Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

Depending on God to Hear and Answer Our Prayer

Loring Schultz

“Then he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.’” Daniel 10:12 NLT

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Do you have the assurance you can depend on God both to hear and to answer your prayer? If you are struggling with prayers that haven’t been answered yet, or perhaps not answered in a way you find favorable, you might begin to doubt if God has even heard your request. Be assured that He has. However, we succumb to suspicion amid a long delay. Our tendency is to pray more feverously along with fasting pouring our heart out to God, which certainly is a good practice, but if we are doing this to ensure He has heard us or persuade His answer our way these prayers are fruitless.

The Lord certainly desires us to be persistent in our prayers and we should be, but He also wants us to have a loving relationship with Him without all the requests. I remember my mother saying to me many years ago you only need to tell the Lord your request once, He will not forget and will answer in His timing and according to His will. You may have had an experience where God answered a prayer from long ago you had forgotten that request was made. I have been there many times. God does hear, He doesn’t forget, and He does answer.

The prophet Daniel mourned and fasted for three weeks praying for an understanding of the visions he had seen. An angel, most likely Gabriel, came in answer to his prayer. The first thing he said after calming Daniel’s fears was God heard his prayer the first day Daniel prayed. His request was heard, and Gabriel came in answer to it. We can rest assured God will indeed do the same for us today. He does hear our prayers and is ready to answer in His time. Our requests are in the most secure safe deposit box with no chance of being lost or forgotten. We can depend on God to hear and answer our prayer.

Devotionals

Motivating One Another          

Loring Schultz

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24 NLT

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The United States has an estimated 40,000 motivational speakers. Speaking as a professional rakes in quite a bit of money. It is a very lucrative position if you possess the skills to enthuse and motivate people in your area of expertise. There are a variety of categories broken into business, entrepreneurship, leadership, health and fitness, athletics, education, among others. They are also broken down at times by age groups and gender within each category. Motivational speakers seek to inspire and courage people challenging them to  establish goals and be the best they can be in a desired area. The speaker’s goal is to move you into action. To stir you up to accomplish your goal.

The writer of the book of Hebrews encourages every Christian to be a motivational speaker by stirring up one another to love and good works in Hebrews10:24. This takes thought on how to do this. We are to consider or think of ways to motivate our Christian brothers and sisters. First of all, we can’t motivate anyone if we don’t know anything about them. We need to get to know each other, and that comes from being with each other. The next verse says, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Heb.10:25 esv) The more we meet together with other Christians the more we get to know each other and we’ll know how to motivate one another.

We may not get rich with our motivational speaking presentations in this life, but people will be changed for the better as Christ’s love and good works are on display by the church community. As a church family, each will be encouraged as we meet together in the presence of the Lord with plenty of opportunity to motivate one another.

Devotionals

Are You Glad?

Loring Schultz

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” Psalm 122:1 KJV

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At the church my wife and I attended before we relocated, our pastor would start the morning service with David’s words from Psalm 122. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” (Ps.122:1 kjv) He said it enthusiastically and with meaning every week. Our pastor was truly glad to be in the house of the Lord every Sunday.

I often wondered then, as I do now, how many under the sound of his voice were as enthused as he was. Oh, I’m sure some were, maybe most were, but it may not have been one hundred percent of the congregation. We can say that for most Christian churches wherever they are in the world. Some people may be under the weather or not feeling well from the night before. Others may have their minds occupied with the afternoon festivities, especially now that football season has arrived in the United States. There are a host of things that will distract us on Sunday mornings to prevent the true joy of being in God’s house with other believers, Satan will see to that. He doesn’t want us experiencing joy and worshiping God in church, in fact he’d rather we not be there at all, not even streaming on-line.

With so many outside activities occurring on Sunday’s and increasingly morning activities, it causes us to pause and ask ourselves, what gives us the most joy. That’s a question each of us needs to answer honestly and let the truth fall where it may. Then comes the seriousness of soul searching based on our answer. How do we proceed when the truth is revealed? We pray and ask the Lord to lead us through this, so we can joyfully say, ‘I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.’

Devotionals

Time to Get Rid of Recurring Sin

Loring Schultz

Read: Exodus 14 NLT – Then the LORD gave these instructions – Bible Gateway

“Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.’” Exodus 14:13 NIV

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Is there a sin in your life that you just can’t seem to get rid of? It keeps recurring as if you have never dealt with it before. Could it be that you don’t want to be free from it? As  R. C. Sproul use to say, “We sin because it’s pleasurable.” But deep down it our souls, if we are honest with ourselves and truly love God, we know that God hates sin and it is not exactly pleasurable with Him. So we need to get rid of it and the sooner the better.

The children of Israel were in slavery for four hundred years by the Egyptians. They were forced to comply with all the demands made on them. Physical hard work to the point of torture in satisfying their task masters was the bulk of the demands. Israel longed to be freed from the never ending struggle of the helplessness they felt in being enslaved by the Egyptians. The Lord did not forget about His children in Egypt and miraculously delivered them as recorded in the Old Testament book of Exodus.  As they were on their way to the Promised Land, once again they were being pursued by the subjects of their past struggles, the Egyptians have returned.

