Word for the Soul

For the Christian “A Call to Prayer” should never need to be called for. The sad fact is for some Christians it needs to be, and also the church. We’ve become all too complacent with our lives. We are either too busy, or think we have got it covered, or God knows all our needs and He will take care of it. Some Christians call on God only when a real disaster strikes them in their family, or when a major crisis occurs in our country or somewhere around the world. We are then ready and feel the need to pray either by ourselves, or with our families, or with the church family.

Such a need has been felt in the United States since January 6, 2021. The nation’s capital, the beacon of democracy and freedom, had been overrun by insurgents with violence causing destruction, desecration, injuries, and loss of life. The political aftermath the last three years has added more confusion, frustration, and division among the people. We would be wise to remember it is God who has the ultimate authority and who established the rule of law. This same God, the creator of all things, has given this authority to men and women to govern and to rule maintaining law and order where they serve.

The terrorist attack on Israel led by Hamas has also heighten divisions between supporters of the Jews and supporters of the Palestinian people here in the United States. This country has been in deep division since the year 2000 and is growing deeper. Sadly we are at a point where it doesn’t take a major crisis or a war to add fuel to the burning house of division in the nation.

So, as Christians we are to pray as Paul instructs us in 1 Timothy, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.” Paul’s concern, as ours should be, is that all would come to know the true God, helping them understand His Word, interceding for them, and thanking God for them. We are to also pray for those who rule over us that they may also come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and as Paul says, “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

Christians call to prayer is always to be for the Salvation of all people, including those who rule over us whether we agree with them of not. Nero, the ruler in Paul’s day, was a great blasphemer and persecuted the Christians, yet Paul said to pray for him. What will heal the division today in the United States than our leaders leading in a way, “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Let all Christians heed the call to prayer, individually, in our homes, and in the church.

Devotionals

A Wide Door of Opportunity

December 1, 2023November 30, 2023 Loring Schultz

“for a wide door for effective work has opened to me” 1 Corinthians 16:9 ESV

Christians have a great opportunity to share their faith every December. Just take a look around, there are not many people who are not affected by the Christmas season in some way. It could be the busyness of the season from the shopping, decorating your home, or preparing that special meal, not to mention exhaustion from participating in many activities and the anxiety that goes along with it. It could also be the lonely, distressed, and sad emotions the season brings. Yes, there is “a wide door” that is opened to share the love and peace of Christ and why He came-the true meaning of Christmas.

We cannot escape the sights and sounds of Christmas from the festive lights and trees to the constant flow of Christmas music, to the cable networks and streaming services providing Christmas movies 24/7 repeating the same feature over and over again.

The bottom line is; what an opportunity we have as Christians to engage our culture with the true meaning of Christmas. Not that there is anything wrong with Christmas trees, lights, continuous music or movies, there is not. And what about gifts, nothing wrong with gift giving either. We give gifts at Christmas following God’s example of giving. He gave us the greatest gift of all, His Son Jesus Christ. This Christmas may we all share our faith in Christ by “keeping the Main Thing, the Main Thing”, the Reason for the Season.

Devotionals

Worthless Things

November 30, 2023November 29, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.” Psalm 119:37 NLT

Photo by Jean van der Meulen on Pexels.com

Something of worth is defined as having a material value, especially in terms of money. Also something deserving of importance or merit is also considered valuable or worthy. Some things of worth range from jewelry, automobiles, real estate, furniture, fine china, and many others pieces of material worth, even money itself. Achievements such as receiving a college degree from a highly respectable university is very valuable when presented in the job market.

Worthless things would be the opposite of worthy things. Old rusted cars, run down property, broken china, worn down stained furniture, even the university degree if the holder devalued it by regrettable acts would now be useless. But even worthless things can be restored, just attend an antique automobile show, or visit an antique shop and you will see restoration. Real estate developers can turn unseemly property into luxurious residential areas, and many individuals have restored their reputation with the help of caring organizations.

The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:37, “Turn my eyes from worthless things.” In this section of Psalm 119, the psalmist desires to be instructed in God’s laws. He asks God to help him to turn away from worthless things. Taking our definition of worthless things, it would seem quite easy to turn away from those things, unpleasant as they are. But that is not what the psalmist had in mind. He really wanted to turn away from the worthy things. In comparison to God’s Word even the things of worth are worthless. He writes, “…..give me life through your word.”(119:37b) His desire was to look upon things of the greatest value, the Word of God.

