Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

We didn’t get there 

Loring Schultz

Read: Romans 15:23-29 NLT – Paul’s Travel Plans – But now I have – Bible Gateway

“I will come to see you on my way to Spain. And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together.” Romans 15:28-29

Photo biblestudy.org

In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, he told them to expect a visit from him on his way to Spain. Paul had confided to them how eager he was to spend some time with them. He first needed to make his way back to Jerusalem to deliver a gift to the poor Christians that was collected for them by the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. His plans where then to set out for Spain by way of Rome.

Paul’s good intentions didn’t work out as he thought. He did make it to Rome, but not in the manner he had planned. He went there as a prisoner when he made his appeal to the emperor after being brought up on charges by the Jewish leaders. (Acts 25) Paul was able to meet with many people during his first imprisonment in Rome, but he never made it to Spain.

We all can relate when our plans don’t materialize as we thought. My wife and I had planned to visit family over a period of time but do to circumstances we were not able to do so. It may not be we won’t get together, just not in the way we had anticipated. Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” (nlt) Paul found this out as he planned to visit the church in Rome and then the people of Spain. Paul made his plans, but the Lord directed according to His will.

Let this not hinder us from making plans, we should continue to be engaged in planning our future events according to God’s will, just remember we may not get there.

Devotionals

Is your word good enough?   

Loring Schultz

“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’” Matthew 5:37 NIV

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Promises are broken every day so they say. Promises are made to be broken they also say. Promise makers are not always promise keepers. Although some promises are broken intentionally others are not. Unintentional broken promises are no fault of the promise maker who had given their word. Their word was good enough to assure the one promised that the pledge would be honored. Then there are those who know they will not keep the promise they are agreeing to as they are making the promise. Their deception is in making an oath by swearing in the name of someone or something usually of a sacred or personal nature. Their word was not good enough for complete trust and honesty. They had to pad it with an oath.

Jesus’s word to us from the Sermon on the Mount is this, “But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.  And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.” (Mt. 5:34-36) People in Jesus’s day thought they could break an oath if it wasn’t sworn in the name of God without consequences. Today we would call that ‘an out” or “a loophole.” But Jesus confirms that everything falls under God and His name. God’s throne is in heaven, He created the heavens and the earth, and He created us. There is nothing belonging to ourselves that is able to back up an oath. Jesus says, “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’” and then He adds these words, “anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Mt. 5:37)

So, what about you? Is your word good enough to secure a promise or do you need to add some assurance in order to be believed? For the Christian our word should be taken at face value, which should be the reflection of the Lord Jesus in our lives. In the world in which we live others should expect our word to be nothing more than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as good enough for the Jesus follower.

Devotionals

How deep are your roots?      

Loring Schultz

“The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.” Matthew 13:20-21 NLT

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

Deep strong roots are vital to a tree’s survival in storms with heavy winds. The deep seeded roots prevent the tree from falling over and at the same time are growing stronger by the wind during a storm by pulling and stretching. Throughout the life of a tree, the roots are working its way downward in search of water and nutrients. For a tree to flourish and survive its roots must continue to grow stronger by absorbing what is necessary; fertile soil with the proper nutrients and just enough wind to keep them stretching from the swaying of the tree.

In Jesus’ Parable of the Soils, He gives us four examples of different types of soil the farmer incurs as he is planting seed. Some seed fell by the wayside, or foot paths along the border of a field. Some seed fell on rocky places or shallow soil. Others fell among thorns and still others on fertile soil. The seed represents the Word of God (the gospel) that is planted in the hearts of people. There are many who hear the gospel in various forms. Some take to it enthusiastically as soon as they hear it representing the shallow soil. Then there are those who hear it but do not understand for the seed never penetrated into their hearts, and still others hear the word, but also hear the word of worries of this life and accumulating wealth crowding out the truth of the gospel. Then there are those who truly hear and understand the gospel representing the good soil.

As Christians, we are to live our lives in a manner that will draw individuals to Jesus Christ. We are to take advantage of every opportunity to share the gospel message. Jesus’ Parable of the Soils informs us of the possible reactions of each one who hears the Word. Not all will respond in the same way, and some not at all. We are only called to be faithful in presenting the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to do the work.

The seed falling on rocky and shallow soil can be taken a step further for Christians who have already accepted the salvation of the Lord. How deep are your roots? Believers today need strong deep roots to carry on God’s plan for them. Just as a tree planted in fertile soil needs water, nutrients, and winds to develop deep roots, Christians need to drink from the well of living water, feast on the nutrients of God’s Word, join in prayer with other believers, and receive with joy the winds of change in their lives which help develop deep roots.   

Devotionals

Advent 2025: Season of Giving

Loring Schultz
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others.” (2Cor.9:6-8 nlt)

This past Tuesday was ‘Giving Tuesday.’ It is the final day of the after-Thanksgiving events promoted by retailers in the United States. ‘Black Friday’ starts it off, which was at one time the busiest shopping day of the year but no more. It is followed by ‘Small Business Saturday’ to help support those smaller business owners who are affected by the big box stores and major retail  corporations. The Monday after thanksgiving has now become ‘Cyber Monday’ which ,of course, needs no explanation. And finally we come to ‘Giving Tuesday,’ a day to donate to your favorite charity or organization.

Coming from a Christian perspective, I would think ‘giving’ should be first day after Thanksgiving or perhaps the day before. But I’m not complaining. According to numbers from the non-profits, ‘Giving Tuesday’ is very successful. Last year in 2024, $592 billion dollars were donated to charities and non-profit organizations. So, I’m OK where it is as it does start the season of giving.

