Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

Who is the Jesus you’re following?

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Peter 2:18-21 ESV – Servants, be subject to your masters – Bible Gateway

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 ESV

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Following Jesus in today’s world is not easily done. Oh sure, there are people who have no trouble following the Jesus they have set up in their mind. This Jesus is loving and kind (which He is), cares for the poor and underprivileged (which He does), and is all about justice (and He is). Following Jesus in each of these character traits is a godly endeavor every Christian should strive to achieve. But only following these traits about Jesus is not following the Biblical Jesus. It’s not following Him completely. If we are following the Biblical Jesus there will be some suffering involved. Peter tells us, ‘For to this you have been called.’

Peter was writing to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor due to persecution for living out their faith in Christ. Living for Jesus involves all those things listed above and so much more. If attending only to those Christian deeds you probably won’t come under persecution, but if you stand for the truth of the gospel the stones will begin to fly. Peter encouraged his readers by saying, “But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called,” (1Pt.2:20-21 esv) Every true Chrisitan has received the efficacious call to salvation, and with that call the suffering of injustice when we live out and proclaim the truth of the gospel.

Jesus completed His mission in suffering and dying for our sins. That was the plan. What put Jesus on that cross was His outspoken words of truth against the religious rulers of the day. It cost Him His life, but that was the plan. Peter says Jesus left us an example that we might follow in His steps. Jesus patiently endured His suffering for us; may we patiently endure our suffering for Him. If you have not been suffering in any way for Jesus, who is the Jesus you’re following?

Devotionals

Immanuel ‘God with Us’

Loring Schultz

“ Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14 NLT

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You may be thinking this is a ‘Christmas in July’ devotion, well almost, but not quite. My church is having Vacation Bible School this week with the theme ‘Wonder Junction’ a curriculum from ‘Answers in Genesis’. (1) It’s a week of wondering about Jesus and what better way to start than with His birth. Since we really don’t know exactly when Jesus was born, it could have been in July, so we may not be that far off. The main thing is Jesus did come down from heaven to be born of a virgin. Jesus, Immanuel is God with us.

The birth of Christ doesn’t cover a lot of pages in the Bible. In fact, there are only four chapters in Scripture that tell us the story. They are the first two chapters in each of the New Testaments books of Matthew and Luke. We have many references to Jesus the Messiah coming into the world scattered throughout the Old Testament. Our text verse notes that a virgin will give birth to Him who is called Immanuel, ‘God with us’. Of all the verses the predict Jesus’ birth, the most significant ones are those declaring His deity as God the Son. The prophet Isaiah also wrote this of the coming Messiah, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is.9:6 nlt)

It is vital for our salvation that Jesus is indeed God the Son. A perfect sacrifice was needed to pay the debt owed to God the Father for our sins. We could never pay it, but Jesus could, because He was the sinless Son of God, perfect in every way and willing to sacrifice His life for our salvation. Yes, let us remember Christmas is all about ‘God with us’ whether we celebrate it in July or on December 25th.

(1) https://answersingenesis.org/vbs/

Devotionals

Our Special Obligation

Loring Schultz

Read: Ephesians 5:1-20 NLT – Living in the Light – Imitate God, – Bible Gateway

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.” Ephesians 5:15 NLT

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Every Christian has a special obligation to live carefully in this world. The Lord God has brought us out of darkness and into His light. We should reflect that light in every endeavor of our lives. Paul instructs us to live wisely and not like fools. Fools live in darkness, but Christians live in the light.

We live in the world, but we are not to be part of the world. Christians are part of the body of Christ, separate from the world with its lusts and desires. When we engage in worldly behaviors we are committing spiritual adultery. “You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.” (Ja.4:4 nlt) Being a friend of the world is not living carefully, but foolishly.

Paul tells us, “Don’t participate in the things these people do.” (Eph.5:7 nlt) We have a special obligation not to, so let’s not. Paul continues, “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. (our obligation) Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.” (Eph.5:10-12 nlt) Our godly character will expose those sinful acts without saying a word. And doing what pleases the Lord will add to our godly character as we live in His light.

Living carefully in a fallen world is not easy for the Christian, but it is our special obligation. The Lord has not left us to live this life alone; He has sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in every believer to help us fulfil our obligation to live carefully in this world. Now it’s up to us to live in the light.

Devotionals

No one is Holy like the Lord    

Loring Schultz

“No one is holy like the LORD! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2 NLT

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What is your definition of ‘holy’? Does it match with Webster’s New World Dictionary’s #1 definition, ‘dedicated to religious use; sacred.’ How about the Biblical definition, ‘being set apart, dedicated to God and His purposes’? I hope it is at least one of the two because they are the same.

