Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

Confession is Good for the Soul

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 32 NLT – Psalm 32 – A psalm of David. Oh, what – Bible Gateway

“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” Psalm 32:5 NLT

Wooden sign with text 'Confession is good for the soul' decorated with floral designs and small crosses
Rustic wooden sign reads: ‘Confession is good for the soul’ with decorative floral accents.

They say, ‘confession is good for the soul.’  I can testify to that myself because it is true. Whether it is confession towards God or to a friend, co-worker, neighbor, my wife, or anyone else I may have offended or done them wrong, it is a good thing to do. It may not remove the consequences, and the hurt may take a while to dissipate but you have not only cleared the air but have lifted a burden of guilt before the Lord God.

David in one of the seven penitential psalms, Psalm 32, said the following, “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.” (Ps.32:5a nlt) The other six penitential psalms are Ps.6, 38, 51,102, 130, 143. David describes his body as wasting away as he refused to confess his sin. His body was drained, and his strength was gone as absorbed by the summer heat. He felt God’s heavy hand upon him. Keeping his sin to himself, which really was not to himself for God knew, just continued to eat him up inside. David needed some good for his soul.

When David confessed his sin to the Lord, the burden was lifted. God had forgiven him and took away his guilt. David said, “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!” (Ps.32:1 nlt) David’s soul was restored, his body rejuvenated with God’s living water of forgiveness, he has a clean slate and is surrounded by God’s protection. If you are in a refusal to confess state of mind, take heed to David’s testimony. It will continue to sap you of your energy until you make things right with the Lord and confess your sin to Him and whoever else needs to hear your confession. You will be forgiven, and your guilt will disappear and that will be good for your soul.

Devotionals

Walk not in darkness, but in the light           

Loring Schultz

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life…..I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.’” (John 8:12, 12:46 NLT)

Three people wearing parkas walking on a snowy street in Utqiaġvik with houses and streetlights in the background.
Three people warmly dressed walk down a snowy street in Utqiaġvik at dusk.

Utqiagvik (Barrow) Alaska is the northern most city in United States. Located within the Arctic circle, 1,300 miles south of the North Pole, Utqiagvik is the largest city in the North Slope borough of the state near Point Barrow the most northern point. Due to its geography Utqiagvik experiences six months daylight in spring and summer and six months darkness in fall and winter, although not complete darkness. On May 10th  of this year Utqiagvik saw its last sunrise until August 2nd. Sunlight will be visible 24/7 for three months. The reverse is true when the sun sets on November 18th for last time until January 23rd. That is a lot of cold dark nights.

 The residents of this northern Alaska town walk in darkness or light depending on the season. The dark season does bring with it bits of depression among the people longing for the sun to reappear. It happens frequently in other parts of the world during dark, snowy, or rainy days. Now, imagine several months of it. But the sun does reappear in Utqiagvik right on time as the God of creation planned it. Utqiagvik is in a temporary period darkness for a time and then the light appears.

The rest of us in the world, unlike the people of northern Alaska 300 miles inside the Arctic circle, are living within a dark, sinful, broken world 365 days of the year. People are longing for better days, for a bright future, for peace on earth, and for the veil of darkness to be removed for the light to enter. There is a longing to walk in the light. That longing can be fulfilled. Jesus said He is the light of the world. “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” (Jn.12:46 nlt) Walk not in darkness but trust in Jesus, the light that remains forever.

Devotionals

Two Heavens

Loring Schultz

‘Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 NLT

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The phrase, ‘This is heaven on earth,’ reveals emotions one thought not possible in this world. This could include a special event you weren’t expecting such as a fabulous concert, the brilliant performance of a Broadway play, a breathtaking view of one of God’s many creations, or the relaxing sounds of the ocean waves as they make their way over the rocks unto the shore. Perhaps even spending the day at home with family would be heaven on earth. But would you be able to say, ‘my work is heaven on earth.’

Wherever your vocation may be, for the Christian, you are working for the Lord. You are serving Him in your place of employment. Paul told the church at Colosse, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Col.3:23 nlt) We serve the Lord in our work, and He is pleased when we serve Him. God is also pleased in the work we accomplish serving others. We should consider that ‘heaven on earth.’ Paul also says there will be an award for serving Him, “Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Col.3:24 nlt) Indeed, it is the Lord Christ in whom we serve.

Charles H. Spurgeon wrote in one of his ‘Morning and Evening Devotions’ about our work on earth, “My Master does not treat His servants churlishly (as a peasant); He gives to them as a king giveth to a king; He gives them two heavens-a heaven below in serving Him here, and a heaven above in delighting in Him forever.” (1) Spurgeon considered our work (serving Christ) on earth as being in heaven, and he is right. If we are not enjoying our time here on earth working and serving God something is wrong, for God is constantly with us and in that we should find enjoyment. Don’t be so focused on the future heaven that you miss the present one.

