Devotionals – Page 29 – Word for the Soul

Going in Circles

March 14, 2025March 12, 2025 Loring Schultz

“You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.” Deuteronomy 2:3 NASB

Life has a way of having us going in circles. We find ourselves engaged in several tasks at the same time. So many things to do and not enough time. Some things are left undone or put on the shelf until a more convenient time which almost never comes. Failing to reach the goals we have set for ourselves is on-going. We start over and repeat the process again and again. Like a dog chasing its tail, we run around in circles. That’s life!

But perhaps going in circles is your own doing. Perhaps you’re running around in circles due to disobedience to God. Most of our troubles stem from the bad choices we make in life. God gives us free will to make choices, but He also expects and desires us to make choices that please Him. Now, there is a difference between a deliberate sinful choice and an honest miscalculation in a choice we made. Unfortunately, we need to deal with the consequences just the same, and the Lord is aware of the circumstances. He will see us through them with grace and a lesson learned. But there are times when the Lord will allow us to wander for a while due to our bad choices.

The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years for their choice in not obeying God to go forward into the Promised Land. This too was for a season, a long one, but it did come to end by God’s grace. The Lord told them, “You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.” (Dt.2:3 nasb) So too, however long you’ve been going in circles for whatever reason it will come to an end. You can count on it. Trust God. You’ll soon hear, turn north!

Devotionals

Kind Words

March 13, 2025March 12, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up… A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!” Proverbs 12:25, 15:23niv

Christians could speak the kindest words above everyone else, but we often fall well short of it. I’m sure we all know of people who have given Christianity a bad name, perhaps even the person in the mirror. Yes, we all fall short. We encounter people every day who need a kind spoken word to them. If we are living by the fruit of the Spirit, which includes kindness, we will never miss an opportunity to be kind.

By truly walking in the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23), Christians are always ready and prepared to share kind words. Those individuals who approach our space with anxiety, depression, fright, family circumstances, job related issues, or just having a bad day are not in front of us by accident. It is a divinely appointed time to speak kind words.

Our demeanor, if we are properly walking by the Spirit, will portray a calming reassurance that our words are sincere. The Holy Spirit will teach us and guide us along to find the right words to say. These opportunities will open trust to share the gospel with those who do not know the Lord Jesus as their savior. For our Christian brothers and sisters, this is part of being in the family of God to encourage one another with kind words, and what a privilege it is.

There is also great joy in sharing a kind word with one who needs it, especially when the time is right, and it is needed the most. May we be careful not to fall short in the opportunities set before us to share kind words. The time is always right.

Devotionals

Wisdom, Righteousness, and Devotion to God

March 12, 2025March 10, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Titus 2:11-14 NLT – For the grace of God has been revealed, – Bible Gateway

“We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.” Titus 2:12 NLT

The greatest news of all to the world today is that God’s grace brought salvation to all people. Salvation is not restricted to a certain class of people, but is available to every person regardless of race, gender, ethnic group, age, or social class. Satan uses his influence in our fallen world to divide people, while God through the Holy Spirit unites people together and to Himself. Living the Christian life in a fallen broken world is not easy, but the Lord gives us instructions on how to live in today’s world as we look forward to that future day of the Lord.

The first thing Christians are to do is to throw off our old ways we engaged in before we accepted Christ. Admittedly this is not always easy, but it is necessary. God refers to them as ungodly living and sinful pleasures. Scripture also says Christians are a new creation in Christ with the old ways gone and new ways beginning. (2Cor.5:17) The apostle Paul writing to Titus says, “We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.” (Titus 2:12 nlt) All three things Paul instructs us to do are doable through the Holy Spirit we received as a new creation in Christ.

The fact that we live in an evil world is even more reason to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us. The Spirit will help us remember the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Pr.1:7) We can only live in righteousness (doing right on a consistent basis) through the Holy Spirit. And when our lives are totally devoted to God it will keep our focus where it needs to be and not on the pleasures of this world.

The evil one does not give up in his attempts to influence us or divide us once we have committed our lives to Christ but will ramp up his efforts. But if we’re living with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God we can live free from his tactics.

Devotionals

Is This a Test?

March 11, 2025March 10, 2025 Loring Schultz

“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” Job 23:10 NLT

Have you experienced deep challenges that caused you to ask yourself, is this a test? I’ve had many, mostly in my retail management career. Things begin to go wrong, slowing me down when I’m approaching a deadline. Projects pile up and the pressure is coming from all sides. Can you relate? Then it’s time to ask the question, is this a test? It may not be, but take it from one who knows, most likely it is, and coming from the Father above.

