Word for the Soul

Sealed for Freshness

April 30, 2024April 27, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 ESV

An assortment of food products come in a vacuum sealed package to ensure freshness. Instructions are marked on the package to keep sealed after opening to maintain freshness as long as possible. But once it is opened, it will never go back to its original state of freshness. And eventually the product will lose all its nutritional value and taste around the expiration date. Most packages also contain a warning not to be used if the seal is compromised in any way. The contents cannot be trusted to be authentic and may be spoiled or tampered with. When the time comes to consume the product, we want to be sure it is as fresh as when it was first sealed.

Paul says believing the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ for salvation results in being sealed by the Holy Spirit. This occurs immediately upon our conversion. Our inheritance of eternal life is secure by the promise of the Holy Spirit. We cannot lose our salvation, and it will be as fresh and new as in the day we first accepted Christ as we enter the glories of heaven. We are sealed as a security mark is put over an enclosed envelope. The seal represents possession, security, and authenticity. The Holy Spirit also serves as a Christian identification mark. We are in Christ. Our salvation is secure.

Perhaps you struggle with the security of your salvation thinking you have done or could do something that would forfeit your place in heaven. It is true we all still sin even after we are saved, but God is faithful and just to forgive us of those sins. (1 Jn.1:9) And it is vital for you to know that you were sealed by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of your salvation. It is real and will last for eternity. You do not need to worry about the seal coming off the secure envelope or the freshness seal being broken on the package. You can never lose your salvation by being contaminated by a broken seal or unsealed envelope. You are sealed for freshness.

Read: Ephesians 1:3-14 ESV – Spiritual Blessings in Christ – Blessed – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Continue to Do Good and Don’t Worry

April 29, 2024April 27, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.” 1 Peter 3:13-14 NLT

It goes against logic that someone would suffer for doing good things or standing up for what is right, but it does happen. The sad truth is this is becoming more common in the days we live. However, in our broken world there have always been those who would denigrate those who strive to live godly lives. The apostle Peter in writing to the newly converted Gentiles scattered throughout the world told he them to “Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!” (1 Pt.3:17 nlt) Peter’s words were meant to encourage. It is a fact all Christians will suffer in one way or another during their lifetime by just living as God wants us to live. Peter’s words should encourage us today. Yes, it is better we suffer the consequences for obeying God than to suffer for doing wrong in the eyes of our neighbors.

Christians should not be surprised by the hatred towards those who speak the truth. Jesus, who is the essence of truth and always spoke it, said of those who follow Him, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” (Mk.13:13a nlt) And “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” (Jn.15:18 nlt) Peter, who walk with Jesus as His disciple, tells us not to worry or be afraid of their threats. Perhaps he remembers Jesus saying to him and the other disciples, “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear. I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels.” (Lk.12:4-5, 8 nlt)

The world will continue to despise anyone who attempts to tell the truth, especially those who claim the truth in Jesus’ name and according to Scripture. This should not discourage us from truth telling, for if all Christians are walking in unison as examples of Christ we are speaking the truth with our lives. Suffering for shining the light of hope in a dark world in the name of Christ will most likely escalate in the years to come, but let Peter’s words encourage us, ‘continue to do good and don’t worry.’

Bible Studies

God’s Vineyard of Grace: The Parables of Jesus

April 28, 2024April 25, 2024 Loring Schultz

“So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” Matthew 20:16 NLT

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT

This week our parable is the ‘Parable of the Vineyard Workers in God’s Vineyard of Grace.’ As last week’s parable had a backstory to it, so does the Vineyard Workers. Again, it is Peter who has asked Jesus a question. Peter’s concern was he and the other disciples sacrificed their livelihood in following Jesus and thought they would get shortchanged in the kingdom. He asked Jesus, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” (Mt.19:27 nlt) The sentiment was that the disciples should be ranked on a higher scale in the kingdom than others who have not given up as much. Jesus sets them all straight by explaining the measure of God’s grace to everyone in the kingdom of heaven. He tells them, “But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” (Mt. 19:30 nlt) Jesus then proceeds to teach “The Parable of the Vineyard Workers in God’s Vineyard of Grace.”

