Word for the Soul

“Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” Job 1:8 NIV

How well do you handle adversity? The troubles that come into your life will determine your relationship with God by how you will react. Do you seek after God during a personal crisis for comfort and guidance, or do you blame God and demand an answer, even cursing God for the tragedies that are occurring? Those of us who are Christians are reminded, that no matter how hard it can be to accept, God is in control. He allows the events in our lives to happen to draw us closer to Him and for His Glory.

We are given a glimpse of this reality in the book of Job. A conversation between God and Satan is unveiled in the first chapter of Job, verses 6-12. “Then the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.’” Satan, the adversary, accuses Job of being upright only due to the fact that God has bless him tremendously. He goes on to say if the Lord would stretch out his hand against him, then Job would curse God to His face. Satan is given the go ahead.

Unimaginable physical pain and suffering, along with the loss of his family and all his possessions is most likely the worst experience anyone ever encountered. As you read through the book of Job, you will find that Job, although very distraught at his suffering, never curses God, never loses his faith in God, and remains blameless and upright.

The Lord could say to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job,” because He knew Job could be trusted in following through continuing to trust God. The question is; can you and I be trusted to follow through continuing to trust God during our trails and suffering? Can the Lord say, ‘Have you considered my servant’ (your name here)?

Bible Studies

“Remembrance; Your Memorial Stones” Conquering New Territory: The Book of Joshua (….through faith, courage, obedience, and devotion to the Word of God)

October 22, 2023October 21, 2023 Loring Schultz

“So the men did as Joshua had commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River, one for each tribe, just as the LORD had told Joshua. They carried them to the place where they camped for the night and constructed the memorial there.” Joshua 4:8 NLT

Here in the United States, a day of remembrance, Memorial Day, is commemorated for those who have sacrificed their lives in serving their country. Patriots Day is recognized on September 11^th each year as a memorial and remembrance to all who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attack. Both have been put in place to remind us to ‘never forget.’ Remembrances and memorials are not only reserved for tragic events but also for major accomplishments throughout the world bringing inspiration and encouragement to all who take part in them. Remembrance in its proper context to ‘never forget’ teaches us there is something of value, something of extreme importance that cannot be ignored, but will enrich our lives with reverence and truth.

Here on this page we have been addressing conquering new territory in our lives the last couple of Sundays from the book of Joshua. We saw when we find ourselves in difficult new territory it requires us to be strong and courageous, to not overlook anyone God has place in our lives to help, and to make a total commitment to God to go ahead with His plan. Along the way God is going to start to do some amazing things in your transition to your new territory. It is during these events you need to take notice of God’s hand at work and start picking up your memorial stones.

The Israelites experienced the miracle of crossing the Jordan River on dry ground after God caused the waters to backup and separate creating a pathway to the other side. God was at work fulfilling His promise to them in providing the means they could not possibly accomplish on their own. The Lord then instructed Joshua to select twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, to pick up a stone from the middle of the river where the priests were standing carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. He was to build a memorial from the stones for remembrance of what the Lord had done for them. Future generations will ask of the significance of the stones learning of God’s magnificent power and His provisions for His people He called to new territory.

God’s plans are always exact and according to His timetable. Scripture says, “The people crossed the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month. Then they camped at Gilgal, just east of Jericho.” (Jos. 4:19 NLT) The Israelites arrived in the Promised Land exactly forty years from when they left the bondage of Egypt. The tenth day of the first month was the day the Passover lamb was to be selected for the Passover on the fourteenth day. Forty years earlier, they celebrated the first Passover sprinkling the blood on the doorposts as the destroying angel passed by. They were now brought safely to the Promised Land by the hand of the Lord.

You may feel like you are going through forty years in the wilderness in the adjustments to your new circumstances. But rest assured God is in control. He has His timetable and it needs no adjustments. It is during times like these you need to have complete trust in Him and remember what he has done for you so far. Start piling up your stones of remembrance building that memorial for you and others to look on and discover what great things God has done for you. Your memorial stones are also serve as a reminder for all to fear (have great reverence) for God. “He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the LORD’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the LORD your God forever.” (Jos. 4:24 NLT)

All your stones may not be the same in size, but when they are placed together in God’s timing they will form a perfect mosaic of His will, His provisions, His love, His grace, and His mercy. Start gathering your stones, there may be more of them than you realize.

