Tag: Devotional

Devotionals

Hidden Sins; exposing our innermost thoughts and desires

Loring Schultz

“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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”  Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT

            The subject of transparency is a well-recognized topic in 2023 particularly in the world of politics. The truth of the matter is, many who claim to be transparent usually turn out to be not so transparent. Transparency defines as, ‘the quality of being done in an open way without secrets’ is far from what the general public observes. Perhaps there are good intentions on the campaign trail to present oneself as transparent, but the thought of exposing compromising positions or a deficiency while in office is considered a matter to be kept close to the vest.

            Politicians are not alone in abusing transparency. Every one of us have a problem with being transparent, totally transparent. Many of us have fine admirable qualities such as honesty, sympathy, a non-judgmental character, caring for others, selflessness, and a loving attitude. While those qualities may be seen most of the time, there are circumstances when one or two of our admirable qualities are overshadowed by something we try to cover up-and if exposed they would cause a great deal embarrassment. It is at these moments we become non-transparent, thinking we have covered up our deficiencies and maintained our integrity.  

            But as hard as we try to remain transparent while covering up a deficiency or sin in our lives, eventually it becomes known if not dealt with honestly. We may be able to cover up our sin for a time before others, but we can never cover up anything from God who knows and sees all. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” (NLT)

            God is aware of our innermost thoughts and desires, we cannot hide them from God. We are capable of covering up our sin before others and even to ourselves as we refer to them as hidden sins and no big deal. But the Word of God has a way of reminding us that it is a big deal “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 NLT) If we are serious about eradicating our hidden sins, we need to be immersed in the God’s Word allowing Him through His Word to expose our innermost thoughts and desires and be transparent before Him.

Devotionals

Are you hiding your talent?

Loring Schultz

“But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.” Matthew 25:18 ESV

            Where do your talents lie? In what areas do you excel? Do others notice your gifts and talents? Have you been encouraged to use your talents more effectively? If you are like me, you know there are certain things you are good at, some things you are really good at, and then there is one talent or gift that surpasses all expectations. And if you’re like me, my friends and family know that the gift and talent is from the Lord, it’s certainly not me. Believe me there are many more things I am not good at than what I am good at. But what I am good at, the Lord expects it to be used for His Glory and His Kingdom and that is the standard for all Christians.

            In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the “Parable of the Talents” (Matt. 25:14-30) concerning the coming of the kingdom. In the parable, a man going on a journey entrusts to each of his three servants’ talents (money) to be used and invested until he returns. Each one is given according to his ability as to what he is capable of handling. One receives five talents, one receives two, and another received one. The Bible says the one who received five talents immediately went out and did business with them doubling the investment. Likewise the one who had two did the same. But the third one did nothing with his talent actually burying it in the ground for safe keeping, so he thought. Upon returning, the man was well pleased with the first two servants. They faithfully used the talents given to them by their master. Not so with the third, he was not pleased at all, in fact he called him wicked and lazy. The servant hid the talent his master gave him. There wasn’t anything to show for it.

            Wherever your talents lie, are you using them for the Lord? Are you using them to advance the gospel? Are others in your community being helped by them? Is your workplace benefitting by your use of them? Have you had opportunity to use them in your social and recreation time with friends and family? Are you using your talents for the Lord or are you hiding them?

Read Matthew 25:14-30, The Parable of the Talents: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025%3A14-30&version=ESV

Devotionals

Finish what you started

Loring Schultz

“Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.” 2 Corinthians 8:11 NLT

            I once had a boss challenge me to ensure that each project I started would be completed. He further indicated that his previous assistant, completed only 90% of each project. He would occasionally comment on my work by saying, “I see a lot of 10 % in the store.” It made quite an impression on a 22 year old fresh out of college beginning a career in retail management. 

            In the business world, uncompleted projects can lead to negative results effecting the profitability of the business impacting both consumers and associates of the business. Failure to complete erodes away best of intentions and the best laid plans.

            The apostle Paul reminded the church in Corinth of their commitment and desire to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem. The work of collecting money had started, but it had stopped. It was not completed. The needy people in Jerusalem will not get relief and the Corinthian church will missed out on a blessing. Paul encourages them to finish what they started.

