Author: Loring Schultz

Christian Devotional Writer
Devotionals

What Really Matters When It Comes to Love

Loring Schultz

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.” Philippians 1:9-10 NLT

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The world acknowledges every time there is a catastrophic event ‘love’ is missing, that it had been here from the beginning and now it is gone. But has it always been here? The Bible says God is love and for sure He is. There is a misunderstanding of the love of God among the people of the world which justifies sinful behavior. The love of God simply stated in scripture is, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nlt)

Godly love has not been in the world, outside of those who know God, since the fall of our first parents, Adam and Eve. The world is incapable of this love if it does not know the true God of the Bible. John writes, “…. for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” (1Jn.4:7b nlt) Obviously those who do not know God do not possess the love needed the help the world in crisis. But Christians do! “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” (1Jn.4:9-10 nlt)

It is vital for every Christian to know what really matters after we have accepted Christ as savior. Paul encourages us to ‘keep on growing in knowledge and understanding’ and that our love would overflow. It is not sentimental love, but love rooted in the knowledge of God. Understanding what really matters will help us to ‘live pure and blameless lives.’ Paul writes, “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” (Ph.1:11 nlt) Then we are capable to share the gospel, the love of God, with the world who so desperately needs it. That’s ‘what really matters when it comes to love.’

Devotionals

A City on a Hill

Loring Schultz

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 ESV

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John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, coined the phrase ‘A City on a Hill’ while aboard the flagship Arabella upon arriving on the shores of present-day New England. An English Puritan lawyer, Winthrop was in pursuit of religious freedom along with many others in early 17th century England. His encouraging words to his shipmates set the tone for the work ahead of them lasting for centuries to come, “We must always consider that we shall be as a ‘city upon a hill’—the eyes of all people are upon us.” His sentiments have been repeated countless times throughout the years in the United States of America as a mode of encouragement most famously used by both President John F. Kennedy and President Ronald Reagan.

Jesus told His disciples they were the light of the world and a city on a hill. The landscape of America includes several cities that are elevated on mountainous terrain visible for all to see. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither can anyone who has accepted Christ as Savior be hidden from the world. Jesus’s words to His disciples apply to every Christian today. Christians are the light of the world and cities on a hill that can be seen by all. With such great amount of exposure, are we taking advantage of our opportunity to represent Christ, or are we allowing the clouds and fog of indifference to settle in?

People today are looking for light in a dark world. Christians possess the light of Christ and are placed on a hill of God’s choosing to bring the light of the gospel to others and to bring glory to God. Jesus said, “…..let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16b esv)

The Puritan settlers knew that future generations would look to them as a city on a hill. Christians today need to follow their example and live up to John Winthrop’s words, “We must always consider that we shall be as a ‘city upon a hill’—the eyes of all people are upon us.” For all eyes are upon us, the city on a hill.

Bible Studies

An Act of God

Loring Schultz

“And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea……Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:24a, 26b ESV

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An act of God as defined today is an uncontrollable event such as an earthquake, tornado, hurricane and other related storms. Insurance companies rely on information regarding these disasters in settling payments to cover damages as a result of an occurrence in which the policy holder had no control over. When we think of natural disasters, we cannot help but see the great power and strength that are accompanied with them. The inability and helplessness we feel is real as there is not a thing we can do to deter them. It is truly out of our hands. The media in reporting these disasters and the insurance companies in dealing with them are theologically correct when they call it an act of God. It is truly an act of God.

Jesus’s disciples experienced an act of God in a fierce storm that came upon them as they attempted to cross the Sea of Galilee. Storms were common in the region and often came about without any warning especially on the water. Most of Jesus’s disciples would have been familiar with the storms known to affect the region. A number of them were experienced fishermen who spent long hours on the sea as their livelihood. Yet, scripture records the terror the disciples felt as a result of the storm. Their experience and knowledge were no match for the magnitude of the storm. They felt helpless and were indeed helpless. They cried out to Jesus, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” (Mt. 8:25b esv) Whether they knew that Jesus could truly save them in that hour the Bible doesn’t tell us, but the only hope these men had been in the one who they had seen perform miracles as they followed Him. So, they called on Him to save them.

