Author: Loring Schultz

Christian Devotional Writer
A Christian Perspective

Signs of the End of the Age      

Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 24:3-14 NLT – Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of – Bible Gateway

“Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.” Matthew 24:7 NLT

People fleeing a city street amid collapsing buildings, fires, and heavy smoke
People flee through a shattered city as buildings collapse, fires burn, and smoke fills the streets.

When I was young, I can recall several preachers saying if you want to know the future just read the front page of the newspaper. Now that was some time ago as newspapers have gone the way of the dinosaur, so now it is what’s trending on your X account and you will get the same news of the day and in living color. Before I proceed further, the following is not a prediction as to when Jesus Christ will return, but it is a prediction that He will return, and He has given us signs to look for as the day approaches.

This past Monday, August 10th, the country of Colombia was struck with a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. According to the ‘Associated Press’ as of Thursday August 13th, there are 265 confirmed dead and over 4,000 missing as reported by an independent database. It was the most powerful earthquake to hit Colombia in over a century. CBS news reported 3,500 people were injured and 26,000 families have been affected.

Venezuela, a country that shares the same northern region of South America as Colombia, experienced two major earthquakes 39 seconds apart just a little over six weeks earlier on June 24th. Registering 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude on the Richter scale. ‘World Vision’ has reported the quakes killed over 5,000 people and injured 16,700. This also was the strongest quake in over one hundred years in Venezuela. Critical damage has been done to the infrastructure of the country and recovery will take months.

The similarities and differences between these earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela are striking. Scientifically the Colombia Geological Service explains the differences, “There is no relationship between the two events because they obey different dynamics. While the earthquake that occurred in Venezuela was shallower and is associated with the shear interaction of the Caribbean plate with the South American plate, which involves a lateral (transform) movement of one relative to the other; today’s earthquake in Colombia is the result of the subduction (or sinking) of the Nazca plate beneath the South American plate, with a depth of 103 km. This demonstrates that earthquakes are independent,” explained the SGC on X. (1)

Scientifically it makes sense that earthquakes are independent of each other, but what is forgotten is who created the earth and has all things in His control, and that is God. One of the signs Jesus gave His disciples as they asked Him when will the end times come were numerous earthquakes. Jesus said, “There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.” (Mt.24:7 nlt) Numerous earthquakes we have and “Today, the world stands on the brink of unprecedented famines. About thirty million people are experiencing alarming hunger, severe levels of food insecurity and malnutrition in north-eastern Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen.10 million of themare facing emergencyand famine conditions. Famine is already likely happening in parts of northern Nigeria, while Yemen and Somalia are on the brink.” (2)

Our Lord has given us signs to watch for in the days ahead as we anticipate His return. You may thinking haven’t these signs been on-going throughout history? Yes, they have. But the frequency and intensity of the signs will increase as we get closer to the return of Christ. Two things are certain; Jesus will return as Scripture says and we are 2,000 years closer than when Jesus spoke those words.

(1) https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2026-08-11-u1-e129488-s27061-nid337547-magnitud-similar-tiene-terremoto-colombia-relacion

(2) https://www.oxfam.org/en/hungry-world-plenty-millions-brink-famine

Devotionals

Our Creation Mandate             

Loring Schultz

“Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.’” Genesis 1:28 NLT

Four colleagues discussing AI collaboration with digital data displays and laptop
A diverse team collaborates using AI data visualizations in a modern office setting.

Most people would rather not hear this, you may be one of them, but here it goes, we were all made to work. I know it stings a little to hear that, and here is another one, it is not just Monday through Friday 9-5. Sorry about that! It is true the bulk of our work will be focused on what we do for a living to pay the bills and put food on the table, but work is so much more than that. And according to our creation mandate we are not to stop working even during our so-called retirement years if we are so abled. I am not saying we are not to enjoy the life God has given us, but He has created us and put us here for His purposes not ours.