            Is there a project that you have started for the Lord with the best of intentions and have not yet completed it? Evaluate your situation as to how you can best complete it with the Lord’s help. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to please God by blessing others and in turn receive a blessing yourself. Complete the leftover 10% and finish what you started.

Devotionals

Jesus; The Lord of the Temple

Loring Schultz

“He said to them, The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” Matthew 21:13 NLT

            For centuries theologians have debated the authenticity of Jesus Christ. Is he truly God in the flesh, the God-man, or is he just a good-man? Whichever side one is on all would agree that he was a good man. More would go on to say he was a mighty prophet, a great teacher, and one who could do great things. We still have the debate going on today in the 21st century. I find it amazing for those who say they believe the Bible is the word of God, yet doubt many portions of it such as Jesus’s own words in John 8:58, “…….I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!” (NLT) Jesus declared Himself to those who doubted to be Yahweh, the Lord of the Old Testament who eternally self-existed.

            During Jesus’s three years of ministry before He went to the cross He made several references to God being His Father and being equal to Him. When questioned by the rulers of the Jews in order to accuse and attack Him, Jesus told them, “The Father and I are one” (Jn. 10:30) They knew what He meant proclaiming to be equal with God picking up stones in order to stone Him for blasphemy. Another occasion occurred the day after Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem when He went into the temple. Jesus had witnessed the buying, selling and exchanging of money permitted outside the temple area for travelers coming a great distance for the Passover had made its way inside the temple sacred courts. Not only was business being conducted, but deceptive means were being used to cheat the pilgrim travelers.

            Scripture tells us Jesus drove out those desecrating the temple with authority. “He said to them, The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” (Mt. 21:13 NLT) Jesus had the authority to do so because He is the Lord of the temple. In the same respect scripture also tells us, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” (1 Cor. 6:19-20 NLT) May we be careful not to desecrate our bodies, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and remember who is the Lord of the temple.

Read Matthew 21:12-17, Jesus clears the temple: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+21%3A12-17&version=NLT

Devotionals

God’s never-ending forgiveness

Loring Schultz

“LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness that we might learn to fear you.” Psalm 130:3-4 NLT

Have you ever kept track of your sins? Do you have an on-going count for the week, month, or year? If you’re like me, the obvious answer is no. But there are some that you just can’t shake loose even after confessing them to God. They resurface in your mind from time to time causing guilt feelings and uncertainty of God’s forgiveness. Rest assured your sins are forgiven if confession to the Lord God was made. Psalm 103:2 says, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” (NLT) Your sins are gone. The east from the west cannot be measured without any substance as starting points. Your sin, the substance, does not exist, it’s gone. Not only do they not exist, but the Lord does not remember them, “I, I am he
who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Is. 43:25 ESV)

 There may be some who think my sins would be easy to count as they are not many, or I have not sinned at all. But think again. Every selfish thought or mean spirited action against your neighbor, being prideful, a slip of the tongue using God’s name in vain, lying to prevent getting into trouble, going 80 mph in a 55mph zone, and being short of patience with your spouse are all examples of what the Lord considers sin, even though we made not see it that way. None of us are perfect, we were all born with a sin nature so it’s natural that we sin, but that is no excuse to sin or deny that we do.

 Think of all the little incidental sins mentioned above along with others you can think of. Add those we would consider bigger sins and try imagine how many there have been in your lifetime. Now compare that with today’s scripture verse, “LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?” I’m sure the list we compile for ourselves would not be as extensive as God’s would be, after all He doesn’t miss anything. But the good news is the Lord forgives as the rest of the verse indicates, “But you offer forgiveness that we might learn to fear you.” God’s forgiveness is never-ending and He remembers them no more as long as we confess and ask for forgiveness. This should be of great comfort to us for our sin is also never-ending as long as we are on this side of heaven.

