Tag: God

Devotionals

Submissive to God’s Will         

Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 3:8-30 NLT – But some of the astrologers went to the – Bible Gateway

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.’” Daniel 3:16 NLT

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

The well-known Bible story of the three Hebrew boys thrown into the fiery furnace is applicable for all Christians today. Really?! The familiar names of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego not only have a ring to them, but they represent all Christians living in a pagan society. They held positions of rank in the Babylonian government, were under the king’s rule, but they were also followers of the Lord their God, the God of Israel. Christians today hold jobs in a secular pagan society, are under the authority of the government, and we are followers of Jesus Christ.

The government of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar, issued an order for all people within the boundaries of the empire to bow down and worship the golden image he had erected. Bowing down would be recognizing the gods of Babylon and the king as a god by being obedient to the order given. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when called before the king for not bowing did not need to think it over, but told King Nebuchadnezzar they didn’t need to defend themselves. Their actions were intentional. Their minds were made up, and they would not bow but rested on the Lord their God to deliver them from the king either in death or by rescuing them from the fiery flames of the furnace. They submitted to the will of God.

We may not be put in a fiery furnace situation as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, but we are beginning to see increase pressure to suppress Christianity across the world, and even in the United States. When those moments come, will we be able to be as intentional as the three Hebrew boys and be submissive to God’s will whatever it may be, or will we bow down to gods of this world.

Devotionals

The Lamp of God Burns Continually

Loring Schultz

“Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. The lampstand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the LORD’s presence all night.” Exodus 27:20-21 NLT  

Photo by Julia Volk on Pexels.com

When the children of Israel set out for the Promised Land under Moses’ leadership, the Lord God gave instructions in the building and maintaining the Tabernacle of God. (Ex.25-27) One of the articles inside the Holy place of the Tabernacle was the golden lampstand. It was crafted resembling an almond tree in bloom. The lampstand gave light for the priests serving in the Tabernacle, and it was to be lit at twilight and never to go out until morning.

The Lord commanded that there be a sufficient supply of olive oil on hand to keep it burning continuously. Care was taken to ensure that the olives used in providing the oil were beaten rather than crushed, for it would produce a finer quality of clearer fuel burning brighter and with less smoke. This command to provide olive oil was given to the people to ensure that the priests would be able to keep the lamps burning.

Dark storm clouds and shadows of discouragement that fill our life dim the light around us. Soon we find ourselves fumbling in the dark and losing our way. But there is no need for Christians to succumb to the darkness when we have the light. Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (Jn.8:12 nlt) The light in the Tabernacle symbolized the life-giving and light-giving power of God. It also typified our Lord Jesus who is the true light who came into the world to save us. Those of us who know Him as savior have the light, the lamp of God that burns continually. So, no need to walk around in the dark.

Devotionals

Joy, win or lose

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 16 ESV – You Will Not Abandon My Soul – A Miktam – Bible Gateway

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV

Photo by Gene Samit on Pexels.com

The results of NFL’s ‘Super Bowl 59’ are in as the game was played last evening in New Orleans, Louisiana. As I write this, the game is a day away. I anticipate there will be many joyous celebrations from fans of the winning team, and not so joyous on the other side. Locally I reside 60 miles from Philadelphia and this morning there is either joy or sadness in the Philly area. In fact, there will be joy or sadness across the sporting world due to the outcome. Did Kansas City set a record with their 3rd in a row? Either way, whatever the result, don’t let it take away your joy.

David writes in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (nlt) David says there is fullness of joy, or complete joy, in God’s presence. He is not referring to happy moments as when your favorite team wins the Super Bowl. David is referring to a lasting joy that overcomes any disappointment, sadness, or sorrow that comes our way in life. Our joy in God is not based on external circumstances, but on His internal presence in our lives with His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

To secure that internal joy that will never fade away receive Christ as your personal savior if you have never done so. If you’re a child of God but your joy is missing a beat, perhaps there is something in your life that needs to be corrected. Make it right with God and restore your joy, win or lose.