Living in the 21st century there is a lot of concern of what our work will look like with AI fast approaching in the workplace. No doubt, there will be changes, some for the good and some for the not so good. Although AI will eliminate many positions in the workforce it will never eliminate work itself. Work was mandated by God to us at creation to carry out in this life whether we have AI or not. As some people worry over the loss of their jobs, others look forward to easier tasks at their present jobs or moving on to something else making life easier. Whatever the case, there will always be work to do. God will make sure of that.

So, whatever your situation in life, already working, just starting out in the work field, anticipating retirement, or retired from your life’s occupation, you will always have work to do. If your firm or company is in the process of eliminating jobs, be sure God know about it and will provide you with work He has for you. AI will never dissolve God’s work. AI will bring changes in the workplace, but we serve a never changing God whose creation mandate is still in effect.

Devotionals

Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa

Loring Schultz

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared.” Revelation 21:1 NLT 

For all baseball enthusiasts in recognition of Major League Baseball’s ‘field of dreams’ game this evening in Dyersville, Iowa the following is an updated post from a few years ago.

Photo by Los Muertos Crew on Pexels.com

Baseball enthusiasts and movie goers alike share a common interest in the 1989 motion picture release “Field of Dreams.” For the baseball fan, especially those who would consider themselves a traditionalist, a historian and lover of the game, it brought out everything that is good about the game. Baseball has the ability to unite people of all races and generations through a game played on grass and dirt with a wooden bat, ball, and glove. Its legends and heroes have managed to survive the test of time and will continue to do so. For the movie goer and causal baseball fan, the movie brings about an escape from the day-to-day drama in our lives and in the world. It also affirms the yearning of all of us for something much bigger than ourselves is possible, if only in a dream, a field of dreams.

The sentimental attachment to a movie produced thirty-seven years ago has not faded. It has become a national treasure in America with tours of the set where it was filmed on location in Dyersville, Iowa. It prompted Major League baseball in 2021 and 2022 to schedule regular season games to be played next to the already historic site. After a four-year absence, the series continues as another game has been scheduled for today, August 13th. As game week unfolds b there is much enthusiasm as to the upcoming events. This year more than twenty-five members of the Baseball Hall of  Fame will be on hand for the game. People from all levels of society are anticipating the game, the nostalgia, and asking the question from that famous line in the movie, ‘Is this heaven?’ The answer of course is ‘No, it’s Iowa.’  

Many people are looking for a heaven here on earth. They dream of a place if even for a moment that will absolved their tears and frustrations of life. But even in that moment as Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) answered truthfully in that iconic movie, ‘No, It’s Iowa.’ There was no claim that it was heaven, but only a field of dreams.

The good news is, there is such a place as heaven. It is real and not a dream. God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, has made such a place. It is reserved for those who trust in His Son Jesus Christ for salvation. Yes, it is possible to enjoy a little heaven on earth through the blessings God has bestowed on us such as baseball and the movies. But the ultimate enjoyment will be in eternity with our Lord Jesus. Have you made that commitment to trust in Him? You will not need to ask is this heaven when you arrive, you will know. It’s not Iowa, this is heaven.

Photo by Steshka Willems on Pexels.com

Devotionals

Let go of your idols        

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Samuel 4:1-11 NLT – And Samuel’s words went out to all – Bible Gateway

“The Ark of God was captured, and Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed.” 1 Samuel 4:11 NLT

“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21 NIV

Photo by Du039bVu039e Gu039bRCIu039b on Pexels.com

You may have heard anything that takes first place in your life before God is an idol. That is true and anything means anything. It could be possessions, a way of life, your choice of entertainment, even that special loved one. Whatever you place first before God becomes all you think about and care about. It has become an idol. It pushes out not only God, but everything and everyone else out of your life. When it gets to that point, it is time to let go of your idols.

The nation Israel between the time of the judges and the monarchy found themselves in another battle with the Philistines. After being defeated in the Plain of Sharon losing four thousand men they decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant into battle with them the next time. They were right in recognizing they needed God’s help but went around it the wrong way. They did not ask God for His help but use the ‘ark’ as a symbol of God to help them in battle. This was no different than what the pagan Philistines did with the images of their gods. They used it as an idol replacing God or trying to manipulate God to help them. It did not work; God took the idol away from them.

