Devotionals – Page 30 – Word for the Soul

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34 NIV

What does it mean to be a Christ follower in 2025? How does one become a follower of Jesus today? One becomes a Christ follower the same way His first disciples did it. They followed Jesus’ instructions, “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” (Mk.8:34 niv)

The idea of ‘denying ourselves’ is to cease making our lives all about us turning from our selfish ways. We must admit we all have some selfish ways within us. Jesus walked that road of denial and set the example for us. If we are to be His followers, we must do the same.

Taking up our cross is to suffer for Christ’s sake and denying ourselves. It is our willingness to lose our life to save it as Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mk.8:35 niv) You may save your physical life from persecution by denying Jesus and the gospel, but your eternal soul will be lost. Losing your life physically for Christ’s sake, the sake of the gospel, and the cross results in saving your life for all eternity, for the way of cross leads home.

Singer/song writer John Chisum’s recording ‘The Way of the Cross Leads Home.’ include these lyrics:

So I bid farewell to the way of the world

To walk in it no more

For my Lord says come and I seek my home

Where He waits at the open door

Oh, the way of the cross leads home

Yes the way of the cross leads home (1)

So let us deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Jesus by way of His cross leading us home.

(1) Kirk Dearman, Kirk Carroll Dearman

Devotionals

Pride and Arrogance

February 27, 2025February 26, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 4:19-33 NLT – Daniel Explains the Dream – “Upon – Bible Gateway

“I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” Proverbs 8:13

King Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful man; in fact, he was the most powerful man in the world. He ruled the Babylonian empire which was most of the known world during his days. Nebuchadnezzar had somewhat of an ego problem. Life was all about him, and why not, he ruled the world, or so he thought. His ego led to pride and eventually arrogance. Looking out over the city of Babylon in his pride and arrogance, Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.” (Dan.4:30 nlt)

Indeed, Babylon was a great and beautiful city. I’m sure his residence would make the mansions on millionaire row look like poorly built shacks. And I’m sure Nebuchadnezzar accomplished all this by his own might and power, but he forgot two crucial things, His power came from the Lord God, and it is the Lord God who rules the world. He would soon find this out the hard way.

Through a dream King Nebuchadnezzar would learn his fate as Daniel interpreted for him. Daniel’s words were hard to accept even for Daniel himself, “You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven.” (Dan.4:25 nlt) But it didn’t seem to move Nebuchadnezzar to change his ways and shed his pride and arrogance.

Pride is a very destruction force that will bring down the most powerful people. If it could bring down the mighty and powerful in the world, it can bring down you and me. The Lord said He hates pride and arrogance. May we be careful not to carry an attitude which the Lord hates.

Devotionals

Gateway to Life

February 26, 2025February 22, 2025 Loring Schultz

“But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:14 NLT

My computer background screen refreshes daily with scenic pictures from around the world. A couple of days ago the Gateway Arch, also known as the Gateway to the West, was displayed on the screen. It is in St. Louis, Missouri at the Gateway Arch National Park. It was built to commemorate President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation by exploring and settling territory west of the Mississippi River. The 630-foot-tall monument is located near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark expedition, their gateway to the west.

Jesus speaks of another gateway that explores new territory, and when found leads to eternal life. The early pioneers and explorers in American history were brave, energetic, and unwavering in their pursuit of establishing a life in the west. The same cannot be said for those looking for eternal life. Jesus said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Mt.7:13 nlt)

The gateway to hell is wide and there are scores of people going through it and are on the road to destruction. They are seeking the pleasures of this world by securing a comfortable lifestyle in this life with no concern for eternity. Jesus said, “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Mt.7:14 nlt) Very few find it because of its difficulty; the difficulty of admitting you a sinner and need salvation, the difficulty of accepting Jesus as the only way to salvation, the difficulty of giving up worldly desires, and the difficulty of being shunned by your friends and family.

The gateway to life is very narrow. Jesus said He is the only way to the Father and to eternal life. (Jn.14:6) And yes, the road is difficult for Christians in this world, but they have the Holy Spirit to help them through. Jesus is the gateway to eternal life. Why not start your expedition to saving grace today by going through that narrow gate by accepting Christ as your savior. It leads to the promised land.

Devotionals

The Lord Will Calm Your Fears

February 25, 2025February 22, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Zephaniah 3:14-17 NLT – Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, – Bible Gateway

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

The Old Testament prophet Zephaniah in his prophesy of Israel’s restoration in the ‘Day of the Lord’ says, “For the LORD your God is living among you.” (Zeph.3:17 nlt) Israel will rejoice and their fears will be calmed as Jesus, the Messiah, reigns on the earth. The Lord Jesus will be with them on that day and all fear will be gone.

