Devotionals – Page 47 – Word for the Soul

Give to those who ask

July 10, 2024July 9, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” Matthew 5:42 NLT

One of Jesus’ teachings in His Sermon on the Mount is to give to those who ask. Our world in 2024 has changed from Jesus’ day, but one thing remains true we still have the poor among us. Jesus predicted this in Mark 14:7 when He said, “You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to.” (nlt) We certainly have plenty of opportunity to give to the poor when they ask. But this is not limited only to the poor. For if anyone has need of anything and asks, Jesus tells us to give it to them. Even those who want to borrow from us, it is not for us to say no. Jesus said, let them borrow.

Christ followers are to obey His teachings, which are really commands from our Lord. Will that subject us to be taken advantage of by being deceived by some? Yes, that is very possible. But Jesus said to give to those who ask. The Lord is judge and He will weigh the balances. When it is in our control to give or lend to someone that we have no reason to suspect, we are to follow our Lord’s commands. Christians are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to give as we have received.

Jesus also said later in that sermon, “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” (Mt.6:20 nlt) Giving to those in need, whether the poor, or a friend or stranger who needs a helping hand is storing up treasures in heaven. It is investing in the Lord’s work with a guaranteed return both here on earth and in heaven. Let us not neglect the Lord’s work and give to those who ask.

Devotionals

Hated by All

July 9, 2024July 8, 2024 Loring Schultz

“And you will be hated by all because of My name” Matthew 10:22a NASB

I don’t know anyone who enjoys being hated by others. Even the slightest dislike upon us will put a damper on our emotions. Humans have the need to be loved and be accepted. We do not want others to think of us as weird, annoying, or out of touch with society. We desire to be accepted among those we have interactions with on a daily basis. The problem for Christians is this is not entirely possible if one is consistently living for Christ. Jesus Himself said, “And you will be hated by all because of My name” (Mt.10:22a nasb) ‘Hated by all’ is a powerful, all-inclusive statement. But if Jesus said it, I’ll take Him at His word. We will be hated by all.

It is important to understand who the ‘all’ are. It is all those outside of Christ, all those in need of the saving knowledge of the Savior. We are not hated by our brothers and sisters in Christ, although unfortunately we have a tendency to dislike some of them. The hatred comes from those who see us as a threat to their way of living, those who feel they have no need of ‘religion’ as they say. It comes from those who see us as judgmental for believing and obeying the scriptures. It comes from those who condemn us for believing that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. Taking a stand for Christ and His Word will indeed cause some friction between us and others, even those closest to us.

Being hated or disliked by others can be avoided through the art of compromise. If you have sensed that others do not have a disregard for you concerning your belief and walk with Jesus, then perhaps you are already administrating the art of compromise. The desire to be accepted by our peers opens the door to be silent or accept alternative views on Jesus and the Bible. Sadly there are also many churches who are being silent and accepting the things of world through compromise. It is time for us to evaluate ourselves individually and as the church. Are we hated by all, hated by some, or not hated at all? Jesus said we will be ‘hated by all’.

Read: Matthew 10:16-22 NASB – A Hard Road Ahead of Them – “Behold, – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

To An Unknown God, who made the world and everything in it

July 8, 2024July 5, 2024 Loring Schultz

“‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. He is the God who made the world and everything in it.” Acts 17:23b-24a NLT

On his second missionary journey, Paul arrived in Athens ahead of his companions, Silas and Timothy, as he was distancing himself from Jews who were stirring up trouble everywhere he went. As Paul walked around the city, he noticed shrines and idols erected for the many gods they worshiped in that ancient Greek culture. To make sure no gods were missed or there was a god they didn’t know about, there was an alter with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ Paul took advantage of their sincerity in the gods and philosophy of their culture by telling them the one they worship in ignorance is the one true God who made the heavens, the earth and everything in it.

Today there are people who worship many gods without worrying if they need an inscription to an unknown god. They think they have it all covered. Allow me to illustrate three scenarios. The first one; as the ancient Greeks did, people today worship at the altar of idols they have created but not realizing they are idols. The difference is that they do not consider them as gods, but a part of life. These gods consume and control them with the pleasantries of this life. They are the gods of money, pride, luxuries, fame, power, entertainment, drugs, alcohol, and sexual pleasure. With these idols as their gods, the true God of heaven is unknown to them, and they have no desire to see if there is something missing.

The second scenario are those who follow the religions of the world as one of many gods or ways to the true God. Even some of those who profess Christianity do not know God and his plan of salvation but rely on their good deeds. They are confident they are secure, but the God of the Bible is unknown to them, and do not realize He is missing.

And third, others follow the gods within themselves, claiming their inner spirit is a god within them connecting themselves to their charitable work, kindness, pursuit for justice, and claiming love and peace across the world. All good qualities that should be pursued by every Christian who truly knows God. But to the one spends their entire life on such endeavors, they too think they have it all covered.

