Loring Schultz

Good Intentions Fall Short

June 10, 2024June 5, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ ‘But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.’ At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.” Matthew 26:31, 56 NLT

The best of intentions falls short at some point. Some are due to circumstances beyond our control and others caused by our human frailty. We may mean well and be totally committed to a cause, but when the pressure becomes too intense, we back away. To escalate the problem, we are now forced to eat the boastful words of our commitment, assuring that we will always be there until the end.

Jesus’ disciples ate their words after stating they would never deny or abandon Him. On the way to the Mount of Olives with His disciples after sharing the Passover meal Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’” (Mt.26:31 nlt) Peter declared if he was the only one left, he would not abandon Jesus. Jesus then told Peter he would not only desert Him but would deny even knowing Him. They all assured Jesus; they would not abandon Him with Peter giving a resounding response he would die first before denying Jesus.

Scripture accurately predicted the events of that night. Peter denied the Lord and he and all the disciples fled when Jesus was arrested. It’s easy for us to look back two thousand years and criticize how they could do such a thing. They followed Jesus for three years, seen His miracles, knew who He was and still abandoned Him. The disciples like us, had good intentions but they often fell short. Let us be careful in our walk with the Lord, avoid boasting words and criticizing others, may we prayerfully consider our commitments to follow through, and allow the Lord to work in our lives to provide good intentions that will never fall short.

Read: Matthew 26:31-35 NLT – Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial – On – Bible Gateway

I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 2

June 9, 2024June 5, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12 ESV

Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash

Have you ever been kept in the dark about something, totally unaware of certain situations until they came to light? Once they were revealed to you, the darkness that clouded your thinking was removed and you began to see the situation clearly.

Spiritual darkness works much the same way. The world is blinded by Satan and kept in the dark of Jesus’ message of Salvation. The Bible tells us that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Cor.11:14 esv) In this deception, Satan tries to convince us that all is well. He appears in many of the false religions of the world and even influences the false prophets portraying themselves as Christian ministers. The last thing Satan wants is for people to come to know the truth about Jesus, and to know of His Salvation plan. His plan is to keep them in the dark, claiming himself to be light.

Jesus’s second “I am” statement in the gospel of John is “I am the light of the world.” Jesus proclaims those who follow Him will not walk in darkness, confirming there is darkness in the world, spiritual darkness. The apostle John begins his gospel with identifying Jesus as God who made all things and “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn. 1:4-5 esv) Becoming aware that Jesus is the light and accepting Him as Savoir instantly dispels the darkness in your life. The dark cloud in your life will be lifted by Jesus, God the Son, the light of the world. May you allow His light this Sunday to penetrate the darkness of your soul and see the situation clearly, Jesus’ love for you.

A Christian Perspective

Pride Leads to Disgrace

June 8, 2024June 7, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 NLT

‘But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say,
‘God opposes the proud but favors the humble.’” James 4:6 NLT

Pride is a word we hear and come across often today, especially at this time of year. It does have several meanings according to Websters New World Dictionary, ‘pride’ is defined as 1. a) an unduly high opinion of oneself b) haughtiness, arrogance. 2. dignity and self-respect. 3. satisfaction in something done, owed, etc. 4. a person or thing in which pride is taken. Christians often struggle with pride. For example, is it wrong to be proud of certain accomplishments you have achieved through hard work? Are you wrong to be proud of a son or daughter who has just graduated from high school or college? And what about the successes of those we know who have reached the highest level of their profession, do we refrain from being proud of them?

The Bible has a lot to say about pride, mostly in a negative sense, but not always. Isaiah writes of legitimate pride during Jesus’ reign on earth, “But in that day, the branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious; the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of all who survive in Israel.” (Is.4:2 nlt) But for the most part, Scripture speaks of pride as part of our sinful fallen nature. The apostle John says, “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” (1Jn.2:16 nlt) When our accomplishments and achievements are viewed without God in mind as we boast in who we are and what we have done, it is the sin of pride. All sin has its roots in pride. Satan’s fall from grace as Lucifer, son of the morning, was due to his pride. (Is.14:12-15)

So, what are you proud of? Was the Lord’s hand in it? Did you do it for His glory and would He approve of it? Are you proud of someone else’s achievements for the same reasons? Is God glorified by the accomplishments of that individual you are proud of? Having pride in something or somebody must always be filtered through the God of the Bible and His words to us. Let us be obedient to His Word and live humbly before Him realizing ‘pride leads to disgrace.’