This is an important lesson for each of us in our day. If we do not let go of the idols we hold dear above God, God will take those idols away from us by whatever means necessary. Our God is holy and wants nothing placed in front of Him. The Israelites had no right to remove the Ark of the Covenant out of its holy place into the battlefield. As a result the Lord took it away. We have no right putting anything or anybody in first place over God. Know that God will not settle for second place but will remove what is in front of Him. May we let go of our idols before God takes them away.

Devotionals

Who do you say I am?

Loring Schultz

“Then he asked them, ‘But who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’” Matthew 16:15-16 NLT

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

In the world today as in centuries past there is much debate as to who Jesus is. To many He is a historical figure of great significance in the likes of Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, and other Greek philosophers. Jesus is considered to be one the prophets of old, the greatest of prophets by some. He is the teacher of all teachers. Jesus is the example of how we are to treat and love each other. He is all about love and kindness. Jesus is considered to be the greatest the person who has ever lived.

During Jesus’s ministry on earth the same debate was taking place. Some said He was a political figure who had come to overthrow Rome. Mostly were those who said He was a prophet. Jesus was even named as one the prophets of old and even the recent John the Baptist. Naming Jesus as one of the prophets had Messianic significance, but they missed it equating Jesus as one of the prophets and not the true Messiah.

When Jesus asked His disciples, ‘who do you say I am,’ Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Mt.16:16 nlt) Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah by being with Him and carefully watching His every move and not getting caught up with the excitement of the crowds. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, “The statement by Peter here is not the product of early enthusiasm but of studied reflection and solemn faith.”  Jesus commends Peter for his faith by saying to him, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.” (Mt.16:17 nlt)

So we as today Christians who have put our faith and trust in Jesus recognize Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. Be careful of those who claim Jesus as anything other than God the Son. He certainly is a great teacher, an example on how to live compassionately, and He can debate victoriously with any philosopher past and present, but Jesus is more than all that, He is God the Son. Let us be mindful that those who err on Jesus’s true identity also are mistaken in their teaching even though they may appear sincere, loving, and kind. Our salvation is not according to the good deeds we have done, but by our faith in Jesus Christ, God the Son, who says to the repenting sinner, ‘who do you say I am?’           

Devotionals

Finish What You Started

Loring Schultz

“Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.” 2 Corinthians 8:11 NLT

Years ago when I was a trainee in retail management I had a boss challenge me to ensure that each project I started would be completed. He further indicated that his previous assistant, completed only 90% of each project. He would occasionally comment on my work by saying, “I see a lot of 10 % in the store.” It made quite an impression on a 22 year old fresh out of college beginning a career in retail management. 

In the business world, uncompleted projects can lead to negative results effecting the profitability of the business impacting both consumers and associates of the business. Failure to complete erodes away best of intentions and the best laid plans.

The apostle Paul reminded the church in Corinth of their commitment and desire to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem. The work of collecting money had started, but it had stopped. It was not completed. The needy people in Jerusalem will not get relief and the Corinthian church will missed out on a blessing. Paul encourages them to finish what they started.

Is there a project that you have started for the Lord with the best of intentions and have not yet completed it? Evaluate your situation as to how you can best complete it with the Lord’s help. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to please God by blessing others and in turn receive a blessing yourself. Complete the leftover 10% and finish what you started.

Uncategorized

I am the light of the world: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 2

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, 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. Satan’s 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

Thoughts of the World   

Loring Schultz
Earth globe with swirling words about climate change, unity, peace, and knowledge
A glowing digital globe covered with words about unity, climate, and hope

When it comes to spiritual matters and the things of God, the world has its endless thoughts on the truth of the matter. The world will inform us what is and what is not truth, or it will tell us it is inside us and we will discover it by searching within ourselves. Just be yourself and love yourself. Then there are so called minsters of the gospel preaching a feel-good message of positivity and good works. The apostle Paul needed to defend his ministry against some of the same things we witness in our world today. False prophets were doing their work during Paul’s day as in ours. Paul, himself, was accused of being a false prophet and only in it for money. The thoughts about God in the world are many, and all are against the truth and His salvation message.