The parable begins with a landowner going out to hire workers for his vineyard. This most likely occurred during harvest season as landowners would hire day workers gathered in the marketplace looking for work. Workers were hired at the start of the day for an agreed amount of pay for a day’s wages. Throughout the day the landowner would return to the marketplace and find those who needed work. Arriving at 9 o’clock, at noon, and right up until the last hour, he found others who needed work and sent them into the vineyard agreeing to pay them what was right. At the end of the day the workers got paid, and each received the same amount, a full day’s wages. Those who worked all day were upset either that they did not receive more or that the others were treated the same by the gracious landowner. The landowner answered them by saying, “Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?” (Mt.20:13-15 nlt)

Jesus is saying all those in the kingdom have the same amount of grace applied to them. Those who have been Christians most of their lives and have done great service for Christ will be in the kingdom along with those who have done little due to limited time to serve Him since their conversion. God’s grace is applied equally to all.

The Kingdom of Heaven is not a commercial venture. You cannot buy your way into heaven. Nor can you earn your way or achieve greater recognition or rewards for service through hard work, helping the poor, caring for others, church attendance, or any other charitable means you may employ. It is only by God’s grace that we have access to heaven as we believe in His Son Jesus for Salvation. (Eph.2:8-9) Entrance into the kingdom is by God’s grace alone at the moment He bestows it upon us whether in our childhood or in old age while on our death bed.

For those of us who have been Christians a long time are we using the time God has given us to serve Him? Those of you who have recently come to know the Lord, are you being faithful in the opportunity given to you to serve Him? And are we all praying for those who have not yet accepted Christ as Savior? We are all workers in God’s vineyard of grace, may we be faithful in the work He has given us.

Read: Matthew 20:1-16 NLT – Parable of the Vineyard Workers – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

The Long Way Home

April 27, 2024April 26, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Normally it takes only eleven days to travel from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-barnea.” Deuteronomy 1:2 NLT

Taking the long way home is not always your choice, but most of the time it is. You may want to enjoy the scenery the extra miles provide, or you may want to search out a certain restaurant for your next night out or explore a potential new neighborhood in which you would like to live. You may also just want to kill time. But then there are times when the choice is not yours due to detours for several reasons forcing you to take the long way home. Disappointment and frustrations set in as the miles and time added up anticipating your arrival home. There are times in our lives when we take the long way home (God’s place for us) because we were afraid to take that initial step and trust God, rather, we played it safe.

The children of Israel played it safe. The result of not trusting God and not taking that first step turned their eleven-day journey home to the promised land into forty years. When Israel was in Kadesh-barnea, the point of entry to the land God had promised them, they refused to go ahead fearing the battles that would pursue. They didn’t trust God to place them safely in the land even though they were called and chosen to enter it. They didn’t trust God to take away their fear.

The Lord calls each one of us who have trusted Him as savior to a place of His choosing to serve Him. That place is ‘home’ where we will be the most comfortable in our service to God. Not all of us are called to be pastors, missionaries, or Sunday school teachers, but we are called to serve where God directs us and in what specific area of ministry He has for us. Heed that calling whatever it may be and wherever it may be. Don’t let your fear keep you from God’s plan for your life. You’ll probably end up there eventually so quit killing time by taking the long way home and trust God to bring you into His service sooner rather than later.

Devotionals

Safety in the House of God

April 26, 2024April 25, 2024 Loring Schultz

“But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” Psalm 52:8 NLT

Photo by Rafael Albaladejo on Pexels.com

Churches across the globe have been considered sacred places of refuge for centuries. Most notable in times of war, churches were shelters for all who entered through their doors whosever side they were on. Sanctury churches today have a much more complicated task within the twists and turns of world culture. But the mission remains the same, to protect by providing refuge in the house of God.

When David was on the run from King Saul who was in pursuit to kill him, David penned Psalm 52. David describes the wickedness of his enemies and God’s judgement on them as he rests safely in God’s protection. David writes, “But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” (Ps.52:8 nlt) Olive trees live a span of hundreds of years. David is putting his trust in the lasting mercy of God for protection. Olive trees also represent prosperity. Being in God’s presence (house of God) David would not only find safety but will grow in his knowledge of Him. David is filled with praise in the sanctuary of God, “I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.” (Ps.52:9 nlt)

Psalm 52 is a picture of the reality of evil around us, but also of the justice of God in protecting His children while administrating judgment on the wicked of our day. Christians should take comfort that we are in the house of God, our place of refuge through the Holy Spirit, and are safe as we thrive in His presence praising Him!