Read Psalm 130: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20130&version=NLT

Devotionals

Walking in Freedom

Loring Schultz

“I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.” Psalm 119:45 NLT

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:36 NLT

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

            It is hard to imagine today in the 21st century there is still slavery going on across the world. It is known today as ‘Modern Day Slavery’ or ‘Contemporary Slavery.’ According to ‘The Guardian’ from July 2018 it is estimated that close to 50 million people are enslaved in some form of servitude. The U.S. State Department website has the following: “Human trafficking can include, but does not require, movement. People may be considered trafficking victims regardless of whether they were born into a state of servitude, were exploited in their home town, were transported to the exploitative situation, previously consented to work for a trafficker, or participated in a crime as a direct result of being trafficked. At the heart of this phenomenon is the traffickers’ aim to exploit and enslave their victims and the myriad coercive and deceptive practices they use to do so.” (1)

            We are living in a fallen and broken world with sin running rapid in every corner. Perhaps it shouldn’t surprise or shock us, but it does right down to our core. As Christians we need to be aware of the plight of these individuals supporting efforts to stop the spread of trafficking and to pray for those affected. In addition to ‘Modern Day Slavery’ there are many people in our society who feel trapped by addictions, abusive situations, emotional stress, and anxiety. Although not intentionally held against their will, they are being held against their will. Again, as Christians we need to pray and support those in need.

            Perhaps you may be one of the above feeling trapped or in a situation held against your will. Even in your confinement you can find and have freedom in Jesus Christ. The Psalmist writes when devoted to God’s commandments, His Word, he would walk in freedom or liberty. The Lord can lift the heaviest burden you are facing making it durable for you and give you joy and peace you thought not possible. And Jesus says to us who are trapped and overcome by sin, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free……I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (Jn. 8:31-32, 34-36 NLT)  The Lord Jesus can set you free from your sin establishing a permanent relationship with Him now and in eternity walking in freedom.

Read Psalm 119:41-48: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A41-48&version=NLT https://www.state.gov/what-is-modern-slavery/

Devotionals

Practicing your religion

Loring Schultz

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” Mt. 5:20 NLT

Photo by Katya Wolf on Pexels.com

            You may have heard the term, ‘practice makes perfect.’ You may have used it yourself while encouraging others to continue their practice sessions. Whether learning to play a musical instrument or being coached up to throw a curve ball, run a deep route on the football field, or raise the percentage of free throws from the foul line, practice is needed. But does practice really make perfect? We are all able to testify that practice does make us better, but it does not make us perfect. That is not to say that one cannot bowl a perfect 300 game, a pitcher not throw a perfect 27 out baseball game, or a student studying for an exam is not able to ace it. Outside of those accomplishments, which are few, practice does make us better, but certainly not perfect.

            The religious leaders of Jesus’s day were all about practicing religion. They had calculated 248 commandments and 365 prohibitions in God’s law. They strived to keep them all. No doubt, they practiced their religion by obeying or trying to obey each of 613 total commandments and prohibitions. As much as they practiced their religion and attempted to keep all the laws, they weren’t able to keep them.  They did claimed, however, to have a righteousness that surpassed everyone else. Their religion was an outward show of righteous deeds. No matter how much they practiced the righteous deeds of the law they were not perfect.

            Jesus said to His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount in reference to this, “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” (Mt. 5:20) The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were considered to be the most righteous individuals due to their observances of God’s laws. But Jesus tells the disciples their righteousness must exceed that of the righteous leaders or they will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Practicing or observing religion is not the answer.

            One is made righteous in the sight of God by accepting Christ as their Savior. There are no works we can perform, or any amount of practicing that will earn us a place in Heaven with Christ. “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.” (Eph. 2: 8-9 NLT) Do not practice your religion, put your religion into practice.

Devotionals

Are you praying for your Pastor?

Loring Schultz

“Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a NLT

            The start of the 21st century has brought with it scandals of inappropriate behavior and abuse by certain clergy members. What is most disturbing in what is being revealed is the fact that it had been going on for some time in the last century. This is not isolated to one particular church as it crosses denominational lines. The abuse and corruption has done severe damage to the victims and to the Lord’s church. The testimony and the effectiveness of the church has been put in jeopardy by the sinful actions of those who are put in charge to shepherd the people.

