Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

Feeling Empty; the search for fulfillment     

Loring Schultz

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NIV

Photo by Barbare Kacharava on Unsplash

Living in the 21st century there is no shortage of things to do. If looking to be entertained, there are thousands of choices to choose from, such as movies, concerts, sporting events, shopping, going for a drive, or staying home and accessing your hundreds of choices on your Smart TV. Getting away for the weekend has an abundance of venues to choose from and places to stay. Spending quality time with friends and family is always a good choice and fulfilling.

Despite the many things we do in life, entertaining ourselves, enjoying family time, achieving success in our jobs and careers, why do some people still have that empty feeling inside? How many people do you know, or perhaps yourself, that do all they can to enjoy life and live it to the fullest, and confess they still have this empty feeling. There is no fulfillment, something is missing. They need to find that missing piece to life’s puzzle. It happens more than you know and to more people than you may think. If you are not surprised by this, you may be one in need of fulfillment.

You’ve heard the cliché, ‘looking for love in all the wrong places.’ Well, it fits here. It is not that the above examples are ‘wrong places,’ they are not. But you will not find complete fulfillment in any of them until the major piece that completes the puzzle is put in place. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Mt.5:6 nlt) Jesus equates being filled with desiring righteousness. True fulfillment of one’s life occurs when Christ’s righteousness is applied to our lives as we accept Him as Lord and savior. That empty feeling disappears. What we thought would bring us fulfillment suddenly doesn’t seem so important anymore when put in proper perspective.

If you’re struggling with that empty feeling why not look for fulfillment in the right place by looking to Christ and desiring His righteousness. It’s the missing piece you need in your search for fulfillment.

Devotionals

Do we love the Lord God with all our heart?

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 12:28-34 NLT – The Most Important Commandment – One of – Bible Gateway

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Jesus was asked by one of the teachers of the religious law what is the most important commandment? Without hesitation Jesus responded, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mk.12:29-31 nlt) What prompted the teacher’s question is not clear, but he was rather impressed listening to Jesus’ answer to the questioning Sadducees. (Mk.12:18-27) He may have been curious to see if he had it right, for Jewish teachers of the Law were about getting it right. His motives may have been self-centered or just another case of trying to discredit Jesus.

The teacher found himself agreeing with Jesus. He knew the Old Testament scripture Jesus quoted and that to love God is more important than any sacrifice to Him. Jesus complimented the teacher by acknowledging he knew the Scripture, ‘You are not far from the Kingdom of God,’ (Mk.12:34) but also noted he was not yet in the kingdom. The teacher needed to put down his scrolls and simply love the Lord God with all his heart and all his soul, the only way to the kingdom.

What does this have to do with us in 2025? Everything! We can all go through the motions of church activity by attending services, giving, volunteering, etc. which is our way of sacrificing today. However, what is our motive in these activities. Are we doing them out of our love for God? Do these activities show our love for God or show our desire to be noticed? Jesus said the most important commandment is to love the Lord God with all our heart and all our soul. Do we love the Lord God with all our heart?  Let’s do that first, then participate in our church activities.

Devotionals

Safety in the House of God

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 52 NLT – Psalm 52 – For the choir director: A – Bible Gateway

“But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” Psalm 52:8 NLT

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Churches across the globe have been considered sacred places of refuge for centuries. Most notable in times of war, churches were shelters for all who entered through their doors whosever side they were on. Sanctury churches today have a much more complicated task within the twists and turns of world culture. But the mission remains the same, to protect by providing refuge in the house of God.

When David was on the run from King Saul who was in pursuit to kill him, David penned Psalm 52. David describes the wickedness of his enemies and God’s judgement on them as he rests safely in God’s protection. David writes, “But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” (Ps.52:8 nlt) Olive trees live a span of hundreds of years. David is putting his trust in the lasting mercy of God for protection. Olive trees also represent prosperity. Being in God’s presence (house of God) David would not only find safety but will grow in his knowledge of Him. David is filled with praise in the sanctuary of God, “I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.” (Ps.52:9 nlt)

Psalm 52 is a picture of the reality of evil around us, but also of the justice of God in protecting His children while administrating judgment on the wicked of our day. Christians should take comfort that we are in the house of God, our place of refuge through the Holy Spirit, and are safe as we thrive in His presence praising Him!

Devotionals

No Debate

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 119:89-96 NASB – Lamedh Forever, LORD, Your word stands – Bible Gateway

“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89 NASB

Photo by Kelly on Pexels.com

Debates occur to express and defend a point of view. Both sides are passionate and sure of their position being the right one. Each would say ‘there is really no debate’, and that may be true if someone is able to prove their point of view is the correct one. Although, the other side would claim ‘not so fast’ as they try to prove their opponent wrong. The debate can last for hours, weeks, or even a lifetime trying to prove their point is correct and then convince others.

