Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

Our Wars Will End

Loring Schultz

Read: Isaiah 2:1-4 NLT – The LORD’s Future Reign – This is a – Bible Gateway

“The LORD will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.” Isaiah 2:4 NLT

Photo by Chandler Cruttenden on Unsplash
 

Eighty years ago today marks the end of World War II with Japan’s unconditional surrender to the United States. It was formally announced by President Harry Truman on September 1, 1945, and declaring September 2nd as V-j Day. (1) All the world celebrated the end of the deadliest war in history. “The conflict resulted in the loss of an estimated 70–85 million lives, which was approximately 3% of the world’s population at that time. It was marked by atrocities such as the Holocaust, where six million Jews were exterminated. Cities across Europe and Asia were reduced to rubble, impacting millions and disrupting civil life on an unprecedented scale.” (2) Our world has seen its fair share of wars throughout its history, but there will be a time when wars will cease, and it may be sooner than we think.

You have heard, I’m sure, people express ‘we are living in the last days.’ Before you discount it, this is very true. We are living in the last days. The last days era began at the birth of Christ over two thousand years ago. It is the Messianic era where the Messiah has come for the salvation of those who believe in Him. These last days will be completed at Jesus’ second coming, and at that time there will be peace on earth for there will be no more war. The prophet Isaiah wrote of that day, “Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.” (Is.2:4 nlt)

There will be no wars and only peace for one thousand years on the earth. It’s hard for us to imagine, but it is true. Will you be there during Jesus’ millennium reign on earth? The only sure way to know you will be there is to accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation. “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’” (Ro.10:13 nlt) Don’t put off another day of accepting Christ for we never know when our wars will end. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Ro.6:23 nlt)  

(1) What (and When) Is V-J Day? | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans

(2) Top 10 Worst Wars in History

Devotionals

Lifted Up His Eyes

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 13:1-13 ESV – Abram and Lot Separate – So Abram went – Bible Gateway

Read: Genesis 19:23-29 ESV – God Destroys Sodom – The sun had risen – Bible Gateway

“And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)” Genesis 13:10 ESV

Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

You wouldn’t think taking a good look around, analyzing what is best for you and your family, then proceeding in that direction would end up in tragedy. But that is exactly what happen to a man named Lot in the Old Testament book of Genesis. Lot and his uncle Abram were both wealthy with many flocks and herds. As they traveled together it became increasingly difficult for the land to support both of them, so, Abram proposed they separate. Abram gave Lot the choice in which direction he wanted to go and then he would go in the opposite direction. Lot made his choice and moved on and Abram went his way in the opposite direction.

There is nothing wrong with choosing a good path to travel and then settle down in a prosperous area to make a living. But if your choice is based on greed or selfishness you are bound for trouble. When Abram told Lot he could choose first, the Bible says, “And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD.” (Gen.13:10 esv) Indeed, it was the better of the two directions. Yes, he took what was best for him by sight as he looked around. But he could have offered it to his uncle to see if he wanted it first, no, instead he looked and took what he saw.

Lot’s choice did not work out. It brought him and his family into the area of Sodom and Gomorrah, eventually living in Sodom itself. Many Christians today find themselves being tempted to take the road that seems best by what they see with their eyes without consulting the Lord. We see only on the surface, but the Lord is able to see what lurks underneath what we desire in our greed and selfishness. Let God guide our decisions and not lift up our eyes.

Devotionals

Are you ready for the unexpected?               

Loring Schultz

Read: Luke 12:35-40 NLT – Be Ready for the Lord’s Coming – Bible Gateway

“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” Luke 12:40 NLT

Photo by Sophie Dale on Unsplash

You have a close friend who departed years ago promising to come back and see you again. With no definite time frame set you still eagerly anticipate the day you will see your friend again. The years go by and although you communicate quite frequently even talking with each other daily, your thoughts about the return are in a distant future. Then one day, unexpectedly, your friend shows up at your door. You’re overjoyed to see your friend but embarrassed by not being ready because you put off the importance of such a meeting concentrating on your own needs and desires.

Just like an unexpected visit from a close friend, Jesus promised to return for those who believe in Him. He also did not set a time but told us to expect His return by being ready. Jesus teaching His disciples said,  “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.” (Lk.12:35-36 nlt) Believers in Christ should be in constant service waiting for His return. The Lord should find us faithfully doing His will on that day. A sure way to get ready is to speak with Him daily in prayer as you serve Him knowing that this could be the day.

Jesus says He will reward those who are ready. “But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.” (Lk.12:38 nlt) That doesn’t mean those who are not ready will be left behind, but with no reward they will be embarrassed as when you friend arrived at your door unexpectedly. It’s time to get ready for the unexpected.

Devotionals

Boast that you know the Lord  

Loring Schultz

“This is what the LORD says: Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!” Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Some successful, well maybe more than some successful, people do their fair share of boasting, or what I would call bragging. Their intelligence and wisdom are well known, but they feel a need to tell you about it. You can see for yourself they are well-off financially, but again they inform you how well-off. They tell you how they achieved their status in life. And then we have those powerful people either in business or politics or both that don’t need to tell you how powerful they are, they show it by controlling you and the things around you that you have no control over.