A Christian Perspective

God will not forget Israel

Loring Schultz

“So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. They ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.” Exodus 16:35 NLT

 “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.’” Genesis 12:1-3 NLT

Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash

God’s chosen people are the Jews. Their home is the land promised to them by God, it is the land of Israel far beyond the present-day borders. The city of Jerusalem is the Lord’s holy habitation. (Ps.46:4-5) One day, perhaps sooner than we think, Israel will have all the land God had promised when Christ returns and rules from Jerusalem in His earthly kingdom. But until then………

Yes, but until then we will continue to have unrest in that section of the Middle East known as the Holy Land. Empires and world leaders have fought over the land for centuries, displacing the people residing there. Israel became a nation state in 1948 and was first recognized by the United States, and the U.S. has been a friend to Israel ever since. The fighting continues today not only for the land but for the destruction of Israel and the death of the Jews. Many have tried to negotiate peace that lasts only until the next rocket is fired. There will be no true peace in the Holy Land until Christ returns. But until then………

But until then God will continue to watch over His people. If anyone would doubt God’s care for Israel, just look at His provision of food that lasted 40 years in the wilderness. Every day except Saturday, the Lord provided nourishment for their survival. God didn’t forget or abandon them in the wilderness, and He is not going to forget them now.  God promised He would make them a great nation. He will bless those who blesses Israel and He will curse those who do not.

The people residing in the Holy Land have gone through the horror of war due to the hatred towards the Jewish people, God’s chosen. It will come to an end one day, but until then, let every Christian be in support of Israel and encourage our government leaders to do the same. May we pray for the ‘Peace of Jerusalem’ and the families suffering from the on-going conflicts. May we pray for the salvation of those who have not come to accept Christ as their savoir, and may we pray, Maranatha ‘come, Lord Jesus’!

Devotionals

The Lord’s Honored Guest

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 23 KJV – The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not – Bible Gateway

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23:5 KJV

Being held in a position of honor has always been a bit uncomfortable for me, not that it has happened very often. I’m thankful for the times in my life they have occurred. Some years back my wife and me along with my spiritual mentor and his wife received such an honor from the church we belonged to for we both were moving out of the area. It was a pleasant surprise, a joyous occasion, and a humble experience in the recognition we all received.

On such occasions we may also feel unworthy to receive such an honor. Yet, those providing the festivities have a different opinion. It was based on the love we had for each other in being part of the church family, the family of God. In reality, we are all sinners saved by grace through Christ’s love for us. As He has loved us, we love one another in our church family. The church held this special honor because of their love for us.

The 23rd Psalm, probably the most familiar passage in Scripture, ends with an honored guest experience. The psalm is written by King David, and he reveals that he is the Lord’s honored guest at His table. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” (Ps.23:5a kjv) God is the gracious host providing a banquet and treating David as an honor guest. David was overwhelmed saying, “my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” (Ps.235b-6a kjv)  

That same honor applies to us today. If anything should make us feel uncomfortable or unworthy this would be it. The Lord God preparing a banquet for us and seating us as a guest of honor. But it is because of His great love for us that he invites us to His table to partake of His salvation prepared for us. You’re the Lord’s honored guest, don’t decline the invitation. R.S.V.P.

Devotionals

Intimidation         

Loring Schultz

“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.” Proverbs 29:25 NLT

Photo by Keira Burton on Pexels.com

Sometimes there are people who try to get the best of us, meaning getting under our skin or intimidating us making us fearful of their intentions. Christians especially come under the attack of intimidation. Standing up for Biblical values in a secular world and claiming Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven will give plenty of fuel for people who think otherwise to prove us wrong. Intimidation presents itself in various ways, but it is always to make us fearful and second guessing ourselves.

