Tag: God

Devotionals

Your Name Matters to God      

Loring Schultz

“The sons of Esau were Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. The descendants of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, Kenaz, and Amalek, who was born to Timna. The descendants of Reuel were Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.” 1 Chronicles 1:35-37 NLT

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This year in my daily Bible reading I chose to use ‘The One Year Chronological Bible.’ I recommend it for those who are adamant about having things in order. The Bible can be difficult to understand, especially when related passages of Scripture are not in sync chronologically. A chronological Bible, as its name says, puts events in order of their occurrence. Even if you’re not concerned about the order of events, it is still a worthwhile read to understand history as recorded in Holy Scripture.

One important note; there are repetitive verses that are combined from several different books of the Bible to keep it in chronological order. These passages can dig deep into our souls as we read them to get a clearer understanding of Scripture. But then there are those verses as above, names of individuals in the genealogies which we cannot pronounce, let alone have a hard time reading them. That same passage above is found in Genesis 36. But it is chronologically correct.

I share this to say that if their names weren’t important, God would not have it repeated in His Word or record it at all. There are many people whose names are listed in the Bible and never mentioned again. But their names mattered to God, and the names of all individuals made in His image matter to Him. Think of the privilege it would be if you had your name written in the Bible, God’s Word, for all time. It would matter. You may feel like you are just a name written once in the Bible and forgotten. But think of the one who knows your name. You are not forgotten. Your name matters to God. You matter to God, and if you have accepted Christ as your savior, your name is written in the most important book of all, the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Rev.21:22-27)

The One Year® Chronological Bible

Devotionals

Wait, Hope, and Trust in God   

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 62 NLT – Psalm 62 – For Jeduthun, the choir – Bible Gateway

“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:5, 8 NLT

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Waiting can create anxious moments. The very definition is enough to make you uneasy; (to remain until something expected happens). Some people have the ability to wait patiently, and others need it to happen instantly. Depending on what you are waiting for will, of course, determine whether you can wait patiently or have some anxiety creep in. As Christians, we have someone to put our hope and trust in while waiting, in addition He will sit with us while we wait.

King David was waiting on God when he wrote Psalm 62. David was in midst of treasonous conspirators either from the family of Saul or from his son, Absalom, during his rebellion against his father. He was waiting on God for the outcome, but David was confident his victory was sure while he waited. “I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.” (Ps.62:1 nlt) David was able to wait patiently and quietly for his hope was in God. He knew God was his refuge. David encourages all God’s people to trust in the Lord, and to pour our hearts out to Him.

The Lord understands our worried waiting moments. He is there by our side while we wait. It may feel as if we are all alone, but we are not. When we earnestly seek Him during these waiting moments through prayer, reading His Word, and waiting quietly, like David, we’ll sense and feel His presence, comforting us during the wait. It may be a long wait, or it may be a short wait. Either way, the Lord is with us, and the victory will be ours as we wait, hope, and trust in Him.

A Christian Perspective

The World needs Rulers who speak Righteousness and administer Justice     

Loring Schultz

“Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.” Psalm 58:1-2 NIV

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During a fourteen-month period from January 2024 through February of this year 2025, there will be approximately 90 countries installing new leadership, including the United States on January 20, 2025. There were more national elections held worldwide in 2024 than any year in history, and with that new leadership has been installed. The Bible says in Romans, “The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (13:1b niv) We may not all be pleased with the leaders God has place for us in our country, but it is for His purposes.   

Every government leader in the world has the same responsibility towards God to rule righteously. Their authority is given and ordained by God. We all can testify most world leaders are not following through with their obligation. Citizens had the same problem thousands of years ago. David wrote the 58th Psalm as a lament against tyranny, wicked leaders, and judges. He criticized the rulers for being silent in righteous matters. “Do you rulers indeed speak justly?” (1:1a niv) And he questioned their integrity in administering justice. “Do you judge people with equity?” (1:1b niv) The answer to both questions is no. In fact, they were doing just the opposite, devising evil schemes that resulted in cruel injustice. Not much has changed over time.

There have been and still are government leaders who try to do the right thing for the people. But with the current situation the world is in we need a lot more of them. This pass election year was a pivotal point for most countries in the world in how they will govern in the future. People across the globe have expressed their dissent with the violence, chaos, drug cartels, corruption, and instability of their countries. And most voted in that way. These newly elected rulers have their work cut out for them. First and foremost is the recognition that their position is authorized by the God of the universe, and they are accountable to Him. The second is to rule righteously and administer justice according to the one who gave the authorization to govern. Third, and this is for us, to pray for our leaders wherever we reside.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1Tim.2:1-2 niv)

Devotionals

God Rewards Faithfulness

Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 1:8-21 NLT – But Daniel was determined not to defile – Bible Gateway

“God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.” Daniel 1:17 NLT

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A large number of Christians fall into the trap of compromising their faith in the workplace or around friends and family. This is especially true if largely outnumbered by non-Christians. We justify it by ‘going along to get along.’ No doubt there are obstacles to overcome with the pressures of a secular worldview held by those you encounter daily. I, for one, have felt those pressures during my forty-five-year career in retail. One thing the Lord taught me, He does reward faithfulness, although I must admit, I was not always faithful.