You might ask, does God test us? Indeed, He does. Does God tempt us? Never! But He does put us to the test. Testing from the Lord is a spiritual check-up that is like our yearly physical check-ups, only they are not scheduled in advance, at least to our knowledge. Knowing when our physical check-ups are due, we look at our weight and make sure we are taking all the medications that are prescribed. Following the doctor’s orders is now a priority until the check-up is over.

We cannot cram for a spiritual check-up as we would for our doctor’s visit, or for studying for an exam which tests our knowledge. We need to always be prepared. The Lord will test us when we least expect it to test our faithfulness and obedience to Him. The test will reveal our attitudes in how we respond. Do we have a Christ-like demeanor? Will others be encouraged in how well we handle the challenge? The purpose in testing us is to make us more like Christ and bringing glory to God.

Testing from God is not always pleasant, but it is an important part in our Christian Walk. When we pass the test, we are better for it. The Lord goes before us, leading the way and preparing us for more challenges ahead. As Job says, “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” (Job 23:10 nlt) We are also guaranteed to come out purified by fire in a crucible as gold. So let the testing begin!

Devotionals

Movin’ On

March 10, 2025March 9, 2025 Loring Schultz

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 ESV

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Our world has become a mobile society. People move about freely moving from one place to another. There are many circumstances behind someone’s decision to move on. Some we may know of, but there are times we do not know the reason why. Modern means of transportation and the advancement of face time communication on our cell phones have made it easier to accept when a relative, a dear friend, or a close neighbor moves away or leaves your church, workplace, or organization you belong to. You’ll miss them and perhaps feel abandoned, even though no one’s at fault. It’s called life, and doing what is best for all involved.

Christians have a unique bond with one another, or at least we should, in that as brothers and sisters in Christ even when we’re apart, we are together in Christ. We also have the assurance that God is always with us through the Holy Spirit, and we have His promise He will never leave us or forsake us. (Heb.13:5) It’s hard to see those we love to move away due to job transfers, seeking different employment, or needing a bigger home for a growing family, to a growing list of any number of concerns leading them to move on. But we can encourage each other as we both go through this process of moving on.

As Christians we pray for each other in God’s leading and for His hand of protection on us. We continue to encourage each other that we are one in Christ, and He is with every one of us simultaneously. We pray for God to use us through the experiences we shared together until we see each other again. So, it’s ok to move on, and it’s ok to miss one another.

Devotionals

Man’s Inventions: blessings from God

March 7, 2025March 6, 2025 Loring Schultz

“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.” Exodus 31:3 NLT

On this date on March 7, 1876, Scottish-born inventor, Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for the telephone in the United States. Three days later Bell spoke the first words over a transmitted phone line to his assistant, “Mr. Watson come here, I want you.” Watson heard it loud and clear from 100 ft away in their Boston laboratory. Today we can hear and see people loud and clear from across the world on our phones. Every invention takes on different characteristics and advances over time, except maybe the wheel, a wheel is a wheel. The telephone is proof of the advancements that are made once something is invented. To get where we are today in any modern convenience there needed to be a staring point, something was invented.

God has blessed the world in giving us individuals with wisdom in science, business, agriculture, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, medical research, and many other activities all with the skills to make our lives fuller, healthier, and easier. Some of these people use their talents in their field of expertise to build on what has proven to work and is successful, while others use their God given talents to create and invent something new.

The Bible records both in the Old and New Testaments people with extraordinary talent and skill in their profession. God has been working through those He has gifted all throughout history. Our human wisdom and knowledge come from the Lord God of heaven. He gives it to us as a display of His glory, for without Him we can do nothing.

There as been thousands of inventions over the years for our good and benefit. Our lives have been blessed by these inventions and by the inventors who brought them about. We can look forward with excitement to the inventions God will bless us with in the years to come.

Devotionals

Despised or honored?

March 6, 2025March 4, 2025 Loring Schultz

“But I (God) will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.” 1 Samuel 2:30 NLT

“….. I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal.” Daniel 4:34 NLT

Have you ever stopped to think of how many things you take for granted on a typical day? You woke up this morning. You had a nourishing breakfast to start your day. If you’re working today, you have a job. Students, you have a school of learning waiting for you. You have transportation to get you there. You have clothes on your back. The sun came up this morning and the moon will rise this evening. We get rain when we need it and sometimes when we don’t need it, but that is in the hands of the rainmaker, our Lord God. In fact, everything we take for granted is supplied by our creator God. We cannot claim anything achieved or possessed as our own. God is the source for it all.

Taking things for granted is taking them too lightly. We expect those things, whatever they are, will always be there without giving thought to their origin. We surmise somehow that we had a part in their existence. When we take for granted everything we have, or put ourselves in control of our own destiny, we are thinking lightly of God. He is the creator and ruler over all things. He is all sufficient and the one who supplies our needs.

