Word for the Soul

“‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. He is the God who made the world and everything in it.” Acts 17:23b-24a NLT

On his second missionary journey, Paul arrived in Athens ahead of his companions, Silas and Timothy, as he was distancing himself from Jews who were stirring up trouble everywhere he went. As Paul walked around the city, he noticed shrines and idols erected for the many gods they worshiped in that ancient Greek culture. To make sure no gods were missed or there was a god they didn’t know about, there was an alter with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ Paul took advantage of their sincerity in the gods and philosophy of their culture by telling them the one they worship in ignorance is the one true God who made the heavens, the earth and everything in it.

Today there are people who worship many gods without worrying if they need an inscription to an unknown god. They think they have it all covered. Allow me to illustrate three scenarios. The first one; as the ancient Greeks did, people today worship at the altar of idols they have created but not realizing they are idols. The difference is that they do not consider them as gods, but a part of life. These gods consume and control them with the pleasantries of this life. They are the gods of money, pride, luxuries, fame, power, entertainment, drugs, alcohol, and sexual pleasure. With these idols as their gods, the true God of heaven is unknown to them, and they have no desire to see if there is something missing.

The second scenario are those who follow the religions of the world as one of many gods or ways to the true God. Even some of those who profess Christianity do not know God and his plan of salvation but rely on their good deeds. They are confident they are secure, but the God of the Bible is unknown to them, and do not realize He is missing.

And third, others follow the gods within themselves, claiming their inner spirit is a god within them connecting themselves to their charitable work, kindness, pursuit for justice, and claiming love and peace across the world. All good qualities that should be pursued by every Christian who truly knows God. But to the one spends their entire life on such endeavors, they too think they have it all covered.

If you find yourself in any of these scenarios hear the Apostle Paul. Each of these scenarios has a god, a religion, that is being followed as the ancient Greeks, but it’s not the true God. Paul says “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.” (Acts 17:24-25 nlt) If God is unknown to you, know this; There is only one true God and He is the God of the Bible. Get to know Him!

Read: Acts 17:22-31 NLT – So Paul, standing before the council, – Bible Gateway

I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 6

July 7, 2024July 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 ESV

Starting out on a journey, whether a local excursion or an extended trip across the miles, requires a knowledge of the way to get to your destination. Whether using your smart phone, a GPS system, downloaded directions from a maps web site, or perhaps if you’re like me, refer to a road map occasionally (yes they still exist), all will show various ways to get there. That’s fine when traveling from here to there in our world. At times more than one option is sometimes desirable and even recommended. Today’s GPS systems will even redirect you if you make a wrong turn. If you see your life here on earth as a journey, which it is, where is your destination at the end of your life and where are you getting your directions? Will your world religions and earthly maps warn you if you made a wrong turn and are going in the wrong direction?

Ultimately if your destination is heaven; there is only one road, only one way to eternal life in heaven with God the Father. In Jesus’ sixth “I am” statement in John’s gospel, Jesus said very clearly the He is the only way to the Father. Of the seven “I am” statements, this one is the most controversial in our day. Why, because Jesus declares there are no other roads or religions, no short cuts, no long way around, no alternative route to heaven except through Him.

If what Jesus said is not true, then He would be a liar, and if He is a liar, He could not be God the Son, and if he is not God the Son, then He could not save us from our sins. All roads do not lead to heaven, only one does, Jesus! If there are other ways to eternal life except through Jesus, then Jesus’ death on the cross was in vain. No, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (Jn.14:6 esv)

Read: John 14:1-6 ESV – I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Be careful not to pick up stones

July 6, 2024July 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’” John 8:7 NLT

The story of a woman caught in adultery recorded in John’s gospel is a very familiar one with Christians and non-Christians alike. It reveals the hypocrisy of certain religious leaders and those who assumed the role of being one up on everyone else on morality. The main point made by many is Jesus’s words, “let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Admittedly there is not one of us who is able to throw that first stone, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Rom.3:23 nlt) That lesson should be applied to every Christian in our daily walk in the world in which we live. But there is also another point that lies underneath the surface of the immediate that reveals the foundation for that exchange with Jesus.

