Word for the Soul

The following Christian Perspective was posted 18 months ago, September 23, 2023. In light of the recent news headlines a repost is in order.

“Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11 NLT

Living in the 21^st century certainly has its advantages. The advances I have seen in my lifetime could never have been imagined as coming into being. Most advances are aimed at making everything easier and more efficient. This is especially true in the area of technological advancement. Who would have thought a program could be invented to assist in writing an essay or term paper for you, along with helping you through the most difficult math exam. I could have used that in my college days for my Math of Finance exams. These advancements come under the auspices of what is known as AI, (Artificial Intelligence), and the creation of ChatGPT. It almost sounds futuristic, but it is not, it is now.

How should a Christian view AI and all its components such as ChatGPT with its learning, reasoning, language, and problem solving through “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.” (1) As Christians we should always take advantage of every opportunity to spread the gospel. It started back in the 15^th century when Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. Radio airwaves were introduced in the early 20^th century and television broadcasts followed in the mid to late 20^th century. Before the turn into the 21^st century we had the establishment of the internet taking place and now we have advanced to the point in possessing technology in the palm of hands to listen to, watch, or read anything we choose.

We should use all the avenues and vehicles available to us in advancing the message gospel, but we need to be careful that our message is the truth of Scripture through our words and not words artificially generated. Ours words that are spoken or written are to be our words. Basic rules in writing apply to cite any references made that are not your own. Quote and document with accuracy statements and writings from other authors giving them credit. This may seem elementary but if words, phases, sentences, and even projected thoughts are extracted from ChatGPT are they yours, and if not, you can’t claim them. This is not to say we cannot edit our work to ensure proper grammar, punctuation, etc. with proper sources. But our work needs to be ours.

The apostle Peter gives us good advice, although I’m sure he never anticipated AI or ChatGPT in his day. He writes in 1 Peter “Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you…….…. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.” (4:11) Our responsibility as Christians is to be truthful and honest in all we do, especially in presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ bringing glory to God.

(1) https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence

Devotionals

The Way of the Cross Leads Home

February 28, 2025February 27, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 8:34-38 NIV – The Way of the Cross – Then he called – Bible Gateway

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34 NIV

What does it mean to be a Christ follower in 2025? How does one become a follower of Jesus today? One becomes a Christ follower the same way His first disciples did it. They followed Jesus’ instructions, “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” (Mk.8:34 niv)

The idea of ‘denying ourselves’ is to cease making our lives all about us turning from our selfish ways. We must admit we all have some selfish ways within us. Jesus walked that road of denial and set the example for us. If we are to be His followers, we must do the same.

Taking up our cross is to suffer for Christ’s sake and denying ourselves. It is our willingness to lose our life to save it as Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mk.8:35 niv) You may save your physical life from persecution by denying Jesus and the gospel, but your eternal soul will be lost. Losing your life physically for Christ’s sake, the sake of the gospel, and the cross results in saving your life for all eternity, for the way of cross leads home.

Singer/song writer John Chisum’s recording ‘The Way of the Cross Leads Home.’ include these lyrics:

So I bid farewell to the way of the world

To walk in it no more

For my Lord says come and I seek my home

Where He waits at the open door

Oh, the way of the cross leads home

Yes the way of the cross leads home (1)

So let us deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Jesus by way of His cross leading us home.

(1) Kirk Dearman, Kirk Carroll Dearman

Devotionals

Pride and Arrogance

February 27, 2025February 26, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 4:19-33 NLT – Daniel Explains the Dream – “Upon – Bible Gateway

“I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” Proverbs 8:13

King Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful man; in fact, he was the most powerful man in the world. He ruled the Babylonian empire which was most of the known world during his days. Nebuchadnezzar had somewhat of an ego problem. Life was all about him, and why not, he ruled the world, or so he thought. His ego led to pride and eventually arrogance. Looking out over the city of Babylon in his pride and arrogance, Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.” (Dan.4:30 nlt)

Indeed, Babylon was a great and beautiful city. I’m sure his residence would make the mansions on millionaire row look like poorly built shacks. And I’m sure Nebuchadnezzar accomplished all this by his own might and power, but he forgot two crucial things, His power came from the Lord God, and it is the Lord God who rules the world. He would soon find this out the hard way.