Paul was unrelenting in the defense of his ministry and the gospel. He stated, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2Cor.10:5 niv) Anything that slightly resembled an alternative view of the gospel pitting itself against the Lord God, Paul demolished those arguments. They cannot be allowed to stand. Paul knew those distorted thoughts about God lead to confusion and heartache. That is why he took every one of those thoughts and conformed them to Christ.

The church today needs to rally behind Paul’s example of boldness in demolishing the false narratives of God in our culture. Sitting silent on the sidelines while the world is scoring points does not advance the kingdom of God. The Lord has given us all we need to inform the world of the truth, His Word, the Bible. It is time we use it boldly to explain the truth about God.

Devotionals

Jesus; fully human fully God    

Loring Schultz

Read: John 11:38-44 NLT – Jesus was still angry as he arrived at – Bible Gateway

“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 ESV

FreeBibleimages.org

Our church is currently in the middle of a summer series on ‘AI-artificial intelligence.’ As AI seems to be advancing faster than the speed of sound we will never catch up or understand it completely. That is why we have been focusing first on what it means to be human. AI no matter how advanced will never replace humanity as God has designed it. Human beings have an advantage over AI. We are uniquely created in the image of God in which AI could never relate to. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is fully human and He is fully God. No match for AI.

In John’s gospel we see the both the human side of Jesus and His deity. At the grave of His friend Lazarus we read the famously quoted shortest verse in the Bible, ‘Jesus wept.’ It may be the shortest verse in Scripture but it speaks volumes. Jesus in His humanity expressed sorrow over the lost of His friend. Jesus also wept over Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters, as they grieved the passing of their brother. And Jesus wept over the sin of the world that causes death among us all. Jesus is indeed fully human.

But, the good news is, Jesus is fully God. As we know the story, Lazarus did not remain in the grave, Jesus raised him up from the dead. Only Jesus God the Son could do that! Jesus knows of all our sorrows in life for He is ‘a man of sorrows.’ Jesus experience temptation as we do being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Jesus knows what it is like to be cold, hungry, and not having a place to lay His head. He knows what it is like to be fully human and Jesus knows what it is like to be fully God, because He is. As AI advances we have a model to follow on what it means to be human. Let us follow Him for He is fully human and fully God.

Devotionals

Are you growing in Christ?                

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NLT – Paul and Apollos, Servants of Christ – Bible Gateway

“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 Corinthians 3:2 NLT

Photo by Debra Brewster on Unsplash
     

Our church family has been blessed over the last year with newborn babies now in our presence. These young parents have enormous responsibilities in the care of their children. One of the first and most important is the nutrition their baby receives in those early years. Milk, of course, is on the top of the list, but as the child grows a more substantial diet is required for proper and healthy growth. Newborn babies need the required nutrition in their early years and then must move up to an even more nutritionally driven diet.

The same is true for new believers, newborn babes in Christ. They need the milk of the Word in those early years. But there comes a time when milk is not enough and if not moved up to solid food or what is known as the ‘meat’ of the Word, the newborn babe in Christ remains a newborn babe. The Lord did not save us to remain children all our lives. Yes, Christians are the children of God and He is our Father, but even adult children are still their parents children.

If you have had a steady diet of milk in your Christian walk it is time to experience some tasty food of the Word of God. Milk will sustain you, but meat, potatoes, and vegetables of the Word of God will cause a growth spurt that will amaze you. A steady diet of Bible reading, devotional time and prayer, regular church attendance, and being active in church and community activities are the nutrition and spiritual exercise needed to ensure you are growing in Christ. So, time to dig in!