The law in which the accusers wanted evoked would have been the Old Testament law of adultery. But certain facts of the case were not presented in their entirety as only one of the participants was presented. This didn’t seem to bother those who brought the woman for their own interpretation of God’s law. The fact is they weren’t as pious towards the carrying out the law as they were about trying to set up a trap for Jesus. They cared nothing about the law, but only the response from the one who came as a fulfillment of the law.

The religious leaders brought to Jesus a woman, minus the man, caught in the act of adultery. Their intent was to corner Jesus into deciding on whether to stone her according to the Law. Jesus essentially ignored them knowing of their deception. If He agreed to stone her, Jesus would be looked upon as having no forgiveness or compassion. If He did not comply with the Law it would appear Jesus was not who He said He was, the Son of God. They did not give up but kept on asking Him. They wanted Jesus to answer them either way to discredit Him. Jesus was interfering with their authority and their way of life.

There are those today who view Jesus as interfering with their authority and their lives. They demand an answer to the laws they perceive as right and just in their own eyes. They view the commands of God found in scripture as irrelevant today. They have gathered stones in their hands and are willing to throw the first stone, believing they have no sin. But tragically their aim is at God and His Word for interfering with their way of life. Be careful not to pick up stones.

Devotionals

Our Gifts of Grace Serving the Body of Christ

July 5, 2024July 2, 2024 Loring Schultz

“so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Romans 12:5-6a NLT

There’s an axiom within the church when it comes to work needed to be done, ‘20% of the people do 80% of the work’. There is a more positive one that says, ‘many hands make for light work’. When many hands come together in the chores and maintenance to be done in the church, the physical conditions of the building show the unity of diversity of talents used to present a well-maintained building for the glory of God. The same holds true for the spiritual building, the body of Christ. We are God’s building. (1Cor.3:9)

Every believer in Christ as they accept Him for salvation receive the Holy Spirit and at least one spiritual gift to be use in the church. It is possible for some to receive more than one, but everyone receives one. Paul tells us, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” (Ro.12:6a nlt) We do not all have the same gifts. Some of us may share a gift, but the church body as a whole has a diversity of gifts to ensure the church functions as it should. What if ‘20% of the people did 80% of the spiritual work’? What would be the spiritual condition of the church? As we think this through, the 20% are not able to do 80% of the work even if they wanted to because they only have 20% of the spiritual gifts in the church. They will fall short no matter how much effort they put into it. For the spiritual building to be maintained, each one must use their gift.

Spiritual gifts are different from natural born God given talents. The Holy Spirit grants them to us when we are born again spiritually into the family of God. We didn’t possess them before, and that is important to understand. It is something brand new and its sole purpose is to do the work of the Lord encouraging others in the church. You may be the only one, or just one of a very few, who has the gift you possess in the church. Remember, it is God’s gift of grace to you for serving the body of Christ.

Devotionals

Never Alone

July 4, 2024July 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18 KJV

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Everyone needs a little comfort every now and again. A kindly spoken word will do the trick for some while others need someone able to provide deep emotional comfort by only their presence. The frustrations of living in a complex society can be soothed quickly by others as they encourage us. They affirm the everyday struggles we all deal with, and their words are a lift to our spirit. It is often enough to help us continue. But there are times when we need the constant presence of those who comfort us in our time of need. Unfortunately, that is not always possible, if at all, in our world of responsibility. However, there is one constant companion who will never leave your side of comfort. So, you will never be alone.

In the upper room the night before going to the cross Jesus prepared the disciples for His leaving. He informed them they would not be left comfortless; He would always be with them. He promised to send the Holy Spirit, His constant presence with them. Jesus assured them, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” (Jn.14:16 nlt)

Jesus kept His promise. The Holy Spirit is with every believer in Jesus Christ. If you know the Lord as your savior, He is your constant companion and always by your side. “for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Heb.13:5b esv) What a comfort it is to know of the Lord’s presence with us in whatever we are going through. There may be times when you feel you are struggling alone, but you are not alone. Your friends and closest loved ones cannot always be there when you need them, but Jesus is always there by your side. You’re never alone.

