Author: Loring Schultz

Christian Devotional Writer
Devotionals

Fan Into Flames

Loring Schultz

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.” 2 Timothy 1:6 NLT

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Are you using your “Spiritual Gift” that God has given you? Spiritual gifts differ from our God given natural gifts and abilities in that they are given to us by the Holy Spirit as we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ for Salvation. Gifts such as; teaching, giving, exhorting, encouraging, serving, leadership and mercy. These gifts are given to us to serve the Lord where He has placed us within the local church and in the ministry He has for us wherever that may be.

The apostle Paul reminded Timothy to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave him. Timothy needed some encouragement. Perhaps he was fearful, timid or shy. We may feel the same at times, but whatever the case, it is good instruction for us today to fan into flames the spiritual gift that God has given us.

Think of it this way; your gift was given to you for a specific purpose and if you do not use it there will be many people who will miss out on a spiritual blessing that only you can provide. It is your spiritual gift. Use it.   Read 2 Timothy 1:3-7 Encouragement to Be Faithful: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A3-7&version=NLT

Devotionals

For just such a time as this

Loring Schultz

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NLT

            Have you ever imagined yourself living in another time and place? Perhaps you fantasized of living during the Renaissance Era in Europe, the Colonial Days of the 17th and 18th centuries or the so-called Fabulous 50’s in America. Whatever your dreams or fantasies, rest assured that you are where you are by Divine design. It is not by chance. God has placed each of us in the space of time and location by His choosing.

            The story of “Esther” in the Old Testament is an excellent example of God’s Divine providence. Esther was in a position, by highly usual circumstances I might add, to keep her people, the Jews, from annihilation. (Esther 3:12-13)

            We may not be in such a dilemma as Esther, but God places each of us to carry out His purposes by being obedient and faithful where he has placed us. You may ask yourself “Why I am here, at this place, during this time?” You are here to carry out God’s purposes in telling others the Good News of His Son, Jesus Christ right where he has placed you.

Bible Studies

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

Loring Schultz

“So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them.” Joshua 3:14 NLT

            A major cause in failing to succeed in conquering new territory is the failure to make a total commitment to see it through. There may be legitimate reasons for the hesitation such as; being in new territory you haven’t been there before, there is a reluctance to leave your current comfort space, and fear of the unknown ahead of you are some reasons to take a step back and not totally commit. Unfortunately some new territory we are to conquer is beyond our control and we need to do our best to conquer it. Certain life situations will not allow us the luxury of putting off the change that is necessary in our lives. We need to act, making the commitment to see it through until completion.

            The good news is we do not need to do it alone. As Christians we have the Holy Spirit to guide us along the way. The Lord God will lead us into our new territory. There is nothing that takes God by surprise. He is aware of everything that comes into our lives, and in fact is a part of His sovereign will. If the Lord has new territory for us to conquer according to His will, we can be sure He has already put in place the necessary means to conquer it.

            The children of Israel had new territory to conquer in entering the land God had promised them. Not only would they face battles in capturing each city, but the first battle they faced was to cross the Jordan River at flood stage. Once across the Jordan, there would be no easy retreat back from the armies of the major cities. The time had come for all Israel to make a total commitment of faith to the Lord God. Israel did just that under Joshua’s leadership. After the spies returned with a good report, Joshua wasted no time in preparing to continue on with the Lord’s plan. We read in Joshua 3:1, “Early the next morning Joshua and all the Israelites left Acacia Grove and arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, where they camped before crossing.”

            Along the Jordan River for the next three days Joshua and his officers instructed the hundreds of thousands of Israelites in the procedure of crossing over. They were to follow the Levitical priests who would be carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, following at a distance of a half mile behind so all would be able to see it. The Lord would be leading them for they had not travelled that way before. Joshua also commanded them to purify themselves, an outward cleansing and an inward devotion to God. This was a solemn occasion and they were about to see the Lord God do miraculous things.

            Israel witnessed the great power of God that their fathers saw forty years earlier when they witnessed the parting of the Red Sea. The Lord commanded the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the Jordan River and upon descending from the river banks the water started to back up upstream twenty miles away in the city of Adam. The nation of Israel then crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. The Lord God was aiding Israel in their venture of conquering their new territory. The nation totally committed by faith, obedience, courage, and devotion to God the plan in bringing them into the Promised Land. 