While it may be safe to say the disciples had a good idea that Jesus could help in their dire need, they certainly were not prepared for end results. Jesus arose after being rattled out of a sound sleep by His panicking followers, He called them out for their lack of faith, and then rebuked both the winds and sea. A great storm on the sea was rebuked and a great calm came over the sea that not even a ripple was upon it.

The Bible says, “And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Mt. 8:27) The disciples were in the presence of God the Son. Those of us who know the Lord Jesus as their Savior have the spirit of Christ within us, the Holy Spirit. The storms in our lives may seem too much to bear at times, but we have the assurance of God with us, Immanuel, who can rebuke the storms and bring calm into our lives, truly an Act of God!

Read: Matthew 8:23-27 ESV – Jesus Calms a Storm – And when he got – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Our Rights Come from God

Loring Schultz

“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 NLT

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We have all heard the statement “I have my rights.” You may have said it yourself. Having said it, it stands to reason you believe it. But what is the foundation your rights are built on? Where do your rights come from? Have you ever thought deeply as to their origin? Here in the United States, there is much debate over the issue of human rights. During a Presidential election campaign, the focus is on maintaining those rights whether you are on the left or the right. But what both political parties must recognize is ‘our rights come from God’ and not from the government.

Cries are coming from both sides of the fear of losing their rights. There is fear of losing the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, and the right of a woman’s freedom of choice resulting in losing their reproductive health care rights as it is so cleverly renamed. There is a legitimate concern in America for the possibilities of losing one’s rights as set forth in the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. The founding fathers knew and proclaimed that individual rights come from God. The Declaration of Independence says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Note these rights are God given, not given by the government.

“However, if you think that we are granted our fundamental rights by the government, then you are more likely to seek additional favors from the government. If the government is the grantor of all good things, what is to stop someone from thinking up more good things that could and should be granted by our elected leaders?” (1) A case in point is the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 which legalized abortion as a woman’s right to choose. The court read abortion in the 14th amendment. “Justice Harry Blackmun said that the court held a woman’s right to an abortion was implicit in the right to privacy protected under the 14th Amendment. However, while the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a woman’s right to choose, it also acknowledged the state’s interest in protecting the ‘potential of human life.’” (2) Notice the Supreme Court didn’t rule that states could not limit abortion to protect human life.

As we head to polls this November or earlier through early voting keep in mind our rights come from God. May we be praying that our God-given rights will not be taken away by the next administration. May we pray that government policies will not create false rights that infringe on others, especially the right of ‘Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness’ for the unborn.

(1) The right way to think about rights | The Heritage Foundation

(2) What is the 14th Amendment and How is It Connected to Abortion Rights, Roe v. Wade? – NBC Chicago

Devotionals

National Back to Church Sunday

Loring Schultz

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

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This Sunday September 15, 2024, is the National Back to Church Sunday. It is scheduled every year on the third Sunday in September. The movement started 15 years ago to encourage the churches to act and put forth an invitation for everyone in their communities to come through the local church doors. Since its conception almost 4 million Christians have participated through over 40,000 churches.

The average adult Church attendance in the United States is around 30% down from 42% in 2004. It is projected to continue to drop as 35% of the 18-29 age group have no religious preference, and only 22% attend church services today. So, we can see the need is great for a National Back to Church Sunday.

This is not only an invitation to non-Christians who do not attend church, but for those who profess to know the Lord but have neglected meeting with other believers for worship each Sunday. The writer of Hebrews states we should be motivating one another to acts of love and good works. We can do this as part of our daily life, but it works best in church. We’re encouraged not to neglect meeting together but to continually encourage one another, especially in the days in which we are living.

