Devotionals

Steady Working

Loring Schultz

“……The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Luke 10:2 NLT

            Labor Day is here once again. Like most holidays in the United States, the significance of the day is often overshadowed by festive celebrations of picnics, recreational activities, sporting events, and the like. That is not to say we shouldn’t celebrate, but at times we tend to look for any excuse to celebrate and we forget the purpose. Labor Day is no different. Labor Day is a National holiday both in the United States and in Canada celebrated on the first Monday in September. It recognizes American and Canadian workers for their contribution and achievements to a working society in the development of both countries. A labor force that is steady working towards building a better society, economically and for the advancement of all people is worthy of recognition on Labor Day.

            But there is also another labor force that is steady working towards building a better society, the building of the Kingdom of God. And it is also for the advancement of all people. There is a problem though within this work force, it is extremely short handed. This job market is huge and there are plenty of opportunities. But as so often happens in the U. S. job market, some people would rather stay home rather than apply for the job. Our Lord Jesus makes reference to this in Luke’s gospel, “……The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (10:2)

            There is certainly plenty of work to do. It is steady work we call job security, and you will never be laid off. And yes, if you know the Lord Jesus as your Savoir you are more than qualified. You were called for this purpose to serve and work for Him in the field He has placed you. The Lord has placed a light within you and me to share with others who are struggling in this dark world.  

Country singer-song-writer Paul Overstreet in his song ‘Steady Working’ wrote the following;

 “So many hearts are hurting, Lives broken into, So many souls are searching, For someone to tell them the truth, Now you and I have been given, The light inside our hearts, I have made my decision, I’m gonna go and shine a light in the dark….You know I’m steady working for my Jesus, Steady working for my Lord.”

            Sometimes in working for the Lord Jesus we are not recognized as those in today’s Labor force are not recognized. But we should never do it for our own recognition, but to bring glory to God by adding to His Kingdom. Besides we will receive the ultimate recognition when we hear our Lord Jesus say, ‘Well done good and faithful servant for Steady Working.’

Listen to Paul Overstreet ‘Steady Working’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcWiGR-A80g&list=RDXcWiGR-A80g&index=1

Bible Studies

The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus’s teaching on Prayer – 5 “Forgiveness”

Loring Schultz

“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” Matthew 6:12 NLT

            Over the centurie the Bible has been translated from the original manuscripts into many different languages and it is still on-going. We also have several different versions of scripture available to us. According to the Wycliffe Global Alliance, Bible translation is currently happening in 2,846 languages in 157 countries, and there are yet 964 languages in which there are no translations, but the work has started. I open with this to remind us that whichever language text you may be reading, it may vary depending on the version it was translated from. One such example is the fifth petition in the Lord’s Prayer as taught to us by Jesus. Most versions say, ‘forgive us our debts,’ some say ‘forgive us our sins,’ and some traditional Church readings render ‘forgive us our trespasses.’ It is always most important to know the original meaning of certain words in order to apply them correctly to our lives.

            The word translated ‘debt’ in the original Greek is ‘opheilēma’ and means that which is owed, legally due, or a debt. Its secondary meaning is an offence or sin. It is easy to see why ‘debt’ is used in most versions. But a closer look considering the context and how it relates to the whole of scripture, we take note that ‘sin’ is also an appropriate translation and more to the point.

            Jesus instructs to confess our sins to God our Father and ask forgiveness as we have also forgiven those who sinned against us. What Jesus is saying is forgiveness leads to forgiveness. It’s important to note Jesus doesn’t say we ‘should’ forgive others, but that we ‘will’ forgive others. We will forgive others in response to our Father’s forgiveness of our sin when we accepted His Son Jesus as our Savior. Jesus went to the cross and bore the guilt and punishment for our sins which we could never pay. It is a debt none of us could pay. God the Father forgave our debt, he forgave our sin.

            In the fourth petition of the Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches us to ask for our daily bread, food substances and our material needs. It is only logical Jesus now addresses our daily spiritual need of forgiveness. We have been forgiven an enormous debt and given salvation and eternal life through Jesus, however we are still fallen creatures in our sin nature who still sin daily. As we ask God daily to forgive us of our sin, we are reminded that we are pardoned sinners, and as pardoned sinners we should forgive as we have been forgiven.