            Whatever new territory we are in or about to enter, let us learn from the example of Joshua and the nation of Israel. The Lord desires that we be totally committed to Him and the plans He has for us. He always has our best interests at heart and nothing in His plans are designed to hurt us but for us to be successful and to grow spiritually in Him. Paul writes in the book of Romans encouraging words for us as we totally commit to God in conquering our new territory, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Read Joshua 3 Total Commitment, The Israelites Cross the Jordan: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+3&version=NLT

A Christian Perspective

Understanding What Divides Us

Loring Schultz

“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:18-19 NIV

            Our world is divided between countries. Countries are divided within themselves. Political parties divide the government landscape. Groups of people divide themselves by race, ethnicity and religion, country of origin and even by where they reside in the country, state, or providence they hail from.

            What divides us is more than where we live, where we were born, or the color of our skin. It is more than what our political beliefs are, what our economic status is, or how we view history. Understanding what divides us is crucial for any hope of bringing us together. The irony is; that what divides us also unites us. It is the Cross of Jesus Christ.

            The cross of Christ is more divisive than any other symbol, political movement, government rulings, or any opposing points of view. This has been true since the crucifixion of Christ two thousand years ago. Scripture says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16 NIV) “Whoever” means “whoever!” All have equal access to accept Christ, because all need to accept Christ and all are in the same boat of sin and sinking fast. No one is exempt.

            Understanding the divide is pictured clearly on Calvary’s hill that horrible day of crucifixion. Jesus was crucified between two others, both guilty of crimes, both deserving punishment, and both in need of repenting of their sin and accepting Christ. One of them mocked Jesus and wanted release immediately saying to Him, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (Lk. 23:39) The other, understanding his just punishment and his need beyond this world, said “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Lk. 23:42)

            Today we have those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and those who continuingly mock Him. They have refused to acknowledge their sin and their need to be rescued out of that sinking boat. What divides us is a spiritual divide. It is those who have the Spirit of God who realize this world is not all there is, and it is those who cannot see beyond this world for they are spiritually blinded. Paul writes to the early church in Corinth, “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.” (1 Cor. 2:14 NLT) What the apostle wrote centuries ago is just as true today.

            The cross of Jesus Christ which is the way of salvation for those who believe in Christ as their savior is the same cross that is foolishness to those who do not believe. This is what still divides us today, but can unite us in Christ if those unbelievers would forsake their foolishness and accept Jesus Christ the Lord.

            The world needs to understand what divides us is a spiritual divide. It is a divide between those who believe in the God of the Bible and His plan of Salvation through Jesus Christ, God the Son, and those who do not. May we as Christians understand where the true division starts and where it ends, and may we work to lead those in need of Christ to salvation.

Devotionals

Looking out for #1

Loring Schultz

“When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.” Matthew 20:24 NLT

            During my years in the corporate world I’ve seen opportunities for advancement present themselves in various ways. Some were decisions made by company executives promoting individuals into vacated positions or newly created positions of which I was the recipient and also passed over at times. Other opportunities were posted within the corporation with proper procedures in applying for the open positions. It is within this framework that one might try to take advantage over others if they have a contact with influence in the decision making process. Sometimes it worked to their advantage and sometimes not, but what was consistent was the resentment felt of others who had no such advantage. 

            Trying to work your way into an inside track is a tactic used for thousands of years and by those we would think would be above implementing such a maneuver, such as Jesus’s disciples. Jesus had told His disciples they would be ruling with Him in the kingdom sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Mt. 19:28) Two of His disciples, James and John, used an influential contact, their mother, in asking Jesus if they would be granted to sit on His left and on His right in the kingdom. To be fair, the gospel of Mark records James and John as asking Jesus, but there is no contradiction here in Matthew’s account. It is possible that all three were present in asking Jesus, or as John MacArthur notes, ‘more likely that they had discussed it among themselves beforehand, and each posed the question to Jesus privately.’ The bottom line is they were seeking an advantage for themselves over the other disciples.   

            Scripture tells us, “When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.” (Mt. 20:24) There are the two sides to this coin we need to understand. It is true the other disciples felt resentment, but they were sorry they did not get to Jesus first to ask Him. They were, in fact, jealous. They were all looking out for #1. Jesus then explains to all His disciples His kingdom is not like the kingdoms of the world. It’s not about being #1, but serving. He uses Himself as the greatest example of serving, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt. 20:28)

            Temptations are always present in our day to look out for #1, But as Christians, when we look out only for ourselves we leave a trail behind us of those who now look at us defiantly, the very ones we are to help and serve.