It’s not too late to invite someone to church this Sunday. There are many non-church goers, perhaps some of your friends and acquaintances. Maybe even you. You might have to invite yourself first, then bring a friend. Everyone needs the peace, love, and forgiveness that only the Lord Jesus can supply for this life and eternal life. It’s time to get back in the game rather than sitting on the sidelines, and don’t worry, in most cases you’ll be home in time to see the opening kickoff.

About | Back to Church Sunday

Devotionals

Living for Christ is Suffering for Christ

Loring Schultz

“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.” 1 Peter 4:1 NLT

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Supporting and taking a stand for a political candidate in a divided nation comes with harassing you by name calling, accusing you of not having a mind of your own, and associating you with every statement that candidate makes whether you agree with it or not. All candidates for any public office have flaws as we all do as we are all sinners. That shouldn’t stop us from exercising the privilege we have to cast a ballet in an election year. Unfortunately taking some hits in supporting a candidate is a sad commentary of the times. Presidential elections in America have revealed the true sentiment against those who hold a different view, both between the candidates and between neighbors. This may be a preview of the increasing hostility towards Christians in the coming days.

The apostle Peter tells us if we are following Jesus and living for Him, we will suffer. Gradually, if you are living for Christ, your desires will continually change drawing yourself away from the world and closer to Christ and His heavenly kingdom.  “You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.” (1Pt.4:2 nlt) It will become more difficult to find things in common with those you associate with as your Biblical worldview with clash with their secular worldview. We are not to disengage with those outside of Christ but realize there will be increasing friction more than being blocked from their social media pages. Living for Christ and standing up for the truth of God’s Word has not been easy the last few years and will grow into a bigger challenge in the years ahead. Is the church ready for the challenge? Are you ready for the challenge?

Christians do not need to worry about the name calling or having others think we have lost our minds. People in Jesus’ day said the same thing about Him. And we do not need to be concerned about being associated with Jesus’ words. He speaks the truth and only the truth. The fact checkers only need to search the Word of God. But there is a ‘but’ here. Peter says, “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too.” (1Pt.4:1a nlt) Christians in America are under scrutiny for our beliefs and standing up for God and His Word. We have been spared physical persecution by the grace of God up until now but will be ready when the persecution begins. To live for Christ means to suffer for Christ. Are you ready for the challenge?

Read: 1 Peter 4:1-9 NLT – Living for God – So then, since Christ – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Days of Trouble

Loring Schultz

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15 NKJV

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September 11, 2001, is a day that will always be remembered for all those who were alive and old enough to feel the devasting effect it had on the United States. A deadly Islamist terrorist attack organized by al-Qaeda killed 2,977 people by hijacking and crashing air liners into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. Throughout the week following that Tuesday tragedy and on the following Sunday morning churches were filled with people calling out to God in the day of our trouble. The Lord had provided comfort for the nation and there was peace and unity for a time, but as is witnessed today that is long gone.

Why does it take a tragedy like a 911 to bring people together and call upon God? Granted there has been other tragedies that have brought Americans together the past twenty-three years such as school shootings, natural disasters, mass shootings in public places, and Covid-19. True to form, once the tragedy has past, America again forgets God. He is not call upon until the next the day of trouble. What a mistake that is, we have trouble every day in the United States. Prayer should be offered daily for America for the trouble we are in, our days of trouble.

On a personal note, each of us is in the same boat. Every day is an on-going challenge. We may be having a great day, but there is not a day that goes by that something doesn’t go wrong, so why not start the day by calling upon the Lord in your upcoming day of trouble. You’re going to have one! The Lord promises to deliver us, and we will be able to glorify Him daily for His care over us. Don’t wait until a tragedy comes into your life to call upon God. Yes, He will still deliver you, but He desires to deliver you daily from the small things in your days of trouble.

Read: Psalm 50 NKJV – God the Righteous Judge – A Psalm of – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Spiritual Blindness

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

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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

Loring Schultz

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

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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!

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

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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!”