Word for the Soul

“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” Hebrews 12:12-13 NLT

A phenomenon occurs for some athletes running a marathon known as a second wind. The runner beyond the point of exhaustion, out of breath and unable to keep the pace, suddenly finds the strength to continue. This can happen at various stages of the race depending on the individual. There are no sure explanations as to why this occurs. Several opinions have been introduced medically, scientifically, and psychologically to help bring some clarity, but it remains a mystery.

The Bible refers to the Christian life as running a race. (Heb.12:1) It is also fair to say that our life is a marathon. Running in a consistent manner day after day throughout our lives is not without a couple of stumbles along the way. We are all subject to times of weakness, stumbling, and running out of gas. The trials in life will sap our energy and knock us down. But we are to be encouraged due to a second wind which is available to every Christian. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way, “So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” (Heb. 12:12-13)

How do Christians get a more secure grip on tired hands and have their knees not buckle under? Is this second wind also a mystery? Well, sort of. All who have accepted Christ as Savior have in their possession the Holy Spirit. To most Christians that is a mystery. But it is true. The Holy Spirit is there to guide us through this marathon called life. He strengthens us in weak moments, provides much needed energy to keep going, and assures us that He will be with us right up to the finish line.

Getting a second wind in running a marathon is having those knees and legs strengthen as to keep moving, not stumble, and finish the race. Even a race in which you have trained for and are giving your best effort sometimes needs a little extra push from a mysterious source. Getting a second wind in the marathon of life simulates the marathon runner in every way except the Christian running in life’s marathon can be sure of the second wind, the Holy Spirit, and it is not a mystery.

“Elizabeth’s Song” 5 Songs of Hope for Advent

December 1, 2024December 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’” Luke 1:41-42 ESV

During the next couple of weeks throughout the Advent season we will be looking at 5 songs of hope as recorded in Luke’s gospel on the birth of Christ. Music and particularly songs of praise are all throughout Scripture. Music alone has a way to lift the soul. What better time of year is there than to celebrate with music than the Christmas season. Christmas music will be filling the airwaves, churches, school auditoriums, concert halls, and shopping malls. It can certainly change your mood, mostly for the better, but some might argue with that. These 5 songs of hope for Advent are songs spoken to praise God for the hope He has bestowed upon us in sending His Son for the hope (assurance) we have of salvation.

Our first song this Sunday is ‘Elizabeth’s Song.’ It is not at all lengthy, but rather short and to the point speaking volumes of praise and theological truth. The occasion was Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and Zechariah upon hearing the news of them having their first child. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Lk.1:42b-45 esv)

Elizabeth was Mary’s older cousin, much older. Zechariah, a priest, was told by an angel of the Lord while he was serving in the Temple burning incense that his wife Elizabeth, who was barren, would have a child in their old age. The angel said his name would be John, and there would be much rejoicing and gladness, “And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” (Lk.1:16-17 esv) John would be the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah and John’s cousin. He would lead people to repentance preparing the way for the Lord.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice upon arriving, the Bible says the baby leaped in her womb. Perhaps John was singing his own song meeting his aunt and cousin for the first time. Elizabeth was then filled with the Holy Spirit and started her song about the hope that was to come. ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’ Elizabeth praised Mary’s faith and the child to be born to her. She realized through the Holy Spirit this must be the Messiah, the son of God for she said, “And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk.1:43 esv) Elizabath evidently knew of the prophet Isaiah’s words, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Is.7:14 esv) She was in the presence of her cousin Mary and yes, was impressed that Mary would visit her, but Elizabeth also in the presence of the Messiah, her savior.

Elizabeth’s song of hope introduces the savior who was coming into the world, born of a virgin as prophesized in Scripture. Her own child, John, perhaps also at the influence of the Holy Spirit leaped for joy at the coming savior. Although Elizabeth may not have been able to understand it all, she did realize the blessings she and her husband Zechariah were given and through the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth knew enough to break out in song. It was a song of praise to God and a song of hope for all people in the coming of the Messiah.

