Devotionals

Looking out for #1

Loring Schultz

“When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.” Matthew 20:24 NLT

            During my years in the corporate world I’ve seen opportunities for advancement present themselves in various ways. Some were decisions made by company executives promoting individuals into vacated positions or newly created positions of which I was the recipient and also passed over at times. Other opportunities were posted within the corporation with proper procedures in applying for the open positions. It is within this framework that one might try to take advantage over others if they have a contact with influence in the decision making process. Sometimes it worked to their advantage and sometimes not, but what was consistent was the resentment felt of others who had no such advantage. 

            Trying to work your way into an inside track is a tactic used for thousands of years and by those we would think would be above implementing such a maneuver, such as Jesus’s disciples. Jesus had told His disciples they would be ruling with Him in the kingdom sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Mt. 19:28) Two of His disciples, James and John, used an influential contact, their mother, in asking Jesus if they would be granted to sit on His left and on His right in the kingdom. To be fair, the gospel of Mark records James and John as asking Jesus, but there is no contradiction here in Matthew’s account. It is possible that all three were present in asking Jesus, or as John MacArthur notes, ‘more likely that they had discussed it among themselves beforehand, and each posed the question to Jesus privately.’ The bottom line is they were seeking an advantage for themselves over the other disciples.   

            Scripture tells us, “When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.” (Mt. 20:24) There are the two sides to this coin we need to understand. It is true the other disciples felt resentment, but they were sorry they did not get to Jesus first to ask Him. They were, in fact, jealous. They were all looking out for #1. Jesus then explains to all His disciples His kingdom is not like the kingdoms of the world. It’s not about being #1, but serving. He uses Himself as the greatest example of serving, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt. 20:28)

            Temptations are always present in our day to look out for #1, But as Christians, when we look out only for ourselves we leave a trail behind us of those who now look at us defiantly, the very ones we are to help and serve.

Read Jesus teaches about serving others: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20%3A20-28&version=NLT

Devotionals

No Excuse

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

            All of us must admit there are times when something is so obvious, so clearly seen, so clearly heard, even so clearly felt, that we cannot deny is authenticity. Indeed it must be true.  Despite the efforts of some who will try to dissuade you from a certain truth either through false comments or actions, if you take the time to examine what they are saying and doing you will find plenty of evidence to the contrary. What is true is true and what is false is false. There is always evidence as to what is true and to what is false if we only take the time to search it out for ourselves. In our current day, we have a vast pool of informational sources available to us to search out a matter. As a result of this, we are without excuse if we continue to be persuaded by others and not look at the evidence ourselves.

            When it comes to the existence of God however, God has made it easy for us to determine He does exist and He is God. All throughout history up to including today, there are many people who deny the existence of the God of the Bible. Some display their denial through their words, but most exhibit their denial through their actions. Therefore if there is no God, then there is no God to answer to and I am free to do as I please. They become their own gods determining what is right or wrong according to themselves and their current culture. Their actions are having severe consequences on themselves and society as a whole. Even though some claim to know God, they obviously do not know the God of the Bible.  

            But the good news is the God of the Bible, the true God, has made Himself known to every individual through nature itself and the creation of the world. He has made it easy for us to know Him so we are without excuse. We have no excuse for living as if there are no consequences in living in violation of His Word, as if He doesn’t exist or doesn’t care about our actions. He does!

Read Romans 1:18-32, God’s anger at sin: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A18-32&version=NLT

Devotionals

Comforting the Brokenhearted

Loring Schultz

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT

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            I can say with confidence that there is not one person alive today who has not had their heart broken. If by chance you claim you have not, the Lord bless you but keep on reading for that day will come. Brokenheartedness is set in motion for many different reasons. The death of a loved one, the loss of a of budding relationship, a marriage ending in divorce, the need to move away from your family, the loss of a job, rejection by your children or parents, and loneliness are just a few of the causes of a broken heart.

            King David penned Psalm 34 exalting God with praise and thanksgiving and stressing the goodness of the Lord. David is one who has had a broken heart on more than one occasion. The death of his best friend Jonathan, the rejection by King Saul and his desire to kill David, the death of David’s first child with Bathsheba, and the rebellion and death of his son Absalom are examples of David’s firsthand knowledge of brokenheartedness. Yet David was always ready to praise the Lord and seek Him for he knew only the Lord can bring comfort to a broken heart.

