Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

The Law is intended for the lawless *          

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 1:8-11 NLT – We know that the law is good when used – Bible Gateway

“For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy.” 1 Timothy 1:9 NLT

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We have heard others say, ‘I have kept the Ten Commandments.’ Really? I will not go into how this is an utterly ridiculous statement except to say there is no one who has ever kept all Ten Commandments. If you find that hard to believe, just look in the mirror. Sorry! There are many laws spread out throughout the Old Testament the Jewish people were to observe. The leading Jewish rulers counted 613 of them. If people have a hard time obeying 10, I think it is safe to say that 613 is out of reach for even the noblest people.

Since none of us are able to keep the Law then what is the purpose for the Law? The Law was meant to show us just that point. None of us are capable of obeying it. The Law was meant to show us our sin and make us realize we need a savior. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Ro.3:23) As Chuck Swindoll says, ‘the Law is intended for the lawless.’*  

Christ Jesus came not to abolish the Law or the teaching of the prophets but to fulfill it. (Mt.5:17) He is the only one capable of obeying the entire Law. By Christ’s death on the cross for our sins, rising up and defeating death, He accomplished what was needed for our salvation. “We know that the law is good when used correctly.” (1Tim.1:8 nlt) but it won’t save us, because we can’t keep it, and that is why Christ came to save sinners.

Devotionals

What have you discarded?       

Loring Schultz

Read: Philippians 3:5-11 NLT – I was circumcised when I was eight days – Bible Gateway

“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8 NLT

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The apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Philippi was expressing the value of knowing Christ in chapter 3. Paul noted all of his accomplishments starting with his pedigree as a true Jew. “I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one!” (Phil.3:5 nlt) He then went on to declare his membership as a Pharisee, those who knew and kept the strictest of Jewish Laws. Paul was on top of the Pharisaical ladder and so zealous for the Law that he persecuted all who went against it, especially Christians. But Paul gave it all up for the sake of knowing Christ, by stating, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.” (Phil.3:7 nlt)

This passage deals with those, as Paul, who thought self-righteousness, doing good deeds, obeying manmade laws in religion is the way to God. Paul realized it wasn’t the way. He needed to get rid of all his self-made rules, his piousness, and his self-accomplishments which he now considers worthless.  Paul needed to discard all the garbage he was counting on for salvation. Christ Jesus has done it all for him and all Paul needed to do was to accept this by faith. “I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” (Phil.3:9 nlt)

So, how about you? What are you counting on to get you to heaven? It’s time to discard those fruitless efforts and rely on the only true way to heaven, faith in Jesus. Paul calls them garbage, and so they are. Time to take out the garbage!

Devotionals

Something to Talk About         

Loring Schultz

Read: Luke 16:19-31 NIV – The Rich Man and Lazarus – “There was – Bible Gateway

“In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’” Luke 16:23-24 NIV

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In presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ some advocate not mentioning ‘hell’ in fear of turning away people. Unfortunately even pastors in some of our most prominent churches will not preach on hell for the same reason. They would rather preach on the love of Jesus and for us to follow Jesus’ teaching on love, and well we should, but Jesus also taught about ‘hell.’ Jesus talked about hell to warn us the consequences of rejecting Him and the sacrifice He made for us on the cross of calvary.

Jesus tells a story found in the New Testament book of Luke about a rich man and the poor man, Lazarus. Most scholars consider this story one of Jesus’ parables, but if it is a parable, it is the only one He tells with an actual name of an individual. In any case, Jesus is clearly referring to hell in this story.

The rich man had all the comforts life could offer. He was rich, had fine clothing, and plenty of food, life was good. Lazarus was a poor beggar with sores covering his body. He would crave to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. One living in luxury and the other in dire poverty. Jesus says, “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.” (Lk.16:22-23 niv) Lazarus and the rich man both died physically, but their souls live on. Lazarus is in comfort at Abraham’s side while the rich man is suffering in torment.

Don’t miss the point here. The rich man isn’t in hell because he was rich, but because he rejected God and His plan for salvation. Lazarus isn’t alongside Abraham because he was poor in life, but because he accepted God’s plan of salvation. Jesus is confirming there are two destinations for each one of us when we die, heaven or hell. Jesus came to save us from the torments of hell if we put our trust in Him for salvation. Jesus felt it was important enough and something to talk about. We should too!

Devotionals

God’s Providential Care for Every Living Thing

Loring Schultz

“The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.” Psalm 145:15-16 NLT

Photo by Ivan Rudoy on Unsplash

Have you ever thought about the ways God provides food for animals in the wild and living creatures in the sea? It is amazing to witness their instant as they prey upon their victims, their food source. We may find it hard to watch, but it is by God’s design and the victim had their own fill before that dreadful moment. The bottom line is God has a plan to provide food for every living being and that includes us as human beings.

