Devotionals – Page 42 – Word for the Soul

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 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.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

This Sunday September 15, 2024, is the National Back to Church Sunday. It is scheduled every year on the third Sunday in September. The movement started 15 years ago to encourage the churches to act and put forth an invitation for everyone in their communities to come through the local church doors. Since its conception almost 4 million Christians have participated through over 40,000 churches.

The average adult Church attendance in the United States is around 30% down from 42% in 2004. It is projected to continue to drop as 35% of the 18-29 age group have no religious preference, and only 22% attend church services today. So, we can see the need is great for a National Back to Church Sunday.

This is not only an invitation to non-Christians who do not attend church, but for those who profess to know the Lord but have neglected meeting with other believers for worship each Sunday. The writer of Hebrews states we should be motivating one another to acts of love and good works. We can do this as part of our daily life, but it works best in church. We’re encouraged not to neglect meeting together but to continually encourage one another, especially in the days in which we are living.

It’s not too late to invite someone to church this Sunday. There are many non-church goers, perhaps some of your friends and acquaintances. Maybe even you. You might have to invite yourself first, then bring a friend. Everyone needs the peace, love, and forgiveness that only the Lord Jesus can supply for this life and eternal life. It’s time to get back in the game rather than sitting on the sidelines, and don’t worry, in most cases you’ll be home in time to see the opening kickoff.

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Devotionals

Living for Christ is Suffering for Christ

September 12, 2024September 11, 2024 Loring Schultz

“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.” 1 Peter 4:1 NLT

Supporting and taking a stand for a political candidate in a divided nation comes with harassing you by name calling, accusing you of not having a mind of your own, and associating you with every statement that candidate makes whether you agree with it or not. All candidates for any public office have flaws as we all do as we are all sinners. That shouldn’t stop us from exercising the privilege we have to cast a ballet in an election year. Unfortunately taking some hits in supporting a candidate is a sad commentary of the times. Presidential elections in America have revealed the true sentiment against those who hold a different view, both between the candidates and between neighbors. This may be a preview of the increasing hostility towards Christians in the coming days.

The apostle Peter tells us if we are following Jesus and living for Him, we will suffer. Gradually, if you are living for Christ, your desires will continually change drawing yourself away from the world and closer to Christ and His heavenly kingdom. “You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.” (1Pt.4:2 nlt) It will become more difficult to find things in common with those you associate with as your Biblical worldview with clash with their secular worldview. We are not to disengage with those outside of Christ but realize there will be increasing friction more than being blocked from their social media pages. Living for Christ and standing up for the truth of God’s Word has not been easy the last few years and will grow into a bigger challenge in the years ahead. Is the church ready for the challenge? Are you ready for the challenge?

Christians do not need to worry about the name calling or having others think we have lost our minds. People in Jesus’ day said the same thing about Him. And we do not need to be concerned about being associated with Jesus’ words. He speaks the truth and only the truth. The fact checkers only need to search the Word of God. But there is a ‘but’ here. Peter says, “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too.” (1Pt.4:1a nlt) Christians in America are under scrutiny for our beliefs and standing up for God and His Word. We have been spared physical persecution by the grace of God up until now but will be ready when the persecution begins. To live for Christ means to suffer for Christ. Are you ready for the challenge?

Read: 1 Peter 4:1-9 NLT – Living for God – So then, since Christ – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Days of Trouble

September 11, 2024August 31, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15 NKJV

September 11, 2001, is a day that will always be remembered for all those who were alive and old enough to feel the devasting effect it had on the United States. A deadly Islamist terrorist attack organized by al-Qaeda killed 2,977 people by hijacking and crashing air liners into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. Throughout the week following that Tuesday tragedy and on the following Sunday morning churches were filled with people calling out to God in the day of our trouble. The Lord had provided comfort for the nation and there was peace and unity for a time, but as is witnessed today that is long gone.

