Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

Our confident hope of salvation

Loring Schultz

Read: Romans 5:1-5 NLT – Faith Brings Joy – Therefore, since we – Bible Gateway

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5: 3-4 NLT

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Our faith in Christ should give us joy. A part of that joy are the problems we run into with those who do not know the Lord. The criticism, ridicule, and sometimes persecution is a joyful experience. I don’t mean outward happiness like having a great day, but an inner joy that only comes through knowing Christ. Being the subject of mockery or being persecuted does not make for a happy experience and when it comes upon us it’s OK not to be happy.

Paul, the apostle, explains we can have joy and rejoice when problems and trials occur. In verse 2 of Romans 5 Paul says with confidence and joy we look forward to sharing God’s glory with others as we live the Christian life. But, along with that will come the backlash from those who wish to inflict trials on us. Paul also says not to worry because problems and trials develop endurance and with endurance comes strength of character. Now here’s the best part, ‘character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.’

Two things to observe here: 1. Being ridiculed and persecuted for your Christian faith is proof of authentic faith in Christ, and 2. We have the confident hope the glory of our salvation will be realized in eternity one day. “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” (Ro.8:17-18 nlt)

Devotionals

Break me, then bind me up

Loring Schultz

“Abase me to self-loathing and self-abhorrence, Open in me a fount of penitential tears, Break me, then bind me up; Thus will my heart be a prepared dwelling for my God.” (1)

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How many of us hate sin? Think it through before you answer. Yes, it disgusts us to see the devils footprint on this world and cry out against it every day, but do we see our own sin the same way? If we’re honest with ourselves we often find our sin as not that bad. Often it is repeated because God will forgive us until the next time and the time after that, and it continues on and on. Does our sin disgust us that we cry out against it every day?

In a devotion entitled ‘The Great God’ from the Puritan prayers and devotions, ‘The Valley of Vision’ the author writes, “Abase me to self-loathing and self-abhorrence.” He is asking to be humbled to feel intense hatred for his sins. He asks, to “Open in me a fount of penitential tears” to be able to repent authentically. But here is where the rubber meets the road, the author writes, “Break me, then bind me up.” He needs to be broken by the hand of God in order to see the true consequences of his sin knowing that God will also bind him up making him whole again.  

We may flirt with sin thinking it is no big deal but a little deal. Big or little it is abhorrent and loathing to God and should be to us. If it’s not, perhaps we need to be broken. Broken to the point through penitent tears that we see our sin as vile as the evil in the world around us. Then we can say with the author, “Thus will my heart be a prepared dwelling for my God.”

(1)  Bennett, Arthur The Valley of Vision. East Peoria: Versa Press, 2023. Pg. 6

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Devotionals

God loves a cheerful giver

Loring Schultz

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV

Many are the opportunities to give financially to charitable and non-profit organizations. These organizations are established to help those in need due to emergencies, such as natural disasters, a major health crisis, homelessness, addictions, mental health issues, among other humanitarian needs. There are also organizations set up to provide funding for environmental concerns, the advancement of the Arts and Sciences, as well as the protection of animals. Those who contribute do so out of a compassionate heart towards the cause and the desire to help people during difficult times.  

Most of the time the heart is open to give and to give generously when it is a cause one is deeply committed to. When one’s life has been touched by the same circumstances as those now in need it becomes personal and being able to emotionally relate is a big factor in understanding the need.

Paul, the apostle, in encouraging the Corinthian church to give stated it this way, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7 esv) For causes we are deeply concerned about, it is not out of reluctance or a guilt feeling that we give, but we give from the heart as we have decided to do. Paul was reminding the church at Corinth that they had started a collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem some time ago, but had not completed what they started. For some reason the giving had stopped. It is unclear as to the reason, but what is known is the desire of the Corinthians to support the poor in Jerusalem from the outset. (2 Cor. 8:10-11) They needed encouraging to finish the work.

Paul gives the perfect example of freely giving from the heart as he closes his treatise on giving.  “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15 esv) God gave His Son Jesus, who paid the ultimate price for us. It has been said, “God is the first giver.” He decided in His heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God is a cheerful giver. Give what you have decided in your heart and encourage others to do the same, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Devotionals

Daily Bible Reading: Your Guide Through Uncertainty

Loring Schultz

“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 limited light illuminating from outside the room. In either case, when the room has light, we can now move around and conduct our business.

