Author: Loring Schultz

Christian Devotional Writer
Devotionals

Our Hope is in the Lord, not in Powerful People

Loring Schultz

“Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.” Psalm 146:3-5 NLT

            The year 2023 is rapidly coming to a close. There is truth to the old sayings, ‘time flies’ and ‘time waits for no man, or woman.’ It is also true the older you get the faster it goes and I’m now on that fast moving train. Time flies. With time moving on as it does, where is your hope for the future? In whom do you place your trust and hope? Whom do you have confidence in to lead you and help you in this world we are living in and ultimately in the next world? The Psalmist of Psalm 146 says this, “But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.” (146:5 NLT)

            As 2024 rolls in so does another Presidential election year in the United States. What was once a very exciting time for me every four years being intrigued with politics has become a time of frustration and disappointment in the political process. I have learned over the years that putting your trust in people over God also adds to this frustration and disappointment. Our trust is to be in God who “controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.” (Dan. 2:21 NLT) People no matter how noble, honest, sincere, humble, smart, or tenacious they are, will fail and disappoint you, even the most powerful people.

            As Christians our trust and hope is to be in God, and God alone. Our current culture is crumbling in the United States and seemingly out of control. One can easily be overcome with frustration, disappointment, and depression. Therefore, the words of the Psalmist written many years ago are here to comfort us today as we head into 2024, “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there….. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. “(Ps. 146:3, 5 NLT)

Read Psalm 146: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20146&version=NLT

Devotionals

Give your best to the Lord

Loring Schultz

“Cursed is the cheat who promises to give a fine ram from his flock but then sacrifices a defective one to the Lord.” Malachi 1:14a NLT

            Successful athletes sacrifice much in striving to achieve the best they can be. When reaching the pinnacle of being able to perform at a high level, they do not slack off, but continue to give their best. Their desire is to see the results of heavy training, a healthy diet, and the sacrificing of creature comforts. Giving their best is self-satisfying and pleasing to teammates in a team sport. When one does not give their best in the sporting world it is very noticeable. Teammates and fans alike recognize it immediately and one’s individual statistics cannot hide the fact. Giving a lackluster performance when one is more than capable to step it up by giving their best is, well let’s say, cheating.

            God accused Israel of cheating by not giving their best sacrifice. They had it in their power to do so, they had their best, and even promised to do so, but chose to not give it. God demanded the very best, an unblemished animal, for sacrifice. Israel thought they would get by offering a less than stellar performance but they did not get away with it.

            Christians today will also not get away with not giving their best in serving the Lord. God is holy and He demands the best that each one of us is capable of doing. He will call us out. We cannot hide or get away with it. The talents and gifts the Lord has given to us are to be used for His honor and His glory to the best of our ability. Although I am a sports enthusiast I was never much of an athlete, but the Lord has given me other talents that I am to use in serving Him. All of us have the opportunity and capability, with the Lord’s help, to give our best. Give your best to the Lord!

Read the account of Israel giving unworthy sacrifices: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+1%3A6-14&version=NLT

Devotionals

Angels Worship Him

Loring Schultz

“And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, ‘Let all of God’s angels worship him.’” Hebrews 1:6 NLT

“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’” Luke 2:13-14 NLT

            Have you ever thought of the significance of the angels announcing Christ’s birth and preceding to worship Him in highest praise? We read the familiar story of the shepherds being the first to hear the news and quite spectacularly in the gospel of Luke. (Lk. 2) Angels are God’s ministering spirits to serve Him and on this particular night they were sent out to shout the good news of the Messiah’s birth. God’s created spirit beings, the angels, worshiped the Christ child because He was God the Son, the second person of the trinity. Hebrews 1:6 says, “And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, ‘Let all of God’s angels worship him.’” (NLT) And they did.

            This is of vital importance especially in our day as there are many who consider Jesus to be no more than an angel of higher rank. Others perceive Him to be a prophet, and still others believe He was just a man sent by God for good works and to act as a model on how we are to live our lives. Today’s world is filled with false religions that support these claims and sadly there are many (so called) Christian churches among them.

            To understand Jesus’ deity, that He is truly the God-man, is everything. Our very salvation depends on a perfect, sinless, and blameless substitute sacrificed for the remission of sins. That substitute could only be Jesus Christ, the Son of God-the Messiah, whom the angels worshiped. Do you know Jesus as truly the Son of God and have you accepted Him as your Savior? Make this Christmas season be the year you accept Christ for even the ‘Angels Worship Him.’