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were faced with their first big test of bowing to peer pressure, and going along to get along, in accepting the king’s daily food and wine not prepared according to the Law of God. These young Hebrew youths knew partaking of the meal was in violation of their God. No doubt, they were taught this by their parents in training them in the Law of God. They hadn’t forgotten, and they were about to be tested.

Daniel was the spokesman for the four of them. He knew the preparation process of the meal was to honor the Babylonian pagan gods. Daniel had discernment to see what this was, a slow process to gradually wean him and his friends from Hebrew culture and their God. Our secular society works the same way today, starting small and working up to full compromise, trying to get us to conform. Daniel didn’t bite but came up with an alternative plan rather than rebelling against the king. He suggested to the steward in charge to feed them vegetables and water for ten days. The steward would test their appearance and health. Whatever he decided Daniel and his friends would agree to.

Daniel had no idea what the outcome would be, but he put his faith God. The Lord rewarded Daniel and his friends in two ways for their faithfulness. First, they appeared healthier and more nourished than those eating the king’s food. Second, the Lord blessed them with an unusual aptitude in literature and wisdom. And Daniel was given the special ability to interpret visions and dreams. The Lord is in the habit of rewarding those who remain faithful to Him. It is better to go along to get along with God than compromise your convictions with the world.

Devotionals

Darkness into Light       

Loring Schultz

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light……Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” Psalm 18:28, Micah 7:8b NIV

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Certain people enjoy the dark. It is a place where quiet meditation can take place. It is a place to get away from it all. Romantic couples have their own reasons for enjoying the dark. Then there are those who prefer darkness, as Jesus says, because their deeds are evil. (Jn.3:19) Most crimes are committed after dark as the culprits do not want their identity known. Sadly, there are some who sit in darkness, not enjoying it and can’t find a way out. Light doesn’t penetrate through the solid dark walls around their mind and soul. The good news is that there is a penetrating light that can pierce through that dark wall into your soul. Jesus Christ, God the Son.

2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (niv) Every individual has a soul darken by original sin until said person accepts Christ as savior removing the stain and punishment for our sin. Jesus then confirms we have been transformed from darkness into light in His Sermon on the Mount, “You are the light of the world.” (Mt.5:14a niv) A darken soul has now become the light of the world.

The consensus from many people is that once a person becomes a believer in Christ all their problems go away. That is simply not true. We still live in a dark world with evil influences all around us and it is sure to have an effect on even the strongest Christians. We need help from the Lord during these difficult times, and it is found in His Word. David writes in Psalm 18:28, “You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” (niv) And Micah says, “Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” (Mic.7:8b niv) We don’t need to sit in darkness when the Lord keeps our lamps burning.

One final thought; God is there to help us through every situation in our lives, and that includes getting help from trained doctors and staff who treat those going through period of darkness in their lives. The Lord God has blessed us with these professionals, and they are there to help us. May we thank the Lord for the sources of light He gives to us in our time of need.

Devotionals

Change your thinking              

Loring Schultz

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT

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I suppose most of us are influenced by those around us, whether for good or bad. That is why it is wise to limit our exposure to those with godly values and common sense. The same is true for the customs and behavior of the world, or as some Bible translations say, ‘of this age’, meaning the system of beliefs, values, and the spirit of the age. Christians need wisdom in what we choose to participate in sifting out what is of this age and what is not. I’ll admit, at times, it seems like a fine line, and what we see is often blurred by the customs we’re familiar with. The spirit of this age is under the influence of Satan who is real and not a myth. His agenda is for you and me to influence us to behave in check with the world around us.

Christians must combat this kind of thinking from the world by changing our thinking to the Lord’s way of thinking. Scripture instructs us to let God do the transforming. Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” (nlt) Changing the way we think is another way to say, ‘renewing your mind.’ We renew our minds by studying God Word. As we engage in serious study of Scripture the Holy Spirit gradually changes our way of thinking as we compare what God says in His Word with what the world is telling us. There is no comparison, and trust me, it will change your mind. You will then determine what is of the world and what is not. “Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Ro.12:2b nlt)

Devotionals

How specific is your faith? Do you believe Jesus is God the Son?       

Loring Schultz

“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:1, 14 NLT

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The term ‘faith’ when referencing Christianity means different things to different people. It is used in a general sense as ‘people of faith.’ Some Christians say, ‘I am a person of faith,’ ‘I have faith,’ and ‘you got to have faith,’ etc… There are more examples we can name, but the point is numerous people speak of their Christian faith in general terms.

Christians who speak specifically of their Christian faith refer to God’s saving plan of salvation. God sent His Son to die on the cross for their sins. It is by grace one is saved through ‘faith’ by accepting Christ as savior.