There are many dark rooms we enter in life. Some are daily decisions to be made and others major decisions made only occasionally in our lifetime. All have the uncertainty in the shadow of what’s ahead. If only there was no shadow at all with enough light to enter, 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 to make our own decisions without His guidance and for that we should be thankful. He has given us His Word in clarity so that all could 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.

Devotionals

Lasting Joy and Peace

Loring Schultz

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV

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Every human being needs a little joy and peace from time to time. But what happens when the ‘little’ doesn’t last and fades away? There are many things that we escape to in search of joy and peace. Entertainment by way of musical artists, major sporting events, and the theatre provide moments of joy, peace, and relaxation for a few hours if your team wins, or you hear your favorite song. Travelling on vacation to an exotic resort and taking in all the sights of your surroundings may give a sense of awe and pleasure during your stay. And then there is the inexpensive way to find joy and peace in settling down with a good book, or taking a nature walk in God’s creation. All of these will satisfy your desire for joy and peace for a period, but there is a way to experience joy and peace that never fades away.

Paul writing to the church in Rome encouraged them by saying, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Ro. 15:13 niv) Paul was convinced his readers would be filled with lasting joy and peace as they trusted in God. Paul also knew the Holy Spirit would instill hope in each believer in Christ, hope being the assurance of salvation and not wishful thinking. The assurance of salvation is guaranteed to bring lasting joy and peace in this life for those who accept Christ.

Be careful of the distinction between ‘joy’ and ‘happiness’, and ‘peace’ and ‘inner peace.’ Joy is real contentment that comes through the Holy Spirit in midst of trials and sorrows. Happiness is a joyful pleasure for a moment in masking our sorrow. Inner peace is the true peace we enjoy every day from the Holy Spirit’s presence, and not only for a quiet moment. The Christian’s joy and peace is rooted in the God of hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Have you experienced true lasting joy and inner peace, or are you still in the momentary state of peace and happiness? “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”

Devotionals

True Faith

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 5:1-8 NLT – Advice about Widows, Elders, and Slaves – Bible Gateway

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples…. But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.”  (Jn.13:35,     1 Tim.5:8 nlt)

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What does ‘true faith’ look like? If you were asked to put it into words, how would you describe it? It may help to separate the two words and take each one on its own. ‘True’ is according to fact and not false. It is accurate, correct, and real or (authentic). What is notable is the first definition found in ‘Websters New World Dictionary’ for the word ‘true’ is ‘faithful.’ So, let’s move on to ‘Faith’ as defined in Webster. ‘Faith’ is unquestioning belief, specifically in God. Complete trust or confidence, loyalty.

Combining these two words together we may say ‘true faith’ is ‘our complete trust and belief in God that is authentic based on what is fact and accurate, the Lord God.’ You may come up with other variations, but you get the idea. It is a starting point. We can mix and match these definitions to help us explain ‘true faith’ and most would be within reason of each other, but what does ‘true faith’ look like from God’s perspective?

Christian compassion for one another is a major component of ‘true faith.’ Jesus said our love for each other will show the world we are His disciples. This is especially true of our love for our families. When there is a lack of love and concern for our families it is immediately noticed by unbelievers. Even most unbelievers care for their own families. Paul writes, “those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith.” (1Tim.5:8 nlt) It’s sad, but some Christians have indeed denied the true faith. This ought not to be. May our ‘true faith’ be authentic in the Lord God from His perspective having true love for another, especially those in our own household.

Devotionals

Confidence in the Resurrection

Loring Schultz

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” Job 19:25-27 NLT

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Job during his most painful moments and losing all hope in this life had confidence in the resurrection. The visit of his three friends along with Elihu gave him no comfort or hope as Job was chastised by them for what they perceived as sin in Job’s life that caused his suffering. The basis for Job’s confidence are his words in verse 25 of chapter 19. “I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.” (nlt)

Although suffering and anticipating he was about to die, Job knew he had a redeemer and his redeemer lives. His redeemer was able to raise him up even after his body had decayed. He believed in the eternal God and that Job himself was an eternal being with a soul. Job describe that he will see God in his body, a new glorified body, and not one in spirit only. He would see God with his own eyes and was overwhelmed at the thought.

