Devotionals – Page 64 – Word for the Soul

“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:17 NIV

Life as a Christian is not an easy task. It has never been without the Lord’s help. We live in a world that is dominated by Satan’s influence and any rejection of that influence is met with resistance. However we are called to be a light in this dark world and salt for a preservative to prevent the spoilage cause by evil. The apostle Peter reminds us of our responsibilities as Christians as a way to work this out. And our Lord expects us, with His help, to live in such a way as to bring glory to Him.

We begin by showing proper respect to everyone. Yes, even those we do not agree with and those who do us harm. Every person is made in the image of God and for that they deserve respect. Allow everyone to see Jesus in us and be transparent by being obedient to His Word.

Love the family of believers. Unfortunately our love for fellow Christians is, at times, not what it should be. Apparently it was also true in Peter’s day. Jesus addressed our duty to love our Christian brothers and sisters by saying, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Christians are also to fear God. Fear in the sense of a “reverential awe” for who He is; Holy, the creator of all things, the sustainer of life, merciful, gracious, just, all powerful, all knowing, and a loving God.

Lastly, Peter instructs us to “honor the emperor”, those in authority over us. The Roman emperor in Peter’s day was Nero. Peter tells his readers to honor Nero. Honor is to “highly regard” with “inner respect.” We are to be obedient to the governmental authorities, except when the law goes against the law of God according to scripture. (Acts 5:29)

Yes, life as a Christian is not an easy task and we cannot do it in our strength. But with the Lord’s help we can “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” and fulfil ‘Our Christian Responsibilities.’

Devotionals

Perfectly Planned

November 27, 2023November 26, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.” Luke 1:8-9 NIV

In early Jewish history the Temple had incense burning continually in front of the veil that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. There were twenty-four divisions of temple priests who each ministered for one week twice a year. Their job was to keep the incense burning by a lone priest entering the Holy Place and offering the incense every morning and evening. Their selection to perform this duty was chosen by lot. Due to the number of priests within each division and the fact they only served twice a year, it was indeed a rare privilege to serve in this capacity. Most priests never had the opportunity for this duty and no one was to serve more than once.

Zechariah, a priest from the division of Abijah, had the once in a lifetime privileged to enter into the Holy Place to burn incense. His division was on duty and he was chosen. Some would argue he was chosen by chance of the lot, the luck of the straw, or even coincidence. But this was perfectly planned by God. For as he was performing his duties an angel of the Lord appeared before him. He declared to Zechariah that Elizabeth, his wife would have a child in her old age. His name would be John, John the Baptist, and he was to be the forerunner to the Messiah, Jesus. Six months later, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing that she will be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and will conceive and bear a Son and His name would be Jesus.

God’s planning and timing is perfect. He is never late, but always on time. His plans always work out according to His schedule. A lesson for us in our impatience to wait on the Lord and trust His plan for our lives, for it is ‘perfectly planned.’

Read Luke 1:5-25, The Birth of John the Baptist foretold: Luke 1:5-25 NIV – The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Living in the Last Days

November 24, 2023November 23, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” Hebrews 1:1-2a ESV

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law” Galatians 4:4 ESV

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas season is officially upon us. You have the green light to start decorating, shopping, listening to Christmas music, and turning off the annoying Christmas music. Preparing for Christmas has been rushed over the years mainly by retailers seeking an early advantage over the competition. These early displays of gift ideas, Black Friday deals, and lawn decorations are succeeding as more people are buying into rushing into the season. On a road trip last weekend, I was amazed of how many homes are fully decorated for Christmas including a tree prominently displayed in the front window. We have all been doing our share in pushing forward the season.

That first Christmas 2,000 years ago in the city of Bethlehem was anything but rushed. God the Father had planned it out perfectly when He would send His Son Jesus to be born. Paul writes in the book of Galatians, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son.” (4:4a ESV) But in a way, we could say Biblically, the season was rushed or pushed forward. The author of the book of Hebrews writes, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets.” (1:1 ESV) The Lord spoke His Word through the prophets during the Old Testament days previewing of the coming of Christ, the Messiah. The Jewish people knew the term ‘last days’ indicated the coming of the Messiah. Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, had come and we have been in the ‘last days’ since His birth.

The prophets of the Old Testament paved the way for our understanding the birth of Jesus as the Messiah who was to come. The Old Testament indeed speaks of God’s redemptive plan of salvation through the Messiah. God’s spoken revelation in the Old Testament was through the prophets, but now Jesus the Messiah, God the Son, has come speaking of God’s plan of redemption in these last days. (Heb. 1:2a)

Jesus told His disciples the night before His crucifixion God’s plan of salvation, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn. 14:6 ESV) Just before these words to them, He said, “…I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (Jn. 14:3 ESV) Jesus has declared He is coming back again as the prophets of the Old Testament spoke of His first coming. We do not know the date so we better prepare for His coming as we prepare for each Christmas season ahead of time for we are ‘living in the last days.’

