Devotionals – Page 16 – Word for the Soul

“David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ Mark 12:36 ESV

‘The Lord said to my Lord.’ Does this statement sound confusing to you, perhaps even contradictory? Confusing to most of us without explanation, but it is certainly not contradictory. During Jesus’s final week before His crucifixion, known as Passion Week, He was in constant battles with the Jewish scribes and the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day. Jesus taught in the temple every day before those who came to hear Him. Most were astonished at His teaching hanging on to every word. This obviously angered the religious leaders as they saw their power and influence eroding away from someone who claimed to be the Son of God, the Messiah. If these leaders had carefully studied the Old Testament, they would have known that Jesus was right, He is the Son of God, the Messiah.

They were constantly trying to trip up Jesus with their questions, but Jesus turns the tables on them and asks them a question. He asks a question from a familiar passage in Psalms explaining that Jesus existed before David, proving His deity, proving He is eternal, and proving He is the Son of God. Jewish teaching was and is correct that the Messiah would be the son of David, yet David refers to Him as his Lord. Jesus asks them, ‘“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?’ They said to him, ‘The son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord’……..If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?”’ (Mt.22:42-45 esv) The point being that the Messiah is both divine and human. He is David’s son and He is David’s Lord.

Jesus Christ who died on Calvary’s cross was indeed the divine Son of God in human flesh. An ordinary man, no matter how good he was, or how well he taught, or how well he lived as an example to others with love and compassion could ever be an adequate substitute for our sin. It had to be a perfect man, without sin. The deity of Christ is vital to why He came. His purpose for coming was to reconcile us back to God due to our sin nature, God’s plan for Salvation for those who trust in Christ. As John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn.1:29 esv) Read Psalm 110, the Messianic Psalm of Christ the King:

Devotionals

Magnificent Buildings!

March 31, 2026March 30, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 13 NIV – The Destruction of the Temple and Signs – Bible Gateway

“As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” Mark 13:1 NIV

Throughout the centuries magnificent cathedrals have been built to worship and bring glory to God. Although you’ll find cathedrals in all parts of the world, the most famous are found in Europe. Some dating back to medieval days took at least fifty years to construct with many taking much longer. The building of a new cathedral involved generations of architects, stonemasons, skilled and unstilled workers, and an enormous amount of money.

The most notable of the European Cathedrals is Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Built between the years of 1163-1345, its age, architectural structure, size, beauty, and its history makes this magnificent building attract 12 million visitors a year. Disaster stuck this magnificent building on April 15, 2019 as fire broke out underneath the roof during a renovation project. As a result there was significant damage to the cathedral. A full restoration was completed in December 2024 with visitors being welcomed back.

The Jewish temple during Jesus’s time on earth was also a magnificent building. It also took many years to complete; in fact it was not completed in Jesus’s day. One of Jesus’ disciples remarked, look what a marvelous structure, what massive stones, what a magnificent building. But Jesus’s response was not to concur with their assessment of the temple. It was of magnificent structure and the place to offer sacrifices and worship God, but it would be destroyed. Jesus answered by saying, “Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.” (Mk.13:2 niv)

Jesus then preceded to instruct the disciples concerning future events of the end times, and His second coming after the tribulation days. He wanted their focus to be not only on the present, but looking at the future and eternity. The day is coming where there will be no magnificent buildings as in these days to visit and worship in, for they will all be destroyed; but we will be worshiping at the feet of Jesus in the New Jerusalem. Let us be looking forward to the future as we remember the past events of our Lord and Savior during this week.

Devotionals

A False Impression

March 30, 2026March 29, 2026 Loring Schultz

“In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ And immediately the fig tree withered up.” Matthew 21:18-19 NLT

An outward appearance can give a false impression. Examples can be found on realtor’s website listings, used auto sales lots, and even restaurant meus (it does not look like the picture!) I am not being critical of those in the auto industry, food service or in real estate, but we all know there are times when the product does not meet up to the standards that were presented once examine. Jesus found this to be true on His way back into Jerusalem on Monday morning after His arrival the day before.

Walking with His disciples on the road early in the morning, Jesus became hungry and noticed a fig tree up ahead. From a distance it looked green and full of leaves. It gave the appearance of being able to supply ample nourishment to one who is hungry. However when Jesus and His disciples got a closer look they found nothing but leaves, no figs. The tree gave a false impression that it contained fruit, but it did not!

Jesus’ reaction to this false claim was immediate judgment, He cursed the tree, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ The result, the fig tree withered up. Some theologians see this as an illustration of the nation Israel, a nation that was unfruitful despite being God’s chosen people. Our application for today is for those of us who claim to be Jesus followers, Christians in the true sense of the word with all the external trimmings but showing no fruit. There are Christians who give a false impression of who they are until someone gets close enough to see otherwise.