The keys to the game as referred to in the sports world is, God being holy can only accept a perfect, holy sacrifice in the forgiveness of sin. Another key is we must acknowledge our sin and our need to be forgiven and made right with God. We must repent and confess our sin believing that Jesus Christ is the only perfect, holy sacrifice. We must come to realize Jesus is indeed God the Son able to save us from our sin and eternal death.

World history recognizes a man named Jesus who walked the earth over 2,000 years ago. There are few people who dispute this by agreeing to the content of the historical Jesus in history books. Believing only in the historical Jesus is equivalent to saying you are a person of faith, believing only He was a man who walked the earth doing great things. If your faith carry’s you so far as to admit Jesus was sent from God but far short of believing He is God the Son, your understanding of salvation is distorted. If you think just having faith, believing there is a God, doing good deeds, and learning what you can from Jesus’ example, is enough to get by in this world and into heaven, you’re mistaken.

Jesus was not just a good man, a good teacher, a prophet, or miracle worker, He is God the Son. If Jesus was only good man, His death for the sacrifice of our sin would be meaningless. How specific is your faith? Is your faith in Jesus, God the Son, having accepted Him as your savior, or is your faith in the historical Jesus, a good man who walked the earth.

Devotionals

Small Beginnings

Loring Schultz

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Zechariah 4:10 NLT

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The Jews had to start over, so to speak, in formal worship to God in the Temple. The Temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar during the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jews were carried off to Babylon. Judah was held in captivity for 70 years before being allowed to return home. Upon returning home, the work of rebuilding the Temple would soon take place. They had to start over.

As the work began many of the older people were dismayed at the smaller size of the Temple compared to the old Temple that was destroyed. “But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation.” (Ez.3:12 nlt) Discouragement was felt by those who saw the work as insignificant, but the Lord was pleased that the work had begun. It may have been a small beginning, but the Jews were given the opportunity to start over now that they were back in the Promised Land.

Has the Lord God given you another chance to start over and restore your relationship with Him? It may not be the same at first, and it may be a fraction of what it was. In comparison, it’s not even close to where you had been, but God will be please when you take up that opportunity and begin again. He is the God of second, third, fourth, and fifth, chances. Don’t despise these small humble beginnings He is giving you. No matter what brought you to this place, confess your sin before God, accept His forgiveness, and start a new relationship with Him however small the beginning, and thank Him for another chance He has afforded you at the start of this New Year.

A Christian Perspective

Blessings for the Nations in 2025

Loring Schultz

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 14:34 NIV

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The year 2024 is rapidly coming to an end and a New Year is about to start unfolding. None of us know what will be unpacked in 2025 regarding the nations of the world. Presidents, Prime Ministers, and all government officials across the globe would like insight into what the New Year has is store for the world and more importantly for their country. Looking back at 2024 most nations of the world have good reason not to be optimistic, but there are some who see the light at the end of the 2024 tunnel.

The United States is one nation who is looking to shed some of the chaos caused by policies from the current administration. Over half of the country see that light getting brighter in the days ahead of the New Year, but there are many citizens who do not share that optimism. Other countries in the world are experiencing the same situation as 2025 is just a few days away. Will the New Year bring in with it opportunities to dissolve differences, negotiate peace, and for their homeland to be secure and prosperous?

The desire to live in peace, kindness, free from hostilities, being prosperous, and live in a nation that is blessed is only fulfilled in one way. Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (niv) Most nations in the world today, if not all, are anti-God, even the United States. America’s roots are found in the Scriptures and a belief in the God who created the heavens and the earth, but the roots are slowly being pulled up. The Bible which was key in the country’s founding also says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” (Pr.14:34 niv) Perhaps no explanation is needed except we here in the United States and other nations across the world need a blessing.

Scripture is clear. Blessings for every nation are possible in 2025. When nations recognize and honor God, living and governing in righteousness, God will be true to His Word and bless the nations. There is no other way!

Devotionals

Look to God in Your Time of Need

Loring Schultz

“The LORD helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.” Psalm 145: 14-16 NLT

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You may have heard of the theological term ‘common grace’ and wondered of its meaning. Simply put, common grace is God’s blessings bestowed upon every person regardless of whether one is a believer or unbeliever. Blessings in nature of abundant rain or sunshine. Blessings of divine providence in near misses of dangerous storms or potential accidents. Blessings of food sources given to us from our creator, and the advances in modern technology and medical treatment are a blessing given to every individual. It is undeserved grace given to everyone. It is common grace.

David writing in the 145th Psalm of praise includes a thought or two about God’s common grace. God helps those who have fallen. He helps those with heavy burdens. His eye is always on us providing the food we need. If God grants common grace for all in time of need, how much more will He do so for believers. The apostle John wrote, “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1Jn.5:14-15 nlt)

We should all be in the habit of continually going to God in all things. There will come a time when we have a need, usually when we least expect it. It is in these days of sudden confusion when we feel helpless that most of us look to God. What a blessing it is to have the confidence that He hears and will answer according to His will. And what a blessing it is to know God bestows more than common grace to His children to ask Him. Continue to look to God in your in time of need, and your next time of need when you least expect it.