Boasting is not a modern-day problem. It is as old as sin itself. The Lord speaking to the people of Judah through Jeremiah warned them of the coming disaster that was upon them for their continua sin. He also told them not to boast, or brag, about such things mentioned above. But if they really felt the need to boast they should boast that they knew the Lord. Afterall they owed everything they had to Him in providing for them. The Lord wanted them to know His love for them, and it is He who brings justice and righteousness to the earth.

The Lord God can speak the same words to us today in 2025. Whatever our position in life, however successful we are, we owe in all to God. It’s inappropriate to brag, because it is God’s work done through us. Sure, we are the hands and feet, but the Lord supplies the wisdom, knowledge, and strength to achieve any success we come by in this life. So, let’s put off boasting and boast that we know the Lord.

Devotionals

JESUS; AN OLD TESTAMENT STORY

Loring Schultz

Sunday’s Biblical Insights “The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark” will pick up next week. Today’s devotional speaks of Jesus in the Old Testament!

Photo by Christiane on Pexels.com

“Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Luke 24:25-26 NLT

The story of Jesus is not only a New Testament story, but an Old Testament one as well. Some people today dismiss the relevancy of the Old Testament scriptures in modern day Christianity. But it is in those very books of the Old Testament that speak of Him and actually predict His birth and His death to save sinners. Jesus Himself said concerning the Old Testament scriptures, “it is these that testify about me.” (Jn 5:39)

On the evening of Jesus’s resurrection, two men were on their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem. As they were discussing the events of that momentous weekend, Jesus came alongside and walked with them. He asked them what they were talking about. They found it hard to believe that anyone would not have known the events of the last three days. They told of the crucifixion of Jesus occurring on Friday, and noted that they anticipated that Jesus was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Then they told of the amazing discovery that morning of finding His tomb empty with angels declaring He was alive.

Jesus responding to His travelling companions points to the Old Testament scriptures and admonishes them that if they had clearly read the scriptures and believed them, they would have not been surprised at the events that took place. Isn’t that much like today? We do not read the scriptures as we should, both the Old and New Testaments. They both tell of Jesus, His Story of redeeming sinners and reconciling us to God. It’s time to familiarize ourselves once again or perhaps for the first time, with the Old Testament of the Bible, it’s about Jesus; an Old Testament Story.

Devotionals

Leading a Life Worthy of Your Calling                  

Loring Schultz

Read: Ephesians 4:1-6 NLT – Unity in the Body – Therefore I, a – Bible Gateway

“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” Ephesians 4:1 NLT

Photo by Sam Barber on Unsplash

In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus he begs them to lead a life worthy of their calling. Note, he is not encouraging them but begging them to lead their life in this manner. It must have been important to the apostle to state it this way. It also shows his love for the church and his desire to have their Christian walk be the best it could be. This should be the desire for us and for every local church in our modern world.

So, how should our walk be? Paul begins with being humble and gentile. Some might think Christians are always this way, but we know better. Our sin nature has its way with us more times than we like to admit. We also are to be patient with one another, especially when a wrong is done to us. Paul tells us to “Make every effort to keep (ourselves) united in the Spirit, binding (ourselves) together with peace.” (Eph.4:3 nlt) This is our responsibility to see this happens in our churches. For we all share the same hope, the glorious future hope with Christ.

If we are going to be true disciples of Christ leading others to be followers of Him it is vital we lead a life worthy of our calling. The Lord God has called every Christian unto Himself through the Holy Spirit. For, “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.” (Eph.4:5-6 nlt) May we be authentic representatives of the only true God who sent His Son to be the savior of the world and be worthy of our calling.

Devotionals

Life in His Name  

Loring Schultz

“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:30-31 NIV

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Have you ever wondered why the Bible has stood the test of time over thousands of years? It is still in print today and available in a multitude of languages. The full Bible has been translated in over 700 languages and the New Testament in over 1,500. Approximately 15.7 million Bibles were sold in the United States alone in the first ten months of 2024. It is available in book or digital form and if you have a smart phone you have one available to you free of charge. So, why is it such a bestseller?

I image there are countless reasons why so many people desire a Bible or access to one. Some people like the look of a Bible on a shelf or coffee table. Some record special occasions in it such as births, marriages, and the passing of a loved one. Others read it for its historical content or literature artistic value. Then there are those who study it for its religious content as they would other works from the major world religions There are many more reasons why one desires a Bible, but the number one reason to have a Bible should be to know the God of the Bible and His love and salvation plan for mankind.

This brings us to the purpose the Bible was written. Every major work of literature has a main purpose, and the Bible is no different. The gospel writer John summed up the purpose of his book, which could be used as a summary for the entire Bible by saying, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (Jn.20:31 niv) The Old Testament spoke of the coming Messiah. The New Testament revealed His coming and the way of salvation. If you are going to read the Bible, I suggest you read it for its main purpose, to believe what is written and by believing you may have life in His name.

