Loring Schultz

Unity in Our Faith

April 13, 2024April 12, 2024 Loring Schultz

“This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 NLT

This past Monday millions of people across North America felt a sense of unity experiencing a once in a lifetime totality of a solar eclipse. Comments heard on social media, major news networks, and the NASA telecast all celebrated the coming together of humanity as the sun, the moon, and the earth all lined up. Sadly, in most cases, it didn’t last more than four minutes, and it will be years before it will be experienced again in this part of the world. People do have a longing to belong and to be a part of something bigger than themselves to be shared with others. How important it is to have that longing fulfilled not only for a matter of minutes, but for a lifetime and through all eternity.

Another weekend is here and again this Sunday church doors will be opened. These doors will lead into all different structures to conduct worship services. From the little white church in the country, to major cathedrals across the world, to modern theater assemblies, to rented spaces in various buildings, to a house church around the corner, the church doors will be opened. If you are looking for something to fill the empty space in your life going through those doors this weekend is a good place to start. There will be others there to share in the experience of hearing of the love of Christ being preached.

The apostle Paul was very concerned about the unity of believers in their faith. He knew the only thing that would cement them in unity with others was sound teaching from the Word of God. Unity among believers is only possible when built on the strong foundation of biblical truth. In writing to the church at Ephesus Paul explains the gifts the Lord gave to the church was for their benefit, “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” (Eph. 4:11-13 nlt)

Unity is a wonderful and beautiful thing if held together by truth. Make sure as you make your way through the church doors that truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation of their unity. If so, you have found a place to belong filling that empty space through Christ. You will be with others who also need a touch of God’s grace and you will not need to wait years to return, you can return next week.

Devotionals

Restoration: A Dream Come True

April 12, 2024April 11, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!” Psalm 126:1 NLT

True restoration is only realized when one is truly broken. Brokenness shows itself in various ways. The most common form of brokenness among all of us who breathe is in personal relationships. Here again, these show themselves through various means and circumstances. The longing for a relationship to be restored at times seems an impossibility, but when it occurs is a dream come true. Restorations do occur in accordance with God’s will and timing.

The nation Israel was restored to their land after seventy years of captivity in Babylon due to their gross sin against God. Although it was prophesized that they would return it all seemed like a dream to them when it happened. They almost couldn’t believe it. Psalm 126 is a song of joy for the restoration of Israel to the land. The psalmist wrote that they were filled with laughter and sang for joy. The surrounding nations joined them in acknowledging the amazing things God had done for them. They asked the Lord to restore their fortunes by planting their seeds in tears, but they will rejoice in the harvest to come once again.

God is in the restoration business. No one is more broken than a sinner separated from God because of their sin. We were born with a sin nature, making us all broken and in need of restoration to God. With God being in the restoration business, He made it possible for each of us to be restored to Him through the blood of Christ on the cross of Calvary. There is nothing we could ever do to make things right with God. It is only through our acceptance of Christ as our savior. We can rejoice with the broken people of Isarel in their restoration to their land and our salvation through Christ’s sacrifice for us as we accept Him. A dream come true.

Read: Psalm 126 NLT – Psalm 126 – A song for pilgrims – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

When the cloud remained the Israelites did not set out

April 11, 2024April 10, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD’s order and did not set out.” Numbers 9:19 NIV

Nothing could be more frustrating than to be in a position where you feel the need to move on but have no direction where to. Your anxiety ratchets up a notch as you look over alternatives. Staying in your present condition is not an option for you as you prepare to make your escape. I have been there several times in life, mostly in job related situations, and the answer from the Lord was always the same, ‘as long as the cloud remains stay where you are.’ The Lord did keep me from getting over my skis as I waited patiently for Him, but it was not easy.

During Israel’s journey through the wilderness, the Lord guided them by a cloud in daylight and by fire at night. He gave them instructions when they were to set out from their location and when they were to settle. If the cloud was stationary over the tabernacle, they would not break camp and move out. It was only in the Lord’s timing as the cloud was lifted and in His leading that they were to move. It didn’t matter how long they were in one place or how restless they had become they were to stay put. “Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.” (Num. 9:22 niv)

Your periods of frustration with current circumstances have not missed the eyes of God. He knows of your situation and ultimately what is best for you. You can go ahead of God and leave the cloud behind, the cloud that is leading you, or you can give your problem to Him and let Him work in His timing. Be patient and do not rush ahead. Bring your desires and frustrations before God in prayer and wait for His response. You may ask, how will I know His response. Don’t worry, you’ll know! The cloud will lift, and you will move on. Waiting is not always easy, but it is well worth the wait when you see God work in a way you never imagined or thought possible.