Having the proper perspective on who and what is worthy will go a long way in living our lives according to God’s Word. It will help us grow in our relationship with Him, and we will have a better understanding of what is of value and what is not. May we ask the Lord to turn our eyes from worthless things.

Read Psalm 119:33-40: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119%3A33-40&version=NLT

Devotionals

Do you have the gift? Yes, you do!

November 29, 2023November 28, 2023 Loring Schultz

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.” 1 Peter 4:10-11a NLT

Fear of not being qualified or talented enough has kept many Christians from serving the Lord in their local church. There are also other, not so legitimate, reasons for not serving and you most certainly cannot serve if you do not attend church, but that is for another day. Today, be encouraged the Lord God has gifted you to serve Him in His church. If you are a child of God you have been given a spiritual gift, maybe even a combination of serval gifts, but one in particular to serve God within His church.

The gifts that God bestows upon us at our conversion are spiritual gifts of a supernatural nature. They are gifts we did not possess before, nor could we achieve them on our own. They are also not to be confused with natural God given abilities which can and should be used to bring glory to God. These are gifts given to us by God to serve Him and our brothers and sisters in Christ where we gather together as a body of believers.

It is also important to note not everyone has the same gift. Oh, there may be others who have similar gifts, but a variety of gifts works best for the church to function orderly and for all to be taught, encouraged, cared for, and blessed. Whether you have the gift of teaching, administration, leadership, hospitality, serving, exhortation and caring, or a hands on where needed, used the gift God has given you for His glory. You are qualified and talented enough so do not fear. Do you have the gift? Yes, you do!

Devotionals

Our Christian Responsibilities

November 28, 2023November 27, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:17 NIV

Life as a Christian is not an easy task. It has never been without the Lord’s help. We live in a world that is dominated by Satan’s influence and any rejection of that influence is met with resistance. However we are called to be a light in this dark world and salt for a preservative to prevent the spoilage cause by evil. The apostle Peter reminds us of our responsibilities as Christians as a way to work this out. And our Lord expects us, with His help, to live in such a way as to bring glory to Him.

We begin by showing proper respect to everyone. Yes, even those we do not agree with and those who do us harm. Every person is made in the image of God and for that they deserve respect. Allow everyone to see Jesus in us and be transparent by being obedient to His Word.

Love the family of believers. Unfortunately our love for fellow Christians is, at times, not what it should be. Apparently it was also true in Peter’s day. Jesus addressed our duty to love our Christian brothers and sisters by saying, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Christians are also to fear God. Fear in the sense of a “reverential awe” for who He is; Holy, the creator of all things, the sustainer of life, merciful, gracious, just, all powerful, all knowing, and a loving God.

Lastly, Peter instructs us to “honor the emperor”, those in authority over us. The Roman emperor in Peter’s day was Nero. Peter tells his readers to honor Nero. Honor is to “highly regard” with “inner respect.” We are to be obedient to the governmental authorities, except when the law goes against the law of God according to scripture. (Acts 5:29)

Yes, life as a Christian is not an easy task and we cannot do it in our strength. But with the Lord’s help we can “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” and fulfil ‘Our Christian Responsibilities.’

Devotionals

Perfectly Planned

November 27, 2023November 26, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.” Luke 1:8-9 NIV

In early Jewish history the Temple had incense burning continually in front of the veil that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. There were twenty-four divisions of temple priests who each ministered for one week twice a year. Their job was to keep the incense burning by a lone priest entering the Holy Place and offering the incense every morning and evening. Their selection to perform this duty was chosen by lot. Due to the number of priests within each division and the fact they only served twice a year, it was indeed a rare privilege to serve in this capacity. Most priests never had the opportunity for this duty and no one was to serve more than once.

Zechariah, a priest from the division of Abijah, had the once in a lifetime privileged to enter into the Holy Place to burn incense. His division was on duty and he was chosen. Some would argue he was chosen by chance of the lot, the luck of the straw, or even coincidence. But this was perfectly planned by God. For as he was performing his duties an angel of the Lord appeared before him. He declared to Zechariah that Elizabeth, his wife would have a child in her old age. His name would be John, John the Baptist, and he was to be the forerunner to the Messiah, Jesus. Six months later, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing that she will be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and will conceive and bear a Son and His name would be Jesus.

God’s planning and timing is perfect. He is never late, but always on time. His plans always work out according to His schedule. A lesson for us in our impatience to wait on the Lord and trust His plan for our lives, for it is ‘perfectly planned.’

