Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

Imperfect Faith

Loring Schultz

‘“Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’” Matthew 14:29-31 NLT

Man struggling in turbulent ocean waves reaching out with one hand

There are many who have heard the story of Jesus walking on the water. Some even comment to their own frailty when praise by others by saying, ‘I don’t walk on water.’ But how many of us forget that a mere human did walk on water. He was Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. This, of course, did not come about by Peter’s fishing skills, but by the supernatural power of Jesus as Peter put his faith in Him.

The occasion was a stormy night in which the disciples were sent ahead by Jesus to the other side of the lake as He took time to pray by Himself up in the hill country. Scripture says the disciples were in trouble fighting the waves from the fierce winds. At about three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came walking to them on the sea. Calming their fears from the wind and waves, and the fact that they thought he was a ghost, Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid, Take courage. I am here!” Peter then displayed a tremendous amount of faith in asking Jesus if he could join him by walking to Him on the water. Jesus granted his request and if you know the rest of the story, Peter walked on the water, but he did not get very far.

Have you ever stepped out in faith by asking the Lord to open a door for you and he opens it, you go through it, but you do not get very far? Peter asked in faith to walk on water despite the effects of the wind and waves due to his great faith in Jesus. But once out on the water, Peter panicked after seeing his surroundings forgetting that Jesus was right in front of him, and he began to sink. Of course, Jesus did not let him sink, but did rebuke him by saying, ‘You have so little faith, Why did you doubt me?’ Peter’s doubt resulted from having an imperfect faith.

Our Lord wants to do remarkable things through us. If He has put a desire in your heart, push that desire through by taking a risk in faith. Once out on the water with all its effects continue moving forward with Jesus as your guide and you will accomplish what He has planned for you.

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD, your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT

Devotionals

Fake Christians

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 John 2:3-6 NLT – And we can be sure that we know him if – Bible Gateway

“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 NLT

Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash

‘Fake’ defined in Webster’s New World Dictionary is ‘to make (something) seem real, etc. by deception.’ ‘Christian’ defined by Webster is ‘a believer in Jesus as the prophesied Messiah, or in the religion based on the teachings of Jesus.’ Put the two words together and what do you have, ‘one who claims a faith in Jesus who does live as Jesus lived.’ You are thinking, no one can live as Jesus did. He is the sinless Son of God and you are right. But John writes if we claim to know God we should obey His commandments. Ok, so where do we start?

Let us start with God’s Ten Commandments. I am sure most of us cannot quote all Ten Commandments when asked on the spot, but most of us have heard of God’s Ten Commandments given to Moses in the book of Exodus. Upon hearing them recited they come to mind once again, and upon hearing them it’s time to obey. But an important note to remember is that obeying the Ten Commandments does not make you a Christian. In fact, you are unable to obey any of the commandments fully without the help of God through His Holy Spirit.

So how can we fully obey God and live our lives as Jesus did? Jesus came to fulfill the Law. There were many laws in the Old Testament days to obey and no one was able to obey them all but failed repeatedly. A sacrifice was needed to forgive and cover sin, therefore the many animal sacrifices that were performed in those days. Jesus took care of all the sacrifices needed for sin by laying down His life as the perfect sacrifice once for all. (Heb.10:12) When we accept Christ as our savior we receive His Holy Spirit to dwell within us helping us to walk in obedience to God.

The only way you can say you live in God is when God truly lives in you through the Holy Spirit when you accept Jesus Christ. There are many fake Christians in the world today claiming to know Jesus, but they are not walking as He walked because they do not have His Holy Spirit. Don’t be a fake Christian but truly walk as Jesus walked by knowing Him as your personal savior and Lord.

Exodus 20:1-17 KJV – And God spake all these words, saying, – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

God Given Natural Resources

Loring Schultz

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

Illustration of natural resources including flora and fauna, land and minerals, water and marine resources, and energy and renewable resources.
Illustration showing different types of natural resources supporting life on Earth.