Devotionals

Truly Thankful

November 23, 2023November 22, 2023 Loring Schultz

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Luke 17:15-17 NIV

Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Pexels.com

Every year as we approach Thanksgiving Day, many people make out their list for what they are thankful for. Who cannot help but smile with some of the answers children make when asked what is on their list, sometimes for grownups as well. We all have trivial items we are grateful for and there is nothing wrong in giving thanks for even the simplest things in life.

But on the other hand we need to careful not to simplify or casually treat all our thanks to the Lord in this manner. The blessings we receive on a daily are often taken for granted. Major life events appear to be treated as happenstance without giving thought to divine intervention from our Lord. Answers to prayer are given lip service; “Thank the Lord” “The Lord is good” etc. But do we go beyond speaking the words, do the words come from our hearts, and do we truly express a heart of gratitude? Are we Truly Thankful?

Jesus, travelling to Jerusalem, entered a village and was met by ten men who had leprosy. They shouted from a distance due to their disease, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Jesus responded by telling them to go show themselves to the priests. (Luke 17:13-14) As they were healed on the way, one of them came back to personally thank Jesus by glorifying God and falling down at His feet. Jesus questioned where the others were, after all they were all healed. They may have all been thankful in some degree, but one was Truly Thankful.

Let us examine our hearts this Thanksgiving and be Truly Thankful.

Devotionals

Live Life to the Fullest

November 22, 2023November 21, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:11-14 NIV

I haven’t come across many people who do not desire the good things in life. The good things of life may differ between individuals and between cultures, what is good for you may not be good for me and vice versa. But each of us desires to live life to the fullest in our cultural surroundings wherever they may be. Struggling to get the most out of life; good health, financial success, close friends, family, satisfying employment, plenty of leisure time, and other deeming qualities of a good life come up short many times. But does coming up short disqualify us from the good things in life? Is there anything we can do to prevent missing out on these good things?

King David gives us a couple of suggestions in helping us live the good life. His advice is based on having the right character qualities. One whose character is free from slander, speaking falsely, participating in shady things, or causing trouble goes a long way in having a good life. David writes, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Ps. 34:12-14 NIV)

We think we are not that bad saying, ‘I don’t tell any white lies or make up stories to hurt someone, and I certainly don’t gossip!’ We also say, ‘I am not an evil person’ and that may be true in comparison with others, but God looks at all sin as evil. And when we say we should all live in peace and love one another, are we truly pursing it as we pursue trying to live our lives to the fullest?

None of us is able to live life to the fullest on our own. God has given us His Word to show us how to live a fulfilled life by obeying it. And more importantly, God sent His Son to save us and reconcile us to God. Therefore it is impossible to live a totally fulfilled life without Christ. Jesus says, “….. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (Jn. 10:10b NIV)

Devotionals

Something to be thankful for

November 21, 2023November 20, 2023 Loring Schultz

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV

During the Thanksgiving season local and national news outlets will asked people what they are thankful for. You will hear a variety of responses of family, good health, employment and meaningful accomplishments throughout the year. There will also be those who respond with a destitute spirit, not having much to be thankful for and not seeing any bright hope for the future.

But there is one thing every person can be thankful for; God sending His Son Jesus into the world to take away our sins by dying on the cross. “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) This is not universalism as taught by some teachers today (don’t worry about it, it’s all good, everyone gets into heaven.) You must personally come to God, acknowledge and confess your sin, ask for forgiveness and accept Jesus’s sacrifice as the full payment for your sin.

If you simply put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for Salvation you will be saved and not perish having everlasting life. Now that’s something to be thankful for.

Devotionals

Your Resting Place

November 20, 2023November 19, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’” Mark 4:38 NIV

Have you ever been so exhausted that you can sleep through anything? A violent thunderstorm just outside your window doesn’t even make you flinch, if you do hear it, it is music to your ears. Spending the night in unfamiliar surroundings with strange noises have no effect on you, it is as if you are in the comfort of your own bed at home. You are beat down tired, weary, exhausted, and you are looking only for a place to rest. You are not concerned with the accommodations for you have found, what you are looking for is a resting place.

Our Lord Jesus found such a place. The occasion is recorded for us in the gospel of Mark. One evening after a long day of teaching, Jesus and His disciples left for the day. They got into a boat and proceeded to cross over the Sea of Galilee. It was customary to keep a pillow under the coxswain’s seat. One can imagine Jesus in his weariness spotting that pillow and grabbing it for the trip across the sea. It is hard for us at times to remember that Jesus Himself got weary. After all He is God the Son, but He was also a man. Fully God and fully man, the God-man. Jesus experience physical weariness and exhaustion as we all do.

This should serve as a comfort to us in our exhausting moments. Jesus knows firsthand how it feels to be worn-out and tired, He’s been there. But not only does He feel your pain, He is able to do something about it. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Are you tired, weary, and in need comfort and rest? Reach out to Jesus who will hand you the pillow from His coxswain’s seat, for He is navigating the boat, ‘Your Resting Place.’.