If you find yourself in any of these scenarios hear the Apostle Paul. Each of these scenarios has a god, a religion, that is being followed as the ancient Greeks, but it’s not the true God. Paul says “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.” (Acts 17:24-25 nlt) If God is unknown to you, know this; There is only one true God and He is the God of the Bible. Get to know Him!

Read: Acts 17:22-31 NLT – So Paul, standing before the council, – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Our Gifts of Grace Serving the Body of Christ

July 5, 2024July 2, 2024 Loring Schultz

“so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Romans 12:5-6a NLT

There’s an axiom within the church when it comes to work needed to be done, ‘20% of the people do 80% of the work’. There is a more positive one that says, ‘many hands make for light work’. When many hands come together in the chores and maintenance to be done in the church, the physical conditions of the building show the unity of diversity of talents used to present a well-maintained building for the glory of God. The same holds true for the spiritual building, the body of Christ. We are God’s building. (1Cor.3:9)

Every believer in Christ as they accept Him for salvation receive the Holy Spirit and at least one spiritual gift to be use in the church. It is possible for some to receive more than one, but everyone receives one. Paul tells us, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” (Ro.12:6a nlt) We do not all have the same gifts. Some of us may share a gift, but the church body as a whole has a diversity of gifts to ensure the church functions as it should. What if ‘20% of the people did 80% of the spiritual work’? What would be the spiritual condition of the church? As we think this through, the 20% are not able to do 80% of the work even if they wanted to because they only have 20% of the spiritual gifts in the church. They will fall short no matter how much effort they put into it. For the spiritual building to be maintained, each one must use their gift.

Spiritual gifts are different from natural born God given talents. The Holy Spirit grants them to us when we are born again spiritually into the family of God. We didn’t possess them before, and that is important to understand. It is something brand new and its sole purpose is to do the work of the Lord encouraging others in the church. You may be the only one, or just one of a very few, who has the gift you possess in the church. Remember, it is God’s gift of grace to you for serving the body of Christ.

Devotionals

Never Alone

July 4, 2024July 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18 KJV

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Everyone needs a little comfort every now and again. A kindly spoken word will do the trick for some while others need someone able to provide deep emotional comfort by only their presence. The frustrations of living in a complex society can be soothed quickly by others as they encourage us. They affirm the everyday struggles we all deal with, and their words are a lift to our spirit. It is often enough to help us continue. But there are times when we need the constant presence of those who comfort us in our time of need. Unfortunately, that is not always possible, if at all, in our world of responsibility. However, there is one constant companion who will never leave your side of comfort. So, you will never be alone.

In the upper room the night before going to the cross Jesus prepared the disciples for His leaving. He informed them they would not be left comfortless; He would always be with them. He promised to send the Holy Spirit, His constant presence with them. Jesus assured them, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” (Jn.14:16 nlt)

Jesus kept His promise. The Holy Spirit is with every believer in Jesus Christ. If you know the Lord as your savior, He is your constant companion and always by your side. “for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Heb.13:5b esv) What a comfort it is to know of the Lord’s presence with us in whatever we are going through. There may be times when you feel you are struggling alone, but you are not alone. Your friends and closest loved ones cannot always be there when you need them, but Jesus is always there by your side. You’re never alone.

Devotionals

Knowing God

July 3, 2024July 2, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20 NLT

Scores of people claim it is impossible to know God. Some find it hard to believe He is the storms of life. The western hemisphere is at the beginning of the hurricane season where tropical waves form off the coast of Africa making their way across the Atlantic Ocean. They either gain strength and become a hurricane or fizzle out along the way. If they do develop into a powerful storm, its path can be predicted well in advance, but then again it could change very rapidly. So, caution is always advised ahead of these powerful storms. This mighty power of God is seen in the forces of nature as written in the book of Psalms. “He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves.” (107:25 nlt)

Storms are one clear visible sign there is an all-powerful God. If we look around us and see all of God’s creation and His power in creating, we will see many of His invisible qualities. Breath taking views around the earth such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, the state of Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, and Niagara Falls in the United States and Canada show amazing wonder only made possible by the power of God. The world has the following list of God’s creation for all to admire; Mount Everest in Nepal’s Himalayan Range, the Amazon Rainforest in South America, the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, and the display of the Northern Lights recently enjoyed by many here in the eastern United States.

These visible signs are given to us by God so none would be without an excuse that we never knew there was a God. The apostle Paul writes in the book of Romans, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (1:20 nlt) God has not left us on this earth without revealing Himself. If we look around, we cannot deny it. Do you know God personally or just acknowledge His existence through His creation? He has also created a way to truly know Him through His Son Christ Jesus, co-creator with Him (Col.1:16) We are without excuse for not knowing God. Don’t wait until a powerful storm of life comes your way to acknowledge God and accept His Son Jesus Christ as your savior. The next storm could be just over the horizon.

Devotionals

God in His Mercy will not throw you away

July 2, 2024July 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“……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

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 real life situations for us 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!