            “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32 NIV)

A Christian Perspective

Religion and Politics

Loring Schultz

You have heard it said many times I’m sure, two areas of conversation you should avoid at all cost are religion and politics. But what if you’re a Christian with a mandate from Jesus who said before ascending into heaven, “….. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8b NLT) And if you are a Christian living somewhere in ‘the ends of the earth’ witnessing for Christ does it not stand to reason that we engage in the well-being of our neighbors where the Lord has placed us? Looking out for our neighbors may mean being involved in politics to some degree.

            Webster’s New World Dictionary defines ‘politics’ as ‘the science and art of government.’ The Britannica Dictionary expands on it by saying, ‘activities that relate to influencing the actions and policies of a government or getting and keeping power in a government.’ A Christian’s responsibility in politics is always to achieve through persuasion what is best according to God’s design for those under authority. Laws and ordinances that provide protection and safety of the general public should be of enough concern for every Christian to support such measures. The New Testament book of Romans states rather clearly that all authority comes from God and we need to submit to it. Governments are put in place to maintain order and stability in society by punishing wrong doers. “The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.” (Ro.13:4 NLT)

            We can argue there are wrong doers among those in authority who are to protect us from wrong doers, but that is the point. To stand by idle and not be engaged in support of those in government or pursuing a role in government to properly carry out the ordinance of God is not an option for the Christian. Looking out for the well-being of our neighbor includes presenting the gospel to them and working in support of peace and safety as far as it depends on us. Paul writes in Romans, “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” (Ro. 12:17-18 NLT) And the author of the book of Hebrews writes, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14 NIV) And we can’t leave out King David who wrote, “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (Ps. 34:14 NLT)

            As Christians we need not heed the advice from those who advocate to restrain from engaging in conversation of religion and politics, especially when we are presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ and His rule of authority as recorded in Scripture. 

Devotionals

Mentors

Loring Schultz

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 NASB

            The company I worked for before my retirement designated certain individuals in each department as a “mentor.” A “mentor” by definition is a wise advisor, a teacher or coach. Their name tag reflects one who is knowledgeable and is in a position to train those within the department. Training is leading by example. Mentors demonstrate and explain the proper procedures for the department to be successful, but more importantly that the associate is successful in the future.

            Just as we need mentors in our work places, we need mentors within the church. We need those who are spiritual and knowledgeable in the things of God and His Word to train those who are the future of the church. Individual believers need mentors who lead by example, who walk the talk as the saying goes (although none of us are perfect.) Believers need mentors to help them grow to spiritual maturity.

            The writer of Hebrews says, “Remember those who led you……..imitate their faith.” Perhaps there is one that you remember who has influence you in your walk with Lord, I have such a one. One to whom I am eternally grateful for the time he invested in me many years ago.

            As we remember those who led us, let us be leading those who will follow behind us. Let our lives be the name tag that tells others that we are mentors.

Devotionals

Christian Ancestry

Loring Schultz

“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.” Luke 3:8 NLT

            One’s ancestors can have a positive or negative effect on them. Positively speaking, one born into a family of great wealth and high standing in the community usually fare well. One born into the other end of the spectrum have an uphill battle from the start. But the outcome of both is not based on one’s ancestors’ wealth or status in life, but what they have accomplished with the opportunities afforded to them. Opportunities to follow one’s dreams and passions along with their God given skill set gives them the responsibility to choose the direction of their future. 

            Our lot in life is not based on who our ancestors are. My father was a machine assembler, that didn’t make me one; he was also a talented musician, not me either; and he was an excellent cook, certainly not me. Some people believe that because their parents were Christians they are also Christians. Many believe that being baptized and belonging to the church their family has traditionally attended for years also makes them a Christian and assured of heaven.

            The problem is some attribute salvation and becoming a Christian to a family inheritance. Salvation is to choose to follow Jesus Christ, accepting Him as your personal Savior. There is no such thing as a Christian Ancestry guaranteeing salvation. Those who came to John the Baptist thought the same thing. They were Jews who were descendants of Abraham. It was their rite of passage. Their ancestry made it all right. John made it clear it was not so. They needed to repent of their sins and turn to God. (Luke 3:8)

            So true today, one needs to acknowledge and repent of their sins, trusting Jesus’s work on the cross for salvation. It’s a personal choice, it’s your choice, why not make it today!

