Author: Loring Schultz

Christian Devotional Writer
Bible Studies

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 5

Loring Schultz

“Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.’” John 11:25 NLT

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The story is told of another miracle perform by Jesus in the eleventh chapter of the gospel of John. It is also the basis for His fifth “I AM.” This particular one is perhaps the greatest of them all. Jesus raised a person from the dead, one who had been dead four days. The person was Lazarus, a very close and personal friend of Jesus along with Lazarus’s sisters Mary and Martha. When Jesus heard that his friend Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was before he left in response to the news. (Jn.11:6) The question immediately comes to mind, why? Why did he wait two days?

Some have suggested that Jesus knew that Lazarus was already dead when the messenger’s arrived to tell Him that His friend was sick. Perhaps so, but there seems to be a deeper explanation. For those present at Lazarus’s resurrection and for those of us in our day, it is a matter of trust (or faith) in Jesus Christ. Do we believe He is in control of every portion of our lives, that He is never late, and that He loves us knowing what is best for us? Do we believe He is God the Son, and have faith that nothing is impossible for Him to do?

Raising Lazarus from the dead was not impossible for Jesus to do, He is the resurrection and the life. Jesus also said, “Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” (Jn.11:26 nlt) We are assured of a place in heaven and eternal life if we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ, God the Son.

Jesus is speaking to you and me when He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, (insert your name)?” (Jn.11:25-26 nlt)

Read: John 11:1-44 NLT – The Raising of Lazarus – A man named – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Respect for God’s Anointed

Loring Schultz

“……For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1 NLT

“……The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the LORD’s anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him.” 1 Samuel 24:6 NLT

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There are more elections scheduled across the world in 2024 than at any time in history. Time magazine calls it ‘The Ultimate Election Year.’ “2024 is not just an election year. It’s perhaps the election year. Globally, more voters than ever in history will head to the polls as at least 64 countries (plus the European Union)—representing a combined population of about 49% of the people in the world—are meant to hold national elections, the results of which, for many, will prove consequential for years to come.” (1) No doubt, the outcomes of these global elections will shape the future of our world with the United States as the biggest factor. Before we as Christians put on our political party hats, may we remember that each person elected in every part of the world is God’s anointed, there are being placed by God Himself for His purposes.

Many of the world’s religions see this leadership overhaul as a possible beginning of the end bringing in a world leader with chaos erupting followed by the apocalypse. Some modern-day Christian theologians are comparing the signs recorded in Scripture with currents world events and seem to agree. Admittedly the signs are compelling, but Christians are to remain in the task at hand sharing the good news gospel of Jesus Christ unto salvation. The facts are, 1. Jesus is going to return to establish His kingdom on the earth, 2. No one knows when that day will be, and 3. We are to respect God’s anointed in our present day.

Every nation in our world has deep political differences within the electorate. Sadly, those divisions remain through the newly elected official’s term in office with the opposing party gearing up for the next election or planning to bring them down. Here in the United States over the last two decades with four Presidents from both parties, there was a central theme during their term in office, ‘not my President.’ Christians must take the lead in respecting government authorities, God’s anointed. We are not to agree or support policies and legislation that violates and contradicts God’s words in the Bible. We are to be good citizens, obeying the laws of our country that do not violate God’s laws. Christians are to be the preserving salt and light in a country that has lost its way slipping into darkness.

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David, before he became king, was under King Saul who was seeking to kill him in his rage of jealousy. When an opportunity presented itself for David to kill Saul, his enemy, he refrained from doing so. David explained, “The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the LORD’s anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him.” (1Sa.24:6 nlt) Saul was God’s chosen leader for the nation of Israel. He turned out not to be a very good king, but David respected God’s anointed. May we as Christians follow David’s example and respect all of God’s anointed who are in currently in office and those who be elected this November. May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

(1) https://time.com/6550920/world-elections-2024/

Bible Studies

With whom do you stand, with Caiaphas or Christ?

Loring Schultz

“Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death.” Matthew 26:59 ESV

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Caiaphas was the high priest in Jesus’ day. He was the head of the whole council of Jewish leaders. They were seeking to find an accusation against Jesus to put Him to death. A guilty verdict was already in from the leaders. They now had to find evidence to support their decision. Not finding any credible evidence Caiaphas finally asked Jesus outright, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” (Mt.26:63 b esv) Jesus answered He was and was guilty as charged of blasphemy by the rulers, that is if He wasn’t who He said He was.  

You may find the title of this devotional ‘with whom do you stand, with Caiaphas or Christ?’ insulting. I insulted myself by asking the question. We can’t imagine ourselves making false accusations about Jesus or denying Him in any way. Doing anything intentionally deceitful to harm His name or hurt Him would be unthinkable. But are we capable of unintentionally, and without thinking, giving in to the pressure of the world system and denying Him by not defending Him at every turn?

The world today views Jesus as a historical figure. More people than not accept the fact of a historical Jesus who walked the earth two thousand years ago. The separation comes when asserting this Jesus was more than a good man, teacher, and philosopher, but God the Son the second person in the trinity. Scores of people, even so-called Christian religious leaders of our day, discount that Jesus is God the Son denying the truth of scripture and bowing to the idols of watered-down Christianity of unity, love, peace, and inclusion.

Leaders of watered-down Christianity and those who followed them have it half right. Jesus is indeed all about unity, love, peace, and inclusion. But the missing half is the acknowledgement of sin and the need to repent and confess. Jesus provided more than an example to follow on how to live. He provided the only way on how to live righteously as a child of God. Jesus provided the only way of salvation and eternal life by His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. Only one who was perfect without sin, not just a good man, is capable to take away the sin of the world. We are all in need of having our sins removed, and all the unity, love, peace, and inclusion will never accomplish that.

Our modern-day world with watered-down Christianity is standing with Caiaphas denying that Jesus is the Son of God. So again, I’ll ask myself the question, ‘with whom do I stand, with Caiaphas or Christ?’ How about you?

Read: Matthew 26:57-68 ESV – Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

An Unlikely Candidate

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

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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

Loring Schultz

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

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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

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

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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!

Loring Schultz

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

Loring Schultz

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

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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