Devotionals

A Three-Day Weekend Getaway: three days to think and pray

June 7, 2024June 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything.” Acts 9:9 NIV

Here in the Untied States and I’m sure in most parts of the world, people look forward to a three-day weekend getaway. Some long weekends are planned, and others come up in a spare of the moment. Whatever the case the idea is for a change of pace to relax, rejuvenate, and just get away from your normal activities. Unfortunately, they don’t always go as anticipated. Sometimes you change your plans, or they are changed for you. Your goal of rejuvenation did not happen. Just imagine if you had the most disastrous weekend possible, but you came out the better for it, would it have been worth it, or would you be glad to be home?

The book of Acts records a story of Saul, a Pharisee of the Jews, going on a trip to the city of Damascus. This was no getaway for relaxation, but a mission to round up believers in Jesus and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial, even sentencing them to death. “As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.” (Acts 9:3 niv) The light blinded him as the Lord Jesus asked Saul why he was persecuting Him. Jesus then instructed Saul go into the city and he would be told what to do. The Bible tells us Saul was blind for three days, not eating or drinking, but he was praying. (Acts 9:11)

Saul was in a position where he couldn’t do much more than pray. He was met by Jesus the one whose followers were on Saul’s target list. Saul’s plans had changed for the better, but he suffered three days of blindness for it. Saul would go on to be Paul, the apostle of whom Jesus said, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15-15 niv) Saul’s three days of blindness were worth it. He spent that time praying with the Lord God and was rejuvenated in a whole new way.

How does this apply to our three-day weekend getaway? The Lord struck Saul with blindness for three days to get his attention. God has a way of getting our attention too. No, we are not as devious as Saul with his motives, but what are our true motives in all we do? There is nothing wrong with getting away for three days, and if it doesn’t go our way, perhaps the Lord is telling us something. So may we pray for three days and come out better for it. It would have been worth it.

Read: Acts 9:1-19 NIV – Saul’s Conversion – Meanwhile, Saul – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

The One-percenters

June 6, 2024May 31, 2024 Loring Schultz

“The LORD said to Gideon, ‘You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.’” Judges 7:2 NLT

The expression ‘One-percenters’ in our current day refers to the influential and affluent members of our society. It is estimated that 1% of the people living in the United States control about one-third of the nation’s wealth. The knock on the wealthy is that they are oblivious to the other 99% in the country. That may well be true, but there are many who contribute greatly to the welfare of society through job creation and donations. The one-percenters attribute much to the strength of the economy. This small number of wealthy people accomplish much.

Gideon had the opportunity to be part of a one-percenter group for the Lord in his day. Economically, Gideon was one of the 99%. Israel was under control of the Midianites for their rebellion against God. They ravaged their crops and stole all their sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys. “So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites. Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help.” (Jdg.6:6 nlt) The Lord recruited Gideon to lead an army against the Midianites to free them from their oppression.

Feeling confident of his mission Gideon set out with his army of 32,000. But the Lord wanted to trim down the marching force lest they take pride in themselves. The Lord first told Gideon to release those who were too timid or afraid to go into battle and 22,000 left. The army was reduced to 30% but the Lord wanted to do more trimming. Then came the big test. God told Gideon to lead his men down to the water and observe how they took a drink and 29% of the army were sent home. Gideon had 300 soldiers left, the one-percenters. “The LORD told Gideon, ‘With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites.’” (Jdg.7:7a nlt)

It is unimaginable to think that an army being reduced from 32,000 down to 300 could achieve victory. We would not be wrong in thinking that for in our own strength it is impossible, but it is the Lord God who fights our battles. So, whatever your predicament might be today, you may a one-percenter, but the Lord provides the other 99% as we put our trust in Him.

Read: Judges 7 NLT – Gideon Defeats the Midianites – So – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Petition the Lord and be no longer sad

June 5, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“She said, ‘Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.’ So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” 1 Samuel 1:18 NASB

Sometimes we need someone to talk to, but that someone may not be the best one to hear us out. Our closest friends, relatives, and even our spouses may know us very well, but what is seeded in the heart is hard even for our most intimate companions to understand. Hannah found this out first hand with her husband Elkanah as recorded in 1 Samuel chapter 1 of the Old Testament.