Read Jesus teaches about serving others: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20%3A20-28&version=NLT

Devotionals

No Excuse

Loring Schultz

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20 NLT

            All of us must admit there are times when something is so obvious, so clearly seen, so clearly heard, even so clearly felt, that we cannot deny is authenticity. Indeed it must be true.  Despite the efforts of some who will try to dissuade you from a certain truth either through false comments or actions, if you take the time to examine what they are saying and doing you will find plenty of evidence to the contrary. What is true is true and what is false is false. There is always evidence as to what is true and to what is false if we only take the time to search it out for ourselves. In our current day, we have a vast pool of informational sources available to us to search out a matter. As a result of this, we are without excuse if we continue to be persuaded by others and not look at the evidence ourselves.

            When it comes to the existence of God however, God has made it easy for us to determine He does exist and He is God. All throughout history up to including today, there are many people who deny the existence of the God of the Bible. Some display their denial through their words, but most exhibit their denial through their actions. Therefore if there is no God, then there is no God to answer to and I am free to do as I please. They become their own gods determining what is right or wrong according to themselves and their current culture. Their actions are having severe consequences on themselves and society as a whole. Even though some claim to know God, they obviously do not know the God of the Bible.  

            But the good news is the God of the Bible, the true God, has made Himself known to every individual through nature itself and the creation of the world. He has made it easy for us to know Him so we are without excuse. We have no excuse for living as if there are no consequences in living in violation of His Word, as if He doesn’t exist or doesn’t care about our actions. He does!

Read Romans 1:18-32, God’s anger at sin: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A18-32&version=NLT

Devotionals

Comforting the Brokenhearted

Loring Schultz

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT

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            I can say with confidence that there is not one person alive today who has not had their heart broken. If by chance you claim you have not, the Lord bless you but keep on reading for that day will come. Brokenheartedness is set in motion for many different reasons. The death of a loved one, the loss of a of budding relationship, a marriage ending in divorce, the need to move away from your family, the loss of a job, rejection by your children or parents, and loneliness are just a few of the causes of a broken heart.

            King David penned Psalm 34 exalting God with praise and thanksgiving and stressing the goodness of the Lord. David is one who has had a broken heart on more than one occasion. The death of his best friend Jonathan, the rejection by King Saul and his desire to kill David, the death of David’s first child with Bathsheba, and the rebellion and death of his son Absalom are examples of David’s firsthand knowledge of brokenheartedness. Yet David was always ready to praise the Lord and seek Him for he knew only the Lord can bring comfort to a broken heart.

            To those of you who may be brokenhearted today and your spirit crushed, we have a great comforter in the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah prophesized of His coming, referring to Christ, Isaiah wrote “He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.” (Is. 61:1b NLT) Jesus does indeed comfort those with a broken heart. He came to release us from the captivity of sin by dying on the cross for our guilt. He has set us free, but not to be on our own. He is with us promising never to leave us or forsake us and that includes comforting us when we are brokenhearted.

Read Psalm 34, In Praise of God’s Goodness: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34&version=GNT

Devotionals

The fight of our lives

Loring Schultz

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 NLT

            Christians are in a constant battle. From the moment a person puts their trust in Christ for salvation, the battle begins. Satan and his demons will do anything necessary to disrupt the lives of Christians in their new found faith. It has been said that once one becomes a Christian all their problems in this world go away, but the fact is they do not. For Christians living a godly life in a fallen world ruled by Satan is not only a big problem, but the fight of our lives.

            The Lord does not leave us defenseless in our battle with the evil one. He promises to be with us through the Holy Spirit and He has provided us with a suit of armor to be able to stand firm in our struggles. The apostle Paul in writing to the church at Ephesus lists each part of the protective garb we are to put on. He instructs believers to, “put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.” (Eph. 6:13a)

            Christians are first instructed to put on the belt of truth, something that is lacking in our present day. Next is the body armor, or breastplate of God’s righteousness, signifying the Christian’s character. Our feet are to be fitted with shoes of the gospel of peace, the good news. To protect us from the fiery arrows of temptation, evil persuasions, and doubts, we are to take up the shield of faith. Faith in the God of our salvation will not permit any worldly darts to penetrate us. The helmet provides protection against serious head wounds. The helmet of salvation represents the believer’s assurance of salvation and is a symbol of military victory.

            The five pieces of armor listed above are all for defensive purposes. It is of extreme importance that we note that Christians have only one offensive weapon, the Word of God. Only one is needed, and it is described as the sword of the spirit. It is indeed a weapon to use in the proper manner; used to instill truth, to bring to light what is false, to expose evil, to bring the good news of salvation, and to bring Glory to God. “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Heb. 4:12)

            ‘The fight of our lives’ is true of every Christian life, but we can stand firm in truth, righteous character, peace, faith, assurance of salvation, and the Word of God.