We have the Lord living among us today through the Holy Spirit for those who know Jesus as savior. Jesus promised to send us the His spirit in John 16, and Luke records Peter’s words in the book of Acts, “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.” (Acts2:32-33 nlt)

Every Christian has the assurance of the presence of the Holy Spirit with them through this life. As Zephaniah also writes, the Lord takes delight in us, and with His love He will calm all our fears. Because of Jesus’ love for us, He sent us His Spirit so we will not be alone and will not fear for He is with us. The Lord Jesus rejoices over us for we are His. He paid the ultimate price to redeem us from Satan’s clutches. So let us rejoice that Jesus in His love for us sent the Holy Spirit to calm our fears.

Devotionals

Christ’s International Church

February 24, 2025February 22, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Ephesians 2:17-22 NLT – He brought this Good News of peace to – Bible Gateway

“Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us……You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” Ephesians 2:18-19 NLT

God has implanted in each of us whom he created a desire to belong. Nobody really wants to be alone, although at times it is a pleasant escape. A sense of not belonging is unhealthy both physically and emotionally. God did not create you to be alone and He has created others with that same need, so no one needs to be alone. God also desires a relationship with you ensuring that you never need to be alone.

Our number one and most important relationship is to be with God, the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But on this earth, it is essential we have relationships with other human beings. It’s only natural. Human relationships form from a commonality between people and people groups, and that is only natural but can also be very unhealthy over time. God has provided a safety net for those with a longing to belong but find themselves on the outside looking in, it’s Christ’s International Church.

The apostle Paul explained to the church in Ephesus that the Jews and Gentiles were now one in God by what Christ has done for them. “You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” (Eph.2:19 nlt) The Gentiles make up anyone who is not of Jewish descent. Therefore, all people, and all people groups are welcomed into God’s family. Everyone who has repented of their sins and accepted Christ as the only way of salvation is a member of Christ’s International Church. If you have done so you now belong, now go and find a church and join with others where you belong.

Devotionals

May We Remember That God Forgets

February 21, 2025February 19, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Keep me ever mindful of my natural state, but let me not forget my heavenly title, or the grace that can deal with every sin.” (1)

“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12 ESV

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

It’s good to assess where we have been as we continue going forward in life. This is particularly true for the Christian who now has a renewed life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2Cor.5:17 esv) We thank the Lord that He has given us a new nature in Christ, a renewed mind, and a place in heaven. But we still carry with us the old nature while we walk on this earth.

The Puritan writers realized this and embraced it as a reminder of where they had been, and what is the true character of their nature. ‘Keep me mindful of my natural state.’ We do not need to worry about our old sin nature showing up reminding us of where we have been, it’s automatic. And I’m sure, the Puritans experienced the same thing, but they strived to keep it from happening by remembering where they had been. They knew it took only a thought in the wrong direction to land them back in that sin pile that caused their saviors death.

Although they wanted to be reminded of their natural state, they did not want to forget who they really were in Christ. They wanted to remember their heavenly title, where they were going, and the grace and forgiveness that is bestowed on them while on earth in the flesh.

The Puritans had a way of keeping it real. They were aware of their sin, and desired to be reminded of it to keep it at bay. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for us to do the same in our day. Being constantly aware of our sin nature will help us in our walk with Christ going forward, and when we do sin may we remember that God forgets and will remember our sins no more.

(1) Bennett, Arthur The Valley of Vision. East Peoria: Versa Press Inc. 2023. Pg. 74

Devotionals

Our Great and Powerful God

February 20, 2025February 18, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 4:1-3 NLT – Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream about a Tree – Bible Gateway

“Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.” Romans 11:33, 26 NLT

It’s hard for the mortal to understand the immortal. For us the God of the universe with unlimited power and knowledge is hard to wrap our minds around. Most of us take it by faith through reading and believing the Scriptures, and some others witness His great power through a life-changing event experiencing firsthand the greatness and power God. Nebuchadnezzar experienced the latter and was able to grasp the power and sovereignty of God in the events found in the book of Daniel chapter four.

Nebuchadnezzar introduces the narrative of his encounter with God saying, “I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders!” (Dan.4:2-3 nlt) Nebuchadnezzar was shown the greatness, power, and sovereignty of God in a most humiliating way. He saw firsthand how great and powerful God was and how small and insignificant he was. God is ruler over all, and all for His glory.

The apostle Paul writes in Romans, “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.” (11:33, 36 nlt) Paul is breaking out in praise for God’s greatness, power, wisdom, and knowledge that brought about the plan of salvation by His sovereign will for all people. We may not be able to wrap our minds around that either, so it’s OK to receive it by faith (Eph.2:8-9), or if you need a Nebuchadnezzar experience the Lord will provide one for you. Just be sure to respond to the call.

