Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

Who is Leading You?     

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 23 KJV – The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not – Bible Gateway

“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3 KJV

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Psalm 23 is the most recognized portion of Scripture outside of John 3:16 for most Christians. There is a lot of ground covered in these six verses. The primary focus is the Shepherd-King providing comfort and supplying our needs all through life including our appointed time of death. But there are several nuances within Psalm 23 that expand beyond the comforting nature of the psalm.

When reading, ‘He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake’ I saw that in a different light as I read the 23rd Psalm recently. As I thought through this, a few things came to mind. Our shepherd will never lead us down the wrong path. So, why do we often find ourselves going the wrong way? Is it because we are not following our shepherd, as sheep tend to drift away? Are we allowing someone or something else to lead us astray? The psalmist writes, ‘He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness,’ which He can only do, meaning if we end up on the wrong road we are not following Him but following another or even ourselves. And that is not the righteous way!

The Lord leads us down paths that will always honor His name. The roads we travel on our own without God’s guidance rarely end up honoring His name. If the Lord is truly our shepherd, then we need to surrender all our will to His will and not fight against it and take that hard turn back on the right road. It leads to ‘righteousness for His name’s sake.’

Devotionals

Keep Away from Idols    

Loring Schultz

“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21 NIV

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When we think of the word ‘idol’ in Biblical terms, a created image to be worshiped as a god comes to mind. “Idolatry’ is a term used frequently in Scripture meaning the worship of idols. Throughout Biblical history there are stories of people worshiping carved images of false gods. These man-made gods were the object of worship taking their hearts and minds off the true God who is the only God worthy of worship. This is true even today. In fact, anything that is put before the Lord God becomes an idol as we have pushed God to second place, or even worse, third or fourth place.

The apostle John in the closing verse to his readers in 1 John writes, “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1Jn.5:21 niv) It almost seems out of place and thrown in at the last minute, but it is far from that. John cared deeply for those to which he was writing, often calling them ‘little children’ and ‘dear children’ as in this last verse. He knew of the deceptiveness of false teachers of his day and how easy it is to become enamored with the things of this world even back then. If it was a problem two thousand years ago, it is sure a problem today.

The New Living Translation of the Bible interprets this verse, “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” (1Jn.5:21 nlt) A very good translation that gets to the point. We are to keep away from anything that causes us to put ourselves, others, or something else first and taking that place away from God. It may be something of enjoyment, work, even family. It’s not that can’t we have other priorities in our lives or find enjoyment in certain activities, but when they push God to second place, they have become an idol. So, those idols we need keep away from, but proper balance in our love for God and keeping Him first will help us keep in place all the things He has given in this life to enjoy.

Devotionals

Longing for That Good Water   

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Chronicles 11:15-19 NLT – Once when David was at the rock near – Bible Gateway

“David remarked longingly to his men, ‘Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.’” 1 Chronicles 11:17 NLT

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As I write this, our neighborhood is without water due to a water main break. According to reports it may be a while until water is restored to the area. We live in a world where so much is taken for granted, it takes shutting off the water to make us realize how blessed we are. A day or two of inconvenience may set us all straight remembering to thank the Lord for His daily supply of our needs.

Yes, water is essential for our very survival. Clean, purified water is critical for health reasons. Officials in our region are informing residents and businesses of a boil advisory that will be put into effect after the water is restored to avoid any health risks. Good clean water is needed for a healthy life, and it tastes better.

King David had a longing for the cool clean water from the depths of the well at Bethlehem’s gate. David and his army were held up outside of Bethlehem during the war with the Philistines, who now occupied the city. Perhaps their rations were running low and the water from the water skins were beginning to taste like the water skins. David remarked, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” (1 Chr.11:17 nlt) David had an elite group of thirty mighty men in which three were the elite of the elite. These three men risked their lives breaking through enemy lines to grant David’s request.

We don’t have any indication that David’s longing was nothing more than a longing. He didn’t expect his men to act, but they did. David’s response was to pour it out as a sacrifice to Lord as his men risked their lives to gather it, saying, “This water is as precious as the blood of these men.” (1 Chr.11:19 nlt) David got what he longed for. It was so precious to him, and he gave it to the Lord.

Some of the things we long for may not be as important as we think. Most of the things we take for granted may be more important than we think, like turning on the faucet for water. May we thank the Lord for His daily provisions even when they are interrupted for a day or two.

Devotionals

I Have Too Much on My Plate           

Loring Schultz

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

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How often have you used the phrase, ‘I have too much on my plate?’ I’m not speaking of a dinner plate, which never can have too much on it, but your plate of responsibilities you have taken on. Suddenly you find yourself overwhelmed with the commitments you’ve made all with good intentions or perhaps you just couldn’t say no. Now your plate is full and no extra room to squeeze in the necessary chores you need to accomplish.