Why does it take a tragedy like a 911 to bring people together and call upon God? Granted there has been other tragedies that have brought Americans together the past twenty-three years such as school shootings, natural disasters, mass shootings in public places, and Covid-19. True to form, once the tragedy has past, America again forgets God. He is not call upon until the next the day of trouble. What a mistake that is, we have trouble every day in the United States. Prayer should be offered daily for America for the trouble we are in, our days of trouble.

On a personal note, each of us is in the same boat. Every day is an on-going challenge. We may be having a great day, but there is not a day that goes by that something doesn’t go wrong, so why not start the day by calling upon the Lord in your upcoming day of trouble. You’re going to have one! The Lord promises to deliver us, and we will be able to glorify Him daily for His care over us. Don’t wait until a tragedy comes into your life to call upon God. Yes, He will still deliver you, but He desires to deliver you daily from the small things in your days of trouble.

Read: Psalm 50 NKJV – God the Righteous Judge – A Psalm of – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Spiritual Blindness

September 10, 2024September 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, ‘Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?’ (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.)” Matthew 12:9-10 NLT

The lure of having power and influence have corrupted even the most prestigious individuals. The love of being in control causes blindness to everything that is right, logical, and all that is common sense. Examples are easy to find in the rhetoric and actions of some government officials of our day. They desire to control, not for the betterment of those they serve, but for themselves and those who have supported them and their causes. Powerful people in the market place are also capable of falling into the same trap. They are blinded along with the politicians and government leaders by their own love of power, wealth, and recognition. The truth is before their eyes, but they fail to see it.

The Pharisees in the New Testament had a power problem themselves resulting in spiritual blindness. They were the religious ruling power. Knowing the Law, both the Old Testament and the traditional Laws set forth over the years, they used their knowledge to elevate themselves to a position of control. This rise to power had blinded them to what they knew the Old Testament revealed about Jesus the Messiah. The many additional Laws enacted over the years blinded them further as to the need for them, except to keep them in power that they were not willing to give up.

Matthew 12:10 records for us Jesus being asked a question by the Pharisees, “‘Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?’ (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.)” Healing on the Sabbath would have been a violation of the Law bringing charges against Jesus, although the Old Testament does not reference it. The rabbis considered healing attempts as work unless the individual was close to death which was not the case in this instance. They were obviously using another manmade law which was illogical and lacking common sense.

The Pharisees had corrupted themselves through their desire for power and influence. They had blinded themselves to who they were dealing with. They did not want to hear Jesus say the word ‘yes,’ but to perform the healing on the Sabbath. They knew Jesus had the power to heal the man, but their hated for Him and the thought of losing their power forced blindness upon them. Getting rid of Jesus was their only priority. “Then (Jesus) said to the man, ‘Hold out your hand.’ So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.” (Mt. 12:13-14 nlt)

Lest we think we, as Christians, are incapable of such spiritual blindness, think again. Christians are very capable of spiritual blindness when desires are place ahead of God’s will and contrary to His Word. Whether it is power and influence we seek, or a pleasurable desire outside of God’s will, be sure blindness will overshadow God and all His holiness. Let us be careful not to allow anything into our lives that will cause us to have spiritual blindness.

Devotionals

Self-Reliance Won’t Work

September 9, 2024September 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?” Matthew 17:19b NLT

The Lord has gifted each of us with individual skills to use for His service. For most of us these skills are devoted to the workplace where we are to serve Him. Others use their God-given skills within the family, homeschooling, caring for children and the elderly. Still others are uniquely gifted in various forms of arts and entertainment along with those of athletic skills to use as a platform in sharing Jesus. We all have one thing in common, whatever abilities we possess enabling us to perform the work we are doing has been given by God our creator.

Jesus’s disciples had no more than the skills of fisherman but were empowered by Him to carry out the ministry of teaching, healing the sick, and casting out demons. The disciples were successful in that work going out in pairs of two with the abilities Jesus gave them. (Mk.6:12) But sometime later after they had returned and Jesus was not with them, a man approached them asking for his son to be delivered from a demon, and they could not do it. When they had pressed Jesus for an answer, He said to them, “You don’t have enough faith, I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” (Mt.19:20 nlt) Their failure was due to self-reliance. They forgot the ability to cast out demons came from God the Son, it wasn’t a skill they developed by working hard for it. Jesus said if they had faith (in Him) as small as a mustard seed nothing would be impossible.

