Word for the Soul

“For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, And the peoples with equity.” Psalm 98:9 NKJV

Anticipation for the results of the United States Presidential election is running as high as the money spent between both political campaigns. A vast majority of America’s population are anxiously waiting to see who the Commander-in-Chief will be sitting in the oval office where the buck stops. The hope is whoever it is will rule with integrity, honestly, and for the benefit of all the people. May I be honest with you by saying it is only a hope and most likely will not be a reality. Human beings are prone to sin inherited from our first parents, and that includes Presidents. Chances are there will be plenty of finger pointing at the next administration and perhaps justifiably so. Hope for ‘a new way forward’ or ‘make America great again’ will fall short and there will be disappointment for all.

Human government, although ordained by God to administer justice, will fail in some way every time because it is a ‘human’ government. We are to obey human authorities but not put our trust in them. The psalmist gives us great advice, “Itis better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.” (Ps.118:8-9 nkjv) So, if we are putting our trust in one candidate or the other that is not where it should be, because both will fall terribly short of what we expect. Our trust should be in Jesus Christ, and in Him alone.

There will be a time when we can and will put our trust in a prince. The prince of peace, Jesus Christ, is going to rule on the earth with righteous judgement when He returns to establish His kingdom. He will not fall short, He cannot. Jesus will rule all people with righteousness and equity, true Christ-like equity. There will be no more elections. All will be obedient to Him and there will be no disappointment. So, as we eagerly wait for the results of the U.S. Presidential election may we be just as excited anticipating the coming Prince of Peace who will judge the world with righteousness.

Read: Psalm 98 NKJV – A Song of Praise to the Lord for His – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

The Stone was Rolled Away

November 1, 2024October 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.” Matthew 28:2 NLT

You possibly may have heard it said when Jesus rose from the dead, ‘the stone was rolled away not to let Jesus out, but to show the tomb was empty.’ Indeed, it was. Jesus rose in His new glorified body and had no need for a door to be opened for Him. Matthew tells us an angel descended amid a great earthquake and rolled away the stone, and just in time for Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, had just arrived at the tomb. The women were discussing along the way how would they move the stone away to anoint Jesus’ body which they had intended to do. (Mk.16:3) There was a barrier of a large stone between them and Jesus that needed to be moved. But as they arrived, the stone had rolled away.

Is there a stone in your life that needs to be rolled away that is creating a barrier between you and the Lord? Your busy work schedule is causing you to lose all interests in the things of God, the things of this world are winning the battle to be on top of your priority list, or perhaps it’s some besetting sin that is continually reoccurring that is the stone needing to be rolled away. So, what do you do?

Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, met Jesus on the road while running from the tomb. The stone had been rolled away and Jesus wasn’t in the tomb but stood before them alive. The stone has been rolled away to show you that Jesus has risen from the dead. He is alive, ready, willing, and able to forgive your stones of sin and break down that barrier by rolling those sins away and placing them under His blood to be remembered no more. Ask Jesus to place those sinful stones at the foot of His cross by confessing and repenting of them, and He will. The stone was rolled away for our benefit. Jesus is not dead, He’s our living savior ready to forgive.

Read: MATTHEW 28:1-15 NLT – The Resurrection – Early on Sunday – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Reformation Day: the righteous shall live by faith

October 31, 2024October 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:17 ESV

October 31^st is recognized around the world as Halloween or ‘All Hallows’ Eve.’ The meaning of ‘hallows’ is ‘saints’ in the Christian tradition, All Saints Day is November 1^st. However, Halloween today is nothing about Christian saints and I will leave it there. Today is Reformation Day, the day celebrated by Christians in recognizing Martin Luther’s ‘95 Theses’ nailed to the University of Wittenberg’s chapel door in 1517.

Martin Luther was a German monk and a professor of biblical studies at the University of Wittenberg who became disillusioned with the error he saw in the Catholic church, particularly the selling of indulgences. He posted his ‘95 Theses’ to spark conversation and debate among his colleagues calling for reform in the Catholic church. This, however, led to the Protestant Reformation of the 16^th century.