The apostle Paul was addressing the church in Corinth about the gift they were gathering for the poor in Jerusalem. He wanted them to be ready when Paul’s men arrived to pick it up. Paul used the example of a farmer who plants generously will have a generous crop. Paul was not preaching a prosperity gospel. He said they must decide in their hearts how much to give and he did not want them to give reluctantly or feel pressured to do so for God loves a cheerful giver.  

When we share and give to others, especially those in need, we can be sure of a blessing from God. Let that not be our motive, but to help those God has put in our space and in our hearts this advent season. It is the season of giving; the season we celebrate God giving us His Son that we may be saved from eternal wrath. May we celebrate this season by meeting the needs of the unfortunate both physical and spiritual by introducing them to Jesus, the reason for the season.  

Devotionals

Who Are You Waiting For?      

Loring Schultz

Read: Isaiah 30:12-17 NLT – This is the reply of the Holy One of – Bible Gateway

“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.” Isaiah 30:15 NLT

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What troubles you? Where do you go and to whom do you go to get relief from your troubles? Hezekiah, king of Judah, was seeking an alliance with the forces of Egypt in their trouble with the invading Assyrian army. They apparently forgot about God in the midst of their troubles. The powerful Egyptian army looked like the best option with their swift horses to help them escape the approaching danger. But the Lord reminded them,  “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.” (Is.30:15 nlt)

Judah was resting in the strength and material sources of their current world system to relieve them of their troubles. They trusted in a foreign government who had no allegiance to the God of heaven. Judah was willing to join themselves to a godless nation for safety rather than to trust in the Lord their God. The Lord warned them it would not work, but they did not want to hear it.

How many times have you chosen the remedies of the world before going to the Lord for what troubles you?  Worse yet, how many times have you been given counsel in the things of the Lord, but as King Hezekiah, you ignored it. The Lord God knows each of us intimately which means He knows exactly what it is that troubles us and how to solve the issue. Returning to the Lord and resting in Him is our only sure way to safety. So, who or what are you waiting for? The Egyptians may have fast horses, but your troubles may be indeed faster, our world may have some answers, but only God knows how to meet your need in times of trouble. It’s time to trust Him in quietness and confidence.

Devotionals

Advent 2025: You’re Not Alone

Loring Schultz

THE FOLLOWING IS A DEVOTIONAL I WROTE DURING THE COVID-19 CHRISTMAS SEASON

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“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23 NLT

The Christmas season not only brings joy, happiness, and hope for the New Year, but also with it comes the sadness for those who are no longer with us. There is not a year that goes by that many of us have not experience the loss of a loved one during the year. Perhaps this year more than any other there are more of us who have realized this and in increasing number. There will be empty places at the table that were once filled with warm smiling faces. Familiar voices will be heard only by captured video throughout the years that are shared. There will be some joy in the remembrance of them, but the emptiness continues to be felt and those moments when we are alone are too difficult to overcome. But, for Christians, we are not alone.  

One of the most comforting verses in all of scripture is Matthew 1:23 for it says, “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Yes, God was with us in the flesh as Jesus walked the earth for thirty-three years before His death on the cross. And due to His death and resurrection, those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savoir have God, the Holy Spirit with us at all times. My friend, if you’re a Christian, You’re not alone.

Jesus is with us through the Holy Spirit and He has promised “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5) We have the assurance that those who have gone on before us are in the presence of their Lord and Savior. And our Lord and Savior is with us also in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Take comfort this Christmas season that you are not alone even though the void of your loved one is real. But Jesus is also real. He knows your grief, and He is with you. He came to offer you Salvation so you will not be separated from Him forever. He came that He would be with you so that you will be not alone. He came because He loves you and He loves those who are now in His presence. You’re not alone!

Devotionals

Misplaced Priorities

Loring Schultz

Read: Haggai 1 NLT – A Call to Rebuild the Temple – On – Bible Gateway

“Then the LORD sent this message through the prophet Haggai: ‘Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?’” Haggai 1:3-4 NLT

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Christians have a whole different set of priorities than non-Christians, or do we? Afterall the Lord has richly blessed us, and we are more than willing to support the church financially, or are we? The Lord God has bestowed upon us natural gives of ability and certain spiritual gifts which, of course, we use in service for Him, well maybe not. Jesus Christ opened the door of salvation for us by dying on the cross and we are eager to open that door to others, I wish that were true. Now, all this may seem harsh, and I am not calling out anyone. It is for all of us who proclaimed the name of Christ to self-examine if we have misplaced priorities in our life, me included.

After seventy years in captivity the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem. They restored worship and preceded to lay the foundation to rebuild the temple that was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. The work started with joy and praise to God for their return to the homeland, but soon the work was stopped due to opposition. It was during this time of hostility against them the Jews backed off rebuilding the temple. The focus became restoring their lives first even using the building material designated for the house of Lord for their own homes. The Lord sent the prophet Haggai to confront them and encouraged them to get their priorities in order and finish building the temple.

Christians today have as much opposition against them as the Jews of ancient days. It is just as easy for us to back off the Lord’s work. But we are reminded the Holy Spirit is with us and we need not be afraid or intimidated. The effects of misplaced priorities can have devastating results as the prophet Haggai explained to the Jews in Jerusalem. Concentrating only on themselves they were always lacking, coming up short. The Lord God did not bless their efforts. Haggai tells the people, “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you!” (Hag.1:7 nlt) When we find ourselves in similar circumstances it just may be the Lord getting our attention to recognize our misplaced priorities.