Read: Numbers 9:15-23 NIV – The Cloud Above the Tabernacle – On the – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Wisdom is Never Proven Wrong

April 10, 2024April 9, 2024 Loring Schultz

“But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” Luke 7:35 NLT

Throughout my life I have had the privilege of knowing people with immense wisdom. Whether I knew them personally or professionally, or knew of them through acquaintances, their advice proved true helping me in any given situation. The Bible has many references to wisdom, in fact there is a complete section of the Old Testament known as the ‘Wisdom Books.” Probably the most well-known are Solomon’s sayings of wisdom in the book of Proverbs.

Solomon writes in the very first chapter of Proverbs, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Pr. 1:7 nlt) So how does one become wise? It begins by realizing that wisdom is not in ourselves. You need a strong foundation for anything to be built or succeed. Solomon says the foundation of wisdom is the ‘fear of the Lord.’ The reverential fear or awe of God is the true meaning of this fear. Not to be afraid, but to respect God the creator of all things, including us, is Solomon’s point.

Jesus Himself rebuked the religious rulers for their lack of wisdom in not recognizing the godly ministries of both Him and John the Baptist. “But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” (Lk. 7:35 nlt) There were those who were spiritually wise that knew both John the Baptist and Jesus’ ministries were God’s plan. The religious rulers were proving themselves to be fools and not wise following wisdom in the fear of the Lord.

You may not be a man or woman who possesses a vast amount of knowledge, but you can possess a vast amount of wisdom in the reverential fear of the Lord. When you acknowledge the Lord God, your life will be an example that wisdom from the Lord is never proven wrong.

A Christian Perspective

The Art of Persuasion: Being Pushed in the Wrong Direction

April 9, 2024April 6, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.” Psalm 118:13 ESV

Have you ever had the feeling you are being led in a direction that is not comfortable? You find yourself going along and agreeing with every wind of change around you and soon find yourself asking, how did I get here? You’re being pushed in the wrong direction. Those doing the pushing are using the ‘Art of Persuasion.’ A quick ‘google’ search reveals the following from Forbes.com: “Persuasion is the art of getting people to do things that are in their own best interest that also benefit you. Everyone can be persuaded, given the right timing and context, but not necessarily in the short term.” (1) Our current secular society has been influenced by the methods of those desiring to change the culture to what benefits them. This is not unique to the 21st century but has been progressing for centuries. The cultural elites of our time are patient knowing that in time everyone can be persuaded to change.

There are four basic stages to the ‘Art of Persuasion’ according to the ‘Harvard Business Review,’ “First, effective persuaders establish credibility. Second, they frame their goals in a way that identifies common ground with those they intend to persuade. Third, they reinforce their positions using vivid language and compelling evidence. And fourth, they connect emotionally with their audience.” (2) The Art of Persuasion can certainly be used in a positive matter. This model can greatly help in sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and all Christians should strive for that, but awareness of how it is being used to distort the gospel and discredit the truths of the Bible is vital if we are to stay in our lane.

Psalm 118 is a jubilant psalm of thanksgiving. The psalmist not identified but possibly is King David acknowledges his past distresses and praises God for deliverance from his enemies. “I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.” (Ps. 118:13 esv) David confirms his trust in the Lord by not putting his trust in man. “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.” (Ps. 118:8-9 esv) The psalmist words should encourage us to seek refuge in the Lord and not man, or any governmental authority, especially if they are using the ‘Art of Persuasion’ to push us in the wrong direction.

Read: Psalm 118:5-16 ESV – Out of my distress I called on the – Bible Gateway

(1) https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonnazar/2013/03/26/the-21-principles-of-persuasion/?sh=147215eea4c9

(2) https://hbr.org/1998/05/the-necessary-art-of-persuasion#:~:text=First%2C%20effective%20persuaders%20establish%20credibility,connect%20emotionally%20with%20their%20audience.

Devotionals

Now or Later

April 8, 2024April 6, 2024 Loring Schultz

“And a scribe came up and said to him, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’…. Another of the disciples said to him, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’” Matthew 8:19, 21 ESV

Eagerness is one thing, but eagerness without thought is quite another. Being committed is honorable, but procrastination reveals non-commitment. Many of us dive into projects and make commitments of one kind or another only to find out that we cannot fulfill the responsibilities that come along with it. We are eager to commit to a worthy cause, which is noble, but totally misrepresent what we are actually capable of doing and how deep our commitment is when it is time show up. This is especially true in our work for the Lord. A lot of Christians over commit, but more often than not we have a tendency to overestimate ourselves without giving thought to the costs, or we delay our involvement mirroring our uncertainty.