            But the fact remains there are many more faithful Pastors than those who misrepresent the Lord’s calling. Their work though has been made more difficult in the light of this evil conduct. Being a Pastor is not an easy job. Sincere Pastors experience more temptations, pressures, and skepticism in their work for the Lord than any other profession. Enemy number one is Satan himself who will do all he can along with his demons to destroy the work of Pastors and eventually destroy them. Of all the successful people in the workplace today, the one with the largest target on his back is the faithful Pastor.

            The apostle Paul urged the church in Thessalonica to respect and love their leaders (Pastors). They feed the flock spiritual food for guidance and to help them grow in Christ. Pastors work hard doing the Lord’s work. Paul also encourages us today to honor our Pastors. They are called by God for His work. Pastors are God’s Anointed.

            May you be encouraged to pray for your Pastor at the church you attend. When Pastors are asked, “What is the one thing that I can do for you?” Most will answer, Pray for your Pastor!  

Devotionals

Matthew’s Gospel; Prophecy Fulfilled 

Loring Schultz

“Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.” Zechariah 9:9 NLT

            The result of the 2020 Untied States Presidential election is still being disputed some three years later. The media and politicians are labeling those who disagree with the outcome as ‘election deniers.’ The deniers’ rejections are founded on witness statements, number of ballets casts in conjunction with voter rolls, missing ballets, voter machine irregularities, mail-in ballots, and other missteps by election officials. Those who accept the results claim the lack of evidence to irregularities or misconduct proves the election is valid. I suppose it will continue to be disputed for years to come for we live in an imperfect and fallen world, and as much as we try to get things right our fallen nature always gets in the way.

            The gospel of Matthew was written by one of Jesus’s followers, and it bears his name the disciple Matthew. The book’s main purpose is to prove Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, the King of the Jews to a Jewish audience. Just as in our day there were those who rejected Jesus as King, the Jewish Messiah who was to come. We could call them ‘prophecy deniers.’ They rejected Jesus who had been prophesized to come all throughout the Old Testament. The disciple John wrote, “He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.” (Jn. 1:11 NLT)

            Matthew presented plenty of evidence from the Old Testament in his writing starting with Jesus’s genealogy proving His royal lineage. In Matthew 21 we have an undeniable prophecy seen and fulfilled as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on what is known as Holy Week. From the Old Testament book of Zechariah, Matthew records the events from that day which was prophesized years before. “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.’” (Mt. 21:5 NLT)

            Though we may have difficulties in our fallen world to find and prove evidence which cannot be disputed, there is plenty of evidence in the pages of the Old Testament proving that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah, the King of the Jews and the Savior of the world. Will you continue to be a ‘prophecy denier’ if you tend to be one, or will you trust the findings in Scripture which are true and infallible and accept Him as your Savior, Lord, and King.  

Read Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus’ Triumphant Entry, Prophecy Fulfilled: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+21%3A1-11&version=NLT

Devotionals

Who Do You Go To When You Are Distressed?

Loring Schultz

“In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free.” Psalm 118:5 NLT

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

            There are not two people living on this earth who are exactly alike. Even identical twins with many similarities have differences between them. There is no one who has your fingerprints, they are yours and yours alone. Your emotions, characteristics, and your stress level are also yours and yours alone. Certain social and economic structures, worldwide events, natural disasters, and environmental issues may cause like symptoms of stress between individuals, but each reacts according to their own specific blueprint. Each one, if need be, seeks out professional help in dealing with the stress in their life as it effects them directly. But there is one professional who is able to meet everyone’s stress level as only He can, the Lord God.

            Please note I am not suggesting professional help is not necessary, I thank the Lord for the professional and medical experts He has blessed us with and they are to be of service to us using the talents and wisdom God has given them. Having said that, just as you would visit a doctor who specializes in treating your specific need, the Lord God knows you intimately and is able to comfort you when feeling distressed. The pressures of the world that come upon us can make us feel like everything is against us. But Psalm 118:6-7 says, “The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me.” (NLT)

             The Lord wants us to look to Him in our times of distress in this world. He wants us to trust Him over people giving us advice or governing authorities who do have our best interests at heart. So who do you go to when you are distressed? By all means get the professional help you need, and more importantly go to the Lord in prayer trusting Him to help and guide you in your distress.

Read the text Psalm 118:5-9: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+118%3A5-9&version=NLT