He went right to work in his new calling by inviting his former co-workers and others of the same mind to dinner with Jesus. The change was real in Matthew going first to those closest to him and inviting them to meet the Lord and his new colleagues. Matthew’s conversion and new found zeal in righteousness would have caused bewilderment among those present, but it could not be denied.

The Lord is still in the conversion business. Changed hearts, changed minds, and changed lives are His specialty. You may think you are an unlikely candidate for the Lord to choose. You may feel you have failed Him too many times. You may not even have any interests in Jesus or spiritual things. But the Lord specializes in calling an unlikely candidate.

Read: Matthew 9:9-13 NLT – Jesus Calls Matthew – As Jesus was – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Waiting for an answer

June 26, 2024June 21, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24 NIV

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

How frustrating it is to be waiting for an answer. Depending on your circumstances the frustration level will vary. Waiting for the results of a medical procedure will increase your anxiety. A slow response from a potential employer will overshadow other job opportunities to be explored. Anticipation builds as you wait to receive your final grades towards your goal of graduation from a major university. Wouldn’t it be nice to receive our answers in a timely manner, better yet, to have them beforehand? Before we schedule that medical test, before we take that final exam, or before we apply for that position. Well, it is possible when we bring our requests before the Lord.

There are several passages in Scripture concerning God’s hearing and answering prayers. Isaiah writes that the Lord says, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” (Is.65:24 niv) God is saying before we even ask Him in prayer, the answer is already on the way. As Jesus taught His disciples to pray, he told them, “…. for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Mt.6:8 niv) Before the thought of what we need to ask for comes to our mind, the Lord is already aware. David writes in Psalm 139, “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.” (Ps.139:4 nlt) God knows everything we think and are going to say before we say it, especially in prayer. The Lord heard and answered King Hezekiah’s prayer as he was told he was about to die. “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.’” (Is.38:5 niv) Hezekiah did not need to wait very long for an answer. It came rather quickly.

Now there may be times when the answers to our prayers do not come immediately. But that is not an indication that God did not hear or did not answer. One of God’s answers to us is not one we like to hear, but He did answer. The answer is ‘wait.’ We can be confident that God hears and answers our prayers. Yes, sometimes we need to wait for the answer to arrive, but the Lord has already answered that prayer before we even called on Him.

Devotionals

The Wisdom of the Wise

June 25, 2024June 22, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NLT

The world has been blessed by those gifted with intelligence. Inventions throughout the centuries have enriched our way of life. Educators have instructed us to learn from the past and prepare for the future (if we chose to listen and learn.) Advances in modern day technology have simplified the complicated. The medical field along with the world of science have made life-changing discoveries in recent years. Truly we are blessed with such intelligence. Intelligence that comes from our creator, the Lord God.

Although for some intellectuals their intellect becomes their own demise. They rely totally on what is sound, reasonable, and trustworthy according to their own findings. Leaving out any possibility for God in the study of the earth, the universe, medical procedures, and human nature. Their scientific approach leaves them totally depended on their own minds. The results are based solely on man’s knowledge and ability. This is especially true when it comes to spiritual matters concerning the God of universe and His plan for salvation. There is no knowledge of God, or His love, His holy word, or His judgments. Heaven and hell is considered a myth, and there is no recognition of His continual work of sustaining the earth and the universe. It appears as foolishness to those who consider themselves wise or intelligent.

But notice what Paul writes to the Corinthian church, “God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.” (1Cor.1:27 nlt) Salvation is a gift of God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It most likely sounds unrealistic, childish, and yes even foolish to those who pride themselves as being ever informed and constantly seeking to better themselves and society at large. Assuredly it is neither unrealistic nor foolish, but it is the truth about God and His love for us.

“Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.” (1Cor.1:21 nlt) If you are one of the wise who need the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ listen to the foolish preaching of those God has chosen. If you are one of the foolish and powerless, be encouraged that you are being used by God bringing the wise to salvation.

Read: 1 corinthians 1 NLT – Greetings from Paul – This letter is – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Trust in your money and down you go!

June 24, 2024June 20, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.” Proverbs 11:28 NLT

Money is a wonderful thing. Used in a proper manner it meets the needs of individuals, families, businesses, governments, and keeps the economy of each nation and the global economy running smoothly. At least, that is how it is meant to work. Improper use such as overspending for individuals who continue to live outside their means, and the government continuing to print money is not only trusting in money, but trusting in money either of them has. It is foolish guaranteed to have a tragic end, It comes down to lack of discipline and convincing yourself you never have enough to meet your needs. If you are trusting in money instead of God to take of you, take heed to this wise proverb by King Solomon, “Trust in your money and down you go!” (Pr.11:28a nlt)

The Lord God is more than capable to meet our needs. Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount said the following, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Mt.6:31-33 nlt) Our Lord wants us to trust in Him and not our money. He wants us to desire Him and His kingdom living righteously, and He will bless us accordingly. Solomon was also aware of this when he wrote, “But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.” (Pr.11:28b nlt)

For the Christian, our trust is to be in God who owns everything. He is never in short supply and will grant us what is needed when it is needed. The snare of trusting in money is ever before us in our current day. Our culture demands that we need certain things essential to life itself, but a closer look at them and we see we can get along fine without them. When we trust in the Lord to meet our essential needs, He will. When we trust in our money for the things we think we need to survive in life, it will soon evaporate and down we go! During my career when I would be concerned about financial matters the Lord would remind me with this verse that He supplies our needs, “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones” (Ps.127:2 nlt) Yes, we are to work, but to also live within our means and God will supply.

