Tag: Christian Life

Devotionals

We will never wipe out poverty, but we can help the poor!        

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 14:3-9 NLT – Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the – Bible Gateway

“You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to.” Mark 14:7 NLT

Volunteer giving a food tray to an elderly man at an outdoor relief camp
A volunteer happily hands a meal to an elderly man at a community food distribution site.

Jesus said many things recorded in Scripture, all true by the way. When Mary anointed Jesus before His crucifixion with an extremely expensive perfume, $53,000 in today’s economy, people were outraged. Why this waste they responded in a scolding tone. That money could have been given to the poor. “But Jesus replied, ‘Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me.” (Mk.14:6-7 nlt)

We cannot deny the truthfulness of Jesus’ statement, ‘You will always have the poor among you.’ All we need to do is look around and we see that Jesus was right. Jesus went on to say, ‘you (we) can help them (the poor) whenever you (we) want to.’ The world is looking at poverty the wrong way. Poverty is never going to be eliminated. Jesus said so. So, what do we do, especially Christians. We help the poor. It is an on-going work. Yes, there will be many who see their way out of poverty and we rejoice in that, but there will always be others who will take their place. Jesus said so.

Our focus today as Christians should be to do the work of helping the poor as Jesus said in Scripture to help them. It is the Chrisitan thing to do. Mary’s sacrificial offering of the rich ointment poured over Jesus’ head was of the absolute best showing her love and devotion to Him. When we give to the poor may we give our best to show our love for Jesus and His love for us as He sacrificed His life for us, poor in spirit sinners, that we may receive the glorious riches of His salvation.

Devotionals

The Good Old Days

Loring Schultz

“Don’t long for ‘the good old days.’ This is not wise.” Ecclesiastes 7:10 NLT

Group of teenagers gathered on grass, some sitting on blanket, one playing guitar, others standing with bicycles nearby
A group of teenagers enjoying music and conversation on a neighborhood lawn in the 1970s.

The good old days are a matter one’ s perspective. One’s good old days were usually when life was fun and easy with no hassles. Life did not seem so hard. The world was less chaotic than our current day and we long for those days. In my graduation year from high school, singer Gladys Knight recorded a live version of Barbara Streisand’s ‘The Way we Were.’ She begins by saying ‘hey, everybody’s talking about the good days, the good old days, well let’s talk about the good old days, as bad as we think they are, these will become the good days for are children.’ I think back now and realize that was a long time ago. And in my perspective, yes, they were the good old days. You likely can relate to your own good old days.

King Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes that it is not wise for us to long for the good old days. It is OK to remember the good times, cherish events and the way the world was during those days, and ‘the way we were,’ but he warns us not to long for a return of those days. Trying to recapture the past will blind us to God’s potential plans for us today and in the future. The world is constantly changing both for good and mostly bad and the Lord has a plan for each of us during the current days.

Experience learned throughout our lives, yes even in the good old days, are to be used today to teach and help others. The Lord wants each of us to pave the way for those behind us whatever our age. Our focus as Christians should always be in front of us looking towards the future for Christ’s glorious return being obedient to Him in the work He has for us in helping those in their current ‘good old days.’

Devotionals

What Do Others Remember About You?      

Loring Schultz

“I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” 2 Timothy 1:4-5 NLT

Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

What do others remember about you? The older you get the more time there is for others to accumulate what stands out about you that they remember. I admit there are some things I’d rather people would forget about me, perhaps you can recall some of those things yourself. We all want people to think well of us and to remember the positive things in our lives. But it doesn’t always work out that way. All of us are fallen human beings living in a fallen broken world and with that comes things we would rather forget and certainly have others forget about us.

The past is the past, so what have we been doing lately? Are we growing in Christ? Are we in the Word of God daily? Do we have an active prayer life? Are our lives reflecting a change of heart and attitude that is only possible through a relationship with Jesus Christ? All these things are building blocks for a firm foundation of living the Christian life. Others around us will see the change, mark the difference, and begin to remember for future reference the people we are in Christ. In this case only we can say the good outweighs the bad as we continue to grow in all manners as a Jesus followers. Others will see it and remember.

Wherever we are in our Christian walk it is always a good thing to stop and self-examine ourselves. Are we reflecting Christ in a way that people will remember us as encouraging or a disappointment of what should be? All of us no matter what our age are building a foundation of remembrance in the eyes and minds of those around us. May there be no cracks in that foundation as we continue to build on the only foundation that could be laid, Jesus Christ. Let us have something others will remember us by, our life in Jesus Christ the hope of salvation for all people.

Devotionals

A False Impression

Loring Schultz

“In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ And immediately the fig tree withered up.” Matthew 21:18-19 NLT

Photo by Johann Siemens on Unsplash

An outward appearance can give a false impression. Examples can be found on realtor’s website listings, used auto sales lots, and even restaurant meus (it does not look like the picture!) I am not being critical of those in the auto industry, food service or in real estate, but we all know there are times when the product does not meet up to the standards that were presented once examine. Jesus found this to be true on His way back into Jerusalem on Monday morning after His arrival the day before.

