Devotionals – Page 21 – Word for the Soul

Live Life to the Fullest

July 7, 2025July 6, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:11-14 NIV

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I haven’t come across many people who do not desire the good things in life. The good things of life may differ between individuals and between cultures. What is good for you may not be good for me and vice versa. But each of us desires to live life to the fullest in our cultural surroundings whatever they may be. Struggling to get the most out of life; good health, financial success, close friends, family, satisfying employment, plenty of leisure time, and other deeming qualities of a good life come up short many times. But does coming up short disqualify us from the good things in life? Is there anything we can do to prevent missing out on these good things?

King David gives us a couple of suggestions in helping us live the good life. His advice is based on having the right character qualities. One whose character is free from slander, speaking falsely, participating in shady things, or causing trouble goes a long way in having a good life. David writes, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Ps.34:12-14 niv)

We think we are not that bad saying, ‘I don’t tell any white lies or make-up stories to hurt someone, and I certainly don’t gossip!’ We also say, ‘I am not an evil person’ and that may be true in comparison with others, but God looks at all sin as evil. And when we say we should all live in peace and love one another, are we truly pursing it as we pursue trying to live our lives to the fullest?

None of us is able to live life to the fullest on our own. God has given us His Word to show us how to live a fulfilled life by obeying it. And more importantly, God sent His Son to save us and reconcile us to God. Therefore, it is impossible to live a totally fulfilled life without Christ. Jesus says, “…… I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (Jn.10:10b niv)

Devotionals

Pray for Your Country

July 4, 2025July 2, 2025 Loring Schultz

There are some countries around the world that are relatively orderly, peaceful, and prosperous. You may be saying to yourself, name some because I would like to move there. It is true that many nations don’t resemble a place of tranquility. We do live in a fallen world, so we might expect it, but that does not mean there can’t peace and prosperity in the days we live, even if it is only for a period of time.

Christians should be working towards the peace and prosperity of the country where we live. Christians are the biggest influence in their surrounding communities to make things happen because we have the biggest influencer supporting us, the Lord God. The first step in being an influencer to bring about change through prayer. The Lord told the captives of Judah as they were carried off to Babylon to do just that. They certainly did not want to be exiled in a heathen land, but the Lord God told them to “work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” (Jer.29:7 nlt) Simply put, God commanded them to pray for their city, a pagan city. As their city prospered, so would they and there would be peace.

You may be living in a pagan country today, but the Lord’s command is the same as the captive people of Judah to pray for the nation and its leaders. The second step is to start working towards peace and prosperity. You and a few others may be the only hope you and your neighbors have of living a peaceful life due to your prayers and working as the Lord leads you. It will not only bring glory and honor to God through the welfare of all, but it will open the door to share the gospel of Christ, the only true source of peace in the world. Pray for the peace and prosperity of your country wherever you reside.

Devotionals

Incomplete

July 3, 2025July 2, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Acts 20:16-38 NLT – Paul had decided to sail on past – Bible Gateway

“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” Acts 20:24 NLT

Have you ever received an ‘I’ as a mark in place of a grade on your school report card? ‘I’ or ‘incomplete’ notes you haven’t finished the course to receive a passing or failing grade. You didn’t fail, but you didn’t pass either. You failed to complete the course. Except for certain uncontrollable circumstances, failing to complete the course could be considered failing. This may seem a little harsh, but you did fail by not completing the assignments to receive a grade. Some educators today are too quick to mark an ‘I’ when it is not warranted.

The apostle Paul would never give out an ‘I’ as a teacher nor would he accept one. Paul was determined to go back to Jerusalem by the leading of the Holy Spirit although he knew that chains awaited him. Waiting near the docks of Miletus, Paul called for the elders at Ephesus. When they arrived, he gave them some final instructions and informed them they would not see each other again. Paul emphasized he still had work to do. He said his life would mean nothing if he didn’t finish the work the Lord Jesus gave him to do. Even prison, which may be a legitimate excuse, would not stop him from preaching the Good News. Paul did not want an ‘I’ on his report card.

