Author: Loring Schultz

Christian Devotional Writer
A Christian Perspective

Forgetting the Work of God

Loring Schultz

“The Ephraimites, armed with the bow, turned back on the day of battle. They did not keep God’s covenant but refused to walk according to his law. They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them.” Psalm 78:9-11 ESV

Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash

The United States of America is indeed a nation that has been enormously blessed by God. From its conception almost two-hundred and fifty years ago until the present day, the nation has been guided by the hand of almighty God. But what was conceived and brought forth through the prayers and faith of our forefathers is about to go at it alone without God. America is on its way to a major re-set along with the rest of the world, forgetting the work of God throughout the short history of the nation. It is about to be replaced with a Godless culture and secular society. We have seen the beginnings of this re-set emerging over the last sixty years.

Psalm 78 is both an instructive and a warning psalm. It is addressed to the children of Israel in the northern kingdom. It serves as instruction for them to not walk in the ways of their fathers and warnings of the consequences if they do. The children of Ephraim, the Ephraimites, are called out primarily due to their size as they were the largest tribe in the northern kingdom. The psalmist writes, “The Ephraimites, armed with the bow, turned back on the day of battle.” (Ps. 78:9) They did not turn back because of cowardice, they were anything but that, turning back signifies their refusing to obey God’s law, and forgetting His works in the past and going their own way.

Let us pray for America to not continue down this path of forgetting God’s blessings towards us as a nation and to welcome Him back into our culture and society. But on the other hand, what about each of us individually? Have we also turned our back on God? Have we forgotten the work God has done for each one of us? Do we ignore His commandments and the truth of His Word? Are we placing our wants and desires above having a relationship with Him? Are we willfully going at it alone without His help?

Forgetting the work of God in the past will lead to destruction in the future for us individually and the United States as a nation.

Read Psalm 78, a psalm of Instruction and Warning: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2078&version=ESV

Devotionals

Sacred Writings from God Himself

Loring Schultz

“But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:13-15 NASB

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There have been evil people, impostors and deceivers concerning spiritual matters for centuries. What is different today is the number of deceivers with their slick dialogue convincing even Christians that what is false is true, what is evil is good, and what is sin is a lifestyle. At the heart of this deception is the non-regard for “Biblical Infallibility”, the belief that the Bible is reliable and trustworthy. “To confess that the bible is infallible is to confess that the Scriptures are incapable of teaching any error. Taken in itself, this is a term that strongly presents the perfection of Scripture.” (1) Using today’s language we would say, “It is what it is.” There may be passages of scripture that we do not fully understand, subjects that make us uncomfortable, and certain commands we have a hard time following. However, it is God’s word, the Holy Scriptures from God Himself to us.

Paul, in writing to his young protégé Timothy, addressed the importance of referring to and remembering what God says in His Word in times of deception by evil men and imposters. Timothy was grounded in the scriptures from an early age by the influence of both his mother and grandmother. Paul encouraged Timothy when in doubt concerning spiritual things espoused by so-called preachers and teachers of the gospel to “continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them.” (2 Tim.3:14 NASB)

The same call goes out to us today to continue in the truth of God’s Word. As we read the Bible, let us never forget the author, who spoke what He spoke, meant what He meant, cannot be in error or change His mind, and is reliable and trustworthy. The Bible, the Word of God, is what it is, ‘sacred writings from God Himself.’

(1) https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/inspiration-infallibility-inerrancy/

Devotionals

Speaking the Truth from Sincere Hearts

Loring Schultz

 “……speaking the truth from sincere hearts”. Psalm 15:2b NLT

“Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So, stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.” Ephesians 4:24-25 NLT

Photo by Gary Barnes on http://www.pexels.com 

            According to the ‘Bright Futures’ website; “an average person lies 1-2 times per day, 60% of people lie at least once in a thirty-minute conversation, men lie 6 times a day on average while women lie 3 times a day on average, and politicians lie on average once every 5 minutes during a debate.” (1)  There are many other key lying statistics, but you get the point. Speaking the truth is not always automatic, and most likely doesn’t always come from a sincere heart.

            The preceding statistics on truth-telling may not be surprising to some, but couple that with today’s muddy definition of ‘truth’ and one will wonder if anything they hear from anybody is absolute truth. The Bible says Satan is a liar, in fact he is the father of lies, and has been a liar from the beginning. I believe it is safe to say that when we lie, we are participating with Satan’s deceptive practices. So how can we separate ourselves from the temptation to ‘not exactly tell the truth’ in whatever the occasion or circumstance?

