Category: Devotionals

Devotionals

The Truth about Jesus     

Loring Schultz

Read: John 5:19-30 NLT – So Jesus explained, “I tell you the – Bible Gateway

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” John 5:24 NLT

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The truth about Jesus has been debated for centuries. Theologians for the past two thousand years have studied Scripture and the works of fellow scholars to know all they can about Jesus Christ. Each one produces their view with most of them are in agreement with what they discover. There are however differing opinions among some, especially in the last one hundred and fifty years, as to Jesus’ deity and His authority. When these subjects are in question, all hope of our salvation, eternal life, and coming judgment for unbelievers lie in the balance. The best way to understand the truth is to read Jesus’ words for ourselves and hear what He has to say.

Our reading for today will help clear up these issues concerning Jesus’ deity and authority. The religious Jewish leaders were criticizing Jesus and questioning His authority for breaking Sabbath rules and making Himself equal with God. Jesus claimed His deity when He said, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does..…For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants.”(Jn.5:19, 21 nlt) Yes, Jesus is making Himself equal with God the Father for He is God the Son.

Jesus then proves He has authority when He says, “In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge…..And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man.” (Jn.5:22, 27 nlt) Our culture today through some of the modern-day theologians and progressive leaning pastors are stripping away Jesus’ deity and His right to judge by preaching a watered-down version of Jesus taking away the true reason why He came. As today’s key verse indicates Jesus came to bring salvation and eternal life for all who hear His message and believe. That is the truth, the truth about Jesus.

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Devotionals

Jesus Stopped      

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 10:46-52 NIV – Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight – Bible Gateway

“Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.’” Mark 10:49 NIV

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Have you ever called out to someone for help and they failed to stop? We have seen tragic reports of accidents and violence towards people where others move along as if nothing was happening or they stand by watching while they video the scene on their cell phones. They don’t want to get involved even if they have the ability to help. Yes, discernment is needed in current days but all too often helping never is considered as people just turn away. Jesus never turns away; in fact Jesus always stops when we call out to Him.

As Jesus left Jericho on His way to Jerusalem for His final days before His crucifixion, Jesus stopped. He stopped for Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, who was calling out for Him. The man was shouting “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk.10:47 niv) Bartimaeus was in his usual position of sitting along the side of road looking for alms from the passers-by as Jesus passed by. He knew it was Jesus by the reaction and noise of the crowd that were traveling with Him. The crowd rebuked him telling Bartimaeus to be quiet but he shouted out all the more. Bartimaeus wasn’t looking for alms but for healing. He knew Jesus was able to heal him because he knew Jesus was the Messiah, he called Him the ‘Son of David.’

Bartimaeus wasn’t going to miss his chance, he cried out for Jesus to have mercy on him. Jesus always stopped for people in need all throughout His three years of ministry and He stopped here for Bartimaeus asking what he wanted Him to do for him. Of course Bartimaeus wanted to receive his sight and the Lord healed him.

This same Jesus will stop today and listen to your cry for help when you call Him. Others may pass you by but our Lord is always there to help us in our time of need. Don’t neglect to call upon Him, He will stop!

Devotionals

A Call to Holy Living

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Peter 1:13-16 NLT – A Call to Holy Living – So prepare your – Bible Gateway

“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.  For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:15-16 NLT

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
 

God calls every Christian to holy living. In fact, He says ‘you must be holy.’ Don’t allow God’s statement to alarm you. He is not calling you to be perfect as He is without a trace of sin. We all know that is not possible, and if anyone knows that is not possible it is God. So, what does God mean when He gives us this command, we must be holy. He is calling us to holy living and not to a perfect sinless life without any flaws or defects. And is this possible, yes!

The Lord is calling us away from our old way of living before we were saved. Dr. John MacArthur notes, “Holiness essentially defines the Christian’s new nature and conduct with his pre-salvation lifestyle.” We are called to live separately from the sinful ways of the world as the new Christ-like nature takes over. Being holy, in essence, is being separated from the world and not living in accordance with the world systems. Christians are to be set apart from sin and impurity and set apart to God.