Read Luke 1:5-25, The Birth of John the Baptist foretold: Luke 1:5-25 NIV – The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Pray for Everything” Conquering New Territory: The Book of Joshua (….through faith, courage, obedience, and devotion to the Word of God)

November 26, 2023November 24, 2023 Loring Schultz

“So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the LORD.” Joshua 9:14 NLT

In a fallen world there are many forms of deception. I believe in the 21^st century where we are living, we have seen the most ingenious methods to deceive even the most intelligent unsuspecting candidate. Most, if not all, scammers are one step ahead of many of their victims. They have nothing to do all day but to plan their next great deceptive scheme. There have been tragic results over the years of people losing everything they ever own by deception. Some were naïve in trusting what they thought they knew, others were taken in by scams that gave the impression they are from creditable, even official government sources, and then there are those who are taken in by their own greed looking to make that fast buck in a ‘guaranteed’ investment. The greatest tragedy is not having consulted the Lord God in prayer about any decision no matter how small it is, or think you can handle it on your own. The Lord wants you to confide in Him in prayer as He continually directs you in your new territory.

Joshua and the leaders of Israel failed to consult the Lord on a matter they thought they were able to handle without His guidance. They forgot the Lord God was leading them, and He was the one in charge. Joshua was leading the people, but God was leading Joshua and the nation of Israel as a whole. Perhaps overconfidence played a part due to their recent victory at Ai when they were approached by a delegation from Gibeon six miles down the road presenting themselves as coming from a foreign nation in a far distant land. They had come to seek a peace treaty with Israel after Jericho and Ai were destroyed and figured they were next. Their deception was well thought out. Joshua 9:12-13 describes the great lengths they went to deceiving Israel, “This bread was hot from the ovens when we left our homes. But now, as you can see, it is dry and moldy. These wineskins were new when we filled them, but now they are old and split open. And our clothing and sandals are worn out from our very long journey.” (NLT) Israel fell to the deception by what they saw. They felt no need to ask God for His guidance after observing their clothing, food rations and speaking with the delegation. However, not everything is as it seems.

Failure to pray about every situation that comes into our lives will have devastating consequences, especially when we are still adjusting to our new space. Don’t forget, God brought you to your current place and He is not done leading you, nor will He ever be. Israel forgot that and made a treaty with the people of Gibeon who they were to destroy. “Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath. Three days after making the treaty, they learned that these people actually lived nearby!” (Jos. 9:15-16 NLT) Israel was deceived.

After Joshua found out the truth of who the Gibeonites were and they were neighbors, he made them servants tending to carrying water and woodcutting. Since the treaty was made in the name of Jehovah, it was sacred and could not be broken. Joshua honored the treaty allowing them to live.

Some Bible passages are hard for us to understand, but if we ask for the Lord’s help as we search the scriptures He will give great insights. We have seen many insights we can apply to our lives from Joshua and Israel conquering their new territory. Today see the importance of praying for everything. There are a lot of matters we handle ourselves without falling into a trap of deception. With that being said, in conclusion I leave you with an excerpt from a yesteryear devotional from the late Dr. Robert A. Cook;

“Pray your way through the day. Pray when you wake up so you won’t greet the family with a snarl. Pray on your way to school or to work. Pray before you tackled the first job of the day, whatever it may be. Pray before you answer the phone…. .Pray before you open a letter…… Pray before you make a decision. Pray before you hire a person and before you fire one, if you have to. Pray before you enter a business deal……Pray your way through the day.” (1)

Praying our way through the day makes good sense, that way we cover everything both large and small. Remember you haven’t been here before, allow God to make decisions for you. ‘Pray for everything’. He will make it clear what to do and you won’t be deceived.

Read Joshua 9, The Gibeonites Deceive Israel: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%209&version=NLT

Cook, Robert. Today With The King, Wheaton, Scripture Press, 1985.

A Christian Perspective

America needs people to ‘Stand in the Gap’

November 25, 2023November 24, 2023 Loring Schultz

“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!” Ezekiel 22:30-31 NLT

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

The United States of America is still the greatest, most prosperous nation in the world today. Cemented on Judeo-Christian values from the pages of Holy Scripture by the founding Fathers, the United States has been blessed as no other nation for the undivided attention given to God’s commands and the truth given to us from our creator. But, I’m afraid those days may be coming to an end. The United States as a country has abandon God and we are starting to see the beginning of the end of our freedom unless radical change back to God is made very soon.