Devotionals

Beautiful Noise

Loring Schultz

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”  Psalm 100:1-2 ESV

            Legendary singer, musician, and entertainer Neil Diamond wrote most of his recordings including ‘Beautiful Noise’ in 1976. Diamond’s career is such a success that his popularity has earned him the biggest tribute, a Broadway musical based on his life and music entitled ‘Beautiful Noise.’ I can testify, he being one of my of my favorite musical artists, Neil Diamond’s music and live performances are nothing short of a ‘Beautiful Noise.’ Diamond wrote, “It’s a beautiful noise, Made of joy and of strife, Like a symphony played, By the passing parade, It’s the music of life.”

            The music of life is indeed a beautiful noise for God is the creator of life. All our joys and our sufferings are known to Him. In His providence our lives are mapped out for us under God’s direction. We have free will, but God is directing and is aware of every step and misstep we take. He is there when we mess up forgiving us of our sin as we confess and repent. It’s a beautiful noise.

            The Psalmist writes in Psalm 100, “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (100:1-2) Gathering together for worship each Sunday is a time for rejoicing and singing to the Lord. But notice, the Psalmist says ‘all the earth’ is to make a joyful noise. All the earth is to be glad and serve the Lord. Everyone is encouraged to come at anytime and anyplace with singing, making a joyful noise to the Lord. Now that’s a ‘beautiful noise!’

Devotionals

Downtime

Loring Schultz

“…. and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for My name” 1 Chronicles 22:9b-10a NASB

            How well do you utilize your “downtime”, the time set aside from your normal daily grind and activities? God has given us an example in the story of creation in the book of Genesis. God rested on the seventh day from all His work (Genesis 2:2-3). A day of rest is established for us because we need it. No matter the urgency or importance of our jobs or responsibilities, we cannot continue to function 24/7 without breaking down. God in His ultimate wisdom and love for us knew that, therefore the example for us to rest.   

            That being said, after we have rested and refocused, do we use the time God has given us in pursuit of a work He has for us to do? There are some projects we simply cannot do during our normal work days. When given the opportunity from God, do we work the work He has for us, or do we spend the extra time on ourselves?

            King Solomon had such an opportunity from God. During his reign as king, Israel had peace from the wars his father King David had all of his life. It was in David’s heart to build the Temple for the Lord, but the Lord said it was not to be. David’s son, Solomon, would build it. Solomon obeyed and followed the Lord’s instructions in building the Temple. Solomon wisely used the “downtime” for the work of the Lord. He did not put it on the back burner or use the time for himself.

            Whether it is only our day off or a relatively quiet time in our lives, let us look to what God wants to accomplish through us during the opportunities He has given us in our downtime.

Devotionals

Hot Mic

Loring Schultz

“He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?” Psalm 94:9 ESV

            A most entertaining aspect of any sporting event is to hear firsthand sounds of the game from the players themselves. The NFL has captured and perfected this better than any other sport as their experience with it spans over fifty years. That is not to say other major sports have not made inroads in their own unique style. Major League Baseball, for example, has dugout interviews with mangers and players, and on occasion has conversed with players on the field during a game. And what is more exciting than hearing and seeing the competitiveness on a NBA court.

            Although entertaining, a drawback to this feature is the vulnerability of some to express a thought or opinion, either intentional or unintentional, in which they would like to have back. For the most part, those who participate in this venture are well aware of the hot mic in their presence.  But at times words are expressed as if no one is listening, as if no one is around to hear their voice.

            All of us can relate to have misspoken at one time or another. We regret what had been said and the consequences it caused with the harm it had done. The psalmist reminds us it is not only those around us who here our words, but there is one who always hears. There is one who is always listening. The Lord God not only hears all we say, but He sees all we do, even when there is no one around. God has the ultimate “hot mic” along with His “all seeing surveillance camera.”

            This should not only serve as a warning to us, but also a comfort. May our conduct bring glory to God through our speech and actions encouraging others and leading them to Jesus Christ.

Bible Studies

The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus’s teaching on Prayer – 4 “Our Daily Bread”

Loring Schultz

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11

            The first three petitions Jesus taught His disciples to pray had an upward focus to God, His glory, His kingdom, and His will. Jesus now instructs them to ask God to care for their needs in the next four petitions. Early eighteenth century Theologian Matthew Henry, concerning our need for daily bread, writes the following, “Because our natural being is necessary to our spiritual well-being in this world…… we pray for the necessary supports and comforts of this present life, which are the gifts of God, and must be asked of him, for all the remainder of our lives.” Henry notes that it is needed daily, for it is on-going for the rest of our lives.