Read Joshua 4 Memorials to the Jordan Crossing: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+4&version=NLT

A Christian Perspective

Hate Crimes

October 21, 2023October 20, 2023 Loring Schultz

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.’” Matthew 5:21-22 NLT

Our judicial system in the United States measures the punishment for a crime by determining what is appropriate according to the severity and circumstances of the crime. Obviously a murder conviction would bring on a much stiffer penalty than an assault charge or shoplifting. More recently in the 21^st century the law now includes “hate crimes.” According to the United States Department of Justice a “hate crime” is “a crime plus the motivation for committing the crime based on bias equals a hate crime. In the simplest terms, a hate crime must include both “hate” and a “crime.” (1) The FBI’s definition is; “A hate crime is a traditional offense like murder, arson, or vandalism with an added element of bias………Hate itself is not a crime—and the FBI is mindful of protecting freedom of speech and other civil liberties.” (2)

Our Lord Jesus also had something to say about hate crimes 2,000 years ago. The scribes and the Pharisees in Jesus’s day had an external view of the law. The outward deeds that were seen and committed such as murder would never have be done by these religious leaders. They reasoned they had never broken the sixth commandment, “You shall not murder.” Jesus corrects their misguided thinking, “But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” The real issue is the heart.

Anger, hate, and verbal abuse are the internal seeds of destruction that lead to murder. Jesus was pointing out the guilt of murder and inward sinful seeds resulting in abusive behavior are one and the same. Hate crimes are not only a product of our current society, but a product of a sinful heart since the fall of man in need of a Savior.

Devotionals

Recognizing the Messiah; the Light of the World

October 20, 2023October 19, 2023 Loring Schultz

“The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’” Matthew 20:31 NIV

Our world is currently going through dark times, in fact we could say it seems that total darkness cannot be far away. Darkness in the world has troubled humankind since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Although I must admit darkness has been progressing deeper into our society blinding any light trying to dispel it. The apostle Paul addressed this in his letter to the church at Ephesus by saying, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 6:12) Also in writing to Timothy he said, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.” (2 Tim. 3:1) Our world is certainly a dark place and growing darker.

But rest assured for all is not lost for the believer in Christ. Even in the darkness of our world, Christians can live in the light of Jesus Christ, and in the light of His Word. John writing about Jesus said, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” (Jn. 1:5, 9) Jesus is the true and only light in the world.

The world is in darkness due to all of mankind being in darkness, spiritual darkness. We are in spiritual darkness due to our sin nature and nothing will eradicate the darkness except the light of Christ in our lives. All of us are in need of confessing our sin and accepting Jesus Christ, the light of the world, as our savior.

The gospel of Matthew tells the story of two blind men who were aware that Jesus was soon to pass their way. They were also aware that He was the true Messiah, God the Son, who was able to cure their blindness. As they sat by the roadside, they shouted out to Jesus, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.’ By referring to Jesus as the Son of David, they were confirming their belief that He was the true Jewish Messiah who was to come. They had need of physical healing of blindness and asked to receive their sight, knowing that He who heal spiritual blindness is able to heal physical blindness. They believed in Jesus’s divine power.

Have you recognized the true Messiah, the true and only light of the world, Jesus Christ? The two blind men above recognized Him as the only one who could cure their physical and spiritual blindness. Scripture says, “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” (Mt. 20:34) We are living in a dark world, but we do not need to live in a dark spiritual world. Receive the light of the world and gain your spiritual sight and follow Him.

Read Matthew 20:29-34 Two blind men receive sight: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20%3A29-34&version=NIV

Devotionals

Coming Before God in Prayer with Unconfessed Sin

October 19, 2023October 18, 2023 Loring Schultz

“If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.” Psalm 66:18-20 NLT

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

The biggest struggle most Christians have in their daily walk with God is a consistent and fruitful prayer life. Living in a fast pace society where everything is instantaneous, short, and to the point, will put anything of value in jeopardy. A Christian’s prayer life is no different. We may do our best to carve out time in our day to pray, but there is always a chance something will hinder us from being consistent, it’s called life. We cannot get around unexpected interruptions, but we can make sure we are not hindering our time with God right from the start with inconsistencies in our own life.

The number one reason for an inconsistent and unfruitful prayer life is unconfessed sin. The Psalmist writes, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen!” (Ps. 66:18) Prayer is not simply asking God for things, but is a conversation with a holy God. It is a relationship that is intended to grow with time spent together. Unconfessed sin is a barrier preventing growth in your Christian life and it starts in your prayer requests to God.