Has anyone ever referred to you as holy knowing you are a Christian? They may say in jest or really mean it. I’ve had that experience many times in my life and always would come back a response of ‘no not me, I’m not holy!’ But when I think about it they are right whatever their intent. Being holy is being separated from the world and unto the Lord. Scripture conveys the idea that all Christians are holy unto the Lord. The apostle Peter wrote, “So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’” (1Pt.1:14-16 nlt)

Not before we get carried away with being holy, may we keep in mind there is only one who is truly holy. Holy in the sense of being ‘sinless, spiritually pure, deserving deep respect, awe, etc.’ as defined in the dictionary. And as we study the Bible and read all of God’s attributes, observe His ways and His love for the world we come to realize there is no one Holy like the Lord. So let us rejoice in being holy unto the only true Holy one, the Lord God.

Devotionals

Are You Teachable?       

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 25:1-11 NLT – Psalm 25 – A psalm of David. O LORD, I – Bible Gateway

“He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.” Psalm 25:9 NLT

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Are you willing to learn what you haven’t known before? Do you have a desire to experience something new? Is your attitude promising towards gaining knowledge? In other words, are you teachable? For the older folks, the phrase ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ is not true.’ For you younger people, the phrase ‘I know all I need to know’ is not true either. Nobody knows everything, and we are never too old to learn, especially in the things of God.

The common denominator in being teachable for all ages is, ‘are we humble?’ Are we humble enough to admit we are without the resources to teach us all we need to know about living the Christian life? King David knew he needed the Lord to teach  and lead him. He put his trust in God. David acknowledges the sins of his youth asking the Lord to not remember them, but to remember him in His unfailing love and mercy.

David understood he needed a humble attitude before the Lord if he wanted to be taught by Him and learn from Him. He expresses this in verses 9 and 10 in our text, not only for himself but for us today. David writes, “He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.” (Ps.25:9-10 nlt)

Christians are to be teachable. Christians should desire to be taught by our Lord. Christians need to be walking humbly with God with an aggressive attitude to learn all we are being taught. So again, are you teachable? If not, humble yourself before God and learn from the Great Professor.

Devotionals

God in His Mercy will not throw you away

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Samuel 14 NLT – Joab Arranges for Absalom’s Return – Bible Gateway

“……But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.” 2 Samuel 14:14 NLT

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Are you separated from a loved one or a dear friend by something you have created? Perhaps the separation is the fault of the other party. Regardless, there is separation. Do you have a desire to restore the relationship or are you just as content to throw it away for good? Maybe you have done all you can to reconcile but to no avail. Don’t give up, ‘God devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.’ We should do the same. You possibly may be one who refuses to make amends but hear this, ‘God does not sweep life away’, and neither should we.  Living in a sinful world always hinders us from doing the right thing or even pursuing it. But a better understanding of God and His mercy will go a long way in helping us strive for reconciliation.

A story is told of King David longing to see his son Absalom in the second book of Samuel. Absalom had been banished after killing his brother Amnon for raping their sister Tamar. Joab, captain of David’s army, sought a way to convince the King to bring Absalom back. He sent a woman to David claiming to be a widow with a story about her two sons, one dying by the hand of the other accidently. The rest of the family was demanding he be turned over for execution, leaving her husband’s name erased. David responded, ‘“Leave it to me,’ the king told her. ‘Go home, and I’ll see to it that no one touches him.’” (2Sa.14:8 nlt) The woman then confided in King David revealing her true purpose, “She replied, ‘Why don’t you do as much for the people of God as you have promised to do for me? You have convicted yourself in making this decision, because you have refused to bring home your own banished son.’” (2Sa.14:13 nlt) David got the message Joab sent him and had Absalom brought home.

Difficult passages in the Bible such as the one above provide us with real life situations with truth and wisdom in handling them. Joab devised a way for the King to bring back Absalom. When we have strayed from our King, the Lord Jesus, due to our sin He doesn’t throw us away, but is constantly devising ways to bring us back into fellowship with Him showing us His mercy. It doesn’t matter what we have done. His mercy covers it. When we devise ways to reconcile with those who are separated from us, we extend mercy to them as the Lord extends it to us. Devising ways to reconcile is a lot harder than just throwing them away, but it is worth it in the long run. So, don’t give up!

Devotionals

Feeling Empty; the search for fulfillment     

Loring Schultz

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NIV

Photo by Barbare Kacharava on Unsplash

Living in the 21st century there is no shortage of things to do. If looking to be entertained, there are thousands of choices to choose from, such as movies, concerts, sporting events, shopping, going for a drive, or staying home and accessing your hundreds of choices on your Smart TV. Getting away for the weekend has an abundance of venues to choose from and places to stay. Spending quality time with friends and family is always a good choice and fulfilling.

Despite the many things we do in life, entertaining ourselves, enjoying family time, achieving success in our jobs and careers, why do some people still have that empty feeling inside? How many people do you know, or perhaps yourself, that do all they can to enjoy life and live it to the fullest, and confess they still have this empty feeling. There is no fulfillment, something is missing. They need to find that missing piece to life’s puzzle. It happens more than you know and to more people than you may think. If you are not surprised by this, you may be one in need of fulfillment.