Jesus came across to two individuals during His days on the earth which He could have also found among today’s Christians. One was a scribe, a teacher of the Law, who was enthused with what he saw of Jesus. He witnessed the miracles of healing and casting out demons. With his knowledge as a teacher he must have realized that no one can do these things unless is was of God. He was eager to follow Jesus and to be part of what He was doing, perhaps even the much anticipated establishment of His kingdom on earth. But our Lord saw through his eagerness, for he was not thinking passed what he saw. He did not see that Jesus had nowhere to call home. Using today’s vocabulary, Jesus was on the road seven days a week. Even though the scribe said that he would follow Him wherever He went, Jesus knew he had not considered his commitment.

Another disciple of Jesus also expressed interest in following Him, but wanted to delay it until he was in a better position financially receiving his inheritance from his father. He missed the importance of the urgency of Jesus’s ministry on earth. Time was short and time is short today. The work of presenting the gospel is an urgent matter. It requires a total daily commitment, not based on our time table, but on God’s as He opens up opportunities for us to serve Him.

May we have a willingness to follow Jesus wherever He leads us. Let our eagerness be met with the thought of the urgency of presenting the gospel and considering the cost. May we be obedient Now and not wait until Later.

Bible Studies

The Farmer Scattering Seed; Parables of Jesus

April 7, 2024April 5, 2024 Loring Schultz

“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” Mark 4:14 NLT

Our Sunday Biblical Insights over the next couple of months will feature the ‘Parables of Jesus.’ One third of Jesus’ teaching was in the form of a parable. There are close to forty in all, and we will examine as many as we can, reviewing a couple of them in the same week. A parable is simply an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. We begin this week with the parable of ‘The Farmer Scattering Seed.’ This is one of several parables found in all the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Mark’s gospel is our text for this parable. FYI, the book of John contains none of Jesus’ parables.

Much of Jesus’ teaching was done before large crowds and this first parable is no exception. The crowd was so large that day Jesus got into a boat sitting down to teach all those who were gathered along the shoreline to hear Him. Jesus started by saying, “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed.” (Mk. 4:3 nlt) Familiar illustrations were often employed by Jesus in His teaching. Jesus’ day was mostly an agricultural society. Most people understood the principles of agriculture, the planting and harvesting of crops. This is where Jesus begins.

The farmer is scattering his seed in the soil of his field to produce a fruitful crop. When scattering seed, it falls in various locations of the field. Jesus describes the seed as being scattered in four different areas. Some seeds never make it to the field as they fall on the footpath and the birds immediately devour it. Other seeds make it but fall on shallow soil on top of a rock. The plant rises quickly but is soon wilted and dies for lack of deep roots. Some seeds found deep soil, but the adequate dept also contained thorns which grew and choked out the plants. And then there were seeds that fell on good fertile soil. They sprouted, grew, and produced a bountiful crop.

Later, Jesus’ disciples asked Him the meaning of the parable. Jesus did say as He concluded the parable, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mk. 4:9 nlt) They obviously didn’t understand. The farmer’s seed is providing earthly subsistence of food needed for survival. Jesus implies the heavenly meaning by equating the seed being planted by the farmer as the Word of God. He tells His disciples, “The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” (Mk. 4:14 nlt) God’s Word is the spiritual subsistence we need for eternal life. More specifically, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Word made flesh. “So the Word became human and made his home among us.” (Jn. 1:14a nlt)

The four types of soil in the parable represent four different responses from individuals who are presented with the gospel. There are those with ‘no response’ for Satan immediately shows up and steals it away before it has the time to germinate. Many people have an ‘emotional response’ when they hear the gospel being preached, but not having deep roots they fall away when start to receive flak from others due to their interest in Christianity. A third response is a ‘conformity to the world response.’ “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Ro. 12:2a niv) The word taken in begins to grow along side the thorns of this world, the lure of money, success, and all one would have to give up being a Christian. And those thorns chock out any new desires for God or His Word. But then there is the ‘fruitful response’, those who readily accept the gospel message being drawn by the Holy Spirit. “And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mk. 4:20 nlt)

The farmer scattering seed in Jesus’ parable is every Christian today. All who accepted Christ as savior has received a bag of seed from the Lord to spread around. Gospel seeds are not reserved for only pastors, Bible teachers, evangelists, or seminary professors, but everyone who names the name of Christ. Jesus is encouraging each of His followers in this parable not to be discouraged in the lack of response as we tell others about Him. There will be different types of responses according to each heart. The preparation of the soil is not our responsibility. God will prepare the soil. We are only called to be faithful and scatter the seed.