Do you have the confidence Job had? Do you believe you will be resurrected and see God and His Son Jesus Christ? If you have accepted Christ as savior you will indeed be resurrected even if you have doubts how all that will occur, it will happen. If you have not accepted Christ you too will be resurrected, but not unto Christ but unto judgement and eternal separation from Him. Each one of us is an eternal being who will live on in the resurrection. Do you have confidence where you will spend eternity? If you’re not sure, make sure today.

The Plan of Salvation: https://www.gotquestions.org/plan-of-salvation.html

Devotionals

An Endless River of Righteous Living

Loring Schultz

“Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” Amos 5:23-24 NLT

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There are many lessons in the pages of Scripture to learn from today. After all, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not change. His love for us is the same. His laws do not change over time. All His holy attributes do not change as the attribute of the Immutability of God tells us. We can be confident God doesn’t change and His Word doesn’t change either. It is the same and valid for all eternity.

In the Old Testament book of Amos, the prophet was called to issue a warning to the northern tribes of Israel. They were to repent of their social evils and pagan worship. Their only hope to prevent judgment from God was total repentance from the blasphemous worship of God they were performing and their lack justice among the people. The Lord wanted a complete change of mind and heart towards Him, the Lord their God, which in turn would result in ‘a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.’ (Amos 5:24 nlt)

Christians today may not equate themselves with all the sins of ancient Israel, but there are similarities to be considered. Are we always just in our dealings with others? Are we more than fair in areas which are under our control? When we worship God are our hearts in the right place? Have we been living righteously throughout week as we enter to worship God on Sunday morning? No, none of us are righteous, but we can walk in step with God through the Holy Spirit. Are we doing that? As with nation of Israel in Amos’ day, the Lord wants to see justice and an endless river of righteous flowing in our lives when we come to worship Him along with our noisy hymns of praise!

Devotionals

You Know Me

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 139 NASB – God’s Omnipresence and Omniscience. – Bible Gateway

“O LORD, You have searched me and known me, You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.” Psalm 139: 1-2 NASB

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What a comfort it is to know that God, the God of the universe, knows us intimately. He knows of our struggles, our fears and our limitations. He also knows of our joy and all our successes. But let us also look at the other side of the coin; yes, it is a comfort to know that God knows all about us, and He does know ALL about us. Look again at the end of verse 2, “You understand my thought from afar.” He even knows the thoughts of our minds, yes, good thoughts pleasing to Him and evil thoughts that fly in the face of His Holiness.

King David wrote Psalm 139 as a prayer of devotion to the Lord to examine his heart and to get rid of anything displeasing in His sight. King David wanted to be true to the Lord and be led in His righteousness. (Psalm 139:23-24) And how is it with you? The comfort of knowing that God sees all and knows all about us is a great comfort, but it should also serve as a great wakeup call as He does see ALL and knows ALL about us, good and bad. May we be as King David desiring to be true to God and be led in His righteousness.

Devotionals

Early Riser           

Loring Schultz

Read: Proverbs 8:12-36 KJV – I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find – Bible Gateway

“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” Proverbs 8:17 KJV

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Are you an early riser? You may ask, ‘well, it depends on what you mean by early.’ I get it. So, this is not to persuade you to get up before or at the crack of dawn. (Although I think that is best) It is for you to reserve your best, full alert, attentive, concentrated, quiet time for God whatever the time of day.

For Jesus, His best time to pray to His Father was in the pre-dawn hours. Observing the busy days Jesus had during the course of His ministry it is easy to see His best time was when no one else was around. This should be our goal as well. Whenever that time is convenient is when and where we should be looking to seek after God. Proverbs is a book of wisdom and wisdom is personalized and is speaking in Proverbs 8:17 when it says, “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” (kjv) Can we apply this verse to seeking after God? I think we can!

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Pr.1:7 kjv) True wisdom comes when seeking after God with reverential fear or ‘awe’ of who He is. God Almighty is the source of wisdom. Wisdom says, “The LORD formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began.” (Pr.8:22-23 nlt) The Lord God is the creator of everything. Wisdom comes through His mighty sovereign hands.

So, again my purpose is for each of us to find that secluded place which is the best uninterrupted time to seek after God through devoted prayer and time in His Word. You may also be surprised that a little bit of wisdom comes with it.