Remember how you felt on those days your grades came out. Christians should have that feeling year-round for we do not know when our final report card is coming out. I don’t say this to put us into a state of panic, but to encourage us to complete what God has given us to do in this life. The Lord has given each of us our own assignments to accomplish, but all of us have the same work Paul had, telling others the Good News of Jesus Christ. We don’t want to be given an ‘I’ on that day but to hear ‘well done good and faithful servant.’

Devotionals

The Dawn and the Sunset are Ever Before Us

July 2, 2025July 1, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 65:5-13 NASB – By awesome deeds You answer us in – Bible Gateway

“They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.” Psalm 65:8 NASB

Every corner of the world has a dawn and a sunset. The start of our day and the end of it don’t exclude any of us. How often do we take the time to thank the Lord for another day and the beauty of the sunrise and sunset? On cloudy and rainy days, it may may be hard, but it is a new day God has given us to enjoy. He has filled this earth with His wonders of creation. The mountains, oceans, forest, the meadows, valleys, and even the desert plains all shout for joy in their creation.

This past weekend I was reminded of God’s dawn and sunset as I spent a quiet weekend with family in a cabin in the woods on a riverbank. As much as I was in awe, it was the same dawn and sunset I experienced at home, but somehow I miss it more days than not. More importantly it is the same God who is reminding me of the new day He has given me. God gives each of us across this earth a new day to glorify Him and work His will. It’s not by chance the sun rises and sets, it’s by God’s amazing order of creation and His sustaining the earth.

Too many days are wasted taking the sunrise and sunset for granted. Yes, we have many responsibilities to tend to, but a simple recognition and thanks to our creator who gives us each day to work and enjoy in His presence will make a world of difference. If the dawn and sunset shout for joy, we should also, but don’t wait until you’re in a cabin in the woods.

Devotionals

Back where you belong

July 1, 2025June 26, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Zechariah 10:6-12 ESV – “I will strengthen the house of – Bible Gateway

“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them.” Zechariah 10:6 ESV

Are there periods of time in your life when you feel out of place? You are not where you’re supposed to be. Maybe through a fault of or own, or not, but you are out of place. Perhaps some sin drew you to this place of discomfort and though you don’t want to admit it, you know it’s true. You either put yourself there or the Lord put you there to chastise you, or both. There is a way out, there is good news on the horizon for those who know and trust God. You are not rejected forever if you are His child. When you call out to God in repentance, asking for forgiveness He will answer you and you’ll soon be back where you belong.

Both the ten tribes of Israel in the north, and the tribes of Benjamin and Judah in the south were taken captive to a place they didn’t belong. Both due to their continual sin against the Lord God and refusing to obey His commandments. The Lord has promised to restore them fully as if He had never rejected them. The southern tribes were returned to their land seventy years after captivity but never again had full autonomy. The northern tribes never regain their self-governing either. But one day, as God has promised, both will be restored again as one nation in the millennial kingdom.

God’s promise to the children of Israel is a promise all Christians can hold to as His chosen people in Christ. The Lord will have compassion on you as you seek and obey Him bringing you back where you belong, in His will.

Devotionals

Our Message of Unity

June 30, 2025June 25, 2025 Loring Schultz

“I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” John 17:23 NLT

Have you ever given thought that Jesus has prayed for you? Jesus had a specific petition for all future Christians who would make up His church. Near the end of His “high priestly prayer” recorded in John’s gospel chapter 17, Jesus made His requests known soon before He was to go to the cross. He prayed that we would be with Him in eternity and see His Glory, but His specific request was that we all be one in complete unity. Imagine as Jesus was about to be crucified, His concern for us was for there to be unity. So how are we doing?