Similar to Israel being chased by their slave masters and now backed into a corner, or the Red Sea as we know it, Christians at times find themselves in the same place. Recurring sin is as if we never left the bondage of sin we were in before coming to know the Lord. The truth is, we have a sin nature and will continue to sin until we have our glorified bodies in eternity. But to allow the recurring sin to have its hold on us by not letting go completely is giving the green light for all kinds of temptation to creep in and take us captive once again. Give it to the Lord and He will make a path for you and see you through to the other side with your sins buried in the deepest sea. It’s time to get rid of it.

Devotionals

No Key Needed

Loring Schultz

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9 ESV

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Valuables are kept protected, usually under lock and key. Every major bank in the world has a secure vault to store tangible assets away from would be criminals. Access into that valuable space is only through having the key or security code to enter. Your own personal valuables are kept secured by whatever means you choose to protect them. Entrance into your assets again is only possible by the one who holds the key. Can you imagine having the most valuable possession known to man not under lock and key, but having free access to it, no key needed?

Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (Jn.10:9 esv) Most doors have locks on them. The more value behind the door the bigger and stronger the lock, at least that is how it works in our fallen world. Jesus says He is the door to salvation, eternal life after our live on earth is over. He also provides for us in this world finding pasture. Is there anything of more value than that. I think not! Yet, there is no mention of a key needed to open the door of salvation. No security codes or secret passwords are needed to enter through the door.

Salvation, as valuable as it is, is a free gift. Jesus paid it all on the cross of calvary. Our sin debt is paid. All we sinners need to do is to repent and accept Christ as our savior for payment of our sins. Jesus unlocked the door by His death and resurrection for all who believe in Him. No key needed.

Devotionals

Working Steady for the Lord

Loring Schultz

“……The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Luke 10:2 NLT

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Labor Day is here once again. Like most holidays in the United States, the significance of the day is often overshadowed by festive celebrations of picnics, recreational activities, sporting events, and the like. That is not to say we shouldn’t celebrate, but at times we tend to look for any excuse to celebrate and we forget the purpose. Labor Day is no different. Labor Day is a National holiday both in the United States and Canada celebrated on the first Monday in September. It recognizes American and Canadian workers for their contribution and achievements to a working society of both countries. A labor force that is steady working towards building a better society, economically and for the advancement of all people is worthy of recognition on Labor Day.

But there is also another labor force that is steady working towards building a better society, the building of the Kingdom of God. And it is also for the advancement of all people. There is a problem though within this work force, it is extremely short handed. This job market is huge and there are plenty of opportunities. But as so often happens in the U. S. job market, some people would rather stay home rather than apply for the job. Our Lord Jesus makes reference to this in Luke’s gospel, “……The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (10:2 nlt))

There is certainly plenty of work to do. It is steady work we call job security, and you will never be laid off. And yes, if you know the Lord Jesus as your Savoir you are more than qualified. You were called for this purpose to serve and work for Him in the field He has placed you. The Lord has placed a light within you and me to share with others who are struggling in this dark world.  

Sometimes working for the Lord Jesus does not bring recognition. We should never do it to be noticed, but to bring glory to God by adding to His Kingdom. Besides we will receive the ultimate recognition when we hear our Lord Jesus say, ‘Well done good and faithful servant for Steady Working.’

Devotionals

A Family Affair

Loring Schultz

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 NLT

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Admittedly, one of the hardest things for Christians to do consistently is to pray. We can all rattle off every excuse we can think of for being laxed, but that is not the point of this devotional. First allow me to ask a question; how often do we pray for our families? The chances are we favor pretty well when it comes to praying for our loved ones, and that is how it should be. But how often do we pray for our church family, or do you ever considered those you worship with every week is your family. How about Christians worldwide, they’re our extended family. The point is our church is a family in every sense of the word as our biological family.

Below are a few Scripture verses for us to ponder over on the subject:

“But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.” (Acts 12:5 nlt)  –  “The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other.” (1Pt.4:7-8 nlt)  –  “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (Col.1:9 nlt)

“And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.” (2Cor.2:11 nlt)  –  “Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.” (Ro.15:30 nlt)  –  “We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Thess.1:2-3 nlt)

Additional verses: 2 Thess. 1:11-12; Col.4:2-4; 1 Thess. 3:9-13; John 17:9.

Devotionals

Sorrow of Unrepentant Sin      

Loring Schultz

Read: Lamentations 1:1-9 NLT – Sorrow in Jerusalem – Jerusalem, once – Bible Gateway

“Jerusalem, once so full of people, is now deserted. She who was once great among the nations now sits alone like a widow. Once the queen of all the earth, she is now a slave.” Lamentations 1:1 NLT

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Repeated warnings that are not observed will end in disaster. In fact, failure to obey any warning could result in some type of misfortune. However, failing to heed multiple warnings you’re heard many times will lead you down a path in which there is no return. If you are able to return, life may never be the same. That is why we have warning signs and guardrails in life to keep us safe by obeying those‘ danger ahead’ signs.