Hannah was childless yearning for a child. Scripture says, “but the LORD had closed her womb.” (1Sam.1:5 nasb) Every year Elkanah would go up to Shiloh with his two wives to worship and offer sacrifices before the LORD. On the day of sacrifice Elkanah would give portions to Phinehas, his other wife, but to Hannah he gave a double portion. Phinehas had children and would often remind Hannah that she did not just to irritate her. This happened year after year. Hannah, being distressed, would cry and not eat very much during the festive meal.

Husbands have a way of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, and I can testify to that, as can Elkanah, Hannah’s husband. He said to her, “Why are you crying, Hannah? Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?” (1Sam.1:8 nlt) This was not what she wanted to hear. Elkanah meant well, but he didn’t have a clue about the hurt and emptiness his wife felt.

Hannah went to the only one who truly knew her. The one who created her and knew of her intimate thoughts, desires, feelings and emotions. The Bible says she prayed to the LORD weeping bitterly. She poured out all that was in her heart, all her emotions, and her special request. After bringing her burdens before the LORD, she went on her way, ate, and was no longer sad.

When we petition the Lord in prayer bringing all our trials and requests to Him, pouring out our deepest emotions, we can be sure that He hears us and will answer according to His perfect will. Petition the Lord and be no longer sad.

Read: 1 Samuel 1:1-18 NLT – Elkanah and His Family – There was a – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

The Last Passover – The First Lord’s Supper

June 4, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve disciples.” Matthew 26:20 NLT

The last meal Jesus had with His disciples on the night before His crucifixion is known to many as the Last Supper. We have all seen that painting of that historic event. Jesus is seated in the center with the disciples gathered around Him on both sides. He will proceed to break the bread passing it to His disciples, representing His body, and then passing the cup representing His shed blood. But that is not how the meal started.

The gospel of Matthew tells us, “On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?’” (Mt.26:17 nlt) Jesus was in the habit of celebrating the Passover along with the Jewish community remembering God’s deliverance of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. This was the yearly observance as instructed by the Lord and explained by Moses in the book of Deuteronomy. (Dt.16:1-8) Jesus participated in this Passover meal with His disciples in that upper room that evening. Luke 22:15 expresses Jesus’ anticipation in having this meal with them. “Jesus said, ‘I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins.’” (nlt) John MacArthur notes, “He wanted to prepare them for what was coming.”

Jesus would be crucified the next day as a sacrifice for sin. During the meal Jesus took bread and broke it into pieces giving it to His disciples saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” (Mt.26:26 nlt) He then took a cup of wine and gave it to His disciples telling them to drink from it explaining, “for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” (Mt.26:28 nlt) Jesus carefully explained to them His time had come for His purpose was to lay down His life, His body being broken, and His blood shed for the remission of sin. (Heb.9:22)

The evening started with the Passover meal remembering God’s deliverance of the Jews as He saw the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the doorposts. It was symbolic of Jesus’ soon to be shed blood on the cross of Calvary for our sin. Jesus finished the meal by instituting a new covenant through His blood and a new observance for all those who believe in His name, the Lord’s Supper. Jesus said, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1Cor.11:26 esv) May we always remember our Lord’s death each time we gather for Worship.

Read: Matthew 26:17-29 NLT – The Last Supper – On the first day of – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Silence is Golden

June 3, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Psalm 62:5 ESV

The term ‘silence is golden’ is to say that it is often better to remain silent than to speak. That certainly bodes well if you are prone to talk too much. The less you speak the better chance you have of not saying something you might regret. Silence is also golden when remaining quiet to listen and learn. Instead of injecting your comments, opinions, or your brilliant assessment of a situation it is best to listen in silence and learn. This is especially true if you have a problem that is over your head. Seek the advice of one who is experienced and listen in silence.