In most debates there are what we refer to as ‘gray areas.’ There are neither black or white, right or wrong, but somewhere in the middle. A lot of discussion in the form of persuasion takes place in these areas to win over the opposition. But most subjects of debate have a definitive truth in them if they are fleshed out. The opposition may not agree, but the truth is the truth.

Probably the most debated book in history would be the Bible. Debates range from its authenticity, who wrote it, is it a fact or fiction, is it to be taken literally or symbolically, does it still apply today, aren’t there contradictions, on and on go the debates. Psalm 119 is a psalm that is all about the Word of God, all 176 verses. This chapter reveals the Bible could be called the Word of Life for it tells us all we need to know. It’s God Word to us, His plan of salvation for mankind and our instruction manual on how to live.  Oh, and by the way, the psalmist writes, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Ps.119:89 nasb) Therefore there is no debate. It has been settled in heaven. So, let’s go out and convince others the Bible is the true Word of God.

Devotionals

How many people do you know?       

Loring Schultz

“The LORD replied to Moses, ‘I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.’” Exodus 33:17 NLT

Photo by Ben Kim on Unsplash

Have you ever thought about how many people you know? How about how many you have known over the years that you have forgotten until you are reminded by a photograph? Put them all together and the number of people who have come across your path can be staggering.

 Last Friday, July 11 was World Population Day. It was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Program in 1989. Its aim is to increase awareness of population issues such as family planning, social issues, poverty, health and human rights. The current world population is 8.1 billion people up from 7.4 billion in 2016. So, how many of these people do you know? What percentage of the 8.1 billion people do you know? (.1% is 8.1 million people) Do you know that many people?  I know I don’t, even if I forgot most of them. But there is one who knows all 8.1 billion.

There is so much about God we cannot understand. We need to take most of it by faith. But we can observe all of His creation from the universe, the earth, sun, moon, and stars, along with the intricacies of the human body and how it functions to know that only God is capable of such work. It wouldn’t be beyond His knowledge since He is all-knowing to know every person on the planet at the present time and whoever has walked on this earth since Adam and Eve. Yes, it is hard to wrap our minds around. So, since we can’t do that, let’s marvel in the fact that He knows each of us by name, all 8.1 billion of us.

Devotionals

Hidden Sins; exposing our innermost thoughts and desires

Loring Schultz

“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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”  Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT

Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash

The subject of transparency is a well-recognized topic particularly in the world of politics. The truth of the matter is, many who claim to be transparent usually turn out to be not so transparent. Transparency defines as, ‘the quality of being done in an open way without secrets’ is far from what the general public observes. Perhaps there are good intentions on the campaign trail to present oneself as transparent, but the thought of exposing compromising positions or a deficiency while in office is considered a matter to be kept close to the vest.

Politicians are not alone in abusing transparency. Every one of us have a problem with being transparent, totally transparent. Many of us have fine admirable qualities such as honesty, sympathy, a non-judgmental character, caring for others, selflessness, and a loving attitude. While those qualities may be seen most of the time, there are circumstances when one or two of our admirable qualities are overshadowed by something we try to cover up-and if exposed they would cause a great deal embarrassment. It is at these moments we become non-transparent, thinking we have covered up our deficiencies and maintained our integrity.  

But as hard as we try to remain transparent while covering up a deficiency or sin in our lives, eventually it becomes known if not dealt with honestly. We may be able to cover up our sin for a time before others, but we can never cover up anything from God who knows and sees all. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” (nlt)

God is aware of our innermost thoughts and desires; we cannot hide them from God. We are capable of covering up our sin before others and even to ourselves as we refer to them as hidden sins and no big deal. But the Word of God has a way of reminding us that it is a big deal “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 nlt) If we are serious about eradicating our hidden sins, we need to be immersed in the God’s Word allowing Him through His Word to expose our innermost thoughts and desires and be transparent before Him.

Devotionals

The Future Resurrection 

Loring Schultz

Read: John 5:25-29 NLT – “And I assure you that the time is – Bible Gateway

“Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.” Daniel 12:2 NLT

Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

The Bible speaks of a future resurrection of the dead in several places. Jesus, Himself referred to this in the gospel of John. “Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment.” (Jn.5:28-29 nlt)

Jesus confirms there will a future resurrection of the dead. That includes everyone. Those who have died in the Lord and those unsaved at the time of their death. It is true that those in Christ at their death are in the presence of the Lord, and those outside of Christ are in eternal punishment. (Lk.16:23-24) But Scripture is clear, our physical bodies will be raised from the dead to face final judgement. This is not only a New Testament reference but is noted in the Old Testament as well. In Daniel chapter 12 it says, “Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.” (Dan.12:2 nlt) Sounds a lot like Jesus’ words.