Read: Proverbs 11:24-28 NLT – Give freely and become more wealthy; be – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 4

June 23, 2024June 20, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.” John 10:14-16 NLT

Jesus, in His fourth “I am” statement in the gospel of John said, ‘I am the good shepherd.’ ‘Good’ meaning ‘noble’, ‘worthy’ or a model of what a shepherd is to be. This indicates that not all shepherds were good. The responsibility of a shepherd is to care for the sheep, leading them, feeding them, and protecting them from danger even at the risk of their own lives, ultimately saving them from life-or-death situations.

Jesus says the noble, worthy shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. All of us are like sheep in a helpless life-or-death condition having no hope but to be rescued by Jesus, the ‘Good Shepherd.’ The Old Testament prophet Isaiah writes, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.” (Is. 53:6 nlt) Jesus did just that by laying down His life, offering it as a sacrifice for our sins by dying on the cross, providing the way of Salvation for us.

Throughout history there have been many deceiving shepherds who have led people astray. Prophets from the many false religions in the world administer their deceptive teaching concerning the way of Salvation and eternal life. They may sound sincere and persuasive but, they are sincerely wrong, and it ends in eternal destruction. They strive to lead people into thinking there are other ways to God. But there is no one who has ever said that they laid down their life for the sheep, nor could they, nor did they. There is only one good shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Follow Jesus, the only Good Shepherd. He will not lead you astray, but into eternal life.

A Christian Perspective

God, the ultimate judge will overturn all injustices

June 22, 2024June 20, 2024 Loring Schultz

“If they twist justice in the courts—doesn’t the Lord see all these things? Who can command things to happen without the Lord’s permission?” Lamentations 3:36-37 NLT

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

The United States of America prides itself as having the worlds best justice system. As the motto states, ‘lady justice is blind.’ The justice system does not show partiality or judge on appearance. Over the last decade that motto has been challenged by some of the court decisions from both the state and federal courts. Recent rulings have shown that prejudice and bias have made their way into the judicial system of America. Having made note of that, most verdicts from juries of the American people and from the bench are just, but lady justice is starting to let her blindfold slip and looking around is persuaded by what she sees.

For the Christian living in America or anywhere else in the world we are assured that God is the ultimate judge. The psalmist writes, “But the LORD reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.” (Ps.9:7-8 nlt) No unjust verdict is sent down without His knowledge and He will execute His righteous judgement in His good time. God will overturn all injustices and make all things right in His heavenly kingdom.

The United States is struggling with the divisions in the nation cause by prejudices and biases. Laws are being enacted either by legislation or executive order, deepening the divide and blurring the vision of what is right and wrong, furthering confusion in the judicial system. Our responsibility as Christians is to pray for all those in authority over us. May we pray for wisdom, a spirit to work together for the sake of the people, and justice to be done in every court case. The Lord is going to clear the slate one day overturning all injustices. Why don’t we decide to get a head start.

“Tell all the nations, ‘The LORD reigns!’ The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly……for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth.” (Ps.96:10, 13 nlt)

Devotionals

Judas Kiss

June 21, 2024June 18, 2024 Loring Schultz

“So Judas came straight to Jesus. ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.” Matthew 26:49 NLT

The term ‘Judas Kiss’ is not a very flattery term. In fact, it is a term that has downright severe consequences. You do not want to be accused of planting a ‘Judas Kiss’ on someone. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, has forever cemented that term in history by betraying Jesus turning Him over to His enemies for crucifixion and he did it with a kiss. Scores of individuals have been betrayed by those closest to them. Judas walked with Jesus for three years listening to His teaching and learning things of the kingdom of God along with the other disciples, and yet betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

Judas betrayed Jesus in the worst way possible using an approach of affection for his Rabbi to identify Him to His captors. He wanted to make sure they got the right man so he, “had given them a prearranged signal: ‘You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.’” (Mt.26:48 nlt) The ultimate definition of betrayal was demonstrated in the devious self-interest action by Judas, one of Jesus’ own. Jesus would be arrested and handed over for trial leading to His death on the cross. But we know that through His death and resurrection those who believe in Him are guaranteed eternal life. It was His heavenly Father’s plan.