Before we answer, perhaps it would good for us to know why Jesus made this request. Jesus reasoned, ‘that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them.’ You made have heard the statement; ‘The only Christ the world will see, is the Christ they see in me.’ That is very true, and Jesus confirms it later in His prayer as He says, ‘O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you.’ (Jn.17:25 nlt) Indeed, most of the world does not know God. Many have heard of God and have somewhat of a knowledge of Him, but they do not know the true God and Jesus Christ His Son.

As the world looks at the church and individual Christians today, do they see unity? Do they see the love of Christ between us? Are we in a unifying fashion convincing the world that Jesus is God’s Son sent to save us from eternal damnation? Does the world see their spiritual need by observing authentic Christianity in unity, or is it muddled by in-fighting, pride, and disagreements in doctrine not essential to Salvation? There are legitimate differences of opinion in the teaching of scripture in churches today, but they should not be at the expense of alienating those outside of Christ from hearing the message of the Gospel. So how are we doing in displaying our message of unity?

Devotionals

Your Prayers Are Heard

June 27, 2025June 24, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 10:1-13 NLT – Daniel’s Vision of a Messenger – In – Bible Gateway

“Then he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.’” Daniel 10:12 NLT

Have you even doubted if God hears your prayers? Do you get the feeling your prayers are only reaching the ceiling? Has it been days, weeks, or months, and you still haven’t gotten an answer? You begin to say to yourself, ‘did God even hear me?’ You can rest assured He has, and we have a story in the Old Testament book of Daniel that proves it.

The prophet Daniel was desperately waiting for an answer to his prayer concerning the vision he had just witnessed. He was in mourning and confused by what he saw and was seeking an answer. Daniel knew that it involved his people, the children of Israel, and it was a future event. He sought an answer, but it did not come. Daniel did not eat or drink for three weeks. Then one day as he was standing on the bank of the Tigris River, Daniel got his answer and was told why it was delayed.

The Lord sent his messenger to Daniel with the first words being, “Daniel, you are very precious to God.” (Dan.10:11 nlt) The Lord God did not forget Daniel but assured him how much he was loved by God. Sometimes we all need to be reminded that God loves us and hasn’t forgotten us. He does care for us and desires that close relationship with us. It is God’s desire to answer our prayers in what He knows is best for us.

The messenger then told Daniel his prayer was heard on the first day he petitioned God in prayer. What an encouragement for us who doubt at times if God has ever heard us. He has. Not only did the messenger assure Daniel that his prayer was heard, but that it was answered the same day. As we seek God, know for sure He hears our prayers and will answer us according to His will as we seek Him.

Devotionals

Victory

June 26, 2025June 23, 2025 Loring Schultz

“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 NLT

Over the past several days champions were crowned in various sports in the United States. Two had the opportunity to share that honor on the same day. The Oklahoma Thunder won the NBA championship over the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game series. The Baseball College World Series had their 2025 champion, LSU, celebrating their victory over Coastal Carolina in a series sweep. Five days earlier the Florida Panthers won their second Stanley Cup in a row beating the Edmonton Oilers in six games. And if you’re a diehard football fan the UFL spring league held its championship game two weeks ago with the D.C. Defenders outscoring the Michigan Panthers 58-34. All these teams will cherish and savor the victory for years to come. They will remember the struggles, the teamwork, the individual achievements, but most of all they will know the championship is theirs through their victory.

The apostle Paul tells us about another victory we can all have with no effort of our own. In fact, this victory requires no work at all. No heavy lifting, training, running sprints, or studying a playbook is involved. Paul states we can have victory over our sin and death through Jesus Christ. None of us can atone for our sin. There is nothing we can do to eradicate our guilt no matter how many good deeds we do, how many stars we get, or how much money we give to charities or the church. It is only through what Christ has done for us on the cross of Calvary by paying the penalty for sins through His death. We are guaranteed eternal life through His resurrection from the grave three days later. Victory! Yes, but it is only by faith in Jesus Christ, confessing and repenting of our sins, and trusting Him for salvation that He gives us the victory.

