Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

What’s on Your Bucket List?

Loring Schultz

“When Joshua was an old man, the LORD said to him, ‘You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered.'” Joshua 13:1 NLT

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The term ‘bucket list’ has been gaining popularity over the last few years since its conception twenty-five years ago. In 1999 Justin Zackham, an American and British screenwriter, using the phrase ‘kick the bucket’ pertaining to death created his own ‘bucket list’ of things he wanted to accomplish before he died. Number one on his list was to get a screenplay made at a Hollywood studio. He eventually wrote the screenplay for the movie ‘The Bucket List’ in 2007 starring Jack Nicholson and Morgen Freeman which increased its popularity. Since then, the concept of putting together a list of things one wants to do has been adopted by many people, especially those of the older generation.

Preparing a bucket list for some people involves careful planning, thinking through every detail to what, when, and where. Then there are others who don’t hesitate in crafting their list, it’s a no brainer, I’m going to do it. Preparing a bucket list for your life should be an on-going project for everyone, especially Christians whatever our age. Stanford Medicine reports the following, “The focus of a bucket list is to live a life with hopes and aspirations. Making a bucket list allows us to reflect on our values and goals and identify important milestones and experiences that we want to have in our lifetime.” (1) And I would like to add that we consult with God, our creator, with what’s on His bucket list for us to accomplished before He calls us home. We don’t want to leave any unfinished business.

God had a few things on His bucket list for Joshua in his senior years. Joshua was charged with leading Israel in conquering the land God had given them. He was to divide the land seeing that each tribe got their portion. The Lord said to Joshua, “You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered.” (Jos.13:1b nlt) There was still much of the Lord’s work to be done. This may have been the last item on Joshua’s bucket list from the Lord. He would not be able to physically complete the conquering of the land, but he could give instructions to those who would come after him while he divided the land for them. Joshua’s bucket list from the Lord was filled.

So, what’s on your bucket list? Have you left room for God’s items to be added? We may not be able to accomplish everything on our list, but with God’s help we can fill His bucket list He has assigned us so none of His work will go undone.  

(1) https://med.stanford.edu/letter/bucket-list/what-is-bucket-list.html#:~:text=A%20bucket%20list%20is%20a,the%20bucket%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%94%20or%20die.

Devotionals

Submit, Accept, and Lay Up

Loring Schultz

“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart.” Job 22:21-22 NIV

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Occasionally encouraging and direct words are spoken from an unlikely source whose intent was not to encourage but rebuke. Such an occasion occurred in the Old Testament book of Job. The man Job had gone through the lost of his family and all his possessions almost instantaneously by the hand of Satan by God’s permission. (Job 1:1-2:13) He was visited by his three friends to mourn with him and provide comfort. Their heart was in the right place for they did so for seven days without saying a word. They should have remained silent because what followed was their interpretation of Job’s circumstances, saying that he had sinned.

Sadly, some Christians today in their effort to comfort those in times of trouble will point the accusing figure to some sin in others lives leading to the distress they are in. Surely it could have been sin that brought on the tragic events, and it may not have been, but was God’s plan for His purposes. The Bible states Job did not sin, but it was for God’s purpose He allowed Job to suffer. Job’s friends were convinced he must have sinned towards God and this dialogue with him makes up the content of the book of Job. Eliphaz, one of Job’s three friends, while accusing Job spouts out godly wisdom for all who have sinned and need to reconcile with God. Although it was good advice, Job didn’t need it for he did not sin. Nevertheless, the words spoken, even in an accusing state, are truthful and can be applied to fallen believers.

For all of us this passage from Job is right on in reconciling ourselves back to God when we do sin. Submitting to God will back the peace we lost with Him. Accepting the instructions He gives us in His Word will draw us closer to Him by keeping us on the straight and narrow, and laying up His words in our hearts will seal them helping us in our daily walk with Him.

Read: Job 22:21-30 NIV – “Submit to God and be at peace with – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Carved in Stone

Loring Schultz

“…… (Jesus) said to his disciples, ‘As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’” Matthew 26:1b-2 NLT

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An idiom most of us have heard is ‘carved in stone’ meaning something is permanent and cannot change. It has been used to get a point across in accepting new rules or policies that have been adopted, which I admit I have used during my retail career. Some people view it as the opposite, believing things will always stay as they are, ‘carved in stone’ when that is not the case, I have used that as well. Point taken, when something is said to be ‘carved in stone’, it is nearly impossible to change, except by the original creator should they decide to change it.