Often, we become complacent and maybe too comfortable in our ability to do our jobs needing no outside help. We become self-reliant on the abilities God has given us as if they are there due to our knowledge or gained experience alone. It is true, we can and should continue to learn, grow, and develop our skills to the optimum level possible. But there are times in our lives where all the training, studying, and experiences are not enough to solve the problem at hand. We need the Lord to intervene by asking Him in faith to help us move that mountain and not depend on self-reliance. It won’t work.

Devotionals

Be Ready to Give an Answer

September 6, 2024September 2, 2024 Loring Schultz

“And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15b NLT

Presidential campaigns here in the United States have a lot of criticism between candidates the closer to election day. The opposition is quick to point out deficiencies in their opponent. Once noted it is hard to overlook. One example is the claim of not being ready to give an answer when asked a question. This is a relevant concern, of course, as the future and safety of the people are at stake. How much more the future of eternity for those who do not know Jesus Christ as their savior if we are not ready to give an answer.

Peter in addressing Christians scattered throughout the world suffering severe persecution wrote, “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1Pt.3:14-15 nlt) Especially when they were suffering for doing good, Peter instructed them to always be ready to explain to those who asked about their Christian hope. Peter knew most definitely that some would be asked when people observed their demeaner during insults and ridicule. (1Pt.3:9-11)

Christ followers have always suffered ridicule and persecution. Christians today are being murdered at a faster rate as any time in history. Still, we are told to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. You can be certain when those outside of Christ see Jesus’ light in you pursuing peace and working to maintain it during ridicule and persecution they will ask, where did you get this hope that is in you?

You can respond with Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:18, “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.” (nlt) And you can conclude with ‘I am safely brought home and have eternal life.’ So, be ready!

Read: 1 Peter 3:8-22 NLT – All Christians – Finally, all of you – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Confidence in Christ

September 5, 2024September 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 NASB

For many Christians the idea of sharing their faith is an intimidating experience. Over the years it has become increasingly confrontational in our political and cancel culture environment. Most likely the most controversial experiences occur when quoting Jesus’s own words found in the gospel of John when He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (Jn.14:6 nasb) Jesus is stating as a matter of fact that He is the only way of salvation and eternal life with God the Father. He said it in confidence because it is true.

Peter and John, in the book of Acts, made a similar statement about Jesus. They were brought before the Jewish ruling body, the Sanhedrin, to answer by what power and name a cripple man had been healed. Peter and John wasted no time in claiming it was in Jesus’s power and name that the healing took place. Then added, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 nasb) Peter and John told the Jewish rulers that the Jesus they rejected is the only way to God and they spoke it in confidence.

The cultural climate in the days of the early church although different than ours, did possess some similarities. Many nations around them had other gods, and the Jewish leaders were stuck in their traditions. All claimed they had the way to eternal life. Peter and John’s remarks went against the religious culture of their day, but it did not stop them from proclaiming Christ as the only way.

Christians today need to be encouraged by the confidence Peter and John had through the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Jesus promised us the helper, the Holy Spirit, would come. Every born-again Christian possesses the Holy Spirit to help us in the confidence needed in sharing our faith. Let us find our confidence in Christ and boldly speak the word.

Read: Acts 4:1-22 NASB – Peter and John Arrested – As they were – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Spiritual Hunger and Thirst

September 4, 2024September 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35 NLT

Satisfying our physical hunger and thirst is rather easy. There are a variety of foods to choose from when we are hungry. Usually, we select something we like and enjoy and after partaking our hunger is satisfied. The same holds true for quenching our thirst. It’s not very pleasing to drink something not enjoyable to us. We make sure, if possible, we get what we like. But the fact is, if we have a meal with our favorite food and beverage, it will satisfy for the moment, but it doesn’t last, and we will need to eat and drink again. Our physical bodies need to be refueled daily, and the Lord supplies what we need to survive in this life.