Walking with His disciples on the road early in the morning, Jesus became hungry and noticed a fig tree up ahead. From a distance it looked green and full of leaves. It gave the appearance of being able to supply ample nourishment to one who is hungry. However when Jesus and His disciples got a closer look they found nothing but leaves, no figs. The tree gave a false impression that it contained fruit, but it did not!

Jesus’ reaction to this false claim was immediate judgment, He cursed the tree, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ The result, the fig tree withered up. Some theologians see this as an illustration of the nation Israel, a nation that was unfruitful despite being God’s chosen people. Our application for today is for those of us who claim to be Jesus followers, Christians in the true sense of the word with all the external trimmings but showing no fruit. There are Christians who give a false impression of who they are until someone gets close enough to see otherwise.

Jesus became hungry on the road into Jerusalem and needed the fruit to sustain Him from the fig tree but found none. People today on life’s road need the fruit of Gospel, spiritual nourishment for this life and for eternity. When they see us up ahead and observe us as they move closer, will they find true followers of Jesus or a false impression.

Devotionals

Level Ground      

Loring Schultz

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” Psalm 143:10 ESV

Photo by Pierre Van Crombrugghe on Unsplash

There is a chorus of an old hymn that goes like this, “Lord, lift me up and let me stand By faith on heaven’s table land; A higher plane than I have found-Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” The hymn writer’s desire is heaven, the higher ground. I’m sure that’s a song many Christians relate to in our struggling days. That got me to thinking. Actually King David got me to thinking when he wrote in the Psalm 143, “Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (143:10 esv)

We know heaven is a glorious place, free from the cares and sorrows of this world, yes, a much higher and desired place. Those of us who know the Lord are sure to be there and are looking forward to it, but in the meantime we are away from our heavenly home here in a rocky and dry land. There are many hills and valleys we go through every day of our lives. There is no level playing field in this world, but we have a God who is able to level the ground for us.

His Holy Spirit is there to guide us. May we not neglect His presence in our lives. He is able to lift us up from the deepest valley and guide us down a slippery slope of anxiety and fear. When we are trusting in God and asking Him to teach us to do His will, we can be sure He will lead us on level ground. So, as we look forward to that ‘higher ground’ let us rejoice we can walk today on ‘level ground.’

(1) Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Devotionals

That’s the Bottom-Line  

Loring Schultz

Read: Ecclesiastes 1 ESV – All Is Vanity – The words of the – Bible Gateway

“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 NLT

Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash

Although there is some debate over who wrote the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, most scholars conclude it was King Solomon in his final years. The richest and most powerful man in the world along with being the wisest man alive through God’s blessings found himself saying, “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Ecc.1:2 esv) The Hebrew word translated ‘vanity’ acknowledges it is a useless attempt to enjoy life outside of God. So, are you enjoying your life?

Yes, I understand life is hard. It is harder for some people that others, but that shouldn’t hinder you from enjoying life. The first half of Ecclesiastes chapter 1 is a poem on the futility of our work. Our common phrase. ‘same ol’, same ol’, just a different day’ would fit well in these verses in our day. Solomon says he has seen everything done under the sun and it is useless. It just gets done over again; there is nothing new. Several human vanities are listed by King Solomon such as wisdom, effort, achievements, power, among other things including life itself as all useless ‘grasping for the wind.’ It does sound depressing, our lives as vanity of vanities.

Solomon’s conclusion is this as we get to end of Ecclesiastes, “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” (Ecc.12:13 nlt) That’s the bottom line. Our lives only have meaning when we are in a right relationship with God. When fearing God (having a loving reverence for Him) we not only gain wisdom but have a lifetime of joy and peace. The prophet Micah speaks along these same lines, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic.6:8 esv) Trying to do life without God will result in vanity of vanities and that’s the bottom line.  

Devotionals

Training for godliness              

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 4:6-10 NLT – A Good Servant of Christ Jesus – If you – Bible Gateway

“…… train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT

A physical fitness program is worthwhile pursuing. There are countless benefits in maintaining good physical health. It is often said, ‘you have one life to live, so make it a good one.’ Being physically fit through exercising and healthy eating habits improves your life tremendously in this world but unfortunately doesn’t do a thing for the afterlife. But there is a training program available that will provide benefits for this life and the one to come. It is training yourself for godliness.

Paul told Timothy to train himself to be godly and to pass it on to those in the church he was pastoring. Timothy was battling false teachers submitting error in biblical doctrine leading people astray through godless ideas. It sounds very familiar to our day. Paul says not to waste time arguing over these ‘myths or fables’ which there really are, but to put a training program in place to instill godliness.

A spiritual training program for godliness requires self-discipline just as any physical fitness program. One must be dedicated to wanting spiritual growth and have a strong desire to live a godly life. Paul says this program promises benefits in this life. Benefits to us include a closer walk with God, a more effective prayer life, greater understanding of the Bible, and encouragement to share the gospel with others. This leads to the benefits of others as they now hear the word of God presented to them by godly people speaking and living the truth of the gospel and not the godless ideas of the day. We need to combat the false godless teaching of our day, but we must first be spiritually trained for godliness. So, let us get with the program.