God the Father had His plan for salvation ‘carved in stone’ from eternity past and nothing would be able to change it, not even an attempt to delay it. The Religious rulers of Jesus’ day, the leading priests and elders, were plotting to have Jesus killed. But they were afraid to attempt it during Passover in fear the people who supported Jesus might cause a riot. So, they decided to wait a week until after Passover. (Mt.26:3-5) They may have thought their plan was ‘carved in stone’, but God’s plan was also ‘carved in stone’ and it would not change.

Jesus predicted His death would occur at Passover. “…. he said to his disciples, ‘As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’” (Mt.26:1b-2 nlt) It was not the plan of the plotters, but God’s plan and it could not be overruled. Jesus is the perfect lamb of God without blemish that would be sacrificed at Passover. His death would do more than cover our sins but take them away permanently for those who trust in Him for salvation. (Jn.1:29) God’s plan, ‘carved in stone’!

Devotionals

Do not resist God’s pruning shears!

Loring Schultz

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2 NIV

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No pain, no gain is accurately applied to the struggling person in a rigorous exercise program either to lose weight or achieve an athletic goal. The pain involved is overwhelming at times, but as time goes on you notice a change in your overall appearance, strength, and athletic ability. The pain became gain, and you are better for it. The same process works in your spiritual life. No pain, no gain. The difference is that it is not you that is initiating the pain but God through His hand and His pruning shears. And the results are the same, you will be better for it.  

In Jesus’ Farewell Discourse to His disciples the night before His crucifixion He covered many topics of which one was ‘bearing fruit’. Using an agricultural example Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” (Jn.15:1 niv) The very essence of being able to bear fruit for Christ or do anything in life is to remain in Him. Jesus also said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn.15:5b niv) Your success in life and your ability to grow spiritually is to remain in Christ.

Just as a gardener prunes a vine to remove dead branches, bubs, and leaves that are unproductive cutting it back for future growth, the Lord God removes from us what is unproductive and hindering our growth in Christ. He uses His pruning shears to cut away anything that is not pleasing to Him pruning us in a way that alters our behavior to be more like Christ through circumstances He allows us to go through. Notice the gardener will cut off every branch that doesn’t produce any fruit. These non-producing branches are those who professed Christianity but show no visible signs of it. Take note Jesus also says those branches that are bearing fruit, true believers in Christ, are still subject to pruning. The goal is spiritual growth in Christ, so don’t resist God’s pruning shears, remember no pain, no gain.

Devotionals

Can I Trust Him?

Loring Schultz

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

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Life is complicated for most people. Even for those who live in rural communities where not too much is going on, there’s always something going on, yes life is complicated. We all need a little guidance to help us along. Guidance is needed not only to be successful in life, but to have continued joy and contentment. Given over to ourselves, we are not always successful in life and our efforts for joy and contentment are but moments soon to drift away. We need someone who is bigger than ourselves, God, but can we trust Him?

The wisest man who ever lived on this earth, King Solomon, said God can be trusted. Solomon wrote, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart……and he will make your paths straight.” (Pr.3:5-6 niv) The idea of making our paths straight is to remove any obstacles that are in the way. Who would better know how to remove those obstacles than one with the ability to know what we will encounter before it happens and has the power to remove them. We are often confused lacking understanding in the way God is leading us, but we must rest assured His plan for us is good and will not fail. When we fully submit to God trusting His leading as we reject our own temptation to do it ourselves, God will surely lead us to complete joy and contentment. Yes, you can trust Him!