Spiritual hunger and thirst work similarly in satisfying our souls. We try what we like, something non-judgmental, inclusive, non-committal, and feels good. Just like physical hunger and thirst, it satisfies for a while, but spiritual hunger and thirst comes back. When we try to fill our souls with what we like we will never be satisfied, because we are filling our souls with the temporary. What we need is something that will fill us eternally. Our souls have a spiritual craving to be filled and satisfied for eternity and it can only be accomplished by a relationship with Jesus Christ, God the Son.

Jesus used the illustration of the necessity of bread for survival in physical life with Himself as the spiritual bread which will satisfy forever and necessary for eternal life. “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (Jn.6:35 nlt) God provides the bread we need to survive in our physical bodies. The same is true for our souls, God has provided the only food possible to satisfy our craving for spiritual things and for eternal life, His Son, Jesus Christ. Nothing else satisfies, but Christ.

All the religions of the world and churches who do not adhere to God’s Word for the truth of salvation will leave you empty and continually searching for truth and satisfaction. God has provided the only way for you to be filled and satisfied spiritually in this life and guaranteed eternal life, it is Jesus! You can satisfy your spiritual hunger and thirst by accepting Christ as your personal savior. No need to be refueled.

Devotionals

Your Comforts Delight My Soul

September 3, 2024September 2, 2024 Loring Schultz

“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19 NKJV

Interpretation of the word ‘soul’ varies both in its modern usage and in the Bible. The Hebrew writer as in the text above sees ‘soul’ as his very self, his living being, desire, emotion, and passion. In our modern-day language, the palmist means his complete being, who he is including his inner self. The use of ‘soul’ in the New Testament is ‘breath or breath of life’ also as in the Old Testament includes feelings, desires, affections, but most notably the soul is designed for eternal life not dissolved by death but lives on.

The psalmist writes during his days in the midst of injustice being done to the weak and defenseless, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delights my soul.” (Ps.94:19 nkjv) The wrongs were being committed by arrogant and evil people who were in authority. What he saw the murders of the innocent and orphans, and heard their arrogant and boastful speech, the Hebrew writer’s soul was filled with anxiety. He describes it as a multitude of anxieties that keep piling up in an evil society and the psalmist reaches out to the Lord to comfort him during these times. (Ps.94:12-16) The Lord’s help comes, “Unless the LORD had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave.” (Ps.94:17 nlt)

You may be under uncontrollable stress and anxiety this day. You are not alone. Many people suffer from increased anxiety from everyday pressure in the current times in which we live, even Christians. This is not a new development for God to handle. He has had a lot of experience in providing comfort to souls. If your total being, your soul, has had anxieties building up within you it’s time to have your soul comforted by the Lord God. It will be a delight.

Read: Psalm 94 NKJV – God the Refuge of the Righteous – O – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Your Labor in the Lord is not in Vain

September 2, 2024August 31, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Happy Labor Day 2024! The day we officially honor the American worker. The U.S. Dept of Labor states the following, “Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.” (1)

Over the last one hundred years the recognition and honoring of the American worker has faded. It has become a day of picnics and a chance for a final summer get-a-way weekend. Nothing against a weekend vacation or a Labor Day picnic, I plan to grill a few Hot Dogs myself, but the purpose of the day has been lost to our pleasures.

How much more tragic when we overlook or take for granted the work being done for the Lord and those who perform the work. Christians should not look for recognition in doing the Lord’s work, but discouragement often arises when there is no response to the work for the efforts put into it. Paul encourages us to always give 100% to the Lord’s work, “because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1Cor.15:58 nlt)

This Labor Day may we not get discouraged if we do not see fruit from our labor in the Lord but continue to ‘give ourselves fully’ to the work He has given us. The Lord guarantees our labor is not vain. It will pay off in His timing. And may we give a word of encouragement to all who are in the service of the Lord, and that is all of us, no matter our occupation.

(1) https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history