Read: Luke 1:5-25, 39-45 ESV – Birth of John the Baptist Foretold – In – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Playing God

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

Our lives are under the watchful eyes of God the Father. From beginning to end, nothing escapes His sight in all that goes on. He is aware of the slightest scratch on our bodies, every scar and how it got there, and even the emotional struggles we deal with. Nothing is outside of His knowledge, and for that we should be thankful.

King David was truly amazed and awe-struck of how intimately the Lord God knew him. So amazed that he wrote the 139^th psalm to express his feelings towards God’s complete knowledge of himself and every human being. David tried to comprehend it but couldn’t. He wrote, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” (Ps.139:6 nlt) David knew but couldn’t understand how God knew his every move before he made it, every word before he spoke it, he could not get over the infinite mind of God and all its wonders as it pertained to human life. David also was confused how God knew the exact number of days of his life before he was born. Although he couldn’t explain it, David knew it to be true.

David wrote, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Ps.139:16 nlt) David said the Lord God saw his unformed body in his mother’s womb, and why wouldn’t He, God is the creator of life from its very beginning. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Ps.139:13 nlt) The baby in the womb is God’s handywork starting with conception, the beginning of life, and David believed it. “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” (Ps.139:14 nlt)

It is a comfort to know our lives are in the hands of God and we are never out of His sight from the moment of conception until we died. It is also a sobering thought to think that every abortion performed is seen by the eyes of God. If only those in the pro-choice movement would realize they are playing God by taking the life of one of His precious children.

Devotionals

The Season of Hope; may we be ready to explain it

November 29, 2024November 27, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When Christ was born, so was our hope.” Max Lucado

“…. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15b NLT

This Christmas season children of all ages are hoping they receive what they asked for from the man in the red suit. From Amazon’s No.1 pick ‘JOYIN 13 in 1 Dinosaur Toys,’ to ‘Nex Playground Game System’ at a cool price of $159, and ‘MrBeast Lab Mutators,’ for the little kids, to the hottest video games, cell phones, and the latest in digital devices for the coming of age crowd, not to forget the big toys for us adults; all have hope they will receive that requested gift on Christmas morning.

‘Hope’ defined by most dictionaries is ‘to cherish a desire with anticipation:to want something to happen or be true.’ All of us hoping for that gift have the desire to have that hope come to realization. Although, if we are honest with ourselves, we know it does not always hold true. Oh, it is true the one supplying the gift will do everything possible to ensure the granting of the request, but unavoidable circumstances beyond their control always get in the way.

Biblical hope is never affected by unavoidable circumstances. Biblical hope is fixed. It is guaranteed. Biblical hope is the future confidence in expecting all that God has promised will come to pass. God has promised that all who believe in His Son Jesus for salvation will be saved from the wrath to come and will have eternal life with Him. Our guaranteed hope, as Max Lucado described it, was born as Christ entered the world on that first Christmas morning. God’s promise to reconcile us back Himself through Christ by defeating Satan on the cross was fulfilled. (Gen.3:15) Our hope, our assurance of salvation, was born in Christ Jesus.

Our Christian (Biblical) hope is far different from hoping to receive the latest got-to-have gadget for Christmas. Our hope in Christ is sure, guaranteed and lifesaving. It is backed up by a holy God who keeps His promises and can do all things. As Peter says to us in this season of hope, “……. if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”

Devotionals

Giving Thanks for a Soul Set Free

November 28, 2024November 26, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Bring my soul out of prison, So that I may give thanks to Your name.” Psalm 142:7a NASB

“I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” Psalm 7:17 NASB

This Thanksgiving Day there are over 1 million people in prison in the United States. Souls who will not celebrate the holiday with friends and loved ones. Their cry may be as David’s was, ‘bring my soul out of prison.’ Their desire is to be restored back in society as it was before their incarceration. The fact is their soul can be set free right they are. A prison sentence will pay the debt to society when completed and freedom will be granted. However, there is a prison sentence where no one can ever serve and pay off. It is the sentence of an eternal death separated from God and heaven for our sinful nature and our sins against God. But that soul can indeed be set free.