The psalmist writes the eyes of all look to God in hope and are given food from above when needed. Animals do not possess the nature of sensing God but they have the instinct given by God that directs them in what they need to survive. When they are hungry they know where to go to find food. God does provide for them. “When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.” (Ps.145:16 nlt) And that includes every animal and every fish of the sea.

Most importantly that includes every one of us. It is hard to comprehend this when we see so much starvation in the world, but that doesn’t negate God’s providential care for us. He has provided us with rich resources and the ability to feed the world. The problem lies in that the world is sinful, turning our backs on God, and going our own selfish way. This creates the current chaotic times we live in which includes undernourished people across the world. But Jesus’ hands and feet are on the earth in those who know Him. God will use us in His providential care for every person who needs help in their daily supplies. May we be willing participates in God’s providential care for every living thing.

Devotionals

Are you ready to give an answer?

Loring Schultz

Read: Read: 1 Peter 3:8-22 NLT – All Christians – Finally, all of you – Bible Gateway

“And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”    1 Peter 3:15b NLT

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The last two weeks in the United States have been a challenge for Christians defending their faith since the assassination of Charlie Kirk. But that hasn’t stopped them, nor should it. We are to continue to preach the gospel and be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks us about our hope in Christ.

Peter in addressing Christians scattered throughout the world suffering severe persecution wrote, “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1Pt.3:14-15 nlt) Especially when they were suffering for doing good, Peter instructed them to always be ready to explain to those who asked about their Christian hope. Peter knew most definitely that some would be asked when people observed their demeaner during insults and ridicule. (1Pt.3:9-11)

Christ followers have always suffered ridicule and persecution. Christians today are being murdered at a faster rate as any time in history. Still, we are told to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. You can be certain when those outside of Christ see Jesus’ light in you pursuing peace and working to maintain it during ridicule and persecution they will ask, where do you get this hope that is in you?

You can respond with Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:18, “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.” (nlt) And you can conclude with ‘I am safely brought home and have eternal life.’ So, be ready!

Devotionals

Meaningless Discussions: The Result of False Teaching  

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 1:3-7 NLT – Warnings against False Teachings – When – Bible Gateway

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Can you count how many meaningless discussions you have had in your lifetime? I’m not sure I can because there have been many. All meaningless discussions have one thing in common; they lead to nowhere. Another factor is one or both parties do not know what they are talking about, but they pursue in making the point that they do. This may seem like a little deal in most trivial discussions, but when it comes to the Word of God and the teachings of the church, it’s a big deal.

Paul, the apostle, needed to move on from the church in Ephesus he founded years before. While visiting Timothy, his child in the faith, Paul noticed the decline of sound doctrine in the church. False teaching had crept in and mostly by those who were elders in the church. This needed to stop. Paul instructed Timothy to stay behind in Ephesus to teach sound doctrine and prevent the spread of any more false teaching. Paul writes, “The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” (1Tim.1:5 nlt) This would not be possible if the congregation was in confusion by teaching that focused on speculation and allegorical or fictious interpretations of the Word of God. They would be in meaningless discussions among themselves and with the so-called teachers of the word. Paul goes on to say these false teachers have missed the whole point by turning away from the Word.

Those of us sitting in the pews of our churches today need to have our ears perk up and our eyes kept on Scripture to see if these things are so. If we find ourselves having meaningless discussions and are confused, something is wrong. May we follow Paul’s instructions to Timothy and if need be, stop the false teaching.

Devotionals

A Shaken Reed

Loring Schultz

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” Luke 7:24b ESV

Photo by Mabel Amber on Pexels.com

Have you ever noticed a reed, a tall slender blade of grass, blowing in the wind? It blows whichever way the wind is blowing. It is weak in that it is easily swayed.

Jesus asks those in the crowd, who have been following Him, and who apparently had followed John the Baptist, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” John the Baptist, obviously wasn’t a man easily swayed by public opinion. He didn’t sugar coat his message to the people. He was a true prophet of God. (Luke 7:26-28)

Are you a reed shaken by the wind? I need to ask myself the same question, am I a reed shaken by the wind of this world that prevents me from speaking the truth? The truth about the sinful condition of mankind, the wrath of God, and the judgment to come. One cannot read through the entire Holy Scriptures, The Bible, and not see it. The truth is those without Christ will die in their sins into eternal damnation. But, the truth is also that Jesus came to pay the penalty for sin and those who put their faith and trust in Him will escape the eternal punishment and received eternal life in Heaven with Him.