            To those of you who may be brokenhearted today and your spirit crushed, we have a great comforter in the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah prophesized of His coming, referring to Christ, Isaiah wrote “He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.” (Is. 61:1b NLT) Jesus does indeed comfort those with a broken heart. He came to release us from the captivity of sin by dying on the cross for our guilt. He has set us free, but not to be on our own. He is with us promising never to leave us or forsake us and that includes comforting us when we are brokenhearted.

Read Psalm 34, In Praise of God’s Goodness: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34&version=GNT

Devotionals

The fight of our lives

Loring Schultz

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 NLT

            Christians are in a constant battle. From the moment a person puts their trust in Christ for salvation, the battle begins. Satan and his demons will do anything necessary to disrupt the lives of Christians in their new found faith. It has been said that once one becomes a Christian all their problems in this world go away, but the fact is they do not. For Christians living a godly life in a fallen world ruled by Satan is not only a big problem, but the fight of our lives.

            The Lord does not leave us defenseless in our battle with the evil one. He promises to be with us through the Holy Spirit and He has provided us with a suit of armor to be able to stand firm in our struggles. The apostle Paul in writing to the church at Ephesus lists each part of the protective garb we are to put on. He instructs believers to, “put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.” (Eph. 6:13a)

            Christians are first instructed to put on the belt of truth, something that is lacking in our present day. Next is the body armor, or breastplate of God’s righteousness, signifying the Christian’s character. Our feet are to be fitted with shoes of the gospel of peace, the good news. To protect us from the fiery arrows of temptation, evil persuasions, and doubts, we are to take up the shield of faith. Faith in the God of our salvation will not permit any worldly darts to penetrate us. The helmet provides protection against serious head wounds. The helmet of salvation represents the believer’s assurance of salvation and is a symbol of military victory.

            The five pieces of armor listed above are all for defensive purposes. It is of extreme importance that we note that Christians have only one offensive weapon, the Word of God. Only one is needed, and it is described as the sword of the spirit. It is indeed a weapon to use in the proper manner; used to instill truth, to bring to light what is false, to expose evil, to bring the good news of salvation, and to bring Glory to God. “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Heb. 4:12)

            ‘The fight of our lives’ is true of every Christian life, but we can stand firm in truth, righteous character, peace, faith, assurance of salvation, and the Word of God.

Read the “Whole Armor of God” https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A10-18&version=NLT

Devotionals

The Grace of God

Loring Schultz

“and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar……and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah” Matthew 1:3, 5-6 ESV

            The four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are narratives of Jesus Christ. Each author through the Holy Spirit presents a specific perspective of our Lord Jesus. Matthew in writing to a mainly Jewish audience presents Jesus as the Messiah, Mark presents Him as the suffering servant to the gentiles, Luke’s gospel focuses on the humanity of Christ, the Son of Man, and John’s narrative is acknowledging the deity of Christ. Jesus is indeed God the Son.

            A common theme throughout all of the Gospels, in fact all through the Old and New Testaments, is the grace of God. We are reminded of this in Matthew’s listing of the genealogy of Christ in Matthew chapter 1. Most of us admittedly brush over genealogies and numerical records in the Bible. They seem to be hard to follow, certainly hard to pronounce some of the names, and just not that important. But if we take that approach to Matthew’s genealogy of Christ we will miss seeing God’s redemptive plan of salvation and His marvelous grace.

            Embedded within the genealogy found in Matthew’s gospel are the names of four women. Women normally would not be listed in Jewish genealogies, but these four were. Two were even Gentile women. Three of the four had moral lapses in their backgrounds. While it is important to note that the descendant in each case was through the man; Why then the significance to include these women? It is to present God’s plan of salvation to save sinners, which includes all of us. God’s plan of salvation includes all ethnic backgrounds. No one is beyond the grace of God.

Bible Studies

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

Loring Schultz

“For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” Joshua 2:11b NLT

            Conquering new territory in your life is not something you try to achieve on your own, although many have tried and failed. For Christians, we are to trust God and follow His leading wherever it leads us, and to whomever He assigns to help us. The nation of Israel had an unlikely ally in helping them secure sensitive information about the city of Jericho and its surrounding territory. Joshua sent out two men on a covert operation to spy out the land they were about to conquer with their first stop the city of Jericho. Jericho was the key city of the entire southern Jordan valley. Their mission was to survey the scope of the land, food and water resources, and the military strength of Jericho.

