Word for the Soul

The One-percenters

June 6, 2024May 31, 2024 Loring Schultz

“The LORD said to Gideon, ‘You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.’” Judges 7:2 NLT

The expression ‘One-percenters’ in our current day refers to the influential and affluent members of our society. It is estimated that 1% of the people living in the United States control about one-third of the nation’s wealth. The knock on the wealthy is that they are oblivious to the other 99% in the country. That may well be true, but there are many who contribute greatly to the welfare of society through job creation and donations. The one-percenters attribute much to the strength of the economy. This small number of wealthy people accomplish much.

Gideon had the opportunity to be part of a one-percenter group for the Lord in his day. Economically, Gideon was one of the 99%. Israel was under control of the Midianites for their rebellion against God. They ravaged their crops and stole all their sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys. “So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites. Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help.” (Jdg.6:6 nlt) The Lord recruited Gideon to lead an army against the Midianites to free them from their oppression.

Feeling confident of his mission Gideon set out with his army of 32,000. But the Lord wanted to trim down the marching force lest they take pride in themselves. The Lord first told Gideon to release those who were too timid or afraid to go into battle and 22,000 left. The army was reduced to 30% but the Lord wanted to do more trimming. Then came the big test. God told Gideon to lead his men down to the water and observe how they took a drink and 29% of the army were sent home. Gideon had 300 soldiers left, the one-percenters. “The LORD told Gideon, ‘With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites.’” (Jdg.7:7a nlt)

It is unimaginable to think that an army being reduced from 32,000 down to 300 could achieve victory. We would not be wrong in thinking that for in our own strength it is impossible, but it is the Lord God who fights our battles. So, whatever your predicament might be today, you may a one-percenter, but the Lord provides the other 99% as we put our trust in Him.

Read: Judges 7 NLT – Gideon Defeats the Midianites – So – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Petition the Lord and be no longer sad

June 5, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“She said, ‘Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.’ So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” 1 Samuel 1:18 NASB

Sometimes we need someone to talk to, but that someone may not be the best one to hear us out. Our closest friends, relatives, and even our spouses may know us very well, but what is seeded in the heart is hard even for our most intimate companions to understand. Hannah found this out first hand with her husband Elkanah as recorded in 1 Samuel chapter 1 of the Old Testament.

Hannah was childless yearning for a child. Scripture says, “but the LORD had closed her womb.” (1Sam.1:5 nasb) Every year Elkanah would go up to Shiloh with his two wives to worship and offer sacrifices before the LORD. On the day of sacrifice Elkanah would give portions to Phinehas, his other wife, but to Hannah he gave a double portion. Phinehas had children and would often remind Hannah that she did not just to irritate her. This happened year after year. Hannah, being distressed, would cry and not eat very much during the festive meal.

Husbands have a way of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, and I can testify to that, as can Elkanah, Hannah’s husband. He said to her, “Why are you crying, Hannah? Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?” (1Sam.1:8 nlt) This was not what she wanted to hear. Elkanah meant well, but he didn’t have a clue about the hurt and emptiness his wife felt.

Hannah went to the only one who truly knew her. The one who created her and knew of her intimate thoughts, desires, feelings and emotions. The Bible says she prayed to the LORD weeping bitterly. She poured out all that was in her heart, all her emotions, and her special request. After bringing her burdens before the LORD, she went on her way, ate, and was no longer sad.

When we petition the Lord in prayer bringing all our trials and requests to Him, pouring out our deepest emotions, we can be sure that He hears us and will answer according to His perfect will. Petition the Lord and be no longer sad.

Read: 1 Samuel 1:1-18 NLT – Elkanah and His Family – There was a – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

The Last Passover – The First Lord’s Supper

June 4, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve disciples.” Matthew 26:20 NLT

The last meal Jesus had with His disciples on the night before His crucifixion is known to many as the Last Supper. We have all seen that painting of that historic event. Jesus is seated in the center with the disciples gathered around Him on both sides. He will proceed to break the bread passing it to His disciples, representing His body, and then passing the cup representing His shed blood. But that is not how the meal started.

The gospel of Matthew tells us, “On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?’” (Mt.26:17 nlt) Jesus was in the habit of celebrating the Passover along with the Jewish community remembering God’s deliverance of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. This was the yearly observance as instructed by the Lord and explained by Moses in the book of Deuteronomy. (Dt.16:1-8) Jesus participated in this Passover meal with His disciples in that upper room that evening. Luke 22:15 expresses Jesus’ anticipation in having this meal with them. “Jesus said, ‘I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins.’” (nlt) John MacArthur notes, “He wanted to prepare them for what was coming.”