Bible Studies

“Your Miraculous Day” Conquering New Territory: The Book of Joshua (….through faith, courage, obedience, and devotion to the Word of God)

Loring Schultz

“There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the LORD answered such a prayer. Surely the LORD fought for Israel that day!” Joshua 10:14 NLT

            Moving into a new stage in life is difficult as we have been examining for several weeks now. Adjustments need to be made, accepted, and adhered to. Wisdom in determining your priorities are essential in on-going decision making as you proceed through your new territory. All these under the direction of God who is leading you through it with your faith, courage, obedience and trust in Him. Managing through the tough times with the Lord’s help is such an encouragement and motivates us to keep going as well feel His blessings. We are thankful for His help and guidance for even the small things, for even the small things add up to a big thing. And sometimes a big thing can be so overwhelming you cannot imagine or see your way through it. But God has not stopped leading you and is about to see you through as only He can.

            Joshua and the nation of Israel had been under the Lord’s guidance through a miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, conquering the city of Jericho and Ai after a second attempt due to their sin. They had partaken of the fruit of the land as the manna stopped once settled in the Promised Land. They were beginning to feel confident and comfortable in their position leading them to make the mistake of not seeking the Lord in a matter they deemed a small thing. That small thing of making a treaty with Gibeon turned out to be a big thing. We at times begin to get over confident when things go well for us forgetting that it is the Lord who is accomplishing His work through us. Although this gets us into a mess at times, the Lord has not abandon us and will see us through as He did for Joshua and Israel.

            In Joshua chapter 10 we learn that five surrounding cities have allied together to attack Gibeon who made the treaty with Israel. Gibeon fearful of the outcome sought Joshua and Israel for their help in this battle. But now instead of fighting one city at a time, Israel was faced with the five armies of the Amorite kings at once. Overconfidence by trusting in ourselves does not always work to our advantage as Israel is about to find out.

            Our Lord is gracious to us even in our downfalls. He was gracious to Joshua and his fighting men as they approached the battle scene. A message from the Lord that was very familiar was spoken once again, “’Do not be afraid of them,’ the LORD said to Joshua, ‘for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.’” (Jos. 10:8 NLT) Once again Joshua is assured victory with the Lord’s help. The Bible says God threw the invading armies in a panic and Joshua and his men slaughtered them in great numbers. The Lord God also sent a hail storm upon the retreating Amorite armies killing more of them than were killed in battle with Joshua. The Lord indeed was fighting for Israel. As much as a miracle that was, Joshua receives another miracle as an answer to his prayer marking this as his miraculous day.

            Joshua prayed, “’….Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.’ So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies.” (Jos. 10:12b-13a NLT) What a spectacular event! The sun stood in its place allowing Joshua’s army additional daylight and time to defeat their enemies. There are several theories as to the meaning of the sun standing still. Some say an eclipse of the sun occurred providing them with shade, others view it as language of observation in that Joshua’s army only felt the day was longer as they were able to accomplish the victory, and then others as myself, claim that the sun did indeed stand still. It was a miracle by the creator God who spoke the universe into existence now suspended the earth from rotating in its normal pattern for a day.

            If you are currently in a bad place in your new territory by your own doing and see no way out way of the tunnel you drove yourself into, ask the Lord to help you see the His light at the end of that tunnel. Ask Him to extend the daylight in your battle, whatever it is, long enough for you to see clearly His direction and allow Him to continue to fight your battles. Do not get overconfident in trusting yourself and end up in bad place, but if you do ask the Lord to extend to you, ‘your miraculous day.’

Read Joshua 10:1-15, Israel Defeats the Southern Armies: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2010%3A1-15&version=NLT

A Christian Perspective

A Call to Prayer for the Nation

Loring Schultz

For the Christian “A Call to Prayer” should never need to be called for. The sad fact is for some Christians it needs to be, and also the church. We’ve become all too complacent with our lives. We are either too busy, or think we have got it covered, or God knows all our needs and He will take care of it. Some Christians call on God only when a real disaster strikes them in their family, or when a major crisis occurs in our country or somewhere around the world. We are then ready and feel the need to pray either by ourselves, or with our families, or with the church family.