It is impossible for anyone to not be aware of the deterioration of the very fabric of our nation. Even the casual observer of the news is confronted with, political turmoil, ever increasing crime, hatred towards others, racism, scandals within our government institutions, attempts to silence free speech, discrimination, churches turning away from the truths of God’s Word, and the spending of the Federal government causing the rising debt ceiling. The hard fact is, although being aware of the crisis in in our country, many are either uninterested or simply don’t care, others are too busy with their own concerns, some are part of the problem, and then there are others who do care but only complain and never take the initiative of getting involved to help in any way they can, even praying for the country.

The Lord speaking through the prophet Ezekiel was looking for someone to intercede on behalf of the people of Jerusalem who was about to be taken captive and the city destroyed. Their continued sinning by turning their back on God, who had blessed them overwhelmingly, is about to unleash the consequences. Sadly, the Lord found no one to ‘stand in the gap’ rebuilding the wall of righteousness. There was no one to teach repentance and return to the Lord their God. Jerusalem was destroyed and the people were taken to Babylon in captivity.

The United States must heed this warning from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel. If the Lord God did not spare His own people from destruction due to their sin, what makes us think He will spare the United States of America? “So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!” (Ez. 22:31 NLT) Who will help rebuild the wall of righteousness, the sacred Judeo-Christian values that established the United States of America, and stand in the ‘stand in the gap?’ Will it be you? Will it be me?

Devotionals

Living in the Last Days

November 24, 2023November 23, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” Hebrews 1:1-2a ESV

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law” Galatians 4:4 ESV

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas season is officially upon us. You have the green light to start decorating, shopping, listening to Christmas music, and turning off the annoying Christmas music. Preparing for Christmas has been rushed over the years mainly by retailers seeking an early advantage over the competition. These early displays of gift ideas, Black Friday deals, and lawn decorations are succeeding as more people are buying into rushing into the season. On a road trip last weekend, I was amazed of how many homes are fully decorated for Christmas including a tree prominently displayed in the front window. We have all been doing our share in pushing forward the season.

That first Christmas 2,000 years ago in the city of Bethlehem was anything but rushed. God the Father had planned it out perfectly when He would send His Son Jesus to be born. Paul writes in the book of Galatians, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son.” (4:4a ESV) But in a way, we could say Biblically, the season was rushed or pushed forward. The author of the book of Hebrews writes, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets.” (1:1 ESV) The Lord spoke His Word through the prophets during the Old Testament days previewing of the coming of Christ, the Messiah. The Jewish people knew the term ‘last days’ indicated the coming of the Messiah. Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, had come and we have been in the ‘last days’ since His birth.

The prophets of the Old Testament paved the way for our understanding the birth of Jesus as the Messiah who was to come. The Old Testament indeed speaks of God’s redemptive plan of salvation through the Messiah. God’s spoken revelation in the Old Testament was through the prophets, but now Jesus the Messiah, God the Son, has come speaking of God’s plan of redemption in these last days. (Heb. 1:2a)

Jesus told His disciples the night before His crucifixion God’s plan of salvation, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn. 14:6 ESV) Just before these words to them, He said, “…I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (Jn. 14:3 ESV) Jesus has declared He is coming back again as the prophets of the Old Testament spoke of His first coming. We do not know the date so we better prepare for His coming as we prepare for each Christmas season ahead of time for we are ‘living in the last days.’

Devotionals

Truly Thankful

November 23, 2023November 22, 2023 Loring Schultz

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Luke 17:15-17 NIV

Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Pexels.com

Every year as we approach Thanksgiving Day, many people make out their list for what they are thankful for. Who cannot help but smile with some of the answers children make when asked what is on their list, sometimes for grownups as well. We all have trivial items we are grateful for and there is nothing wrong in giving thanks for even the simplest things in life.

But on the other hand we need to careful not to simplify or casually treat all our thanks to the Lord in this manner. The blessings we receive on a daily are often taken for granted. Major life events appear to be treated as happenstance without giving thought to divine intervention from our Lord. Answers to prayer are given lip service; “Thank the Lord” “The Lord is good” etc. But do we go beyond speaking the words, do the words come from our hearts, and do we truly express a heart of gratitude? Are we Truly Thankful?

Jesus, travelling to Jerusalem, entered a village and was met by ten men who had leprosy. They shouted from a distance due to their disease, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Jesus responded by telling them to go show themselves to the priests. (Luke 17:13-14) As they were healed on the way, one of them came back to personally thank Jesus by glorifying God and falling down at His feet. Jesus questioned where the others were, after all they were all healed. They may have all been thankful in some degree, but one was Truly Thankful.

Let us examine our hearts this Thanksgiving and be Truly Thankful.