Jesus became hungry on the road into Jerusalem and needed the fruit to sustain Him from the fig tree but found none. People today on life’s road need the fruit of Gospel, spiritual nourishment for this life and for eternity. When they see us up ahead and observe us as they move closer, will they find true followers of Jesus or a false impression.

Devotionals

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

March 27, 2026March 25, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 NLT – Paul’s Final Instructions – But you, – Bible Gateway

“Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

This morning I came across an interesting reading in my ‘Substack’ feed entitled ‘Prayer is Not Asking. It is Occupying.’ The thought being that is not merely asking, but it is reporting for duty. Afterall we are in a war. Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. The Lord who called Timothy into service also called us. Our ministries may differ, but we have the same commander, the Lord God.

Our Lord is telling us to fight the good fight of faith in 2026. If you have been a Christian for any length of time you know that task is not easy. But we are to pursue righteousness while living a godly life having faith, love, with perseverance and gentleness. I do not know about you, but I cannot do that on my own. Paul also recognized this as he instructed Timothy to fight the good fight. The word Paul used for ‘fight’ is where we get our English word ‘agonize.’ It describes the attentiveness, discipline, and effort needed for victory in a military battle or an athletic contest.

The good fight of faith is a spiritual battle against the things of this world ruled by Satan. The Lord commands to us to fight the good fight by putting on the full armor of God and standing firm. (Eph.6:10-18) We are not left defenseless and are encouraged to remember our future promise of eternal life leading us to live with a heavenly perspective as we minister for the Lord. May we all eagerly report for duty each day as we fight the good fight of faith.

Devotionals

Praying for one another

March 26, 2026March 24, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NLT – Paul’s Request for Prayer – Finally, – Bible Gateway

“Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 NLT

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

How often do we pray for one another? Our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as ourselves need prayer because of the days we live in. We all need to make ‘the best use of the time, because the days are evil.’ (Eph.5:16 esv) Paul asks the church at Thessalonica to pray for him and his ministry partners. He prayed particularly that the gospel would spread rapidly. He also prayed for protection from those who did not want that message to be broadcasted. Paul knew the evil one, Satan, was behind all the harassment and threats they had received in preaching the Word.

Satan has not changed his tactics. His evil influence in the world keeps unbelievers right where he wants them in having no interest in the things of God and opposing those who do. Every Christian has the responsibility to live out a life pleasing to God leading others to the savior. This will be met with opposition either outright or subtle. We should follow Paul’s example and ask for prayer from our family in Christ and be praying for each of them in return. He will strengthen us and guard us from the evil.

Paul adds another aspect to this prayer for one another. It is a prayer for a full understanding and the expression God’s love. We can also have confidence in having patient endurance during these days of living for Christ. Standing with Jesus makes us an enemy of world. Jesus said, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” (Lk.21:17 nlt) Therefore, we should be in the habit of praying for one another.

Devotionals

Lent 2026: The Complete Story

March 25, 2026March 24, 2026 Loring Schultz

“The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” Mark 9:31 NLT

Paul Harvey, an American news broadcaster for over fifty years for ABC News, was known for his segments called ‘The Rest of the Story.’ This final segment put closure to a story most people knew about, but not in its entirety. Several of these facts may not have been available at the time or were hidden from the public for one reason or another. Paul Harvey was able to dig up the facts through research and old-fashioned journalism to arrive at the complete story.

Our current world system has many reasons why a story will be under reported or some of the facts left out. There may be legitimate concerns if protective information falls into the wrong hands. Some information is withheld or skewed to create a narrative pushing a preferred agenda. Discernment is necessary for every person when receiving the information to decide its accuracy. As years go by through the decades and centuries even a complete story can be rewritten to distort the truth to agree with the changing culture.

With Easter (Jesus’ resurrection from the dead) right around the corner, there are many stories that have a shorten version of Passion week. It seems to end on Good Friday. Sadly, there are so-called Christians and preachers who accept and justify this rewritten story. They claim to accept Jesus and live by His words and teaching, but it is a selective acceptance. Jesus was clear about His mission, the complete story.

Jesus told His disciples many times in Scripture about His upcoming arrest, death, and resurrection. Jesus was careful to always include His rising again on the third day every time He spoke these words. Jesus never left out the rest of the story. He would rise again on the third day, and He did. There is no Easter without the resurrection. There is no salvation or eternal life without the resurrection. Beware of those who want to rewrite a story that Jesus said is already finished.