Perhaps you are not behind prison bars on this day, but you are behind bars that are keeping you imprisoned in your own soul. Your struggles with a particular sin, or vices you can’t seem to control keep you under lock and key. Your desire is the same cry, ‘bring my soul out of prison.’ I’m not a psychologist and not offering advice of which my knowledge is very limited. Professional services are a god-sent in our day and age and should be used if needed. But one thing I do know is that a soul can be set from sin and eternal death through Jesus Christ, God’s Son who sacrificed His life that we may have life. He paid the penalty for a soul to be set free.

If you are sitting in prison behind bars on this day, please understand that your soul can be set free. You can have assurance of eternal salvation and that your sin debt has been paid. For those of you outside prison walls who also need to be set free from your struggles with sin, Christ has paid the sin penalty for you as well. Your prayer, ‘bring my soul out of prison, will be heard and answered by accepting Christ as your savior this day. Then you can praise and thank God with David this Thanksgiving by saying, “I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” (Ps.7:17 nasb) Happy Thanksgiving!

Devotionals

Thanksgiving Travel: Following the Highway of God

November 27, 2024November 25, 2024 Loring Schultz

“A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.” Isaiah 35:8a NKJV

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God.’” Isaiah 40:3 NKJV

Today is the busiest travel day of the year across the United States as millions of Americans make their way to friends and family for Thanksgiving. “AAA projects 79.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. ‘Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,’ said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. (1) Of those estimated 79.9 million travelers, 71.1 million people will go by car. That’s a lot of highway miles.

The United States has a vast interstate highway system which can get you to grandma’s house whether 50 or 500 miles away with no trouble. Years of planning the infrastructure of major roadways in America have proven successful. One only needs a roadmap from AAA or a GPS device and you’re all set.

Highways are mentioned several times in Scripture. Isaiah speaks about ‘The Highway of Holiness, a highway for our God.’ It was a prophetic exhortation to Israel for preparing for the coming of the Messiah. It foretold John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ. “For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’” (Mt.3:3 nkjv) The Messiah, the Lord Jesus, had come, and He has come to save those who call on His name.

God had designed His infrastructure of heaven’s highway for you and me before the world began. You don’t need a GPS or a road map. The plan of salvation and the highway to heaven is to simply trust in Jesus and His work on the cross for your sin. There is only one road, one highway to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (Jn.14:6 nkjv) Accept Christ as your savior this Thanksgiving and you’re on the highway to heaven. What a Thanksgiving feast that will be.

(1) Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Set New Record | AAA Newsroom

Devotionals

Understanding Biblical Rebuke: A Path to Growth

November 26, 2024November 25, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it.” Psalm 141:5a NLT

“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” Proverbs 27:6 NLT

I don’t believe any of us like it when we are called out for a particular sin or behaving in a displeasing manner, especially from a friend. Perhaps worse yet be it from an elder in your church or the pastor. We may come up with many excuses of which none are valid. Criticism of church leadership sometimes follows in the familiar rhetoric of ‘who are they to judge.’ Well, they are to judge with righteous judgment the flock Jesus, the great shepherd, has given them.

Peter’s words to pastors are this, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.” (1Pt.5:2 nlt) Paul instructs the young pastor, Timothy, “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” (2Tim.4:2 nlt) Good teaching is not only spoken from the pulpit or the classroom, but through godly rebuke and discipline for correction to one who has sinned. It may hurt, but it is a comforting blow. The psalmist describes it by saying, “Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it.” (Ps.141:5a nlt)

Correction through a rebuke is never pleasant but is sometimes necessary. It is a blow, but a godly blow. It is given in kindness for the benefit of the one who receives it. It is for correction and is the medicine that is needed. If we are smart, we won’t refuse it. And if it happens to come from a friend, a true friend, remember, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (Pr.27:6 nlt) They have your best interest at heart.

Devotionals

Thankfulness through Giving

November 25, 2024November 20, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT

In gift giving, the recipient is the one giving thanks. They are thankful for the gift received and for the giver. We don’t think much about the giver being the one giving thanks, but as Christians that should be our main intent in giving any gift or doing any good deed for someone. God the Father gave the first gift, His Son Jesus Christ. No other gift will ever match or come close to the gift He gave us. We can never top it. But we can be thankful.