Don’t feel you need to play a part in achieving this victory. There’s nothing you can do; Jesus did it all. Consider you’re a bench player who never plays for a minute all year, or you’re on the sidelines due to injury. You still got that championship ring. There was nothing you could do. Championships are nice, but victory over sin and death is much better. Make sure you get your ring.

Devotionals

This Wild Storm of Hatred

June 25, 2025June 23, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 55 NLT – Psalm 55 – For the choir director: A – Bible Gateway

“Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. How quickly I would escape—far from this wild storm of hatred.” Psalm 55:6-8 NLT

In Psalm 55, David expresses his anguish of hatred being directed towards him to the point where his life was in danger. What made it worse was this hatred came from a close companion, or should we say former close companion. There are falling outs today in our lives as well, perhaps not as extreme as David’s, or maybe you have experienced such trauma. The world today is full of hatred. David called his experience ‘this wild storm of hatred.’ As distressed as David was, he found a solution to his problem; he would call upon the Lord.

David speaks of his heart pounding in his chest. He is overwhelmed with fear and trembling and cannot stop shaking with the thought of being killed by his close friend. But David had a closer friend on his side, the Lord God. David laments how good it would be if he had wings like a dove. He would then fly away to the quietness of the wilderness. Perhaps as David dwelt on that thought is when he called on the Lord to help him, “But I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice.” (Ps.55:16 nlt)

We too can paint a picture of flying away from our problems, but wouldn’t it be better to call on God and pray. David called on God in his distress, morning, noon, and night. Sure, he had someone trying to kill him, but passionate, repetitive prayer is most effective whatever our circumstances. This wild storm of hatred is all around us in 2025, its time to have passionate, continual prayer to the Lord God.

“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (Ps.55:22 nlt)

Devotionals

Honest and Trustworthy

June 24, 2025June 18, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Kings 12:4-16 NLT – One day King Joash said to the priests, – Bible Gateway

“No accounting of this money was required from the construction supervisors, because they were honest and trustworthy men.” 2 Kings 12:15 NLT

Being honest and trustworthy is harder for some people than you may think. It comes naturally for some, but just as naturally for others who are not honest and trustworthy. There is a story in the Old Testament book of 2 Kings that depicts both sides of being honest and trustworthy. Joash, the king of Judah, set out to have the Temple of God restored. It had been 124 years since its completion, and it had fallen into disrepair due to age. Joash’s plan was to allocate a portion of the Temple offerings to fund the necessary repairs. The priests were put in charge to oversee the operation. Sounds like a plan, but it did not succeed.

“But by the twenty-third year of Joash’s reign, the priests still had not repaired the Temple.” (2Kg.12:6 nlt) The priests did what so many of us do. They sat on it. To be fair, perhaps the offerings were small and not adequate for their own needs. This was possible due to mistrust from previous years of idolatry. Joash told them they were to receive no more money and what they had was to be used in repairing the Temple. The priests’ response is not one we would expect of God’s servants in the Temple. They agreed but also would take no part in the restoration project including paying for it. They passed it off. I would not say the priests were dishonest, but they were not trustworthy in doing all they could even with minimum funds to start the process of making repairs. They were also disobedient to the king.

King Joash came up with another plan to secure financing and it worked. The people responded and dropped their money in the chest the king provided at the entrance of the Temple under guard. As the money was collected it was given to the construction supervisors who paid for the carpenters, builders, masons, and stonecutters, along with purchasing materials. And “No accounting of this money was required from the construction supervisors, because they were honest and trustworthy men.” (2Kg.12:15 nlt) Something we would all like to be noted for, ‘honest and trustworthy.’ It shouldn’t be too difficult for us to find work and our integrity will never be in question. The priests can be given the benefit of the doubt, but they will always be the subject of conversation. May we not get sidetracked with our concerns that we lose the passion for what God has called us to do and become untrustworthy.