Devotionals

Knowing God

July 3, 2024July 2, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20 NLT

Scores of people claim it is impossible to know God. Some find it hard to believe He is the storms of life. The western hemisphere is at the beginning of the hurricane season where tropical waves form off the coast of Africa making their way across the Atlantic Ocean. They either gain strength and become a hurricane or fizzle out along the way. If they do develop into a powerful storm, its path can be predicted well in advance, but then again it could change very rapidly. So, caution is always advised ahead of these powerful storms. This mighty power of God is seen in the forces of nature as written in the book of Psalms. “He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves.” (107:25 nlt)

Storms are one clear visible sign there is an all-powerful God. If we look around us and see all of God’s creation and His power in creating, we will see many of His invisible qualities. Breath taking views around the earth such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, the state of Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, and Niagara Falls in the United States and Canada show amazing wonder only made possible by the power of God. The world has the following list of God’s creation for all to admire; Mount Everest in Nepal’s Himalayan Range, the Amazon Rainforest in South America, the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, and the display of the Northern Lights recently enjoyed by many here in the eastern United States.

These visible signs are given to us by God so none would be without an excuse that we never knew there was a God. The apostle Paul writes in the book of Romans, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (1:20 nlt) God has not left us on this earth without revealing Himself. If we look around, we cannot deny it. Do you know God personally or just acknowledge His existence through His creation? He has also created a way to truly know Him through His Son Christ Jesus, co-creator with Him (Col.1:16) We are without excuse for not knowing God. Don’t wait until a powerful storm of life comes your way to acknowledge God and accept His Son Jesus Christ as your savior. The next storm could be just over the horizon.

Devotionals

God in His Mercy will not throw you away

July 2, 2024July 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“……But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.” 2 Samuel 14:14 NLT

Are you separated from a loved one or a dear friend by something you have created? Perhaps the separation is the fault of the other party. Regardless, there is separation. Do you have a desire to restore the relationship or are you just as content to throw it away for good? Maybe you have done all you can to reconcile but to no avail. Don’t give up, ‘God devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.’ We should do the same. You possibly may be one who refuses to make amends but hear this, ‘God does not sweep life away’, and neither should we. Living in a sinful world always hinders us from doing the right thing or even pursuing it. But a better understanding of God and His mercy will go a long way in helping us strive for reconciliation.

A story is told of King David longing to see his son Absalom in the second book of Samuel. Absalom had been banished after killing his brother Amnon for raping their sister Tamar. Joab, captain of David’s army, sought a way to convince the King to bring Absalom back. He sent a woman to David claiming to be a widow with a story about her two sons, one dying by the hand of the other accidently. The rest of the family was demanding he be turned over for execution, leaving her husband’s name erased. David responded, ‘“Leave it to me,’ the king told her. ‘Go home, and I’ll see to it that no one touches him.’” (2Sa.14:8 nlt) The woman then confided in King David revealing her true purpose, “She replied, ‘Why don’t you do as much for the people of God as you have promised to do for me? You have convicted yourself in making this decision, because you have refused to bring home your own banished son.’” (2Sa.14:13 nlt) David got the message Joab sent him and had Absalom brought home.

Difficult passages in the Bible such as the one above provide real life situations for us with truth and wisdom in handling them. Joab devised a way for the King to bring back Absalom. When we have strayed from our King, the Lord Jesus, due to our sin he doesn’t throw us away, but is constantly devising ways to bring us back into fellowship with Him showing us His mercy. It doesn’t matter what we have done. His mercy covers it. When we devise ways to reconcile with those who are separated from us, we extend mercy to them as the Lord extends it to us. Devising ways to reconcile is a lot harder than just throwing them away, but it is worth it in the long run. So, don’t give up!

Read: 2 Samuel 14 NLT – Joab Arranges for Absalom’s Return – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Living in the Moment

July 1, 2024June 28, 2024 Loring Schultz

“We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.” Ecclesiastes 1:11 NLT

Social media has masterfully crafted ‘living in the moment’ as a way of life. Our lives are captured moment by moment on our social pages for all the world to see, or if cautious for your friends only, all 2,000 of them. Granted there are special occasions and unexpected events we all like to share. Unfortunately, this has become an obsession with some to share everything, and a desire to know everything about everybody. People follow those they like, those they don’t like, those they admire, entertainers, politicians, sports figures, news organizations, cultural influencers, and just about anybody to get the latest happenings in the moment. Hear what the preacher says in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, “Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.” (1:8 nlt)

Living in the moment has its moments but then they’re gone. They do not last. The preacher also says, “We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.” (Ec.1:11 nlt) Insignificant events will not be remembered. Events on a major scale eventually lose impact over time such as September 11^th and the Holocaust. They are still remembered but the effect felt over the world begins to fade. There are occasions when a moment of time is etched in history, but most do not come to mind without the help of Google.