Luther was convinced through the reading of Scripture that salvation was by the grace of God alone and faith alone in Jesus Christ. It was not by any merit or works on our part that contributes to salvation and entrance into heaven. This was in contradiction to what he had observed within the church. Luther was also a staunch believer that every person should have access to the Bible and be able to read it for themselves. He had translated the entire Bible into German.

Stephen Nichols of Ligonier Ministries writes, “The real main character in Reformation Day is not Luther. It’s the Word of God. What Luther discovered as a monk is that for centuries, the true teachings of the Word of God had been hidden by century upon century of tradition. That’s what Reformation Day is about: it’s about pulling back the covers and releasing the power of the Word of God and the beauty and the truth of the gospel. That’s why we celebrate Reformation Day.” (1)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

(1) What Is Reformation Day? | Ligonier Ministries

Devotionals

Whose Approval Are You Trying to Win?

October 30, 2024October 29, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” Galatians 1:10 NLT

There is an old saying, ‘never discuss religion or politics.’ And never, never, never, discuss them in context with each other. The Presidential election of 2024 in the United States have tested the restrain of most Christians to remain silent when the urge is to speak in such turbulent times. That is not to say that some Christians do speak their minds. We should be ready to speak the truth when the occasion arises and not be silent. However, this is much more than speaking religion and politics but serving as an example of what Paul told the churches of Galatia. Paul told them not to be seeking the approval of people, but of God. They were not to be deceived from what they know to be true into believing a false narrative. Lives are at stake.

The apostle Paul was being accused of preaching what the Jews called ‘a cheap form of the gospel.’ They obviously were against Paul’s preaching, disagreeing on every front. These Jews tried to persuade the Gentiles to whom Paul was preaching that his message was incomplete. The gospel Paul preached required no circumcision, no dietary restrictions, and no obligation to Sabbath Laws. It was just faith in Christ alone that was needed for salvation and entrance into the kingdom of heaven. If Paul wanted to not stir up waves by remaining silent many lost souls would not have been saved and those who accepted Christ would be forever confused and unable to reach their full potential to serve Christ. Paul did not want to please and impress his fellow Jews but wanted to please his Lord and savior and lead people into the kingdom.

We have that same dilemma today. Do we risk alienation from our friends and loved ones when we speak the truth of God’s Word? The truth is, sometimes speaking the truth will result in just that. Are we willing to take the risk? Do we refrain from speaking to keep the peace? The peace will be kept, but so will their souls be kept right where they are. Christians are not to be confrontational in presenting the gospel, but to speak the truth in love. There will be natural resistance from most, and yes, there may be alienation, but whose approval are we trying to win? Remember Paul’s words, “I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.” (Gal.1:10a nlt)

Read: Galatians 1:1-10 NLT – Greetings from Paul – This letter is – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

You can count on God to keep His promises

October 29, 2024October 28, 2024 Loring Schultz

“This is what the LORD says: ‘You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.’” Jeremiah 29:10 NLT

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

According to ‘On This Day’ in history website, Presian King, Cyrus the Great, marched into Babylon on October 29, 539 B.C. capturing the city and destroying the Babylonian Empire. It set in motion the soon release of the Jews who have been captives for 70 years. God had promised that although the Jews had sinned against Him resulting in Jerusalem being destroyed and them being taken captive, He would be faithfully have them return. The Lord used this Persian king to free His people and to order the rebuilding of the Temple. (Ez.1:1-2) God had kept His promise.

Have you ever thought of all God’s promises recorded for us in the Bible. Here are a few of them;

Salvation, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Ro.10:9 nlt)

Peace of God, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Is.26:3 niv)

God’s comfort, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Ps.23:4 niv)

Supplying our needs, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Ph.4:19 niv)

God is always present, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Dt.31:8 niv)

Promised rest, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt.11:28 niv)

Wisdom granted, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (Ja.1:5 niv)

Forgiveness of sins, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1Jn.1:9 niv)

Adopted, “he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” (Eph.1:5 niv)

God’s love, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 niv)

Just a few of the many promises for us from God. We can be sure He will keep those promises for he has proven it all throughout Scripture. Whatever your need is tell God today reading back the promise Scripture to Him. God keeps His promises, you can count on it.