God gave us His only Son to redeem us from eternal separation from Him. Jesus came willingly to earth as a man to pave the way for our salvation from eternal hell fire. Thankfulness, indeed, should be our way of life. One sign of being thankful is giving. The apostle Paul describes the ministry of giving to the church in Corinth as a two-fold operation. The needs of people will be met, and God will be thanked for it. “So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” (2Cor.9:12 nlt) Paul goes on to say, “For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.” (2Cor.9:13b nlt)

The good news of Christ is the gospel unto salvation which we have accepted and are thankful. We show our thankfulness by giving of ourselves, sharing the gospel, and meeting the needs of others. Yes, through giving. Our thankfulness through giving is not only for others, but also to the one most deserving, Jesus Christ. “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Col.3:17 nlt) May we always be giving thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus in everything we say and do, in this way we show our thankfulness through giving.

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders’ Work is Never Done” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

November 24, 2024November 23, 2024 Loring Schultz

“So I purged out everything foreign and assigned tasks to the priests and Levites, making certain that each knew his work. I also made sure that the supply of wood for the altar and the first portions of the harvest were brought at the proper times. Remember this in my favor, O my God.” Nehemiah 13:30-31 NLT

We have come to end of our study of godly leaders from the book of Nehemiah, but the work, unfortunately, for godly leaders never comes to an end. That is why godly leaders are needed in every facet of society. Last week we recalled the influence Nehemiah, Ezra, and the other leaders had on the people encouraging them and participating with them in the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt walls. The people responded by celebrating and worshiping God. “Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.” (Neh.12:43 nlt) You may have heard this saying, ‘when the cat’s away, the mice will play.’ Well, Nehemiah was away, back serving the king, and the people playfully went back to their old ways.

Before we are quick to condemn the people of Judah, we should look at ourselves in the mirror, me included. How many times have we repented our sins and past actions, only to repeat them when no one is around to notice. My point is that we need godly leaders around us to help us toe the line. Godly leaders are not perfect as we observed a few weeks back, but they are used by God and need our continue prayers.

Nehemiah may have received word of the turning back of the people while in Persia serving King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah had been back in Persia close to twelve years, enough time for the people to unravel a lot of the reforms that he had put in place. There was inter-marriage taking place again with foreigners. The children from these marriages could not speak the Hebrew language, but the languages of foreign nations. This command of separation from foreigners was for religious purposes and was not racial or political.

The Temple of God was being desecrated. Tobiah, an archenemy of the Jews, had now taken residence in the Temple courtyard where the articles for sacrifice were stored. Eliashib, a priest and supervisor of the storerooms in the Temple, was persuaded by Tobiah to provide accommodations for him while visiting Jerusalem. Tobiah used his influence as a relative to convince Eliashib to the point of moving out the articles for the Temple and bringing in Tobiah’s idols of worship.

In addition, the people neglected to support the priests and Levites who served in the Temple. As a result, they had to neglect their duties in the Temple and return to the fields to support themselves and their families. The Law of Sabbath was also being broken again. Work was being done, and business was transacted on the Sabbath day as any other day of the week.

As mentioned above, Nehemiah may have heard of what was taking place in Jerusalem. There was a reading from the book of Moses ‘on that same day.’ (Neh.13:1) This could have been the anniversary of the dedication of the wall years earlier. Notably, Ezra the scribe, was not present, but what he reinstated was still being carried on. The people may have drifted away, but not so far that they neglected the reading of the Word. Through this reading there was conviction. Perhaps, Nehemiah heard this and responded by coming back.

Nehemiah returned and put new reforms in place. His first act was throwing Tobiah out of the Temple storerooms with all his belongings. “I became very upset and threw all of Tobiah’s belongings out of the room.” (Neh.13:8 nlt) Nehemiah displayed the righteous anger Jesus displayed 450 years later, “Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.” (Mt.21:12 nlt) Godly leaders should not be afraid and hold back righteous anger when it is called for. It needs to be on displayed, but in a godly way and according to God’s righteousness and justice. Nehemiah then performed a ceremonial cleaning in purifying the Temple storerooms.

The Levites were brought back into the Temple to perform their duties. Tithes were coming back into the Temple and the Levites were being supported for their work. Nehemiah appointed four men of good reputation as treasurers to oversee the distribution to the Levites. These overseers included a Priest, a Levite, a Scribe, and a lay person. A good model to follow today, honest people with different positions working together, and don’t forget the lay person.