Devotionals

Right and Wrong

February 19, 2025February 18, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Kings 3:5-14 NLT – That night the LORD appeared to Solomon – Bible Gateway

“Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.” 1 Kings 3:9 NLT

For everything we do in life there is the right way and a wrong way, well almost everything. I say ‘almost’ because there are some things that fall under the category ‘it doesn’t matter,’ or ‘good enough’, or as is said, ‘close enough for government work.’ Knowing the difference between the right and wrong way will save us time, money, and less embarrassment in a failed project. I’ve been embarrassed a few times in my life. Not knowing the right way from the wrong way when in a leadership position will result in more than a failed project but a confused company of people going their own way.

When young Solomon became King at age twenty God appeared to him in a dream and asked, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” (1Kg.3:5 nlt) Solomon asked for wisdom in governing the people. In other words, he asked to know the difference between right and wrong. The desire to do things the right things and not fail in leading Israel was a show of humility. Solomon could have asked for anything he wanted but chose to know the difference right and wrong.

Wouldn’t it be nice if the Lord asked us what we wanted, and He will give it to us? I wonder what we would ask for. Would we ask to know the difference between right and wrong above everything else? The fact is having the wisdom to know right from wrong is the most important thing you can ask for outside of asking Christ to save you and forgive your sins. We are living in a fallen world under Satan’s influence that only knows the wrong way. For us to live biblical godly lives it is vital for us to have the wisdom to know right from wrong in all things. It is one request God will surely grant. Make sure we ask Him.

Devotionals

In Your Place

February 18, 2025February 17, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Leviticus 4:27-35 NLT – “If any of the common people sin by – Bible Gateway

“They must lay a hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place where burnt offerings are slaughtered.” Leviticus 4:29 NLT

I’ve heard it said, and it is true, that those desiring to read through the Bible never make it past the book of Leviticus. It is understandable seeing that the specific sacrifices made do not apply today. The religious ceremonies and offerings required by God do not apply either. The slaughtering of animals for the sacrifices is also a turnoff for some people. But there is much we can learn about the holiness of God in Leviticus, and maybe a thing or two about ourselves.

A sacrifice had to be made in the event of a sin even if one sinned unintentionally. The Lord required an animal sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. “When they become aware of their sin, they must bring as an offering for their sin a female goat with no defects. They must lay a hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place where burnt offerings are slaughtered.” (Lev.4:28-29 nlt) You may have heard the saying ‘our sin affects more people than just ourselves.’ The sinful actions we engage in have a ripple effect hurting people around us. Sin has its consequences.

The effects of sin by the people in Old Testament Israel caused the death of a blemish free animal. What was striking to me as I read our passage was that the one bringing the animal for sacrifice had to put their hand on the head of the one about to die and have their blood poured out on the altar. Because of their sin, that blameless animal was about to die. This should resonate with each one of us when we think of our own sin. Our Lord Jesus shed His blood on the cross at Calvary to satisfy the Father’s required payment for sin. Our hands were on Him as He was in our place about to sacrifice His life for our sin.

Devotionals

Guiding Light for Our Decisions

February 17, 2025February 16, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 119:129-136 NKJV – פ PE Your testimonies are wonderful; – Bible Gateway

“The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 NKJV

When entering a dark room, the first thing we do is turn on a light. If we enter a room we haven’t been in before, we search for the light switch using the back lighting that is illuminating from outside the room. Turning on the light we can now move around and conduct our business.

There are many dark rooms we enter throughout our lives. Some are daily decisions that need to be made at the spur of the moment, and others are the major decisions made only occasionally in our lifetime. But all decisions have that uncertain shadow of what’s ahead. If only there was no shadow at all with enough light to enter each decision, we would be confident we’re making the right move.

The Psalmist wrote, ‘The entrance (or unfolding) of Your words gives light.’ The Bible contains everything we need to know in making those decisions of uncertainty. We need light to shine through the shadows of both the daily decisions and the life changing ones. Seeing that we make decisions daily, it stands to reason, the light always needs to be on. Daily reading of Scripture is a must for every Christian if we are to be in His will and make the right decisions.

Our Lord will not abandon us making our own decisions without His guidance. He has given us His Word in clarity for us to understand and obey it. The Psalmist also wrote, ‘It gives understanding to the simple,’ and that means all of us. God’s Word is the light which illuminates our ability to understand His message to us, most importantly for salvation, but also for those decisions to be made in the shadows of a dark room.