Read the rest of the story:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A35-41&version=NIV

Devotionals

In Everything Give Thanks

November 17, 2023November 16, 2023 Loring Schultz

“in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB

As Thanksgiving Day is rapidly approaching, have you thought about what are you thankful for? Perhaps you need a moment or two to collect your thoughts? Perhaps you have already prepared a long list for all the things you are thankful for. It could be you have a short list with one or two very special items of thanksgiving. What constitutes an item making your thanksgiving list? I’m sure all the blessings and good fortune that you have accumulated throughout the year would make the list such as recovery from serious illness, along with those special blessings and incidents that have protected you from harm. But have you ever thought of making it simple by being thankful for everything? In everything give thanks and that means everything!

The Old Testament prophet Daniel demonstrates what it looks like to give thanks for everything. Daniel lived most of his life in captivity after being captured as a teenager by the Babylonians. He was schooled and trained in the culture of his new surroundings in order to serve in the government by order of the king. During his lifetime, Daniel never wavered from his commitment to his God, the Lord God of Israel. The Lord blessed Daniel over the years due to his faithfulness and preserving his identity as a Jew as he worked in an ungodly government. In his old age Daniel was serving Darius the Mede as one of three commissioners over the kingdom. His two colleagues wanted to get rid of him as he was about to be promoted. They devised a plan that would see his end not only in the administration, but his life. A law was put into effect that anyone who prayed to any god, divine or human, besides King Darius would be thrown into the lion’s den. Daniels co-workers knew he would be found guilty. They knew they would find him praying, and they did.

There is so much more to this story, but the point here is Daniels’s attitude in prayer and being thankful for all things in all circumstances. It is written in the book of Daniel, “Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.” Daniel 6:10 NASB Daniel faced certain death by being obedient to God and yet gave thanks to Him. Are we able to do the same, In Everything Give Thanks?

Read the story of Daniel in the lion’s den: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+6&version=NASB1995

Devotionals

The Seal of Ownership, Security, and Protection

November 16, 2023November 15, 2023 Loring Schultz

“But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’” 2 Timothy 2:19 ESV

The word ‘seal’ in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is defined in both verb and noun form. One noun definition is: “a) something that confirms, ratifies, or makes secure; guarantee, assurance. b) a device with a cut or raised emblem, symbol, or word used especially to certify a signature or authenticate a document.” The most recognized seal in the United States is the Presidential Seal which authenticates any correspondence from the President. The Presidential seal is properly displayed on every podium from which the President speaks. The President has the right to use the seal as the authorized owner of the office for a four year term by the electoral process. The Presidential seal of ownership carries with it security and protection for those under their authority.

The apostle Paul speaks of an ownership in 2 Timothy. In Paul’s final letter to Timothy and the church before his martyrdom, he addresses the seal put upon the church and everyone who names the name of the Lord believing in Him. Paul writes in chapter 2 verse 19, “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal.” God has placed His seal on His firm foundation, which is the church, and every believer in Christ. Paul then encourages the believers by stating, “The Lord knows those who are his.” God knows each one of us intimately providing security and protection as we bear His seal. We are then to depart from sin and pursue holiness.

The tragic events of our broken world have an effect on each one us, even the most spiritual Christians. Whatever situation we may find ourselves in today or the days ahead, we can rest assured the Lord has placed a seal upon His church. Jesus told Peter, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Mt. 16:18 ESV) The Lord has set upon us His seal of ownership, security, and protection.

Devotionals

We are a holy nation

November 15, 2023November 14, 2023 Loring Schultz

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NLT

Today as I write this devotional my television monitor is displaying the March for Israel Rally in Washington, D. C… Anti-Semitism has been on the rise not only in the United States but across the world. Recent escalation has been due to the terrorist attack by Hamas on the nation of Israel on October 7, 2023. But it is clear that hatred toward the Jewish people has been on-going since the early Bible days, and will continue until the Lord Jesus returns to reign in Jerusalem during the millennial kingdom.

The Bible is crystal clear as to the Jewish people. They are God’s chosen people separated as holy unto Him. Deuteronomy 14:2 says, “You have been set apart as holy to the LORD your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” (NLT) God has not forgotten or deserted His people today. And most of all there is a great future for the nation of Israel as prophesized in Scripture.

The apostle Peter makes the connection of Christians also being a chosen people, or the elect of God. Those who have accepted Christ as Savior are royal priests and part of a holy nation. ‘Holy’ meaning set apart for God. We are a nation set apart to tell the world about Jesus Christ. The world has been a dark place since the sin of Adam and Eve and growing darker. The nations of the world are at war with each other. Many see this as a sign of the end times. Jesus told His disciples, “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” (Mk. 13:7 NLT)

How close we are to the Lord’s return we don’t know. But as the only holy nation on earth, Christians are the only true source of light in the world today. We are to live in such a way to not cover our shine drawing others towards it. We have seen the signs. The Lord’s return is sure whether in our time or in generations to come. A holy nation will act accordingly. We are a holy nation!