Scripture says, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.” (Ps.24:1 nlt) It’s all His for in the book of Genesis it says God created the earth. Our God has given us the earth to live in, manage it, and enjoy it. We could not do this on our own if God had not supplied us with natural resources created for our benefit. Just think of the natural resources that are vital for our survival. They fall into two categories, renewable and non-renewable resources.

Where would we be without the renewable resources God gave to each of us such as, plants, animals, freshwater, topsoil, and solar and wind energy created by the light of the sun and moving air currents. Not to forget coal, oil, and natural gas the non-renewable resources that has become a necessity in the 21st century. These natural resources were created by God for us to use and be able to live in and manage the earth. Without them we would not survive.

God has given us another natural resource that is vital to our physical lives, but more importantly vital for our spiritual lives, His Holy Word, the Bible. Neglecting the use water, vegetation, and all the other resources God has supplied us with will end in death. Neglecting God’s Word will end in spiritual death for those who refuse to accept God’s love for us through His Son. His Word was given to us to show us the way of salvation and how to live after accepting Christ as savior. The Bible continues to be a vital spiritual natural resource for every Christian. We cannot live without it. It was given to us for that purpose.

Devotionals

A Golden Opportunity

Loring Schultz

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 NIV

Photo by David Cain on Unsplash
 

Occasionally, in our lives we come across the opportunity of a lifetime. Whether it is a dream job, an exotic vacation, meeting a celebrity or favorite sports figure, a scholarship to a major university or being appointed to a high-level government position, we look at it as a golden opportunity. Opportunities may come about by chance with no effort on our part or by arduous work through blood, sweat, and tears. Whatever the case, we are grateful for the opportunity and do not take it for granted.

The biblical figure ‘Job’ is often referenced in describing those who are suffering or have suffered due to some personal tragedy in their lives. Job is the perfect example in these circumstances as it is said in comparison, ‘no one has suffered more next to Job.’ Job had lost his entire family, save his wife, all his livestock, and his servants in one day by Satan’s hand as he questioned Job’s integrity before God. God then permitted Satan to afflict Job with painful sores over his entire body, knowing the He could again trust Job to remain faithful. The Lord did permit the attacks on Job proving to Satan Job’s faithfulness. Job would not curse God and God gave Job a golden opportunity.

On the surface, Job’s suffering does not look like a golden opportunity. Job himself, throughout the book of Job questions why the suffering, but is convinced he did nothing wrong. Job relays to his three friends that God knows of his conduct and is testing him, not to refine him by purifying him of his sins, but to prove his innocence and he will come forth as gold. (Job 23:10 niv)

Does God test His children today? Yes, I am afraid He does. But He puts us to the test to draw ourselves closer to Him, to increase our faith in Him, to trust His plan for us, and to show ourselves as true followers of Jesus to others in need. It may be hard at the time, but may we thank the Lord for each golden opportunity to be used for His glory.

Devotionals

Stay Active and Keep Moving

Loring Schultz

Read: Hebrews 6:9-12 NKJV – A Better Estimate – But, beloved, we – Bible Gateway

“Do not become sluggish but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12 NKJV

People praying and exercising in a gym with Christian signs and a crucifix
A group engages in prayer and exercise at a gym emphasizing spiritual and physical strength.

The one piece of advice I received repeatedly before retiring was to ‘stay active and keep moving.’ I knew that to be true for in my working years as a retail store manager, I have spent more time on the floor than in the office, despite what others might say. A sudden stop in physical activity would not end well. For the most part I have maintained a regular schedule that keeps me moving physically. But I admit there are times when sluggishness sets in from missing the gym and the accumulation of late-night snacks. Thankfully, I recognize the need to stay active with frequent visits back to the gym to become sluggish free.

Staying active and moving is not only for our physical health, but also for our spiritual health. In fact the apostle Paul writes, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1Tim.4:8 nlt)  When we let our spiritual life lay dormant and are absorbing the junk food of the world there is no other outcome but to become sluggish or spiritually unhealthy. Without a correction this will lead to all kinds of spiritual problems and create a chasm between you and God.