Through a dream King Nebuchadnezzar would learn his fate as Daniel interpreted for him. Daniel’s words were hard to accept even for Daniel himself, “You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven.” (Dan.4:25 nlt) But it didn’t seem to move Nebuchadnezzar to change his ways and shed his pride and arrogance.

Pride is a very destruction force that will bring down the most powerful people. If it could bring down the mighty and powerful in the world, it can bring down you and me. The Lord said He hates pride and arrogance. May we be careful not to carry an attitude which the Lord hates.

Devotionals

Gateway to Life

February 26, 2025February 22, 2025 Loring Schultz

“But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:14 NLT

My computer background screen refreshes daily with scenic pictures from around the world. A couple of days ago the Gateway Arch, also known as the Gateway to the West, was displayed on the screen. It is in St. Louis, Missouri at the Gateway Arch National Park. It was built to commemorate President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation by exploring and settling territory west of the Mississippi River. The 630-foot-tall monument is located near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark expedition, their gateway to the west.

Jesus speaks of another gateway that explores new territory, and when found leads to eternal life. The early pioneers and explorers in American history were brave, energetic, and unwavering in their pursuit of establishing a life in the west. The same cannot be said for those looking for eternal life. Jesus said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Mt.7:13 nlt)

The gateway to hell is wide and there are scores of people going through it and are on the road to destruction. They are seeking the pleasures of this world by securing a comfortable lifestyle in this life with no concern for eternity. Jesus said, “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Mt.7:14 nlt) Very few find it because of its difficulty; the difficulty of admitting you a sinner and need salvation, the difficulty of accepting Jesus as the only way to salvation, the difficulty of giving up worldly desires, and the difficulty of being shunned by your friends and family.

The gateway to life is very narrow. Jesus said He is the only way to the Father and to eternal life. (Jn.14:6) And yes, the road is difficult for Christians in this world, but they have the Holy Spirit to help them through. Jesus is the gateway to eternal life. Why not start your expedition to saving grace today by going through that narrow gate by accepting Christ as your savior. It leads to the promised land.

Devotionals

The Lord Will Calm Your Fears

February 25, 2025February 22, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Zephaniah 3:14-17 NLT – Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, – Bible Gateway

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

The Old Testament prophet Zephaniah in his prophesy of Israel’s restoration in the ‘Day of the Lord’ says, “For the LORD your God is living among you.” (Zeph.3:17 nlt) Israel will rejoice and their fears will be calmed as Jesus, the Messiah, reigns on the earth. The Lord Jesus will be with them on that day and all fear will be gone.

We have the Lord living among us today through the Holy Spirit for those who know Jesus as savior. Jesus promised to send us the His spirit in John 16, and Luke records Peter’s words in the book of Acts, “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.” (Acts2:32-33 nlt)

Every Christian has the assurance of the presence of the Holy Spirit with them through this life. As Zephaniah also writes, the Lord takes delight in us, and with His love He will calm all our fears. Because of Jesus’ love for us, He sent us His Spirit so we will not be alone and will not fear for He is with us. The Lord Jesus rejoices over us for we are His. He paid the ultimate price to redeem us from Satan’s clutches. So let us rejoice that Jesus in His love for us sent the Holy Spirit to calm our fears.

Devotionals

Christ’s International Church

February 24, 2025February 22, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Ephesians 2:17-22 NLT – He brought this Good News of peace to – Bible Gateway

“Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us……You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” Ephesians 2:18-19 NLT

God has implanted in each of us whom he created a desire to belong. Nobody really wants to be alone, although at times it is a pleasant escape. A sense of not belonging is unhealthy both physically and emotionally. God did not create you to be alone and He has created others with that same need, so no one needs to be alone. God also desires a relationship with you ensuring that you never need to be alone.

Our number one and most important relationship is to be with God, the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But on this earth, it is essential we have relationships with other human beings. It’s only natural. Human relationships form from a commonality between people and people groups, and that is only natural but can also be very unhealthy over time. God has provided a safety net for those with a longing to belong but find themselves on the outside looking in, it’s Christ’s International Church.

The apostle Paul explained to the church in Ephesus that the Jews and Gentiles were now one in God by what Christ has done for them. “You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” (Eph.2:19 nlt) The Gentiles make up anyone who is not of Jewish descent. Therefore, all people, and all people groups are welcomed into God’s family. Everyone who has repented of their sins and accepted Christ as the only way of salvation is a member of Christ’s International Church. If you have done so you now belong, now go and find a church and join with others where you belong.