Read the “Whole Armor of God” https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A10-18&version=NLT

Devotionals

The Grace of God

Loring Schultz

“and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar……and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah” Matthew 1:3, 5-6 ESV

            The four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are narratives of Jesus Christ. Each author through the Holy Spirit presents a specific perspective of our Lord Jesus. Matthew in writing to a mainly Jewish audience presents Jesus as the Messiah, Mark presents Him as the suffering servant to the gentiles, Luke’s gospel focuses on the humanity of Christ, the Son of Man, and John’s narrative is acknowledging the deity of Christ. Jesus is indeed God the Son.

            A common theme throughout all of the Gospels, in fact all through the Old and New Testaments, is the grace of God. We are reminded of this in Matthew’s listing of the genealogy of Christ in Matthew chapter 1. Most of us admittedly brush over genealogies and numerical records in the Bible. They seem to be hard to follow, certainly hard to pronounce some of the names, and just not that important. But if we take that approach to Matthew’s genealogy of Christ we will miss seeing God’s redemptive plan of salvation and His marvelous grace.

            Embedded within the genealogy found in Matthew’s gospel are the names of four women. Women normally would not be listed in Jewish genealogies, but these four were. Two were even Gentile women. Three of the four had moral lapses in their backgrounds. While it is important to note that the descendant in each case was through the man; Why then the significance to include these women? It is to present God’s plan of salvation to save sinners, which includes all of us. God’s plan of salvation includes all ethnic backgrounds. No one is beyond the grace of God.

Bible Studies

“Rahab: An Unlikely Ally” Conquering New Territory: The Book of Joshua (….through faith, courage, obedience, and devotion to the Word of God)

Loring Schultz

“For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” Joshua 2:11b NLT

            Conquering new territory in your life is not something you try to achieve on your own, although many have tried and failed. For Christians, we are to trust God and follow His leading wherever it leads us, and to whomever He assigns to help us. The nation of Israel had an unlikely ally in helping them secure sensitive information about the city of Jericho and its surrounding territory. Joshua sent out two men on a covert operation to spy out the land they were about to conquer with their first stop the city of Jericho. Jericho was the key city of the entire southern Jordan valley. Their mission was to survey the scope of the land, food and water resources, and the military strength of Jericho.

            When the two men entered Jericho they went to house of Rahab, a prostitute, and spent the night there. An overnight visit to a prostitute would not incur suspicion concerning their mission. Rahab’s house was also on the wall providing an easy escape if found out. The two spies realized early on how the Lord led them to Rahab’s house. The king of Jericho found out that spies from Israel had come into Jericho. Rahab hid the spies in her home and protected them from capture as she was questioned as to their whereabouts. God had used the most unlikely person in the carrying out of His will by protecting the spies, Rahab the prostitute.

            Some may question and rightly so, didn’t Rahab sin by lying to the king’s servants by admitting they were there but now gone. (Jos. 2:3-5) Yes, lying is a sin, but note, Rahab was not commended for her sin, but for her faith. (Heb.11:31) Also in the Oriental custom of that day, guarding a guest in your home was held as one of the highest virtues of hospitality.

            Rahab had come to know the true God. Her confession to the spies leaves no doubt saying to them, “For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” (Jos. 2:11b) She had made known to them how all her people heard of God’s miraculous works in bringing Israel out of Egypt and that they were destined to inhabit their land. Fear and terror had succumb to every individual in the land. While all her people feared Israel and the Lord God, Rahab had faith in God and His mercy having the courage to protect the spies from the authorities of her city. 

            So certain was Rahab that God is the supreme God capable of giving Israel their land, she asked for safety of herself and her entire family when Israel came to take over Jericho. The spies agreed to protect her and her family providing she would not betray them. She let down by a scarlet rope along the outside wall of her house for their escape instructing them to hide in the hill country for three days until the pursuers give up the search. God’s providence in protecting the spies is seen all through Joshua chapter 2. The hiding place the Lord provided for the spies was in a mountainous region with limestone cliffs 1,500 feet high with many caves. These were actually the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered centuries later.

            The scarlet rope has significant meaning both for Rahab and for us today. The scarlet (red) rope hanging from the outside of Rahab’s window symbolizes the lambs blood sprinkled on the doorposts providing safety and protection of the first born of Israel. We see it today as the atoning blood shed by Christ on the cross of Calvary for our sins. Both needing protection from the consequences of our sin by the sacrifice of the perfect Lamb of God.

            The Lord God used Rahab, an unlikely ally, to be used by God in helping His people in conquering their new territory. Don’t dismiss those in your life God may using in aiding you through the tough terrain.

Read Joshua 2, Rahab: An Unlikely Ally: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+2&version=NLT