Devotionals

My Source of Strength             

Loring Schultz

“What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD.” Psalm 84:5 NLT

Photo by Craig Lovelidge on Unsplash

Where is your source of strength found? A good friend of mine has been trying to persuade me to go to the gym with him. Working together on various projects on the church property he has taken concern to my shortness of breath lately. My doctor was a little concerned too, so he ordered the proper tests to be completed. Praise the Lord my heart is fine. So, that means I’m out of shape! My friend finally convinced me, and I had my first visit at the gym.

The psalmist wrote, “What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD.” (Ps.84:5 nlt) Is he referring to physical or spiritual strength? I believe the thought is towards spiritual strength for he writes further, “ When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs.” (Ps.84:6 nlt) The Lord will take our tears in the struggles and turn them into refreshing spiritual springs. But let us not forget the physical strength He gives us when we need it. “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.” (Is.40:29-31 nlt) Hear is a sense of both spiritual and physical strength.

Every Christian should strive to grow spiritually and increase spiritual strength in the Lord. We do that by reading and meditating on His Word and through prayer. We should also be striving to maintain our physical bodies the Lord has given us. “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1Cor.3:16 nasb) We do that by proper diet and exercise. The Lord will help us to grow in spiritual strength and will give us the strength we need to maintain our physical bodies if we are committed. Where is your source of strength? My source of strength is the Lord both spiritually and especially in the gym.

Devotionals

Our Promise Keeper       

Loring Schultz

“Praise the LORD who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses.” 1 Kings 8:56 NLT

Photo by Yulia Gadalina on Unsplash

‘Promise Keepers’ is a Men’s Evangelical Christian organization created “to equip men, through the preaching and teaching of the Word of God, to live the Christian life boldy and unashamedly, producing better husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, and leaders within their respective communities.” (1) Founded by Bill McCartney, University of Colorado’s football coach in 1990, the organization is still headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is based on seven promises men make to each other and to God. “You see, when you make a promise to a brother, you declare your intentions and obligate yourself to follow through. You bind yourself to that person, too. You actually look into the future and determine, by your deliberate choice, that part of it relates to your promise.” Bill McCartney (1)

I applaud ‘Promise Keepers’ for their commitment to each other and to God. Yet, as much as we try to remain faithful to our friends and to God, even making promises, sadly we do fail at times. We are blessed we have a forgiving God who cleanses us from our stain of sin. We’re thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ who forgive us when we fail. Encouraging one another in Christ is key in helping us keep our promises whether as a part of ‘Promise Keepers’, your church family, or your closest Christian friends.

All Christians can rely on the one we know who will always keep His promises, the Lord God. At the dedication of God’s Temple in the Old Testament, King Solomon rose up from his prayer and said, “Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses.” (1Kg.8:56 nlt) The Jewish people had witnessed all God’s promises through their lives and none failed to come to pass. If we take time to look back over our lives, we will see He has done the same for us. The Lord God is our Promise Keeper.

(1) About Us – Promise Keepers

Devotionals

Have You Hurt God?

Loring Schultz

“They will recognize how hurt I am by their unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes that long for their idols.” Ezekiel 6:9 NLT

Photo by Tom Caillarec on Unsplash

When you think about God, what comes to mind? How about His awesome power in creating the earth and the entire universe. Maybe you are drawn to His awareness of every occurrence in the world at the same time, or perhaps it is the comfort you receive knowing that God hears your prayers when millions of people are also in prayer with Him. Words cannot do justice in describing God. Our best attempts in characterizing God will fail. He is so awesome, powerful, holy, loving, all-knowing, the list goes on……….and on………and on. There are not enough words, so I guess we will leave at that.

Have you ever thought of God’s emotions? Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (nlt) We know that we are emotional beings, some more than others. If we are made in God’s image, it stands to reason that God is an emotional God. If we can display emotion, God certainly can.

Have you ever been hurt by someone? Had your heart broken? Have you caused the hurt of someone and broken their heart? If your answer is yes to either circumstance, you know both how it feels when you were hurt and the effects your actions had on the one you hurt. Now comes the hard part. Have you ever hurt God? Our emotional God can also be hurt by our actions.

The Lord speaking through Ezekiel, concerning Judah, said, “Then when they are exiled among the nations, they will remember me. They will recognize how hurt I am by their unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes that long for their idols. Then at last they will hate themselves for all their detestable sins.” (Ez.6:9 nlt) The Lord God was sending them into exile for 70 years for their sins against Him, sins that hurt Him deeply by turning to idols.

How many idols do we have in our own lives that are hurting God? We may have never thought about this quite this way before, but our sins against God do hurt Him. Our unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes towards our idols take us away from Him, and yes, He’s hurt. May we have faithful hearts, and our eyes gazed on Him.