Devotionals

Always Something Good in God’s Hand

March 24, 2026March 23, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 145:14-21 NLT – The LORD helps the fallen and lifts – Bible Gateway

“When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.” Psalm 145:16 NLT

When you were a child did you ever have one of your grandparents come up to you with a close hand containing a pleasant surprise? The imagery of that precious moment may still be impressed in your mind. God, our heavenly Father, has more than a surprise for us in His hand. He freely gives us all we need in this life and in the life to come. His hand always has something good for us.

Psalm 145 may have been the last of David’s seventy-five psalms he wrote. It is a psalm of praise for who God is and for all He has done. The first half of the psalm David praises God for His greatness and His grace. Beginning in verse fourteen he praises God for His faithfulness and righteousness. The Lord always has His eye on us to help us as we look to Him in hope for what we need. (14-15) We can count on His provisions to be exactly what we need when we need them. (16-17) God is near to those who call on Him in truth. (18) The Lord hears the cries of us who fear Him with the reverential fear due Him. He will help us and protect throughout our lives. (19-20)

David, later in his life, understood more than anybody there is always something good in God’s hand. Sometimes that good was in the form of discipline, but David knew it was for his good. It is the same for us. There is always something good for us in God’s hand for our good. May we sing along with David as he closed his final psalm, “I will praise the LORD, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.” (Ps.145:21 nlt)

Devotionals

Bad Luck or Bad Deeds

March 23, 2026March 22, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Peter 3:8-12 NLT – All Christians – Finally, all of you – Bible Gateway

“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 NLT

There is an old saying that goes, ‘If I didn’t have bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.’ I suppose that is true if holding good things happening to you is a matter of luck. It is easy to assume that everything bad occurring in life is due to bad luck, therefore the old saying becomes a matter of fact. But is it always luck that is in play in the circumstances of life? Perhaps not. Perhaps it’s something more.

Peter, in writing to Christians of his day, wrote “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.” (1Pt.3:10 nlt) Happy days which lead to an enjoyable life start with always telling the truth and not saying anything that is evil. You will never need to worry about anything coming back at you if you tell the truth. Peter went on to say, “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it.” (1Pt.3:11 nlt) Doing good things, striving for peace and living in it will never result in negative circumstances. There’s no luck involved.

There is also no bad luck involved when bad things happen. When we are not walking in obedience with the Lord, we should not be so surprised if bad things happen. Peter writes, “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” (1Pt.3:12 nlt) Going our way by turning our backs on God, doing bad deeds, will not result in the Lord’s blessings.

Yes, bad things do happen to faithful Christians under the providence of the Lord for His purposes. But we can be sure His eye is always on us during these times, and he is attentive to our prayers. It is our disobedience that brings about most of our bad times. It is not our bad luck, but our bad deeds.

Devotionals

Our Time is Now

March 20, 2026March 18, 2026 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 17^th and 18^th centuries or the so-called Fabulous 50’s in America. Whatever your dreams or fantasies, rest assured that you are where you are today 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) She was in the right place at the right time because the Lord had placed her there. We also are in the right place and time by God’s Divine Providence.

We may not be in such a dilemma as Esther, but it is a matter of eternal life and death. 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. It is a matter of life and death and our time is now.

“I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” (1Cor.2:3-5 nlt)

Devotionals

Lent 2026: Keep Watch and Pray

March 19, 2026March 18, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 14:32-42 NLT – Jesus Prays in Gethsemane – They went – Bible Gateway

“Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:37-38 NLT

Today is day thirty of Lent if you are keeping track. Perhaps if you did not know it is day thirty it is because you have lost all track of time due to your rich experience with the Lord during this season. Or the opposite is true in that you have slowly drifted away from your Lenten commitment to grow closer to the Lord. There may be several reasons for this, and I am sure some legitimate ones.

For those who had good intentions but have a tough time fulfilling them, you are not alone. Jesus told Peter, James, and John they had a willing spirit, but their bodies were weak. Jesus had asked them to watch with Him for one hour, not 40 days, and they could not do it. Yes, it was night and they were exhausted, but the Lord wanted their attention and their company during his agony in the garden. They had a challenging time doing it.

Jesus gave them two more chances to watch and pray and they failed again. The disciples were human just as we are. Our Lord knew that and He is aware we are human and we fail. The Lord wants to have an on-going growing relationship with each of His children. A suitable time to get back into rhythm is during Lent. Again, our commitments during Lent are to draw us into a deeper relationship with God. We do not do it for merit. Our rewards are the sweetness of the savior as we grow in Him.

There are 10 days left in this Lenten season. If you have not started anything yet, start now! If you are behind by slowing down or have quit altogether, there are 10 days left. Let us make the most of them. Jesus is telling us, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mk.14:38 nlt)