Recognizing God is all sufficient and is the Most High and is ruler forever over all things pleases God. The Lord God Himself says, “But I will honor those who honor me.” (1Sam.2:30a nlt) But the Lord also says to us who take too many things for granted, “I will despise those who think lightly of me.” (1Sam.2:30b nlt) The question to ask yourself is, ‘am I despised or honored?’ Let it be, ‘I’m honored.”

Devotionals

Rewarded for Our Work

March 5, 2025March 4, 2025 Loring Schultz

“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NKJV

As I have gotten older, I have learned a few things, like you’re never too old to learn something new. I also learned there is always something to do, particularly things that need to be done. They don’t go away just because you have gotten a little older. Since my retirement from my full-time vocation, I have been just as busy with the work that is before me. There is always work to do around the home my wife and I share, work around the neighborhood, and work in and around the church I belong to.

One of the greatest joys is having the opportunity to serve the Lord within the church with the work we do. A major part of that enjoyment is the men I work with, all of us retired, imagine that! I am thankful for the grace they show me as I work alongside them. Full disclosure, there is a lot that I cannot do, even some simple things. I’m not much of a handyman and I know my colleagues would agree. But eventually, I get there, it just takes a little time.

There is a verse in 2 Chronicles which says, “But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded” (15:7 nkjv) Now I believe I can speak for my friends as well as myself that we do not do the work for a reward or a pat on the back. It is for God’s glory and for the ministry to continue in our city. Scripture does infer that rewards will be given in heaven, although we won’t hold on to them very long, for we will lay them at our savior’s feet.

Whatever work you do, either for the church, your home, your neighborhood, or if you’re still actively employed, do it all for the glory of God. Make sure you have something to lay at Jesus’ feet.

Devotionals

Can the Lord Do This?

March 4, 2025March 2, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2011%3A18-23%2C%2031-35&version=NASB

“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Is the LORD’S power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.’” Numbers 11:23 NASB

Some tasks are so overwhelming they would never be accomplished without divine help from above. Moses had firsthand knowledge of this as he led the Israelite through the wilderness. Moses was reminded of the Lord’s unlimited power when faced with 600,000 angry, hungry people demanding meat to eat. Moses had a problem. The Lord told Moses the people would have meat to eat, to which Moses responded, “Should flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to be sufficient for them? Or should all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to be sufficient for them?” (Num.11:22 nasb) Moses had an impossible task in front of him and questioned God in his frustration where he would get enough of meat to satisfy the entire bunch.

God already knew His intentions. He would supply the meat as only He can, but he was going to do so to teach the people a lesson for rejecting the Lord by crying out, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?” (Num.11:20 nasb) They grumbled against the Lord not being satisfied with the daily mana He provided. He gave them what they wanted. The Lord provided quail for an entire month until they became sick of it, and due to their sinful craving, and complaining against the Lord, a plague broke out before they finished the last bite.

We have two lessons here, first, the Lord’s power is not limited in any way. He is all powerful and He can supply our needs whatever our circumstances. The Israelites failed to realize God’s provision in the mana and craved for something more. Secondly, the Lord will give us what we want at times to teach us valuable lessons. Can the Lord do this, yes. He can supply all our needs, and yes, He will teach us the lessons we need to learn even if it’s in something we ask for.

Devotionals

The Art of Persuasion

March 3, 2025March 2, 2025 Loring Schultz

“My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!” Proverbs 1:10 NLT

Simply put, the art of persuasion is to convince someone or a group of people to change their thinking. There have been books published, classes taught, and videos produced explaining the techniques available to enhance your ability to master the art of persuasion. Persuading others can have both positive and negative effects. People can be persuaded to do good or bad, even Christians.

Some of our best friends practice the art of persuasion. They may have the best of intentions in what they are trying to convince us to do or be part of, but it may not be the best thing, or worse contrary to Scripture. As Jesus says we are to ‘be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.’ (Mt.10:16) There has been a blending of the modern-day culture with the church and Christianity in general for the last few decades. Activities we would have never considered engaging in some time ago, we now accept and participate with a little persuasion.

Solomon says in the book of Proverbs, “My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!” (Pr.1:10 nlt) It may be difficult referring to our friends as sinners, but the Bible says all are sinners, and that includes you and me. (Ro.3:23) Christians need to pray for discernment when tempted to participation in something the Lord would disapprove of. An old anti-drug slogan simply said, ‘just say no.’ An anti-enticement slogan could be ‘it’s OK to turn your back on them.’

There are many resources to teach us the art of persuasion including the Word of God. The Holy Spirit guiding us through the Bible will teach us the art of knowing right from wrong, convicting us of our sin and our need of a savior showing us the way of salvation. Then we too can use the art of persuasion on our friends.