Read: Psalm 52 NLT – Psalm 52 – For the choir director: A – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Entrusting What God has Given You

April 25, 2024April 24, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” Luke 12:48b NLT

Every local community has people in need. There is a need for everyday subsistence such as food, clothes, and shelter. The logistics of getting to appointments, the grocery store, and even to church need to be met. There are people who have emotional needs who just need a friend to sit with them. Others need help to manage their finances and legal affairs. Many people need help with their everyday chores, and all of them can use a good laugh. For all these needs to be met there needs to be an overflow from others who have been given and entrusted with much by the Lord.

The questions then become what do I have to offer? Can I afford to be so generous with my money, talent, and resources? You can find the answer by assessing your needs. Very simply put, if your needs are met in every category listed above, you can afford it. You may also find that you are in need in some area of your life, and that is for others to meet your need after they make their own assessment. The Lord blesses everyone, but exactly in the same way. My needs are your overflow, and your needs are mine. Of course this is not always an equal balance in our view, but it is in God’s eyes and according to His plan.

Jesus said, “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” (Lk.12:48b nlt) The Lord blesses us to bless others and He requires our participation. And those of us who have been ‘entrusted’ with much have a higher responsibility. We are committed to handle our overflow wisely. It is God’s gift to us in fulfilling the needs of others. More will be required of us. So, now the question is, are you entrusting what God has given you?

A Christian Perspective

The Temple of the Living God

April 24, 2024April 23, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.” 2 Corinthians 6:14, 16a NLT

There are deep divisions in the world in which we live. We have come to notice it more in recent years due to the political landscape of our day, but divisions have always been throughout millenniums. The bottom line is all the divisions in the world stem from one source, one’s belief or non-belief in the creator of all things. Jesus Himself said, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” (Lk. 11:23 nlt) It is easy to see from Jesus’ words, why there is so much division between people, nations, communities, and all the religions of the world. Jesus’ words are divisive, and in today’s world divisiveness is not tolerated. The world is to be united.

The apostle Paul tells the church in Corinth they are the temple of God. Every individual in Christ is a temple of the living God. He stresses God’s temple cannot be in union with the religions of the world (idols). In the same way, Christians (God’s temple) cannot be in union with those who oppose God by living contrary to His teachings in Scripture. Christians are not to be supportive of legislation enacted that violates God’s moral laws, but we are to pray for all those in authority. Paul again writing to Timothy says, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” (1Tim. 2:1-2 nlt)

Christians are to be a beacon of light in a dark world, always being careful not to have our light dimmed by sin in our lives, but to live righteously. Christians are also to be careful not to alienate ourselves from others. We are to live in the world but not be part of it. (Ro.12:2) The command from Christ to tell others about Him cannot be realized if we isolate ourselves. The world must see the temple of the living God in our lives. It is a delicate balance, but scripture points to the fact no union is possible with those outside of Christ no matter how much the desire for unity.

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NLT – The Temple of the Living God – Don’t – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

April 23, 2024April 20, 2024 Loring Schultz

“And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere” 1 Thessalonians 1:8a NLT

The town crier from the 18^th century, dressed in his red and gold coat with tricorne hat, proclaimed important announcements from the royal court. Ringing his handbell for attention he would then proceed to shout, “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez” which is “Hear Ye, Hear Ye,” a call to be attentive and to be silent. The proclamation would then begin.

Christians are also town criers, or should be. We are a part of the most royal (Holy) court in serving the Lord God. Our proclamation is the good news of Jesus Christ and it needs to be broadcast in as many ways as possible. What comes to mind for most people is the “street preacher” standing on the corner screaming out the message. Yes, that is one way, but let me suggest another way as well. How about Christians living out their lives in total obedience to Christ. An example for all to see will lead to conversation and opportunity to share the gospel (Good News) to all who inquire.

Paul, the apostle, in writing to the church at Thessalonica commended them for their faithfulness in proclaiming the gospel message. “The word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere even beyond Macedonia and Achaia.” (1 Th.1:8 nlt) Their message went a lot further than their local city. Thessalonica was located between major crossroads in the Roman Empire used for travel and commerce. They made sure to not miss an opportunity to live out their lives and say a word or two about the good news of Jesus Christ. We have the same opportunity today with those who cross our paths in the crossroads of life. Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

Devotionals

Will He Find Us Faithful?

April 22, 2024April 17, 2024 Loring Schultz

“A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.” Matthew 24:45 NLT

Managing the affairs of others whether personal or business interests is a responsibility that will be either rewarded or reprimanded in some fashion. During my retail career I have managed the business interests of several companies by managing several individual locations. I had been rewarded financially and with promotions, but also had come to reprimand on occasion. The last company I worked for kept me around for 21 years before my retirement, so I guess they considered me faithful. Christians are to be faithful in all walks of life; in our families, in our jobs, with our friends and neighbors, in our social life, in our commitments, and to the Lord God we serve.