            When the two men entered Jericho they went to house of Rahab, a prostitute, and spent the night there. An overnight visit to a prostitute would not incur suspicion concerning their mission. Rahab’s house was also on the wall providing an easy escape if found out. The two spies realized early on how the Lord led them to Rahab’s house. The king of Jericho found out that spies from Israel had come into Jericho. Rahab hid the spies in her home and protected them from capture as she was questioned as to their whereabouts. God had used the most unlikely person in the carrying out of His will by protecting the spies, Rahab the prostitute.

            Some may question and rightly so, didn’t Rahab sin by lying to the king’s servants by admitting they were there but now gone. (Jos. 2:3-5) Yes, lying is a sin, but note, Rahab was not commended for her sin, but for her faith. (Heb.11:31) Also in the Oriental custom of that day, guarding a guest in your home was held as one of the highest virtues of hospitality.

            Rahab had come to know the true God. Her confession to the spies leaves no doubt saying to them, “For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” (Jos. 2:11b) She had made known to them how all her people heard of God’s miraculous works in bringing Israel out of Egypt and that they were destined to inhabit their land. Fear and terror had succumb to every individual in the land. While all her people feared Israel and the Lord God, Rahab had faith in God and His mercy having the courage to protect the spies from the authorities of her city. 

            So certain was Rahab that God is the supreme God capable of giving Israel their land, she asked for safety of herself and her entire family when Israel came to take over Jericho. The spies agreed to protect her and her family providing she would not betray them. She let down by a scarlet rope along the outside wall of her house for their escape instructing them to hide in the hill country for three days until the pursuers give up the search. God’s providence in protecting the spies is seen all through Joshua chapter 2. The hiding place the Lord provided for the spies was in a mountainous region with limestone cliffs 1,500 feet high with many caves. These were actually the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered centuries later.

            The scarlet rope has significant meaning both for Rahab and for us today. The scarlet (red) rope hanging from the outside of Rahab’s window symbolizes the lambs blood sprinkled on the doorposts providing safety and protection of the first born of Israel. We see it today as the atoning blood shed by Christ on the cross of Calvary for our sins. Both needing protection from the consequences of our sin by the sacrifice of the perfect Lamb of God.

            The Lord God used Rahab, an unlikely ally, to be used by God in helping His people in conquering their new territory. Don’t dismiss those in your life God may using in aiding you through the tough terrain.

Read Joshua 2, Rahab: An Unlikely Ally: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+2&version=NLT

A Christian Perspective

As Long As We Both Shall Live, or As Long As Our Love Shall Last

Loring Schultz

“Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.’” Matthew 19:8 NIV

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

            Marriage vows have been a part of wedding ceremonies for centuries. Today many couples write their own vows to each other to show their commitment to their intending spouse and to the marriage. So sacred are these vows that they are usually presented in a church setting. The commitment to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, in however it is expressed is summed up by ‘as long as we both shall live.’ Sadly that expression is also being rewritten to ‘as long as our love shall last.’

            Sadly today marriage is not seen as God ordained, a commitment for life, and the means of starting a family. It has come down to an arrangement when convenient and with pre-conditions. Where there is no lifetime commitment and when hard times come, the marriage is doomed to fail. The previously established exit plan is ready to be implemented. This is the way of the world system, but Christians are not of the world, so how are we to act?

            During Jesus’s ministry on earth He was forever being tested by the religious rulers to entrap Him in going against the Law of Moses. One such occasion concerned whether a man can divorce his wife for any reason. There was division even among the rulers, those who held to a strict view of marriage and divorce and those who permitted divorce misinterpreting Moses’s instruction on divorce. Jesus always being aware of their deception, Charles R. Erdman writes, “Jesus avoids their snare and lays down a principle fundamental to the stability of human society. Not only does he agree with those who hold the stricter view of marriage, he insists that the bond was designed to be indissoluble. He refers to the law of marriage as divinely established at creation.”  

            As Christians we are to adhere to the teachings of Scripture in all areas of our lives, especially when it comes to marriage. You will not find the traditional marriage vows in the Bible, but they are seen all throughout the Word of God. God is the one who has established marriage, and it is before Him we say our vows to our intending spouse. Jesus also said, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mt. 19:6), as long as they both shall live.

Devotionals

The Kingdom of Heaven: God’s vineyard of grace   

Loring Schultz

“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard.” Matthew 20:1 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

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            The Kingdom of Heaven is not a commercial venture. You cannot buy your way into heaven. Nor can you earn your way through hard work, helping the poor, caring for others, going to church, 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. 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.