Habakkuk 1:13 says, “But you are pure and cannot stand the sight of evil.” (nlt) The hearts and minds of every Christian should continually reflect on the purity of God. Our goal is to live in purity and recognize God cannot stand the sight of evil. When we fail, which will be often, the Lord offers forgiveness when we confess and He gives us grace to see us through as we continue on with our call to holy living.

Devotionals

Access to God

Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 27:33-54 ESV – And when they came to a place called – Bible Gateway

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.” Matthew 27:50-51 ESV

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For the religious Jews of Jesus’s day the tearing of the curtain (veil) in the temple should have been a revelation of who Jesus is and His purpose in dying on the cross. Scripture says the curtain was torn at the moment Jesus died, yielding up His spirit. It was torn from top to bottom indicating no human could have done it, it was clearly an act of God. The curtain that was torn was the inner curtain that separated the holy place from the most holy place in the Temple. It separated God who is Holy from sinful man and it contained the Ark of the Covenant and the law of God.

Entrance into the most Holy place, the Holy of Holies, was only once a year on the Day of Atonement. This was the most solemn holy day of all the feasts and festivals on the Jewish calendar. The High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies after offering a bull sacrifice for his own sins. He would then enter and sprinkle some of the blood on the Ark of the Covenant to atone for the sins of the people. Forgiveness and covering of sin was only through a blood sacrifice and repeated every year on the Day of Atonement.

The events that took place on the first Good Friday are many. They started in the early morning hours past midnight with the unjust trials of Jesus, and after being condemned to die, mocked, beaten, he was finally nailed to a cross later in the morning. Darkness covered the earth from twelve noon until three in the afternoon, the time Jesus died. At that moment, the last event, access to God was made possible to all through Jesus’s sacrifice and shedding of His blood. The curtain was torn in two, no more need for a yearly animal sacrifice to cover sin. A permanent sacrifice for sin was provided. “For the death he died he died to sin, once for all.” (Ro.6:10 esv) We have access to God the Father through the blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Have you accepted the sacrifice of Jesus in not just covering your sins but in taking them away completely? Access to God, Salvation, and eternal life is only possible through the blood of Jesus Christ as we repent, confess our sins, and accept Him as our Savoir. This Good Friday make sure you have ‘Access to God.’

Devotionals

The Lord Turned and Looked

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 14:22-31 NLT – As they were eating, Jesus took some – Bible Gateway

“At that moment, the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’” Luke 22:61 NLT

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On the night before Jesus was to be crucified He celebrated the Passover with His closest companions, the twelve disciples. Jesus was anxious to participate with them this last time as His words make clear, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins.” (Lk.22:15 nlt) He wanted to be with those closest to Him as His hour was approaching. Not only did He desire to share with them the Passover but also continue to teach them important lessons. He set an example for them in how to love one another by washing their feet and instituted the Lord’s Supper we commemorate today.

Jesus carefully laid out before them the significance of the bread he broke giving to them along with the sharing of the cup. The bread represented His body that would be broken and the cup His blood that would be shed for the forgiveness of sin. He then preceded to tell them that they will all desert Him as He is arrested later that evening in the garden. Following Peter’s lead they all said that would not happen as they were all ready to die with Him than to desert and deny Him.

In Peter’s case, Jesus was specific in telling Peter he would not only desert Him, but he would deny that he even knew Him three times. Jesus was more specific in answering Peter’s claim that “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.” (Mk.14:29 nlt) The Lord told Peter that he would in fact commit such an act before a rooster crows twice denying his Lord.

God’s Word has many simple phrases and statements that goes right to the heart where there is no need of a deep theological exposition. “The Lord turned and looked” is such a statement. Jesus looked right at Peter. Enough said. Imagine if you are Peter seeing the Lord glancing back at you after the second rooster crowed. Imagine if you are Peter and you heard the first rooster crow after your first denial. Would you continue to deny Him as Peter did? We need to be careful not to over criticize Peter in his actions. All of us are capable to deny our Lord and Savior under extreme pressure. But it need not be the case if we are walking in constant communion with Him. May we never see ‘The Lord turn and look’ at us!