Just as physical exercise and staying active keeps us healthy and not in a sluggish state, spiritual exercise such as Bible reading, prayer, worship, sharing the gospel, helping others, and having Christian friends will keep us active and moving in our Christian life. Age does not matter. Young, old, and in-between, we all need spiritual exercise. If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, it’s time to hit ‘God’s Gym.’  

Devotionals

Acting Religiously         

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 timothy 3:1-5 NLT – The Dangers of the Last Days – You – Bible Gateway

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT

Photo by Howard Wang on Unsplash

When referring to the end times, the last days, or the end of the world, people are quick to point to the ever-increasing sins listed in 2 Timothy chapter 4. Selfishness, boastful, ungrateful, proud, unloving, unforgiving, no self-control, loving pleasure more than God, and the list goes on. We have seen these sins throughout history and even more in the current 21st century. It is easy to see the vile sins of a fallen generation and yes they are increasing. But what is overlooked is what does not seem vile, in fact, it is looked as virtuous (good and righteous). But it belongs in the same list of sins as the others. It is ‘acting religiously.’

There are many today who act righteous but truly are not. Chuck Swindoll writes, “Paul concluded his list of ‘savage’ behavior with perhaps the most despicable of all. Some dress themselves in the august robes of godliness yet pursue their own lusts. They pretend to be godly in order to justify their own selfish desires…Today, this false godliness can range from……..corrupt minsters fleecing the flock for personal gain, to businessmen seeking networking possibilities within the church, to sanctimonious Christians rationalizing their greed.” (1) Strong words. Paul says to ‘Stay away from people like that.’ (2Tim.3:5 nlt)

Today we are beginning to witness pastors speaking evil as good and good as evil. Some people within the church are acting religiously in accepting the norms of a corrupt and perverse culture. Acceptance by the world has replaced the acceptance of the Word of God. My God-fearing Christians it is time for us to take a stand against the false religions and false teachers of our day even though they are ‘acting religiously.’

(1) Swindoll, Living Insights 1&2 Timothy. Carol Stream: Tyndale, 2014. Pg 228

Devotionals

A Word of Encouragement

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 73 NLT – BOOK THREE (Psalms 73–89) -Psalm 73 – Bible Gateway

“Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 NLT

Mountain sunrise over a lake with Psalm 73 text about God's strength
A scenic mountain sunrise accompanies an uplifting verse from Psalm 73 about God’s enduring strength.

A fellow elder shared with us after our weekly prayer session this morning how encouraging Psalm 73 is. Our church is currently going through selected passages of Psalms for a summer Bible reading program. Seeing his comments I thought it best to review the Psalm and see what I might have missed. Yes, it is encouraging.

A psalm of Asaph that begins Book 3 in the Psalter is a reflection of what most Christians experience in certain seasons of life. During the downtimes in life, and there are many, we tend to look back at better days or to those who do not seem to have it so bad. We envy them who seem to have it all together. They may not be living for the Lord, but they have no worries, they are healthy, financially set, no internal family struggles, life is good, and like Asaph writes, “These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!” (Ps.73:7 nlt) And we surmise that we do not. But we are wrong, troubles and downtimes included.

The psalmist had reached the point where he questioned whether his obedience to God was for nothing. I’m afraid many Christians have found themselves asking the same question. The turning point for the psalmist was when he went into the sanctuary. “Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.” (Ps.73:17 nlt) Worshiping God opened the psalmist’s eyes to God’s justice. The bottom line is the wicked does not get away with anything.

Well now, what about us with our struggles and the downtimes in life? Follow the lead of Asaph as he confessed his sin of assessing life from a secular worldview. (Ps.73:21-24) He had come to realize that nothing is better or more desirable than God. May we come to the same conclusion!