Living in the moment today on social media is frivolous, especially if those moments are meaningless and have no significant impact. Living every moment for the glory of God will have a major impact for eternity. Our entire lives are only for a moment compared to eternity, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (Ja.4:14 niv) If we are going to live in the moment, let us make every moment count for eternity.

Bible Studies

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 5

June 30, 2024June 22, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.’” John 11:25 NLT

The story is told of another miracle perform by Jesus in the eleventh chapter of the gospel of John. It is also the basis for His fifth “I AM.” This particular one is perhaps the greatest of them all. Jesus raised a person from the dead, one who had been dead four days. The person was Lazarus, a very close and personal friend of Jesus along with Lazarus’s sisters Mary and Martha. When Jesus heard that his friend Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was before he left in response to the news. (Jn.11:6) The question immediately comes to mind, why? Why did he wait two days?

Some have suggested that Jesus knew that Lazarus was already dead when the messenger’s arrived to tell Him that His friend was sick. Perhaps so, but there seems to be a deeper explanation. For those present at Lazarus’s resurrection and for those of us in our day, it is a matter of trust (or faith) in Jesus Christ. Do we believe He is in control of every portion of our lives, that He is never late, and that He loves us knowing what is best for us? Do we believe He is God the Son, and have faith that nothing is impossible for Him to do?

Raising Lazarus from the dead was not impossible for Jesus to do, He is the resurrection and the life. Jesus also said, “Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” (Jn.11:26 nlt) We are assured of a place in heaven and eternal life if we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ, God the Son.

Jesus is speaking to you and me when He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, (insert your name)?” (Jn.11:25-26 nlt)

Read: John 11:1-44 NLT – The Raising of Lazarus – A man named – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Respect for God’s Anointed

June 29, 2024June 21, 2024 Loring Schultz

“……For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1 NLT

“……The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the LORD’s anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him.” 1 Samuel 24:6 NLT

There are more elections scheduled across the world in 2024 than at any time in history. Time magazine calls it ‘The Ultimate Election Year.’ “2024 is not just an election year. It’s perhaps the election year. Globally, more voters than ever in history will head to the polls as at least 64 countries (plus the European Union)—representing a combined population of about 49% of the people in the world—are meant to hold national elections, the results of which, for many, will prove consequential for years to come.” (1) No doubt, the outcomes of these global elections will shape the future of our world with the United States as the biggest factor. Before we as Christians put on our political party hats, may we remember that each person elected in every part of the world is God’s anointed, there are being placed by God Himself for His purposes.

Many of the world’s religions see this leadership overhaul as a possible beginning of the end bringing in a world leader with chaos erupting followed by the apocalypse. Some modern-day Christian theologians are comparing the signs recorded in Scripture with currents world events and seem to agree. Admittedly the signs are compelling, but Christians are to remain in the task at hand sharing the good news gospel of Jesus Christ unto salvation. The facts are, 1. Jesus is going to return to establish His kingdom on the earth, 2. No one knows when that day will be, and 3. We are to respect God’s anointed in our present day.

Every nation in our world has deep political differences within the electorate. Sadly, those divisions remain through the newly elected official’s term in office with the opposing party gearing up for the next election or planning to bring them down. Here in the United States over the last two decades with four Presidents from both parties, there was a central theme during their term in office, ‘not my President.’ Christians must take the lead in respecting government authorities, God’s anointed. We are not to agree or support policies and legislation that violates and contradicts God’s words in the Bible. We are to be good citizens, obeying the laws of our country that do not violate God’s laws. Christians are to be the preserving salt and light in a country that has lost its way slipping into darkness.

David, before he became king, was under King Saul who was seeking to kill him in his rage of jealousy. When an opportunity presented itself for David to kill Saul, his enemy, he refrained from doing so. David explained, “The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the LORD’s anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him.” (1Sa.24:6 nlt) Saul was God’s chosen leader for the nation of Israel. He turned out not to be a very good king, but David respected God’s anointed. May we as Christians follow David’s example and respect all of God’s anointed who are in currently in office and those who be elected this November. May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

(1) https://time.com/6550920/world-elections-2024/