I’m beginning to find myself saying, ‘I have too much on my plate.’ Soon, I’ll be asking myself, ‘Do I need a bigger plate?’ But I can answer that right now, No! So, what is needed is an evaluation of the responsibilities on my plate. First, what is on my plate that was put there by God? Second, what has God directed me to add on my plate? During discouraging times in keeping up with the Lord’s work it is good to recall Jesus’ words. When we are weary in our work, even work for God, and the burden seems too much to bear, Jesus says He will give us rest. He doesn’t say, He’ll take away the God appointed duties on our plate, but He will give us rest.

The Lord Jesus invites us to hook up with His yoke, as oxen are yoked together to plow a field. The yoke allows the two to work together side by side. If you’re doing the Lord’s work, you are plowing a field with Him. Young inexperienced oxen are joined together with older experienced oxen for training. Jesus put this work on your plate, and He is right alongside there with you to help you and train you. Notice that even when we get discouraged and feel we can’t go on, Jesus tells us His yoke is easy and the burden He gives us is light. We can trust Him with that. Everything on our plate from the Lord should remain there. He will help us through it. It’s His work.

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Third, we may have some things on our plate that need a reevaluation by way of prioritizing. Listing them by priority you’ll be able to accomplish those things which are necessary. The Lord will honor your commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities you have on your plate. Those with less importance, God has not forgotten but will help you complete them in His good timing. And fourth, there may be some things on your plate, and mine that we need to get rid of. They can’t afford to take up valuable important space on the plate the Lord gives us to work. When we prioritize what’s on our plate, beginning with what God has put there and work our way down, we will find there is more than enough space on the plate, maybe even some room for dessert.

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Devotionals

Are You Looking for a Relationship or an Experience?    

Loring Schultz

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14 NLT

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One of my personal devotionals I read had an interesting comment last week. The writer stated there is a big difference between an experience with Jesus and a relationship with Him. That got me to thinking. Some Christians have the idea that Christianity is about feelings and experiences. They need to feel God’s power through the Holy Spirit doing great miracles in their lives to feel His present. In between there is an emptiness they try to fill looking for that next big spiritual moment, when that moment is right around the corner and is always there.

Granted there are extra special moments the Lord bestows upon us, and we should be grateful and praising Him for each one. The Lord God loves to enrich us with answered prayer, healing, and bringing miracles into our lives. But nothing pleases Him more that when we sit quietly at His feet as Mary did in the gospel of Luke. “Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.” (Lk.10:39 nlt) The Lord wants us to spend with Him through prayer, reading His Word, meditating on what His Word says, and taking time to listen to Him. That’s a relationship.

The quietest moments spent with Jesus daily will lead to a relationship that will outlast any previous experience you may have had. Because every day you go back for more time not looking or waiting for something great to happen because it is already happening. So, what are you looking for? You may have both.  

Devotionals

Ancient of Days             

Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 7:9-14 ESV – The Ancient of Days Reigns – “As I – Bible Gateway

“As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.” Daniel 7:9 ESV

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When we think of the word ancient, most of us would think of something quite old, and some of us might dare to assign that to someone quite old. Nevertheless, you may have heard God being referred to as the ‘Ancient of Days.’ You might be familiar with the worship song ‘Ancient of Days.’ But Ancient of Days described of God has nothing to do with His age, which is ageless for He is eternal, nor does it refer to our understanding of God throughout the centuries of ancient history we study. It is a reference to God being judge. It is a divine throne that will judge the world through the Son of Man, the name Jesus used most often for Himself while on the earth.

None of us know when that day will occur, but it is sure to happen. The Son of Man is going to return to judge and rule the world. John writes in the book of Revelation, “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” (1:7 esv) The prophet Daniel wrote down the visions the Lord gave him concerning the end times as hard as they are to understand. Striving to know exactly what will happen during those end times may cause you a lot of confusion and a headache or two. Continue to learn as much as you can remembering the bottom line of what we can be sure of, “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him.”

Ancient of Days video – Ron Kenoly

Devotionals

National Day of Prayer            

Loring Schultz

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3 NLT

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Today is the 74th annual National Day of Prayer observed in the United States. The first Thursday each May is designated by the U.S. Congress as a day of prayer for the nation. The President is required by law to sign a proclamation encouraging every citizen “to turn to God in prayer and meditation” for the people, the leaders, and the needs of the country.