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said that when we become fearful of others, we set ourselves up to be trapped. If our focus is not continuously on God, we will start to lose our confidence as we get bombarded by others trying to intimidate us. This will lead to our becoming fearful eventually trapping ourselves in doubt and confusion trying to defend ourselves when our trust is to be in the Lord.

The Lord will never leave us standing alone. He is always with us. “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’” (Heb.13:5b nlt) When we put our trust in Him, we need not fear for we are safe. As Christians we are to do the work He gives us, proclaiming the gospel, and living in accordance with His Word. So let the world intimidate us for our Biblical worldview, and be not fearful, but answer boldly in the fear of the Lord our God, trusting Him for His safety and protection on us. “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.” (Ps.4:8 nlt)

Devotionals

Restore This Vine          

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 80 NASB1995 – God Implored to Rescue His People from – Bible Gateway

“O God of hosts, turn again now, we beseech You; Look down from heaven and see, and take care of this vine.” Psalm 80:14 NASB

Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

Our sins can put us into very uncomfortable situations. For instance, it is an embarrassment when one is caught in sin. The results of that sin can lead to life changing circumstances where there is a constant reminder of it. Our lives will have an empty, punch in the gut feeling, for having sinned against God and bringing this condition on ourselves. Perhaps this condition is worsened by God Himself in punishment for our sins. Yes, God will leave us to stew in the consequences of our sins for a time. But it is possible to be restored, when we reach out to Him in confession and repentance asking Him to forgive us our sins.

The writer of Psalm 80 notes that Israel is a vine that God planted in the Promised Land after bringing them safely out of Egypt. “You removed a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and planted it.” (Ps.80:8 nasb) The vine took shape and grew and filled the land. However, Israel’s on-going sins against the Lord led to this vine being ravaged by man and beast. (Ps.80:12-13) Israel cries out to the Lord in prayer, “O God of hosts, turn again now, we beseech You; Look down from heaven and see, and take care of this vine.” (Ps.80:14 nasb) It was God’s wrath against them for their sin that destroyed and burned the vine. Since God planted the vine (Israel), he can restore it. They ask the Lord “Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. O LORD God of hosts, restore us; Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.” (Ps.80:18b-19 nasb)

Whenever we find ourselves in a similar situation as ancient Israel, may we be reminded God is the restoring business. We may feel the hand of God upon us due to our sins, but He will revive us as we cry out to Him. And then we can say with Israel, “O LORD God of hosts, restore us; Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.” (Ps.80:19 nasb)

Devotionals

Pushing God Aside        

Loring Schultz

Read: Numbers 20:1-13 NLT – Moses Strikes the Rock – In the first – Bible Gateway

“Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out.” Numbers 20:11a NLT

Photo by Jonas Kakaroto on Unsplash

Have you ever found yourself saying amid a problem, ‘Hey, no problem, I got this?” Maybe you asked the Lord for His help, probably not if you ‘got this’. Sometimes it works and sometimes not. Our failure to ask God for His help is just that, our failure. The Lord is always there to help us even when we do not ask Him. So perhaps it was God all along who had this.

Nevertheless, Christians are to be careful of a having a smug attitude. Thinking we don’t need God in situations we deem we can handle is pushing God aside. Yes, the Lord gave us a brain to work things out, but if our attitude is ‘I’ got this ignoring God, we’re forgetting God by pushing Him aside. There may not be any consequences other than a failed project, but a continuing do-it-yourself-attitude without God will lead to disobeying to God at some point and then there will be consequences.

Moses did not have a do-it-yourself-attitude except one time, and it cost him from entering the Promised Land. The children of Israel were constantly complaining about their conditions traveling in the wilderness. Once again there was a lack of water, and they complained bitterly to Moses. They blamed Moses for no water and for making them leave Egypt entering the wilderness to die. Moses and Aaron went before the Lord and He instructed them on what to do.