So, in the future resurrection of the dead, what will be your status? Will you be granted eternal life with Christ or will you stand in judgement and be condemned for all eternity. You can be certain where you’ll stand, but you need to make that decision in this lifetime. There are no second chances at the future resurrection. Today is the day of salvation. “And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Rev.20:15 nlt)

Devotionals

God’s Promise of Eternal Life  

Loring Schultz

“This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.” 1 John 2:25 NASB

Photo by wisconsinpictures on Unsplash
 

Do you know the number of promises God has given to us in the Bible? I did not. To me they are countless, but there is an actual number. Whether any human being could count them all and be accurate I’m not sure, but what I do know is that God knows the exact number for they are His promises. Many Biblical scholars put the number at 7,487 promises of God found in Scripture. So, I’ll go with that. God is not a God that He should lie. When God makes a promise, He sees it through. The responsibility now falls on us, do we believe His promises?

Of all the promises God has made, perhaps the greatest is His promise of eternal life. “This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life…..And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” (1Jn.2:25, 5:11 nasb) If you believe there is a God, then you should believe He is not a deceiver and would not lie. What He promises will come about, because He Himself is God. He has promised those who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, will have eternal life.

The only sure thing we can count on in this world is the promises of God as recorded in Scripture. As noted, there are many to read about in His Word and be encouraged, but we need to take first things first. The first promise of God for us to learn is His love for us and His salvation plan through Jesus Christ that guarantees us eternal life. Every one of His promises is true but let us start with the most important one. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nasb)

Devotionals

What is your mindset?

Loring Schultz

Read: Romans 8:5-8 NLT – Those who are dominated by the sinful – Bible Gateway

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” Romans 8:6 NLT

Photo by Finde Zukunft on Unsplash

Merriam Webster defines ‘mindset’ as, ‘a mental attitude or inclination, a fixed state of mind.’ Another way you can state it, in simple terms, would be it is what you think about all the time. What you think about controls your actions. It’s what you are inclined to do because it is always on your mind. It is your fixed state of mind. So, what is your mindset?

Paul, the apostle, warns us, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things…..So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death.” (Ro.8:5a, 6a nlt) The things we think about, if we let them hang around, will eventually turn into action. Enough action in our sinful nature will lead to death as Paul points out. But Paul also gives us the flipside in stating, “but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit…….letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Ro.8:5b,6b nlt)

While it is true all Christians are a new creation in Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit, (2Cor.5:17) we still have that old sin nature from our first parents, Adam and Eve. We are to allow the Holy Spirit to control us, and we are to walk by the Spirit. Paul refers to this several times in his New Testament writings. (Gal.5:16, 5:25; Col.2:6; Ro.8:14.) If we consistently walk in the Spirit our thoughts will be towards God and His righteousness and the ways in which to please Him. Our mindset will be in sync with our creator leading us into an abundant life and peace. So, what is your mindset? It may be time to change direction.

Devotionals

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree

Loring Schultz

Read: Colossians 1:6-10 NLT – This same Good News that came to you is – Bible Gateway

“Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.” 1 John 2:29 NLT

Photo by Drahomír Hugo Posteby-Mach on Unsplash

Children often inherit some of the same traits as their parents. The saying, ‘the apple doesn’t fall from the tree’ states it perfectly. Children’s behavior is modeled after what is observed during those young impressionable years and is carried through into adulthood. This is a good thing that makes a parent proud as their children take on their characteristics in life. But it can turn disastrous if a child turns into a bad apple through the influence of the family tree

Physical traits and behavior are passed down to children from the parents in the family. Spiritual traits and behavior are passed down to everyone through their spiritual family tree. The apostle John writes, “Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.” (1Jn.2:29 nlt) Christians with Christ as our savior are part of the family of God. Our family tree is the triune God passing down His characteristics to us. Our lives should bear the fruit of the family we belong to.

For those who do not know the Lord Jesus as savior, their family is not the family of God. Jesus said, “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does.” (Jn.8:44 nlt) This sounds harsh, but Jesus always tells it like it is. Jesus also said, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” (Mt.12:30 nlt) The fruit falling from the devil’s tree are those who oppose Christianity, Jesus as the only way to God. (Jn.14:6)

Not every apple that falls from the family tree of God is perfect. We have spots and maybe a worm or two inside, but we are not rotten but saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Bad apples don’t need to stay bad. The tree of life is available to all who accept Christ as savior. You won’t be a perfect apple, but you’ll be a good apple from the family tree of God.