Admittedly, the term today is frequently used in a much lighter tone, but the implications are the same. Betraying a friend or family member for self-gain or resentment hurts just the same. It is devastating to the recipient, breaks up relationships, and puts up a concrete wall between the two. Our Lord Jesus knows firsthand how it feels to be betrayed even though it was in God’s plan of salvation for us. Jesus knows the hurt feeling you are experiencing and can comfort you during this time of grief and betrayal. Jesus can also restore the broken relationships caused by the sin of betrayal. As both parties come together before the Lord in repentance and forgiveness, He will undo the ‘Judas Kiss’ bringing new life with ‘holy kiss.’

Read: Matthew 26:47-56 NLT – Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested – And – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Obey me, and I will be your God

June 20, 2024June 19, 2024 Loring Schultz

“This is what I told them: ‘Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!’” Jeremiah 7:23 NLT

Do you believe in God? If your answer is yes, do you want Him to be your God? You may be a bit confused at this point, but just think it through. Just because you say you believe in God is He really your God or just one of many. Is He in competition with your career, your spouse, your vacation home, automobile, boat, or your favorite sports team? Does He hold first place on every shelf in your life, and do you obey Him wholeheartedly in everything you do? If not, then He is your God in name only.

The Lord speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the nation of Israel says, “…. Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!” (Jer.7:23 nlt) This is what the Lord God wanted Israel to do when He led them out of Egypt. He didn’t want their offerings or their sacrifices, he only wanted their obedience. They believed in God, but also had other gods from the desires of their hearts to put alongside the God of heaven. Over time these idols, other gods, began to push the true God out of their lives. The Lord God says of them, “This is the nation whose people will not obey the LORD their God and who refuse to be taught. Truth has vanished from among them; it is no longer heard on their lips.” (Jer.7:28 nlt)

God is not to be the top rung on the ladder of our gods. He is the whole latter from top to bottom and our access to eternal life through Jesus Christ His Son. There is no other way of salvation and there are no other gods able to bring us satisfaction and joy in this life than the true God of heaven. The Lord is not pleased with our misguided thinking that God is our God simply for our weekly church attendance or our five-minute prayers. He wants us to be totally obedient to Him and to have no other gods before Him, the first commandment. Believe God when He says, ‘Obey me, and I will be your God’ and know for sure that He is.

Read: Jeremiah 7:21-29 NLT – This is what the LORD of Heaven’s – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

A Breath of Fresh Air

June 19, 2024June 18, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4 NLT

The northeastern section of the United States is about to get its first official heatwave of the summer season. People who are unprepared will flock to the nearest stores rounding up the last air conditioners and fans left on the shelves. Many will convene to cooler, well-ventilated spaces to find relief from warm stale dwelling spaces. A breath of fresh air will be needed during the days of the above average temperatures.

Humans are not the only ones to seek a breath of fresh air in hot temperatures. Honeybees also have a way of creating a well-ventilated environment by God’s design. Worker bees as they are known circle around the hive and fan their wings creating air flow throughout the hive drawing out the hot stale air and drawing in fresh air from the outside. The fanning also helps evaporate the moisture on the nectar reducing the water content to create honey. The hot stale environment must be replaced with a fresh environment to produce the sweetness of honey.

People not only need relief from a hot and muggy environment on the outside, but on the inside as well. We may find comfort in retreating from a warm stale environment to cool refreshing quarters, but inwardly, in our souls, we are still living in an unventilated stagnant environment. Even Christians can become stale due to unventilated areas in our lives. There needs to be a constant a constant fanning of daily Bible reading, praying, and obeying God in order keep our spiritual life well-ventilated. The old stagnant smelly air must not be allowed to be sealed up in our souls. Open the window, turn on the fan, and let in a breath of fresh air producing the fragrance of sweet honey in our souls.

Devotionals

Stubbornness

June 18, 2024June 18, 2024 Loring Schultz

“The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.” Lamentations 3:25-26 NLT

Are you one to do it yourself? Even when you come upon difficulty and the YouTube videos weren’t much help, do you stubbornly say, I can do it when you know you can’t. You still refuse to ask for help. Perhaps this is more about pride than stubbornness. Both are not good qualities for a follower of Jesus.

I had such an experience the other morning when attempting to complete a government form on-line. Although I read and re-read the instructions it wouldn’t let me proceed past the first page. I must have been doing something wrong, but the more I reviewed it the more I determined I became there must be a glitch in the system. After printing out the forms to fill out and send by snail mail, I realized that is not what I wanted to do time wise. So, I stubbornly tried again to complete it over the web with the same results. Then I did something I should have done at the first sign of trouble, pray. Not only did I pray, but the Lord reminded me of the morning verse on my Bible app that day, “The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.” (Lam.3:25-26 nlt) The new result was successful when I used the browser that was recommended by the government site. Yes, I read and re-read that, but I guess my stubbornness got in the way.

The Lord desires that we all depend on Him. Yes, He does give us skills and wisdom for our use, but there are times when He just wants us to go to Him for guidance and assurance. It may be His way of testing us if we are going to ask Him for help, or in our stubbornness say ‘I got this’ even though we don’t. The Lord is always good to us as we ask Him for help. You may as well ask Him when you need help because He already knows you can’t do it. Don’t let your stubbornness get in the way.