“I cannot always understand, The Way God leadeth me, The why, and when and wherefore Is oft a mystery. But I can trust His wisdom, I know His way is best, His heart knows no unkindness And on His love I rest.” (1)

(1) Cowman, Mrs. Charles E. Streams in the Desert 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1966. p.138

           

Devotionals

Leaving Them All Behind

Loring Schultz

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.’” Ruth 1:16 NLT

‘“Yes,’ Jesus replied, ‘and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.’” Luke 18:29-30 NLT

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Our current society has helped drive families apart with a self-interest attitude towards others, it’s a ‘me first’ society. Over time some families are restored but there needs to be forgiveness and a complete ‘same mind’ agreement for reconciliation. Many families struggle with problems in the home, forcing some to abandon their family, leaving them all behind. Societal ills make up most family break-ups today, but believe it or not, a deep faith in God and trusting in His Son Jesus for salvation made up the rest.

The book of Ruth gives us one of the earliest pictures of someone leaving their family to serve the Lord God of heaven. Ruth, a Moabite woman, became a widow at a young age. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, was returning to her homeland in Judah from where she, her husband and their two sons left due to a severe famine. Ruth wanted to return with Naomi back to Israel. She had a great love for her mother-in-law, but also a great love for God. Perhaps Ruth saw something in Naomi even through the bitterness of her sorrow of losing her husband and two sons that caused Ruth to say, “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth1:16b nlt) Ruth left her family behind to serve and worship God.

Jesus confirms there is a cost in following Him. In speaking to His disciples Jesus acknowledged there will be those who leave their families for the sake of the gospel, but they will be richly rewarded. Some will leave in pursuit of ministry work for Christ, but some others will be forced to leave their families who have rejected them for following Christ. If you are in this latter group know that Jesus understands, for He was also rejected by His family. Continue to follow Jesus, pray for your family, and don’t look back.

Read: Ruth 1:1-18 NLT – Elimelech Moves His Family to Moab – In – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

A Cup of Cold Water

Loring Schultz

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:42 NLT

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The sporting world is filled with stories of athletes showing generosity in a variety of unfortunate situations due to illness, disease, financial hardship, and natural disasters. They range from the establishment of foundations for needed causes, providing financial assistance, personal visits, and even a signed autograph which may not seem like much, but means the world to the recipient. Sport fans of all ages appreciate the effort of those on the highest stage of their profession to give to those in such need. Their generosity serves as an example for others to follow no matter their means of support.

In Matthew chapter eleven Jesus instructed the twelve Apostles before He sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God. At the end of those instructions He concluded by saying, “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Mt.10:12 nlt) What is the point Jesus is making? The cost of following Jesus is extremely high. There will be persecution for those who preach the gospel and for those who receive it. Supporting those who are in service for the Lord and showing hospitality to them will be rewarded. Not that we should be looking for a reward, but God is faithful in recognizing even a cup of cold water given in His name. We live in a period where persecution of believers in Jesus is at an all-time high. Most of those suffering for the cause of Christ are outside the comfort zone of America, but for how long?

As Christians we need a balanced charitable donation list. Our list should contain all that God cares about; the poor, the hungry, the sick, the widow, the orphan, the lost, the persecuted, and those who preach the good news of the gospel. Our economic status should have no bearing on our ability to give. We can all give a cup of cold water.

Devotionals

Sheep and Goats-Faith and Works    

Loring Schultz

“He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.” Matthew 25:33 NLT

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Misinformation is a term that has received much recognition in recent years. Media outlets are quick to point out certain news stories are false or misleading to the public. News organizations are pitted against each other with the backing of their fact checkers to debunk a news story. There is plenty of misinformation in the news outlets of our day. But the most tragic source of misinformation are certain religious organizations, even some Christian churches, who insists your good works will get you into heaven and there is no hell to fear.

Matthew’s gospel is all about presenting Jesus as King to the Jewish people of his day. It is also relevant to all people in our day for Jesus is Lord and King. Jesus’ disciples questioned Him when the kingdom would come about. They were expecting it would be in their lifetime. Jesus’ answer to their question about His coming kingdom concludes the Olivet Discourse.