            The Greek word translated ‘daily’ is ‘epiousios’ which carries the meaning ‘the bread of necessity’ and ‘the bread that suffices for each day.’ It is what is needed every day to an exact amount, not too little and not too much. In Jesus’s day and in ours today, bread is a staple food item. Fresh baked bread with no preservatives will last about only one day. That was true in Jesus’s day and His point was well understood, it had to be supplied daily. We ask the Lord to meet our need daily need being careful not to ask for excess. Our Lord will supply all we need, not all we want or desire.

            Asking God to give us our daily bread does not only pertain to food in sustaining us. The daily bread we need also consists of all our daily needs to make it through this life as we serve Him. We need clothes on our backs, a place to call home, repairs to our home, transportation, viable employment, health, strength, and other physical needs. In a sense, when we pray for our daily bread, we are also praying for all that encompasses our survival now and in the future. God knows our future and He knows what our need will be before we will. (Mt. 6:8) Our complete trust in God to provide for us is built on the foundation of our faith in Him by praying to provide for our daily needs right into the future.

            Matthew Henry gives us six lessons to learn from the simple petition ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’ Adapted from the king’s English centuries ago for better understanding; First it teaches us self-restraint, to do things in moderation, and not be given to indulgence of appetite. Second, we are taught honesty and hard work through the vocation God has given us to meet our needs. Third, it teaches us not to be concerned about tomorrow, but to have continued faith in God that He will care for His children. Fourth, we ask God to give it to us, not sell it or lend it to us, but to give it. This teaches us to see the mercy of God in caring for us. Fifth, not to us only, but to others of like faith, we pray for their needs as well. Christians are to pray and fellowship together, and through this a heart of love and compassion will develop for those less fortunate. In this the Lord will use us to meet their need. And lastly, it teaches us to increase our desire towards God. As we hunger and anticipate the bread to feed us physically, our hunger to meet with God spiritually will also increase. “Give us this day our daily bread.”

A Christian Perspective

Education Starts in the Home

Loring Schultz

            According to The Tech Edvocate in June 2021, the number one reason for failing schools in America is ‘parents are not involved enough.’ (1) The Public School Review in June of 2023 ranks parents involvement at number thirteen below overcrowding, bullying, teacher tenue, standardized testing, teacher salaries, school safety, and their number one reason for failed education in schools is deficits in government funding for schools. (2) We definitely have a problem with the education system in the United States in 2023.

            As tragic as failing education is today in all subject matter in the traditional sense, a more troubling factor is the ever evolving curriculum that is subject to change as the current culture demands it. With no solid basis to instill programs and agenda driven ideology into already established course curriculum, educators and school boards across the country have caved to the loud cries of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They are at the same time discriminating against Christians and those who hold to a moral view of ethics.

            How do we begin to address these issues? Time and space will not allow a thorough investigation on the subject with proposed solutions, but as Christians, especially Christian parents, there are plenty of recommendations from the God of the Bible to help us along. First of all, parents are responsible for the education of their children. We can say education starts in the home. The book of Proverbs says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (22:6) The apostle Paul in writing to the early churches says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4) Christian parents are to teach their children from an early age the teachings of Holy Scriptures. Setting the foundation of learning from God’s Word and His moral standards will help when instructing your children in all other stages of life, including their formal education.

            If you are fortunate enough by God’s grace for your children to attend a private Christian school or to homeschool them, rejoice in God’s blessings. But perhaps it is the Lord’s will for your children to attend today’s public schools. A firm Biblical foundation instilled in them from an early age will guide them through their educational journey. It is an on-going guide for every student, whether homeschooled, in Christian schools, or in secular public schools.

            Education starts in the home, and God has given that responsibility to every parent and not to the state, especially in matters concerning how His Word commands us to live. We are to continually teach our children about the Lord and His commandments from the beginning of the day until the end, and while inside the house and outside. This is as old as Moses’s instructions to the nation of Israel in what is known as the ‘Shema’ or ‘hear.’ Let us follow through with the ‘Shema’ of the Old Testament as we teach our children in 2023.

            “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NIV