King David had a big problem. His very life was being threatened. David had conspirators seeking to dethrone him by killing him. Imagine what was going through David’s mind as he was on the run from his enemies. David had more than enough experience in fighting battles, all of them successful. He could have prepared a battle plan in his mind and discussed it with the Lord, yet he sat before the Lord his God listening in silence. David had faith in God his only hope and he was patient saying, “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” (Ps.62:5 esv)

You may not have a problem to the extent of someone looking to kill you, but some problems could have that effect on you. You want to share and tell someone what you are experiencing, hardly slowing down to take a breath. Perhaps it’s good therapy to get it off your chest and that is fine but retreat enough to listen to sound advice. Ultimately, God should be our first resource in seeking comfort and answers to our dilemma. It’s ok to tell God all your problems, but keep in mind that He already knows and has all the answers. Sit in silence before Him and allow Him to comfort your soul and speak to your heart. Remember silence is golden, so, “wait in silence, for (your) hope is from him.” (Ps.62:5b esv)

Read: Psalm 62 ESV – My Soul Waits for God Alone – To the – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements- 1

June 2, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35 NLT

Each of the four gospel writers in the New Testament portray Jesus in a manner to stress a certain characteristic of the Son of God. The gospels together create a perfect portrait of Jesus. Matthew’s main focus is on Jesus as the Jewish Messiah and King. Mark, writing to a mostly a Roman Gentile audience focuses on Jesus the servant. Luke with a much broader Gentile audience portrays Jesus as the Son of Man, focusing on His humanity. The apostle John writes to prove the deity of Jesus so that all may believe Jesus is the Son of God, and that believing they may have life in His name. Included in John’s gospel is the seven ‘I Am’ statements Jesus made. We will look at these statements over the next seven weeks.

Bread is a staple food item that sustains nourishment to our physical bodies. Other staple food products would include; milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry and other various meat products. But bread seems to have cornered the market (pun intended) on what foods are necessary to stock up on before an approaching snowstorm in my part of the Untied States along with milk and eggs.

Physical hunger has been satisfied, physical bodies were nourished, and lives sustained for thousands of years by the bread provided for us through the baking process. Our bodies need food to survive. Many people who were in the crowd when Jesus fed the five thousand followed after Him the next day and Jesus rebuked them saying “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. (Jn.6:26 nlt)

The followers were only thinking of the physical, the here and now, much like we do today. Jesus then proceeded to tell them to believe in Him. He was the bread of God which came down from heaven and gives life to the world, in which they responded “always give us this bread.” (Jn.6:33-34) Again, only thinking in physical terms, the same is true today.

Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.” Those who accept Jesus (the bread of life) for Salvation will receive the nourishment needed to sustain eternal life. This is the first of seven “I AM” statements that Jesus made in the Gospel of John concerning His deity and the message of Salvation. Have you received “Jesus the bread of life?”

Read: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206%3A22-51&version=NLT

A Christian Perspective

Why the Rainbow?

June 1, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.” Genesis 9:13 NLT

How often have you had the opportunity to see a rainbow in the sky during or after a summer afternoon thunderstorm? It is a marvelous spectacle and one of many of God’s creations. The first mention of a rainbow appears in Genesis chapter 9. Although theologians differ on when God created the rainbow either ‘in the beginning’ or after the worldwide flood, we know for sure the meaning and significance of the rainbow was put in place after the flood.

God, creator of the universe and the earth, has a unique purpose for each of His creations. The purpose of most of God’s creations are not revealed to us, but several are. Each of His creations point us to God’s almighty power, His infinite knowledge, His Holiness, and His love, grace and mercy. When we see a rainbow in the sky, it is more than magnificent splendor, it is a reminder to the specific purpose as to why it is there. It is the sign of God’s promise to each of us on the earth that He will never again destroy the entire earth by a worldwide flood.

God has kept His promise and will continue to keep His promise. The rainbow is a sign of God’s covenant with us. It is a sign of His faithfulness to us even though we are anything but faithful to Him. He forever remains faithful.

As we find comfort in the assurance of God’s faithfulness, may we not forgot what brought along the destructive flood. “Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence. God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt.” (Gen.6:11-12 nlt) We find ourselves in the same place today, sins of corruption and violence in all walks of life before a Holy God, and still God is keeping His promise.

But that does not protect the world from future judgement. The Lord is going to return one day. Jesus explaining to His disciples said, “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all.” (Lk.17:26-27 nlt)

The rainbow was put in place, to remind us that God is faithful and “…. He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (2Pt.3:9b) That is ‘why the rainbow’!

Read: Genesis 9:8-17 NLT – Then God told Noah and his sons, “I – Bible Gateway