Bible Studies

“One who is stronger than the strong man has come” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

February 23, 2025February 21, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 3:13-35 NLT – Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles – Bible Gateway

“Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.” Mark 3:27 NLT

In last Sunday’s Biblical Insights Jesus was becoming a notable popular figure. People were coming from all over Israel and some from outside the nation to hear Jesus teach and witness His healing miracles. Many of them came to be healed themselves from whatever affliction they had. This week the teachers of the Law in Jerusalem, the hierarchy of the religious rulers, have begun to take notice as news about Jesus filtered down to them. They make the trip to Capernaum to defy Jesus. These religious rulers accuse Jesus of being in league with Satan stating it was by Satan’s power He was performing these miracles. Jesus uses a simple illustration to prove them wrong.

But first things first. Our reading this week begins with Jesus choosing the rest of His twelve disciples. “Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him.” (Mk.3:13 nlt) Jesus’ choosing of all twelve was according to His sovereign determined purpose, including Judas Iscariot. These disciples minus Judas would go on to set the foundation of the Christian church.

The crowds were continuing to follow Jesus who is now with His disciples. “One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat.” (Mk.3:20 nlt) Most likely this was Peter’s and Andrew’s home where they often met. The news of Jesus’ activities apparently was heard in Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. Jesus’ family had come to Capernaum to get Jesus away from the crowds for some rest. Evidently, they were concerned for His wellbeing. They had thought He had lost His mind. Unfortunately, this showed an attitude of unbelief from those who knew Him best. New Christians today who come to faith in Christ at times come across as crazy, or not in their right mind by those closest to them.

The religious leaders from Jerusalem having arrived try to reason with the crowd telling them, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.” (Mk.3:22 nlt) Jesus now uses His illustration to disprove the Jewish leader’s theory. Basically, Jesus is saying if He was working for Satan, why would he be casting out Satan’s demons. Besides, He asked them, “How can Satan cast out Satan? A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.” (Mk.3:23-24 nlt) Jesus added Satan would be fighting with himself and could not stand.

Jesus then clears up any misunderstanding there may be in His illustration. He refers to Satan as a strong man in his house (his domain). Jesus asks who is strong enough to enter Satan’s domain to tie him up and plunder his goods. There is only one who is stronger, Jesus, and He has come to do just that. Jesus was declaring the kingdom of God has arrived, and He is plundering Satan and releasing those who are under his control. Jesus is not in league with Satan but in combat with him.

When the religious leaders attributed Jesus’ miracles to Satan and that He was possessed by an evil spirit they were blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Jesus had something to say about that. “I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.” (Mk.3:28-29 nlt) That may sound confusing, after all doesn’t God forgive all sin when confessed? Yes, He does. So, what’s the difference? What Jesus is saying is when one equates spiritual good (the Holy Spirit) with spiritual evil (Satan) it hardens the heart to the point of making repentance and forgiveness impossible. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, “The essence of the eternal sin is the attitude of heart that underlies the act. This is a fixed, unrepentant state of mind that persist in defiant rejection of the Holy Spirit.” (1)

Chapter 3 closes with the changes in human relationships in the kingdom of God. Jesus’ mother and brothers who came to see Him sent word to Him inside requesting to come out and talk with them. Jesus responded, ‘“Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ Then he looked at those around him and said, ‘Look, these are my mother and brothers.” (Mk.3:33-34 nlt) Jesus was not showing disrespect for His mother or brothers but was teaching us a very important truth about God’s kingdom. Those who know the Lord and are obedient to His will is God’s family. The relationship we have with Christ in the family of God is more important than our human family relationships. Jesus came to set us free from the power of Satan and provide us with eternal life for all who accept Him as their savior, and we are then placed in God’s family. That’s the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(1) Pfeiffer, Charles F., Harrison, Everett F. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press, 1990. Pg 995

A Christian Perspective

Transparency

February 22, 2025February 20, 2025 Loring Schultz

“But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” John 3:21 NLT

Photo by FOX ^.u11bd.^= u222b on Pexels.com

A review of the Merriam-Websters ‘word of the year’ will give us an accurate description of the mood of people across the world, and mainly here in America. The 2024 Word of the Year was ‘polarization-division in two sharply distant opposites.’ In 2023 the word was, ‘authentic-not false or imitation.’ 2022 gave us the word ‘gaslighting-the act or practice of grossly misleading someone.’ There is a distinct pattern continuing to develop that reveals the mistrust between individuals, groups of individuals, corporations, and mostly the government.