The Bible is not just a rule book with an endless list of do’s and don’ts. It is God’s Word communicated to us. Within its pages are examples on how to live and how not to live; what pleases God and what displeases Him, the punishment for sin and the forgiveness of sin, the repentant sinner and the unrepentant sinner. The Bible may also be referred to as God’s love story to us. His wonderful plan of salvation for all who believe in Christ is what His story is all about, but the Bible also gives it to us straight concerning our unrepentant sin ignoring His warning signs and going our own way.

The people of Judah found out the hard way what happens when you ignore repeated warnings from the Lord. Over the centuries warnings were issued to the Jewish people, some in which the people repented but they always went back to their old ways. A point was reached in their continual sin that no words of warnings from prophets the Lord sent were ever acknowledged. They reached a point of no return. The Lord had the city of Jerusalem destroyed and the people taken captive to Babylon. The prophet Jeremiah witnessed all this in real time and lamented over their sin and the destruction of Jerusalem.

The Lord is gracious and full of mercy. He will give us warning signs on what to avoid in this life and how we should live. The Lord gives plenty of opportunities to repent and turn back to Him, but there will a point where continual defiance and being disobedient will result in severe consequences and sorrow of unrepented sin to bring us back to Him. When you begin to see repeated warning signs, it’s time to pay attention before you go over the cliff.

Devotionals

A Sign in the Sky 

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 9:8-17 NLT – Then God told Noah and his sons, “I – Bible Gateway

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.” Genesis 9:13 NLT

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Here in North America we are blessed often with a rainbow in the sky during the summer season. It’s not that one does not appear at other times, but lest frequent. A rainbow forms, in simple terms, as light mixes with water droplets. You made have noticed a few when washing your car. But the most amazing spectacle is seeing one in the sky on a summer day after a thunder shower. God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, did not form the rainbow at the earth’s creation, but after the great flood in the book of Genesis. Nevertheless, God created it. He created it and placed in the sky for a purpose, His covenant with the earth, His rainbow.

It is well-known the rainbow has been hijacked of its meaning over the last several decades, but that is a subject for another day. Our focus today is why did God place a rainbow in the sky. The rainbow is God’s covenant, His promise to us that ‘Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life.” (Gen.9:15 nlt) The world, in Noah’s day, was extremely sinful and evil. “The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt.” (Gen.6:5,12 nlt) God had decided He would destroy all living creations due to their wickedness. But Noah found favor with the Lord. The entire story of Noah and the great flood is found in Genesis chapters 6 through 9.

Back to our ‘sign in the sky.’ The Lord has kept His promise through the ages, and we have proof that He will continue to do so as we see His covenant sign in the sky in the form of a rainbow. But our world has become increasing wicked once again, and this time Jesus Christ is returning to earth to make things right. “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.” (Mt.24:37-39 nlt

Don’t get caught by surprise as in the days of Noah, but remember God’s faithfulness, His promises, and His plan for Salvation available only through His Son, Jesus.

Devotionals

Need Rest? Pray Confidently   

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 3:1-8 NLT – Psalm 3 – A psalm of David, regarding – Bible Gateway

“I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me.” Psalm 3:4-5 NLT

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Trying to fall asleep when you have something heavy on your mind is almost impossible. You’ve try some of the latest sleep aids on the market and they do not work. The old cliché ‘try counting sheep’ never worked even after downing a glass of warm milk as most grandmothers recommended back in the day. But when our minds are preoccupied with current troubles it is hard to shake them off. It’s difficult just to find a few minutes when our minds are completely still from the noise of the day in order to relax and fall asleep. There is one method I recommend if you haven’t tried it recently and that is following King David’s method of praying confidently.

The king of Israel was being undermined by his own son Absalom who was after his father’s throne to the point that war had broken out between the two camps. (2 Sam. 15-18) King David was being pursued by Absalom and his army as he fled Jerusalem. David wrote Psalm 3, a psalm of praying confidently, during this time which also served as encouragement for many other future battles throughout Israel’s history.

David let out his frustrations as he began the psalm, “O LORD, I have so many enemies; so many are against me.” (Ps.3:1 nlt) He is letting the Lord know what He already knows, but David still laments over his situation. People were beginning to say that even God would not recue him, that all is lost. Imagine now trying to go to sleep under these conditions with Absalom’s army all around you.  But David knew of God’s protection and how He is able to sustain him and bring through this. So, he cried out to the Lord, praying confidently, and the Lord heard him and answered him. And David wrote, “I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me.” (Ps.3:5 nlt)

We too can have the same confidence that the Lord will put our thoughts and minds at rest in the evening hours to get the sleep we need despite our troubled thoughts. David was able to rest comfortably with an aggressive army surrounding him knowing God will protect and watch over him, and he will awake in safety. I recommend you try it. According to David, it works.