You’ve heard the cliché, ‘looking for love in all the wrong places.’ Well, it fits here. It is not that the above examples are ‘wrong places,’ they are not. But you will not find complete fulfillment in any of them until the major piece that completes the puzzle is put in place. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Mt.5:6 nlt) Jesus equates being filled with desiring righteousness. True fulfillment of one’s life occurs when Christ’s righteousness is applied to our lives as we accept Him as Lord and savior. That empty feeling disappears. What we thought would bring us fulfillment suddenly doesn’t seem so important anymore when put in proper perspective.

If you’re struggling with that empty feeling why not look for fulfillment in the right place by looking to Christ and desiring His righteousness. It’s the missing piece you need in your search for fulfillment.

Devotionals

Do we love the Lord God with all our heart?

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 12:28-34 NLT – The Most Important Commandment – One of – Bible Gateway

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Jesus was asked by one of the teachers of the religious law what is the most important commandment? Without hesitation Jesus responded, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mk.12:29-31 nlt) What prompted the teacher’s question is not clear, but he was rather impressed listening to Jesus’ answer to the questioning Sadducees. (Mk.12:18-27) He may have been curious to see if he had it right, for Jewish teachers of the Law were about getting it right. His motives may have been self-centered or just another case of trying to discredit Jesus.

The teacher found himself agreeing with Jesus. He knew the Old Testament scripture Jesus quoted and that to love God is more important than any sacrifice to Him. Jesus complimented the teacher by acknowledging he knew the Scripture, ‘You are not far from the Kingdom of God,’ (Mk.12:34) but also noted he was not yet in the kingdom. The teacher needed to put down his scrolls and simply love the Lord God with all his heart and all his soul, the only way to the kingdom.

What does this have to do with us in 2025? Everything! We can all go through the motions of church activity by attending services, giving, volunteering, etc. which is our way of sacrificing today. However, what is our motive in these activities. Are we doing them out of our love for God? Do these activities show our love for God or show our desire to be noticed? Jesus said the most important commandment is to love the Lord God with all our heart and all our soul. Do we love the Lord God with all our heart?  Let’s do that first, then participate in our church activities.

Devotionals

Safety in the House of God

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 52 NLT – Psalm 52 – For the choir director: A – Bible Gateway

“But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” Psalm 52:8 NLT

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Churches across the globe have been considered sacred places of refuge for centuries. Most notable in times of war, churches were shelters for all who entered through their doors whosever side they were on. Sanctury churches today have a much more complicated task within the twists and turns of world culture. But the mission remains the same, to protect by providing refuge in the house of God.

When David was on the run from King Saul who was in pursuit to kill him, David penned Psalm 52. David describes the wickedness of his enemies and God’s judgement on them as he rests safely in God’s protection. David writes, “But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” (Ps.52:8 nlt) Olive trees live a span of hundreds of years. David is putting his trust in the lasting mercy of God for protection. Olive trees also represent prosperity. Being in God’s presence (house of God) David would not only find safety but will grow in his knowledge of Him. David is filled with praise in the sanctuary of God, “I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.” (Ps.52:9 nlt)

Psalm 52 is a picture of the reality of evil around us, but also of the justice of God in protecting His children while administrating judgment on the wicked of our day. Christians should take comfort that we are in the house of God, our place of refuge through the Holy Spirit, and are safe as we thrive in His presence praising Him!

Devotionals

No Debate

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 119:89-96 NASB – Lamedh Forever, LORD, Your word stands – Bible Gateway

“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89 NASB

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Debates occur to express and defend a point of view. Both sides are passionate and sure of their position being the right one. Each would say ‘there is really no debate’, and that may be true if someone is able to prove their point of view is the correct one. Although, the other side would claim ‘not so fast’ as they try to prove their opponent wrong. The debate can last for hours, weeks, or even a lifetime trying to prove their point is correct and then convince others.

In most debates there are what we refer to as ‘gray areas.’ There are neither black or white, right or wrong, but somewhere in the middle. A lot of discussion in the form of persuasion takes place in these areas to win over the opposition. But most subjects of debate have a definitive truth in them if they are fleshed out. The opposition may not agree, but the truth is the truth.

Probably the most debated book in history would be the Bible. Debates range from its authenticity, who wrote it, is it a fact or fiction, is it to be taken literally or symbolically, does it still apply today, aren’t there contradictions, on and on go the debates. Psalm 119 is a psalm that is all about the Word of God, all 176 verses. This chapter reveals the Bible could be called the Word of Life for it tells us all we need to know. It’s God Word to us, His plan of salvation for mankind and our instruction manual on how to live.  Oh, and by the way, the psalmist writes, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Ps.119:89 nasb) Therefore there is no debate. It has been settled in heaven. So, let’s go out and convince others the Bible is the true Word of God.