(1) C. H. Spurgeon: Morning and Evening: Daily Readings – Christian Classics Ethereal Library

Devotionals

The Right Words            

Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 10:16-20 NLT – “Look, I am sending you out as sheep – Bible Gateway

“God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:19-20 NLT

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How many times have you been in a situation where you could not find the right words to say? How did you feel? Depending on the circumstances you may have felt embarrassed, not up to speed, or even frighten. You were counselling someone who needed help and your mind drew a blank or you were afraid of their reaction would be to what you were about to say. Whatever the case may be, Christians should not be afraid but encouraged for we have the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us through.

When Jesus sent His disciples out to proclaim that the kingdom of God was at hand He told them to beware. They were be aware of the coming resistance. First of all, they will be as sheep among wolves. They will be handed over to the authorities and beaten for their spoken words. Proclaiming the good news of Jesus would have them arrested and put on trial. But Jesus tells them to take advantage of this opportunity to speak to these rulers in the courts and all who are present about the gospel.

Today in 2026 Jesus is still sending out His disciples (us) to proclaim the gospel. All that early disciples were to beware of applies to us today. There is an increasing negativity of Christianity worldwide. We are beginning to see persecution in countries where Christianity and the gospel was freely heard and accepted. Several European countries and our friends to the north in Canada have laws on the books to suppress Christianity by claiming it is hate speech. And I am afraid it is soon coming to America.

We need not be afraid when that day comes but encouraged. God will give us the right words to say in proclaiming the Gospel and He will give us the right words when we are put on trial for speaking those right words of the gospel. “For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mt.10:20 nlt)

Devotionals

Who do you trust for your needs?

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 12:41-44 NLT – The Widow’s Offering – Jesus sat down – Bible Gateway

“Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.” Mark 12:42 NLT

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The Bible is full of practical answers for all matters of life in this world. For instance, any question we may have concerning our lives we can find an example to cover it. A big concern for most people is financial stability. The Bible has a lot to say about money and Jesus did not shy away from the subject. We can be confident of God’s Word to lead us in a right direction.

God has given us the gift of work to meet our needs. I know work does not seem like a gift on some days, but be assured, it is. He has given us free will with what we do with our money with certain guidelines. The important thing to remember is this; how successful or unsuccessful we are have come from the hand of God. Yes, our ability and hard work contributes to our success, but again our ability and knowledge comes from God.

Jesus and His disciples were sitting in the Temple watching people drop money in the collection box. Many rich people put in substantial amounts from their surplus and a poor widow dropped in two small coins. It would seem obvious who contributed more but not really given a closer look. Jesus said the widow put in all she had to live on. She trusted God to meet her needs. She didn’t worry about where her next meal would come from, she knew God would provide. This poor widow, indeed, put in more. So, who do you trust to meet your needs? Are you depending on yourself or on God?

Devotionals

To Whom Will You Go?

Loring Schultz

Read: John 6:60-69 NLT – Many Disciples Desert Jesus – Many of – Bible Gateway

“Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.’” John 6:68-69 NLT

Photo by Amy Faru00edas on Pexels.com

The New Testament book of John chapter 6 records the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Most of those people followed Him back to Capernaum for what Jesus said of them, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs.” (Jn.6:26 nlt) The people were content to have their stomachs full. They could not look past their concern for their physical needs. Jesus told them not to be concerned about the food that perishes but for the food that leads to eternal life. (Jn.6:27)

  Jesus then explained that He was the bread of life coming down from heaven giving life to the world. Salvation is granted to all who eat His flesh and drink His blood. (Jesus is using a spiritual analogy here-Jn.6:53-59) It represents Christ’s physical death on the cross and His shed blood as necessary for eternal life. Those who accept Christ as savior receive (His flesh and blood) as payment for their sins and have everlasting life. This is hard for people today to grab hold of and understand and even more so in Jesus’ day as he spoke these words. And the Scriptures say many left Him after these words.

The story above is not the only one used in our day to refute Christianity. There are many which orators take out of context to explain away the truth of the gospel that Jesus is the only way to the Father. Sadly, many people are taken in and led amiss by these teachers, and yes pastors, with their false words. The disciples were asked by Jesus if they were going to follow the crowd away from Jesus and Peter spoke up and said, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” (Jn.6:68 nlt) Peter’s words are still true today, ‘to whom will you go?’

Devotionals

Serious Business

Loring Schultz

“Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.” 2 Timothy 2:4 NLT

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The Christian life is serious business. Our responsibilities must be taken seriously. We are Jesus’ followers who bear His name and are His representatives on earth. “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.” (2Cor.5:20) The gospel message which leads to salvation is placed upon every Christian to share with others as they are so gifted. Not everyone is a pastor, missionary, or Bible teacher but God has gifted each believer in Christ the ability to speak for Him right where they are.

Not only are we ambassadors for Christ, but we are soldiers in His army. Those in military service know their first allegiance is to the country they serve and their commanding officers. Christians are in the heavenly kingdom and our commander is the Lord Jesus. Soldiers in today’s army must restrict themselves from the things of civilian life. Their duty is total loyalty to the mission that is in front of them. Christians in Christ’s army have their mission instilled in their hearts and minds and must be ready to be deployed as He commands. Loyalty to our God and Savior takes first place.