Devotionals

Persistent in Prayer

October 28, 2024October 27, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 NLT

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Some may take offense to this, but most Christians do not have a consistent prayer life. These same Christians also struggle with being persistent in prayer. If you were not offended by the opening lines to this devotional then you are one of the many who do struggle, as I myself, with being persistent in prayer and praying consistently. There have been countless numbers of books written on prayer over the years. Sermon series, lectures, class studies, small groups, and seminars have all addressed these concerning issues on prayer. Although much progress has been made with lives changed, we still have a problem with consistency and more importantly with being persistent in prayer. Perhaps we spend too much time on intellectual and educational pursuits that we miss the simple points of Jesus’ teaching.

“Consistent” and “persistent” may appear similar in meaning, but are vastly different in action. Being consistent in prayer involves a regular pattern of a set time and routine on a continual basis. Persistent in prayer constitutes a deeper involvement as being determined, steadfast, resolute, and not giving up. Our Lord longs for our persistence in praying. He desires that His desires become our desires, and that we pray accordingly. Through persistence in prayer when asking for His will to be done, God will answer as He only gives us good things. “For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Mt.7:8 nlt)

When Jesus spoke those words to His disciples in Matthew chapter seven, He was emphasizing the importance of persistent praying. ‘Ask,’ ‘seek,’ and ‘knock,’ are in the present tense and are commands of God. They are in ascending order to note their importance. We are never to give up praying the Lord’s will for our lives, but to be persistent. Asking, seeking, and knocking, we are to be persistent in prayer.

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders are not Distracted or Intimidated” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

October 27, 2024October 26, 2024 Loring Schultz

“So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono……Remember, O my God, all the evil things that Tobiah and Sanballat have done. And remember Noadiah the prophet and all the prophets like her who have tried to intimidate me.” Nehemiah 6:2a, 14 NLT

When time is running out and efforts to put a plan in place are fading as days go by, one gets desperate. This was the case with Nehemiah’s enemies, Sanballat, Tobia, Geshem, and others outside Jerusalem who had tried to put a stop to the rebuilding of the walls around the city. The wall itself was now completed and the finishing work of installing the doors in the gates was about to start. An all-out, last-ditch effort was made by the opposition to not only stop the work but to eliminate Nehemiah.

Sanballat, Tobia, and Geshem realized they could not stop them by force since Nehemiah had put in place defensive and offensive strategies to protect the on-going work and provide safety to the workers. Their enemies then went to a plan of deception. “So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me.” (Neh.6:2 nlt) Cleverly Nehemiah was given the option of choosing one the villages in the plain of Ono to have this conference. The idea was to present it as a safe place, but Nehemiah saw through that refusing to go and sending a message back.

Nehemiah knew of a possible threat on his life, but more important to him was the total completion of the walls and gates surrounding Jerusalem. He was not going to let anything distract him from completing the job. Nehemiah replied with a great answer, “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” (Neh.6:3 nlt) In a subtle way, Nehemiah let them know he knew this meeting was only to stop the work. Ono was seven miles from Jerusalem and was the most western part of the Jewish resettlement after retuning from captivity. He was not going to let the work be compromised by leaving it to attend a meeting. Nehemiah knew what was up and wasn’t going to let it distract him.

Christians need constant awareness of distractions that come our way which seem innocent enough, but they are deceiving. Anything that keeps us from finishing what the Lord had us start must be carefully examined to ensure it’s not a trap by the evil one to stop us. Opposition will always come in some form when doing a work for God, you can count on it. Don’t get distracted.