Jesus Christ promised He was going to return to earth bringing His reward with Him. “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.” (Rev.22:12 nlt) Before Jesus left this earth to return to heaven, He gave us both His personal and business interests to manage for Him. Jesus told His disciples and anyone of us who claim to be followers of Him, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” (Mt.28:19-20a nlt)

None of us know the date of Jesus’ return. So, we better listen when He tells us what we should be doing waiting for His return. “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.” (Mt.24:45-46 nlt) We do not have a deadline for when our project is to be completed, but it will be completed on the day of His return. We all need to ask ourselves the following. Will He find us faithful, what will our evaluation look like, and will there be a reward for it?

Bible Studies

The Unforgiving Debtor: Parables of Jesus

April 21, 2024April 20, 2024 Loring Schultz

“You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” (Mt.18:32b-33 nlt)

This week in our study of the parables of Jesus we have one on forgiveness. Sometimes the hardest thing for a person to do is to forgive. This is especially true if the one extending forgiveness is extremely hurt. There are times one would finally agree to forgive the offender, but then adds they will never forget. Not much of a comfort for the one seeking forgiveness. Jesus is the perfect teacher to show us the true art of forgiveness and he did it in several ways recorded for us in the New Testament of the Bible.

Our parable this week, ‘The Unforgiving Debtor’, has a backstory to it. Peter, the always inquisitive disciple, asked Jesus, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” (Mt.18:21 nlt) Peter thought the number of seven was sufficient since Rabbinic teaching only required three. Jesus’ answer didn’t follow the teaching of three being the acceptable number. He didn’t put a number on it. Jesus told Peter his number seven was insufficient. The correct number was seventy-seven. In others words it was to an uncounted number of times. Jesus takes this opportunity to teach us all a valuable lesson on forgiveness. Christians who have received God’s forgiveness are accountable to forgive others considering the enormous debt we have been forgiven as we will see in this parable.

In Jesus’ earthly story there is a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants who did business for him. These servants could have been governors of the provinces in the kingdom. One servant was in arrears of one million dollars in today’s currency. How did this servant come to owe such a lager debt we don’t know, perhaps it was mismanagement in the taxation process, or a complete mishandling of public funds, which is just as prevalent in our day. The amount was so excessive this governor couldn’t pay it back in a lifetime. The king then ordered that he, his wife and children along with all that he owned be sold to pay the debt. “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’” (Mt.18:26 nlt) The king knew that he had no means in which to pay the debt. There was nothing he could ever do in his lifetime that would be enough to satisfy the debt.

The king of heaven, the Lord Jesus, knew there was nothing we could ever do to pay our debt regarding our sin. We are all doomed to a Christless eternity without our debt being paid in full, and we are not able to pay it. The king in Jesus’ story “was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.” (Mt.18:27 nlt) The king forgave the servants debt completely. It was only by the king’s grace and mercy he was free from the unpayable debt. No need to worry about back payments, the debt was marked paid in full. Jesus Christ paid our sin debt on the cross of Calvary. What we cannot do for ourselves, He did for us. When we accept Christ as our savior, our account is marked paid in full.

Christians should be the most forgiving people on the planet considering the forgiveness granted to us unto salvation. Apparently though this is not always the case. Therefore, the need for more of Jesus’ teaching. Jesus continues His parable, “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.” (Mt.18:28 nlt) This servant who was just set free from a lifetime debt was worried about a few thousand dollars owed to him by a colleague. This debtor also begged for more time, but what was different was his colleague had the ability to pay and only needed a little more time to clear the debt. But the unforgiving debtor refused and had his fellow worker put in prison.

Needless to say, when the king heard of the matter, he was furious. He called for this servant and said to him, “You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” (Mt.18:32b-33 nlt) Our Lord Jesus, King Jesus, has the same right to question us the same way should we ever forsake the forgiveness He has shown us by not granting it to others. No matter what offenses may have been done to us, it pales in comparison to our sin before the Lord. Our Lord forgives us of our sin as often as we come to Him, yes even seventy-seven times. May we do the same and forgive all those who ask for forgiveness remembering the debt that was forgiven on our behalf by our king, King Jesus!

Read: Matthew 18:21-35 NLT – Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor – Bible Gateway