Devotionals

The World Cup

Loring Schultz

“And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, ‘Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.’” Matthew 26:27-28 NLT

Golden FIFA World Cup trophy on a pedestal at a soccer stadium
The iconic FIFA World Cup trophy stands proudly on the pitch before a match with a packed stadium

The FIFA Men’s World Cup has once again descended on the nations of the world. This year three North American countries will host the 2026 World Cup with the United States being one of the hosting countries. Soccer is the only sport in the world that is recognized and played globally. Therefore the term, ‘World Cup,’ is appropriate. It is available to all who qualify to participate in striving to win the World Cup. Sadly, there will only be one winner and the winning nation will celebrate the accomplishment of winning the World Cup.

There is another World Cup that is available for all who qualify to participate in where there are no losers. This cup contains the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. In the first ‘Lord’s Supper,’ which we continually observe today, Jesus told His disciples the cup of wine represented His blood that ‘is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.’ It is available to all who qualify. Qualifying is simply accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup requires much training, practice, physical fitness, and teamwork. Those nations who make the cut are in the tournament but not guaranteed the victory. When making the cut with Jesus you are guaranteed victory because victory does not depend on your performance, but on God’s gift given through grace. It is truly a World Cup, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nlt)

Devotionals

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord

Loring Schultz

“Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:10 NLT

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Throughout any given day we make hundreds of choices. If our day is not already preplanned, we have the task of deciding how to fill the day. Even in those preplanned days, would our scheduled activities please the Lord? Obviously work, fulfilling family needs, spending time with the Lord, and volunteering in the community would be pleasing to God. It is those gray areas that are concerning for the Christian. Areas of personal conviction between you and God if you participate in them hinders your relationship with Him. It doesn’t need to be outright sin that would displease God, James tells us, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (Ja. 4:17nlt) This is especially true in the things you hold in conviction to do or not to do.

Developing convictions between you and the Lord begins with spending time in the Bible and in prayer with Him. During times of confusion in certain areas of your life search the scriptures and ask God for guidance as to what He pleases Him, then go do it or not do it as the Lord placed the conviction on your heart. Not every Christian will have the same convictions. What is a conviction for me may not necessarily be a conviction for you and vice versa. That doesn’t mean that God is not pleased with both of us. He is pleased as we are obedient to His will for us.

There are common denominators for all Christians to agree with convictions in what pleases and displeases God. Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, “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…… Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Eph. 5:11-12, 17nlt) As you plan your day, carefully determine what pleases the Lord by developing convictions.

Devotionals

Your Will or God’s Will Be Done?

Loring Schultz

“‘Abba, Father,’ he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.'” Mark 14:36 NLT

How well will you handle God’s desires and His will for you if it brings pain and suffering into your life?

Man kneeling on wet cobblestone path outside church, holding hands near face and crying.

Jesus, the God-man, faced the reality of following His Father’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion. He knew of God’s plan of salvation for each of us before the world began and He followed every detail. The time had come for the payment of sin to be completed. The sacrifice for sin would be made in a few short hours. Jesus was about to experience the most excruciating pain and suffering imaginable as the sins of the world would be laid upon Him. His Father would turn His back on Him causing Jesus to call “out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’” (Mk.15:34 nlt)

In the garden that night Jesus knew His Father was capable of an alternative plan if it was His will to do so. Jesus prayed for this to be so. “‘Abba, Father,’ he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me.” (Mk.14:36a nlt) The physical pain in the ‘cup of suffering’ will be accompanied by the spiritual separation from His Father that was forthcoming. Jesus asked that it be taken away, but then said, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mk.14:36b nlt)

Whatever your pain and suffering may be, it is understandable to ask the Lord to remove it and He will not fault you for that. There are times when He will remove it completely or partially, and times when He does not. Knowing that God desires your heart to be filled with His desires and for His will to be done wouldn’t you rather God’s will than your own will? May we all be able to say with the Lord Jesus, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mk.14:36 nlt)