Sanballat and the rest of his crew were persistent in sending the same message four times. But Nehemiah was just as persistent in sending the same reply four times. When this latest plan failed to stop the work, they came up with another one. “The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand.” (Neh.6:5 nlt) Official correspondence in those days would be written on a papyrus or leather sheet. It would be rolled up and sealed for authenticity, and it was meant for the recipient. This letter that was sent was an open letter. It was an insult to Nehemiah as the governor for Sanballat wanted the entire public to know about it. Our government officials today use the same tactics in the form of leaks to the public through unnamed sources to news and media outlets. The news was meant to be damning to Nehemiah’s reputation. It insinuated he would lead the Jews in revolt against the king of Persia and install himself as king after the city was fully secured. There is always an element of some truth in false statements to make them believable. Nehemiah did have a deep love for Jerusalem, and he was a great leader, but these allegations were obviously lies in which Nehemiah quickly condemned and called them out on it. He then continued the work with greater determination. “They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.” (Neh.6:9 nlt)

The enemy was not yet done. Just as Satan and his minions always tries to get one last shot at us today, he did the same through Shemaiah, a false prophet. Shemaiah tried to persuade Nehemiah to seek shelter in the temple. He told him there was a threat to his life, a half-truth. The threat was not outside, but inside. Nehemiah knew that seeking protection in the Temple area at the alter of asylum was permissible, but to go into the holy place in the Temple of God as a layman was a sin. Shemaiah was seeking to either kill his reputation by having him sin against God in front of the people because of his cowardice or he was planning the kill Nehemiah himself. Either way, Nehemiah again knew of the deception once Shemaiah tried to convince him to hide in the Temple of God. He also knew Sanballat and Tobia had hired him. “They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me.” (Neh.6:13 nlt) Nehemiah’s reputation and the morale of the people were at stake if he fell to the deception.

Through Nehemiah’s godly leadership with the people responding with a mind to work, and the help of God, the wall around the city was rebuilt in just fifty-two days. “So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.” (Neh.6:15-16 nlt) The threats, distractions, and intimidation had no effect on Nehemiah and as a result the work was finished. This would make a good ending to the story of Nehemiah’s godly leadership, but we are only at the half-way point. The work never stops. The rest is yet to come.

Read: Nehemiah 6:1-7:3 NLT – Continued Opposition to Rebuilding – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

America at the Crossroads

October 26, 2024October 25, 2024 Loring Schultz

“This is what the LORD says: ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, No, that’s not the road we want!’” Jeremiah 6:16 NLT

Last week’s ‘Christian Perspective’ focused on the question ‘Is America Fixin’ to Fall,’ (1) Several self-incriminating examples were noted that if not done away with could very well do away with the United States. This week the main point in ‘A Christian Perspective’ is America is at the crossroads. America’s future will be decided in a few days after the results of the U.S. Presidential election is announced. The country could not be more divided, growing more hostile in what separates us. Any resemblance to truth has been thrown out in almost every political ad being replaced with statements taken out of context, exaggerations, and outright lies. Desperation is setting in not only for the candidates but also for those in both camps who see their defeat as an end to democracy as they see it. For clarification, ‘democracy’ is defined by Webster’s New World Dictionary as, “government by the people, directly or through representatives.”

Some of Jeremiah’s prophecies to Judah could have been spoken to ‘We the people’ of the United States. We looked at one last week and here is another from Jeremiah 6:16, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.’ But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’” (nlt) The Lord told Judah to ‘Stop’ at the crossroads. America needs to stop. Stop what we are doing long enough and look around. Look back at where we have been and look forward to where we are going. The Lord says to ask for the old, godly way and walk in it. America is not walking in a godly way in 2024, but just the opposite. One candidate has referenced in campaign speeches ‘we’re not going back.’ But in this case, going back is not a bad idea if we’re going back to the godly principles America was founded on. The Lord says if we travel that old, godly path, we will find rest for our souls. ‘We the people’ have not had rest in our souls for decades.