Devotionals

The Lord said to my Lord

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 110 ESV – Sit at My Right Hand – A Psalm of – Bible Gateway

“David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ Mark 12:36 ESV

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‘The Lord said to my Lord.’ Does this statement sound confusing to you, perhaps even contradictory? Confusing to most of us without explanation, but it is certainly not contradictory. During Jesus’s final week before His crucifixion, known as Passion Week, He was in constant battles with the Jewish scribes and the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day. Jesus taught in the temple every day before those who came to hear Him. Most were astonished at His teaching hanging on to every word. This obviously angered the religious leaders as they saw their power and influence eroding away from someone who claimed to be the Son of God, the Messiah. If these leaders had carefully studied the Old Testament, they would have known that Jesus was right, He is the Son of God, the Messiah. 

They were constantly trying to trip up Jesus with their questions, but Jesus turns the tables on them and asks them a question. He asks a question from a familiar passage in Psalms explaining that Jesus existed before David, proving His deity, proving He is eternal, and proving He is the Son of God. Jewish teaching was and is correct that the Messiah would be the son of David, yet David refers to Him as his Lord. Jesus asks them, ‘“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?’ They said to him, ‘The son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord’……..If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?”’ (Mt.22:42-45 esv) The point being that the Messiah is both divine and human. He is David’s son and He is David’s Lord.

Jesus Christ who died on Calvary’s cross was indeed the divine Son of God in human flesh. An ordinary man, no matter how good he was, or how well he taught, or how well he lived as an example to others with love and compassion could ever be an adequate substitute for our sin. It had to be a perfect man, without sin. The deity of Christ is vital to why He came. His purpose for coming was to reconcile us back to God due to our sin nature, God’s plan for Salvation for those who trust in Christ. As John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn.1:29 esv) Read Psalm 110, the Messianic Psalm of Christ the King:

Devotionals

Magnificent Buildings!

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 13 NIV – The Destruction of the Temple and Signs – Bible Gateway

“As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” Mark 13:1 NIV

Photo by Cassie Gallegos on Unsplash

Throughout the centuries magnificent cathedrals have been built to worship and bring glory to God. Although you’ll find cathedrals in all parts of the world, the most famous are found in Europe. Some dating back to medieval days took at least fifty years to construct with many taking much longer. The building of a new cathedral involved generations of architects, stonemasons, skilled and unstilled workers, and an enormous amount of money. 

The most notable of the European Cathedrals is Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Built between the years of 1163-1345, its age, architectural structure, size, beauty, and its history makes this magnificent building attract 12 million visitors a year. Disaster stuck this magnificent building on April 15, 2019 as fire broke out underneath the roof during a renovation project. As a result there was significant damage to the cathedral. A full restoration was completed in December 2024 with visitors being welcomed back.

The Jewish temple during Jesus’s time on earth was also a magnificent building. It also took many years to complete; in fact it was not completed in Jesus’s day. One of Jesus’ disciples remarked, look what a marvelous structure, what massive stones, what a magnificent building. But Jesus’s response was not to concur with their assessment of the temple. It was of magnificent structure and the place to offer sacrifices and worship God, but it would be destroyed. Jesus answered by saying, “Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.” (Mk.13:2 niv)

Jesus then preceded to instruct the disciples concerning future events of the end times, and His second coming after the tribulation days. He wanted their focus to be not only on the present, but looking at the future and eternity. The day is coming where there will be no magnificent buildings as in these days to visit and worship in, for they will all be destroyed; but we will be worshiping at the feet of Jesus in the New Jerusalem. Let us be looking forward to the future as we remember the past events of our Lord and Savior during this week.