Photo by David Renken on Pexels.com

Such a need has been felt in the United States since January 6, 2021. The nation’s capital, the beacon of democracy and freedom, had been overrun by insurgents with violence causing destruction, desecration, injuries, and loss of life. The political aftermath the last three years has added more confusion, frustration, and division among the people. We would be wise to remember it is God who has the ultimate authority and who established the rule of law. This same God, the creator of all things, has given this authority to men and women to govern and to rule maintaining law and order where they serve.

The terrorist attack on Israel led by Hamas has also heighten divisions between supporters of the Jews and supporters of the Palestinian people here in the United States. This country has been in deep division since the year 2000 and is growing deeper. Sadly we are at a point where it doesn’t take a major crisis or a war to add fuel to the burning house of division in the nation.  

So, as Christians we are to pray as Paul instructs us in 1 Timothy, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.” Paul’s concern, as ours should be, is that all would come to know the true God, helping them understand His Word, interceding for them, and thanking God for them. We are to also pray for those who rule over us that they may also come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and as Paul says, “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

Christians call to prayer is always to be for the Salvation of all people, including those who rule over us whether we agree with them of not. Nero, the ruler in Paul’s day, was a great blasphemer and persecuted the Christians, yet Paul said to pray for him. What will heal the division today in the United States than our leaders leading in a way, “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Let all Christians heed the call to prayer, individually, in our homes, and in the church.

Devotionals

A Wide Door of Opportunity

Loring Schultz

“for a wide door for effective work has opened to me” 1 Corinthians 16:9 ESV

Photo by Yusuf Kaya on Pexels.com

            Christians have a great opportunity to share their faith every December. Just take a look around, there are not many people who are not affected by the Christmas season in some way.  It could be the busyness of the season from the shopping, decorating your home, or preparing that special meal, not to mention exhaustion from participating in many activities and the anxiety that goes along with it. It could also be the lonely, distressed, and sad emotions the season brings. Yes, there is “a wide door” that is opened to share the love and peace of Christ and why He came-the true meaning of Christmas.

            We cannot escape the sights and sounds of Christmas from the festive lights and trees to the constant flow of Christmas music, to the cable networks and streaming services providing Christmas movies 24/7 repeating the same feature over and over again.

            The bottom line is; what an opportunity we have as Christians to engage our culture with the true meaning of Christmas. Not that there is anything wrong with Christmas trees, lights, continuous music or movies, there is not. And what about gifts, nothing wrong with gift giving either. We give gifts at Christmas following God’s example of giving. He gave us the greatest gift of all, His Son Jesus Christ. This Christmas may we all share our faith in Christ by “keeping the Main Thing, the Main Thing”, the Reason for the Season.

Devotionals

Worthless Things

Loring Schultz

“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.” Psalm 119:37 NLT

Photo by Jean van der Meulen on Pexels.com

            Something of worth is defined as having a material value, especially in terms of money. Also something deserving of importance or merit is also considered valuable or worthy. Some things of worth range from jewelry, automobiles, real estate, furniture, fine china, and many others pieces of material worth, even money itself. Achievements such as receiving a college degree from a highly respectable university is very valuable when presented in the job market. 

            Worthless things would be the opposite of worthy things. Old rusted cars, run down property, broken china, worn down stained furniture, even the university degree if the holder devalued it by regrettable acts would now be useless. But even worthless things can be restored, just attend an antique automobile show, or visit an antique shop and you will see restoration. Real estate developers can turn unseemly property into luxurious residential areas, and many individuals have restored their reputation with the help of caring organizations.

            The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:37, “Turn my eyes from worthless things.” In this section of Psalm 119, the psalmist desires to be instructed in God’s laws. He asks God to help him to turn away from worthless things. Taking our definition of worthless things, it would seem quite easy to turn away from those things, unpleasant as they are. But that is not what the psalmist had in mind. He really wanted to turn away from the worthy things. In comparison to God’s Word even the things of worth are worthless. He writes, “…..give me life through your word.”(119:37b) His desire was to look upon things of the greatest value, the Word of God.

            Having the proper perspective on who and what is worthy will go a long way in living our lives according to God’s Word. It will help us grow in our relationship with Him, and we will have a better understanding of what is of value and what is not. May we ask the Lord to turn our eyes from worthless things.