Jesus would be crucified the next day as a sacrifice for sin. During the meal Jesus took bread and broke it into pieces giving it to His disciples saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” (Mt.26:26 nlt) He then took a cup of wine and gave it to His disciples telling them to drink from it explaining, “for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” (Mt.26:28 nlt) Jesus carefully explained to them His time had come for His purpose was to lay down His life, His body being broken, and His blood shed for the remission of sin. (Heb.9:22)

The evening started with the Passover meal remembering God’s deliverance of the Jews as He saw the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the doorposts. It was symbolic of Jesus’ soon to be shed blood on the cross of Calvary for our sin. Jesus finished the meal by instituting a new covenant through His blood and a new observance for all those who believe in His name, the Lord’s Supper. Jesus said, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1Cor.11:26 esv) May we always remember our Lord’s death each time we gather for Worship.

Read: Matthew 26:17-29 NLT – The Last Supper – On the first day of – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Silence is Golden

June 3, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Psalm 62:5 ESV

The term ‘silence is golden’ is to say that it is often better to remain silent than to speak. That certainly bodes well if you are prone to talk too much. The less you speak the better chance you have of not saying something you might regret. Silence is also golden when remaining quiet to listen and learn. Instead of injecting your comments, opinions, or your brilliant assessment of a situation it is best to listen in silence and learn. This is especially true if you have a problem that is over your head. Seek the advice of one who is experienced and listen in silence.

King David had a big problem. His very life was being threatened. David had conspirators seeking to dethrone him by killing him. Imagine what was going through David’s mind as he was on the run from his enemies. David had more than enough experience in fighting battles, all of them successful. He could have prepared a battle plan in his mind and discussed it with the Lord, yet he sat before the Lord his God listening in silence. David had faith in God his only hope and he was patient saying, “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” (Ps.62:5 esv)

You may not have a problem to the extent of someone looking to kill you, but some problems could have that effect on you. You want to share and tell someone what you are experiencing, hardly slowing down to take a breath. Perhaps it’s good therapy to get it off your chest and that is fine but retreat enough to listen to sound advice. Ultimately, God should be our first resource in seeking comfort and answers to our dilemma. It’s ok to tell God all your problems, but keep in mind that He already knows and has all the answers. Sit in silence before Him and allow Him to comfort your soul and speak to your heart. Remember silence is golden, so, “wait in silence, for (your) hope is from him.” (Ps.62:5b esv)

Read: Psalm 62 ESV – My Soul Waits for God Alone – To the – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements- 1

June 2, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35 NLT

Each of the four gospel writers in the New Testament portray Jesus in a manner to stress a certain characteristic of the Son of God. The gospels together create a perfect portrait of Jesus. Matthew’s main focus is on Jesus as the Jewish Messiah and King. Mark, writing to a mostly a Roman Gentile audience focuses on Jesus the servant. Luke with a much broader Gentile audience portrays Jesus as the Son of Man, focusing on His humanity. The apostle John writes to prove the deity of Jesus so that all may believe Jesus is the Son of God, and that believing they may have life in His name. Included in John’s gospel is the seven ‘I Am’ statements Jesus made. We will look at these statements over the next seven weeks.

Bread is a staple food item that sustains nourishment to our physical bodies. Other staple food products would include; milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry and other various meat products. But bread seems to have cornered the market (pun intended) on what foods are necessary to stock up on before an approaching snowstorm in my part of the Untied States along with milk and eggs.

Physical hunger has been satisfied, physical bodies were nourished, and lives sustained for thousands of years by the bread provided for us through the baking process. Our bodies need food to survive. Many people who were in the crowd when Jesus fed the five thousand followed after Him the next day and Jesus rebuked them saying “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. (Jn.6:26 nlt)

The followers were only thinking of the physical, the here and now, much like we do today. Jesus then proceeded to tell them to believe in Him. He was the bread of God which came down from heaven and gives life to the world, in which they responded “always give us this bread.” (Jn.6:33-34) Again, only thinking in physical terms, the same is true today.

Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.” Those who accept Jesus (the bread of life) for Salvation will receive the nourishment needed to sustain eternal life. This is the first of seven “I AM” statements that Jesus made in the Gospel of John concerning His deity and the message of Salvation. Have you received “Jesus the bread of life?”