Devotionals

A False Impression

Loring Schultz

“In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ And immediately the fig tree withered up.” Matthew 21:18-19 NLT

Photo by Johann Siemens on Unsplash

An outward appearance can give a false impression. Examples can be found on realtor’s website listings, used auto sales lots, and even restaurant meus (it does not look like the picture!) I am not being critical of those in the auto industry, food service or in real estate, but we all know there are times when the product does not meet up to the standards that were presented once examine. Jesus found this to be true on His way back into Jerusalem on Monday morning after His arrival the day before.

Walking with His disciples on the road early in the morning, Jesus became hungry and noticed a fig tree up ahead. From a distance it looked green and full of leaves. It gave the appearance of being able to supply ample nourishment to one who is hungry. However when Jesus and His disciples got a closer look they found nothing but leaves, no figs. The tree gave a false impression that it contained fruit, but it did not!

Jesus’ reaction to this false claim was immediate judgment, He cursed the tree, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ The result, the fig tree withered up. Some theologians see this as an illustration of the nation Israel, a nation that was unfruitful despite being God’s chosen people. Our application for today is for those of us who claim to be Jesus followers, Christians in the true sense of the word with all the external trimmings but showing no fruit. There are Christians who give a false impression of who they are until someone gets close enough to see otherwise.

Jesus became hungry on the road into Jerusalem and needed the fruit to sustain Him from the fig tree but found none. People today on life’s road need the fruit of Gospel, spiritual nourishment for this life and for eternity. When they see us up ahead and observe us as they move closer, will they find true followers of Jesus or a false impression.

Devotionals

Fight the Good Fight of Faith             

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 NLT – Paul’s Final Instructions – But you, – Bible Gateway

“Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

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This morning I came across an interesting reading in my ‘Substack’ feed entitled ‘Prayer is Not Asking. It is Occupying.’ The thought being that is not merely asking, but it is reporting for duty. Afterall we are in a war. Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. The Lord who called Timothy into service also called us. Our ministries may differ, but we have the same commander, the Lord God.

Our Lord is telling us to fight the good fight of faith in 2026. If you have been a Christian for any length of time you know that task is not easy. But we are to pursue righteousness while living a godly life having faith, love, with perseverance and gentleness. I do not know about you, but I cannot do that on my own. Paul also recognized this as he instructed Timothy to fight the good fight. The word Paul used for ‘fight’ is where we get our English word ‘agonize.’ It describes the attentiveness, discipline, and effort needed for victory in a military battle or an athletic contest.

The good fight of faith is a spiritual battle against the things of this world ruled by Satan. The Lord commands to us to fight the good fight by putting on the full armor of God and standing firm. (Eph.6:10-18) We are not left defenseless and are encouraged to remember our future promise of eternal life leading us to live with a heavenly perspective as we minister for the Lord. May we all eagerly report for duty each day as we fight the good fight of faith.

Devotionals

Praying for one another  

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NLT – Paul’s Request for Prayer – Finally, – Bible Gateway

“Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 NLT

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How often do we pray for one another? Our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as ourselves need prayer because of the days we live in. We all need to make ‘the best use of the time, because the days are evil.’ (Eph.5:16 esv) Paul asks the church at Thessalonica to pray for him and his ministry partners. He prayed particularly that the gospel would spread rapidly. He also prayed for protection from those who did not want that message to be broadcasted. Paul knew the evil one, Satan, was behind all the harassment and threats they had received in preaching the Word.

Satan has not changed his tactics. His evil influence in the world keeps unbelievers right where he wants them in having no interest in the things of God and opposing those who do. Every Christian has the responsibility to live out a life pleasing to God leading others to the savior. This will be met with opposition either outright or subtle. We should follow Paul’s example and ask for prayer from our family in Christ and be praying for each of them in return. He will strengthen us and guard us from the evil.

Paul adds another aspect to this prayer for one another. It is a prayer for a full understanding and the expression God’s love. We can also have confidence in having patient endurance during these days of living for Christ. Standing with Jesus makes us an enemy of world. Jesus said, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” (Lk.21:17 nlt) Therefore, we should be in the habit of praying for one another.