The Lord said to Moses, “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water.” (Num.20:8a nlt) Moses had the experience of providing water for the people of Israel years earlier through the Lord’s help. He followed the Lord’s instructions to strike the rock at Horeb and water gushed out. (Ex.17:6) But this time the Lord instructed Moses to speak to the rock and water would come forth. Frustrated with the people’s complaining, Moses basically said, ‘I got this.” “Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. ‘Listen, you rebels!’ he shouted. ‘Must we bring you water from this rock?’” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out.” (Num.20:10-11a nlt) Moses was taking the glory for himself rather than putting it on God where it belonged. He pushed God aside and the consequences of that sin was being denied entrance into the Promised Land.

We may not have such an experience as Moses but let us not carry an “I got this’ attitude thinking we don’t need God, especially if our efforts included something the Lord would disapprove of. May we be wise in what is right and wrong and not push God aside.

A Christian Perspective

Raise your right hand and repeat after me    

Loring Schultz

“But you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.” Psalm 119:51, 60 NLT

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Much has been made on social media and mainstream news networks of Donald Trump not having placed his hand on the Bible during the swearing in ceremony. The best of intentions sometimes goes awry even in a well-planned inauguration of a president of the United States. The President-elect had chosen the first Bible his mother gave him and the famous Lincoln Bible used by President Lincoln. The problem was the oath was already being administered when the future first lady was in position with the Bibles. Yes, an unintentional case of bad timing even in a Presidential inauguration.

Regardless of whether President Trump had his hand on the Bibles, does that relieve him of holding to the oath since he did not have his hand placed on them, or if he did does it make his oath more authentic? I find these questions interesting for discussion, but I also find them irrelevant. The main question to consider is, is the Bible relevant to the one taking the oath. Does a future president or anyone taking an oath in a court room believe the Bible is God’s Word, every word of it, and fearing the Lord God Almighty? I thought of that question last weekend before the inauguration on my drive to visit a family member by something that provoked me on the radio.

This is a lesson for all of us to consider when we’re asked to raise our right hand and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If we believe in the God of the Bible and His Son Jesus Christ, and believe His Word is true, we can easily place our hand on the Bible. But if there is no Bible we can still swear by His Word and His Name, for we are committing to tell the truth before His presence. Whether Donald Trump had his hand on the Bible or not, his oath was before a Holy God who gave us His Holy Word. What makes an oath authentic is swearing before the one you truly believe in.

Devotionals

Keep Moving Forward   

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NLT – even though I have received such – Bible Gateway

“The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.” Job 17:9 NLT

Photo by David Cain on Unsplash
 

Navigating through trials in life can slow us down, preventing us from doing what we are called to do. Trials vary in nature and scope unique to everyone. There may be similarities, but each trial is personalized in its own way, and each of us handles it in our own way.  Life’s trials do not discriminate but are equally divided among all people. So, it is important for followers of Christ to have a proper Biblical view on handling trials in life.

Scripture provides us with two biblical characters who suffered tremendous trials during their lives. The suffering of Job is referred to often when one comes upon tragedy in their life. Many people, even non-Christians are familiar with the Old Testament book of Job. Job suffered unimaginable catastrophe after catastrophe. Losing his family, except for his wife, and all his possessions in one day, and then being physically struck with painful boils over his entire body, Job remained faithful to God. He may not have had the best attitude at times, but he was able to say, “The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.” (Job 17:9 nlt) Job’s premise is those whose faith in God does not waver in times of distress and trials will gain strength through the trails they endure.

The apostle Paul had what he called ‘a thorn in the flesh.’ Paul’s thorn is not identified but was so severe he asked the Lord to remove it three times. The Lord did not take it away, but “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’” (2Cor.12:9a nlt) Paul saw his thorn in a different light. He was now glad for it as the power of Christ was now working through him. Paul realized as did Job that in moving forward in trails you gain strength. It is not our strength, but the Lord’s strength working through us. So, keep moving forward in your trials.