This mistrust is nothing new. It is as old as the Jews mistrusting the Egyptian Pharaoh in the Old Testament. In the United States over the last twenty years each new administration has promised to be transparent with the people in government affairs. As the saying goes, “how did that work out for you?” The word ‘transparency’ was the Word of the Year in 2003, the beginning of the war with Iraq. That administration was accused of not being transparent with the American people as well as other countries taking it on the chin from their citizens. A lot of scrutiny is being placed on the current administration to see if they hold up to their promise of being transparent with the many policy changes that are occurring at a record pace. Only time will tell as we are being told, “we’ll see.”

The main definition of ‘transparent’ is, ‘having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly.’ Transparency is being sheer as fine textiles capable of seeing through. There were mostly self-interest reasons why previous administrations failed to be transparent. It would have exposed what they wanted to remain hidden, causing great embarrassment, loss of power, and possible charges of corruption.

For a person, a business model, or a government to be transparent the darkness around them must be dispelled to allow the light of truth to prevail. The best way to dispel darkness, in fact the only way, is to let the light of Jesus Christ into one’s life. You may say corporations and governments are not people, no they are not, but they are run by people who need the light of Christ. Jesus said, “All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” (Jn.3:20-21 nlt) The only hope for true transparency is for the light of Christ to change darken minds into a sheer conduit exposing everything that is done is right due to many lives dedicated to Christ and His will.

Devotionals

May We Remember That God Forgets

February 21, 2025February 19, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Keep me ever mindful of my natural state, but let me not forget my heavenly title, or the grace that can deal with every sin.” (1)

“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12 ESV

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

It’s good to assess where we have been as we continue going forward in life. This is particularly true for the Christian who now has a renewed life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2Cor.5:17 esv) We thank the Lord that He has given us a new nature in Christ, a renewed mind, and a place in heaven. But we still carry with us the old nature while we walk on this earth.

The Puritan writers realized this and embraced it as a reminder of where they had been, and what is the true character of their nature. ‘Keep me mindful of my natural state.’ We do not need to worry about our old sin nature showing up reminding us of where we have been, it’s automatic. And I’m sure, the Puritans experienced the same thing, but they strived to keep it from happening by remembering where they had been. They knew it took only a thought in the wrong direction to land them back in that sin pile that caused their saviors death.

Although they wanted to be reminded of their natural state, they did not want to forget who they really were in Christ. They wanted to remember their heavenly title, where they were going, and the grace and forgiveness that is bestowed on them while on earth in the flesh.

The Puritans had a way of keeping it real. They were aware of their sin, and desired to be reminded of it to keep it at bay. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for us to do the same in our day. Being constantly aware of our sin nature will help us in our walk with Christ going forward, and when we do sin may we remember that God forgets and will remember our sins no more.

(1) Bennett, Arthur The Valley of Vision. East Peoria: Versa Press Inc. 2023. Pg. 74

Devotionals

Our Great and Powerful God

February 20, 2025February 18, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 4:1-3 NLT – Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream about a Tree – Bible Gateway

“Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.” Romans 11:33, 26 NLT

It’s hard for the mortal to understand the immortal. For us the God of the universe with unlimited power and knowledge is hard to wrap our minds around. Most of us take it by faith through reading and believing the Scriptures, and some others witness His great power through a life-changing event experiencing firsthand the greatness and power God. Nebuchadnezzar experienced the latter and was able to grasp the power and sovereignty of God in the events found in the book of Daniel chapter four.

Nebuchadnezzar introduces the narrative of his encounter with God saying, “I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders!” (Dan.4:2-3 nlt) Nebuchadnezzar was shown the greatness, power, and sovereignty of God in a most humiliating way. He saw firsthand how great and powerful God was and how small and insignificant he was. God is ruler over all, and all for His glory.

The apostle Paul writes in Romans, “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.” (11:33, 36 nlt) Paul is breaking out in praise for God’s greatness, power, wisdom, and knowledge that brought about the plan of salvation by His sovereign will for all people. We may not be able to wrap our minds around that either, so it’s OK to receive it by faith (Eph.2:8-9), or if you need a Nebuchadnezzar experience the Lord will provide one for you. Just be sure to respond to the call.