The work that is put before us is of the upmost importance. There are countless important and vital jobs to better our lives and to save lives in the world today. Praise God if He has called you into one of those positions, but the most crucial job today saves lives from eternal damnation to eternal life with the lifesaving gospel of Jesus Christ. Be careful not to get caught up in frivolous things but remember who enlisted us to be in His army. It is serious business.

Devotionals

Walking in God’s Presence

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 56: 10-13 NLT – I praise God for what he has promised; – Bible Gateway

“For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.” Psalm 56:13 NLT

Woman in floral dress walking through shaded park pathway

Life has a way of making us feel unsure of ourselves. All of us at one time or another have made an unwise decision that put us in an unbelievably bad position. If we have learned from that mistake, we do everything possible to not repeat that misfortune. If you are a Christian and have prayed for help and God has answered your prayer you know how it feels to be rescued from your dire consequences. You have now become a walking testimony of God’s grace before others.

There is one sure way for us who are Christians to feel sure of ourselves and that is to walk in the presence of the Lord. King David penned Psalm 56, a prayer for help, as he was being attacked and seized by the Philistines. “O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long.” (Ps.56:1 nlt) Although David was afraid, he trusted God and still praised Him. David was aware that God knew of his troubles and He was much bigger than any of them. David would soon be walking in God’s presence and in His light.

So, it is with us. Whatever gets us into a terrible mess, either of our doing or enemies against us, God is willing and able to rescue us. We also will be walking in God’s presence as David. If the Lord is able to rescue us from the torments of hell into eternal life in heaven with Him, He is able to rescue us from our present-day troubles. Indeed David was right when he wrote, “For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.” (Ps.56:13 nlt) Yes, we can walk in God’s presence both in this life and in eternity.

Devotionals

Two Sides of the Same Coin

Loring Schultz

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 KJV

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 KJV

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Have you heard the question; can two things be true? You may have asked it yourself or even debated the subject. Two things can be true at the same time. In personal matters it is more of a perspective of one’s circumstances like seeing both sides of the same coin. Certain events may cause you to have happy and sad feelings with both being true, but in substantive matters it is not so much perspective of the truth, but truth itself.

In the Beatitudes Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Considering both these statements are true, one will make you happy and the other quite sad, but it is not a matter of how you look at them. Jeremiah is stating the fact that man’s heart is sinful. Jesus concurs with Jeremiah’s assessment later in Matthew by saying, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Mt.15:19 kjv) A more important question than “how can these two statements both be true” is how can a sinful, wicked, deceitful heart become pure?

Sad, but true, is the fact that each of us were born with a sin nature alienating ourselves from God. Our hearts are very much as Jeremiah and Jesus describe it. But Jesus made it possible for a reconciliation between God and us by paying the penalty for our sin by dying on the cross. Our sinful hearts become pure when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savoir.

Can two things be true at the same time? Yes! In our earthly bodies we still have the sin nature, Jeremiah is right. And Jesus is right, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

Devotionals

A Thousand Days Faithful

Loring Schultz

“God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 NLT

Middle-aged man writing in journal at wooden desk surrounded by books and a coffee mug

How many times in your life have you started something only to never finished it? I confess I am guilty of quite a few starts with some finished projects, but a lot unfinished work. What may have sounded like a promising idea or an exciting venture at the time fizzled out when difficulties threaten following through with the project. Some reasons are legitimate for abandoning an undertaking, but others fall short when we look back on them often regretting quitting early.

Eight years ago the Lord laid on my heart a desire to begin writing short devotionals. I dabbled in it while still working full time before retirement posting a few on Facebook and writing short pieces for my church. In 2023, a year of transition from retail management to asking God the direction for my life, the Lord prompted me to start a website ministry to go along side my work at the church. In June of 2023 I started preparing for the work ahead of me by learning all the ins and outs of this new venture, (and I’m still learning). August 13, 2023, started the first day of 1,000 consecutive posts on ‘Word for the Soul.’ Today is number 1,000.

No, I am not finished yet, and I do not know when the Lord will end it, for it is His ministry not mine. God is the faithful one in this project fulfilling 1,000 days of His Word being proclaimed. This is only working due to God’s grace and His calling. As Paul wrote, God made this happen because when He calls you to perform a task for Him is faithful to see it through and complete it. If the Lord is calling you to start His project, start it and don’t be afraid of not finishing it. He is faithful and will complete it in His time. It may be an open-ending on-going project where you continually look for and receive His daily guidance, so keep going for God is a thousand days faithful.

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A word to all the faithful subscribers who have encouraged me with your support these past three years, Thank you and may God bless you! I am always amazed to see the Lord’s work reaching so many across the world. Our world has gotten smaller and I am thankful for that. I am thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given me and I’m looking forward for what He has planned for the future. Another thousand days for He is faithful.