As Christians we shouldn’t need a special day to remind us to pray for the country and those who lead us. The apostle Paul gives us instructions to do so in the book of 1 Timothy. ‘Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority.’ This should be part of our daily prayers so as Paul says that we live in peaceful times marked by godliness and dignity. Most of us would agree, I’m sure, that America and most of the world need godliness and dignity. This then should be our prayer.

We are to pray for our fellow citizens and all those who reside in our country asking God to intercede for them and giving thanks for them. When God’s people set the example of praying daily for our leaders, for those they lead, and for the needs of America it will bring a greater significance to the National Day of Prayer. Others may not be so reluctant to participate but will join us in prayer.

For those of you who reside outside the United States, Paul’s words apply to you as well. Whether your country has a National Day of Prayer or not, we should be in prayer for those who lead us, the needs of the country, and especially the people. Perhaps you can be catalyst in the establishment of a National Day of Prayer in your country. I understand it is easier said than done. But we serve a great God, and it is His desire that we pray for our leaders to change their hearts and minds “that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

Devotionals

Abounding Hope 

Loring Schultz

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV

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Near the end of Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome he addresses the issue of hope, our Christian hope. God is the source of all hope and should be our only object of hope. True hope comes from nowhere else, but God.  We can put our hope in others, or in ourselves, or wish upon a star as in a fairy tale, but it will prove to be all for naught. God has proven He is the only true hope for the world.

God makes known our basis for hope in Him through His Word. Paul writes, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Ro.15:4 esv) All scripture written previously in the Old Testament was for our benefit. It provided hope in what was promised in the coming Messiah encouraging us through the prophecies that were fulfilled and those yet to come. The New Testament speaks volumes through its twenty-seven chapters of the hope we can have in Christ; salvation, eternal life, and hope in this world.

The promises of God we see all throughout Scripture is the foundation for being able to be rich in hope. We have joy and peace with God through the power of the Holy Spirit enabling us to abound in hope. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, “Abounding in Christian hope should be an apt description of every Christian. The Christian looks ahead with a contagious enthusiasm. God has filled him with hope.” May we display that abounding hope to a hopeless world.

Devotionals

God’s Plan Despite Our Sin      

Loring Schultz

“For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever.” 2 Samuel 7:12-13 NLT

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I must admit there are some things I do not understand about God. Noticing the ways God has worked overtime the best authors, playwrights, and screenwriters couldn’t conceive such stories. God works in ways we could never imagine. He even takes our sin and works His purposes through it. That doesn’t leave us off the hook of responsibility. We are still accountable for our sin and there will be consequences. But I do not understand it and need to take it by faith trusting in the holy God of the universe.

King David probably never thought when God promised that one of his ancestors would build the Temple it would be a son from a wife he took from one of his soldiers after he had him killed. The story of David and Bathsheba is well known and there is no need to repeat it here, (2 Sam.11) except to say it was a grievous sin. Yet, before that unconscionable moment, God told David, “I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever.” (2Sam.7:12-13 nlt) That son was Solomon.

The Bible tells us David repented of his sins, (Ps.51) but there were consequences for his actions. The child that was conceived in the adulterous affair died, and David would live the rest of his life with the memory of it. However, God’s grace and mercy upon David and His steadfast love for him and his throne would be forever. “Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.” (2Sam.7:16 nlt) David was promised this at the same time he was told his son would build the Temple. We may not understand how or why God works His plan the way He does but let us be grateful He does.

Devotionals

Not Rejected, but Reworked

Loring Schultz

“And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.” Jeremiah 18:4 ESV

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How many times have you seen your plans and goals in life slipping out of reach? You have a college degree in your desired field but can’t get your foot in the door to plant your feet. You find yourself in a career you haven’t chosen, and as the years go by your dream job is becoming less plausible. It could be you hindered yourself by some regrettable decisions you’ve made placing you where you are now. Have you ever asked yourself, how did I get here? I have. The answer is I put myself here. But it is amazing how God still works out His perfect will for us, wherever we are.

Being in a place you don’t want to be is frustrating. But there is a reason why you are there. I’m not one to say, ‘just make the best of it’ but to say, ‘trust in God to show you the way.’ You may be surprised that you are not where you want to be, but you are where God wants you to be. Once you accept that, it makes all the difference in the world. Trust me, I know. We have our plans and goals, so does God. Sometimes they match, sometimes they don’t.

The Lord gave the prophet Jeremiah an illustration of His sovereignty over the people of Judah. He had him go down to the potter’s house and watch him. “And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.” (Jer.18:4 esv) Whatever the reason for being spoiled in the potter’s hand, He is reworking you to be all you were meant to be. The Lord has plans for you. You’re not rejected, but being reworked. You may get that dream job after all, just not where you thought it would be. And if you don’t, your dream will come true right where you are if you allow the potter to do His work.