            David in Psalm 15, describing ethical integrity and moral responsibility said to speak the truth from a sincere heart. Paul, the apostle, said to the early Christians in Asia Minor, “Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” (Eph. 4:24 NLT) Receiving Jesus Christ as your savior gives you a new nature, the old is gone. (2 Cor. 5:17) We also have changed hearts, perceiving the world through the eyes and mind of Christ, along with the Holy Scriptures enabling us to have love and compassion with a sincere heart. “So, stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.” (Eph. 4:25 NLT) And let us always be ‘speaking the truth from sincere hearts.’

Read: Psalm 15 NLT – Psalm 15 – A psalm of David. Who may – Bible Gateway

(1) 27+ Lying Statistics: The Truth About Lying (2023) (brightfuturesny.com)

Devotionals

Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick

Loring Schultz

“In quietness and confidence is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 NLT

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            Many U. S. Presidents are known by their quips and quotes during the administration they served. ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick’ has become a famous quote by President Theodore Roosevelt. Spoken in a speech in 1901 describing his foreign policy, ‘Big Stick Diplomacy,’ President Roosevelt conveyed the idea of negotiating peacefully, but also letting it be known that other less lenient options were also on the table. The phrase has been implemented many times by the U. S. Government over the last one hundred and twenty years. The full statement by President Roosevelt is ‘speak softly and carry a big stick-you will go far.’

            The prophet Isaiah writes, “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” (Is.30:15 NLT) As Christians we understand that salvation is only of the Lord. We come humbly, in quietness and confidence in the Lord Jesus repenting of our sin receiving His forgiveness and salvation. Quietness and confidence are also seen and put into practice as our strength after our conversion to Christ.

How are we as Christians to act and present ourselves when sharing the gospel with others or are attacked for our faith in Jesus Christ? Paul gives us advice to put on the whole armor of God and stand firm. (Eph. 6:13-17) David refers many times to his confidence of the Lord’s strength in his life in the book of Psalms. Truly our strength as Christians comes from our confidence in our big stick, the Almighty, all-powerful God. Living our lives in quiet obedience to God pleases Him and sets a good example before others. We do not need to be boisterous, unruly, obnoxious, or even afraid in defending our faith. The Lord commands us to be salt and light in the world relying on strength from our quietness and confidence in Him. Speak softly and carry a big stick-you will go far!

Devotionals

What do you need to bury out of sight-out of mind?  

Loring Schultz

“So, they gave Jacob all their pagan idols and earrings, and he buried them under the great tree near Shechem.” Genesis 35:4 NLT

Photo by Daniel Lincoln on Unsplash

            During our forty-four years of marriage, my wife and I have done some serious parting away from things we have collected over the years. There is always some disagreement on what we should keep and what gets trashed or donated. It usually falls in the category of sentimental value. Admittedly, even though I hold to the rule, ‘if we didn’t use it in a year, we don’t need it’, I find myself desiring to hold on to something I find sentimental. But there are some things despite being sentimental that just must go.

            It had been approximately ten years since Jacob and his family left Paddan-aram and his Uncle Laban to the land God promised them. God had instructed Jacob to take his family to Bethel, settle there, and build an alter to the Lord. Before doing so “Jacob told everyone in his household, ‘Get rid of all your pagan idols.’” (Gen. 35:2a NLT) Apparently, they had some items they should have parted with when they left Paddan-aram or at least on the way but still held on to them. Perhaps they were sentimental in nature, but most likely coming from a pagan culture, they were items of superstition and replicas of idol worship. They were about to witness the renewal of the covenant at Bethel and needed to purify themselves and get rid of all remaining traces of idols, sentimental or not. The Bible says they gave Jacob all their pagan idols and earrings and he buried them out of sight.

            As Christians we need to be careful that we are not holding on to something from our past we should have buried when we started our journey walking with Jesus. These may be material things of sentiment or habits we keep around finding them hard to part with. There may be other things we have picked up along the way that are displeasing to God. Over time we will begin to realize these things are bringing us down, hurting our walk with God, and hindering our service to Him. So, what do you need to bury? Let us bury our worthless sentimental idols and habits out of sight as Jacob did, ‘out of sight-out of mind.’  

Read: Genesis 35:1-15 NLT – Jacob’s Return to Bethel – Then God – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Rejecting the Cornerstone of Salvation         

Loring Schultz

“For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12 NLT

Photo by Clay LeConey on Unsplash

            The cornerstone, also called a foundational or setting stone, is the first stone set in building a brick or stone structure. Building then begins by placing bricks and stones around and on top of the foundational stone to secure a strong structure. The cornerstone must be free from defect and perfectly placed to avoid future collapse of the structure due to tilting. The term cornerstone is used several times in Scripture. In the New Testament it is applied to Jesus as being the cornerstone of salvation.