Devotionals

Committed to Godliness

Loring Schultz

“They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.” 1 Timothy 3:9 NLT

As 2025 comes to an end and we embark on a new year, ask yourself ‘was I able to fulfill any of the commitments I made for the year?’ If you have, praise God! There are not many of us who have been able to keep those well intended commitments. Any failed attempts during the year are concerning when we are seeking to improve in certain areas of our lives, but when we fail in our commitments to God concerning our spiritual lives it’s disastrous. We have failed God, ourselves, and all those around us.

The apostle Paul gave Timothy the qualifications he was to pass on to the those who would become deacons in the church. In the middle of these qualifications we find the essential and most important one, “They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.” (1Tim.3:9 nlt) The term ‘mystery of the faith’ refers to the truth of the gospel now revealed after being hidden until the resurrection of Christ. Jesus came to save sinners in which we are now to walk in the newness of life. Christians are to display Christ’s righteousness available through the Holy Spirit. Deacons must live a life that reveals the truth of the gospel which is living a life committed to godliness.

Although Paul is addressing future deacons of the church in this verse, this main qualification should be the commitment for every Christian to godliness in 2026. Those of us who know the Lord were called for a purpose. We are to share the gospel with others through words, through our lives, and through our commitment to godliness. Let’s make sure we fulfill this commitment all through 2026.

Devotionals

Be Patient            

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 1:14-20 NASB – Jesus Preaches in Galilee – Now after – Bible Gateway

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’” Mark 1:17 NASB

FreeBibleimages.org

You have heard the saying ‘patience is a virtue’ meaning to wait for something without getting frustrated builds strength and character. Truth be told, I haven’t been the most patient guy, but I have come a long way with the Lord’s help. I’ve needed an extra ounce of grace lately as I have started going to the gym to get in better shape and live a healthier lifestyle. My friend who is training me needs an extra pound of grace to keep his patience with me as I can be a challenge. I must say though he is very patient with me and his patience is certainly a virtue.

Jesus’ first disciples were also patient men. They were fishermen, not for sport, but as an occupation. Casual fishermen at times lack patience when their line remains stagnant in the water. However, when your livelihood depends on it, you better instill some patience or you won’t eat. Jesus knew the character of Andrew, Simon, James, and John. They were patient men who were able to work together. Jesus didn’t choose them because of their high intellect or their vast knowledge of the Scriptures, but because they were ordinary men. Men who were also patient with the ability to learn.

Many Christians when they first come to know the Lord are super excited and can’t wait to tell others or get enough teaching from God’s Word. Over time, sometimes a very short time, they get discouraged that their growth is not progressing as fast as they would like. Jesus told His disciples, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mk.1:17 nasb) Notice Jesus said, ‘I will make you become.’ It was not instantaneous or over a few short months, Jesus trained His disciples for over three years to be fishers of men. They needed to be patient. They already had that quality and needed to use it now more than ever.

Don’t be discourage if you feel you’re not where you need to be in your walk with the Lord. If you are growing, even at a slow pace, you are still growing. Let that sink in. Just as in physical growth children grow and develop at different paces, but they grow, if being properly fed and cared for. New Christians develop spiritually the same way. Feeding on God’s Word at your own pace, receiving encouragement from other Christians, and learning through the teaching and preaching from those who handle God’s Word accurately is the road to be on. So, be patient, you may be exactly where you need to be.

Devotionals

The Lord’s Pruning Shears       

Loring Schultz

Read: John 15:1-5 ESV – I Am the True Vine – “I am the true – Bible Gateway

“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2 ESV

Photo by Irina Iriser on Pexels.com

I trimmed, or should say cut down, my wife’s rose bushes a few months ago. ‘Cut down’ is more appropriate, because there wasn’t much left of them when I got through. Having done the same thing a few years ago the rose bushes came back better than ever. But this year, I thought I had gone too far, they’ll never come back, but they did. We’ll see next spring having survive the winter how many roses reappear.

Pruning shears are used to trim off dead or living parts of a plant so they stay healthy and produce at a greater pace. They are also used to cut out unnecessary parts including foreign objects such as weeds that have infiltrated around the plant. Such was my case. Being so determined to eradicate those weeds once and for all, I nearly destroyed my wife’s rose bushes. But such was not the case. The weeds had to go. The rose bushes suffered more than the usual yearly trim as I worked towards the root of the problem.

The Lord’s pruning shears work the same way in the lives of Christians. Sometimes we need more than yearly trim. We need a weeding out of the foreign objects in our lives. These are the things we accept into our lives, allowing them to grow by watering and feeding them with the elements of the world around us. Soon they begin to choke out the vitality of our Christian life as the values of sin and the world take over. The Lord will take His pruning shears and cut us down until we think there’s nothing left of us, but if we accept it from His gracious and merciful hand repenting, He will bring us back better than ever.