Tag: Devotional

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.

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

Devotionals

Christian Tears

Loring Schultz

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 KJV

            Finding comfort through mourning sounds like an oxymoron. They fit perfectly together as Jesus spoke in the second beatitude, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” How can mourning bring me comfort, you ask? It all depends on your relationship with Jesus Christ.

            The late John R. W. Stott, theologian and evangelical Anglican preacher had written; “The truth is that there are such things as Christian tears, and too few of us ever weep them.”  Weeping tears over the sins and conditions of the world, including our own before a Holy God brings about true mourning. It also brings about the reality of who God is and who we are before Him. It brings about true repentance as we see ourselves before God. Confessing our sins, turning away from them and living a life pleasing to Him result in great joy and comfort.

            The question becomes how often have you been comforted by our Lord through mourning. I need to ask myself the same the question. Do we truly mourn and weep as the Old Testament prophets, the apostle Paul and even Jesus did over the sins of people? Do we shed tears over our sins? Coming clean before God, admitting our sin before Him through mourning will open the door to true comfort, the comfort of forgiveness, grace and mercy.

            If you are a Christian, you need to be shedding Christian Tears. Jesus said, “Blessed are they that mourn: (that shed Christian Tears) for they shall be comforted.”

Devotionals

A Pure Heart

Loring Schultz

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 KJV

            Have you heard the question; can two things be true? You may have asked it yourself or even debated the subject. Two things can be true at the same time. In personal matters it is more of a perspective of one’s circumstances, balancing out and seeing both sides of the same coin. Certain events may cause you to have happy and sad feelings with both being true, but in substantive matters it is not so much perspective of the truth, but truth itself.

            In the Beatitudes Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Considering both these statements are true, one will make you happy and the other quite sad, but it is not a matter of how you look at them. Jeremiah is stating the fact that man’s heart is sinful. Jesus concurs with Jeremiah’s assessment later in Matthew by saying, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Mt.15:19) A more important question than “how can these two statements both be true” is how can a sinful, wicked, deceitful heart become pure?

            Sad, but true, is the fact that each of us were born with a sin nature alienating ourselves from God. Our hearts are very much as Jeremiah and Jesus describe it. But Jesus made it possible for a reconciliation between God and us by paying the penalty for our sin by dying on the cross. Our sinful hearts become pure when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savoir.

            Can two things be true at the same time? Yes! In our earthly bodies we still have the sin nature, Jeremiah is right. And Jesus is right, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

Devotionals

Missing the last piece of the puzzle

Loring Schultz

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.” Matthew 19:21-22 NASB

A family of four are building a puzzle together at home during a game night.

            Working on a jigsaw puzzle on your own or with friends and family is an enjoyable and relaxing way of putting away the cares of the world for a period of time. All the pieces eventually fit together completing the work and revealing the final product. The rewards are not only the finished product, but what was accomplished along the way. How many times have you got near the end of working your puzzle and realized you do not have all the pieces to complete it, in fact you’re missing only one piece. The last piece making it complete.

            Our lives are like a giant jigsaw puzzle with the pieces falling into place throughout the years. For many of us there is a sense of urgency to feel complete in our lives. Despite what successes we may have there is this feeling that there is a piece missing making us incomplete. This feeling is two-fold, first of all we are created in the image of God, and whether we admit it or not, there is a longing to be united with our creator, and second we are created as spiritual beings with an eternal soul, meaning after this life is over we live on, and how can we know where that will be. For our lives to be complete in this life and the next, we need the missing last piece of the puzzle.

            The gospel of Matthew records the story of a rich young ruler who asks Jesus what good thing he can do to obtain eternal life. He was looking for the missing piece. Having kept all the commandments so he thought, there must be something missing, he felt incomplete. Jesus wastes no time in answering him, telling him to sell all that he has, give the proceeds to the poor, and then follow Him. The young ruler was devastated by Jesus’s answer. His yearning to find the missing piece to his feeling of emptiness was put aside in place of his present day wealth.

            Jesus’s instructions are clear, both to the rich young ruler and to us today. The thought is, there must be something else we can do to please the Lord and earn our Salvation. We are good people. We obey most of the ten commandants, and are kind to our neighbors, but we still feel incomplete. What is the missing last piece of the puzzle? It is Christ alone, accepting Him as our Savior and loving Him more than all our earthly possessions. Have you found your missing last piece of the puzzle? Read the story of The Rich Young Ruler: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19%3A16-22&version=NASB1995

Devotionals

It’s Harvest Time

Loring Schultz

“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” Galatians 6:7 NLT

            The seasons have changed once again, this time the warm days of summer have given way to the cooler temperatures of autumn. Along with the change in temperature comes the changing of the leaves depending on which part of the country you live. It is also harvest time for the professional farmers, home garden enthusiasts, and the novice like myself. A sure thing even a novice knows is the law of sowing and reaping, what you plant in the spring is what you get in the fall. If you plant peppers, you’ll get peppers, if you plant tomatoes, you’ll get tomatoes. Guaranteed, what goes into the ground will come up at harvest time.

            Our lives are much like the seasons of the year that are consistently changing. You have heard of such expressions as, ‘this is but for a season’ and ‘seasons of change.’ We have all experienced the dark, cold days of winter only to have it birth anew into the warmth of spring. The heat of the summer sun brings joy, and the fall seasons reveal God’s rich blessings upon us. In each season of our lives, if we look closely, we will see God’s faithfulness in bringing us through each one. As He is faithful in the changing of the earth’s seasons, He is faithful and with us as we go through seasons of change.

            Referring back to the law of sowing and reaping, sometimes our lives reach a dark and unpleasant season due to what we planted a season ago. What is being harvested today is bitterness, hatred, jealousy, selfishness, financial difficulties, broken relationships, addictions, and all the consequences of planting ill fruit. The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:7, “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.”

            An advantage to the seasons changing is they always come around again. If you did not have a bumper crop this year or you miss-planted a section of your garden, there is always next year. And whatever season you are in spiritually it’s not too late to start planting good seeds of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and all those that will yield a spiritual bounty. It’s harvest time.

Read Paul’s instructions to the Galatians: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A7-10&version=NLT