Read Psalm 119:33-40: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119%3A33-40&version=NLT

Devotionals

Do you have the gift? Yes, you do!

Loring Schultz

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.” 1 Peter 4:10-11a NLT

            Fear of not being qualified or talented enough has kept many Christians from serving the Lord in their local church. There are also other, not so legitimate, reasons for not serving and you most certainly cannot serve if you do not attend church, but that is for another day. Today, be encouraged the Lord God has gifted you to serve Him in His church. If you are a child of God you have been given a spiritual gift, maybe even a combination of serval gifts, but one in particular to serve God within His church.

            The gifts that God bestows upon us at our conversion are spiritual gifts of a supernatural nature. They are gifts we did not possess before, nor could we achieve them on our own. They are also not to be confused with natural God given abilities which can and should be used to bring glory to God. These are gifts given to us by God to serve Him and our brothers and sisters in Christ where we gather together as a body of believers.

            It is also important to note not everyone has the same gift. Oh, there may be others who have similar gifts, but a variety of gifts works best for the church to function orderly and for all to be taught, encouraged, cared for, and blessed. Whether you have the gift of teaching, administration, leadership, hospitality, serving, exhortation and caring, or a hands on where needed, used the gift God has given you for His glory. You are qualified and talented enough so do not fear. Do you have the gift? Yes, you do!

Devotionals

Our Christian Responsibilities

Loring Schultz

“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:17 NIV

            Life as a Christian is not an easy task. It has never been without the Lord’s help. We live in a world that is dominated by Satan’s influence and any rejection of that influence is met with resistance. However we are called to be a light in this dark world and salt for a preservative to prevent the spoilage cause by evil. The apostle Peter reminds us of our responsibilities as Christians as a way to work this out. And our Lord expects us, with His help, to live in such a way as to bring glory to Him.

            We begin by showing proper respect to everyone. Yes, even those we do not agree with and those who do us harm. Every person is made in the image of God and for that they deserve respect. Allow everyone to see Jesus in us and be transparent by being obedient to His Word.

            Love the family of believers. Unfortunately our love for fellow Christians is, at times, not what it should be. Apparently it was also true in Peter’s day. Jesus addressed our duty to love our Christian brothers and sisters by saying, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

            Christians are also to fear God. Fear in the sense of a “reverential awe” for who He is; Holy, the creator of all things, the sustainer of life, merciful, gracious, just, all powerful, all knowing, and a loving God.

            Lastly, Peter instructs us to “honor the emperor”, those in authority over us. The Roman emperor in Peter’s day was Nero. Peter tells his readers to honor Nero. Honor is to “highly regard” with “inner respect.”  We are to be obedient to the governmental authorities, except when the law goes against the law of God according to scripture. (Acts 5:29)

            Yes, life as a Christian is not an easy task and we cannot do it in our strength. But with the Lord’s help we can “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” and fulfil ‘Our Christian Responsibilities.’

.

Devotionals

Perfectly Planned

Loring Schultz

“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.” Luke 1:8-9 NIV

            In early Jewish history the Temple had incense burning continually in front of the veil that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. There were twenty-four divisions of temple priests who each ministered for one week twice a year. Their job was to keep the incense burning by a lone priest entering the Holy Place and offering the incense every morning and evening. Their selection to perform this duty was chosen by lot. Due to the number of priests within each division and the fact they only served twice a year, it was indeed a rare privilege to serve in this capacity. Most priests never had the opportunity for this duty and no one was to serve more than once.

            Zechariah, a priest from the division of Abijah, had the once in a lifetime privileged to enter into the Holy Place to burn incense. His division was on duty and he was chosen. Some would argue he was chosen by chance of the lot, the luck of the straw, or even coincidence. But this was perfectly planned by God. For as he was performing his duties an angel of the Lord appeared before him. He declared to Zechariah that Elizabeth, his wife would have a child in her old age. His name would be John, John the Baptist, and he was to be the forerunner to the Messiah, Jesus. Six months later, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing that she will be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and will conceive and bear a Son and His name would be Jesus. 

            God’s planning and timing is perfect. He is never late, but always on time. His plans always work out according to His schedule. A lesson for us in our impatience to wait on the Lord and trust His plan for our lives, for it is ‘perfectly planned.’

Read Luke 1:5-25, The Birth of John the Baptist foretold: Luke 1:5-25 NIV – The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold – Bible Gateway