Again, the Lords words to Judah through Jeremiah parallels America today. ‘We the people’ are responding to God the same way by saying, “No, that’s not the road we want!” The United States has pushed God aside in favor of ourselves. God becomes relevant when He is needed to round up votes, but not to His godly ways of administering equal justice, governing honestly, and protecting the sanity of life. Yes, America is at the crossroads. Judah was at the crossroads, and they refused to go the old, godly way resulting in their destruction. America and the world at large are at the crossroads between good and evil. As Christians we understand God is in control and He will choose the President of the United States for His purposes. But that does not excuse us for not participating in voting for those who will best follow the old, godly way remaining on that path so those they govern, ‘We the people,’ will find rest for our souls.

(1) Is America Fixin’ to Fall? – Word for the Soul

Devotionals

Are They Hanging Around?

October 25, 2024October 24, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Israel failed to destroy the nations in the land, as the LORD had commanded them. Instead, they mingled among the pagans and adopted their evil customs. They worshiped their idols, which led to their downfall.” Psalm 106:34-36 NLT

The apostle Paul informs us of a sure promise that all Christians have, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2Cor.5:17 niv) If that is true, why do we hang onto certain things that should be gone, not only gone but be destroyed? I guess we could say, ‘we still have a sin nature’, and that is true, but that is not an excuse to let that certain sin hang around. The Bible says, ‘the old has gone.’

Israel was given specific instructions from God to complete when they entered the Promised Land. “You must destroy all the nations the LORD your God hands over to you. Show them no mercy, and do not worship their gods, or they will trap you.” (Dt.7:16 nlt) Israel left some of the pagan nations hang around by not destroying them as God had commanded. Eventually they did become trapped into worshiping their gods by intermingling with them. The psalmist writes, “They worshiped their idols which led to their downfall.” (Ps.106:36 nlt)

There is a reference in the sports world when a team fails to put away their opponent, ‘they’re letting them hang around.’ If the defense doesn’t get serious and beef up their attack mode, their downfall is certain as the psalmist says. A team cannot afford to sit back on its heels and let the opponent run all over them. If they had taken take of business in the beginning of the game, they wouldn’t be in danger of succumbing to defeat.

Likewise, Christians need to be taking care of business and not allow any of our besetting sins to hang around, but to destroyed them. We can be certain if we fail to destroy what God commands us, we will become complacent, compromising, and caught up with what we should not have left hang around.

Read: Psalm 106:34-48 NLT – Israel failed to destroy the nations in – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Nothing Prevents the Fruition of God’s Plans

October 24, 2024October 23, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

“So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.” Matthew 27:66 NLT

Have you ever felt you messed up God’s plans for your life? You say to yourself, ‘Obviously, God’s plans didn’t work out or I wouldn’t be in the situation I am in. I messed up along the way throwing the plans off course.’ It may be true that you messed up, I’ve done it myself but rest assured God’s plans for you are still in tack. There is nothing you can do to alter the plans the creator of the universe has for you since before you were born. It’s hard to understand, I know. Take heart, you may have messed up, but it didn’t mess up God’s plans.

Every Christian should be thankful nothing prevents the fruition of God’s plans especially His plan of salvation for all who believe in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. God’s plan of salvation was for His only Son to come to earth, live a perfect life, die as a sacrifice for sins, be buried, and rise again on the third day. Nothing was going to mess that up. The leading priests and the Pharisees also had a plan that worked, but it didn’t turn out the way they thought it would. They asked to Pilate to have the tomb in which Jesus was buried be guarded and sealed. The religious rulers were afraid the disciples would steal Jesus’ body and claim He had risen from the dead as Jesus said He would after three days. The seal remained in place for no one tried to steal Jesus’ body, but Jesus did rise on the third day.

Many of those who followed Jesus didn’t understand all they witnessed during His arrest, trials, and crucifixion. It seemed a master plan had gone terribly wrong. Yes, it was a master plan, but everything about it was right. You can trust God for the plans he has for you. He sent His Son to die as a sacrifice for your sin. It was His plan for you and me. “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (Ro.8:32 nlt) Rejoice that God has a plan for you. You may not understand it, but He does. Trust Him that nothing will prevent all His plans from coming to fruition.

Read: Matthew 27:62-66 NLT – The Guard at the Tomb – The next day, – Bible Gateway