            Jesus used this term referring to Himself as He rebuked the religious rulers once again in a parable. Quoting from the book of Psalms Jesus said to them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’” (Mt. 21:42 NLT) Jesus condemned the religious rulers for rejecting Him as the only way to God, the way of salvation. The religious rulers were the wicked tenant farmers in Jesus’s parable who killed the landowner’s servants and his son to gain control of the vineyard. Jesus said to them, “I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit.” (Mt. 21:43 NLT)

            Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our salvation. Salvation is only through Him. He is the solid rock on which our salvation stands. Those who reject Him are rejecting the only sure foundation for securing eternal life. Jesus is the perfectly place setting stone. All other placed stones of good works and religious practices will crumble under the weight of self-righteousness. Do not allow your self-righteousness to continue rejecting Jesus, the cornerstone of salvation.

Read: Matthew 21:33-46 NLT – Parable of the Evil Farmers – “Now – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

SOLI DEO GLORIA (to God alone be the glory)

Loring Schultz

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31, ESV).

“The aim and final end of all music, should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” Johann Sebastian Bach

Photo by Xavier von Erlach on Unsplash

            One of the greatest composers in the history of Classical Music is Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach was born in Eisenach Germany in 1685 and lived under the shadows of Reformer Martin Luther’s teachings almost two centuries earlier. He realized it was God who gave him the gift of creating beautiful music. It was God making music through him. Bach would mark the top of each manuscript the initials J.J. (Jesu Juva— “Help me, Jesus”) and place S.D.G. (Soli Deo Gloria ‘to God alone, the glory’) at the completion of each composition. Johann Sebatian Bach was certainly living out Paul’s words, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor.10:31 ESV)

            It is foundational that we realize our talents and natural abilities come from our creator. In that alone we should be giving God the glory, for it is impossible to do anything without Him. After all it is not about us, but about God who has given us everything we need in this life. Therefore, all that we accomplish in this life should be to bring glory to God. There should be nothing that brings us greater joy than to glorify God. Jonathan Edwards notes, “by seeking to display the fullness of His glory, the Lord is at the same time seeking our joy.” The highest possible joy ever is bringing glory to God and He is certainly in favor of bestowing joy upon us. The psalmist writes, “Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!” (Ps. 105:2-3 ESV)

            Again, our goal should be to proclaim God’s name giving Him the glory for everything. Our God is a holy God, a just God, a loving God, a forgiving and merciful God, a God of all truth, and a God of true light and purity. The Devotional series “Heart of the Reformation” notes, “We are to exalt His glory because it is the highest good and the only thing that can ultimately satisfy human beings. God’s highest aim is for the furtherance of His glory-ultimately everything God’s does is for His glory” This should be our goal as well.

Photo by Nico Smit on Unsplash
 

            In closing our survey at the Five Solas of the Reformation let us look at how they tie together in the Biblical and Reformed doctrine of salvation. Ultimately our salvation (saving of sinners from eternal damnation) is for the glory of God. “The Heart of the Reformation” series writes, “God’s own glory is His chief motivation to all that He does, and it is for that purpose of displaying His glory that God saves His people.” Scripture is clear salvation is of the Lord and not us, (Ps. 3:8) (sola Scriptura). It is through Christ alone, (solus Christus). By God’s free grace alone, (sola gratia). By faith in Jesus Christ alone, (sola fide). And for God’s glory alone, (Soli Deo Gloria). To God alone be the glory!

Devotionals

Spiritual Malnutrition

Loring Schultz

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.” Jeremiah 15:16 NIV

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

            Statistics as recently as 2019 note 8.9% of the world’s population 690 million people are undernourished. The same statistics list 10,000 children dying daily due to poor nutrition. Those statistics are difficult to accept in the modern world we live in, but nevertheless they are pretty accurate. Daily intake of food provides the nourishment we need to survive. The largest percentage of malnutrition in the world comes from underdeveloped Third World countries. Many government programs and humanitarian organizations worldwide are administering aid to these nations but much more needs to be done. Individual Christians and the local church need to step up in assisting with this great of malnutrition.