Read: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206%3A22-51&version=NLT

A Christian Perspective

Why the Rainbow?

June 1, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.” Genesis 9:13 NLT

How often have you had the opportunity to see a rainbow in the sky during or after a summer afternoon thunderstorm? It is a marvelous spectacle and one of many of God’s creations. The first mention of a rainbow appears in Genesis chapter 9. Although theologians differ on when God created the rainbow either ‘in the beginning’ or after the worldwide flood, we know for sure the meaning and significance of the rainbow was put in place after the flood.

God, creator of the universe and the earth, has a unique purpose for each of His creations. The purpose of most of God’s creations are not revealed to us, but several are. Each of His creations point us to God’s almighty power, His infinite knowledge, His Holiness, and His love, grace and mercy. When we see a rainbow in the sky, it is more than magnificent splendor, it is a reminder to the specific purpose as to why it is there. It is the sign of God’s promise to each of us on the earth that He will never again destroy the entire earth by a worldwide flood.

God has kept His promise and will continue to keep His promise. The rainbow is a sign of God’s covenant with us. It is a sign of His faithfulness to us even though we are anything but faithful to Him. He forever remains faithful.

As we find comfort in the assurance of God’s faithfulness, may we not forgot what brought along the destructive flood. “Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence. God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt.” (Gen.6:11-12 nlt) We find ourselves in the same place today, sins of corruption and violence in all walks of life before a Holy God, and still God is keeping His promise.

But that does not protect the world from future judgement. The Lord is going to return one day. Jesus explaining to His disciples said, “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all.” (Lk.17:26-27 nlt)

The rainbow was put in place, to remind us that God is faithful and “…. He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (2Pt.3:9b) That is ‘why the rainbow’!

Read: Genesis 9:8-17 NLT – Then God told Noah and his sons, “I – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Irritating God

May 31, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.” Proverbs 10:26 NLT

The book of Proverbs is not only a book of wisdom, but it is also a true picture of life. Take Proverbs 10:26 for example, “Lazy people irritate their employers.” (10:2a nlt) A picture that comes to life I’m sure we have all seen. Hopefully, you’re not in the picture. I can testify that the Proverb is true from experience in my retail management days. Much too often I had become irritated by someone who had not finished a job due to laziness. The effects of the unfinished job created extra work either for me or other associates taking us away from our responsibilities and limiting the overall effectiveness of the business. Laziness affects more than one person, or the job that was assigned to them.

Lazy people across the working landscape can create devastating disruption of services and work products. Delays, inefficient quality, and poor business reviews just to name a few. If not corrected and left to continue it will lead to a toxic environment threating employee moral that will spread and erode the current reputation of the business.

As Christians we are co-workers with God in the world He has created. We have a responsibility to be effective in whatever job we may have and not be lazy. God’s reputation is on the line with our on-the-job performance. He is the one who created work and who supplied us with our jobs. Our God is entrusting us to be His representative in the workplace wherever that may be. He places us where He has for a reason, His reason. Christians are to live their lives for Christ in the workplace in a way that will draw others to Him. Any activity or non-activity, such as laziness, that causes inefficient quality or a poor Christian review from our co-workers just might irritate God, and we would not want to do that.

A Christian Perspective

Do Not Be Afraid; the Lord watches over those who are His

May 30, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1b-2 NLT

There is a misconception that when one decides to follow Jesus and trust Him for salvation all their problems go away. In our present-day vernacular, we would call that misinformation. What does go away is our destiny to a Christless eternity replaced by our assurance of an eternal life with Him in heaven. Certainly, to go through this life with Christ by our side is better than trying to do it without Him, but they are not without the problems that are common to everyone. The Lord will bestow a generous portion of His grace to those who are His just as he gives common grace to all mankind in the troubles of this world. But an extra level of grace and protection is needed for all who are His, because the truth is things are going to get heated and messy.

Christians can take comfort that the Lord knows us by name. Jesus ransomed us by His death on the cross. We are bought and paid for, we are his and He knows our names. The prophet Isaiah encouraged Israel that God knew them by name for they were His chosen people even though they were unfaithful to the point they would go into captivity. But the Lord would bring them out and continue to watch over them through the centuries up to and including our present day. When Christ rules on the earth during the Millenium Kingdom all the land God has promised Israel will be completed. (Ez.47:13-20) And He will be watching over them until that time comes.