Read: Mark 4:1-9, 13-20 NLT – Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

The Sun will be Darkened

April 6, 2024April 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“……the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” Matthew 24:29 NLT

This coming Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass through North America. Its path starts in the South Pacific Ocean entering the mainland on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The path continues through Mexico entering the United States in Texas and traveling in a northeastern direction through the United States up through New England and entering Canada in southern Ontario exiting off the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. This eclipse is being dubbed as the Great North American Eclipse as the moon makes its way between the sun and the earth. Thousands of people are making their way to the best locations to view the eclipse in its totality. From the small cities of Kerrville, Texas and Russellville, Arkansas, to Cleveland Ohio and Buffalo, New York, and everywhere in between spectators will be lining up to view the astronomical event. It is estimated that close to 50 million people are in the solar path, not to mention those travelling to it. Total solar eclipses are rare occurrences but happen within the astrological timetable. But there will be one last astronomical event as we know it that will darken not only the sun but the moon as well.

Jesus told His disciples He was going away, but He was coming back. When Jesus ascended into heaven from on top of the Mount of Olives two men dressed in white said to those who witnessed Jesus’ departure, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:11 nlt) The Lord Jesus is going to return and plant His feet back on the Mount of Olives. Matthew describes this astronomical event as, “……the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Mt. 24:29-30 nlt)

As we view God’s creation of the sun, the moon, and the stars during the solar eclipse, may we remember that His Son Jesus Christ is returning in a way that will rock the world. He will come back and rule as King on the earth for a thousand years. The total solar eclipse will darken the sun for a few minutes in a very small portion of the earth, but when Jesus returns the whole world will see the darkening of the sun and feel the cataclysmic effects upon the earth. But the light will reappear when Christ begins His earthly reign. Astronomers through careful study can predict the next solar eclipse, but even the most educated theologians cannot predict the when the Son of Man will come back again. Everything is in place and ready for His return. Are you?

Devotionals

The Encouraging Words of Discipline

April 5, 2024April 4, 2024 Loring Schultz

“My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.” Proverbs 3:11 NLT

“For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Hebrews 12:6 NLT

Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com

‘Discipline’ is defined as; 1. a branch of learning, 2. training that develops self-control, efficiency, etc. 3. strict control to enforce obedience, 4. Treatment that corrects or punishes. Careful examination of the definition of ‘discipline’ validates these are encouraging words for they seek to train, educate and prompt one to see the error of their ways. Discipline is not pleasant at the time received, just ask any child. But parents and guardians realize the necessity to correct a child of wrongdoing in the early stages of life. They also do it out of sincere love. Adults also face discipline when breaking laws resulting in punishment from those in authority or going against company or workplace policies. A company I worked for in retail management had one store if a manager was transferred there, you knew it was for disciplinary reasons. The goal was always to train, educate and prompt one to see the error of their ways.

Our heavenly Father disciplines His spiritual children as earthly parents discipline their children. He does it out of love for us. Some of the discipline we receive from the Lord is for immediate results for something we have done, but most is for our spiritual growth to live holy lives. It is for our good that the Lord disciplines us, and we should not despise it as if we don’t deserve it. The writer of the book of Hebrews says, “And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, ‘My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.’” (Heb. 12:5 nlt)

Be careful not to view every bad thing that happens to you it is God disciplining you. We live in a sinful world, and bad things happen all the time. If you are sincere in walking with the Lord, you will be able to discern His loving hand of discipline on you when it occurs. And remember, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Heb. 12:11 nlt)

Read: Hebrews 12:5-11 NLT – And have you forgotten the encouraging – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Thank God for His Faithfulness

April 4, 2024April 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground.” Isaiah 44:3a NLT

April showers have descended on Pennsylvania once again. Only on the fourth day of the month but we haven’t seen the sun yet, although I know it’s there. Steady rain most of the time with more to come. There is an old saying that helps us get through this rainy month, ‘April showers bring May flowers.’ It has always proven true due to God’s faithfulness in the changing of the seasons and maintaining His creation. So, we should thank God for the rain displaying His faithfulness.

God is faithful to us in more than His creation. He is faithful to forgive our sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn.1:9 niv) God remains faithful to us even when we deny Him, for He cannot deny who He is. (2 Tim. 2:13) He is faithful to strengthen and protect from Satan. (2 Th. 3:3) God is also faithful in not allowing us to be tempted beyond what we are able to stand and provide us an escape. The apostle Paul tells the church in Corinth, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13 niv) And our salvation is secured through God’s faithfulness once we have accepted Christ as our savior. “He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:8-9 niv)

Throughout your rainy days whenever they occur always remember God’s faithfulness in all He does for us. Another old saying is, ‘Into every one’s life, a little rain must fall.’ Thank God the rain that is falling is falling from Him who is faithful.