            Just as lack of daily food causes malnutrition and death around the world over a period, lack of daily spiritual food (God’s Word) for the Christian results in spiritual malnutrition. Especially for the new believer it is vital to take in the spiritual milk of the Word. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” (1 Pt. 2:2 NIV) After spiritual milk of the Word as you grow in Christ it’s then time for solid food. As a newborn grows, they need the nourishment from solid foods for continued growth and survival. Sadly, many Christians stop feeding on the Bible after receiving the initial stages of spiritual milk stopping the growth process and becoming spiritually undernourished. The apostle Paul scolded the people in the church at Corinth for doing just that, “I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready.” (1 Cor. 3:2 NLT)

            Malnutrition in the world today is tragic and certainly does not need to be the case. Spiritual malnutrition is also avoidable with an estimated 5-7 billion copies of the Bible sold in over 2,000 languages, along with easy access through the internet today and apps on your cell phone. There is plenty of spiritual food available for every Christian. Spiritual growth is vital for every believer in Christ. Growing spiritually in Christ involves a daily diet of God’s Word, prayer, and gathering with brothers and sisters in Christ. Following this three-step approach will keep us from spiritual malnutrition and we will be able to say with the prophet Jeremiah, “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.” (Jer. 15:16 NIV)

Photo by Debby Ledet on Unsplash

Read Hebrews 5:11-14, A Call to Spiritual Growth: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%205%3A11-14&version=NLT

Devotionals

Come to Jesus, He will never drive you away!

Loring Schultz

“…………whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:37b NIV

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            Is there any sin you can commit that is outside the reach of God’s forgiveness? Have you found yourself in a place where you cannot approach God due to your sin, and yet knowing that you need to? Is the light of your Christian life clouded by repeated sin and keeps you from going to God for forgiveness? Have you reached a point where you feel God will or has driven you away from Him due to your sin?

            Just a couple more questions. Do you believe in God? Have you accepted Jesus as your personal savior? Do you believe the Bible is God’s Holy Word to us and every word is true? If you answered yes to these last three questions there is some very good news in the pages of God’s Word especially for you, the good news of God’s forgiveness and restoration for all believers saved by His grace. It is true God hates sin, but He loves you, the sinner.

            In teaching the crowd that followed Him after feeding five thousand men plus women and children, Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (Jn. 6:35 NLT) Jesus was telling them He was the way to salvation and eternal life. Those in need of repentance and forgiveness of sin leading to eternal life were to come to Him, He was the bread of life, eternal life. Jesus didn’t say to those with the most grievous sins stay away, but ‘whoever comes to me I will never drive away.’

            Jesus does not turn anyone away who comes to Him for salvation, nor He will not drive away any of those who accepted Him as savior when coming to Him in confession and asking for forgiveness. His words apply in granting salvation and in forgiving our sin after our salvation. Your sins Jesus died for covers past, present, and future sins, no matter how deplorable. Jesus wants us to come to Him with our sin, whatever it is, and confess it to Him. He will not turn His back on us, in fact, Jesus promised, “………whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”

“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” (Ps. 103:12 NLT)

“For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again” (Prov. 24:16 NKJV)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn. 1:9 NKJV)

Devotionals

What has God Assigned You to Do?

Loring Schultz

“We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.” John 9:4 NLT

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

            Every believer in Christ has been given a specific assignment by God when we became a Christian. The problem is many Christians, me included, have a hard time figuring out what that assignment is. I retired a year ago after forty-five years in retailing, most of them in management. That was God’s assignment for me although there were times it felt like God made a mistake, or somehow, I missed his direction. Several times throughout my career, mostly during times of pressure and stress, I tried to get out from under God’s assignment only to be brought back in to where he had placed me. I regret not realizing it earlier during my retail days, I could have saved myself a lot of trouble. But the Lord made it clear to me during my final years in the job it was where He had assigned me and wanted me to be for all forty-five years.

            Jesus says, “We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.” (Jn. 9:4 NLT) Forty-five years is a long time, but for us in retirement age, it seems like yesterday, therefore one needs to work quickly for there will be a day you will work no more. We must not squander any of the opportunities God assigns for us during our vocational years or in retirement, for a Christian never really retires. God continues to assign certain tasks and responsibilities to each of us. Those assignments are specifically designed for you. Only you can carry out these tasks as God has equipped you to reach those only you can reach.

            So, what has God assigned you to do? You may be struggling with not knowing what God’s assignment is for you, or you may feel as I have that God made a mistake. Start at the beginning, where you are right now is God’s assignment for you, it’s no mistake. Pray, read, and study God’s Word and He will direct you. Live your life as a Christian, loving God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. Be a shining light in this dark world to all outside of Christ. Be sensitive to open doors and opportunities for new assignments the Lord may be leading you to. And be careful to quickly carry out those assigned tasks for we do not know when ‘the night is coming, and then no one can work.’