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

Devotionals

Living in the Moment

July 1, 2024June 28, 2024 Loring Schultz

“We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.” Ecclesiastes 1:11 NLT

Social media has masterfully crafted ‘living in the moment’ as a way of life. Our lives are captured moment by moment on our social pages for all the world to see, or if cautious for your friends only, all 2,000 of them. Granted there are special occasions and unexpected events we all like to share. Unfortunately, this has become an obsession with some to share everything, and a desire to know everything about everybody. People follow those they like, those they don’t like, those they admire, entertainers, politicians, sports figures, news organizations, cultural influencers, and just about anybody to get the latest happenings in the moment. Hear what the preacher says in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, “Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.” (1:8 nlt)

Living in the moment has its moments but then they’re gone. They do not last. The preacher also says, “We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.” (Ec.1:11 nlt) Insignificant events will not be remembered. Events on a major scale eventually lose impact over time such as September 11^th and the Holocaust. They are still remembered but the effect felt over the world begins to fade. There are occasions when a moment of time is etched in history, but most do not come to mind without the help of Google.

Living in the moment today on social media is frivolous, especially if those moments are meaningless and have no significant impact. Living every moment for the glory of God will have a major impact for eternity. Our entire lives are only for a moment compared to eternity, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (Ja.4:14 niv) If we are going to live in the moment, let us make every moment count for eternity.

Devotionals

An Unlikely Candidate

June 27, 2024June 26, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners.” Matthew 9:10 NLT

Tax collectors in New Testament times were the most despised and hated group of people. They were hated as a group in their work collecting taxes for Rome and also individually for lining their own pockets through extortion. It may seem a bit strange that Jesus would call Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him and become one of His disciples. Jesus had a reputation to keep and asking Matthew to join Him in His ministry wouldn’t exactly fit that image. Even stranger would be the fact of Matthew giving up his lucrative business to follow Jesus. Matthew didn’t possess any moral qualities such as loving others or caring for the poor as he took advantage of them. Matthew most certainly was an unlikely candidate, but Jesus chose him.

The Bible says in Matthew’s gospel (yes, the unlikely candidate), “As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.” (Mt. 9:9 nlt) Matthew left behind his position as a tax collector with the possibility of never returning. An opening in such a profitable business would not open for long but filled rather quickly. Matthew was convinced he was not going back, nor did he have a desire to return. Jesus’ call of Matthew is another example of His miraculous power. Matthew’s heart had changed. Just as Jesus healed the paralyzed, the blind, and the deaf physically, He transformed Matthew’s heart.

A true change of heart results in actions being taken. Matthew didn’t wait in following Jesus and learning from Him. He went right to work in his new calling by inviting his former co-workers and others of the same mind to dinner with Jesus. The change was real in Matthew going first to those closest to him and inviting them to meet the Lord and his new colleagues. Matthew’s conversion and new found zeal in righteousness would have caused bewilderment among those present, but it could not be denied.

The Lord is still in the conversion business. Changed hearts, changed minds, and changed lives are His specialty. You may think you are an unlikely candidate for the Lord to choose. You may feel you have failed Him too many times. You may not even have any interests in Jesus or spiritual things. But the Lord specializes in calling an unlikely candidate.

Read: Matthew 9:9-13 NLT – Jesus Calls Matthew – As Jesus was – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Waiting for an answer

June 26, 2024June 21, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24 NIV

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

How frustrating it is to be waiting for an answer. Depending on your circumstances the frustration level will vary. Waiting for the results of a medical procedure will increase your anxiety. A slow response from a potential employer will overshadow other job opportunities to be explored. Anticipation builds as you wait to receive your final grades towards your goal of graduation from a major university. Wouldn’t it be nice to receive our answers in a timely manner, better yet, to have them beforehand? Before we schedule that medical test, before we take that final exam, or before we apply for that position. Well, it is possible when we bring our requests before the Lord.

There are several passages in Scripture concerning God’s hearing and answering prayers. Isaiah writes that the Lord says, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” (Is.65:24 niv) God is saying before we even ask Him in prayer, the answer is already on the way. As Jesus taught His disciples to pray, he told them, “…. for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Mt.6:8 niv) Before the thought of what we need to ask for comes to our mind, the Lord is already aware. David writes in Psalm 139, “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.” (Ps.139:4 nlt) God knows everything we think and are going to say before we say it, especially in prayer. The Lord heard and answered King Hezekiah’s prayer as he was told he was about to die. “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.’” (Is.38:5 niv) Hezekiah did not need to wait very long for an answer. It came rather quickly.

Now there may be times when the answers to our prayers do not come immediately. But that is not an indication that God did not hear or did not answer. One of God’s answers to us is not one we like to hear, but He did answer. The answer is ‘wait.’ We can be confident that God hears and answers our prayers. Yes, sometimes we need to wait for the answer to arrive, but the Lord has already answered that prayer before we even called on Him.