            Jesus tells His disciples a ‘Parable of the Vineyard Workers’ in a response to a question Peter asked Him. Peter’s concern was he and the other disciples sacrificed their livelihood in following Jesus. The sentiment was they 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 God’s grace on each individual in relation to the kingdom of heaven.

            The parable begins with the landowner going out to hire workers in his vineyard. This most likely occurred during harvest season as landowners would hire day workers gathered in the market place looking for work. Workers were hired at the start of the day for an agreed amount of pay. Throughout the day the landowner would return to the market place right up until the last hour and find others who needed work and send them into the vineyard. At the end of the end 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 received more or that the others were treated the same by the gracious landowner.

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

            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 the Parable of the Vineyard Workers: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20%3A1-16&version=NLT

Devotionals

Encouraged to give

Loring Schultz

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV

            Many are the opportunities to give financially to charitable and non-profit organizations. These organizations are established to help those in need due to emergencies, such as natural disasters, a major health crisis, homelessness, addictions, mental health issues, among other humanitarian needs. There are also organizations set up to provide funding for environmental concerns, the advancement of the Arts and Sciences, as well as the protection of animals. Those who contribute do so out of a compassionate heart towards the cause and the desire to help people during difficult times.  

            Most of the time the heart is open to give and to give generously when it is a cause one is deeply committed to. When one’s life has been touched by the same circumstances as those now in need it becomes personal and being able to emotionally relate is a big factor in understanding the need.

            Paul, the apostle, in encouraging the Corinthian church to give stated it this way, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7) For causes we are deeply concerned about, it is not out of reluctance or a guilt feeling that we give, but we give from the heart as we have decided to do. Paul was reminding the church at Corinth that they had started a collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem some time ago, but had not completed what they started. For some reason the giving had stopped. It is unclear as to the reason, but what is known is the desire of the Corinthians to support the poor in Jerusalem from the outset. (2 Cor. 8:10-11) They needed encouraging to finish the work.

            Paul gives the perfect example of freely giving from the heart as he closes his treatise on giving.  “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15) God gave His Son Jesus, who paid the ultimate price for us. It has been said, “God is the first giver.” He decided in His heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God is a cheerful giver. Give what you have decided in your heart and encourage others to do the same, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Devotionals

Are you anticipating His arrival?

Loring Schultz

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 KJV

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            This past weekend, my wife and I had the opportunity to enjoy a scenic train ride as part of the Fall Foliage Excursions to the little sleepy historic town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. God’s beauty was on display with the beginning of the autumn season and a warm sunny day. One of the things that impressed me most were the amount of spectators along tracks during the 60 mile ride to our destination. At every railroad crossing, open spaces in the fields, and through the small boroughs people lined up taking pictures and capturing video of the refurbished Classic Steam Engine that pulled us along. They were waiting with anticipation for its arrival.

            As I thought about this, my mind went to the many things we eagerly wait for anticipating its arrival. Most of them, if not all of them, are earthly things with no eternal value. That is not to say we shouldn’t enjoy the things God created for us to enjoy, I certainly enjoyed the Fall Foliage train ride. And there are many other things I enjoy in this life and anticipate the moment to engage in them. But do we anticipate the greatest moment of all when the Lord Jesus returns for those have believed in Him.

            Those along the tracks waiting for the arrival of the steam engine train are aware of its soon arrival. Schedules are posted in advanced with departure and arrival times. The train usually runs on time, so one can estimate what time the train will arrival at their location. Also a sure sign it is close is the blowing of the whistle and the black exhaust and white steam protruding out into the sky. Train enthusiasts will heed the warnings and be prepared for its arrival.

            We also have signals and warning signs that the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ could be near. No, we do not have God’s scheduled time table, but we do know He is never late and always on time. Jesus told His disciples the signs of His return in Matthew chapter 24, there will be wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes will be dominate, and many false prophets will lead people away from the true gospel of Christ. We can almost hear the whistles of the Jesus’s arrival in the distance.

              The Lord Jesus’s return is certain. The gospel train is ready to leave the station, the conductor is announcing ‘all aboard.’ Are you sure you will be on that train when it comes around the bend, or will it pass you by as you take a picture?

Read Matthew 24, The Signs of the Lord’s Return: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24&version=NLT