Nehemiah then addressed the profaning of the Sabbath. He rebuked the people for working and conducting business on the Sabbath. He called out the nobles by saying to them, “Wasn’t it just this sort of thing that your ancestors did that caused our God to bring all this trouble upon us and our city? Now you are bringing even more wrath upon Israel by permitting the Sabbath to be desecrated in this way!” (Neh.13:18 nlt) Nehemiah commanded the gates to shut from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday threatening violators with arrest if they continued to buy and sell on the Sabbath.

Lastly, and yes again, Nehemiah had to deal with the sin of inter-marriage with pagans. His response may seem a little harsh, but the cat is back, and the mice are guilty. “So I confronted them and called down curses on them. I beat some of them and pulled out their hair. I made them swear in the name of God that they would not let their children intermarry with the pagan people of the land. (Neh.13:25 nlt) Nehemiah’s actions were to prevent this sin from occurring again in the future. He reminded them Solomon was the wisest and most powerful king in the world, and he was brought down by the influence of his foreign wives. The same would happen to them if they continued in this practice.

As we can see, godly leaders are needed for there is always work to do. We could say it’s job security, but it takes the right individual. A godly leader is one who is above reproach, committed to God, and to His work, His justice, His leadership, and must have a desire to do everything for God’s glory. Nehemiah’s motive throughout his ministry was to please and serve God. Godly leaders know it’s not about them, but what God will do through them.

Read: Nehemiah 13 NLT – Nehemiah’s Various Reforms – On that – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

God Blesses Those Who Bless Israel

November 23, 2024November 22, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you.” Numbers 24:9b NLT

Scripture is quite clear of God’s love for His chosen people, the Jews. God chose Abram to leave his homeland and go to a place He would lead him. The Lord spoke to Abram saying, “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen.12:2-3 nlt) God has fulfilled His promise to Abram. Israel became a great nation, the Jewish people have been a blessing to the world, and all the families of the world are blessed through Abraham’s seed in the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

God’s love has never wavered for Israel even through their times of sinful idolatry recorded in the Old Testament. The Jews were punished severely for their sins by having their land destroyed and being taken captive to foreign kingdoms. But God had grace and mercy on His chosen people and brought back into the land due to His promised covenant and His love for them. The Jews are indeed God’s chosen people. Throughout history nations who have blessed and supported Israel were blessed, and those who have not, were not blessed, but cursed.

The nations of the world in 2024 have had a close eye on Israel since the terrorist attack by Hamas in October of 2023. There are sympathizers on both sides. A word to the nations who support Hamas and other extremists by agreeing with their ideology. The Jews are still God’s chosen people. The prophet Ezekiel prophesied against Mount Seir, also known as Edom, after the bloodshed they caused against the Jews trying to escape their Babylonian captors. “Your eternal hatred for the people of Israel led you to butcher them when they were helpless, when I had already punished them for all their sins. For you said, ‘The lands of Israel and Judah will be ours. We will take possession of them. What do we care that the LORD is there!’” (Ez.35:5, 10 nlt) Sounds a lot like 2024, the 1930’s and ‘40’s, and all through history. God’s chosen people have always been under attack.

God’s Word still stands true today, “Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel,
and cursed is everyone who curses you.” (Num.24:9 nlt) Edom was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth century B.C. and again by John Hyrcanus, a Hasmonean (Maccabean) leader in 126 B.C… There is no trace of the Edomites in our current day. Curse is everyone who curses Israel.

The United States and many other nations across the world have been supportive of Israel for many years. These nations must be careful not to let their support wane. The United Nations as a governing body hasn’t been much help in garnishing support for Israel. The United States, as the leader of the free world in 2024, has the advantage to take the lead in their support for Israel. As a citizen of the United States and a Christian, I realized America has been blessed beyond measure for our support of God’s chosen people. May the upcoming administration continue and enhance the United States’ support for Israel. For God says, blessed is everyone who blesses Israel.

Read: Ezekiel 35 NLT – A Message for Edom – Again a message – Bible Gateway