Are you proclaiming the whole truth of God’s Word, the Bible, or is your reed (your message) being shaken by the wind?

Devotionals

What has the Lord done for you?

Loring Schultz

“Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” Psalm 105:1 NLT

Photo by Jaehyun Kim on Unsplash

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15 NLT

Role models have paved the way for successful people to reach their goals in life. Mentors are involved in a more personal and deeper approach in influencing an individual to success. Both deserve recognition for what they have done and be able to help others the same way if their efforts were well known. The same is true for Christian role models and mentors. Those who benefit from them should spread the word of their influence enabling them to help others.

Not many of us share the same role models or mentors, but every Christian has the same role model to learn from, Jesus Christ. In fact, every person living today can learn from this role model and be influenced by His mentoring if they only knew of Him.  For others to know Him, Christians need to be vocal first in telling what He has done for them personally leaving nothing out. Second, living the life that supports what was said to be true, and third mentoring them for them to mentor others.

Now to get personal. Think through very thoroughly all the Lord has done for you. It probably won’t be a bad idea if you compile a list, but make sure you have enough paper or space on your hard drive. It may surprise you and be an eye-opening experience all the Lord has done for you. Then let us as the psalmist says, “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” (Ps.105:1 nlt) Jesus calls us the light of the world. We can’t help but shine naturally so may we add words to why we shine by telling everyone what the Lord has done for us.

Devotionals

Leaving Them All Behind

Loring Schultz

Read: Ruth 1:1-18 NLT – Elimelech Moves His Family to Moab – In – Bible Gateway

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.’” Ruth 1:16 NLT

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‘“Yes,’ Jesus replied, ‘and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.’” Luke 18:29-30 NLT

Our current society has helped drive families apart with a selfish attitude towards others, it’s a ‘me first’ society. Over time some families are restored but there needs to be forgiveness and a complete ‘same mind’ agreement for reconciliation. Many families struggle with problems in the home, forcing some to abandon their family, leaving them all behind. Societal ills make up most family break-ups today, but believe it or not, a deep faith in God and trusting in His Son Jesus for salvation made up the rest.

The book of Ruth gives us one of the earliest pictures of someone leaving their family to serve the Lord God of heaven. Ruth, a Moabite woman, became a widow at a young age. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, was returning to her homeland in Judah from where she, her husband and their two sons left due to a severe famine. Ruth wanted to return with Naomi back to Israel. She had a great love for her mother-in-law, but also a great love for God. Perhaps Ruth saw something in Naomi even through the bitterness of her sorrow of losing her husband and two sons that caused Ruth to say, “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth1:16b nlt) Ruth left her family behind to serve and worship God.

Jesus confirms there is a cost in following Him. In speaking to His disciples Jesus acknowledged there will be those who leave their families for the sake of the gospel, but they will be richly rewarded. Some will leave in pursuit of ministry work for Christ, but some others will be forced to leave their families who have rejected them for following Christ. If you are in this latter group know that Jesus understands, for He was also rejected by His family. Continue to follow Jesus, pray for your family, and don’t look back.

Devotionals

The Basis for Christian Hope             

Loring Schultz

“This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.” 1 Timothy 1:1 NLT

Photo by Daniela Paola Alchapar on Unsplash

 

Christian hope is guaranteed. A Christian can count on it. It is sure because the basis for Chrisian hope is Jesus Christ. What is this Christian hope? It is the assurance of salvation guaranteeing forgiveness of sin and the assurance of eternal life in heaven with Christ for all who accept Him as Lord and savior. Yes, it’s that simple, and it is hope we can count on.  

The various definitions of ‘hope’ in most dictionaries are found in Jesus.

Hope – 1. A feeling that what is wanted will happen. The desire to be assured of heaven is something all people want if they admit it or not. Jesus provides that feeling of assurance. 2. The object of this. Obviously the object of this hope is Jesus who makes it possible. 3. A person or thing on which one may base some hope. Again, this is Jesus. He is the basis for this hope.

Paul gives us verses he pointed out to Timothy in his letters of instruction and encouragement to him. I Timothy 2:5 reads, “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” (nlt) In chapter 4 Paul writes, “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.” 1 Tim.4:10 nlt)

Christians have a hope that is not wishful thinking but guaranteed by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The apostle Paul begins his first letter to young Timothy by stating he was appointed by the command of God and Jesus who gives us all hope. Paul wanted to ensure Timothy that all our hope in this world and assurance of eternity in heaven is found in Jesus Christ, the basis for our hope. Do you have the assurance of this Christian hope or is it still wishful thinking?