If you are struggling in your prayer life with no satisfaction, no results, no meaningful relationship with God, and your prayers seem like just words being spoken in open air, maybe it’s time for a self-examination, myself included. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” (1 Jn. 1:9a NLT) The Psalmists continued to write with good news that God does listen when we confess our sins to Him. God pays attention to our prayers, He does not ignore them, and He will never withdraw His love from us. Praise God!

A simple acrostic to follow when we pray may be helpful:

ACTS – Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.

Devotionals

Do Not Fear; ‘Be still, and know that I am God!’

October 18, 2023October 17, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 NLT

There has always been conflicts and war between the nations of the world since the days of the Old Testament. Our world is broken and is suffering the consequences of sin. War is one of those consequences. It is inevitable that skirmishes will result when sinful people are in disagreement with each other. Not being held in check, these disagreements eventually lead to outbursts of anger, violence toward your adversary, and eventually war between nations.

The world today in 2023 is experiencing war on several fronts. Ukraine and Russia are at war since the Russians invaded Ukraine in February, 2022, and most recently the terrorists group Hamas invaded and struck Israel who has now declared war on Hamas. Wars today as they were in Bible times are still going on, and will continue to go on until Jesus rules on the earth in the millennial kingdom. So what are we to do in the meantime, in these days of war, ‘do not fear.’

The Lord God declares something that is extremely important for us to understand in our day. The Lord says in Psalm 46, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” God wants us to know that He alone is God and to be still, trusting Him, and not to fear. The day is coming when every nation will honor the Lord; Russia, Ukraine, Israel, the United States, China, Iran, North and South Korea, and every other nation on the planet. The Lord God will also be honored throughout the whole world by every person when Christ rules in His kingdom.

So let us take heart and not fear trusting God that He indeed is God, better days are ahead, and wars will cease. Let us also pray for those caught in the war zones during these troubling times. May we also pray for peace and safety, for courage and wisdom for the governmental leaders, and for God’s Word to go out bringing comfort to all through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Read Psalm 46: Psalm 46 NLT – Psalm 46 – For the choir director: A – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Fan Into Flames

October 17, 2023October 16, 2023 Loring Schultz

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.” 2 Timothy 1:6 NLT

Are you using your “Spiritual Gift” that God has given you? Spiritual gifts differ from our God given natural gifts and abilities in that they are given to us by the Holy Spirit as we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ for Salvation. Gifts such as; teaching, giving, exhorting, encouraging, serving, leadership and mercy. These gifts are given to us to serve the Lord where He has placed us within the local church and in the ministry He has for us wherever that may be.

The apostle Paul reminded Timothy to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave him. Timothy needed some encouragement. Perhaps he was fearful, timid or shy. We may feel the same at times, but whatever the case, it is good instruction for us today to fan into flames the spiritual gift that God has given us.

Think of it this way; your gift was given to you for a specific purpose and if you do not use it there will be many people who will miss out on a spiritual blessing that only you can provide. It is your spiritual gift. Use it. Read 2 Timothy 1:3-7 Encouragement to Be Faithful: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A3-7&version=NLT

Devotionals

For just such a time as this

October 16, 2023October 15, 2023 Loring Schultz

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NLT

Have you ever imagined yourself living in another time and place? Perhaps you fantasized of living during the Renaissance Era in Europe, the Colonial Days of the 17^th and 18^th centuries or the so-called Fabulous 50’s in America. Whatever your dreams or fantasies, rest assured that you are where you are by Divine design. It is not by chance. God has placed each of us in the space of time and location by His choosing.

The story of “Esther” in the Old Testament is an excellent example of God’s Divine providence. Esther was in a position, by highly usual circumstances I might add, to keep her people, the Jews, from annihilation. (Esther 3:12-13)

We may not be in such a dilemma as Esther, but God places each of us to carry out His purposes by being obedient and faithful where he has placed us. You may ask yourself “Why I am here, at this place, during this time?” You are here to carry out God’s purposes in telling others the Good News of His Son, Jesus Christ right where he has placed you.

Bible Studies

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

October 15, 2023October 14, 2023 Loring Schultz

“So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them.” Joshua 3:14 NLT

A major cause in failing to succeed in conquering new territory is the failure to make a total commitment to see it through. There may be legitimate reasons for the hesitation such as; being in new territory you haven’t been there before, there is a reluctance to leave your current comfort space, and fear of the unknown ahead of you are some reasons to take a step back and not totally commit. Unfortunately some new territory we are to conquer is beyond our control and we need to do our best to conquer it. Certain life situations will not allow us the luxury of putting off the change that is necessary in our lives. We need to act, making the commitment to see it through until completion.