If anyone has doubts that Jesus is King, Jesus Himself makes clear His royalty and authority by saying, “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence.” (Mt.25:31-32a nlt) Jesus always referred to Himself as the Son of Man, and this Son of Man will sit upon His throne and all the nations will be called before Him, therefore Jesus is indeed the King. And there will be a great separation of those who believed in Jesus and those who have not. “He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.’ Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.’” (Mt.25:33-34, 41 nlt)

Jesus’ reference to the sheep and goats in His answer to the disciples compares those who have treated His brothers and sisters with kindness and those who have not as if they were doing it to Him. This passage of Jesus’ words is often mistaken as the acceptance of good works for entrance into heaven. Jesus stated earlier, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.” (Mt.25:34 nlt) Salvation is a gift of God, not something to be earned through merited deeds. It is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Eph.2:8-9) Those who know the Savior will indeed do good works as verification of a changed life in Christ. “I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” (Ja.2:18b nlt)

We all struggle understanding Scripture and some passages are hard sayings, but it is all God’s Word to us. Some passages we would rather ignore for what it contains, but it is all truth. For us, are we among the sheep or the goats, are we people of faith or people of works?

Read: Matthew 25:31-46 NLT – The Final Judgment – “But when the – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Shifting Sands

Loring Schultz

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NLT

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” Hebrews 6:19a NLT

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Everything is constantly changing, in fact the only thing that is constant in life is change. All changes have their own speed at which they develop. Some changes happen slowly over time in which you hardly notice and some very quickly that you need to hold on to get through it. Constant unpredictable changes that are difficult to handle at times not knowing where to turn is known as ‘shifting sands.’ We have all gone through them, perhaps you may be going through shifting sands this day, well there is good news. There is someone to turn to for help.

Managing change is not easy for some people. It takes us out of our comfort zone. We like things to stay the same as they are. Shifting sands tend to move quickly causing anxiety. The unexpected of what may occur next is in the forefront of our minds. How do I deal with this change before the next one comes along? Shifting sands are aways moving and are not limited to any one scope, but to every individual, all matters of business, society and culture, family structures, and even in the church. So OK, who do I turn to?

There is no one who knows more about change than one who does not change. This sounds like an oxymoron. Who would know more about the effects of change and how to deal with it than one who has experienced quite a bit of it. This may be true for us who are able to help our friends and loved ones handle changes they are going through, but not all of us experience changes in the same way. There is only one true source of help in our time of changing needs and that is the one who does not change, Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the one constant in life we can count on not to change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is also our strong anchor in the storms of life to hold on to. His love, mercy, and grace towards us are the same, and His will for us is the same. The shifting sands in our lives are all part of God’s design for us and He who does not change will see us through the constant unpredictable changes. You can count on it!

Devotionals

Opportunities Lost, but not forever

Loring Schultz

“…but I might have had more, I ought to have had more, I have never been straitened in thee, thou hast always placed before me an infinite fullness, and I have not taken it.” (1)

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV

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The older one gets, the more they realize how many opportunities were lost along the way never to return. There are a lot of ‘should have been’; ‘I should have done this’ or ‘why did I quit school or turn down that job’ or ‘why didn’t I enlist in the military’ or ‘I should have reached out to that person while I had the chance’ and many more ‘should have been’ are now opportunities lost.

The most tragic opportunity lost, especially for Christians, is the time wasted away in activities of self-interest which took away precious moments with God. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with outside activities. They are healthy and help us live a well-balanced life, but how much time is spent is always an issue that needs to be addressed. Hobbies of all sources and recreational activities fulfill physical and mental needs, but your whole self will lack the fulfillment of joy if your relationship with your creator is ignored. As time goes by, each day is another opportunity lost if time spent with God is neglected, never to return.

The Lord has spread out before us a feast of blessings through His Word. I have heard many times at family and social gatherings ‘if you go away hungry it is your own fault there’s plenty of food here.’ A Puritan prayer includes the following, “thou hast always placed before me an infinite fullness, and I have not taken it.’ (1) The Lord blesses us and provides all we need and more. It starts with our relationship with Him and grows throughout the years of living in His presence. In your later years you don’t want to look back over your life and say, ‘I could have had more blessings from the Lord’ and ‘I was not as faithful as I could have been.’

Yes, past opportunities are gone never to appear again, but present opportunities are always there and will not be lost if taken advantage of. New and future opportunities with the Lord will continue forever as long as you have breath. Do not miss a single one. It’s not too late. Start today!

(1) Bennet, Arthur ed. The Valley of Vision A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions. East Peroria: Versa Press, 2023. P. 80