As Isaiah encouraged the Jews of God’s protection, the same encouragement applies to Christians who have been ransomed by the blood of Christ. We are assured of His continual watchfulness throughout our lives. When the rivers of difficulties come our way God is there to help us maneuver through the currents. As we struggle in deep waters, perhaps because of our doing, He throws us life raft and pulls us out. The most difficult struggles that are sure to come is the blowback Christians face for being obedient to the Lord and standing up for the truth of the gospel. It is the fire of oppression Isaiah refers to. But our God sees all that comes our way. The fire may hurt, but the flames will not consume us. The Lord tells us not to be afraid, but to remember we are His and He knows us by name.

Devotionals

I Promise

May 29, 2024May 28, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.” Joshua 21:45 NLT

How many times have you spoken the words “I promise” only to break your promise. It may have been unintentional or deliberate, in either case you broke your promise, and someone got hurt. Most of us have felt the effects of broken promises, and again most of us have at one time hurt someone from lack of commitment to keep that promise. Marriage vows are being altered today to lessen the sting of a broken promise by making them conditional. Making it easier doesn’t justify breaking promises. We are fallen creatures, prone to fail by breaking promises, but can learn a great deal from our Lord God who never breaks any of His promises to us.

Near the end of Joshua’s life as Israel was settled in the Promised Land, we find these words from the book of Joshua, “Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.” (Jos.21:45 nlt) God promised Abraham seven hundred years earlier, “And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.” (Gen.17:8 nlt) God fulfilled His promise.

Many of God’s promises are recorded in the pages of scripture, most of them for our benefit. We are promised comfort in our afflictions, “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mt.5:4 nlt) God will restore us in our weakest spiritual condition, “He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.” (Is.42:3a nlt) The apostle Paul assures us God supplies all our needs, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ph.4:19 nlt) He promises never to leave us, “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’” (Heb.13:5b nlt) Jesus, God the Son, promises to come back for us, “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (Jn.14:3 nlt) And the best promise of all, the saving promise is, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nlt)

Unfortunately, we will come into some disappointment in our lives by broken promises. But we can be certain that God never breaks any of His promises, His love for us, His protection, His on-going presence, His promise of salvation for all who believe, and His promise to return. When our Lord says, “I promise”, He keeps it!

Devotionals

A Fragrance of Loving Service

May 28, 2024May 21, 2024 Loring Schultz

“While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.” Matthew 26:7 NLT

The world’s most expensive perfume is ‘Passant Guardant’ by Clive Christian at $7,600 per ml or $228,000 a bottle (30ml). To be a recipient of such a gift would be an honor of the highest regard. To be the giver of such an expensive gift would be symbolic of the love towards the one receiving it. The sacrifice made in presenting the gift is on display whether intended or not. The giver cares not about the exposure, but only about presenting a gift of love in the most exquisite means possible.

Jesus received such a gift just a few days before His crucifixion. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazurus, presented this fragrance of loving service by pouring it over His head. The pouring of oil over the head in the Old Testament is referred to as anointing oil. It was poured over the head of the high priest and his descendants to mark them as holy and set apart unto the Lord. Mary, in this case, anointed Jesus as an act of worship. She was aware who Jesus was, the Messiah. It is also possible she believed in Jesus’ words when He spoke of His impending death, even more than His disciples who seemed to struggle with it. Jesus speaks to Mary’s actions, “She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial.” (Mt.26:12 nlt)

The perfume or oil Mary poured on Jesus came from Northen India and was made of pure nard. The cost is noted as 300 denarii or about a year’s wages. (Mk.14:5) Today’s value would be about $40,000-$50,000. It was not only a fragrance of loving service, but a loving sacrifice. But Jesus’ disciples complained this act was wasteful and could have been used more wisely. “But Jesus, aware of this, replied, ‘Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me?’” (Mt.26:10 nlt) Charles R. Erdman writes, “No gift to him can be too great if made in grateful love, an act may be morally beautiful even though not practically useful.” (1)

Jesus is pleased with our gifts of service to Him whatever the cost. We can never give too little or too much according to our ability to give. Our motives will determine the value of the gift and our Lord will recognize its true value; may it always be a fragrance of loving service.

Read: Matthew 26:6-13 NLT – Jesus Anointed at Bethany – Meanwhile, – Bible Gateway

(1) Erdman, Charles R. The Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983.