The good news is we do not need to do it alone. As Christians we have the Holy Spirit to guide us along the way. The Lord God will lead us into our new territory. There is nothing that takes God by surprise. He is aware of everything that comes into our lives, and in fact is a part of His sovereign will. If the Lord has new territory for us to conquer according to His will, we can be sure He has already put in place the necessary means to conquer it.

The children of Israel had new territory to conquer in entering the land God had promised them. Not only would they face battles in capturing each city, but the first battle they faced was to cross the Jordan River at flood stage. Once across the Jordan, there would be no easy retreat back from the armies of the major cities. The time had come for all Israel to make a total commitment of faith to the Lord God. Israel did just that under Joshua’s leadership. After the spies returned with a good report, Joshua wasted no time in preparing to continue on with the Lord’s plan. We read in Joshua 3:1, “Early the next morning Joshua and all the Israelites left Acacia Grove and arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, where they camped before crossing.”

Along the Jordan River for the next three days Joshua and his officers instructed the hundreds of thousands of Israelites in the procedure of crossing over. They were to follow the Levitical priests who would be carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, following at a distance of a half mile behind so all would be able to see it. The Lord would be leading them for they had not travelled that way before. Joshua also commanded them to purify themselves, an outward cleansing and an inward devotion to God. This was a solemn occasion and they were about to see the Lord God do miraculous things.

Israel witnessed the great power of God that their fathers saw forty years earlier when they witnessed the parting of the Red Sea. The Lord commanded the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the Jordan River and upon descending from the river banks the water started to back up upstream twenty miles away in the city of Adam. The nation of Israel then crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. The Lord God was aiding Israel in their venture of conquering their new territory. The nation totally committed by faith, obedience, courage, and devotion to God the plan in bringing them into the Promised Land.

Whatever new territory we are in or about to enter, let us learn from the example of Joshua and the nation of Israel. The Lord desires that we be totally committed to Him and the plans He has for us. He always has our best interests at heart and nothing in His plans are designed to hurt us but for us to be successful and to grow spiritually in Him. Paul writes in the book of Romans encouraging words for us as we totally commit to God in conquering our new territory, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Read Joshua 3 Total Commitment, The Israelites Cross the Jordan: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+3&version=NLT

A Christian Perspective

Understanding What Divides Us

October 14, 2023October 13, 2023 Loring Schultz

“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:18-19 NIV

Our world is divided between countries. Countries are divided within themselves. Political parties divide the government landscape. Groups of people divide themselves by race, ethnicity and religion, country of origin and even by where they reside in the country, state, or providence they hail from.

What divides us is more than where we live, where we were born, or the color of our skin. It is more than what our political beliefs are, what our economic status is, or how we view history. Understanding what divides us is crucial for any hope of bringing us together. The irony is; that what divides us also unites us. It is the Cross of Jesus Christ.

The cross of Christ is more divisive than any other symbol, political movement, government rulings, or any opposing points of view. This has been true since the crucifixion of Christ two thousand years ago. Scripture says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16 NIV) “Whoever” means “whoever!” All have equal access to accept Christ, because all need to accept Christ and all are in the same boat of sin and sinking fast. No one is exempt.

Understanding the divide is pictured clearly on Calvary’s hill that horrible day of crucifixion. Jesus was crucified between two others, both guilty of crimes, both deserving punishment, and both in need of repenting of their sin and accepting Christ. One of them mocked Jesus and wanted release immediately saying to Him, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (Lk. 23:39) The other, understanding his just punishment and his need beyond this world, said “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Lk. 23:42)

Today we have those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and those who continuingly mock Him. They have refused to acknowledge their sin and their need to be rescued out of that sinking boat. What divides us is a spiritual divide. It is those who have the Spirit of God who realize this world is not all there is, and it is those who cannot see beyond this world for they are spiritually blinded. Paul writes to the early church in Corinth, “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.” (1 Cor. 2:14 NLT) What the apostle wrote centuries ago is just as true today.

The cross of Jesus Christ which is the way of salvation for those who believe in Christ as their savior is the same cross that is foolishness to those who do not believe. This is what still divides us today, but can unite us in Christ if those unbelievers would forsake their foolishness and accept Jesus Christ the Lord.

The world needs to understand what divides us is a spiritual divide. It is a divide between those who believe in the God of the Bible and His plan of Salvation through Jesus Christ, God the Son, and those who do not. May we as Christians understand where the true division starts and where it ends, and may we work to lead those in need of Christ to salvation.